Winning Sports Picks

15* NBA Wednesday Undervalued Underdog on Phoenix Suns +2.5

The Phoenix Suns continue to get no respect from the book as a home underdog to the San Antonio Spurs. I'll take advantage once again and back them in a game that I believe they are going to win outright.

Phoenix will be going for its sixth straight win, which would be its longest winning streak since the 2009-10 season. First-year head coach Jeff Hornacek has this team playing unselfish basketball with 10 different players that can beat you on a given night.

The result has been a 14-9 start with league-best 17-5-1 ATS mark. I have almost been more impressed with some of the Suns' losses this season than their wins. Seven of their nine losses have come by eight points or fewer, including road losses to San Antonio (96-99) and Oklahoma City (96-103) as double-digit underdogs.

Now, the Suns will be out for revenge on the Spurs, who are going to be playing without their best player. Tony Parker is expected to miss the next two games with a shin injury. He is the one player that the Spurs simply cannot afford to play without because the offense goes as he goes. They have no business being favored without Parker in the line-up.

Phoenix is 8-1 ATS in its last nine games vs. a team with a winning record. San Antonio is 0-5 ATS in its last five games vs. a team with a winning record. These two trends combine for a 13-1 system backing the Suns. Bet Phoenix Wednesday.

20* NBA Wednesday No-Doubt Rout on Minnesota Timberwolves -1.5

The Portland Trail Blazers are simply overvalued right now due to their 22-4 start. I faded them last night with success by cashing in the Cavaliers +5 as the Blazers hit their second straight game-winner at the buzzer for a 3-point victory.

Not only does that set the Blazers up for a letdown spot here, it also has them coming in very tired. In fact, this will be the second of a back-to-back and the 4th game in 5 days for Portland. That is one of the toughest situations that a team can be in, and I look for that fatigue to show in Portland's play tonight.

There's no question that Minnesota is a vastly improved team in 2013-14. Kevin Love is healthy and has led the Timberwolves to a respectable 12-13 start. They have played their best basketball at home this season, going 7-4 while outscoring the opposition by 6.5 points per game.

Plays against favorites (PORTLAND) - after going over the total by more than 6 points in three consecutive games, vs. division opponents are 26-9 (74.3%) ATS over the last five seasons. The favorite is 17-6 ATS in the last 23 meetings in this series. The Timberwolves are 18-7-1 ATS in their last 26 games following a S.U. loss. Minnesota is 14-5-1 ATS in its last 20 games following an ATS loss. Take the Timberwolves Wednesday.

15* CBB Wednesday Undervalued Underdog on Indiana State +10

The Saint Louis Billikens are way overvalued this season due to making the NCAA Tournament last year. Sure, they returned a lot of talent from that team, but asking them to beat a very good Indiana State team by double-digits tonight is asking too much.

The Sycamores have opened 7-2 this season and are two measly points away from being undefeated. Their two losses have both come on the road to Belmont (95-96) and Tulsa (62-63) by a single point. That's the same Belmont team that beat North Carolina on the road.

Indiana State really proved what it was capable of with an 83-70 win at Notre Dame as an 11-point underdog on November 17. This is a team that returned four starters from last year and will be underrated for most of the season, so it's important that you hop on board early to take advantage of the value.

The Sycamores are scoring 79.1 points per game while shooting 50% from the field, 44.8% from 3-point range, and 75.2% from the line. To compare, Saint Louis is scoring 70.5 points per game, shooting 43.7% from the field, 30.2% from 3-point range, and 70.7% from the charity stripe.

It's easy to see that Saint Louis is overvalued considering it is just 2-7 ATS in all lined games this season. The Billikens are 0-9 ATS off three straight games where both teams scored 70 points or less over the past two seasons. Bet Indiana State Wednesday.

15* NBA Wednesday Total DOMINATOR on Bobcats/Raptors UNDER 191.5

The books have set the bar too high in this battle between the Charlotte Bobcats and Toronto Raptors tonight. I don't expect either team to reach 96 points in this one, which is what it would take for this game to go over the posted total.

Rudy Gay has been shipped to Sacramento, meaning that Toronto is going to have a transition period to get used to playing without its best scorer. It did fine against Chicago in a 99-77 victory last time out, but that win can be attributed to great defensive play.

Both teams play at extremely slow paces. Charlotte ranks 24th in the league in pace at 95.4 possessions per game, while Toronto ranks 20th in pace at 96.1 possessions per game. Both rank in the bottom half of the league in offensive efficiency as well. Charlotte is 29th at 94.6 points per 100 possessions, while Toronto is 19th at 101.1 points per 100 possessions.

Surprisingly, both teams rank in the top half of the league in defensive efficiency. Charlotte is 4th in the league, giving up 97.1 points per 100 possessions. Toronto is 11th at 100.9 points per 100 possessions allowed. These teams played in a defensive battle in their first meeting of the season on November 6 as Charlotte won 92-90 at home for 182 combined points. I expect a similar combined points total here.

Plays on the UNDER on home teams where the total is between 190 and 199.5 points (TORONTO) - revenging a same season loss vs opponent, off a road blowout win by 20 points or more are 35-11 (76.1%) since 1996. Charlotte is 16-3 to the UNDER in a road game where where the total is between 190 and 194.5 points over the last three seasons. The UNDER is 8-0 in Bobcats last eight games after giving up 10 or less offensive rebounds in two straight games. Roll with the UNDER in this game Wednesday.

20* Pacers/Heat ESPN Wednesday No-Brainer on UNDER 190.5

As was the case in the first meeting of the season between the Pacers and Heat, the oddsmakers have set the bar too high. The total was set at 191.5 for that game, and the Pacers won by a final of 90-84 for 174 combined points.

These teams are very familiar with one another having played in the Eastern Conference Finals in seven games this past season. Familiarity breeds low-scoring games. The UNDER is now 4-0 in the last four meetings with combined scores of 175 or fewer points in each.

Indiana ranks 23rd in the league in pace at 95.6 possessions per game. Miami actually ranks in the bottom half of the league in pace at 18th with 96.6 possessions per game. Indiana ranks 1st in defensive efficiency, giving up 93.6 points per 100 possessions. Miami is 6th in defensive efficiency at 98.5 points per 100 possessions.

The UNDER is 11-1 in Pacers last 12 games when playing on one day of rest. The UNDER is 4-0 in Pacers last four vs. a team with a winning record. The UNDER is 6-0 in Heat last six home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600. The UNDER is 4-0 in Heat last four vs. a team with a winning record. The UNDER is 4-0 in the last four meetings. These five trends combine for a 29-1 system backing the UNDER. Bet the UNDER in this game Wednesday.

15* Texas/UNC ESPN 2 Holiday Hoops ANNIHILATOR on Texas +11

The Texas Longhorns are one of the most underrated teams in the league this year. They have gone completely under the radar while opening the season 9-1. They have won five straight since their lone loss of the season to then-No. 25 BYU.

Center Cameron Ridley scored a game-high 22, while freshman point guard Isaiah Taylor added 15 points and eight assists without a turnover in an 85-53 win over Texas State Saturday. The Longhorns featured a balanced offensive attack with five players averaging double figures scoring.

North Carolina is in a massive letdown spot here. It is coming off an 82-77 home win over then-No. 11 Kentucky, and I look for it to suffer a letdown off such a big victory. Remember, the Tar Heels lost to UAB and Belmont earlier this season, so they are vulnerable. They are simply getting too much respect here as a double-digit favorite due to the Kentucky win.

Rick Barnes and Texas have gone 4-1 against Roy Williams and North Carolina in their last five meetings. That includes an 85-67 home win for the Longhorns last year despite behind a 5-point underdog. That Texas team wasn't nearly as good as this year's version.

The Longhorns are 4-1 ATS in their last five meetings with UNC. North Carolina is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games following a win. The Tar Heels are 1-5 ATS in their last six vs. Big 12 foes. UNC is 1-4 ATS in its last five home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Roll with Texas Wednesday.

15* Memphis/Florida ESPN Tuesday No-Brainer on Florida -3

Now that they have finally gotten healthy and have all their key players back from suspension, the Florida Gators are going to be a very dangerous team going forward. They proved that last time out with a 67-61 victory over Kansas, and I look for them to build off that win with another triumph over Memphis tonight.

Florida has opened 7-2 this season with its only two losses coming on the road to Wisconsin (53-59) and UConn (64-65). As you may know, both Wisconsin (12-0) and UConn (9-0) remain undefeated this season. The loss to the Badgers came without some key players, while the loss to the Huskies game on a game-winning buzzer-beater.

Memphis (7-1) is a quality team that is improved this season, but I just believe that Florida is on a completely different playing field. The 80-101 loss at Oklahoma State early in the season shows me that the Tigers aren't ready to compete with the best teams in college basketball. Sure, they would beat the Cowboys in their second meeting, but that was obviously a letdown spot for OSU.

The Gators are 15-7 ATS in their last 22 games following a ATS win. Florida is 4-1 ATS in its last five games overall. Memphis is 4-9 ATS in its last 13 vs. SEC foes. The Tigers are 0-4 ATS in their last four Tuesday games. Billy Donovan is 54-37 ATS when the line is +3 to -3 as the coach of the Gators. Roll with Florida Tuesday.

20* NBA Tuesday PLAY OF THE DAY on Cleveland Cavaliers +5

The Cleveland Cavaliers come into this game playing their best basketball of the season. I look for them to knock off the red-hot Portland Trail Blazers tonight, but I'll take the points for some added insurance.

Cleveland has won five of its last seven games overall while going 6-1 ATS in the process. Its only losses during this stretch came on the road to Atlanta and Miami, which are two of only three teams with winning records in the Eastern Conference. The Cavs area perfect 4-0 at home during this stretch, beating Chicago, Denver, New York and the Clippers.

Portland is simply overvalued due to its 21-4 start. There's no question they are improved this season, but the Blazers have created expectations for themselves that they cannot live up to. Plus, this will be their 3rd game in 4 days, while the Cavaliers come in on two days' rest since a 107-114 loss at Miami as a 13-point underdog on Saturday.

Mike Brown is 56-29 ATS after successfully covering the spread in three or more consecutive games in all games he has coached. Terry Stotts is 22-39 ATS off a road win in all games he has coached. The Blazers are 0-7 ATS in their last seven Tuesday games. The Cavs are 4-0 ATS in their last four home games. Bet Cleveland Tuesday.

15* CBB Tuesday No-Doubt Rout on Wake Forest -6

The Wake Forest Demon Deacons are much-improved this season and will be making a run at the NCAA Tournament. Jeff Bzdelik returned four starters from last year, and this is a sleeper team to look out for in the ACC.

The Demon Deacons have opened 8-2 this season with their only losses coming to very good Kansas and Tennessee teams on a neutral court. They are a perfect 7-0 at home this year, which includes a solid win over Richmond (76-66) last time out as only a 1-point favorite.

St. Bonaventure may be 7-3 this season, but it really has played a soft schedule It has not beaten anyone of any significance this year. It has lost to Siena, Louisiana Tech and Buffalo, while barely escaping with victories over Wagner (70-67) and UMass-Lowell (67-58). Leading scorer Matthew Wright (17.3 ppg) is questionable to play tonight with an ankle injury after missing Saturday's game against Iona.

Wake Forest is 7-1 ATS in its last eight games vs. Atlantic 10 opponents. The Demon Deacons are 7-2 ATS in their last nine non-conference games. Wake Forest is 12-4 ATS in its last 16 home games. Take Wake Forest Tuesday.

20* Ravens/Lions ESPN Monday No-Brainer on Baltimore +7

The Baltimore Ravens come in playing their best football of the season. They have won three straight and four of their last five to put themselves in prime position to make the playoffs. Their only loss during this stretch came at Chicago as a 3.5-point underdog by a final of 20-23 in overtime. They now control their own destiny in the AFC Wild Card race, knowing that if they win out they will be in the playoffs. They also still have a chance to catch Cincinnati for the AFC North Title.

Baltimore has played in so many close games this season that this 7-point spread is simply too much to pass up the underdog Ravens. Indeed, nine of the Ravens

15* NBA Monday Undervalued Underdog on Utah Jazz +13

The Miami Heat are in a huge lookahead spot tonight. They have a home meeting with the Indiana Pacers on deck coming up Wednesday on National TV. They are certainly more concerned with getting revenge on the East-leading Pacers after losing to them a week ago than they are in blowing out the Utah Jazz tonight.

Miami has a way of playing down to the level of its competition as it is, and now it has an excuse to do so with the Pacers on deck. The Heat are 0-3 ATS in their last three home games, and they were big favorites in each. They beat Charlotte (99-98) as an 11.5-point favorite and Cleveland (114-107) as a 13-point favorite, while also losing to Detroit (97-107) as a 9-point favorite.

Utah has played its best basketball of the season of late in winning two of its last three games. It crushed both Sacramento (122-101) and Denver (103-93) on the road as a big underdog in each contest for its two victories. Its lone loss came at home to San Antonio. This team has finally gotten healthy with the recent returns of Marvin Williams, Trey Burke and Derrick Favors, and it has made a big difference.

The Jazz have actually won four of their last six meetings with the Heat. Utah is 4-1 ATS in its last five games following a double-digit home loss. The Jazz are 6-2 ATS in their last eight road games. The Heat are 1-7 ATS in their last eight home games vs. a team with a losing road record. Utah is 19-7 ATS after having lost five or six of its last seven games over the past two seasons. Roll with the Jazz Monday.

15* NBA Monday Night Line Mistake on Detroit Pistons +11

The Indiana Pacers are in a huge letdown spot here. They have a game against Miami on deck on Wednesday that will be nationally televised on ESPN. It will be a rematch from their 90-84 win over the defending champs a week ago. They won't be able to help themselves from looking ahead to that game.

Sure, Detroit is playing the second of a back-to-back, but this team will come back motivated off a narrow loss to a very good Portland team last night. They have lost four of their last five coming in and want to stop the bleeding as soon as possible.

The Pistons have been playing their best basketball on the road of late. They are 4-1 SU & 4-1 ATS in their last five road games with their only loss coming to New Orleans by a final of 106-111 in overtime. That includes roads wins over Miami (107-97), Brooklyn (109-97) and Chicago (92-75) during this stretch.

Plays against home teams (INDIANA) - very good team - outscoring their opponents by 6+ points/game against opponent after allowing 110 points or more are 77-39 (66.4%) ATS over the last five seasons. Detroit is 10-1 ATS off a home game where both teams scored 100 or more points over the past two seasons. It is winning 105.5 to 96.3 in this spot, or by an average of 9.2 points per game. Take the Pistons Monday.

20* NBA Sunday No-Doubt Rout on Phoenix Suns +1

Time and time again the Phoenix Suns have not gotten the respect they deserve from oddsmakers in the early going. That is the case once again Sunday as they are listed as a home underdog to the Golden State Warriors. Once again, I'll take advantage.

Phoenix (13-9) has been the most profitable team at the pay window this season, going a ridiculous 16-5-1 ATS. It is 7-3 at home this year where it is outscoring opponents by 4.9 points per game. First-year head coach Jeff Hornacek has the Suns playing as a team, and the depth that they have allows him to simply play the hot hands throughout the game. This might be the most unselfish team in the game.

Golden State (13-11) has struggled on the road this season, going 6-8 away from home. The Warriors made a great move by signing Andre Iguodala this offseason to give them some perimeter defense and slashing offensively. However, Iguodala has been out since November 23, and his loss isn't getting the attention it deserves. The Warriors have lost eight of their last 13 games overall.

Phoenix is 9-1 ATS versus good 3 point shooting teams that make 36% or more of their attempts this season. The Suns are only allowing 32.3% from 3-point range this year. The home team is 7-2 ATS in the last nine meetings in this series. Take Phoenix Sunday.

25* NFL TOTAL OF THE YEAR on Packers/Cowboys OVER 48

The books have set the bar too low in this contest between the Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys. These are two of the worst defenses in the NFL, and playing in perfect conditions in the dome at Cowboys Stadium, I fully expect both offenses to light up the scoreboard.

The Cowboys give up 26.8 points and 426.8 yards per game to rank last in the league in total defense. They should never have gotten rid of Rex Ryan, but once again injuries have decimated them on this side of the football.

Green Bay hasn't been much better, giving up 25.1 points and 369.4 yards per game to rank 21st in the league in total defense. The Packers have been at their worst on this side of the ball on the road, yielding 30.5 pints and 381 yards per game away from home.

Both offenses have played well this season. Dallas ranks 3rd in the league in scoring offense at 27.5 points per game. It is putting up 34.0 points per game at home this season. Green Bay ranks 12th in scoring offense (24.3 points/game) and 5th in total offense (394.5 yards/game).

The OVER is 5-1 in Dallas' last six games overall. Five of those six games have seen 50 or more combined points, and all four games that were played in a dome went OVER the total. Green Bay has combined with two of its last three opponents for 50 or more points.

This has been a very high-scoring series in year's past. The OVER is 11-3 in the last 14 meetings overall. The OVER is 8-1 in the last nine meetings in offense-friendly Dallas dating back to 1993. Six of those nine meetings have seen 50 or more combined points. Bet the OVER in this game Sunday.

20* NFL Sunday No-Doubt Rout on Arizona Cardinals -2.5

The Arizona Cardinals have been one of the most underrated teams in the league all season. Once again, they are not getting the respect they deserve as only a 2.5-point road favorite at Tennessee in Week 15 Sunday.

The Cardinals have gone 5-1 straight up and 5-1 against the spread in their last six games overall. Their only loss during this stretch came by a final of 21-24 as a 3.5-point dog at Philadelphia, which might be the only team that is playing better football than the Cardinals right now. Four of Arizona's five wins during this stretch have come by 13 points or more.

While Arizona has a lot to play for as it trails San Francisco and Carolina by one game for the final Wild Card spot, Tennessee has nothing to play for. The Titans have lost four of their last five games overall, including a 28-51 setback at Denver last week. They now have no chance to make the playoffs. It's going to be hard for them to get back up off the mat after last week's beat down knowing there's no reason to.

Arizona has one of the best stop units in the league. It is giving up just 19.8 points and 311.7 yards per game to rank 5th in the league in total defense. Tennessee will have a hard time doing much of anything offensively. The Titans rank 20th in the league in total offense at 328.7 yards per game.

While the defense has been dynamite for the Cardinals, the offense has been equally as important to the turnaround this season. Carson Palmer has completed a league-high 70.4 percent of his passes for an average of 326.0 yards with eight touchdowns and two interceptions over the past four weeks. He has two dynamic receivers in Michael Floyd (57 receptions, 899 yards, 4 TD) and Larry Fitzgerald (67, 774, 10 TD), who have both benefited from Palmer signing with the team.

The Cardinals are 6-0 ATS vs. poor passing defenses that allow a completion percentage of 61% or worse this season. Tennessee is 0-7 ATS when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last three seasons. The Cardinals are 6-0 ATS in their last six road games vs. a team with a losing home record. The Titans are 0-4 ATS in their last four home games. These four trends combine for a perfect 23-0 system backing Arizona. Take the Cardinals Sunday.

15* Packers/Cowboys Late-Afternoon ANNIHILATOR on Green Bay +7

The Packers picked up a huge 22-21 win over Atlanta last week to keep their playoff hopes alive. They remain just a half-game back of the Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears for first place in the NFC North, so they are very much still in this thing. That was a win they desperately needed, and one that they can build off of. Matt Flynn has played well in place of Aaron Rodgers, and he should be looking forward to the opportunity of facing this soft Dallas defense Sunday.

The Cowboys are reeling off a 28-45 loss to Chicago on ESPN

15* CBB Sunday PLAY OF THE DAY on La Salle +14

The La Salle Explorers made it all the way to the Sweet 16 last year. They returned six of their top seven players from that squad, including second-leading scorer Tyreek Duren (13.6 ppg), who has scored 47 points while dishing out 10 assists in his last two meetings with Villanova.

I believe the Explorers came into this season overconfident with so much experience back from last year's Sweet 16 team. After a poor 5-4 start, I have no doubt this team will get it together sooner rather than later. A game against Big 5 rival Villanova will certainly spark their interest.

The Wildcats come into this game overvalued due to their 9-0 start and first Top 10 ranking since February of 2011. They'll be taking on a La Salle team that is clearly not afraid of them after winning 77-74 at home last season.

Plays against favorites of 10 to 19.5 points (VILLANOVA) - after 8 or more consecutive wins, undefeated on the season are 63-33 (65.6%) ATS over the last five seasons. La Salle is 6-0 ATS in road games after playing a game where both teams score 65 points or less over the last 3 seasons. Bet La Salle Sunday.

15* NFL Sunday Afternoon Line Mistake on Philadelphia Eagles -5

The Eagles are one of the hottest teams in the entire league. They have won five straight while going 4-1 against the spread in the process with their only non-cover coming in a 24-21 home win over Arizona as a 3.5-point favorite. That victory has proven to be a pretty impressive one considering how well the Cardinals have been playing of late. The Eagles also have wins over playoff contenders in Green Bay (27-13) and Detroit (34-20) during this stretch.

Chip Kelly

15* NFL Sunday Undervalued Underdog on Washington Redskins +7

The Redskins could not be viewed any worse in the eyes of the betting public right now. After five straight non-covers, oddsmakers have really had to adjust the power ranking on this team. It is at an all-time low dating back to the beginning of last season, so there will be some value with this team going forward. After getting embarrassed by Kansas City last week, I look for the Redskins to come back and show tremendous pride this week and to lay it all on the line.

Atlanta has to be pretty demoralized after losing two of its last three games by a combined five points. It

15* CBB Saturday Undervalued Underdog on North Dakota State +14.5

The Ohio State Buckeyes are way overvalued right now due to their 9-0 start against a very soft schedule. I would argue that North Dakota State will be the toughest opponent that the Buckeyes have faced all season.

This is an NDSU team that will likely be going to the NCAA Tournament this year with all five starters back. It has won five straight games coming in, which includes impressive road wins over both Santa Clara and Notre Dame.

With this being Finals Week for Ohio State, I expect the players to have been lacking focus leading up to this game. Also, the home crowd won't be as fierce as it normally would be. Both of these factors favor a cover by NDSU.

Plays against home favorites of 10 or more points (OHIO ST) - after allowing 65 points or less 3 straight games against opponent after 2 straight wins by 6 points or less are 22-4 (84.6%) ATS over the last five seasons. The Bison are 19-7 ATS in their last 26 non-conference games. The Buckeyes are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 home games. Bet North Dakota State Saturday.

15* NBA Saturday Undervalued Underdog on Philadelphia 76ers +10.5

The Portland Trail Blazers are way overvalued due to their 19-4 start to the season. They are coming off a huge win over the Houston Rockets on National TV Thursday, which sets them up for a letdown spot here against the Philadelphia 76ers.

Philadelphia has been very competitive for most of the season, but it has only resulted in a 7-17 record. That record certainly has the 76ers undervalued right now as a double-digit home underdog. I'll take advantage in a game that should go right down to the wire.

Sure, the 76ers have lost five straight games coming in, but four of those losses came by 11 points or less. Those four were against the Nuggets, Clippers, Timberwolves and Raptors, who are all legitimate playoff contenders.

Home-court advantage has been huge in this series. The home team has won five straight meetings dating back to 2010. Each of the last six meetings have been decided by single-digits. The 76ers are 10-4 ATS in their last 14 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.

Plays on home underdogs (PHILADELPHIA) - cold team - failing to cover the spread in 8 or more of their last 10 against opponent after having covered 5 or 6 of their last 7 against the spread are 69-36 (65.7%) ATS since 1996. Roll with the 76ers Saturday.

15* Xavier/Cincinnati Rivalry Play on Cincinnati -4.5

The Cincinnati Bearcats are showing excellent value as a mere 4.5-point favorite over rival Xavier Saturday. I'll take advantage and back them in what I believe is going to be a lopsided final similar to the 60-45 beat down the Bearcats gave the Musketeers last season.

Cincinnati has three starters back from that squad and has opened 7-1 this season with its only loss coming at New Mexico, which is a plays that opponents rarely win. All seven of the Bearcats' wins have come by double-digits this year.

Xavier also has three starters back from last year, but it's easy to see that this team isn't very good. It was beaten by both Tennessee (49-64) and USC (78-84) on a neutral court. Last time out, it barely beat Evansville (63-60) despite being a 10-point home favorite.

Plays against neutral court teams (XAVIER) - off a close home win by 3 points or less, a good team (60% to 80%) playing a team with a winning record are 25-6 (80.6%) ATS over the last five seasons. The Bearcats are 6-0 ATS as a neutral court favorite or pick over the last three seasons. Roll with Cincinnati Saturday.

20* NBA Saturday No-Doubt Rout on Atlanta Hawks -1

The Atlanta Hawks (12-11) are one of only three teams in the Eastern Conference with a winning record this season. They have been underrated all year, and I'll back them as a slim 1-point favorite against the overrated New York Knicks (6-16) tonight.

I didn't expect the Knicks to be very good coming into the season anyway, but the injuries have really put them in a tough spot. Tyson Chandler, Raymond Felton, Amare Stoudemire and Kenyon Martin are all expected to miss this game Saturday.

That leaves the interior of the Knicks extremely vulnerable, and with guys like Al Horford and Paul Millsap, I look for the Hawks to exploit it tonight. They won 110-90 in New York on November 16 in their last meeting and I expect a similar beat down in this one.

Making matters worse for the short-handed Knicks is that they will be playing the second of a back-to-back and their 4th game in 5 days. Sure, Atlanta is coming off an overtime game last night, but it had two days off before that game, so it will not be tired. This will only be the Hawks' 3rd game in 8 days.

Plays against home teams (NEW YORK) - revenging a loss where opponent scored 110 or more points, extremely tired team - playing their 4th game in 5 days are 28-5 (84.8%) ATS over the last five seasons. Atlanta is 22-6 ATS in road games after having won three of its last four games over the past three seasons. Take the Hawks Saturday.

15* New Mexico/Kansas ESPN 2 No-Brainer on Kansas -5.5

This is essentially a home game for Kansas as it will be played at the Sprint Center in Kansas City, MO. I look for the Jayhawks to be highly motivated for a win Saturday after losing two straight and three of their last four games coming in.

A closer look shows that those three losses came against some of the best teams in the country. They fell to Villanova (59-63), Colorado (72-75) and Florida (61-67) all on the road by a combined 13 points. They beat Duke (94-83) on a neutral court earlier this season, so they are certainly battle-tested.

New Mexico has beaten up on a pretty soft schedule. It did get a good win at home over Cincinnati last time out, but again, that was at home and this team just does not lose at home. In their toughest game of the season, the Lobos were handled by UMass 81-65 on a neutral court.

The Lobos are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record. New Mexico is 1-4 ATS in its last five games following a win. Take Kansas Saturday.

20* CBB Saturday No-Doubt Rout on Boise State -3

The Boise State Broncos are one of the most underrated teams in all of college basketball. They returned all five starters from last season, and they have opened 8-1 this year with their only loss coming at Kentucky by a final of 55-70.

While St. Mary's has also started strong, opening 8-0, it has yet to play a road game. Plus, it has played a very soft schedule. Boise State is 6-0 at home this season, outscoring opponents 89.5 to 64.5, or by an average of 25.0 points per game.

Plays on a favorite (BOISE ST) - off an embarrassing road loss scoring less than 60 points, with all five starters returning from last season are 81-40 (66.9%) ATS over the last five seasons. The Broncos are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a S.U. loss. Bet Boise State Saturday.

20* Army/Navy Rivalry GAME OF THE MONTH on Army +13

There

15* NBA Friday Undervalued Underdog on Minnesota Timberwolves +9.5

The Minnesota Timberwolves are showing solid value as nearly a double-digit underdog to the San Antonio Spurs tonight. Asking the Spurs to win by 10 or more points to beat us is simply asking too much.

San Antonio is getting way too much respect due to back-to-back blowout road victories over Toronto (116-103) and Milwaukee (109-77), which are two of the worst teams in the league. The Spurs had not played well in three home games prior to that, losing to both Houston (106-112) and Indiana (100-111), while also barely beating Atlanta (102-100).

Minnesota went through a rough stretch there for a while with five losses in a six-game stretch. However, it is back on track after a road win at Detroit (121-94) and a home win over Philadelphia (106-99). I still believe this is one of the most improved teams in the league and one that is fully capable of giving the Spurs a run for their money last night.

We only have to look back to the final two meetings between these teams last season to see that the Timberwolves can hang with the Spurs. The won 108-95 in San Antonio on April 17 as a 9.5-point underdog. They also won 107-83 at home on March 12 as an 8.5-point dog. What's most amazing about those two wins was that they were without their best player in Kevin Love, who deserves MVP consideration this season.

The Timberwolves are 13-5-1 ATS in their last 19 games following a ATS loss. Minnesota is 16-7 ATS in its last 23 games when playing on one days' rest. San Antonio is 6-13 ATS in its last 19 Friday games. The Spurs are 7-18-1 ATS in their last 26 vs. NBA Northwest Division opponents. Roll with the Timberwolves Friday.

20* NBA Friday No-Doubt Rout on Orlando Magic -2

The Orlando Magic should be a much heavier favorite tonight against the Cleveland Cavaliers. I'll gladly take advantage and back the home team in what I believe will be a blowout in the Magic's favor by game's end.

Cleveland comes in overvalued due to having won four of its last five games overall. However, all four of those wins were at home. Cleveland is one of the worst road teams in the league, going 1-10 straight up and 2-9 ATS while getting outscored by a whopping 13.4 points per game.

Orlando comes in undervalued due to losing six of its last seven. However, it was playing without its best player in Nikola Vucevic in four of those six losses. He came back against Charlotte on Wednesday and provided 12 points and 14 rebounds to lead the Magic to a 92-83 road victory.

Vucevic is averaging 14.6 points and 11.1 boards per game this season, and he's simply irreplaceable on this team. They are a much strong squad with him on the floor. Plus, Tobias Harris could make his season debut tonight, which would only be an added bonus.

Orlando is 25-9 straight up in its last 34 home meetings with Cleveland. The Cavaliers are 0-8 ATS in their last 8 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game. Cleveland is 2-11 ATS in its last 13 road games overall. The Magic are 10-4 ATS in their last 14 home meetings with the Cavaliers. Bet the Magic Friday.

15* NBA Friday Night Line Mistake on Charlotte Bobcats +12.5

The Indiana Pacers are in a massive letdown spot here. They are coming off their biggest win of the season, a 90-84 victory over the defending champion Miami Heat. I have no doubt they won't even show up tonight off such a big win. It will have the Bobcats hanging around, possibly pulling off the upset.

Charlotte is noticeably improved this season. It has opened a respectable 10-12 straight up and 13-8-1 against the spread in all games this season. That includes a 4-5 mark on the road where it has gone 7-1-1 against the number.

You only have to look back to the Bobcats' last two road games to find out what they are capable of. They only lost 98-99 at Miami on December 1 as an 11.5-point underdog. They also fell 82-89 on December 3 at Dallas as an 8-point dog in a game that they led most the way.

While Indiana is unlikely to show up off such a big win, Charlotte comes into this game highly motivated. It wants revenge from one of its worst losses of the season, a 74-99 setback at home to these Pacers.

Plays on road underdogs of 10 or more points (CHARLOTTE) - after 1 or more consecutive losses, on Friday nights are 73-33 (68.9%) ATS over the last five seasons. The Bobcats are a perfect 7-0 ATS in their last seven road games. Take Charlotte Friday.

20* Chargers/Broncos AFC West ANNIHILATOR on San Diego +10.5

The Chargers are right in the thick of the AFC Wild Card race, but they really cannot afford to lose another game if they want to make it into the playoffs. They trail both Baltimore and Miami by just one game for the 6th and final seed in the AFC. They

15* Clippers/Nets TNT Thursday No-Brainer on Brooklyn +2.5

The Brooklyn Nets have started to play up to their potential as they've gotten healthy over the last week. They have won back-to-back games for the first time all season with a 90-82 win at Milwaukee, followed by a 104-96 home win over Boston.

The Nets lost the first meeting of this season series with the Clippers in Los Angeles by a final of 103-110. It's amazing they kept it that close considering that Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Deron Williams and Brook Lopez all sat out that game. All four of these guys are back and healthy.

I have been riding the Clippers a lot of late, but now it's time to fade them. This is a brutal spot for them as they will be playing the second of a back-to-back and their 6th road game in 9 days.

Los Angeles is short-handed, playing without two key players in J.J. Redick and Matt Barnes, which makes the spot even tougher. Meanwhile, the Nets are fresh and ready to go as this will be just their 2nd game in 5 days.

The home team has won 11 of the last 12 meetings in this series. The Nets have won each of their last five home meetings with the Clippers. Los Angeles is 1-12 ATS in its last 13 meetings in Brooklyn. The home team is 20-7 ATS in the last 27 meetings. Take the Nets Thursday.

15* Maryland/Boston College ACC No-Doubt Rout on Boston College +2

The Boston College Eagles are way undervalued due to their 3-6 start to the season. I have no doubt that this team is better than it has shown as it returned 96 percent of its scoring from last year. This team finished strong last season, and I look for them to pick up their play tonight.

Maryland is getting too much respect as a road favorite in this one when it has no business being one. The Terrapins don't have too many impressive wins this year, and they are coming off back-to-back losses to Ohio State (60-76) and George Washington (75-77). They also lost to Oregon State (83-90) at home and are just 5-4 on the season.

Home-court advantage has been huge in this series over the past couple of years. The home team is a perfect 4-0 in the last four meetings. Boston College won by a final of 69-58 at home against Maryland last year, and with 96 percent of its scoring back from that team, I expect a similar result. The Terrapins lost center Alex Len to the NBA and have taken a step back this year.

Boston College is 71-40 ATS after having lost two of its last three games since 1997. The underdog is 7-1 ATS in the last eight meetings in this series. Maryland is 12-25 ATS in its last 37 December road games. The Terrapins are 3-11 ATS after having won four or five of their last six games over the last three seasons. Roll with Boston College Thursday.

15* NBA Wednesday Total DOMINATOR on Spurs/Bucks UNDER 193.5

The books have set the bar too high tonight in this contest between the San Antonio Spurs and Milwaukee Bucks. They've been forced to because the Spurs have gone OVER the total in five straight games coming into this one, which has created some nice line value to pounce on the UNDER.

That OVER run for the Spurs was aided by solid offensive play from the opposition against much better offenses than the one they will be up against tonight. Milwaukee is one of the worst offensive teams in the league.

The Bucks are tied for 25th in the league in pace at 94.4 possessions per game. Worse yet, they rank dead last in offensive efficiency at 93.3 points per 100 possessions. They'll have a hard time scoring against a San Antonio team that ranks 2nd in the league in defensive efficiency, giving up just 95.5 points per 100 possessions.

I look for the Bucks to control the pace in this one since they are playing at home, and to slow it down to a snail's pace. Milwaukee is only putting up 87.9 points per game at home this season while going 2-8 straight up and 7-3 to the UNDER. The Spurs are only giving up 92.4 points per game on the road.

Plays on the UNDER on all teams where the total is between 190 and 199.5 points (MILWAUKEE) - after allowing 80 points or less against opponent after scoring 100 points or more 4 straight games are 44-17 (72.1%) since 1996. The UNDER is 21-9 in Spurs last 30 road games. The UNDER is 7-1 in Bucks last eight games when playing on 0 days rest. The UNDER is 12-3-2 in Bucks last 17 games vs. a team with a winning percentage of better than 60%. Take the UNDER in this game Wednesday.

15* CBB Wednesday PLAY OF THE DAY on Wisconsin-Milwaukee +18

The books are giving the Wisconsin Badgers way too much respect tonight, and we'll take advantage by backing the underdog Wisconsin-Milwaukee Panthers in this one. The Badgers are 10-0 this season which is why they are getting so much respect, but now they have created expectations for themselves that they cannot live up to.

It's not like Wisconsin has been blowing teams out during this unbeaten start on a regular basis. Indeed, eight of those 10 wins have come by 11 points or less. So, in all reality, the Badgers have simply been lucky to win every close game.

Their only two blowout wins came against lowly North Dakota (103-85) and Bowling Green (88-64). So, they have only won one game this season by more than 18 points. Coming off a huge win over in-state rival Marquette on Saturday, the Badgers are in a letdown spot here.

Wisconsin-Milwaukee is one of the most improved teams in the country in 2013. It has opened 9-2 this season with its only losses coming to DePaul (71-80) and Loyola-Illinois (72-76) by a combined 13 points. It has impressive wins over Davidson and Northern Illinois on the road, as well as home wins over Northern Iowa and Bradley.

Plays against favorites of 10 to 19.5 points (WISCONSIN) - after eight or more consecutive wins, undefeated on the season are 62-29 (68.1%) ATS over the last five seasons. This trend just goes to show that fading a team on a long winning streak that is undefeated is a very profitable move simply because that team is overvalued, which is clearly the case tonight.

The Panthers are 5-0 ATS in their last five road games. Wisconsin-Milwaukee is 5-1 ATS in its last six non-conference games. The Badgers are 0-4 ATS in their last four vs. Horizon League opponents. Roll with Wisconsin-Milwaukee Wednesday.

20* NBA Wednesday No-Doubt Rout on Los Angeles Clippers -5.5

The Los Angeles Clippers were called out by head coach Doc Rivers for pouting after an 82-88 loss at Cleveland a few nights back. They responded well with an 11-point victory at Philadelphia in Monday. Now, I look for them to win by double-digits against the Boston Celtics tonight as well.

Rivers is one of the few head coaches that can get his team to respond by calling them out because they respect him so much. I don't expect it to just be a one game thing. In fact, I look for the Clippers to play some of their best basketball of the season for the remainder of this road trip. Rivers will be returning to the place he coached the past nine years, and it's clear that his players want to make this a special night for him.

"It's one of those things as players we want to rally around him and win this game for him," Blake Griffin said. "It's important when guys come back to their home city or come back to a place where they used to play or coached or whatever it is, it's a good feeling to come back and have a successful trip."

Boston will be playing the second of a back-to-back and its 3rd game in 4 days after falling 96-104 in Brooklyn last night. I look for the Clippers, who are coming off a day off, to run the Celtics out of the building tonight due to being the fresher team.

The Clippers are 27-12 ATS in their last 39 games as a road favorite of 3.5 to 6 points. Boston is 69-102 ATS in its last 171 home games after playing two consecutive road games. The Celtics are 1-4 ATS in their last five games when their starting 5 players combine for more than 160 minutes of the previous day. Los Angeles is 7-2 ATS in its last nine meetings with Boston. Bet the Clippers Wednesday.

15* Boise State/Kentucky ESPN No-Brainer on Boise State +11

Boise State is one of the most underrated teams in college basketball. It returned all five starters from last season and has opened a perfect 8-0 this season as a result. This is one team not only to watch out for now, but in the NCAA Tournament as well.

The Broncos are excellent perimeter shooters, which is why they rank as the nation's No. 2 scoring offense at nearly 92 points per game. They shoot 51.9% overall, 40.2% from 3-points range and 75.3% from the free throw line. They have five players scoring in double figures, so they certainly share the ball well, too.

Kentucky is one of the most overrated teams in the country in the early going due to all the hype that its recruiting class received in the offseason. It has already lost two games to Michigan State and Baylor in its toughest two games of the season on neutral courts. The rest of the Wildcats' schedule has been a cake walk, though they struggled to beat Cleveland State (68-61) at home as a 24.5-point favorite.

Plays on road underdogs of 10 or more points (BOISE ST) - excellent free throw shooting team (>=73%) against an average free throw shooting team (65-69%), good ball handling team (<=14.5 TO's) against a poor pressure defensive team (<=14.5 TO's) are 24-4 (85.7%) ATS over the last five seasons. The Broncos are 6-0 ATS after allowing 55 points or less over the last three seasons. Roll with Boise State Tuesday.

15* NBA Tuesday Total DOMINATOR on Bucks/Bulls UNDER 182.5

Both the Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat have been decimated by injuries this season. I believe those injuries have certainly hurt both teams a lot more on the offensive end than on defense. As a result, I look for a low-scoring affair between these teams in Chicago tonight.

Chicago is without Derrick Rose and Jimmy Butler. It is also likely to be without Luol Deng, who is listed as doubtful after missing Saturday's game against Detroit. The Bulls lost that game 75-92 for 167 combined points as they shot just 33.3% from the field. Rose, Deng and Butler are arguably their three best scorers, so you could see how they would struggle offensively without them.

Milwaukee is without several key players as well. Carlos Delfino, Larry Sanders, Caron Butler, Zaza Pachulia and Gary Neal are all expected to miss this game. The losses of Butler and Neal are big because both are scorers. The Bucks shot just 41.1% from the field in an 82-90 home loss to Brooklyn on Saturday.

Both teams love to play at a slow pace. Chicago ranks 26th in the league in pace at 94.6 possessions per game, while Milwaukee is tied with the Bulls at 26th at 94.6 possessions per game as well. Worse yet, the Bucks rank last in the league in offensive efficiency at 93.6 points per 100 possessions. The Bulls haven't been much better, ranking 26th in the league in offensive efficiency at 97.0 points per 100 possessions.

Chicago is 17-4 to the UNDER when playing against a terrible team (winning percentage of 25% or less) over the last three seasons. The Bulls are 10-1 to the UNDER in home games versus horrible foul drawing teams who attempt 21 or less free throws per game over the last two years. Chicago is 15-5 to the UNDER versus poor offensive teams who score 91 or less points per game over the last three years.

The UNDER is 35-17-2 in Bucks last 53 games when playing on two days' rest. The UNDER is 10-2 in Bulls last 12 games following a double-digit home loss. I look for both teams to continue to struggle offensively in this one given the injuries. Take the UNDER in this game Tuesday.

15* CBB Tuesday No-Doubt Rout on Minnesota -15.5

The Minnesota Golden Gophers should be a much bigger favorite tonight over the South Dakota State Jack Rabbits. I look for them to blow the opposition out of the building by 20-plus points tonight.

I like what I've seen from the Golden Gophers thus far under first-year head coach Richard Pitino. He has led them to an 8-2 start with their only losses coming on a neutral court to solid Syracuse and Arkansas teams. They have an impressive road win at Richmond (74-59) as a 1.5-point dog, and a great home win over Florida State (71-61) as a 3.5-point favorite, so they are certainly battle-tested.

South Dakota State is just 4-6 this season with its four wins coming against the likes of SW Minnesota State, Dakota State, Lehigh and Howard. As you can see, none were impressive. This team is simply overmatched tonight, and it will show in the final score.

The Golden Gophers are 6-0 SU & 3-0 ATS at home this season where they are outscoring opponents by an average of 17.0 points per game. The Jack Rabbits are 0-5 SU & 0-5 ATS on the road this season, getting outscored by an average of 15.6 points per game. That includes road losses to the likes of Texas Tech (54-68), UC-Santa Barbara (64-83) and Stanford (60-92). None of those three teams are as strong as Minnesota.

SDSU is 0-7 ATS in its last seven games overall. The Jack Rabbits are 0-6 ATS in their last seven road games. SDSU is 0-7 ATS in its last seven road games against a team with a home winning percentage of greater than 60%. The Gophers are 5-1-1 ATS in their last seven home games. These four trends combine for a 25-1 system backing Minnesota. Plus, the Gophers beat SDSU by a final of 88-64 at home last season. Bet Minnesota Tuesday.

20* Heat/Pacers Side & Total PARLAY on Indiana ML -144/UNDER 191.5

I am going to back the best team in the league tonight in the Indiana Pacers to take down the defending champion Miami Heat. Instead of laying the three points, I'll just take the Pacers at a generous money line price of -144.

Indiana wants serious revenge after losing in seven games in the Eastern Conference Finals to the Heat last year. It will be the much more motivated team because of it, while the Heat will have a hard time getting up for this contest.

The home team has won four straight and eight of the last 10 meetings in this series. Indiana is 28-12 in its last 40 home meetings with Miami. The Pacers are a perfect 9-0 at home this season, outscoring opponents by a whopping 14.9 points per game.

I am backing the UNDER because both teams are solid defensively, and the Eastern Conference Finals was very low scoring. Indiana is the best defensive team in the league, giving up 89.5 points per game overall and 81.8 at home. Miami is allowing 95.9 points per game overall and 93.4 on the road.

Each of the final four games in the playoffs between these teams last year saw 191 or less combined points. They combined for 175, 168, 169 and 191 points in their final four games, respectively. Familiarity breeds low-scoring games, and I fully expect that to be the case here. Plus, both teams will up their intensity level on defense for one of the biggest games of the season.

Indiana is 8-0 to the UNDER in home games versus good pressure defensive teams who force 16 or more turnovers per game over the past two seasons. The Pacers are 16-3 against the money line in all games this season. Indiana is 21-6 against the money line off a road loss over the past two seasons. Bet the Pacers on the Money Line and the UNDER in this game Tuesday.

20* Heat/Pacers Side & Total PARLAY on Indiana ML -144/UNDER 191.5

I am going to back the best team in the league tonight in the Indiana Pacers to take down the defending champion Miami Heat. Instead of laying the three points, I'll just take the Pacers at a generous money line price of -144.

Indiana wants serious revenge after losing in seven games in the Eastern Conference Finals to the Heat last year. It will be the much more motivated team because of it, while the Heat will have a hard time getting up for this contest.

The home team has won four straight and eight of the last 10 meetings in this series. Indiana is 28-12 in its last 40 home meetings with Miami. The Pacers are a perfect 9-0 at home this season, outscoring opponents by a whopping 14.9 points per game.

I am backing the UNDER because both teams are solid defensively, and the Eastern Conference Finals was very low scoring. Indiana is the best defensive team in the league, giving up 89.5 points per game overall and 81.8 at home. Miami is allowing 95.9 points per game overall and 93.4 on the road.

Each of the final four games in the playoffs between these teams last year saw 191 or less combined points. They combined for 175, 168, 169 and 191 points in their final four games, respectively. Familiarity breeds low-scoring games, and I fully expect that to be the case here. Plus, both teams will up their intensity level on defense for one of the biggest games of the season.

Indiana is 8-0 to the UNDER in home games versus good pressure defensive teams who force 16 or more turnovers per game over the past two seasons. The Pacers are 16-3 against the money line in all games this season. Indiana is 21-6 against the money line off a road loss over the past two seasons. Bet the Pacers on the Money Line and the UNDER in this game Tuesday.

15* NBA Monday PLAY OF THE DAY on Utah Jazz +7.5

Due to their 17-4 start, the Portland Trail Blazers are now overvalued because the betting public is all over them. Conversely, the Utah Jazz are undervalued due to their 4-18 start, which has the betting public wanting nothing to do with them.

Utah should not be catching 7.5 points at home to Portland tonight. These teams just played on Friday with Portland rolling to a 130-98 home victory over Utah. Everything went right for the Blazers that night as they shot 17-of-23 (73.9%) from 3-point range. Obviously, that's not going to happen again, and Utah will be out for revenge tonight.

That was certainly a rare win for the Blazers in this series considering the Jazz have still won seven of the last nine meetings. Utah is 28-10 straight up in its last 38 home meetings with Portland. I look for the Blazers to suffer a hangover from their 2-point loss to Dallas last time out, and to not show up after having just crushed the Jazz by 32 points three days ago.

The Jazz are 10-3 ATS in their last 13 games following a double-digit home loss. Utah is 15-7 ATS in its last 22 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. The Jazz are 5-1 ATS in their last six after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game. It's revenge time for Utah tonight folks. Take the Jazz Monday.

20* Cowboys/Bears ESPN Monday No-Brainer on Chicago +1.5

The Bears are essentially in a must-win situation Monday as they trail the Detroit Lions by two games for first place in the NFC North. That

20* Panthers/Saints NBC Sunday Night BAILOUT on New Orleans -3

Rarely will you ever get the opportunity to back the New Orleans Saints as a favorite by a field goal or less at home. I'm going to take full advantage and back the Saints Sunday as they host the Carolina Panthers with first place in the NFC South on the line.

The reason this line has been set so low is a combination of the Saints looking horrible at Seattle on Monday Night Football, and the Panthers coming in on an eight-game winning streak. These two factors have created some excellent line value for us, and we'll take advantage.

The Saints haven't lost consecutive games in a single regular season under coach Sean Payton since 2009. They are 8-1 ATS in home games following one or more consecutive losses over the past three seasons. Payton is 15-4 ATS off a road loss as the coach of New Orleans.

Simply put, New Orleans does not lose at home. It is a perfect 6-0 straight up and 5-1 against the spread at home this season, outscoring opponents 33.2 to 15.8, or by an average of 17.4 points per game. Their only non-cover came in a 23-20 win over the 49ers as a 3.5-point favorite in a game that was a much bigger blowout than the final score would indicate. The Saints outgianed the 49ers 387-196 for the game.

New Orleans is a ridiculous 17-4 ATS as a home favorite over the past three seasons, winning by an average of 16.8 points per game in this spot. The Saints are 12-2 ATS as a home favorite of 7 points or less over the last three seasons. New Orleans is 21-6 ATS in its last 27 home games overall. Bet the Saints Sunday.

15* Pacers/Thunder NBA Sunday No-Brainer on Oklahoma City -5

This is a horrible spot for the Indiana Pacers, and I'm going to fade them because of it. Sure, I'm very impressed with their NBA-best 18-2 record this year, but this is simply the time to go the other way.

Indiana will be playing the second of a back-to-back and its 5th game in 8 days. It is coming off a huge 111-100 win at San Antonio last night. That sets the Pacers up for a big letdown spot here.

Making matters worse for the Pacers is that they have a game against the defending champion Miami Heat on deck. That makes this a sandwich game for them off a big win and with an even bigger opponent up next. There's no question Indiana will be looking ahead to that huge showdown as they want revenge on the Heat, who knocked them out in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals last year.

Conversely, Indiana will have Oklahoma City's full attention. It is coming on on a days' rest off a 109-95 win at New Orleans on Friday. The Thunder are quietly playing some of the best basketball in the NBA, winning nine of their last 10 games overall with their only loss coming at Portland.

The Thunder are a perfect 9-0 at home this season where they are outscoring opponents by 8.6 points per game. The Thunder won both meetings with the Pacers last season, winning 104-93 at home and 97-75 on the road. It's a tough matchup for the Pacers because Paul George is overmatched by Kevin Durant. George is rarely ever overmatched.

The Thunder are 10-1 ATS in their last 11 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600. Oklahoma City is 9-4 ATS in its last 13 Sunday games. Indiana is 3-9 ATS in its last 12 Sunday games. Bet the Thunder Sunday.

15* NFL Sunday No-Doubt Rout on Arizona Cardinals -6

The Arizona Cardinals have been one of the best teams in the league over the past five weeks. They have gone 4-1 straight up and 4-1 against the spread during this stretch to put themselves right in the thick of the NFC Wild Card race. They have been dominant in their last five contests, outgaining all five of their opponents by 43 or more yards. Their only loss during this stretch came at Philadelphia by a final of 21-24 last week.

While the Cardinals have a realistic shot to make the playoffs, the Rams really do not. They have lost four of their last six games coming in to drop to 5-7 on the season. They needed to make their stand last week, but fell flat on their faces in a 13-23 loss at San Francisco. The reason that loss was so huge is because the 49ers are the team they are trailing for the 6th and final seed in the NFC. St. Louis trails San Francisco by three games, but that

20* Seahawks/49ers NFC Late-Afternoon ANNIHILATOR on San Francisco -2.5

This is a statement game for the San Francisco 49ers. They were embarrassed by a final of 29-3 at Seattle in their first meeting this season for their second straight blowout at the hands of the Seahawks on the road. It's revenge time for the 49ers.

San Francisco simply needs this win more. It is barely hanging on to the 6th seed in the NFC and needs to come close to winning out to make the playoffs. It also needs the win for a shot of confidence, proving to itself that it can beat a good team.

Seattle is in a huge letdown spot here off its biggest win of the season. It blew out the New Orleans Saints on ESPN's Monday Night Football by a final of 34-7 to all but wrap up home-field advantage in the playoffs. Having already beaten the Saints (9-3) and Panthers (9-3), the Seahawks (11-1) now hold a three-game lead over both teams since they own the tiebreaker.

Seattle can afford to lose two more games this season and still get the No. 1 seed. Plus, coming off a Monday Night game, the Seahawks will now have one fewer day to prepare for San Francisco. They are outscoring opponents by 10.0 points per game less on the road than they are at home this year.

"Any time you play a team and you lose, the next time you face them is definitely a statement game," San Francisco tight end Vernon Davis said. "Not just for us, but for anybody."

San Francisco is a perfect 9-0 ATS when playing against a top-level team with a winning percentage of 75% or better over the past three seasons. Seattle is 5-18 ATS off a home blowout win by 21 or more points since 1992. The 49ers are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games after allowing less than 15 points in their previous game. San Francisco is 34-16-1 ATS in its last 51 games overall, and 19-8-1 ATS in its last 28 home games. Take the 49ers Sunday.

15* CBB Sunday PLAY OF THE DAY on Washington +14.5

This is a classic case of one team being overvalued due solid streak, while another team is undervalued because of a poor streak coming in. Washington has failed to cover each of its last four games, while San Diego State has covered three of its last four coming in. This has created some excellent line value on the underdog Huskies.

Sure, Washington is off to a slow start this season at just 4-3, but two of its losses have come against quality opponents in Indiana and Boston College on a neutral court. This team is not as bad as its record would indicate, and a slow start has it way undervalued.

I really like what I've seen from the Huskies on the offensive end. They are putting up 84.1 points per game against opponents that are only allowing an average of 73 points per game on the season. They have five players averaging at least 10.3 points per game, led by returning starter Chris Wilcox (22.6 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 42.3% 3-pointers).

San Diego State is a good team but one that is getting way too much respect as a double-digit favorite here. It is getting that respect due to a 6-1 start with its only loss coming to Arizona. However, each of its last three wins have come by 8 points or less, including a 65-64 win at San Diego last time out as a 6.5-point favorite.

The Huskies will be the more rested and prepared team coming into this one. They have not played since November 30 in a home win over Long Beach State. The Aztecs last played on December 5 in their 1-point win at San Diego. So, that will be a huge advantage for Washington as it will be more prepared for this game coming in.

Plays on underdogs of 10 or more points (WASHINGTON) - after failing to cover 5 or 6 of their last 7 against the spread against opponent after having covered 3 of their last 4 against the spread are 130-68 (65.7%) ATS over the last five seasons. This trend just goes to show how profitable it can be to back a team that has been struggling ATS of late against a team that has been dominating ATS of late. Books over-adjust, creating line value on the struggling team. Roll with Washington Sunday.

15* AFC Sunday PLAY OF THE DAY on Cincinnati Bengals -6.5

The Cincinnati Bengals have been one of the best teams in the AFC in 2013. Their numbers really show their dominance as well. They are putting up 24.3 points and 363.7 yards per game to rank 12th in the league in total offense. They are giving up just 18.0 points and 314.8 yards per game to rank 6th in the league in total defense. As you can see, they are outgaining opponents by roughly 49 yards per game, which is the sign of a dominant team.

While Cincinnati has been every bit as good as its record, Indianapolis has been a complete fraud. The Colts have managed to go 8-4 this season despite getting outgained by roughly 34 yards per game on the season. They really miss Reggie Wayne, and they simply have been fortunate to win their share of close games to this point. Indianapolis ranks 20th in the league in total offense at 333.5 yards per game, and 21st in total defense at 367.2 yards per contest.

Home-field advantage has been absolutely huge in this series between Cincinnati and Indianapolis. In fact, the home team has won four straight meetings all by six points or more. Dating back further, the home team has won seven of the past eight meetings with all seven of those wins coming by six points or more as well. The Bengals are a perfect 5-0 straight up and 5-0 against the spread at home this season, outscoring opponents by a whopping 16.4 points per game.

Andrew Luck is being asked to do too much. Any time you take a dome team like the Colts and move them outside, you have to be concerned. Luck has thrown 18 touchdowns against 14 interceptions outdoors in his career. Away from Indianapolis, Luck has thrown 17 touchdowns and 16 interceptions. He has only played in one game where it was less than 40 degrees out, and he completed less than 50 percent of his passes. Luck is much better in warmer weather dating back to his time at Stanford.

Darrius Heyward-Bey hasn't been able to fill in for Wayne as he continues to have problems with the drops. Rookie left guard Hugh Thornton and tackle Jeffrey Linkenbach II are both questionable to play Sunday. The Colts were already without guard Donald Thomas for the season, so they are clearly banged up along the offensive line.

The strength of the Bengals' defense is their front seven, and I look for them to dominate the point of attack in this one. The Bengals only allowed San Diego into the red zone once in 11 drives last week, forcing a fumble. They won 17-10 in a game that was an even bigger blowout than the final score would indicate.

15* NFL Sunday Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on Buffalo Bills +3

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are getting too much respect from the books as a field goal favorite over the Buffalo Bills Sunday. The Bucs have won three of their last four games overall, but had a couple of those games handed to them. Their true colors showed in a 6-27 loss at Carolina last week.

The Bucs' win over the Dolphins was legit, but their wins over the Falcons and Lions were not. Tampa was +8 in turnover differential against the Lions and Falcons combined. They were outgained by Detroit 229-391 and should have never won that game. They weren't as fortunate against the Panthers, getting outgained 204-426 in their 21-point loss last week.

Now, the momentum that Tampa Bay had built up has come to a complete halt, yet they are still getting respect from the books. Buffalo is one of the best teams in the league that has a losing record. They are much better than their 4-8 mark would indicate, but seven of their eight losses have come after blown leads in the game.

Tampa Bay is only putting up 295.2 yards per game to rank 31st in the league in total offense. It is getting outgained by an average of 57.5 yards per game, so it is every bit as bad as its 3-9 record would indicate. Buffalo is only getting outgained by 16.9 yards per game, which is very impressive when you consider that it has played a quarterback carousel all season.

However, E.J. Manuel is finally healthy and ready to lead this team to a big finish. Manuel has thrown for 1,595 yards with nine touchdowns and four interceptions, while also rushing for 120 yards and a score. He has clearly been their best quarterback. C.J. Spiller (656 yards, 2 TD) and Fred Jackson (633 yards, 7 TD) form a great 1-2 punch in the backfield, and they lead the league's fourth-best rushing attack at 139.2 yards per game.

The Bucs have allowed 104 or more rushing yards in five of their last six games overall. That includes 198 yards to Seattle, 152 to Atlanta and 163 to Carolina. Clearly, the Bills have an excellent chance to move the ball on the ground in this one to take some of the pressure off of Manuel. Another key fact is that the Bills are still alive for the playoffs, while the Bucs are not. So, you can expect Buffalo to fight until the finish line.

Plays against home teams where the line is +3 to -3 (TAMPA BAY) - after scoring 14 points or less last game are 82-46 (64.1%) ATS over the last five seasons. Tampa Bay is 0-8 ATS when playing against a bad team (winning percentage of 25% to 40%) over the last three seasons. It is losing by an average of 17.1 points per game in this spot.

The Bucs are 1-9 ATS in their last 10 December games. Buffalo is 14-4 ATS in its last 18 road games after failing to cover the spread in four of its last five games. The Bills are 7-2 ATS in their last nine games following a loss. Tampa Bay is 12-28-1 ATS in its last 41 home games. Roll with the Bills Sunday.

20* Mavs/Blazers NBA Saturday Night BAILOUT on Dallas +5

The Portland Trail Blazers are way overvalued right now due to their 17-3 start. They had everything go right for them last night against the lowly Utah Jazz, but now they face a much more formidable opponent in the Dallas Mavericks tonight.

Portland is in a very tough spot here. It will be playing the second of a back-to-back and its 5th game in 7 days. Meanwhile, Dallas comes in on two days' rest having last played on Wednesday in a 100-97 win at New Orleans. This spot certainly favors the Mavericks rest-wise.

Dallas has owned Portland of late, winning seven of the last nine meetings in this series. In fact, Dallas has not lost to Portland by more than five points in any of their last 13 meetings.

They have nine wins and four losses against the Blazers over that span with their losses coming by 2, 2, 2 and 5 points. That makes for a perfect 12-0-1 system backing Dallas pertaining to tonight's spread of 5. This is just an excellent spot for Dallas, and a terrible one for overvalued Portland. Bet the Mavericks Saturday.

20* CFB Saturday No-Doubt Rout on South Alabama -3

The South Alabama Jaguars are one of the most underrated teams in the country. They should be a much heavier favorite Saturday at home against the Louisiana-Lafayette Rajin' Cajuns. However, this team continues to get disrespected by the books, while the Rajin' Cajuns continue to get too much respect.

The situation really favors South Alabama in this one. It will be playing to become bowl eligible and to pick up its all-important 6th win of the season. Meanwhile, Louisiana-Lafayette has already wrapped up the Sun Belt Title due to its head-to-head victory over Arkansas State. Plus, it has already been decided that Lafayette will play in the New Orleans Bowl against Tulane, so its fate is already decided. The Rajin' Cajuns will have a hard time being motivated for this game given the situation.

Lafayette really hasn't been playing well for weeks. It has gone 0-4 ATS in its last four games overall heading in. It beat New Mexico State (49-35) as a 32.5-point favorite, beat Troy (41-36) as a 14-point favorite, beat Georgia State (35-21) as a 20.5-point favorite, and lost at home to Louisiana-Monroe (28-31) as an 18-point favorite.

South Alabama has saved its best football of the season for laste. It is coming off back-to-back blowout victories with a 36-14 home win over Louisiana-Monroe as a 3.5-point favorite, and a 38-17 win at Georgia State as an 8-point favorite. The Jaguars outgained the Warhawks 424-274 in their home win, and outgained the Panthers 522-345 in their road victory. Those two wins have put them in position to become bowl eligible Saturday with another victory.

Even if Lafayette was fully healthy, I believe this line would be off. However, the Rajin' Cajuns are expected to be without starting quarterback Terrance Broadway Saturday, who is listed as doubtful with a wrist injury. That would be a huge loss considering Broadway is completing 62.3 percent of his passes for 2,276 yards with 19 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, while also rushing for 421 yards and eight scores. Without his dual-threat ability, the Rajin' Cajuns will be much easier to defend.

The Rajin' Cajuns are 0-5 ATS in their last five games vs. a team with a losing record. The Jaguars are 5-1 ATS in their last six games following a S.U. win. South Alabama is 6-1 ATS in its last seven games after allowing more than 280 passing yards in its previous game. The Jaguars are 4-0 ATS in their last four games after allowing less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game. These four trends combine for a 20-2 system backing the Jaguars. Bet South Alabama Saturday.

15* Stanford/ASU Pac-12 Championship ANNIHILATOR on Arizona State -3

The Arizona State Sun Devils have put together a tremendous run to make the Pac-12 Title Game and to host it as well. They have won seven straight games coming in, which includes road wins at Utah and UCLA, and blowout home wins over the likes of Washington (53-24), Oregon State (30-17) and Arizona (58-21). When you compare common opponents, it

15* CBB Saturday Letdown Spot on UNC-Greensboro +27.5

The North Carolina Tar Heels won't even show up Saturday. They are in a huge letdown spot after beating No. 1 Michigan State on Wednesday by a final of 79-65 on the road. Now, they have Kentucky on deck, so they will be looking ahead to that game as well. I fully expect the Tar Heels to just go through the motions Saturday, which will allow Greensboro to stay within this massive spread.

Remember, North Carolina lost to both Belmont (80-83) and UAB (59-63) already this season, so this team is extremely vulnerable. All five of its wins have come by 23 points or less, which includes a 62-54 home win over Holy Cross as a 21-point favorite.

North Carolina is 1-7 ATS in its last eight games following a S.U. win. The Tar Heels are 1-5 ATS in their last six games following an ATS win. UNC will not show up at all in this one. Take UNC-Greensboro Saturday.

15* CBB Saturday Line Mistake on Northeastern -1

Few teams in the country have played a schedule as tough as the one that Northeastern has gone up against. It has opened 2-6, which includes an upset win over Georgetown (63-56) as a 13.5-point underdog.

The six losses have all come by 13 points or less, including five by 9 points or fewer. Five of the six have come on the road, including setbacks against very good Charlotte (77-86), Florida State (60-62) and VCU (66-79) teams. The home loss came against Harvard (64-72), which is expected to make the NCAA Tournament.

The Huskies have not been a favorite in any game this season. This is the first time they will be favored, which comes as no surprise considering this is just their second home game of the season. I really like what I've seen from the three star players on this team in Scott Eatherton (16.4 ppg, 10.6 rpg), David Walker (12.2 ppg, 3.0 apg) and Reggie Spencer (11.0 ppg, 6.9 rpg).

UAB is in a massive letdown spot here. It is coming off a huge 63-59 home win over North Carolina as a 7.5-point underdog. That was arguably the biggest win in school history, and one that it's going to be hard for the players to get over. I look for the Blazers to come out flat because of it, and for the Huskies to come out hungry following four consecutive losses against very good competition.

The Blazers are 2-9 ATS in road games versus very good shooting teams who make 45% of their shots or better over the past two seasons. They are losing 67.6 to 76.5 in this spot, or by an average of 8.9 points per game. UAB is 6-15 ATS in its last 21 road games. The Huskies are 16-5 ATS in their last 21 games following an ATS loss. Roll with Northeastern Saturday.

15* CBB Saturday Bounce-Back BLOWOUT on Northwestern -5.5

The Northwestern Wildcats should be a much bigger favorite here against Western Michigan. I'll take advantage and back them as a short home favorite in a game I believe they'll win by double-digits.

Northwestern is undervalued right now due to a 4-5 start against an absolutely brutal schedule. All five losses have come against quality teams in Stanford, Illinois State, Missouri, UCLA and NC State. Four of those losses came on the road in games they were an underdog in, so they were supposed to lose.

Western Michigan is overvalued due to its 5-2 start which has come against soft competition. Its five wins have come against Cornell, Oakland, Alabama A&M, Tennessee State and New Mexico. Only one of those wins came in the role of the underdog. WMU also lost to Hawaii (68-78) on the road and North Dakota State (74-83) at home.

Off three straight losses, Northwestern will be happy to return home where it is 3-1 on the season and outscoring opponents by 7.5 points per game. Western Michigan is 1-9 ATS in road games after having won 5 or 6 of its last 7 games over the past three seasons. It is losing in this spot by 11.2 points per game. Roll with Northwestern Saturday.

15* CBB Saturday No-Doubt Rout on Southern Illinois -3.5

The Southern Illinois Salukis deserve to be getting more respect than they are Saturday. I'll take advantage and back them as a slim 3.5-point home favorite against Western Kentucky in what I fully expect to be a double-digit blowout by game's end.

Southern Illinois is undervalued right now due to its 2-6 start. A closer look shows that it has been up against a brutal schedule, and it has been unfortunate in close games. Three of its six losses came by 4 points or less, and all six have been by 13 or fewer.

Also, five of the six losses have come in the role of the underdog, so the Salukis were supposed to lose. Two of those were against Missouri (59-72) as a 16.5-point underdog, and Saint Louis (67-76) as a 12.5-point dog. They hung with both of those teams to really show their potential.

Now, the Salukis are in the role of the favorite for the first time all season. They deserve to be against a Western Kentucky team that is overrated at 4-3 this season. Its four wins have all come at home against E. Tennessee State (57-50), UNC-Wilmington (73-58), Samford (67-64) and E. Illinois (68-53).

The Hilltoppers are 0-3 SU & 0-3 ATS on the road this season with double-digit losses to Wichita State (49-66) as a 15.5-point dog, Marshall (64-74) as a 3.5-point dog, and Bowling Green (62-74) as a 2-point favorite. This team is clearly overrated and should be a bigger dog today.

Adding fuel to the fire for the Salukis is the fact that they have lost three straight to the Hilltoppers by 7 points or less, including last year's 57-58 road loss. They'll want revenge, and I fully expect them to get it today.

This will only be the 3rd home game of the year for the Salukis. Southern Illinois is 6-1 ATS in its last seven home games. Western Kentucky is 4-10 ATS in its last 14 road games vs. a team with a .500 or better home record. Southern Illinois is 7-2 ATS in its last nine games vs. a team with a winning record. WKU is 0-6 ATS in road games after playing a road game over the past two seasons. Take Southern Illinois Saturday.

20* CBB GAME OF THE WEEK on Fordham +11.5

The St. John's Red Storm are coming off a big 69-58 win over Georgia Tech on a neutral court. With a date with one of the top teams in the country in Syracuse on deck, I have no doubt that the Red Storm will be overlooking Fordham in this one.

This is a very good Fordham team that is one of the most underrated in the country. It has opened 4-2 with one of its two losses coming at Syracuse by a final of 74-89 as a 19.5-point underdog. If the Rams can stay within 15 of Syracuse on the road, they can certainly stay within 11 of the Red Storm.

St. John's really doesn't have a good win yet. It has some ugly wins, however. It only beat Bucknell 67-63 as a 7-point home favorite, and Monmouth 64-54 as a 20-point favorite. It also has losses to Wisconsin (75-86) on a neutral court as a 5-point dog, and to Penn State (82-89) on a neutral court as a 3-point favorite.

Fordham returned five of its top six scorers from last season. Leading the way this season has been the three-headed monster of Jon Severe (23.2 ppg, 42.1% 3-pointers), Branden Frazier (18.8 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 5.2 apg) and Mandell Thomas (15.0 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 3.7 apg). With these three, the Rams are capable of competing with just about anyone in the country.

Fordham is 4-0 ATS in its last four meetings with St. John's. Fordham covered as a 13.5-point road underdog in a 58-47 loss at St. John's last year, covered as an 11.5-point road dog in a 56-50 loss at St. John's in 2011, and won outright as a 14-point home underdog by a final of 84-81 in 2010. Clearly, the Rams are not afraid of the Red Storm.

St. John's is 4-15 ATS as a home favorite of 9.5 to 12 points since 1997. St. John's is 1-12 ATS after allowing 60 points or less in its previous game over the past three seasons. Fordham is 21-8 ATS in its last 29 games overall. The Rams are 11-2 ATS in their last 13 non-conference games. The Red Storm are 0-8 ATS in their last eight games following a S.U. win. Bet Fordham Saturday.

25* Conference Championship GAME OF THE YEAR on Rice +6.5

The public perception of Marshall right now is at an all-time high, while the public perception of Rice is certainly wavering. That

15* Oklahoma/Oky State Big 12 No-Brainer on Oklahoma +10

This is a rivalry game, and Oklahoma would love nothing more than to spoil Oklahoma State

20* Jazz/Blazers NBA Late-Night BAILOUT on Utah +11.5

The Utah Jazz are showing tremendous value as a double-digit underdog to the Portland Trail Blazers tonight. Portland is overvalued due to its 16-3 start this season and has created expectations for itself that it cannot live up to.

Utah, meanwhile, is undervalued due to its 4-16 start. This team has been playing much better of late due to the healthy return of point guard Trey Burke. In fact, the Jazz have won three of their last five games overall and led Indiana most of the way before having a poor 4th quarter and losing by 9 on Wednesday.

The reigning NCAA player of the year missed the team's first 12 games because of a fractured index finger. He's started the last six and has averaged 33.5 minutes in the past five, putting up 16.2 points and 5.0 assists per game as Utah has gone 3-2. Burke has just two turnovers over the last four games while the Jazz have averaged 13.0, compared to 17.8 through their first 16 games.

Portland is in a huge letdown spot here. It is coming off back-to-back home wins over two of the best teams in the NBA in Indiana (106-102) and Oklahoma City (111-104). It will have a hard time getting up to play one of the worst teams in the league in the Jazz tonight. I'm not saying the Blazers' start is a complete fluke, but they certainly are overvalued because of it.

The Jazz have won seven of their last eight meetings with the Blazers overall. Plays on road underdogs of 10 or more points (UTAH) - after 1 or more consecutive losses, on Friday nights are 73-32 (69.5%) ATS over the last five seasons. The Jazz are 4-0 ATS in their last four games following an ATS loss. Utah is 4-1 ATS in its last five road games. The Jazz are 6-2 ATS in their last eight meetings in Portland. Bet Utah Friday.

15* CBB Friday PLAY OF THE DAY on California -1.5

The Cal Golden Bears should be a much bigger favorite tonight over Cal Santa Barbara. This is a Cal team that returned four starters from last season and is way undervalued right now due to suffering two early losses.

However, both of those losses came against two of the better teams in the country in Syracuse and Dayton. Cal has taken care of business against everyone else, and I look for it to come up with an easy victory over UCSB tonight as well.

Santa Barbara is getting too much respect due to beating UNLV on the road earlier this season. That UNLV team is way down this year, and they are getting too much credit for it. They have lost to Utah State, Colorado and UCLA since, and they'll be overmatched by the Bears in this one as well.

Cal is 4-0 in its last four meetings with UCSB, winning all four by seven or more points. UCSB is 3-15 ATS versus teams who are called for 17 or less fouls per game over the past three seasons. Cal is 18-7 ATS as a road favorite of three points or less since 1997. Cal is 44-18 ATS in road games after having lost two of its last three games since 1997. The Bears are 10-4 ATS in their last 14 vs. Big West opponents. Take Cal Friday.

15* NBA Friday No-Doubt Rout on Phoenix Suns -3.5

The Phoenix Suns continue to lack the respect they deserve from oddsmakers. They should be a bigger home favorite tonight over the Toronto Raptors, but I'll take advantage since they just continue to fly under the radar.

Phoenix has opened 10-9 this season with impressive wins along the way. More impressive, though is the fact that seven of their nine losses have come by 8 points or fewer. So, this team has essentially been in just about every game this season.

Toronto is just 6-11 this season and has really struggled of late. It has lost four straight heading into this one, giving up 102 or more points in three of the four losses. This is a team that relies too heavily on Rudy Gay and DeMar DeRozan to carry the scoring load, while Phoenix is a team that goes about 10 deep and gets its scoring from different places night in and night out.

The Suns have won 14 of their last 17 meetings with the Raptors. Phoenix is 12-3 ATS versus poor shooting teams that make 43% or less of their shots over the past two seasons. The Suns are 13-3-1 ATS in their last 17 games playing on 1 days rest. Phoenix is 13-5-1 ATS in its last 19 games overall. Roll with the Suns Friday.

15* Bowling Green/Northern Illinois MAC Championship No-Brainer on Bowling Green +5

The Bowling Green Falcons could be the toughest team that Northern Illinois has faced all season. This is a team that could easily be 11-1 right now if not for losses to Toledo and Mississippi State by a combined four points. This team is the real deal and playing its best football of the season coming in. It has gone 4-0 straight up and 4-0 against the spread in its last four games overall, which is what it took to get a trip to the MAC Championship Game in Detroit.

Not only have the Falcons been winning, they

15* NBA Friday Undervalued Underdog on Boston Celtics +4.5

The Boston Celtics have quietly played some very good basketball in the early going under head coach Brad Stevens. They currently sit atop the Atlantic Division with an 8-12 record in the watered-down Eastern Conference.

The Celtics have won four of their last six games overall, which includes road wins over Atlanta (94-87) and Charlotte (96-86), as well as home wins over Cleveland (103-86) and Milwaukee (108-100). This team remains undervalued despite a respectable start to the season under Stevens.

Denver is way overvalued right now due to winning seven of its last eight games overall. It had a seven-game winning streak snapped as a 3.5-point favorite at Cleveland on Wednesday, losing by a final of 88-98. This road trip has started to take its toll on the Nuggets as this will be their sixth road game in their past seven contests.

The Nuggets are a notorious terrible road team over the year, and a great home team. That's why I'll look to fade them almost any time they are a road favorite. Plus, the Celtics are 32-7 all-time at home against the Nuggets, winning the last three while averaging 112.0 points per game.

Boston is 14-3 ATS in home games versus poor defensive teams who allow 99 or more points per game over the past two seasons. The Nuggets are 4-11 ATS in their last 15 games vs. a team with a losing S.U. record. The home team is 16-5 ATS in the last 21 meetings in this series. Boston is 6-1 ATS in its last seven home meetings with Denver. Take the Celtics Friday.

15* CBB Thursday No-Doubt Rout on Kansas State -1.5

The Kansas State Wildcats are looking for a statement win tonight against Ole Miss to get their season back on track. They have opened 4-3 this year, but two of those losses came against very good Charlotte and Georgetown teams on a neutral court. They have been much better since, posting back-to-back blowout victories over Long Beach State (52-38) and Central Arkansas (87-54).

Ole Miss is way overrated in the early going due to its 6-0 start against soft competition. It has only played on true road game this year, and struggled to beat Coastal Carolina by a final of 72-70 on November 16. The Rebels will be playing in a much tougher atmosphere in Manhattan, KS tonight.

Kansas State went 15-1 at home last season and is now 18-2 at home over the past two seasons combined. Wildcats guard Will Spradling is hoping to get a lift from its fan base in Thursday's game. "It'll be a big game for us, a game to get the preseason turned around," the senior guard said. "We had a rocky start, but we should have a good home crowd tomorrow and a good home court advantage."

The Wildcats are 14-1 ATS in home games after two straight wins by 10 points or more since 1997. They are winning in this spot 80.7 to 60.1, or by an average of 20.6 points per game. Roll with Kansas State Thursday.

15* Texans/Jaguars AFC South ANNIHILATOR on Houston -3

The Texans might be the best 2-10 team in the history of the NFL. If you looked at all of their statistics and not their record, you would think that this is a playoff team. The Texans rank 3rd in the league in total defense at 303.9 yards per game allowed, and 10th in total offense at 365.2 yards per game gained. The problem is that the Texans have lost seven games by a touchdown or less, so they simply haven

15* NBA Thursday PLAY OF THE DAY on Los Angeles Clippers ML +105

At some point, you have to stand up for yourself. The Los Angeles Clippers were knocked out of the playoffs by the Memphis Grizzlies last season. They had their chance for revenge on November 18, but lost at home to the Grizzlies by a final of 102-106. I don't expect them to squander a second opportunity for revenge tonight.

Memphis is in a world of hurt right now. It is without its best player in Marc Gasol (knee), while Zach Randolph is questionable to play tonight after missing the past couple games with a toe injury. Gasol and Randolph combined for 49 points and 24 rebounds in the first meeting of the season between these teams.

The Clippers have won three of their last four regular-season trips to Memphis. They certainly do not want to lose a third straight games overall after falling to the Pacers and Hawks to begin December. I look for them to rally around Chris Paul and to take advantage of the absence of Gasol, and possibly Randolph, tonight.

The Clippers are 9-4 ATS in their last 13 games playing on 0 days rest. The Grizzlies are 2-9 ATS in their last 11 home games. Los Angeles is 4-1 ATS in its last five road games vs. a team with a losing home record. Memphis is 1-4 ATS in its last five home games vs. a team with a losing road record. Bet the Clippers Thursday.

20* Louisville/Cincinnati ESPN Thursday No-Brainer on Cincinnati +3.5

The Bearcats have saved their best football of the season for last. They have won six straight games coming in with four of those victories coming by double-digits. They now still have a shot to win the American Athletic with some help from SMU this weekend, which would put them in a BCS Bowl. No matter what Louisville does, it won

20* NBA DOG OF THE WEEK on Utah Jazz +9

The Utah Jazz hit rock bottom when they started 1-14. Oddsmakers had to adjust their power ratings for the Jazz to an all-time low because of that start. As a result, this team has been showing a ton of value of late and will be going forward.

The Jazz have won three of their last four games overall while going 3-1 ATS in the process. That includes home wins over both Chicago (89-83) and Houston (109-103), as well as a road win at Phoenix (112-104). A big reason for this resurgence has been the debut of rookie point guard Trey Burke, who has been a playmaker in the early going.

Indiana's stock could not be bigger due to its 16-1 start to the season. As a result, oddsmakers have had to adjust their power ratings for the Pacers to an all-time high. This will create value in fading Indiana going forward, and that was evident in its 102-106 loss at Portland last time out when it was actually a favorite in that game.

With games against San Antonio and Oklahoma City on deck, this could be a huge letdown spot for Indiana. I look for the Pacers to be overlooking the Jazz enough to let Utah cover, and possibly win this game outright.

The Jazz are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game. Utah is 8-3 ATS in its last 11 games overall. Utah has won six straight home meetings with Indiana dating back to 2007. It hasn't lost at home against the Pacers since 2005. Bet the Jazz Wednesday.

15* ACC/Big Ten Challenge GAME OF THE NIGHT on Boston College +4

The Boston College Eagles are way undervalued after starting the season 0-3. They have rebounded nicely to 3-4 with their only loss since coming by a final of 70-72 to unbeaten Connecticut as a 9-point underdog. In fact, three of Boston College's four losses this season have come by 4 points or less.

The Eagles returned 96 percent of their scoring from last season as they are one of the most experienced teams in the entire country. Olivier Hanlan (21.7 ppg) and Ryan Anderson (19.0 ppg, 7.1 rpg) are two of the best players in the entire country and fully capable of carrying the team.

Purdue is nowhere near as good as its 6-2 record would indicate. Its six wins have all come at home against the likes of Northern Kentucky (77-76), Central Connecticut State, Rider (81-77), Eastern Illinois and Siena (twice). Four of its six wins have come by 8 points or fewer. In its only two tough games, Purdue fell to Oklahoma State (87-97) and Washington State (54-69) on a neutral court.

Free throw shooting is very important this year. Boston College is averaging 22 makes on 26 attempts per game for an incredible 84.3% from the charity stripe. Purdue is only averaging 18 makes on 27 attempts per game for a 65.9% conversion rate.

Boston College is 39-23 ATS in its last 62 road games as an underdog of 6 points or less. The Boilermakers are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a losing S.U. record. Purdue is 4-10 ATS in its last 14 non-conference games. Roll with Boston College Wednesday.

15* NBA Wednesday Night Line Mistake on Phoenix Suns +10.5

The Phoenix Suns are showing tremendous value as a double-digit underdog to the Houston Rockets tonight. They blew a big first-half lead against the Grizzlies to lose last night, but since they had two days' rest coming into that game and are very deep, they will be plenty fresh tonight.

The Suns are still one of the most underrated teams in the NBA this season. They are off to a 9-9 start with seven of their losses coming by 8 points or fewer. They have proven they can play with anybody as evidenced by their narrow road losses to Oklahoma City (96-103), San Antonio (96-99) and Portland (89-90).

Houston isn't the healthiest of teams right now. Starting point guard Jeremy Lin, who was off to a tremendous start this season, is sidelined by a knee injury. Starting forward Chandler Parsons is questionable to play tonight as he nurses a back injury.

Phoenix is 7-1 ATS in its last eight games following an ATS loss. The Suns are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 road games. Phoenix is 10-3-1 ATS in its last 14 vs. Western Conference opponents. The Suns are 22-7 ATS in their last 29 meetings with the Rockets, including 19-5 ATS in their last 24 meetings in Houston. Take Phoenix Wednesday.

15* CBB Rivalry GAME OF THE NIGHT on Pennsylvania +18.5

The Villanova Wildcats are in a huge letdown spot tonight after winning the Battle 4 Atlantis title. The Wildcats posted back-to-back dramatic wins over quality teams in Kansas and Iowa to claim the title. They now have a Top 25 ranking, and are getting patted on the back.

Sure, Villanova has won 10 straight over Big Five rival Pennsylvania, but this has been a closely-contested series in recent years. Each of the last three meetings between these teams have been decided by 13 points or less.

Pennsylvania is just 2-4 this season, but it has played a tough schedule in the early going, and it returns all five starters from last season. Three of its four losses have come by 12 points or fewer. The only blowout came at Iowa as a 25-point underdog in a 31-point loss.

Plays against favorites of 10 to 19.5 points (VILLANOVA) - after having covered 4 or 5 of their last 6 against the spread, undefeated on the season are 30-12 (71.4%) ATS over the last five seasons.

Penn is 6-0 ATS in road games versus teams who attempt 21 or more 3 points shots/game over the past three seasons. The Quakers are 10-1 ATS in road games after a game where they made 88% of their free throws or better since 1997. Penn is 26-9 ATS in its last 35 road games after having lost 4 or 5 of its last 6 games coming in. Take Pennsylvania Wednesday.

20* College Basketball GAME OF THE WEEK on Detroit +10

This is a classic early-season revenge spot for Detroit. After losing at home to Toledo by a final of 78-80 on November 23 as a 4-point underdog, I fully expect Detroit to give the Rockets a run for their money on the road tonight in the rematch.

Detroit has won three of its past five games overall with its two losses coming by a combined 4 points. That includes road wins at James Madison (71-67) as a 3.5-point underdog, and at South Florida (65-60) as a 9-point dog.

With an emphasis on more foul calls this season, Detroit makes for a solid team to back. That's because it is averaging 21 makes on 27 attempts per game, shooting a sensational 79.4% from the charity stripe this season.

The underdog is a perfect 5-0 against the spread in the last five meetings between these teams. The road team is 4-1 against the number in the last five meetings as well. The Titans are 4-1 against the spread in their last five games overall. Bet Detroit Wednesday.

15* CBB Tuesday GAME OF THE NIGHT on North Texas +19.5

The North Texas Mean Green get the call Tuesday night as a massive road underdog to the BYU Cougars. This line has been inflated, and we'll take advantage and back the Mean Green in what will be a closer game than oddsmakers are anticipating.

North Texas is off to a 5-3 start this season with all three of its losses coming by 13 points or less. That includes an 82-95 loss at Oklahoma as a 15.5-point underdog, which is an Oklahoma team that I believe is better than this BYU squad.

The Cougars have opened 6-2 this season, but they only have two wins by more than 11 points this year. Those came at home against their two easiest opponents in Mount St. Mary's (108-76) and Mesa College (84-60), which were games that didn't even have lines on them. Off a huge win over Utah State, and with UMass on deck, I believe this is a big letdown spot for BYU tonight.

North Texas is 15-6 ATS in its last 21 games versus poor pressure defensive teams who force 14 or less turnovers per game. The Mean Green are 18-7 ATS after playing their last game on the road over the past three seasons. The Cougars are 17-36-1 ATS in their last 54 games following an ATS win. BYU is 2-7-1 ATS in its last 10 home games. The Mean Green are 4-0 ATS in their last four games vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Bet North Texas Tuesday.

20* NBA Tuesday No-Doubt Rout on Dallas Mavericks -8

The Dallas Mavericks have lost four of their last five games coming into this one. They'll clearly be motivated for a victory tonight against the Charlotte Bobcats, which is a team they have dominated throughout the years.

"We're going to learn about our team right now," coach Rick Carlisle said. "Lose four out of five, have a tough loss like last night and then another tough one like tonight - it's going to test the togetherness and the collective will."

Charlotte, meanwhile, is in a huge letdown spot off a tough 98-99 loss at the defending champion Miami Heat last time out. I look for the Bobcats to suffer a hangover from that loss because they led most of the way before having the game taken away from them down the stretch.

Dallas had gone 16-0 against Charlotte before losing in overtime on the road last November. The Mavericks are a perfect 9-0 at home against the Bobcats, limiting them to just 90.4 points on 42.1 percent shooting in the process. Dallas has won all nine games by an average of 13 points per game.

The Mavericks are 8-2 at home this season where they are scoring an average of 108.5 points per game. Charlotte is scoring just 89.2 points per game overall and 89.9 points per game on the road this year. The Bobcats are 13-37-1 ATS in their last 51 vs. Western Conference opponents. Dallas is 22-6 ATS in its last 28 games following a S.U. loss. Bet the Mavericks Tuesday.

15* NBA Western Conference Line Mistake on Phoenix Suns +3.5

The Memphis Grizzlies have no business being favored tonight against the Phoenix Suns. I fully expect the Suns to win outright, but I'll simply take the points for some insurance.

Phoenix is the most underrated team in the league in 2013. It is off to a 9-8 start that could easily have been better. Seven of its eight losses have come by 8 points or less, including four by 3 points or fewer.

Memphis is expected to be without its two best players tonight. Marc Gasol (16.0 ppg, 7.1 rpg) is out with a knee injury, while Zach Randolph (16.0 ppg, 9.1 rpg) is listed as doubtful with a toe injury.

The loss of Randolph is huge considering he is averaging 22.7 points and 12.5 rebounds while shooting 57.6 percent from the field in his last 16 games versus Phoenix. Meanwhile, the Suns just recently returned Eric Bledsoe, so they are back to close to full strength.

Phoenix is 10-1 ATS as an underdog this season. The Suns are 8-1 ATS in road games this year. The Suns are 7-0 ATS in their last seven games following a ATS loss. The Grizzlies are 0-4 ATS in their last four home games. These four trends combine for a 29-2 system backing Phoenix. Roll with the Suns Tuesday.

15* NBA Eastern Conference ANNIHILATOR on Philadelphia 76ers -3.5

The Philadelphia 76ers are showing tremendous value as only a 3.5-point home favorite over the Orlando Magic tonight. Philadelphia will be highly motivated to end a four-game losing streak overall, which included a 94-105 loss at Orlando on November 27, so the 76ers will be out for revenge as well.

Orlando is expected to be without its best player in Nikola Vucevic, who is listed as doubtful with an ankle injury. Vucevic is averaging 14.7 points and 10.9 rebounds per game this season and is simply irreplaceable. Not to mention both Jameer Nelson (foot) and Tobias Harris (ankle) are doubtful for the Magic as well.

Philadelphia is a respectable 5-5 at home this season, while Orlando is just 1-6 on the road. The Magic are 5-16-1 ATS in their last 22 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400. The 76ers are 14-6 ATS in their last 20 games following a SU loss of more than 10 points. Take the 76ers Tuesday.

25* Monday Night Football GAME OF THE YEAR on New Orleans Saints +6

The Saints are well-rested coming into this one. They played last Thursday in a hard-fought win at Atlanta, which is a big division rival and a solid win no matter how poor the Falcons have been this season. Getting that extra rest negates most of the advantage that the Seahawks would have had coming off their bye week. I believe the rest factor is probably a non-issue because of this.

New Orleans is playing its best football of the season heading into this contest. It is coming off three straight victories, including home wins over both the Dallas Cowboys (49-17) and San Francisco 49ers (23-20). Sure, the Saints do have two road losses, but they essentially gave both of those games away in setbacks against New England (27-30) and New York (20-26). The Patriots scored the game-winner with five seconds left, while the Jets managed to win despite getting outgained 407-338 for the game.

Looking at the numbers, it

15* NBA Monday Total DOMINATOR on Hawks/Spurs UNDER 197.5

The books have set the bar too high tonight in this contest between the Atlanta Hawks and San Antonio Spurs. I fully expect a defensive battle as each team tries to bounce back from a loss and a poor defensive performance.

You know that Greg Popovich is going to preach defense following his team's 106-112 loss to the Houston Rockets on Saturday. The same can be said for the Hawks, who fell 101-108 at Washington on Saturday. Neither team is satisfied with their efforts defensively coming into this one.

That's especially the case for San Antonio, which is only giving up 91.6 points per game on 42.8% shooting this season. The Spurs rank 2nd in the league in defensive efficiency, giving up just 93.2 points per 100 possessions. Atlanta is a respectable 12th in defensive efficiency (101.5).

Both Jeff Teague and Kyle Korver are questionable for Atlanta heading into this one. It would be a big blow to their offense if either player is sidelined, but I'm still going to be on the UNDER regardless. That would just be an added bonus if one or both sits.

Each of the last four meetings between San Antonio and Atlanta have seen 196 or fewer combined points (196, 191, 188, 187). The UNDER is 5-0 in Hawks last 5 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game. Atlanta is 9-1 to the UNDER versus very good shooting teams who make 48% of their shots or more over the past two seasons. Roll with the UNDER in this game Monday.

15* Florida/UConn ESPN 2 No-Brainer on Florida +5

I look for the Florida Gators to pull off the upset tonight at Connecticut, but I'll take the points for some insurance. The Huskies are way overvalued in the early going due to their perfect 7-0 start. A closer look shows that they are very fortunate to be unbeaten right now.

In fact, three of their wins have come by a combined four points! They have beaten Maryland (78-77), Boston College (72-70) and Indiana (59-58) all on neutral courts. I believe Florida is the best team that they have played yet. The Gators' only loss came at Wisconsin (53-59).

Florida has a huge edge in rebounding in this one. The Huskies have been outrebounded in three straight games, and they're allowing an average of 14.7 offensive rebounds per game on the season, which is one of the highest marks in the country. UConn gave up 20 to Loyola-Maryland in a lackluster 76-66 home victory last time out.

The Gators began a tough stretch of games with a 67-66 win over a very good Florida State team on Friday. The Gators grabbed 20 offensive rebounds in that contest. In fact, they have outrebounded each of their last five opponents while averaging 14.0 offensive boards during that stretch.

Connecticut is 0-9 against the spread after four or more consecutive wins over the past three seasons. This trend just goes to show you how overvalued the Huskies have been once they start to see some success, which is certainly the case here. Take Florida Monday.

15* NBA Sunday PLAY OF THE DAY on Minnesota Timberwolves +9

This is a huge letdown spot for Oklahoma City, which is coming off its overtime victory over the Golden State Warriors on Friday. Russell Westbrook nailed a 3-pointer with 0.1 seconds left in the extra session to beat the Warriors. Off such a big, thrilling win, I look for the Thunder to come back unmotivated today.

Motivation will not be problem for the Timberwolves, who have lost five of their last seven coming in. This is a business trip for Minnesota, which won at Dallas last night by a final of 112-106. I wouldn't be surprised one bit to see this team pull off the upset tonight as well, but I'll take the points for some insurance.

Oklahoma City is 13-29 ATS after a close win by 3 points or less since 1996. It is coming back to lose 100.0 to 102.6 in this spot. Bet the Timberwolves Sunday.

15* Rams/49ers Late-Afternoon ANNIHILATOR on St. Louis +9

The Rams have fought back to put themselves in position to pull within one game of the 49ers for the 6th and final wild card spot in the NFC. You know they will be laying it all on the field Sunday with their season essentially on the line in this one. That

15* NFL Sunday Undervalued Underdog on Tennessee Titans +4.5

If the season were to end today, the Tennessee Titans would be in the playoffs. They clearly have a lot to play for the rest of the way, and would love nothing more than to pull within one game of Indianapolis for first place in the AFC South. That

20* AFC GAME OF THE WEEK on Jacksonville Jaguars +7

The Jaguars are playing their best football of the season of late. They have also played their best football on the road this year. They are 2-0 straight up and 2-0 against the spread in their last two road games, beating Tennessee (29-27) as an 11.5-point underdog, while also topping Houston (13-6) outright as a 10.5-point dog. The betting public wants nothing to do with this team, and as a result their lines have been inflated.

Asking the Browns to lay a touchdown to any team is asking a lot. That

25* NFL Situational GAME OF THE YEAR on Tampa Bay Buccaneers +8.5

This is a great spot to fade the Carolina Panthers. They overcame a double-digit deficit last week in a big letdown spot against the Dolphins to win by a final of 20-16. If they would have lost that game, they would have come back focused.

Now, I fully expect them to have a mental lapse this week considering they have their biggest game of the season on deck next week against the New Orleans Saints. They will be overlooking the Buccaneers in this one, allowing Tampa to not only stay within the spread, but likely win this game outright.

Overlooking the Bucs has been a trend for every team they have faced over the past three weeks. They have rolled off three straight victories over the Dolphins (22-19), Falcons (41-28) and Lions (24-21). However, their solid play started a week before this winning streak started in a 24-27 overtime loss at Seattle as a 16-point underdog.

Tampa Bay might be the most underrated team in the league right now. Its 0-8 start was an absolute fluke as it found a way to lose several close games, including setbacks against the Jets (17-18), Saints (14-16) and Cardinals (10-13). Five of its eight losses this season have come by 8 points or less.

The biggest reason for the Bucs turnaround has been the play of quarterback Mike Glennon, who is completing 62.5 percent of his passes for 1,782 yards with 13 touchdowns and four interceptions on the season. In his last six starts, Glennon has thrown nine touchdowns against only one interception. His only poor start came back in his first start of the season in Week 4 against the Cardinals.

Carolina only averages 317.9 yards per game to rank 26th in the league in total offense. It relies heavily on its running game, which ranks 9th in the league at 126.3 yards per game. Well, the Bucs have the perfect antidote, boasting a run defense that ranks 9th in the league at 101.6 yards per game. The key to slowing down the Panthers is stopping their running game, and the Bucs have the personnel to do it, especially with the likely return of linebacker Mason Foster (shoulder) this week.

Having already beaten the Bucs earlier this season in their first meeting, and with the Saints on deck, it's only human nature for the Panthers to not bring their full focus to the field Sunday. This team was way undervalued midseason due to a slow start, but after seven straight victories, the Panthers are now overrated, and that is reflected in this line. We'll take advantage.

The Buccaneers are 5-0-1 against the spread in their last six games following a win. Tampa Bay is 6-1 against the number in its last seven games vs. at team with a winning record, time and time again stepping up its game when playing what is perceived to be a superior team. The Buccaneers are also 19-7 against the number in their last 26 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Tampa Bay is 9-4 against the spread in its last 13 road games overall. Take the Buccaneers Sunday.

15* NFL Sunday No-Doubt Rout on New York Jets Money Line (-121)

The Jets will certainly be motivated for a win Sunday following back-to-back blowout road losses where they simply gave the games away by committing a combined seven turnovers. The good news is that the Jets are still tied for the 6th and final playoff spot in the AFC, so they still have a ton to play for. Even better news is the fact that they will be returning home, which is where they have clearly played their best football of the season.

Indeed, New York is 4-1 straight up and 4-1 against the spread at home this season. It has beaten some very good teams at home, too. The Jets beat the New England Patriots by a final of 30-27 at MetLife Stadium back on October 20. They also knocked off the New Orleans Saints at home by a final of 26-20 on November 3. With how well they have played at home, getting them as less than a field goal favorite is certainly be a gift from oddsmakers.

Both teams are pretty evenly-matched offensively, but there

15* CBB Sunday PLAY OF THE DAY on Wichita State +2

I would be surprised to see Wichita State as an underdog the rest of the year. This is a team that went to the Final Four last season, and somehow they're getting overlooked in 2013-14. I'll take advantage and back the Shockers as a dog here.

The Shockers have opened 7-0 this season with seven straight victories by double-digits. That includes a 77-54 road win at Tulsa, and victories over both Depaul (90-72) and BYU (74-62) on neutral courts.

Saint Louis is a quality team that returns similar talent to Wichita State from last year, but this team is obviously way overvalued in the early going. It has opened 6-1 this season with a loss to Wisconsin. I would argue that the Billikens don't have a good win yet.

The Shockers are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600. The Shockers are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 road games. Wichita State is 9-1-1 ATS in its last 11 games overall. Take Wichita State Sunday.

15* CBB Saturday PLAY OF THE DAY on Iowa -2

The Iowa Hawkeyes are off to a 7-0 start this season with five of those victories coming by 31 or more points. This is one of the deepest teams in the country that can handle playing three games in three days because of it.

The Hawkeyes have 10 players averaging more than 15 minutes per game. All ten of those players are averaging at least 4.6 points per contest, and all five starters are back from last year. This team is ranked in the Top 25 for a reason and will only continue to climb after beating Villanova Saturday.

The Wildcats are coming off a huge win over Kansas yesterday, and even though this is the championship game in the Battle 4 Atlantic, I look for them to suffer a letdown off such a big win.

The Hawkeyes are 13-3 ATS in their last 16 non-conference games. Iowa is 27-9 ATS in its last 36 games overall. The Hawkeyes are 21-6 ATS in their last 27 games following a win. Iowa is 18-6 ATS in its last 24 games vs. a team with a winning record. Bet Iowa Saturday.

25* College Football GAME OF THE YEAR on USC -3

The USC Trojans have been revived under interim head coach Ed Orgeron. They have gone 6-1 straight up and 5-2 against the spread with Oregeron at the helm with their only loss coming at Notre Dame by a final of 10-14. They have beaten some very good teams along the way, topping Arizona (38-31), Utah (19-3) and Stanford (20-17) at home, while also going on the road and knocking off Oregon State (31-14). No team in the country wants to play this team right now.

While the Trojans come into this game with a ton of momentum, the Bruins will be in a tough state of mind following their 33-38 home loss to Arizona State last week. That game was essentially for the Pac-12 South Title, and I foresee UCLA suffering a hangover this week because of it. I also expect that USC will be motivated to avenge last year

15* NBA Saturday PLAY OF THE DAY on Bulls/Cavaliers UNDER 182

The Chicago Bulls and Cleveland Cavaliers will take part in a low-scoring, defensive battle tonight. I look for a similar combined score to the 96-81 victory Chicago handed Cleveland in their first meeting of the season, when Derrick Rose was healthy.

The Bulls have been atrocious offensively without Rose, scoring just 82, 83 and 99 points in their last three games overall. They are also without Jimmy Butler, which gets overlooked because of his ability to stretch the floor and break down a defense from time to time.

Both Cleveland and Chicago like to slow down the tempo. The Bulls rank 23rd int he league in pace at 95.6 possessions per game, while the Cavs are 14th at 97.3 possessions per game. Cleveland is 28th in offensive efficiency at 92.6 points per 100 possessions, while Chicago is 26th at 96.0 points per 100 possessions.

Chicago is 9-1 to the UNDER when playing against a team with a winning percentage of 25% or less over the last two seasons. The Bulls are 8-1 to the UNDER when the total is between 180 and 189.5 points this season. The UNDER is 7-1 in Cavaliers last eight home games. Roll with the UNDER in this game Saturday.

15* Notre Dame/Stanford Rivalry Play on Notre Dame +16

This is an awfully big number for a rivalry game like this one. That

20* ACC GAME OF THE WEEK on Syracuse +3

The Syracuse Orange have plenty of reason to be motivated for a win at home Saturday. First, they need one more win to become bowl eligible. Secondly, this is Senior Day, so they want to send their seniors out with a victory in their final home game.

Boston College is one of the most overrated teams in the country, and it should not be favored here. It is 7-4 on the season but nowhere near as good as its record. The Eagles rank 89th in the country in total offense at 370.4 yards per game, and 76th in total defense at 417.1 yards per game. As you can see, they are getting outgained by roughly 47 yards per game, which is a number more indicative of a team with a losing record than one that is 7-4.

The biggest strength of Boston College is its running game, which averaged 221 yards per game and 5.5 per carry. The biggest strength of the Syracuse defense is its ability to stop the run. The Orange rank 27th in the country against the run, giving up just 133.5 yards per game and 3.7 per carry this season.

Syracuse is 3-2 at home this season, outscoring opponents 29.8 to 16.6, or by an average of 13.2 points per game. Boston College is just 2-3 on the road this year, getting outscored 21.6 to 30.6, or by an average of 9.0 points per game. Its only wins came at Maryland (29-26) as a 2-point favorite and at New Mexico State (48-34) as a 25-point favorite.

The Orange are 18-3 against the spread in their last 21 home games after allowing 75 or less rushing yards in their previous game. The Eagles are 8-22 against the spread in their last 30 games vs. a team with a losing record. Boston College is 2-9 against the number in its last 11 road games. Syracuse is 7-2-1 against the number in its last 10 home games. Roll with Syracuse Saturday.

15* Penn State/Wisconsin ESPN No-Brainer on Penn State +24.5

The Wisconsin Badgers were undervalued all season up to this point. As a result, they have gone 9-1-1 against the spread in their 11 games this season. The betting public has jumped all over this team because of it, and now their numbers have been inflated over the past two weeks.

Wisconsin was overvalued as a 15.5-point favorite at Minnesota last week, winning by a final of 20-7 to miss the cover. Now, it is certainly overvalued again as a 24.5-point favorite against a quality Penn State team that will give it a run for its money.

Remember, Penn State was only a 15-point underdog at Ohio State on October 26. Now, oddsmakers are giving the Nittany Lions nearly 10 more points against Wisconsin, which lost to Ohio State. That fact alone shows you how there is a ton of value in backing the Nittany Lions in this game Saturday.

The key to stopping Wisconsin is stopping its running game. The 11 opponents that Penn State has faced this season average 179 rushing yards per game and 4.6 per carry. The Nittany Lions have held those 11 opponents to well below their season average, yielding just 146 rushing yards per game and 3.9 per carry. That shows you that Penn State is solid against the run.

Last year, Penn State beat Wisconsin by a final of 24-21 as a 1-point home favorite. It held the Badgers to just 158 rushing yards on 43 carries in the win, giving up a mere 3.7 yards per carry in the win. I don't believe there is that much difference between these teams from last year to this year, so there's no way the Badgers should be laying 24.5 points in the rematch.

Plays on road underdogs (PENN ST) - average rushing team (3.5 to 4.3 YPR) against a good rushing defense (3 to 3.5 YPR) after 7+ games, in conference games are 31-9 (66.7%) ATS over the last 10 seasons. The Nittany Lions are 7-1 against the spread in their last eight games following a S.U. loss. They have not lost two straight games this season, bouncing back from each of their first four losses with a victory in their next game. Take Penn State Saturday.

15* CFB Saturday Undervalued Underdog on Temple +9

The Temple Owls are vastly underrated due to their 1-10 record right now. I have no doubt this is much better than a 1-10 team, and they have proven it in the second half of the season by playing several very good teams close.

Since a 33-14 home win over Army on October 14, the Owls have lost each of their last four games by 10 points or fewer. They fell on the road to SMU (49-59) as a 14-point dog and at Rutgers (20-23) as an 11.5-point dog. They also lost at home to UCF (36-39) as a 17.5-point dog, and against UConn (21-28) as a 6-point favorite. They obviously should not have lost to the Huskies, outgaining them 372-235 for the game, but their three turnovers gave that game away.

The reason for the improvement of this team has been quarterback P.J. Walker, who has been an absolute playmaker for this offense since being inserted into the starting role against Louisville. Walker has completed 60.6 percent of his passes for 1,756 yards with 16 touchdowns against seven interceptions, while also rushing for 273 yards and three scores. His dual-threat ability adds a dimension to this offense that it did not have before. The Owls are 6-1 ATS with Walker as their starter.

Memphis has no business being more than a touchdown favorite here. While it has some solid performances against good teams like Temple does, the fact of the matter is that its only three wins this season have come against Arkansas State, Tennessee-Martin and South Florida. Off a heartbreaking loss to Louisville last week by a touchdown, the Tigers could easily suffer a hangover effect this week, which was similar to what Temple suffered last week in a loss to UConn after falling to UCF by a field goal the previous week.

Temple is 8-0 against the spread in its last eight games following two straight games with 40 or more pass attempts. The Owls are 7-1 against the number as an underdog this season. Memphis is 5-11 against the spread in its last 16 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. Bet Temple Saturday.

15* SDSU/Creighton CBB PLAY OF THE DAY on Creighton -4

The Creighton Bluejays returned four starters from last season and are one of the best players on the country. That includes Doug McDermott (23.2 ppg, 7.7 rpg), who is off to another monster start and may be the best players in all of college basketball. McDermott is averaging 27.4 points and 7.6 boards while leading the Bluejays to a perfect 5-0 start this season.

He is getting plenty of help, too. Devin Brooks (12.2 ppg, 4.4 rpg), Ethan Wragge (10.2 ppg) and Austin Chatman (9.8 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 5.4 apg) have fit in with McDermott nicely. The Bluejays have shot 51.5% or better in all five games this season, which is impressive considering they have faced three very good opponents. They beat both St. Joseph's (73-69) and Arizona State (88-60) on the road, as well as Tulsa (82-72) at home. They are shooting 53.5% from the field on the season.

San Diego State lost four of its top six scorers from last season, including leading scorers Jamaal Franklin (17.0 ppg, 9.5 rpg) and Chase Tapley (13.5 ppg). The Aztecs only bring back Xavier Thames (9.5 ppg), J.J. O'Brien (7.2 ppg) and Winston Shepard (5.7) as players of relevance. They have played an extremely soft schedule outside of Arizona, who they lost to by a final of 60-69 at home as a 3.5-point underdog.

Plays on neutral court teams (CREIGHTON) - an explosive offensive team (>=76 PPG) against a good offensive team (74-76 PPG), after scoring 80 points or more 2 straight games are 35-8 (81.4%) ATS over the last five seasons. San Diego State is only hitting 63.0% of its free throws this year, which is a big factor given the emphasis on fouls.

The Aztecs are 1-6-1 ATS in their last 8 games following a S.U. win. San Diego State is 0-5 ATS in its last five vs. Big East opponents. The Bluejays are 7-1 ATS in their last eight neutral site games. Creighton is 8-2 ATS in its last 10 games overall. Bet Creighton Friday.

15* South Florida/UCF ESPN No-Brainer on South Florida +27

The Central Florida Knights are way overvalued right now due to their 9-1 start. The betting public has been all over them of late, which has inflated this number. At 2-8 on the season, the South Florida Bulls come into this game undervalued. I look for this to be a much closer game than oddsmakers are anticipating Friday night.

While South Florida has lost four straight coming in, I've seen enough from this team against quality competition to know that the Bulls can hang tough in this one. They beat Cincinnati 26-20 at home despite being a 10.5-point underdog. They also went on the road and only lost 23-35 at Houston, throwing for 311 yards in the loss. That's the same Houston team that nearly beat UCF, losing 14-19 on the road.

South Florida has really turned up its pressure defensively the past two weeks, limiting Memphis to just 242 total yards, and SMU to a mere 280 total yards. The Bulls rank 29th in the country in total defense at 355.8 yards per game allowed. UCF will have a hard time scoring 27 points, let alone winning by 27.

The Knights have played in several close games this year and are really fortunate to be 9-1 right now. Six of their 10 games have been decided by a touchdown or less, but they've gone 5-1 in those contests. That includes victories over lowly Memphis (24-17) and Temple (39-36). If Memphis (3-7) and Temple (1-10) can compete with UCF, then South Florida can, too.

Plays on a road team (S FLORIDA) - after scoring and allowing 17 pts or less points against opponent after scoring 24 points or more in the first half last game are 30-10 (75%) ATS over the last five seasons. UCF is 0-6 ATS off a home win against a conference rival over the past two seasons. The Knights are 2-10 against the number off a home win over the last three years. Roll with South Florida Friday.

20* NBA Friday Undervalued Underdog on Washington Wizards +10.5

The Indiana Pacers are way overvalued right now due to their 14-1 start. There's no question this is one of the best teams in the league, but they have taken advantage of a very easy schedule thus far, and should not be laying double-digits to Washington tonight.

Indiana has only faced one team this season that currently has a winning record, and that was Memphis (8-7). With with biggest game of the season against the Los Angeles Clippers on deck, this could certainly be a lookahead spot for the Pacers.

Quietly, the Washington Wizards have won three straight and five of their last six games overall heading into this one. They are undervalued right now due to a poor start to the season, with road losses to the likes of the Heat, Thunder, Mavericks and Spurs, who are four of the best teams in the NBA. There's no question that Washington is better than its 7-8 record would indicate, while Indiana is nowhere near as good as its 14-1 mark.

These teams met four times last season with Indiana winning three of them by 4, 7 and 8 points. Washington won the other by a final of 104-85 at home as a 4-point dog in their final meeting of the season, which is when John Wall was actually healthy, and he led the way with 37 points. Wall miss the other three meetings, and the Wizards still hung tough and lost all three by 8 points or fewer.

Plays against home favorites of 10 or more points (INDIANA) - after 3 or more consecutive wins, on Friday nights are 32-7 (82.1%) ATS over the last five seasons. The Wizards are 27-13-1 ATS in their last 41 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record. The road team is 5-1 ATS in the last six meetings in this series. Take the Wizards Friday.

15* NBA Friday Total DOMINATOR on Hawks/Mavericks OVER 202

The books have set the bar too low in this contest between the Dallas Mavericks and Atlanta Hawks tonight. I'll take advantage by backing the OVER in what I believe will be an absolute shootout with each team topping the 100-point mark.

The reason this total has been set so low is because both Dallas and Atlanta have been going UNDER the total a lot recently. In fact, The UNDER is 4-0 in Mavs last four games overall, while the UNDER is 6-1 in the Hawks last seven. However, these recent trends have provided us with a ton of value to back the OVER.

Dallas beat Atlanta by a final of 118-109 in the season opener for 227 combined points. I expect a similar result tonight. The OVER is now 5-0 in the last five meetings in this series. In the last three meetings, they have combined for 227, 240 and 206 points, respectively.

Both teams like to push the tempo, which will create the perfect storm for a high-scoring affair tonight. Dallas ranks 7th in the league in pace at 99.4 possessions per game, while Atlanta ranks 11th in pace at 98.2 possessions per contest. The Mavericks are also 5th in the league in offensive efficiency at 106.2 points per 100 possessions, while Atlanta is 15th at 101.0 points per 100 possessions.

Dallas is 27-10 to the OVER in road games after four or more consecutive unders since 1996. The OVER is 20-5-1 in Mavericks last 26 games vs. NBA Southeast Division opponents. The OVER is 21-9 in Hawks last 30 Friday games. Roll with the OVER in this game Friday.

15* NBA Friday Total ANNIHILATOR on Cavaliers/Celtics UNDER 189

The books have set the number way too high in this contest between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics. I'll take advantage by backing the UNDER as do not expect either team to reach 95 points in this one, which is what it would take to go over the total.

These are two of the worst offensive teams in the league as the Cavs are scoring 92.6 points per game on 41.8% shooting, while the Celtics are scoring 92.9 points per game on 44.3% shooting. Neither team really like to push the tempo, either.

Both ranks in the middle of the pack in pace as Cleveland is 15th at 97.0 possessions per game, while Boston is 18th at 96.6 possessions per game. The key here is that neither team has been able to do much with those possessions. Cleveland ranks 27th in offensive efficiency at 93.4 points per 100 possessions, while Boston is 26th at 95.6 points per 100 possessions.

The UNDER is 3-0 in the last three meetings in this series with combined scores of 188, 185 and 185 points. In fact, the Celtics and Cavaliers have combined for 188 or less points in six of their last seven meetings overall.

Boston is 19-6 to the UNDER vs. poor passing teams who average 20 or less assists per game over the past two seasons. The UNDER is 8-1 in Cavaliers last nine Friday games. The UNDER is 12-2 in Cavaliers last 12 vs. NBA Atlantic Division foes. The UNDER is 21-8 in Cavs last 29 vs. Eastern Conference opponents. The UNDER is 8-1 in Celtics last nine vs. NBA Central Division foes. Bet the UNDER in this game Friday.

20* CFB Friday No-Doubt Rout on Fresno State -7.5

The Fresno State Bulldogs are fighting for a BCS bowl. Not only do they need to continue to win, but they need to do so impressively. A blowout road victory against a quality San Jose State team would certainly help their cause. Winning by big margins has been no problem for the Bulldogs all season. They are outscoring opponents by an average of 19.8 points per game on the season. They have been at their best on the road, outscoring foes by 24.3 points per game away from home.

Fresno State boasts an offense that ranks 2nd in the country at 575.6 total yards per game, including 46.8 points per game. Quarterback Derek Carr deserves serious Heisman Trophy consideration. The senior is completing 69.7 percent of his passes for 3,948 yards with 39 touchdowns against four interceptions. Carr and company should have their way with a San Jose State stop unit that is giving up 33.5 points and 442.3 yards per game to rank 98th in the country in total defense.

San Jose State has certainly taken a step back from last season. They are starting to really feel the pressure of trying to become bowl eligible, losing each of their last three games while going 0-3 against the spread in the process. That includes home losses to San Diego State (30-34) and Navy (52-58), as well as a blowout road loss at Nevada (16-38). That setback against Nevada was the fourth blowout loss suffered by the Trojans this season. They were also beaten by Stanford (13-34), Minnesota (24-43) and Utah State (12-40).

Fresno State is 15-2 straight up in its last 17 meetings with San Jose State. Plays against any team (SAN JOSE ST)