Winning Sports Picks

20* NBA Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on Milwaukee Bucks -7

Giannis Antetokounmpo is back to playing at an MVP level.  He has scored 35 or more points in four consecutive games.  A big reason for his and the Bucks' success is the return of Jrue Holiday to the lineup at point guard to help open everything up for everyone else.  He is one of the most underrated players in the NBA.  Plus, Khris Middleton has had two 30-point games in his last four contests.

The result has been the Bucks living up to their potential of late in going 5-0 SU & 4-1 ATS in their last five games overall with those five wins coming by an average of 9.6 points per game.  Now the Bucks are primed for another big performance here as they have the huge rest adavantage as this will be just their 2nd game in 5 days.

Meanwhile, Denver will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back and their 9th game in 15 days.  The Nuggets haven't had two straight days off since the beginning of February.  Injuries are mounting up as the Nuggets are now without Green, MIllsap, Harris and Campazzo.  Being short-handed right now makes this situation even more difficult for them.  They needed a 4th quarter comeback to beat the Bulls 118-112 last night, meaning their starters had to play big minutes as Jokic played 38, Barton 36, Porter Jr. 35, Murray 35 and Morris 33.

The Nuggets are 3-8-1 ATS in their last 12 games as underdogs.  Denver is 2-6 ATS in its last eight road games.  Milwaukee is 4-1 ATS in its last five home games.  The Bucks are 7-2 ATS in their last nine games following a win.  Milwaukee gets the win and cover tonight and continues its recent surge in this favorable spot.  Bet the Bucks Tuesday.

20* Wisconsin/Purdue ESPN 2 No-Brainer on Purdue -2

The Purdue Boilermakers are 9-3 SU & 9-3 ATS in their last 12 games overall.  Two of their losses came by a combined 4 points on the road while the other was a home loss to Michigan, which is the best team in the Big Ten.

Now the Boilermakers have their sights set on a Wisconsin team that is struggling mightily to score the basketball right now.  The Badgers are just 1-3 SU & 1-3 ATS in their last four games overall.  They haven't topped 69 points in any of their last six games, and they have been held to 72 or fewer points in 13 consecutive games.

Home-court advantage has been huge in this series as Purdue is 14-3 SU & 13-4 ATS in its last 17 home meetings with Wisconsin.  The home team is 6-1 SU & 5-1-1 ATS in the last seven meetings with the only exception being Purdue's upset win at Wisconsin a few years back.

Wisconsin is 1-7 ATS when playing against a good team that wins 60% to 80% of their games this season.  Take Purdue Tuesday.

15* CBB Tuesday No-Doubt Rout on Michigan State -2.5

The Michigan State Spartans are making a run at the NCAA Tournament.  They have gone 3-1 SU & 3-1 ATS in their last four games overall despite being underdogs in all four games.  They upset both Illinois and Ohio State at home during this stretch.

The other win was a 78-71 win at Indiana as 6.5-point dogs.  That line was way off, and this line still is off with the Spartans being only 2.5-point home favorites in the rematch.  The Spartans are surging right now, while the Hoosiers are falling flat on their faces under the pressure of trying to make the NCAA Tournament.

Indeed, Indiana is 1-4 SU & 1-4 ATS in its last five games overall.  Its only win during this stretch came at home against Minnesota, which remains winless in Big Ten play.  They lost by 19 at Ohio State, by 7 at home to Michigan State, by 11 at Rutgers and by 16 at home to Michigan.

Trayce Jackson-Davis had 34 points against Michigan State in that first meeting, and it still wasn't enough.  That's because he just doesn't have much help on the perimeter.  And making matters worse is the fact that the Hoosiers just lost their best guard in Armaan Franklin (11.6 PPG, 4.2 RPG) to an ankle injury, and he will be out tonight.  They will miss his 45% shooting from 3-point range as none of their other regulars shoot it better than 39%.

Michigan State is 16-2 SU in its last 18 home meetings with Indiana with 15 of those wins coming by 3 points or more.  The home team is 6-2 ATS in the last eight meetings.  Roll with Michigan State Tuesday.

25* ACC GAME OF THE YEAR on Georgia Tech -2

The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets want revenge from a 68-75 loss at Duke on January 26th.  I like their chances of getting that revenge at home this time around when you consider how well they are playing right now, plus the fact that they simply do not lose at home.

The Yellow Jackets are 4-1 SU & 5-0 ATS in their last five games overall.  Their only loss came on the road by 2 as 4-point dogs at Clemson.  They have since won four straight with 6 and 7-point home wins over Pitt and Syracuse, respectively, plus blowout road wins over Miami by 27 and Virginia Tech by 16.

Duke suffered a crushing overtime loss to Louisville last time out on February 27th.  They had won four straight against a pretty soft schedule prior to that.  Now they have almost no chance of making the NCAA tournament with that Louisville defeat without making a run in the ACC Tournament.

The task is a very tall one here for the Blue Devils, who hit the road and face a Georgia Tech team that is 13-1 SU in its last 14 ACC home games.  It's a veteran Yellow Jackets team that is highly motivated to make the NCAA Tournament.  This senior-laden team is primed for one of their best performances of the season here on Senior Night.

Georgia Tech is 7-0 ATS in its last seven games following three or more consecutive wins.  Duke is 3-9 ATS in its last 12 road games.  The Blue Devils are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.  Bet Georgia Tech Tuesday.

15* Clippers/Celtics TNT ANNIHILATOR on Los Angeles -4

It's a great time to 'buy low' on the Los Angeles Clippers.  They have gone just 3-4 SU & 3-4 ATS in their last seven games overall.  But a lot of that had to do with injuries.  The Clippers are now fully healthy and will be. force moving forward.  And keep in mind those four losses came to the Bucks, Grizzlies, Nets and Jazz.  They also avenged both of those losses to the Jazz and Grizzlies.

Now the Clippers will be out for revenge from a 115-119 home loss to the Celtics on February 5th less than a month ago in which they blew a 62-51 halftime lead.  The Celtics are much worse off now as they are without Marcus Smart and could be without Jaylen Brown, who is questionable with a knee injury.

The Celtics have gone just 5-8 SU & 4-9 ATS in their last 13 games since that win over the Clippers.  But they are starting to get some respect tonight after two straight wins over the Pacers and Wizards by a combined 7 points.  They faced a Wizards team that was on the 2nd of a back-to-back and only won that game by a single point.  And that is a Pacers team that is struggling mightily right now.  This will be a big step up in class for the Celtics tonight.

This is a very resilient Clippers team that has only lost two in a row once all season.  They are 10-1 SU in their 11 games following a loss this season.  Los Angeles is now 41-16 ATS in its last 57 games following a SU loss.  The Clippers are 45-21 ATS in their last 66 games as road favorites.  Boston is 0-7 ATS in its last seven games following a SU win.  Los Angeles is 8-3 ATS in its last 11 meetings in Boston.  Take the Clippers Tuesday.

20* CBB DOG OF THE WEEK on Air Force +19

Air Force will be out for revenge from a 49-72 road loss at Colorado on Saturday.  That was a 41-46 game with just under 10 minutes to play, so it turned from a 5-point game into a 23-point game in the final 10 minutes.  I know because I had Air Force +18 and it was a tough beat.

But I'm back on the Falcons today in the rematch.  I was surprised to see Colorado State shoot so well in their first game back from a three-week COVID pause.  That shot 61% from the field and 9-of-22 (40.9%) from 3-point range.  That's the kind of effort it took for them to cover that massive number.

Conversely, Air Force shot just 41.5% as a team and 5-of-21 (23.8%) from 3-point range.  They are a better shooting team than that as they make 34.2% from 3-point range on the season and should improve in that department.  Just a slight improvement shooting and slightly worse effort from the Rams in the shooting department will have the Falcons covering this 19-point spread tonight.

Air Force is 15-2 ATS in its last 17 games after a game with 16 or fewer rebounds.  That first meeting was a very low-possession game as both teams attempted only 41 shots.  Low-possession games definitely favor the underdog and make it tougher for the favorite to cover lofty spreads like this one.

Plays on underdogs of 10 to 19.5 points (Air Force) after going under the total by 24 points or more in thier last three games against an opponent that went under the total by 30 or more points in their last five game sure 80-36 (69%) ATS over the last five seasons.  Bet Air Force Monday.

15* Oklahoma/Oklahoma State ESPN ANNIHILATOR on Oklahoma -1.5

The Oklahoma Sooners will be out for revenge from a 90-94 (OT) loss to Oklahoma State Saturday.  They don't have to wait long to get their revenge here as they get to face the rival Cowboys just two days later.  I think the Sooners will be the more motivated team and will get the job done tonight.

The Sooners had won eight of their previous nine games before losing their last two.  The Cowboys have won four straight now and will be feeling fat and happy after beating the Sooners on Saturday.  And I like the line value on the Sooners based on line from the first meeting.  Oklahoma goes from being a 6-point home favorite to a 1.5-point road favorite in the rematch.

The Sooners are 7-1 ATS in their last eight games vs. a team with a winning record.  Oklahoma is 4-0 ATS in its last four road games vs. a team with a winning home record.  Oklahoma State is 0-4 ATS in its last four games after scoring more than 90 points in its previous game.  The Cowboys are 0-6 ATS in their last six home games after three or more consecutive wins.  These four trends combine for a 23-1 system backing the Sooners.  Take Oklahoma Monday.

15* NBA Monday Undervalued Underdog on San Antonio Spurs +6

The San Antonio Spurs got a nice break with nine days off here recently.  They returned and were rusty in a 99-102 loss at Oklahoma City.  But they bounced back with a 117-114 home win over the Pelicans on Saturday.  The rust is knocked off now, and they are rested and ready to go while primed to pull an upset against the Brooklyn Nets in San Antonio tonight.

The Nets just had their eight-game winning streak snapped with a 98-115 home loss to the Mavericks on Saturday.  I always like fading teams the game after their winning streak ends, because there always seems to be a hangover factor.

The Nets are overvalued as it is after going 8-1 SU & 8-1 ATS in their last nine games overall, so it's definitely time to 'sell high' on them.  Especially with all the injuries they are dealing with right now with Kevin Durant out, Green and Luwawu-Cabarrot questionable, and Irving battling a shoulder injury.

The Spurs are 22-2 SU in their last 24 home meetings with the Nets.  San Antonio is a perfect 7-0 ATS when playing just its 2nd game in 5 days this season.  The Spurs are 11-2 ATS vs. good 3-point shooting teams that make 36% or better this season.  San Antonio is 5-1 ATS in its last six games as an underdog.  Roll with the Spurs Monday.

20* NBA Sunday No-Doubt Rout on Miami Heat -6

The Miami Heat are as healthy as they've been all season and it's starting to pay dividends.  The Heat have gone 5-0 SU & 5-0 ATS in their last five games overall.  They have beaten the defending champion Lakers, the 2019 champion Raptors and the team with the best record in the NBA in the Utah Jazz during this stretch.

Now the Heat host a struggling Atlanta Hawks team that is as banged up as they have been all season.  The Hawks are just 4-10 SU & 5-9 ATS in their last 14 games overall.  They are coming off a 9-point road loss to the Thunder as 5.5-point favorites.  They were also upset at Cleveland as 8-point favorites in their previous road game.  

The Hawks have now lost five of their last six road games and are just 1-4 SU & 1-4 ATS in their last five road games.  Trae Young is battling a groin injury and is questionable to play today.  Cam Reddish is doubtful with an Achilles, and they are already without De'Andre Hunter and Bogdan Bogdanovic.  It's no wonder they are struggling so much of late.

The Heat have won four of their last five meetings with the Hawks with three of those wins coming by 9 points or more.  Miami has a chance to get to .500 for the first time since the beginning of the season, so they should be motivated here and won't be taking the Hawks lightly.  Roll with the Heat Sunday.

20* Iowa/Ohio State Big Ten No-Brainer on Ohio State -3.5

The Ohio State Buckeyes are on their first two-game losing streak of the entire season.  They lost to Michigan and Michigan State by a combined nine points their last two games while letting both games slip away late.  It's safe to say they will be highly motivated for a victory here at home against the Iowa Hawkeyes.

While I believe Ohio State is absolutely legit and one of the best teams in the country, the Iowa Hawkeyes are frauds.  They rely too much on one player in Luka Garza, and they always seem to fade late in the season.  That has been the case again this season as they have gone just 5-5 SU & 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games overall.  They are coming off a 22-point loss at Michigan.

Making matters worse for the Hawkeyes is that they just lost backup center Jack Nunge (7.1 PPG, 5.3 RPG) to a season-ending injury in that loss to Michigan.  He was huge for this team in backing up Garza because he's always in foul trouble.  The Buckeyes should be able to expose an already soft Iowa defense today.

They did just that in their 89-85 road win at Iowa in their first meeting this season.  That was a rare road win in this series as the home team had won and covered four straight meetings prior.  The Buckeyes are 3-0 SU & 3-0 ATS in their last three home meetings with Iowa with their last two wins coming by 20 and 18 points.

Ohio State is 9-1 ATS in its last 10 games as a home favorite of 6 points or less or PK.  The Hawkeyes are 20-41-2 ATS in their last 63 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.  Iowa is 1-5 ATS in its last six road games vs. a team with a winning record.  The Buckeyes are 14-5 ATS in their last 19 home games.  Ohio State is 23-9 ATS in its last 32 games as a home favorite.  The Buckeyes are 7-1 ATS in their last eight games following a SU loss.  Bet Ohio State Sunday.

15* CBB Sunday UPSET SHOCKER on Michigan State +3

The Michigan State Spartans always seem to improve down the stretch under Tom Izzo.  And they have been doing the same this season as they try and get themselves into the NCAA Tournament field.  This team is playing inspired basketball right now and is exactly the type of team I want to continue backing.

Indeed, the Spartans are 3-0 SU & 3-0 ATS in their last three games overall with an upset 78-71 win at Indiana as 6.5-point dogs, an upset 82-71 home win over Illinois as 6.5-point dogs and an upset 71-67 home win over Ohio State as 4-point dogs.

Now the Spartans face their weakest opponent in a long time here in Maryland, a team they should be favored against.  The Terrapins are just 14-10 this season.  But they are starting to get respect from oddsmakers due to a four-game winning streak against the bottom of the conference.  They have wins over Nebraska (twice), Minnesota and Rutgers during this stretch.  This is a step up in class here against a Michigan State team that is playing its best basketball of the season.

Michigan State 7-2 SU in its last nine meetings with Maryland with the two losses coming by 3 and 7 points.  The Spartans are 9-4 ATS in their last 13 games as underdogs.  The underdog is 10-4-1 ATS in the last 15 meetings.  The Terrapins are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 home games.  Maryland is 1-7 ATS after allowing 60 points or less this season.  The Terrapins are 2-9 ATS in their last 11 home games after playing a road game.  Take Michigan State Sunday.

15* CBB Saturday Late-Night BAILOUT on Loyola-Marymount +25

Gonzaga is overvalued right now due to its No. 1 ranking and undefeated 23-0 record.  I successfully faded them with Santa Clara +30.5 in 75-89 loss to the Bulldogs on Thursday.  And I'm certainly going to back a better team here in Loyola-Marymount catching 25 points against them tonight.

Loyola-Marymount is 12-7 this season with its largest margin of defeat coming by 17 points to BYU and by 15 to Minnesota.  So the Lions haven't even come close do losing by this kind of margin all season.  I get that it's Gonzaga and their best opponent yet, but it's still too many points.

The Lions are playing their best basketball of the season coming into this game as well.  They are 5-1 SU & 5-1 ATS in their last six games overall which includes upset road wins over both San Francisco 68-63 as 5.5-point dogs and Pepperdine 81-74 as 5-point dogs.

Few teams in the WCC have played Gonzaga as tough as Loyola-Marymount in recent years.  Indeed, four of the last five meetings were decided by 18 points or less with the Lions going 4-1 ATS in those five meetings.

Loyola-Marymount is 4-0 ATS in its last four road games.  The Lions are 8-1 ATS in their last nine road games after playing their last game on the road.  The road team is 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings.  Take Loyola-Marymount Saturday.

15* NBA Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on Washington Wizards -4.5

The Washington Wizards have quietly gone 6-1 SU & 6-1 ATS in their last seven games overall.  Beal and Westbrook have formed a great chemistry and they have gotten most of their players healthy, which has made a huge difference in their recent surge.

It's not like the Wizards are beating up on cupcakes, either.  They have won outright as 6.5-point dogs at Boston (104-91), as 4.5-point dogs at Portland (118-11), as 7-point dogs at the Lakers (127-124), and as 8-point dogs at Denver (112-110).  They also upset Denver (130-128) as 4.5-point home dogs and crushed Houston (131-119) as 2-point home favorites.  Their only loss came on the 2nd of a back-to-back on the road to the Clippers the night after beating the Lakers in OT, so it was understandable.

The Wizards won't be losing to the awful Minnesota Timberwolves tonight.  The Timberwolves are 5-26 SU in their last 31 games overall, including 0-6 SU & 0-6 ATS in their last six games overall with each of their last nine losses coming by 4 points or more.  

They are one of the most tired teams in the NBA right now playing their 16th game in 27 days.  They haven't had two days off in a row since January 16th and 17th.  Things have only gotten worse now as Malik Beasley (20.5 PPG) has been suspended for the next 12 games.  He was one of the few bright spots on this team.  The Timberwolves are still without De'Angelo Russell (19.3 PPG, 5.1 APG) as well.

Minnesota is 0-10 ATS in its last 10 games after a game in which they allowed a shooting percentage of 55% or higher.  Washington is 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings and 11-4 ATS in its last 15 home meetings with the Timberwolves.  Roll with the Wizards Saturday.

15* Big 12 PLAY OF THE DAY on Iowa State PK

The Iowa State Cyclones have been knocking on the door of their first Big 12 victory.  They are 0-14 in Big 12 play, but 8-6 ATS as they have several close losses against some of the top teams in the conference.  They will be highly motivated to erase that zero from the win column today, and I believe it's their best chance to get a victory all season.

Iowa State has losses to Baylor by 5 and 11 points, WVU by 4 and 5 points, Texas by 6, and Oklahoma by 7 and 10 points.  They can play with anyone in this conference.  Now they will be looking for revenge from a 76-79 loss at TCU on February 9th in their first meeting this season.  They simply went cold from the field in the 2H and allowed the Horned Frogs to come back on them.  This team keeps playing hard, and eventually the breaks are going to fall their way late in games.  I think that is today.

TCU is just 2-8 SU in its last 10 games overall with its two wins both coming at home by a combined 6 points, including that 3-point win over the Cyclones.  Seven of the eight losses have come by 8 points or more so they have rarely even been competitive.

The home team is 4-0 SU in the last four meetings.  Iowa State is a sensational 31-5 ATS in its last 36 games as a home favorite of 3 points or less or PK.  TCU is 0-7 ATS in its last seven games off a home conference loss.  The Horned Frogs are 0-6 ATS in their last six road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400.  Bet Iowa State Saturday.

20* CBB Saturday Undervalued Underdog on Southern Illinois +19

I cashed in Southern Illinois +20 yesterday in a 60-52 loss to Loyola-Chicago with the spread never in doubt.  I'm back on them today for many of the same reasons in the rematch.

Loyola-Chicago is overvalued right now after going 13-1 in its last 14 games overall.  I've been 'selling high' on this team a lot lately, and I'm not going to stop today as this line is once again way out of hand with the Ramblers being 19-point favorites against a very competitive Southern Illinois team.

The Ramblers went 7-0-1 ATS in their first eight games during this 14-game run, but they weren't more than 11.5-point favorites in any of those games.  Since they have 18-point favorites or higher four times and failed to cover in all four of those games.  I cased in Evansville +18.5 and +18 in 13 and 11-point losses, respectively.  I also cashed in Valpo +19 in their 2-point loss and then Southern Illinois +20 in their 8-point loss.

It's still a good time to 'buy low' on Southern Illinois after going just 4-12 SU in their last 16 games overall.  But the Salukis have just two losses all season by the kind of margin its going to take for Loyola-Chicago to cover this ridiculous number.  In their two games prior to this series they lost to Valpo by 1 and beat them by 3 in the rematch to give them a recent common opponent.

Loyola-Chicago is 0-8 ATS in its last eight games vs. poor defensive teams that allow a shooting percentage of 45% or higher after 15-plus games.  The Ramblers play at a slow tempo and have been held to 60 or fewer points in three straight games coming in.  It's difficult for them to cover these huge numbers when they play at such a slow tempo and don't get many shots up.  The Ramblers are 0-6 ATS in their last six games as a home favorite of 18.5 to 24 points.  Take Southern Illinois Saturday.

15* Mountain West PLAY OF THE DAY on Air Force +18

This is a great spot to fade the Colorado State Rams.  They will be rusty as they will be returning from a three-week COVID break with their last game played on February 6th.  They won't be sharp enough to put away Air Force by 18-plus points, which is what it's going to take to cover this ridiculous spread.

Air Force is undervalued right now due to its 5-17 SU record.  But the Falcons finally put an end to their 10-game losing streak with a win over New Mexico last time out.  And they have been competitive during this skid with each of their last seven losses coming by 13 points or fewer.

Air Force is 8-1 ATS in its last nine games as a road underdog of 12.5 or more points.  The Falcons are 4-0-1 ATS in their last five games as road underdogs.  Roll with Air Force Saturday.

20* CBB Saturday No-Doubt Rout on Wisconsin -4

The Wisconsin Badgers want revenge from a 60-75 road loss at Illinois on February 6th earlier this month.  I like their chances of getting that revenge considering Illinois is without its best player for this game, and arguably the best player in the country.

Ayo Dosunmu (21.0 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 5.3 APG) is out with a broken nose right now.  I think the Fighting Illini are getting too much respect from the books after covering as 14-point favorites over Nebraska in an 86-70 win in their first game without him.  This will be a much taller task against the Badgers today.  Dosunmu became the third player in Illinois history with a triple double with 21 points, 12 assists and 12 rebounds in that first meeting.

While Illinois has just one day to get ready for Wisconsin after playing Nebraska on Thursday, the Badgers have had the last five days off to get ready for the Fighting Illini.  That huge rest and preparation advantage will pay big dividends for the Badgers this afternoon.

The Badgers are 56-36 ATS in their last 92 home games after a win by 15 points or more.  The favorite is 20-7-1 ATS in the last 28 meetings.  Bet Wisconsin Saturday.

20* CBB DOG OF THE WEEK on Southern Illinois +20

Loyola-Chicago is way overvalued right now after going 12-1 SU in its last 13 games overall.  I've been 'selling high' on this team a lot lately, and I'm not going to stop today as this line is way out of hand with the Ramblers being 20-point favorites over a very competitive Southern Illinois team.

The Ramblers went 7-0-1 ATS in their first eight games during this 13-game run, but they weren't more than 11.5-point favorites in any of those games.  Since they have been 18-point favorites or higher three times and failed to cover all three of those games.  I cashed in Evansville +18.5 and +18 in 13 and 11-point losses, respectively.  And last time out I cashed in Valpo as 19-point dogs in a 2-point loss to Loyola-Chicago.

It's a good time to 'buy low' on Southern Illinois after going just 4-11 SU in its last 15 games overall.  But the Salukis have just two losses all season by the kind of margin its going to take for Loyola-Chicago to cover this ridiculous number.  And they just lost by 1 and beat Valpo by 3 in their last two games to give them a common opponent with the Ramblers.

Southern Illinois is 15-4 ATS in its last 19 road games off a close home win by 3 points or less.  Loyola-Chicago is 0-7 ATS in its last seven games vs. poor defensive teams that allow a shooting percentage of 45% or higher after 15-plus games.

Plays on road teams (Southern Illinois) - after being beaten by the spread by 36 or more points total in their last five games against an opponent that went under the total by 48 or more points total in their last 10 games are 70-35 (66.7%) ATS over the last five seasons.  Roll with Southern Illinois Friday.

20* NBA Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on Miami Heat +6.5

Whether or not the Utah Jazz keep covering, you're paying a tax to bet them now because the verdict is out on them.  That's because they have gone 22-2 SU & 21-3 ATS in their last 24 games overall.  My job is to find value, and there's definitely value in fading the Utah Jazz moving forward due to the streak they've been on.

I'll pick my spots, and this looks like a great spot to fade the Jazz.  The Miami Heat will be out for revenge from a 94-112 loss at Utah on February 13th less than two weeks ago.  The Heat have gotten a lot healthier since and get them at home this time around.

The Heat are 4-0 SU & 4-0 ATS in their last four games overall with four wins by 8 points or more and an upset road win over the Los Angeles Lakers.  They have gotten several key players back from injury recently including Goran Dragic, and they could get Tyler Herro back tonight.  This is pretty much as healthy as they have been all season.

We saw what they could do when healthy last season in making it to the NBA Finals.  And after digging themselves an early hole, this team is playing with a sense of urgency right now.  Jimmy Butler and company will relish this opportunity for revenge and to put an end to this Utah streak.  We'll get one of the biggest efforts of the season from the Heat tonight, which should be enough to cover this 6.5-point spread and possibly win outright.  Bet the Heat Friday.

15* Pacers/Celtics ESPN ANNIHILATOR on Boston -2.5

It's a great time to 'buy low' on the Boston Celtics, who are coming off three straight road losses to the Pelicans (OT), Mavericks (by 3) and Hawks (by 15).  That loss to the Hawks was on the 2nd of a back-to-back so it is understandable.

Now the Celtics are back home tonight and had yesterday off to rest.  The Celtics were last seen destroying the Hawks by 12, the Nuggets by 13 and the Raptors by 14 in three of their last five home games.  And they will be highly motivated for a victory tonight to end this skid.

The Pacers just aren't very good since trading away Victor Oladipo and getting an injury Caris LeVert back for him.  T.J. Warren being out has also hurt.  The Pacers are just 4-8 SU & 4-8 ATS in their last 12 games overall.  Their four wins came against the Grizzlies, Pistons, Hawks and Timberwolves.  They are getting too much respect here as only 2.5-point road underdogs tonight to a superior Celtics team.

The Pacers are 0-4 ATS in their last four games as underdogs.  The Celtics are 4-0 ATS in their last four home games vs. a team with a winning road record.  Boston is 8-3 ATS in its last 11 home games.  The Celtics are 19-6 ATS in their last 25 games after playing two consecutive road games.  Boston is 14-4 ATS in its last 18 games after failing to cover the spread in three or more consecutive games.  Take the Celtics Friday.

20* NBA Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on Washington Wizards +7.5

The Washington Wizards are way undervalued right now.  They are 5-1 SU & 5-1 ATS in their last six games overall with upset road wins over the Blazers and Lakers, as well as upset home wins over Boston and Denver.  Their only loss during this stretch came on the road to the Clippers last time out, which came the night after their upset win over the Lakers in OT, so they were a tired team.

The Denver Nuggets have been overvalued all season as they are 17-14 SU & 13-18 ATS.  They are just 5-6 SU & 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games overall.  Injuries have taken their toll as the Nuggets are without Harris, Millsap, Green, Dozier and Whittington.  They just can't be laying 7.5 points to this surging Wizards team tonight given their current injury situation.

Plays against home favorites of 3.5 to 9.5 points (Denver) - a tired team playing six or more games in 10 days, a marginal winning team (51% to 60%) playing a team with a losing record are 47-21 (69.1%) ATS over the last five seasons.

Denver is 4-12 ATS vs. explosive offensive teams that score 110 points per game or more this season.  The Nuggets are 7-16-1 ATS in their last 24 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.  Washington is 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings.  Bet the Wizards Thursday.

15* Big Ten PLAY OF THE DAY on Michigan State +4

The Michigan State Spartans have finally turned the corner and are making a late-season push to make the NCAA Tournament.  Tom Izzo-coached teams always get better as the season goes on, and it's finally happening for this Spartans team.

They are coming off back-to-back upset wins over Indiana 78-71 as 6.5-point road underdogs and Illinois 81-72 as 6.5-point home underdogs.  Now they find themselves catching 4 points at home to Ohio State tonight in a game they should be favored in.

This is a tough spot for Ohio State.  They are coming off a deflating 87-92 home loss to their biggest rivals in the Michigan Wolverines.  It pretty much assured that they wouldn't be winning the Big Ten this season.  They blew a late lead in that game.  I think they will have a hard time getting back up off the mat to face Michigan State tonight.  Plus, they will be without one of their better players in Kyle Young (8.7 PPG, 5.7 RPG), who is out with a concussion suffered against Michigan.

Michigan State is 15-4 SU in its last 19 home meetings with Ohio State.  The home team is 8-2 ATS in the last 10 meetings.  The Spartans are 7-0 ATS in their last seven games after going over the total in two or more consecutive games.  Michigan State is 53-23-3 ATS in its last 79 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600.  The Spartans are 12-4 ATS in their last 16 games as home underdogs.   Take Michigan State Thursday.

15* NBA Thursday Undervalued Underdog on Memphis Grizzlies +8

This is a great time to 'buy low' on the Memphis Grizzlies after losing by 31 to Phoenix and by 10 to Dallas in its last two games coming in.  But the Grizzlies just got back Brandon Clarke, Grayson Allen and Kyle Anderson from injury and recently got Justice Winslow back.  

There was going to be some rust and chemistry issues with all these players returning, but they should be less now.  The Grizzlies have had the last two days off to get some rest and get some practice in together.  Look for them to come out hitting on all cylinders tonight against the Los Angeles Clippers.

It's a great time to 'sell high' on the Clippers, who have won six of their last eight with their only losses coming to Utah and Brooklyn.  They are coming off a 19-point blowout win over the Wizards last time out.  But that was a tired Wizards team playing the 2nd of a back-to-back after an overtime win over the Lakers the night before.  Take the Grizzlies.

15* CBB Thursday Undervalued Underdog on Western Kentucky +12

This game means a lot more to Western Kentucky (15-4) than it does Houston.  The Hilltoppers could get into the NCAA Tournament with an upset win here.  They are a senior-laden team that returned all five starters and a win over No. 12 Houston would really help their cause.

"These kinds of opportunities are something that we kind of cherish a little bit," Hilltoppers coach Rick Stansbury said. "You don't get a lot of them. Sometimes you've got to back into them every once in a while.  It's very obvious if you watched them Sunday you can understand why there aren't a lot of takers to go to Houston opportunity-wise, we just felt like there is a lot more to gain than there is to lose.  As a coach, as a player, everybody else, you just want an opportunity to play against the best, and there's no doubt they are one of the best teams in the country.  It's very obviously a great challenge for us, but at the same time a great opportunity."

I think that quote says all you need to know about what this game means for the Hilltoppers as they will be more motivated for a win in this game than at any other point all season.  They've already shown they can play with some elite teams.  They only lost by 6 to West Virginia on a neutral and actually upset Alabama on the road.  That win over Alabama looks really good right about now.

The Hilltoppers are 25-8 ATS in their last 33 games as underdogs.  Western Kentucky is 10-4 ATS in its last 14 road games.  The Cougars have recent upset losses to Wichita State 63-68 and East Carolina 73-82, so they are far from invincible.  And they shouldn't be laying double-digits here against this underrated Hilltoppers squad.  Roll with Western Kentucky Thursday.

20* WCC GAME OF THE MONTH on Santa Clara +30.5

The Gonzaga Bulldogs are the No. 1 ranked team in the country.  With that ranking and their unbeaten 22-0 record comes a following from the betting public that makes them overvalued.  It's time to 'sell high' on the Bulldogs tonight.

Santa Clara (10-6) is one of the better teams in the conference and very capable of staying within this ridiculous 30.5-point spread.  Their largest loss of the entire season came by 23 points, and that was at USC.  If they can stay within 23 points of that very good USC team, you have to like their chances of covering this huge number.

Gonzaga is 1-7 ATS vs. poor shooting teams that make 42% or less this season.  The Bulldogs are 4-9-1 ATS in their last 14 games following an ATS win.  They have covered each of their last three games and are overvalued because of it.  It's time to fade them.  Bet Santa Clara Thursday.

15* ACC PLAY OF THE DAY on Miami +11.5

It's a good time to 'buy low' on the Miami Hurricanes tonight.  They have lost three straight coming in including a 60-87 loss to Georgia Tech last time out.  Now the Hurricanes are in their largest underdog role (+11.5) of the entire season tonight.

It's a great time to 'sell high' on the Florida State Seminoles.  They have won three straight and eight of their last nine coming in.  But they are just 2-2 SU in true road games this season with a 10-point loss to Clemson and an 11-point loss at Georgia Tech.  They only beat Pitt by 7 on the road and won by 13 at Louisville in their one standout road performance.

Miami is going to want revenge from a 59-81 road loss at Florida State as 11.5-point underdogs on January 27th.  The Hurricanes have gotten a lot healthier since that point and are now catching 11.5 points again at home this time around.  So there has been zero adjustment for home-court advantage and there should be at least a little.

Miami recently upset Duke 77-75 as 11-point home dogs and took Virginia Tech to OT as 5-point home dogs in two of its last three home games.  They also upset Louisville as 4.5-point home dogs.  They have played their best basketball at home this season.

The Seminoles are 5-13 ATS in their last 18 games vs. a team with a losing record.  The home team is 6-2 ATS in the last eight meetings.  Miami is 8-0 ATS in its last eight home games vs. teams who force 14 or fewer turnovers per game after 15-plus games into the season.  The Hurricanes are 34-19 ATS in their last 53 games as an underdog of 10 or more points.  Take Miami Wednesday.

20* NBA Wednesday No-Doubt Rout on Chicago Bulls -4

The Chicago Bulls have won four of their last five games coming in.  Their only loss came by 7 as 6.5-point closing road underdogs to the 76ers.  If you bet the Bulls early you won on them as they got steamed and gave the 76ers all they could handle.

I love this favorable spot for the Bulls tonight.  They had Tuesday off while the Minnesota Timberwolves had to play in Milwaukee.  Not only will this be the 2nd of a back-to-back for the Timberwolves, it will also be their 6th game in 9 days and their 3rd straight road game.

This will also be the 15th game in 25 days for the Timberwolves, who simply have to be the most tired team in the NBA right now.  Amazingly, they haven't had more than one day off in a row since January 16th and 17th.  It's no wonder they are 1-9 SU in their last 10 games overall.  They won't have anything left in the tank for the Bulls tonight, either.

Chicago is 8-2 ATS in its last 10 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.  The Timberwolves are 3-14 on the road this season and losing by nearly 10 points per game.  Chicago is 4-0 ATS in its last four games vs. a team with a losing record.  Minnesota is 3-14 ATS in its last 17 games after allowing 130 points or more last game.  The Timberwolves are 0-5 ATS in their last five games overall.  Bet the Bulls Wednesday.

20* AAC GAME OF THE WEEK on Tulane +11.5

I've been riding this Tulane train and will continue to do so Wednesday.  The Green Wave are 6-1 ATS in their last seven games overall.  They haven't lost any of those seven games by more than 8 points.

Their only non-cover came by 1.5 points in a 3-point loss to UCF as 1.5-point underdogs.  UCF couldn't miss as they went 14-of-26 from 3-point range, yet the Green Wave still managed to make a game of it and only lose by 3 points.  That's just how well they are playing right now.

Now the Green Wave take on a Memphis team that has been off since February 6th due to a COVID break.  We saw Memphis return from a similar length COVID break last time and lose outright to Tulsa.  There will be a similar rust factor involved in this return as well, and they should not be laying this big of a number to a Tulane team playing their best basketball of the season.  It's also worth noting Tulane only lost by 6 to Memphis at home in their first meeting this season and will want some revenge.

Memphis spent 10 of the days doing zero team activities and conditioning.  Penny Hardaway noted how out of shape his players were when they returned to practice finally.  And I think the Tigers are just getting too much respect right now after going 6-1 SU & 6-1 ATS in their last seven games overall.  They won't return the same team they were prior to this COVID pause.

Tulane is 7-0 ATS in in its last seven games as a road underdog of 6.5 to 12 points.  The Green Wave are 5-0 ATS in their last five road games.  Tulane is 6-0 ATS in its last six games after scoring 80 points or more last game.  The Green Wave are 8-0 ATS in their last eight road games after playing three consecutive games as underdogs.  These four trends combine for a perfect 26-0 system backing the Green Wave.  Take Tulane Wednesday.

15* NBA Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on Indiana Pacers -2

This is a terrible spot for the Golden State Warriors.  They will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back after winning a hard-fought game in New York last night.  It will also be the 4th road game in 6 day for the Warriors.

Meanwhile, the Pacers have gotten a nice break and it has had nothing to due with COVID.  It was simply the weather in Texas.  All teams would kill for a break right now like the one the Pacers just got.  I think they come back re-energized and they needed the break being short-handed with TJ Warren and Caris LeVert both remaining out and after trading away Victor Oladipo.

The Warriors are 5-17-1 ATS in their last 23 games playing on zero rest.  Indiana is 13-5 ATS in its last 18 meetings with Golden State.  The Pacers are 5-1 SU in the last six meetings.  Indiana is 3-1 SU & 3-1 ATS in its last four games overall and averaging 120.5 points per game.

Plays on home favorites (Indiana) - after a game where they covered the spread, in a game involving two marginal winning teams (51% to 60%) are 74-36 (67.3%) ATS over the last five seasons.  Roll with the Pacers Wednesday.

15* CBB Wednesday Undervalued Underdog on Temple +5.5

The Temple Owls will be out for revenge from a 76-83 home loss to South Florida on Sunday.  Now the Owls get their shot at revenge and come back as 5.5-point underdogs after being just 2-point dogs in their first meeting.  This is too big of an adjustment.

Temple committed 17 turnovers compared to just 7 for South Florida in the first meeting, which was the difference.  They won't be so sloppy with the ball as the Bulls rarely force turnovers at this kind of rate.  In fact, the 17 turnovers were the most they forced in any game all season.  And Temple had 14 or fewer turnovers in nine of their previous 11 games, so they do a pretty good job of holding onto it.

Temple is 31-15 ATS in its last 46 road games off a home loss.  The Owls are 4-1 ATS in their last five road games.  The road team is a perfect 7-0 ATS in the last seven meetings.  The Bulls are 1-6 ATS in their last seven home games.  Bet Temple Wednesday.

15* SEC PLAY OF THE DAY on Missouri -3

The Missouri Tigers want revenge from one of their worst losses of the season just two weeks ago.  They lost 59-80 at Ole Miss on February 10th.  The Tigers now come back as only 3-point home favorites in the rematch, and I look for them to get their revenge and cover this short number.

Missouri is 8-2 at home this season with wins over the likes of Alabama and Illinois.  Ole Miss is 4-5 on the road this season and coming off a poor 56-66 home loss to Mississippi State.  They had won four straight prior to that defeat, which I think has them overvalued.  

Plus the fact that they already beat Missouri by 21 has them overvalued as well.  Missouri is undervalued after losing three of its last four, but it ended a three-game skid with a 15-point win at South Carolina last time out.

Ole Miss is 1-9 ATS in its last 10 road games after winning two of its last three games coming in.  The Rebels are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 road games.  Ole Miss is 2-8 ATS in its last 10 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.  The favorite is 5-0 ATS in the last five meetings.  The home team is 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings.  Take Missouri Tuesday.

20* Big 12 GAME OF THE WEEK on Iowa State +23

Baylor makes its long-awaited return from a three-week COVID break as they have been off since February 2nd.  There will be some rust involved, and they have no business laying 23 points to Iowa State in their first game back from the break.

The Cyclones have showed some fight and will continue to battle to try and earn that first Big 12 victory.  That's especially the case playing the No. 2 team in the country here in Baylor.  And the Cyclones have quietly posted a winning ATS record (7-6) in Big 12 play this season.

Their recent efforts including a 4-point loss to WVU as 11.5-point dogs, a 7-point loss to Oklahoma as 14-point dogs, a 3-point loss to TCU as 4.5-point dogs and a 10-point loss to Oklahoma as 11.5-point dogs.  They have lost just one of their last seven games by more than 18 points.

Iowa State already showed they could hang with Baylor in their 65-76 loss as 15.5-point home underdogs in their first meeting this season.  Now they are 23-point dogs in the rematch, a 7.5-point adjustment that has no basis, especially with the awful spot for Baylor coming back from a COVID break.

The Cyclones are 4-1 ATS in their last five road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.  Iowa state is 10-2 ATS in its last 12 games after failing to cover three of its last four ATS coming in.  The Cyclones are 61-38 ATS in their last 99 games when revenging a same-season loss.  Bet Iowa State Tuesday.

25* NBA Non-Conference GAME OF THE YEAR on Sacramento Kings +7

This is one of my favorite situations of the entire season.  This is a game the Kings will likely win outright due to the situation, and we'll take the points for some added insurance.  This should be one of your largest wagers of the season in the NBA because of it.

It's a great time to 'sell high' on the Nets after going 6-0 SU & 6-0 ATS in their last six games overall.  Their last two wins came against the Lakers and Clippers, so it's automatically a letdown spot.  And they return home from a five-game road trip.  I always like fading teams in their first game back home following a long road trip because there are so many distractions they have to deal with.

It's a great time to 'buy low' on the Kings, who are 0-7 SU & 0-7 ATS in their last seven games overall.  So we are getting max value on the Kings now, and the Nets are overvalued after covering six straight.  Plus, the Kings will be the more motivated team as they want revenge form a 125-136 home loss to the Nets on February 15th just over a week ago.

I just see the Nets relaxing here and not showing up at all after feeling a huge sense of accomplishment sweeping that five-game road trip.  Especially since they already beat the Kings once on that trip.  The Nets are still without Kevin Durant and could be without both Green and Luwawu-Cabarrot, who are both listed as questionable.

Sacramento is 23-9 ATS in its last 32 games as a road underdog.  Brooklyn is 2-7 ATS in its last nine games as a home favorite.  Bet the Kings Tuesday.

15* Big Ten PLAY OF THE DAY on Michigan State +7

The Michigan State Spartans won't be packing it in any time soon under Tom Izzo.  They still have a shot to make the tournament.  And their 78-71 upset win as 6.5-point dogs at Indiana last time out helped.  Now a signature win over a Top 5 Illinois team would go a long way to helping their cause tonight.

We've seen the Illini be vulnerable in two of their last three games against Big Ten bottom feeders.  They needed overtime to beat Nebraska 77-72 as 14-point favorites.  They also struggled to put away Northwestern at home in a 73-66 win as 13-point favorites.

Illinois hasn't won any of its last 14 meetings with Michigan State by more than 7 points.  That makes for a 14-0 system backing the Spartans pertaining to this 7-point spread tonight.  The home team is 4-0 ATS in the last four meetings.  Michigan State is 52-23-3 ATS in its last 78 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600.  The Spartans are 11-4 ATS in their last 15 games as home underdogs.  Roll with Michigan State Tuesday.

20* CBB Tuesday No-Doubt Rout on Saint Louis -3

It's a good time to 'buy low' on Saint Louis off their worst loss of the season a 53-76 loss at Dayton as 6-point favorites.  They had been rolling with four straight victories by a combined 69 points prior to that setback.  They shot just 27.1% from the field against Dayton, and that's not going to happen again here.

Look for Saint Louis to get back on track against VCU here Tuesday.  They face a Rams team coming off an upset loss 76-79 as 9-point favorites against George Mason.  And the news gets worse as they lost their best player in Nah-Shon Hyland (19.2 PPG) to a foot injury late in that game.  They won't have his services tonight, and it's a huge loss for the Rams that isn't being factored into this line enough.

The Billikens are 5-0 ATS in their last five games following a loss by more than 20 points.  VCU is 0-6 ATS vs. top-caliber teams that outscore their opponents by 12-plus points per game over the last two seasons.  The Rams are 0-4 ATS in their last four home games vs. a team with a losing road record.  VCU is 11-28 ATS in its last 39 games as an underdog, including 3-11 ATS in its last 14 games as a home underdog.  Take Saint Louis Tuesday.

15* Wizards/Lakers NBA TV Late-Night BAILOUT on Washington +7

The Los Angeles Lakers are in a world of hurt right now without Anthony Davis and Dennis Schroeder.  They are just a mediocre team without these two, yet they keep getting priced like the defending champs that won the NBA Finals.  It's a great time to fade the Lakers right now.

The Lakers are just 1-3 SU in their last four games overall with a 17-point loss to Denver, an 11-point loss to Brooklyn and an upset loss to Miami.  Their only win they needed a big finish to pull away from the Timberwolves by 8, and the Timberwolves are one of the worst teams in the NBA.  The Lakers are just 4-10 ATS in their last 14 games overall.

It's a great time to 'buy low' on the Wizards, who have been grossly undervalued for over a week now and continue to be here.  The Wizards are 4-0 SU & 4-0 ATS in their last four games overall with upset wins over the Celtics, Nuggets and Blazers.  They also beat the Rockets by 12 as short favorites.  And they can certainly hang with this version of the Lakers and possibly pull off yet another upset tonight.  

They are rested playing just their 2nd game in 5 days, while the Lakers haven't had more than one day off in a row since the beginning of February.  The Wizards are 10-2 ATS in their last 12 Monday games.  The Lakers are 1-5 ATS in their last six home games.  Los Angeles is 0-7 ATS in its last seven home games vs. teams that are outscored by 3-plus points per game on the season.  Roll with the Wizards Monday.

20* NBA DOG OF THE WEEK on Charlotte Hornets +12.5

The Utah Jazz are now overvalued after going 20-2 SU & 19-3 ATS in their last 22 games overall.  Consider that this is only the 2nd time all season that they have been a favorite of 12.5 points or more tonight.  The last time they failed to cover as 12.5-point favorites against the Pistons.

The Hornets have been great in the underdog role all season.  And they will want revenge from a 138-121 home loss to the Jazz on February 5th earlier this month.  They are rested and ready to go playing just their 2nd game in 8 days here tonight.  And they have gotten a lot healthier due to this break with both Gordon Hayward and PJ Washington back in the lineup now.

This is the ideal letdown spot for the Jazz.  They already beat the Hornets earlier this month.  And they are coming off six straight games against many of the top teams in the NBA in the Celtics, Bucks, Heat, 76ers and Clippers (twice).  They won't be very motivated to face the Hornets tonight.

Plays on underdogs of 10 or more points (Charlotte) - off a home win, a well rested team playing 4 or less games in 10 days are 26-6 (81.2%) ATS over the last five seasons.  Charlotte is 20-8-2 ATS in its last 30 games as an underdog.  Utah is 5-15-2 ATS in its last 22 games following a loss.  Bet the Hornets Monday.

15* CBB Monday No-Doubt Rout on Southern Illinois -1.5

Southern Illinois will be out for revenge from a tough 65-66 home loss as 2-point favorites against Valparaiso yesterday.  Now the Salukis come back as 1.5-point favorites in the rematch.  I think they get their revenge with a win and cover today.

Southern Illinois has been great at getting revenge in these situations recently.  In fact, they are 3-0 SU & 3-0 ATS in their last three tries in this situation after losing the first game of these double-headers.  After losing 62-74 to UNI, they won 71-68 on the rematch.  After losing 66-74 at Bradley, they won 69-68 in the rematch.  And after losing 55-80 to Illinois State, they won 59-49 in the rematch.

The last time Valpo won the first game of the double-head, they lost the second game.  They won 70-57 at UNI before losing 60-74 in the rematch.  And I think we see more of the same here from these two teams with the Salukis getting the job done in the rematch and the Crusaders letting up and faltering.

The Salukis are 19-6-1 ATS in their last 26 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.  The home team is 4-1-1 ATS in the last six meetings.  The Crusaders are 2-5 ATS in their last seven road games.  Valparaiso is 4-13 ATS in its last 17 games off an upset win as an underdog.  Take Southern Illinois Monday.

20* MVC GAME OF THE WEEK on Evansville +11.5

Evansville lost 71-85 at Drake yesterday.  Now the Purple Aces come back as 11.5-point underdogs in the rematch today.  They will be the more motivated team, and there's several reasons to believe they will improve off that effort.

For starters, Drake shot 65.4% as a team and 11-of-21 (52.4%) from 3-point range.  They had a player come off the bench and score 32 points on 12-of-14 shooting and 5-of-7 from 3-point range.  Evansville only made 5-of-21 (23.8%) from 3-point range.  None of those things are likely to happen again, and it's actually impressive they only lost by 14 with all of those factors.

Evansville just doesn't get blown out very often.  That 14-point loss was their third-largest defeat all season.  The other two came to Bradley and Louisville.  They stayed within 13 of Loyola-Chicago in both their meetings.  And I think they improve upon yesterday's effort and take Drake to the wire today.  

Especially with Drake beating without leading scorer Hemphill (14.1 PPG) and with second-leading scorer Penn (11.2 PPG) questionable.  They are short-handed right now and will struggle in this back-to-back situation.

Plays on road underdogs or PK (Evansville) - in a game involving two good free throw shooting teams (69-73%), after two straight games allowing a shooting percentage of 55% or higher are 33-13 (71.7%) ATS since 1997.  Bet Evansville Monday.

15* Nets/Clippers ESPN ANNIHILATOR on Los Angeles -5.5

The Los Angeles Clippers just got Kawhi Leonard and Paul George back in the lineup.  To no surprise, they ended Utah's incredible run with a 116-112 victory on Friday.  And now they are going to put an abrupt halt to Brooklyn's five-game winning streak.

The Nets are overvalued due to this streak that has also seen them cover five in a row.  Amazingly, they have done most of it without Kevin Durant, who is out with an injury.  But they aren't good enough to hang with a team the caliber of the Clippers without Durant.

This will be the 5th straight road game for the Nets, who have probably spent the last couple days partying in Los Angeles after upsetting the Lakers last time out.  But the Lakers were without Anthony Davis and Dennis Shroeder for that game.  Their task gets much tougher here against the Clippers, who are fully healthy for basically the first time all season.

The Clippers also want revenge from a 120-124 road loss at Brooklyn on February 2nd.  Durant scored 28 points on 11-of-13 shooting in that contest.  Plays on favorites (LA Clippers) - revenging a loss where opponent scored 100 points or more against a team that's off two or more consecutive wins as road underdogs are 54-25 (68.4%) ATS since 1996.  Take the Clippers Sunday.

15* CBB Sunday Undervalued Underdog on Penn State +11.5

It's time to 'sell high' on the Iowa Hawkeyes after going 3-0 SU & 3-0 ATS in their last three games overall.  They had gone 1-4 SU & 0-5 ATS in their previous five games prior to this streak.  The only difference is that they have shot it much better and their opponents have not.

It's also time to 'buy low' on Penn State after going 0-3 SU & 1-2 ATS in their last three games overall.  Two of those losses came by a combined 3 points and the other was a 10-point loss to Ohio State, which is playing as well as anyone in the Big Ten right now.

Penn State has been better than its 7-11 record would indicate.  Eight of the 11 losses have come by 10 points or less.  And I think they have a great chance to stay within this 11.5-point spread of the Hawkeyes, who just don't play enough defense to put teams away consistently.

Penn State is 3-2 SU in its last five meetings with Iowa.  The Hawkeyes haven't beaten the Nittany Lions by more than 11 points in any of their last seven meetings, making for a perfect 7-0 system backing Penn State pertaining to this 11.5-point spread.  The Nittany Lions are 15-7-1 ATS in their last 23 games as road underdogs.  Roll with Penn State Sunday.

20* Michigan/Ohio State Big Ten No-Brainer on Ohio State +2

The Ohio State Buckeyes should not be home underdogs to the Michigan Wolverines today.  The Buckeyes are 10-1 SU & 9-2 ATS in their last 11 games overall with their only loss coming by 2 points.  That includes road wins over Illinois, Rutgers, Wisconsin, Iowa, Maryland and Penn State during this stretch.

Michigan struggled to beat Wisconsin and Rutgers in its two games since returning from a three-week break due to COVID.  I think there's still some rust here with the Wolverines, and they won't be able to beat an Ohio State team that is playing better than anyone else in the Big Ten right now.  Yet the Buckeyes continue to lack the respect they deserve from oddsmakers.

Ohio State is 16-2 SU in its last 18 home meetings with Michigan.  That includes a 77-63 win last year.  The Buckeyes are 21-8 ATS in their last 29 home games.  The home team is 8-2 ATS in the last 10 meetings.  Bet Ohio State Sunday.

20* NBA Saturday Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on Charlotte Hornets +2

The Charlotte Hornets have a huge rest and preparation advantage in this game over the Golden State Warriors and should not be underdogs because of it.  Those advantages will lead them to an outright victory here at home Saturday night.

The Hornets have been off since February 14th due to COVID.  So they have had five days to get ready for this game and are expected to have Gordon Hayward and P.J. Washington back in the lineup from injuries.  I expect the Hornets to come back rejuvenated following this nice break.

This is an awful spot for the Warriors.  They will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back after a shootout 120-124 loss in Orlando last night.  It will now be the 8th game in 15 days for the Warriors, who haven't had two days off in a row in all of February.  They are also still without Wiseman and Looney, so they don't have much depth.

The Warriors are 5-16-1 ATS in their last 22 games playing on zero days' rest.  The Hornets are 19-8-2 ATS in their last 19 games as underdogs.  Charlotte is 11-4-1 ATS in its last 16 games as home underdogs.  Bet the Hornets Saturday.

15* CBB Saturday Undervalued Underdog on San Diego +32.5

The lack of action due to COVID and the 3-7 SU record has the San Diego Toreros undervalued right now.  That has been evident in their most recent games as the Toreros are 4-0 ATS in their last four games overall.

They returned from a three-week layoff and upset Santa Clara 71-60 as 6.5-point road underdogs on Thursday.  So the layoff clearly didn't affect them, and they are obviously excited to be back in action.

Now the Toreros will take another shot at Gonzaga after losing 62-90 to the Bulldogs but covering the 29.5-point spread on January 28th in their first meeting.  Now the Toreros are catching 32.5 points in the rematch, which is too much.  Gonzaga won't be motivated enough to cover this huge number against a team they already beat by 28.

The Toreros are 4-0 ATS in their last four road games.  San Diego is 32-14 ATS in its last 46 games when revenging a home loss by 10 points or more.  The Toreros are 44-22 ATS in their last 64 road games when revenging a loss by 10 points or more.  Gonzaga is 0-7 ATS vs. poor shooting teams that make 42% or less of their shots this season.  The Bulldogs are 0-5 ATS in their last five games vs. a team with a losing record.  Roll with San Diego Saturday.

20* Big 12 GAME OF THE WEEK on Iowa State +12

The Iowa State Cyclones are 0-12 in Big 12 play this season.  They will keep fighting to try and get that first conference win until they get it, and then they might pack it in.  But until then they want to erase that zero, and they have been playing like it.

They have been pretty competitive as they are 6-6 ATS in Big 12 play.  And one of those covers came in a 72-79 loss at Oklahoma as 14-point dogs.  Now the Cyclones come back as 12-point home dogs in the rematch and I think they can stay within the number again.

It's definitely a great time to 'buy low' on the winless Cyclones and 'sell high' on the Sooners, who have gone 7-1 SU & 7-1 ATS in their last eight games overall.  But their last five wins have all come by 7 points or fewer, so it's not like they are blowing teams out.

Iowa State is 12-3 SU & 11-4 ATS in its last 15 home meetings with Oklahoma.  The Sooners are 6-17-1 ATS in their last 24 games as road favorites.  The home team is 7-1 ATS in the last eight meetings.

Plays against favorites of 10 to 19.5 points (Oklahoma) - after going over the total by more than 24 points in their last game, a good team (60% to 80%) playing a terrible team (20% or less) are 39-11 (78%) ATS since 1997.  Take Iowa State Saturday.

25* Atlantic 10 GAME OF THE YEAR on George Mason +10.5

It's time to 'sell high' on VCU off six straight victories.  They won four straight games against the class of the Atlantic 10 in Rhode Island, Dayton, St. Bonaventure and Richmond.  And now they have a game on deck at Saint Louis in three days.  That makes this the ultimate sandwich spot for them, and an ideal letdown spot to take the double-digit points with George Mason.

Plus, VCU already beat George Mason 66-61 on the road as 5.5-point favorites on January 6th in their first meeting this season.  So the Rams won't be all that motivated to beat them again.  And we've seen a 5-point line adjustment for flipping home courts, which just goes to show how overvalued VCU is right now.

George Mason comes in playing well having gone 4-3 SU in its last seven games overall.  That includes their 32-point win over Fordham last time out on February 10th.  Now the Patriots have had nine days to get ready for this rematch with VCU.  The Rams only have two days to get ready for this game after beating Richmond on Wednesday.

George Mason is 16-5 ATS in its last 21 road games when playing with 7 or more days' rest.  The Rams are 1-4 ATS in their last five games as home favorites.  VCU has only one win by more than 12 points in its last 10 games, so it's not like they are blowing teams out on the regular.

Plays on road underdogs of 10 to 19.5 points (George Mason) - off a blowout conference win by 20 points or more against an opponent that's off two straight conference wins are 65-36 (64.4%) ATS since 1997.  Bet Georgia Mason Saturday.

20* Colorado/Oregon ESPN 2 Late-Night BAILOUT on Oregon -3

The Oregon Ducks are now finding their rhythm following a couple COVID pauses.  They only played one game in four weeks from January 10th through February 3rd.  But now they have played four games since returning from their latest break.

After getting upset by Washington State, the Ducks have gone 3-0 SU & 2-1 ATS since with their only non-cover coming in a 12-point win over Washington as 12.5-point favorites.  They then went on the road and beat Arizona State 75-64 as a 2-point favorite and Arizona 63-61 as a 1.5-point dog.   Now they want revenge from a 72-79 road loss at Colorado in their first meeting this season.

I like their chances of getting that revenge considering Oregon is 7-1 SU & 7-1 ATS in its last eight home meetings with Colorado.  The Buffaloes are coming off a bad 62-71 road loss at California as a 9-point favorite, and they have been awful on the road throughout the years.

Indeed, the Buffaloes are 17-43 ATS in their last 60 road games.  Colorado is 13-39 ATS in its last 52 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.  The home team is a ridiculous 14-2 ATS in the last 16 meetings.  The favorite is 11-1 ATS in the last 12 meetings.  The Ducks are 24-9 ATS in their last 33 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.  Take Oregon Thursday.

15* Raptors/Bucks TNT ANNIHILATOR on Milwaukee -6.5

It's safe to say the Milwaukee Bucks will be highly motivated for a victory tonight.  They are riding a season-high four-game losing streak coming in.  And their last loss came to Toronto, the team they will be facing tonight, so they will also be motivated for revenge.  Look for the Bucks to put their best foot forward tonight to get the win and cover because of it.

The Bucks are 9-3 SU & 7-5 ATS at home this season and winning by 11.5 points per game.  Milwaukee is 15-3 ATS in its last 18 games off an upset loss by 10 points or more as a favorite.  The Raptors are 4-10 ATS in their last 14 games following an ATS win.  Bet the Bucks Thursday.

20* Iowa/Wisconsin Big Ten No-Brainer on Wisconsin PK

Wisconsin is coming off a bad 59-67 home loss to Michigan in which they blew a double-digit first half lead.  It's now a great time to 'buy low' on the Badgers, who have been a very resilient team all season.  Indeed, Wisconsin is a perfect 6-0 SU in its six games following a loss this season.  They haven't lost two in a row all year.

It's also a great time to 'sell high' on Iowa coming off its best performance of the season in a 30-point win over Michigan State.  That followed up a 13-point win over Rutgers.  Now the Hawkeyes are overvalued here as this line is a pick 'em on the road at Wisconsin.  Keep in mind Iowa had gone 1-4 SU & 0-5 ATS in its previous five games prior to beating Michigan State and Rutgers.

Wisconsin is 27-11 SU in its last 38 meetings with Iowa, including 13-3 SU in its last 16 home meetings.  Iowa is 4-14 ATS in its last 18 road games after two straight games where they made 10 or more 3-pointers.  The Badgers are 9-1 ATS in their last 10 games off a conference loss.  The Badgers are 10-1-2 ATS in their last 13 games following a loss overall.  Bet Wisconsin Thursday.

15* CBB Wednesday Undervalued Underdog on Southern Illinois +6

It's a great time to 'sell high' on Missouri State.  The Bears are 5-0 SU & 4-0-1 ATS in their last five games overall.  Two of those wins came against a Bradley team that was missing four of its best players due to suspension.  Two of those wins came against Illinois State, the worst team in the MVC.

And the other win came 65-53 at home over this same Southern Illinois team on February 10th.  Now the Salukis will be the team out for revenge exactly one week later.  And Southern Illinois gets them at home this time around.  They've barely adjusted the line for home-court advantage as Missouri State was a 6.5-point home favorite and now they are a 6-point road favorite.

Southern Illinois is 7-3 SU at home this season.  The Salukis have been great in these revenge spots, too.  They lost to Illinois State by 25 and came back and beat them by 10 in the rematch.  They lost to Northern Iowa by 12 and came back and beat them by 3 in the rematch.  And they lost by 8 at Bradley and came back and beat them by 1 in the rematch in the last three such situations.

Southern Illinois is 17-3 SU in its last 20 home meetings with Missouri State.  The Salukis are 10-1 ATS in their last 11 home games after playing a home game.  Southern Illinois is 6-0 ATS in its last six home games off a win by 10 points or more.  The Salukis are 15-7 ATS in their last 22 home games overall.  Take Southern Illinois Wednesday.

20* NBA Wednesday No-Doubt Rout on New Orleans Pelicans -3

Both the New Orleans Pelicans and Portland Trail Blazers will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back after wins last night.  But the situation is a much more favorable one for the Pelicans given the circumstances, and thus they should have no problem covering this 3-point spread at home.

It's a good 'buy low' time for the Pelicans as they had lost three straight road games prior to beating Memphis 144-113 on the road last night.  That blowout win allowed the Pelicans to rest their starters in the 4th quarter and no one player played more than 31 minutes for them.  They are a fully healthy, deep team that can handle these back-to-back situations better than most.

It's a good 'sell high' opportunity on the Blazers.  They have gone 5-0 SU & 5-0 ATS in their last five games overall against a weak schedule.  But all these injuries are going to catch up with them eventually, and I expect that to be tonight.  The Blazers will be without CJ McCollum, Jusuf Nurkic and Harry Giles and could be without Rodney Hood again.

This is an awful situation for the Blazers, who will not only be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back, but also their 3rd straight road game and their 5th game in 7 days.  All five starters played more than 30 minutes last night for the Blazers as they were in a war with the Thunder, needing a late surge to pull away for a 115-104 victory.  They clearly won't have much left in the tank tonight.

The Pelicans are 3-0 SU & 3-0 ATS in their last three home games with wins over Phoenix, Memphis and Houston by a combined 60 points, or by an average of 20 points per game.  New Orleans is 4-0 SU & 4-0 ATS in its last four meetings with Portland, winning those four games by an average of 13.3 points per game.  The Pelicans are 9-4 ATS in their last 13 games playing on zero rest.  Bet the Pelicans Wednesday.

20* MVC GAME OF THE WEEK on Valparaiso +20.5

Valparaiso's 8-14 record has them undervalued right now.  They were an awful team in the first half of the season.  But they have been way more competitive of late.  The Crusaders are 5-5 SU & 6-4 ATS in their last 10 games overall.  They beat Drake outright by 17 as 13-point dogs and also lost to Drake in OT as 12.5-point dogs.  If they can hang with Drake, they can certainly hang with Loyola-Chicago.

I've been fading the Ramblers with a lot of success lately.  They were overvalued after a stretch in which they went 11-1 SU & 10-1-1 ATS to open conference play.  They have since gone just 1-3 ATS in their last four games overall.  I faded them in both matchups with Evansville as they were 18 and 18.5-point favorites in those two games and failed to cover either.  Valpo is on Evansville's level and should not be catching 20.5 points.

Loyola-Chicago is coming off its two biggest games of the season in a double-header with Drake, their only contender to win the Missouri Valley.  I think this is now a flat spot for the Ramblers after splitting those two games with Drake.  And consider that Valpo was an 11-point underdog in its first meeting with Loyola-Chicago this season.  Now the Crusaders as 20.5-point dogs in the rematch, a 9.5-point adjustment which is simply too much.

The road team is 13-3-1 ATS in the last 17 meetings.  Valparaiso is 42-15 ATS in its last 57 games off a road loss by 10 points or more.  The Crusaders are 29-15 ATS in their last 44 games when revenging a home loss.  Valparaiso is 7-0 ATS in its last seven games after playing its last two games on the road.  Bet Valparaiso Wednesday.

15* CBB Wednesday No-Doubt Rout on UCF -2.5

The UCF Knights are 2-2 SU but 3-1 ATS in their last four games overall.  Their two losses both came by a single point in games that they covered.  They lost 60-61 to Wichita State, which might be the second-best team in the AAC behind Houston.  They also lost 68-69 at Cincinnati.

The Knights upset Tulsa 65-58 as 5-point road underdogs.  They also barely failed to cover in a 4-point win over Tulane as 4.5-point home favorites.  And now UCF wants revenge from a 61-68 road loss at South Florida back on January 2nd.

The Bulls had to take a month off due to COVID and have come back rusty.  They have played two games since the month layoff.  They lost by 17 at home to Houston.  Then they were upset by Tulane as 5-point home favorites.  That gives these teams in recent common opponent in Tulane in which UCF just beat.

The home team is 5-1 SU in the last six meetings.  The home team is also 7-2 ATS in the last nine meetings.  UCF is 12-3 ATS in its last 15 games when playing its 3rd game in 7 days.  The Bulls are 0-5 ATS in their last five games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.  Take UCF Wednesday.

15* Big Ten PLAY OF THE DAY on Nebraska +11

Nebraska was in a clear letdown spot yesterday after ending a long losing streak in Big Ten play with a 62-61 win at Penn State as 11-point underdogs.  That followed up a 72-77 (OT) home loss to Illinois as 14-point dogs.

So the Huskers were playing their best basketball of the season coming into that game against Maryland yesterday.  They promptly fell flat and lost 50-64 as 10.5-point dogs.  Now they come back as 11-point dogs in the rematch and should be much more focused and motivated for revenge.

The Terrapins are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games following an ATS win.  Maryland is 2-7 ATS in its last nine home games.  The Terrapins are 3-12-1 ATS in their last 16 games vs. a team with a losing record.  The underdog is 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings.  Maryland is 0-6 ATS after a combined score of 125 points or less this season.  Roll with Nebraska Wednesday.

20* NBA Non-Conference GAME OF THE MONTH on Boston Celtics -2.5

This is a great spot to 'buy low' on the Boston Celtics.  They have gone just 1-4 SU & 1-4 ATS in their last five games overall with upset losses to the Pistons and Wizards.  I have no doubt we will get a huge effort out of the Celtics tonight as they get back on track.

It's also the perfect spot to 'sell high' on the Nuggets, who have won three straight coming in, including their upset home win over the Lakers on Sunday.  But Anthony Davis got hurt in that game and the Lakers weren't the same after.  That makes this a letdown spot for the Nuggets tonight off that win over the defending champs.

The injury situation really favors the Celtics here.  While they are basically fully healthy with the exception of Marcus Smart, the Nuggets will be without several key players tonight.  Denver will be without Will Barton, Paul Millsap, Gary Harris, Greg Whittington and PJ Dozier.  They could also be without Monte Morris, who is questionable.

Denver is 8-23 ATS in its last 31 road games after a win by 10 points or more.  Boston is 12-3 ATS in its last 15 games after failing to cover three of its last four coming in.  The Nuggets are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games following a win by more than 10 points.  The Celtics are 6-2 ATS in their last eight home games.  Bet the Celtics Tuesday.

15* CBB Tuesday PLAY OF THE DAY on Michigan State +6

It's a great time to 'buy low' on the Michigan State Spartans tonight.  They have gone just 2-5 SU & 1-6 ATS in their last seven games overall.  We are getting the Spartans at the bottom of the barrel tonight in terms of line value because of it.

Michigan State will be motivated following a 30-point loss to Iowa.  They will also be motivated for revenge from a 54-55 home loss to Purdue as 6-point home favorites on January 8th.  They blew a 31-16 halftime lead in that game, and they have not forgotten.

Now the Spartans come back as 6-point underdogs in the rematch.  That's a full 12-point adjustment and it's simply too much.  That adjustment alone should show you that there's clearly value on the Spartans tonight in the rematch as you almost never see that big of an adjustment in a head-to-head series.  Especially when home-court advantage isn't worth that much this year.

Michigan State is 6-2 ATS in its last eight games as an underdog.  Purdue is 2-5-1 ATS in its last eight home games.  The Boilermakers are 1-5-2 ATS in their last eight games following an ATS loss.  Roll with Michigan State Tuesday.

20* Washington/Washington State Pac-12 No-Brainer on Washington +8

It's a great time to 'buy low' on Washington off five straight losses.  But the Huskies haven't quit on their season as they only lost 61-64 to UCLA as 9.5-point underdogs over the weekend.  And they'll certainly get up for their biggest rivals in Washington State tonight.

That's especially the case with the Huskies wanting revenge from a 62-77 home loss to Washington State as 1.5-point favorites on January 31st.  Now the Huskies come back as 8-point road dogs just two weeks later, which is a 9.5-point adjustment in the line.  There's clearly value in the Huskies in the rematch.

I can see Washington State taking Washington lightly after already beating them by 15.  And it's kind of a flat spot for them anyway after two straight games against ranked opponents in UCLA and USC.  Plus, their best player in Isaac Bonton (18.4 PPG) suffered an ankle injury against USC over the weekend, and even though he is expected to play tonight he won't be 100%.

The Huskies are 5-2 ATS in their last seven games as underdogs.  The underdog is 4-0 ATS in the last four meetings.  Roll with Washington Monday.

15* CBB Sunday Undervalued Underdog on Tulane +5

Tulane continues to battle for head coach Ron Hunter.  The Green Wave are a perfect 5-0 ATS in their last five games overall.  They have pulled road upsets over Tulsa and Temple as 7.5 and 8-point dogs, respectively.  And their three losses were all close with a 3-point home loss to Cincinnati, a 4-point road loss at UCF and an 8-point road loss at Wichita State.

Now the Green Wave are catching 5 points here Sunday against a South Florida team that has been hit hard by COVID.  The Bulls returned from a month off an lost 65-82 at home to Houston.  Now the Bulls will still be rusty here in just their 2nd game back.  They have no business being a 5-point favorite over an active Tulane team that is playing its best basketball of the season.

South Florida is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 home games.  The road team is 8-3 ATS in the last 11 meetings.  Tulane is 7-0 ATS in its last seven road games after playing three consecutive games as an underdog.  South Florida is 0-7 ATS in its last seven home games vs. poor 3-point shooting teams that make 31% or less.  Take Tulane Sunday.

20* Michigan/Wisconsin Big Ten No-Brainer on Wisconsin +1

The Michigan Wolverines will be returning from a COVID pause that has lasted over three weeks.  They will be rusty in their first game back here against Wisconsin.  So I'll gladly fade them here.

Wisconsin wants revenge from a 54-77 road loss at Michigan in their first meeting this season.  The Wolverines were only 2.5-point favorites in that game, and now they are 1-point road favorites in the rematch.  The books have not adjusted enough for the rust factor and the flip of venues.

Wisconsin is 11-2 SU at home this season.  The Badgers are 14-4 SU in their last 18 home meetings with Michigan.  The underdog is 16-6 ATS in the last 22 meetings.  The Badgers are 6-0 ATS in their last six home games vs. teams that score 77-plus points per game.  Bet Wisconsin Sunday.

15* Pac-12 PLAY OF THE DAY on Washington State +8

The Washington State Cougars have been one of the most underrated teams in the Pac-12 all season.  That is especially the case of late as they are 4-0-1 ATS in their last five games overall.  That includes an upset home win over UCLA by 8, an upset road win at Oregon by 3 and an upset road win at Washington by 15.

Now the Cougars will relish the opportunity to try and upset a Top 25 opponent here in USC.  It's a great time to 'sell high' on the Trojans, who are 4-0 ATS in their last four games overall coming in.  Now they are getting too much respect from oddsmakers due to their ranking and this run.

Washington State wants revenge from a 77-85 road loss at USC on January 16th in thier first meeting this season.  So they've already proven they can play with the Trojans on the road losing by just 8 points, and now they get them at home in the rematch and are catching 8 points.

The Cougars are 4-0-1 ATS in their last five games as underdogs.  Washington State is 4-1 ATS in its last five games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.  Bet Washington State Saturday.

20* MVC GAME OF THE WEEK on Valparaiso +7

The Valparaiso Crusaders are playing their best basketball of the season right now in going 4-4 SU & 5-3 ATS in their last eight games overall.  That includes upset wins over Drake and Bradley, as well as an OT loss to Drake.

Understandably, after handing Drake its first loss of the season, the Crusaders had a big letdown in their next game with a 52-76 loss to Bradley.  The Braves also wanted that game more as they were looking for revenge from an earlier loss to the Crusaders.  But now is a great time to 'buy low' on Valparaiso off that blowout defeat.

Northern Iowa has no business being a 7-point favorite in this game.  The Panthers have been overvalued all season as they are just 6-13 SU & 3-13-1 ATS on the year.  They have lost three of their last four coming in with their lone victory coming by 3 points over Indiana State.  They just lost by 21 to Drake, the same team that Valparaiso beat once and took to OT the other meeting recently.

Valparaiso is 9-1 ATS in its last 10 games off two or more consecutive unders.  Northern Iowa is 0-6 ATS when playing its 3rd game in 7 days this season.  The Crusaders are 12-4 ATS in their last 16 games when playing their 3rd game in 7 days.  Valparaiso is 9-1 ATS in its last 10 games following a loss by more than 20 points.  The Panthers are 0-8 ATS in their last eight games following a loss by more than 20 points.  Take Valparaiso Saturday.

20* Iowa/Michigan State Big Ten No-Brainer on Michigan State +5

The Michigan State Spartans are coming out the other side of the COVID problems that set them back.  After three straight road losses, the Spartans have won two in a row at home and now want revenge from one of those road defeats.

The Spartans lost 78-84 at Iowa in their first meeting on February 2nd.  Now they get their shot at revenge less than two weeks later.  Iowa attempted 20 more free throws than Michigan State and shot 50% compared to 40% for the Spartans.  Yet the Hawkeyes still only won that game by 6 points.

Iowa isn't playing well enough right now to be a 5-point road favorite.  The Hawkeyes are 2-4 SU & 1-5 ATS in their last six games overall.  They are a tired team right now playing their 5th game in 12 days here.  It's just the 3rd game in 11 days for the Spartans, who always seem to get better as the season goes along under Tom Izzo.

Michigan State is 17-1 SU in its last 18 home meetings with Iowa.  So getting 5 points with the Spartans given that trend is a tremendous value.  And they need a signature win like this to climb back into the NCAA Tournament picture.  You can bet the Spartans will be putting their best foot forward today, and it should be good enough to get the cover at a minimum.  Bet Michigan State Saturday.

15* Indiana/Ohio State ESPN 2 Early ANNIHILATOR on Ohio State -6.5

The Ohio State Buckeyes are 8-1 SU & 7-2 ATS in their last nine games overall.  They have won five Big Ten road games during this stretch over Maryland, Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois and Rutgers.  Nobody is playing better than the Buckeyes in the Big Ten right now.

Now they will take down an Indiana team that is getting respect from oddsmakers off two recent upset wins over the Iowa Hawkeyes.  But they needed double-overtime to beat Northwestern on Wednesday and will now be playing their 3rd game in 7 days.  The Buckeyes have had four days to get ready for this game after last playing on Monday.

The Buckeyes are 20-8 ATS in their last 28 home games.  Ohio State is 12-4 ATS in its last 16 games as a home favorite.  The home team is 5-1 ATS in the last six meetings.  The Buckeyes are 12-6 ATS in their last 18 home meetings with Indiana.  Roll with Ohio State Saturday.

20* Grizzlies/Lakers ESPN No-Brainer on Memphis +8

It's a good time to 'sell high' on the Lakers off six straight victories.  But only one of those wins came by more than 8 points, and three straight have come in overtime.  I think this is a tired team right now due to those OT games, and there's a good chance they won't get back Anthony Davis tonight.

The Lakers just have a way of playing to the level of their competition.  They only beat the Pistons by 6 as 14-point favorites in OT, the Thunder by 7 as 9.5-point favorites in OT and the Thunder by 1 as 12-point favorites in OT in their last three games, which have all come at home.

The Grizzlies will give the Lakers a run for their money tonight.  Memphis is 8-4 SU & 8-4 ATS in its last 12 games overall.  They are coming off a 16-point home win over Charlotte and will be giving a big effort here against the defending champs.  That's especially the case since they want revenge from two earlier home losses to the Lakers this season, including a 2-point loss in their last meeting.

The Grizzlies are 6-1 ATS in their last seven games following a win.  The Lakers are 2-7 ATS in their last nine games overall.  Los Angeles is 0-5 ATS in its last five games after allowing 100 points or more in its previous game.  Bet the Grizzlies Friday.

20* CBB Friday No-Doubt Rout on Clemson -4.5

The Clemson Tigers are 8-1 SU & 7-2 ATS at home this season.  They are coming off two straight blowout home wins over two good teams in the ACC with a 13-point win over North Carolina and a 17-point win over Syracuse.  It should be more of the same here against Georgia Tech.

Clemson has a huge rest and preparation advantage here.  The Tigers last played on Saturday, so they have had five days to get ready for the Yellow Jackets.  Georgia Tech just lost to Virginia on Wednesday, so the Yellow Jackets have only one day to get ready for Clemson.

We will get a big effort from the Tigers tonight as they are out for revenge from one of their worst losses of the season.  They lost 65-83 at Georgia Tech on January 20th.  Everything went right for the Yellow Jackets as they shot 16-of-26 (61.5%) from 3-point range and forced 20 turnovers.  Don't count on either of those things to happen again.

Clemson has won 18 of its last 23 home meetings with Georgia Tech.  The Yellow Jackets are 1-4 SU in true road games this season.  The Tigers are 13-3 ATS in their last 16 games off a win by 10 points or more.  Clemson is 10-2 ATS in its last 12 home games following a win.  Roll with Clemson Friday.

15* 76ers/Blazers TNT Late-Night BAILOUT on Philadelphia -5.5

The Philadelphia 76ers are 6-1 SU & 5-1-1 ATS in their last seven games overall.  Their lone loss during this stretch came when they took the Blazers lightly as 10-point home favorites.  They lost that game 105-121.

Now it's revenge time for the 76ers, who won't be taking them lightly this time around.  That was also the 2nd of a back-to-back for the 76ers, so it was clearly a bad spot for them.  But now they are rested playing just their 2nd game in 5 days here and will give a big effort tonight.

I just can't trust the Blazers with all they are missing.  CJ McCollum and Jusuf Nurkic remain out for the Blazers.  They just aren't the same team without McCollum, and they are a terrible defensive team.  And that's where the advantage lies with the 76ers, who are 2nd in the NBA in defensive efficiency, while the Blazers are 28th.  Only the Wizards and Kings have been worse than the Blazers.

Philadelphia is 11-1 ATS after having won two of its last three games this season.  The 76ers are 5-0 ATS in their last five games vs. a team with a winning record.  The Blazers are 3-10 ATS in their last 13 home games.  Portland is 0-7 ATS in its last seven home games vs. a team with a winning road record.  Roll with the 76ers Thursday.

20* NBA Thursday No-Doubt Rout on Boston Celtics -3

The Boston Celtics will be highly motivated for a victory tonight off two straight road losses to two of the best teams in the Western Conference in Phoenix and Utah.  In fact, they just played five straight road games, so they will be very happy to be back home tonight.

A big reason for the recent struggles for the Celtics is due to injuries.  But they are finally getting healthy as Jaylen Brown just returned to the lineup and scored 33 points against Utah.  And having both Tatum and Brown on the floor at the same time is when they are at their best.  The only key player they are missing now is Marcus Smart.

I'll gladly fade the Toronto Raptors in this awful spot for them.  They will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back after a shootout win over Washington last night that saw 252 combined points.  It will also be the 5th road game in 7 days for the Raptors tonight, which is as tough a situation as you will find in the NBA.  And it's a great time to 'sell high' on the Raptors after going 5-1 SU & 5-1 ATS in their last five games overall against very weak competition.

Boston is 18-5 ATS in its last 23 games after playing two consecutive road games.  The Celtics are 11-2 ATS in their last 13 games after failing to cover three of their last four ATS coming in.  Boston is 5-1 ATS in its last six home games.  The Celtics are 14-6-1 ATS in their last 21 games following an ATS loss.  Boston is 7-2 ATS in the last nine meetings.  Bet the Celtics Thursday.

20* Rutgers/Iowa Big Ten No-Brainer on Rutgers +7

The Fran McCaffrey fade is a real thing.  The Iowa Hawkeyes opened 12-2 before going 1-4 SU & 0-5 ATS in their last five games overall.  They seems to struggle late in the year every season as McCaffrey fails to push the right buttons time and time again.

A big reason for the Hawkeyes struggling this time around is the packed schedule due to COVID.  Iowa just played 3 games in 6 days and now will be playing their 4th game in 9 days.  They have only two days to get ready for Rutgers after losing in Indiana on Sunday.

Rutgers has five days to get ready for Iowa after last playing on February 4th.  The Scarlet Knights are 4-0 SU & 3-1 ATS in their last four games overall.  Now they want revenge from a 77-75 home loss to Iowa on January 2nd in their first meeting this season.  The Hawkeyes are 3-2 SU in their last five meetings against Rutgers, but the Scarlet Knights are +21 in point differential in those five games.  Iowa's three wins came by 2, 2 and 5 points, while Rutgers won by 14 and 16.  And now we are catching 7 points with the Scarlet Knights, which is too much tonight.

Rutgers are 21-9-1 ATS in its last 31 games vs. a team with a winning record.  Rutgers is 7-0 ATS in its last seven road games vs. good 3-point shooting teams that make 37% of their attempts or better.  The Scarlet Knights are 6-0 ATS in their last six road games vs. teams that outscore their opponents by 12-plus points per game on the season.  The Hawkeyes are 0-5 ATS in their last five games vs. a team with a winning record.  The underdog is 7-0-1 ATS in the last eight meetings.  These last four trends combine for a perfect 25-0 system backing the Scarlet Knights.  Roll with Rutgers Wednesday.

20* AAC GAME OF THE MONTH on Tulane +8.5

Tulane head coach Ron Hunter has always been a great motivator.  The Green Wave have been through some adversity with COVID-19 this season, but they haven't quit playing.  And they are playing their best basketball of the season right now.

Indeed, the Green Wave are 3-0 ATS in their last three games overall.  They upset Temple by 17 as 8-point road underdogs.  They hung with Wichita State in an 8-point loss as 12-point road underdogs.  And last time out they led Cincinnati most the way but lost by 3 as 6-point home dogs.  And now they are catching 8.5 points to Tulsa tonight as oddsmakers continue to undervalue this team.

The Golden Hurricane looked like they could be a tournament team a month ago when they upset Houston.  But it has pretty much been all downhill since, and head coach Frank Haith isn't doing a good job of keeping his team together.  They have gone 1-4 SU in their last five games overall to fall to 9-8 on the season.  Their only win during this stretch came against East Carolina by 9.

Head-to-head history certainly favors the Green Wave here.  The road team is 6-0 ATS in the last six meetings.  Tulane hasn't lost any of its last five road meetings at Tulsa by more than 8 points.  The Green Wave are 14-6 ATS in their last 20 road games.  Tulane is 6-0 ATS in its last six games as a road underdog of 6.5 to 12 points.  Take Tulane Wednesday.

20* NBA Eastern Conference GAME OF THE MONTH on Detroit Pistons +7.5

It appears that Kevin Durant is the most important player in Brooklyn and it's not even close.  The Nets have been awful without him of late and he remains out due to COVID-19 protocols.  He likely won't be back with the team until Saturday.

Durant exited the game early against the Raptors two games back and the Nets were upset 117-123 at home as 5.5-point favorites against a Raptors team that was playing the 2nd of a back-to-back.  Then they went into Philadelphia and got their doors blown off the next night in a 108-124 loss as 7.5-point dogs.

Now the Nets are going on the road and laying 7.5 points here against a Detroit Pistons team that has shown they can hang with and beat some of the best teams in the NBA of late.  In their last two home games, the Pistons upset the Lakers 107-92 as 7-point dogs and upset the 76ers 119-104 as 5-point dogs.  They also took the Lakers to overtime as 14-point dogs in their last game.  And after playing their last four games on the road, they return home here on two days' rest and will be ready to take down the Nets.

Brooklyn is 1-5 ATS in its last six road games.  The Nets are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games vs. a team with a losing record.  Detroit is 5-1 ATS in its last six games following a loss.  The Pistons are 4-0 ATS in their last four games as home underdogs.  Detroit is 8-1 ATS vs. good teams that outscore their opponents by 3-plus points per game this season.  Take the Pistons Tuesday.

25* Big Ten GAME OF THE YEAR on Michigan State -2.5

This is the perfect spot to 'buy low' on the Michigan State Spartans.  They are just 1-4 SU in their last five games overall and just 4-12 ATS on the season.  They have burned the publics money all year and they don't want to continue to back them because of it.

Now we are getting the Spartans extremely cheap at home as only 2.5-point favorites.  COVID problems have been an issue for them, but they are starting to come out the other side of it and should continue to improve just as Tom Izzo-coached teams always seem to do as the season goes on.  And at 9-7 on the season, they still have a chance to make the NCAA Tournament with a big finish to the season.

It's also a great time to 'sell high' on Penn State, which has gone 3-1 ATS in its last four games coming in.  While the Nittany Lions have been great at home, they have been terrible on the road.  Indeed, they are 0-6 SU in Big Ten road games this season.

Michigan State is 15-2 SU in its last 17 home meetings with Penn State.  The Nittany Lions are 1-10 ATS in their last 11 road games after covering two of their last three ATS coming in.  The Spartans are 9-1 ATS in their last 10 home games vs. teams that commit 12 or fewer turnovers per game.  Bet Michigan State Tuesday.

15* ACC PLAY OF THE DAY on NC State -2

NC State is proving it has the depth and talent to overcome the loss of leading scorer Devon Daniels (16.5 PPG).  He has missed the past three games and the Wolfpack have gone 2-0-1 ATS without him.

They won at Boston College by 16 as 6-point favorites, only lost by 7 at home to Virginia as 7-point dogs, and only lost by 3 at Syracuse as 6.5-point dogs.  Now the Wolfpack get their chance at revenge here against the Orange just over a week later and get them at home this time around.

That's important considering the Wolfpack are 6-2 SU at home this season.  Syracuse is just 1-5 SU & 1-5 ATS in road games this season.  The Orange haven't even been competitive in their last three road games, losing by 17 at Clemson, by 23 at Virginia and by 17 at Pittsburgh.

NC State is 10-1 ATS in its last 11 games after making 78% of their free throws or better in their previous game.  The Wolfpack are 9-1 ATS in their last 10 games after giving up 5 or fewer offensive rebounds in their previous game.  The Orange are 0-6 ATS in their last six road games vs. a team with a winning home record.  Roll with NC State Tuesday.

20* Mountain West GAME OF THE MONTH on Air Force +14

The Air Force Falcons want revenge from a 58-68 road loss to the UNLV Rebels yesterday as 14-point underdogs.  Now the Falcons come back as 14-point dogs again here Monday and I see a ton of value in backing them.

The Falcons were competitive for 40 minutes and only trailed 28-31 at halftime.  And it's worth noting that UNLV got its best player back in Bryce Hamilton and he couldn't have played better yesterday, scoring 22 points on 9-of-14 shooting and grabbing 13 rebounds.  He played his best game, and they still only won by 10.

Air Force is 55-31 ATS in its last 86 games as a road underdog of 12.5 points or more.  The underdog is 6-1 ATS in the last seven meetings.  UNLV hasn't won any of its last 11 meetings with Air Force by more than 12 points, making for a perfect 11-0 system backing the Falcons pertaining to this 14-point spread.  Bet Air Force Monday.

20* NBA Monday No-Doubt Rout on Chicago Bulls -2.5

The Chicago Bulls had yesterday off following a 118-92 blowout of the Orlando Magic on Saturday.  Look for the more rested Bulls to win and cover tonight at home against a Washington Wizards team that is in a terrible spot.

Indeed, the Wizards will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back following their loss in Charlotte on Sunday.  It will also be the 5th game in 7 days and the 9th game in 14 days for the Wizards, who are having to try and make up some games due to a two-week absence due to COVID.

There's a good chance they rest Russell Westbrook, who is questionable tonight.  And it's a Wizards team that has been playing terrible since returning to action anyway.  Washington is now 2-7 SU & 2-7 ATS in its last nine games overall.

Washington is 3-15 ATS in its last 18 road games after a blowout loss by 15 points or more.  The Wizards are 3-15 ATS in their last 18 road games against Central Division opponents.  Washington is 1-6 ATS in its last seven road games.  The Bulls are 6-1 ATS in their last seven home games vs. a team with a losing record.  Chicago is 10-3 ATS in its last 13 games when playing on one days' rest.  Chicago is 7-1 ATS in the last eight meetings.  Bet the Bulls Monday.

20* NBA Sunday No-Doubt Rout on Phoenix Suns -3

The Phoenix Suns got a healthy Devin Booker back in the lineup and are currently playing their best basketball of the season.  The Suns are 4-1 SU & 4-1 ATS in their last five games overall.  Now they are laying just 3 points at home to a Celtics team that has some injury issues right now.

The Celtics will be without Jaylen Brown and Marcus Smart for this contest, two key guys on both ends of the floor, especially defensively.  The Suns should score at will on the Celtics today.  This is also a huge letdown spot for Boston off an upset win over the Clippers last time out.  But that was a Clippers team playing without Paul George and Patrick Beverly.

Plays on home favorites (Phoenix) - after a game where they covered the spread, in a game involving two teams that win 51% to 60% of their games are 72-36 (66.7%) ATS over the last five seasons.  Plays against underdogs (Boston) - off an upset win as a road underdog, in a game involving two teams that win 51% to 60% of their games are 90-50 (64.3%) ATS since 1996.  

Phoenix is 9-0 ATS in its last nine games following a win by more than 10 points.  The Suns are 16-5 ATS in the last 21 meetings, including 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings in Phoenix.  Bet the Suns Sunday.

15* MVC PLAY OF THE DAY on Evansville +18.5

I cashed in Evansville yesterday +19.5 in a 55-68 road loss to Loyola-Chicago.  I'm backing on them again today as this 18.5-point spread in the rematch is still too high for many of the same reasons as I stated yesterday.

It's time to 'sell high' on Loyola-Chicago after going 9-0 SU & 7-1-1 ATS in its last nine games overall.  The Ramblers hadn't been more than an 11-point favorite in any of its previous 10 games prior to yesterday.  Now all of a sudden the Ramblers are 19.5 and 18.5-point favorites in back-to-back games.

And this is an Evansville team that has been competitive all season.  They have just two losses by more than 13 points all season, and only three losses by more than 9 points.  The Purple Aces have gone 6-4 SU in their last 10 games and 8-3-1 ATS in their last 12 games overall.  The underdog is 8-3 ATS in the last 11 meetings.  Take Evansville Sunday.

15* NBA Sunday Undervalued Underdog on Indiana Pacers +5

This is a good time to 'buy low' on the Indiana Pacers, who have gone 1-4 SU & 1-4 ATS in their last five games overall with two straight losses coming in.  They'll be highly motivated for a victory tonight as they host the Utah Jazz.

It's also a good time to 'sell high' on the Jazz, who are 14-1 SU & 13-2 ATS in their last 15 games overall.  It has mostly come against a soft schedule with their last three wins coming against the Pistons, Hawks and Hornets.  

You're paying a premium to back the Jazz at this point.  And now they'll be without starting PG Mike Conley (16.5 PPG, 5.8 APG), who has had a career resurgence this season and has been a big key to their success.

The Pacers are 5-2 SU & 5-2 ATS in their last seven meetings with the Jazz.  Utah is 4-12-1 ATS in its last 17 games vs. a team with a winning record.  The Pacers are 5-1 ATS in their last six vs. a team with a winning % above .600.  Plays against road favorites (Utah) - off a road win by 10 points or more, a tired team playing their 3rd game in 4 days are 45-22 (67.2%) ATS over the last five seasons.  Roll with the Pacers Sunday.

20* Iowa/Indiana Big Ten Early ANNIHILATOR on Iowa -3.5

It's a good time to 'buy low' on the Iowa Hawkeyes Sunday.  They have gone 1-3 SU & 0-4 ATS in their last four games overall.  That includes their upset 69-81 home loss to Indiana as 10-point favorites on January 21st.

Now the Hawkeyes want revenge from that defeat, which was clearly their worst performance of the season thus far.  They go from being 10-point favorites in that game to only 3.5-point favorites in the rematch, a 6.5-point adjustment which is just too much.  The Hawkeyes are clearly the superior team, and when they put their best foot forward today given their motivation that will show on the court.

Indiana is 0-3 SU & 0-3 ATS in its last three home games with upset losses to Purdue and Rutgers, as well as an overtime loss to Illinois.  The Hoosiers just don't have the home-court advantage they normally would due to COVID.  But their home lines continue to be inflated in their favor.

Indiana is 0-9 ATS in its last nine home games after failing to cover two of its last three ATS.  The Hawkeyes are 9-0 ATS in their last nine Sunday games.  Iowa is 15-3 ATS in its last 18 games following an ATS loss.  The Hawkeyes are 13-3 ATS in their last 16 games following a SU loss.  The road team is 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings.  Bet Iowa Sunday.

20* NBA Saturday No-Doubt Rout on Dallas Mavericks -4

The Dallas Mavericks want revenge from a 116-147 home loss to the Warriors on Thursday.  Now they don't have to wait long for revenge as they get to host them against Saturday night on ABC.

That was a tough spot for the Mavs playing the 2nd of a back-to-back, while the Warriors had the previous day off.  The Warriors shot 47.3% as a team and made 22 3-pointers on 51.2% shooting.  The Mavs shot just 41.3% as a team.  Neither of those things are going to happen again. Now Dallas is rested and will be the more motivated team here in the rematch.

Plays on favorites of 3.5 to 9.5 points (Dallas) - after losing by 30 or more points ATS in their last three games combined against an opponent that went over the total by more than 18 points in their previous game are 31-7 (81.6%) ATS over the last five seasons.  

The Warriors are 17-35-1 ATS in their last 53 games following an ATS win.  Golden State is 25-51-3 ATS in its last 79 games following a SU win by more than 10 points.  Dallas is 7-1 ATS in the last eight meetings.  Bet the Mavericks Saturday.

15* NBA Western Conference ANNIHILATOR on Houston Rockets +1

The Houston Rockets have been grossly undervalued since trading away James Harden.  They have finally gotten mostly healthy and it's starting to show as the Rockets are 7-1 SU & 6-2 ATS in their last eight games overall.

Quietly, the Rockets rank 2nd in the NBA in defensive efficiency this season.  That has been a big key to their success, plus John Wall and Victor Oladipo gelling together.  The ankle injury to Christian Wood is a big one, but I still think they have enough here to take down the Spurs.

The injury situation for the Spurs is much more dire right now.  They lost by 17 and 31 points to Memphis before needing a double-digit comeback in the 4th quarter to beat the lowly Timberwolves 111-108, going 0-3 ATS in their last three games overall.  They are without Aldridge (14.1 PPG) and Walker IV (11.2 PPG) right now and could be without Murray (14.6 PPG, 5.3 APG, 7.2 APG), who is questionable with an ankle injury.

San Antonio is 12-27 ATS in its last 39 games as a favorite.  Houston is 4-0 ATS in its last four games as an underdog.  The Spurs are 1-3-1 ATS in their last five trips to Houston.  Wrong team favored here.  Roll with the Rockets Saturday.

15* NBA Eastern Conference ANNIHILATOR on Chicago Bulls -1

The Chicago Bulls want revenge from a 119-123 road loss at Orlando last night.  Now the Bulls get their chance at revenge a day later, and they will clearly be the more motivated team in this rematch.

The Bulls are the way deeper team right now due to all of the injuries for Orlando, which makes this a better situation for them than it does the Magic.  Orlando remains without Aaron Gordon, Markelle Fultz and a few others tonight.  It's a big reason why the Magic are just 3-12 SU & 4-11 ATS in their last 15 games overall.

Chicago is 16-5 ATS in its last 21 games after a loss by 6 points or less.  Orlando is 0-7 ATS in its last seven games when playing 8 or more games in 14 days.  The Magic are 6-19-2 ATS in their last 27 games as home underdogs.  Chicago is 9-3 ATS in its last 12 road games.  The Bulls are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games playing on zero rest.  Take the Bulls Saturday.

15* NBA Saturday UPSET SHOCKER on Sacramento Kings +3.5

The Sacramento Kings are playing their best basketball of the season right now.  They are 5-1 SU & 6-0 ATS in their last six games overall with their only loss coming 104-105 to the Miami Heat by a single point.  They have upset wins over the Raptors, Pelicans and Celtics during this stretch.

Now the Kings are in the favorable spot here coming in on two days' rest.  Meanwhile, the Nuggets just lost 93-114 to the defending champion Lakers on Thursday.  I always like fading teams after playing the defending champs, win or lose.

While the Kings are as healthy as they have been all season, which is a big reason for their resurgence, the injury situation is a dire one for the Nuggets.  They are without Whittington, Dozier and Harris and could be without both Jamal Murray, who is listed as questionable tonight.

Plays on underdogs of 3.5 to 9.5 points (Sacramento) - a hot team covering six or seven of their last eight ATS, when playing on two days' rest are 35-13 (72.9%) ATS over the last five seasons.  Sacramento is 6-0 ATS in its last six games overall and 4-0 ATS in its last four meetings with Denver.  Bet the Kings Saturday.

15* ACC PLAY OF THE DAY on Pittsburgh +10.5

Pittsburgh opened 8-2 this season before losing three of its last four.  But the Panthers ended their skid with an 83-72 upset win over a ranked Virginia Tech team last time out.  That's the same VA Tech team that recently beat Virginia by 14.

The Panthers should not be catching double-digits here against a Virginia team that struggles to get margin with the way they play.  They only beat NC State by 7 last time out and haven't won three of their last four games by more than 7 points.

The Panthers are 5-1 ATS in their last six road games following three or more consecutive home games.  Pittsburgh is 5-1 ATS in its last six road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.  The Cavaliers are 9-18 ATS in their last 27 games vs. a team with a winning record.  Virginia is 1-8 ATS in its last nine games after playing five consecutive games as a favorite.  Roll with Pittsburgh Saturday.

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

This game should be lined closer to a pick 'em.  I think Wisconsin has the goods to knock off an Illinois team that is starting to get too much respect from oddsmakers off three straight wins over Penn State, Iowa and Indiana, including the last two by 4 and 5 points each.

Now they step up in class here against a Wisconsin team that is one of the best in the country.  The Badgers just play the game the right way with their ability to defend, take care of the basketball and get great looks almost every time down the floor.  The Badgers give up just 62.5 points per game on 40.4% shooting.  They shoot the 3-pointer at a 37.6% clip on offense as well.

Wisconsin simply owns Illinois.  The Badgers are 15-1 SU & 13-3 ATS in the last 16 meetings with their lone loss coming by a single point.  Enough said.  Bet Wisconsin Saturday.

15* MVC PLAY OF THE DAY on Evansville +19.5

It's time to 'sell high' on Loyola-Chicago after going 8-0 SU & 7-0-1 ATS in their last eight games overall.  With this winning and covering streak comes expectations from oddsmakers that are hard to live up to.

Loyola-Chicago hasn't been more than an 11-point favorite in any of its last 10 games.  Now all of a sudden the Ramblers are whopping 19.5-point favorites against an Evansville team that has been pretty competitive all season.

Indeed, Evansville has just two losses by more than 9 points all season.  The Purple Aces have gone 6-3 SU in their last nine games and 7-3-1 ATS in their last 11 games.  They should not be catching 19.5 points to Loyola-Chicago today.  The underdog is 7-3 ATS in the last 10 meetings.  Take Evansville Saturday.

15* CBB PLAY OF THE DAY on Nevada +4.5

It's a good time to 'sell high' on the Boise State Broncos tonight.  They have padded their 13-2 record by playing the easiest schedule of any Mountain West team to date.  They are nowhere near as good as their record, and they shouldn't be laying 4.5 points on the road to Nevada tonight.

Nevada has been grossly undervalued for weeks and continues to be.  The Wolf Pack are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games overall.  They haven't lost any of their last 13 games by more than 7 points, so even when they have lost they have been competitive.  And I like their chances of staying within this number or possibly pulling off the upset tonight.

Nevada is 8-1 SU in its last nine meetings with Boise State.  The Wolf Pack are 49-21-2 ATS in their last 72 games following an ATS win.  Nevada is 4-0 ATS in its last four home games.  The home team is 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings.  Roll with Nevada Friday.

20* NBA Non-Conference GAME OF THE MONTH on Charlotte Hornets +8.5

It's time to 'sell high' on the Utah Jazz tonight.  They are 13-1 SU & 12-2 ATS in their last 14 games overall.  Now they are laying 8.5 points on the road to the Charlotte Hornets despite playing the 2nd of a back-to-back.  It will also be the 7th game in 11 days for the Jazz tonight.

The Hornets are playing well enough to hang with the Jazz.  They are 3-1 SU & 3-0-1 ATS in their last four games overall with upset wins over the Bucks as 9.5-point dogs, Heat as 7.5-point dogs and Pacers as 3.5-point dogs.  They only lost by 7 to the 76ers as 7-point dogs as well.  That's a gauntlet of a schedule, which will have them prepared to try and take down a team playing as well as the Jazz right now.

Plays against road favorites (Utah) - off a road win by 10 points or more, a tired team playing their 3rd game in 4 days are 45-20 (69.2%) ATS over the last five seasons.  The Hornets are 17-6 ATS in their last 23 games after allowing 105 points or more in three straight games.  Charlotte is 20-7-2 ATS in its last 29 games as an underdog, including 9-2-1 ATS in its last 12 games as a home underdog.  Bet the Hornets Friday.

15* Raptors/Nets ESPN ANNIHILATOR on Brooklyn -4.5

The Brooklyn Nets are starting to form a nice chemistry now that Durant, Harden and Irving are all healthy and in the lineup.  They have gone 9-3 SU in their last 12 games overall and didn't have this trio available at the same time for many of those games.

But the Nets did have all three against the Clippers last time out and beat them at home.  The Clippers are playing as well as almost anyone in the NBA right now, so that was an impressive win.  Now they've had the last two days off to rest and get some even better chemistry as they head into this showdown with Toronto.

I think Toronto is getting too much respect from oddsmakers after winning and covering its last two games against the depleted Orlando Magic.  The Raptors had lost three straight prior, and they've been one of the biggest disappointments in the NBA at 9-12 SU & 8-13 ATS on the season.  They are playing without a key player in OG Anunoby tonight as well, and his presence as a wing defender will be missed.

Plays against underdogs of 3.5 to 9.5 points (Toronto) - after two straight wins by 10 points or more against an opponent that scored 55 points or more in the first half of two straight games are 27-8 (77.1%) ATS over the last five seasons.  The Raptors are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games following an ATS win.  Brooklyn is 4-1 ATS in its last five games playing on two days' rest.  Take the Nets Friday.

15* NBA Western Conference ANNIHILATOR on Houston Rockets +2

The Houston Rockets are coming off a bad 87-104 loss at Oklahoma City last night.  They had gone 6-0 SU & 5-1 ATS in their previous six games.  And they had just beaten the same Thunder team by 30 two days prior.  So I think they took them lightly and paid the price for it.  Now this back-to-back situation is being factored too much into this line with the Rockets coming back as underdogs here against the Grizzlies when they should be the favorites.

But the good thing about that OKC loss was that they didn't play anyone more than 31 minutes because it was a blowout.  And now they should come back pretty fresh and motivated for a win tonight against the Grizzlies.  Plus, PG John Wall sat out that game to rest, so they'll have him back in the lineup tonight.  And this is a deep Rockets team now that everyone is healthy with Wall, Oladipo, Gordon, Cousins, Wood and Tucker leading the way.

It's a good spot to go against Memphis.  The Grizzlies had shockingly won seven straight prior to losing 116-134 at Indiana last time out.  I always like fading teams after an extended winning streak comes to an end.  They were beating up on a lot of bad teams during that winning streak, and now they face a legit squad here in Houston.  The Grizzlies will be without Valanciunas and Allen tonight due to quarantine as well.

Houston is 22-9 ATS in its last 31 road games off an upset loss by 15 points or more as a favorite.  Plays on road teams where the line is +3 to -3 (Houston) - after scoring 90 points or less against an opponent off a game where both teams scored 105 points or more are 25-5 (83.3%) ATS over the last five seasons.  Roll with the Rockets Thursday.

20* Warriors/Mavericks TNT No-Brainer on Dallas -2

The Dallas Mavericks are grossly undervalued right now due to their recent season-high six-game losing streak.  But the Mavericks got over the hump last night with a 122-116 win in Atlanta.  And I'm not concerned about the back-to-back situation here because the Mavericks finally have some depth.

Indeed, Dallas has all hands on deck for the first time all season.  COVID and injuries forced several players to have to miss significant time this season.  But now that everyone is back, it's time to continue 'buying low' on the Mavericks.  I think this situation is being factored into the line too much as the Mavericks are clearly the superior team in this matchup.

The Warriors have held their own this season, but there just isn't much talent on this team outside Stephen Curry.  He has too much on his plate.  That's especially the case now with top draft pick James Wiseman out.  His backup in Kevon Looney is also out tonight, leaving the Warriors very thin in the paint.  I fully expect the Mavericks to take advantage and get to the rim with ease tonight.

Dallas is 4-0 SU & 4-0 ATS in its last four meetings with Golden State with all four wins coming by 20 points or more and by an average of 32.5 points per game.  The Mavericks are 7-0 ATS in the last seven meetings dating back further.  Dallas is 8-0 ATS in its last eight home games after failing to cover three of its last four ATS.  The Warriors are 1-5 ATS in their last six games as road underdogs.  Golden State is 7-25 ATS in its last 32 Thursday games.  Take the Mavericks Thursday.

20* Ohio State/Iowa ESPN No-Brainer on Ohio State +5.5

The Iowa Hawkeyes are 1-2 SU & 0-3 ATS in their last three games overall.  They lost outright at home to Indiana 69-81 as 10-point dogs, lost 75-80 at Illinois as 3-point dogs, and only beat a struggling Michigan State team 84-78 as 9-point home favorites.  As you can see, their defense has been terrible in allowing 78 points or more in three straight, which has been their achilles' heel.

Speaking of Michigan State, Ohio State just blasted the Spartans 79-62 as 5.5-point home favorites last time out on Sunday.  The Buckeyes are now 6-1 SU & 5-2 ATS in their last seven games overall with their only loss coming by 2 points to Purdue.

This is a terrible spot for Iowa, too.  The Hawkeyes will be playing their 2nd game in 3 days after facing Michigan State on Tuesday.  They only have one day to prepare for Ohio State.  Meanwhile, the Buckeyes have three days in between games to get ready for the Hawkeyes after last playing the Spartans on Sunday.

The Buckeyes are 5-1 ATS in their last six games vs. a team with a winning record.  Chris Holtmann is a perfect 6-0 ATS in road games after three straight games where they forced 11 or fewer turnovers as the coach of Ohio State.  Bet Ohio State Thursday.

15* AAC PLAY OF THE DAY on Tulsa +3.5

Tulsa has been a great home team and a terrible road team for years.  It's more of the same this season.  The Golden Hurricane are 5-1 SU & 4-1 ATS at home this season.  They handed Houston their only loss of the season at home.  They also upset Memphis at home.

Speaking of Houston, SMU will have a tough time getting back up off the mat after a 48-70 loss at Houston last time out.  The Mustangs have now lost their last two road games as they also lost at Memphis.  This team has been grossly overvalued over the past month or so.  The Mustangs are 1-6 ATS in their last seven games overall.

Tulsa has won its last two home meetings with SMU 79-57 as a 1.5-point favorite and 76-67 as a 3.5-point underdog.  The Golden Hurricane are 20-6 ATS in their last 26 games as home underdogs, including 8-0 ATS in their last eight games as home dogs of 3.5 points or fewer.  The Mustangs are 2-8-1 ATS in their last 11 road games.  SMU is 0-5 ATS in its last five games following a loss.  Roll with Tulsa Wednesday.

20* NBA Wednesday No-Doubt Rout on Dallas Mavericks -1.5

It's safe to say the Dallas Mavericks will be max motivated Wednesday after losing a season-high six straight games coming in.  They just lost on a 3-pointer right before the buzzer to the Suns last time out.  And I think they come in with a chip on their shoulder here against the Atlanta Hawks tonight.

The Mavericks recently got everyone back from quarantine due to COVID.  So it's clearly there were going to be some chemistry issues with this team.  But their chemistry should be much better with each passing game now that everyone is healthy for basically the first time all season.

The Hawks are 6-9 in their last 15 games overall.  They are coming off a deflating loss to the defending champion Lakers, 99-107.  I always like fading teams after they play the defending champs, win or lose.  Atlanta's last five wins came against the Timberwolves (twice), Pistons, Wizards and a depleted Clippers team that was playing without Kawhi and Paul George.  So it's not like they have beaten anyone good lately.

Dallas is 30-16 ATS in its last 46 road games.  The Mavericks are 19-8-1 ATS in their last 28 games as road favorites.  Dallas is 13-4 ATS in its last 17 games as a road favorite of 6 points or less.  Atlanta is 3-13 ATS in its last 16 games after covering four or five of its last six ATS coming in.  The Hawks are 1-4 ATS in their last five games as underdogs.  Bet the Mavericks Wednesday.

20* CBB Wednesday Undervalued Underdog on Pittsburgh +4

It's a great time to 'buy low' on the Pitt Panthers.  They opened 8-2 this season with wins over Syracuse (twice) and Duke.  But they have now gone 0-3 SU & 0-3 ATS in their last three games overall.  Now we are getting max value with the Panthers catching 4 points at home to Virginia Tech tonight.

It's a great time to 'sell high' on the Hokies.  They have won and covered two straight, including their upset home win over Virginia last time out.  That now makes this a letdown spot for the Hokies.  Virginia Tech is 2-2 SU in true road games this season with its only wins coming against Wake Forest and Notre Dame, two of the worst teams in the ACC.

Virginia Tech is 2-9 ATS in its last 11 road games off two consecutive conference games.  Pittsburgh is 10-2 ATS in its last 12 games off two consecutive home losses.  The Hokies are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 road games.  Virginia Tech is 1-7 ATS in its last eight road games vs. a team with a winning home record.  The underdog is 6-2-1 ATS in the last nine meetings.  Take Pittsburgh Wednesday.

15* Celtics/Warriors TNT Late-Night BAILOUT on Boston -2.5

The Boston Celtics will be highly motivated for a victory tonight off two straight losses to the Lakers and Spurs by a combined 5 points.  That followed up two wins over the Cavaliers and Bulls by a combined 54 points.  They have been playing better since getting Jayson Tatum back in the lineup.

Now they face a Warriors team they should handle tonight.  The Warriors will be missing star rookie James Wiseman, who has been doing all the dirty work for them inside.  If the Celtics have a weakness, it's their post play.  But that shouldn't be an issue here against the Warriors as they can go small with them and match up very well.

The Celtics have won three straight meetings with the Warriors by an average of 17.7 points per game.  Boston is 8-3-1 ATS in the last 12 meetings, including 6-1 ATS in its last seven trips to Golden State.  The Warriors are 8-20-1 ATS in their last 29 games following a win by more than 10 points.  Golden State is 0-4 ATS in its last four games playing on two days' rest.  Boston is 8-0 ATS in its last eight road games following two consecutive non-conference games.  Take the Celtics Tuesday.

20* NBA Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on Detroit Pistons +12.5

It's a great time to 'buy low' on the Pistons, who were just beaten by 27 points by the Warriors.  That was an obvious letdown spot after upsetting the Lakers 107-92 the game prior.  They also have a recent upset win over the 76ers, so they have proven they can play with anyone.

The Pistons are as healthy as they have been all season.  Blake Griffin (12.5 PPG) and Derrick Rose (14.2 PPG) have both missed significant time, but they are both healthy and ready to go for this game against the Nuggets tonight.  Jerami Grant (23.6 PPG) has thrived in their absence and is quickly becoming a Most Improved Player award favorite.

This is a great time to fade the Utah Jazz.  They just had their 11-game winning streak snapped by Denver last time out.  And I always like going against teams that have long winning streaks end in the game after because there is a hangover effect.  You're also paying a premium right now to back the Jazz because they have not only won 11 of their last 12, they have also gone 11-1 ATS during this stretch.  So it's a 'sell high' spot on them.

The Pistons also want revenge from an 86-96 home loss to the Jazz as part of this winning streak.  Not that the Pistons were 8.5-point dogs in that game and now they are 12.5-point dogs in the rematch, so there is some value here.  And Rose didn't play in that first meeting.

Detroit is 9-1 ATS vs. good shooting teams that make 46% of their shots or better this season.  Plays on underdogs of 10 or more points (Detroit) - after a blowout loss by 20 points or more against an opponent off two straight games where both teams scored 100 points or more are 60-25 (70.6%) ATS since 1996.  Bet the Pistons Tuesday.

15* Big Ten PLAY OF THE DAY on Wisconsin -8

I love the spot for the Wisconsin Badgers tonight.  They will be motivated for revenge following their 71-81 upset loss at Penn State on Saturday.  Now they don't have to wait long for revenge as they host the Nittany Lions Tuesday night.

It's a great time to 'sell high' on a Penn State team that has won three of its last four games coming in.  But all three wins were at home, and the other two outside Wisconsin came over Rutgers and Northwestern by a combined 9 points.

Penn State is 0-5 SU in Big Ten road games this season.  Wisconsin is a perfect 17-0 SU in its last 17 home meetings with the Nittany Lions.  Penn State is 1-9 ATS in its last 17 road games after covering two of its last three ATS.  The Badgers are 8-1-2 ATS in their last 11 games following a loss.  Roll with Wisconsin Tuesday.

20* ACC GAME OF THE WEEK on Clemson +2.5

It's a great time to 'buy low' on the Clemson Tigers tonight.  They have lost four of their last five coming in with three of those coming on the road to Duke, Florida State and Georgia Tech.  They also lost at home to Virginia.

However, that home loss to Virginia was their only home loss this season.  They are 6-1 SU & 5-2 ATS at home this year which includes wins over Florida State, NC State and Louisville.  They will put their best foot forward tonight with the North Carolina Tar Heels coming to town.

It's a great time to 'sell high' on the Tar Heels, who have won six of their last seven games overall.  But the only road wins during this stretch came at Miami and Pittsburgh by a combined 12 points.  The Tar Heels are just 2-4 SU in true road games this season.

North Carolina is 0-6 ATS in its last six games off three or more consecutive wins.  The Tar Heels are 1-10 ATS vs. good defensive teams that allow 64 or fewer points per game.  UNC is 1-6 ATS in its last seven road games vs. a team with a winning home record.  The Tigers are 7-2 ATS in their last nine games as home underdogs.  Bet Clemson Tuesday.

20* Suns/Mavs NBA TV No-Brainer on Dallas -1

We should see one of the best efforts of the season out of the Dallas Mavericks tonight.  They have lost five straight coming in all against playoff contenders.  That includes their 105-111 loss to the Suns on Saturday.  Now they will be out for revenge on the Suns as they get to host them again here Monday.

The Mavericks were missing a lot of players due to quarantine, which is the biggest reason for their recent struggles.  But now they have everyone back for the first time all season.  This is a great time to 'buy low' on the Mavericks as they should improve rapidly in the coming days.

It's a good time to 'sell high' on the Suns off two straight wins over the Warriors and Mavericks.  The Suns are likely to be without leading scorer Devin Booker tonight as he recovers from a hamstring injury.  They are also going to be without fellow guard Cameron Payne.

Phoenix is 5-16 ATS in its last 21 games after a win by 6 points or less.  Dallas is 55-37 ATS in its last 92 games following a SU loss.  The Mavericks are 50-32 ATS in their last 82 games following an ATS loss.  Rick Carlisle is 15-4 ATS after failing to cover the spread in five or more consecutive games as the coach of Dallas.  Bet the Mavericks Monday.

15* NBA Monday No-Doubt Rout on Houston Rockets -5

The Houston Rockets have finally gotten healthy and put the James Harden saga behind them.  Now the likes of Oladipo, Wall, Cousins, Wood, Gordon, Tucker and company are starting to play up to their potential.

Indeed, the Rockets are 5-0 SU & 4-1 ATS in their last five games overall.  Their five wins have come by an average of 12.4 points per game.  They should pick up their sixth straight victory here and get the cover against the struggling Oklahoma City Thunder tonight.

They Thunder are 2-4 in their last six games overall with their four losses coming by an average of 15.5 points per game.  Their two wins over Portland and Phoenix during this stretch came by a combined 8 points.  Oklahoma City has been a terrible bet at home, going 1-6 SU & 2-5 ATS in all home games this season.

Plays on road favorites (Houston) - off a win by 10 points or more over a division opponent, against a team that is off a home loss by 10 points or more are 62-25 (71.3%) ATS since 1996.  The Thunder are 1-5 ATS in their last six games as home underdogs.  Roll with the Rockets Monday.