20* Big Ten GAME OF THE MONTH on Wisconsin +2

It's time to 'buy low' on the Wisconsin Badgers.  They have lost five of their last six games overall and have failed to cover the spread in nine consecutive games.  Now they are catching points at home to Illinois and will be out for revenge on the Fighting Illini after losing 69-79 to them on January 7th on the road.

But the Badgers didn't have their best player in Tyler Wahl for that game, and they have struggled without him.  He is back now and the Badgers are as healthy as they have been in a long time and looking to make a run.

We'll 'sell high' on Illinois, which is 5-1 SU & 5-1 ATS in its last six games overall against an easy schedule.  Four of the six games were at home and the two road wins came at lowly Nebraska and Minnesota, arguably the two worst teams in the Big Ten.  They also lost at Northwestern in their road game prior.

Wisconsin is 11-2 ATS in its last 13 games when the line is +3 to -3.  Illinois is 0-9 ATS in its last nine games vs. teams that make 8 or more 3-pointers per game after 15-plus games.  The Fighting Illini are 2-12 ATS in their last 14 road games after going under the total in their previous game.  Bet Wisconsin Saturday.

15* AAC PLAY OF THE DAY on Cincinnati +14

Houston has actually been way better on the road than it has been at home this season.  Let's just look at Houston's recent home games.  They lost outright as 19-point favorites to Temple, only beat South Florida by 6 as 23-point favorites and only beat UCF by 6 as 15-point favorites in three of their last four home games.

Cincinnati wants revenge from a 59-72 home loss to Houston in their first meeting this season.  That was a rare loss for the Bearcats, who have gone 8-3 SU & 7-4 ATS in their last 11 games overall.  The Bearcats have just one loss by more than 13 points this season, so they don't get blown out easily.

The Bearcats have a big advantage in rest and preparation as they come in on five days' rest while the Cougars come in on two days' rest after playing a road game at UCF on Wednesday, while the Bearcats last played on Sunday.

The Bearcats are 7-0 ATS in their last seven games following an ATS loss.  Cincinnati is 11-4 ATS in its last 15 games overall.  The Cougars are 2-5 ATS in their last seven home games.  Bet Cincinnati Saturday.

15* Raptors/Warriors NBA TV Late-Night BAILOUT on Toronto +5.5

The Toronto Raptors are fully healthy right now and playing well.  They have gone 2-1 SU & 3-0 ATS in their last three games overall with their lone loss coming by 2 to Boston as 3.5-point dogs.  They beat the Knicks by 9 as 2.5-point home favorites and also upset the Warriors by 18 as 3-point road dogs.

Now the Raptors are rested and ready to go tonight playing just their 2nd game in 5 days and will be highly motivated to try and beat the defending champion Warriors.  This is a Warriors team that is just 4-6 SU & 4-6 ATS in their last 10 games overall and could be without Andrew Wiggins tonight.  They have just one win by double-digits and two wins by more than 6 points in their last 14 games overall, so they aren't blowing anyone out.

Toronto is 14-2 ATS in its last 16 games following two consecutive wins.  The Raptors are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games overall.  The Warriors are 0-5 ATS in their last five home games.  Bet the Raptors Friday.

20* NBA DOG OF THE WEEK on Orlando Magic +8.5

The Orlando Magic have quietly gone 18-6 ATS in their last 24 games overall with 10 outright upsets as underdogs.  They are way better than they get credit for, and we'll continue to back them until the oddsmakers and betting public catch up to them.  The Magic are catching too many points tonight against the Miami Heat.

Miami is in a letdown spot following a 98-95 win over the Boston Celtics last time out.  The Heat haven't been blowing out anyone as they have only two wins in their last 11 games by more than 8 points.  They won't be blowing out the Magic tonight, either.

Orlando is 7-0 ATS following a win by 6 points or less this season.  Miami is 11-21 ATS as a favorite this season.  Orlando is 12-2 ATS in its last 14 games when playing on one day of rest.  The Magic are 10-2 ATS in their last 12 games vs. a team with a winning record.  The Heat are 9-19-2 ATS in their last 30 games following a win, and 7-18-1 ATS in their last 26 games following an ATS win.  Miami is 1-6 ATS in its last seven games when playing on two days' rest.  Orlando is 6-2 ATS in the last eight meetings, and 6-2 ATS in the last eight trips to Miami.  Bet the Magic Friday.

20* NBA Friday No-Doubt Rout on Memphis Grizzlies -2.5

The Memphis Grizzlies have lost a season-high four consecutive games with three of those losses coming by a combined 5 points.  It's safe to say they will be highly motivated for a victory tonight so they don't get swept on this five-game road trip.  A motivated Grizzlies team as a short favorite is one that I definitely want to get behind.

We will 'buy low' on the Grizzlies tonight, while also 'selling high' on the Minnesota Timberwolves, who have gone 9-4 SU & 8-3-2 ATS in their last 13 games overall.  The Timberwolves have taken advantage of a pretty easy schedule during this run, but this is a big step up in class for them tonight.

Memphis is a perfect 9-0 ATS in its last nine games after having lost four or five of its last six games.  The Grizzlies are 19-8 ATS in their last 27 meetings with the Timberwolves.  Bet the Grizzlies Friday.

20* Pac-12 GAME OF THE WEEK on USC +5

The USC Trojans are improving rapidly.  They have gone 7-2 ATS in their last nine games overall and have a huge home-court advantage, going 9-1 SU at home this season.  Now they want revenge from a 58-60 road loss at UCLA in their first meeting this season on January 5th.

The Trojans come back as 5-point home underdogs in the rematch, and I think they have a great chance to win this game outright, but we'll take the points for some insurance.  UCLA is coming off a loss at Arizona to end a 14-game winning streak.  

I always like fading teams after having a long winning streak snapped because there tends to be a hangover effect in that next game.  That's especially the case for UCLA here as they were way more motivated to face Arizona than they will be to beat USC for a second time this season.

The Trojans are 7-1 ATS in their last eight games vs. a team with a winning record.  USC is 4-0 ATS in its last four home games.  The underdog is 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings.  The home team is 7-2 SU in the last nine meetings.  USC is 4-0 SU in its last four home meetings with UCLA.  Bet USC Thursday.

15* CBB Thursday Undervalued Underdog on Seattle +6.5

Seattle is 16-4 this season and one of the most underrated teams in the country.  That has played out here of late in conference play with the schedule getting easier for them.  The Redhawks are now 8-0 SU & 6-2 ATS in their last eight games overall with four wins by 15 points or more.

Sam Houston State is also a quality team at 15-5 this season with some impressive non-conference wins.  But the Bearkats should not be favored by 6.5 points over Seattle tonight.  This game should be much closer to PK, so we'll take advantage and back the value on the road underdog Redhawks.

Sam Houston State is 0-5-1 ATS in its last six games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.  Seattle is 9-1 ATS in its last 10 games vs. good offensive teams that average 77 or more points per game after 15-plus games.  Seattle beat Sam Houston State 78-63 last season and brought back almost their entire team this season.  This one will go down to the wire tonight folks.  Bet Seattle Thursday.

20* NBA Eastern Conference GAME OF THE MONTH on Detroit Pistons +9

The Brooklyn Nets are in a terrible spot tonight.  They will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back after a 133-137 loss in Philadelphia last night.  They will be playing in their 6th different city in 10 days after playing their last five games on the road.  The Nets are just 2-5 SU in their last seven games without Kevin Durant with three losses by double-digits.  

Irving played 38 minutes, Claxton 38, Curry 34 and O-Neale 34 last night for the Nets.  They won't have much left in the tank for the Pistons, and that's going to make it very difficult to win by double-digits, which is what it's going to take to beat us tonight.

The Pistons are rested and ready to go playing just their 3rd game in 11 days.  That makes it a great time to 'buy low' on the Pistons, who have gone 1-7 SU & 1-7 ATS in their last eight games overall.  They are primed for one of their biggest efforts of the season tonight given the favorable spot.

Detroit is 10-1 ATS in its last 11 games when playing 5 or fewer games in 14 days.  Brooklyn is 0-8 ATS in its last eight home games after losing four or five of its last six games.  Brooklyn is 2-13 ATS in its last 15 games vs. a team that wins less than 25% of their games.  The Nets are 14-39-2 ATS in their last 55 home games.  Detroit is 6-2 ATS in the last eight meetings.  Bet the Pistons Thursday.

20* Big Ten GAME OF THE WEEK on Michigan State -2

Michigan State is 8-2 SU & 6-4 ATS at home this season with one of the losses coming to No. 1 ranked Purdue by a single point.  Iowa is 1-3 SU & 1-3 ATS in Big Ten road games this season with losses to Nebraska by 16, Penn State by 4 and Ohio State by 16.  The Spartans should be bigger home favorites over the Hawkeyes tonight.

Michigan State is 17-2 SU & 13-6 ATS in its last 19 home meetings with Iowa.  The Spartans are 8-1 ATS in their last nine home games after playing a game as an underdog.  The Hawkeyes are 1-6 ATS in their last seven road games.  The Spartans are 5-0 ATS in their last five home games.  Bet Michigan State Thursday.

15* CBB Thursday Total DOMINATOR on SMU/Memphis UNDER 151

The books have set the bar too high tonight in this game between SMU and Memphis.  Just looking at recent head-to-head history, this total has been set too high at 151 points.  We'll take advantage and back the UNDER.

The UNDER is 6-2 in the last eight meetings but would be 9-0 in the last nine meetings with a total of 151.  Memphis and SMU have combined for 148 or fewer points in each of their last nine meetings.  They have averaged just 134.6 combined points per game in those nine meetings, which is over 16 points less than this total.  They have combined for 133 or fewer points in each of their last four meetings as well.  Enough said.  Bet the UNDER in this game Thursday.

15* NBA Wednesday Late-Night BAILOUT on San Antonio Spurs +6.5

I'll gladly fade the Los Angeles Lakers in a terrible spot tonight. They will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back and their 7th game in 11 days after a loss to the Los Angeles Clippers last night. They won't be nearly as motivated to beat the Spurs as they were the Clippers.

That's especially the case considering the Lakers have already beaten the Spurs three times this season alone. That means the Spurs will be playing with triple-revenge, and thus they will be the more motivated team.

The Spurs have quietly gone 9-4 ATS in their last 13 games overall. They will be the way fresher team playing just their 3rd game in 8 days. The Lakers are 1-6-1 ATS in their last eight games following a double-digit home loss. Bet the Spurs Wednesday.

20* Grizzlies/Warriors ESPN No-Brainer on OVER 235

The books missed their mark badly with this opening total in this showdown between the Golden State Warriors and Memphis Grizzlies. These are two dead nuts OVER teams, especially with how they have been playing of late.

The Grizzlies have really slipped defensively of late allowing 112 or more points in nine of their last 10 games overall. But they have scored 115 or more points in 12 of their last 14 games overall. They are without Steven Adams, which makes them even more of an OVER team.

The Golden State Warriors have been terrible defensively all season allowing 118.0 points per game. But they have gotten healthy recently and are scoring at will. The Warriors have scored 116 or more points in six consecutive games coming in.

The OVER is 8-3 in Grizzlies last 11 games overall. The OVER is 5-1-1 in Warriors last seven games overall. The OVER is 4-0 in Warriors last four games following a loss. Be the OVER in this game Wednesday.

15* Big East PLAY OF THE DAY on Butler/Providence UNDER 139.5

Familiarity favors defense and low scoring games. Providence beat Butler 72-52 for just 124 combined points in their first meeting this season on January 29th. Points will be hard to come by in the rematch as well tonight.

This has been an UNDER series. Butler and Providence have combined for 137 or fewer points at the end of regulation in each of their last nine meetings. That makes for a 9-0 system backing the UNDER pertaining to this 139.5-point total. Enough said. Bet the UNDER in this game Wednesday.

15* NBA Wednesday UPSET SHOCKER on Oklahoma City Thunder +1

The Oklahoma City Thunder have been the single most underrated team in the NBA over the past couple seasons. They continue to get no respect as home underdogs to the Atlanta Hawks tonight.

The Thunder are 7-2 SU & 9-0 ATS in their last nine games overall. That includes six outright upsets as underdogs, which they just have a habit of doing. They should be favored over the Hawks at home tonight.

The Thunder come in rested and ready to go on two days' rest. The Hawks will be playing their 4th game in 6 days and their 8th game in 12 days tonight. They are starting to wear down after getting upset by the Hornets as 7.5-point home favorites two games ago, they lost by 11 at Chicago as 1-point road dogs last time out.

The Hawks are 7-23 ATS in their last 30 home games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. Oklahoma City is 11-3 ATS in its last 14 games playing on two days' rest. The Thunder are 25-11 ATS in the last 36 meetings. Bet the Thunder Wednesday.

20* NBA BLOWOUT GAME OF THE WEEK on Orlando Magic -4.5

The Orlando Magic have quietly gone 17-5 ATS in their last 22 games overall. This team is way better than they get credit for, and they are as healthy as they have been all season right now.

Now the Magic take on the struggling Indiana Pacers, who are 1-7 SU & 2-6 ATS i n their last eight games overall. They are without their best player in Tyrese Haliburton (20.2 PPG, 10.2 APG), and their recent struggles are due to missing one of the most underrated players in the NBA.

The Pacers ended a seven-game losing streak with a 116-110 comeback victory over Chicago last night. But that was a Bulls team playing the 2nd of a back-to-back. Now the Pacers are the team playing the 2nd of a back-to-back with travel. Four players played at least 32 minutes for the Pacers last night, and they won't have much left in the tank for the Magic.

The Pacers are 0-5 ATS in their last five road games. The Magic are 11-2 ATS in their last 13 games playing on one days' rest. Bet the Magic Wednesday.

20* AAC GAME OF THE WEEK on South Florida +6.5

The Temple Owls are in the ultimate letdown spot. They are coming off a massive 56-55 upset road win at No. 1 ranked Houston. It's only human nature for them to have a letdown following one of the biggest wins in program history.

That's especially the case since they play a South Florida team that they've already beaten 68-64 on the road in their first meeting this season on January 4th. They won't be nearly as motivated to beat them a second time.

South Florida is playing its best basketball of the season of late and is ready to pull off this upset. The Bulls upset ECU 81-70 as road underdogs and UCF 85-72 as home underdogs. They also only lost by 6 at Houston as 23-point dogs in going 3-1 ATS in their last four games overall.

South Florida is 8-2 ATS as an underdog this season. The Bulls are 6-0 ATS after playing two consecutive home games this season. USF is 36-17-1 ATS in its last 54 road games. The road team is 9-3 ATS in the last 12 meetings. Bet South Florida Wednesday.

15* CBB Wednesday Total DOMINATOR on South Florida/Temple UNDER 140

Familiarity favors defense and low scoring games. This will be the 2nd meeting between South Florida and Temple. Temple won the first meeting 68-64 for just 132 combined points. The books have set the bar too high in the rematch with a 140-point total, and we'll take advantage and back the UNDER.

The UNDER is 4-1 in the last five meetings. Temple and South Florida have combined for 132, 122, 101, 144 and 112 points in the last five meetings. They have averaged just 122.2 combined points per game in those five meetings, which is 18 points less than tonight's posted total. There's a ton of value on the UNDER tonight.

Temple is 12-0 UNDER in its last 12 Wednesday games. The UNDER is 9-3 in Owls last 12 games overall. Bet the UNDER in this game Wednesday.

15* SEC PLAY OF THE DAY on Georgia +17

The Georgia Bulldogs are off to a 13-6 SU & 10-9 ATS start in former Florida head coach Mike White's first season on the job. He is exceeding expectations already, and the Bulldogs are undervalued as 17-point road underdogs to Tennessee tonight.

It's time to 'sell high' on the Volunteers, who are 7-1 SU & 5-3 ATS in their last eight games overall and coming off a pair of double-digit road wins over LSU and Mississippi State. They have a huge game on deck against Texas Saturday and could be looking ahead to that one.

Georgia has had Tennessee's number, going 6-4 SU & 8-2 ATS in the last 10 meetings. The Bulldogs are 8-1 ATS in the last nine meetings. Bet Georgia Wednesday.

15* CBB Wednesday Undervalued Underdog on South Carolina +17.5

It's time to 'sell high' on the Florida Gators tonight. They have won four of their last five while going 4-0 ATS in their last four. They are now laying too many points to South Carolina tonight.

Conversely, we'll 'buy low' on the Gamecocks, who are 0-3 SU & 0-3 ATS in their last three games overall. This run followed up a 71-68 upset at Kentucky as 20-point dogs to flash their potential. They can hang with Florida, too.

Home-court advantage has meant nothing in this series. The road team is actually 6-0 SU & 6-0 ATS in the last six meetings. South Carolina upset Florida as 7.5, 11.5 and 10.5-point dogs in its last three trips to Gainesville. Bet South Carolina Wednesday.

20* Clippers/Lakers TNT Late-Night BAILOUT on UNDER 232.5

The Los Angeles Clippers are a dead nuts UNDER team. They rank 26th in the NBA in pace, 22nd in offensive efficiency and 11th in defensive efficiency. They have been even more of an UNDER team when Kawhi Leonard has been healthy, which he is right now.

The Lakers are more of an over team, but they have combined for 234 or fewer points in five of their last seven game overall with the UNDER going 6-1. They are missing Davis, Reaves and Walker while the Clippers are missing Wall and Kennard, and those losses hurt both teams more offensively than defensively.

Each of the first two meetings between the Clippers and Lakers this season have been very low scoring. They combined for 200 points in the first meeting on October 20th with a 226.5-point total. They combined for 215 points with a 219.5-point total in the 2nd meeting on November 9th. And now the books have jacked this total up to 232.5, so there's clearly big value on the UNDER.

The Lakers and Clippers have combined for 225 or fewer points in 11 of their last 13 meetings, which makes for an 11-2 system backing the UNDER pertaining to this 232.5-point total. Bet the UNDER in this game Tuesday.

20* NBA Non-Conference GAME OF THE WEEK on Washington Wizards +7.5

The Washington Wizards are playing much better of late since getting Bradley Beal back from injury. After upsetting the Knicks 116-105 as 5-point dogs two games ago, they came back and blasted the Magic 138-118 as 6.5-point home favorites.

Now the Wizards have had the last two days off and are as rested as they have been all season. They will also be playing just their 2nd game in 6 days as well as their 4th game in 11 days.

The Dallas Mavericks are just 2-6 SU & 2-6 ATS in their last eight games overall and don't deserve to be 7.5-point favorites here. In fact, they have been one of the most overrated teams in the NBA this season at just 16-30-2 ATS in their 48 games. They are without second-leading scorer Christian Wood (18.4 PPG, 8.4 RPG) right now, which puts too much on Luka Doncic's shoulders.

The Wizards are 3-1 SU & 4-0 ATS in their last four meetings with the Mavericks with three outright upsets as 6, 6 and 7.5-point dogs as well as a 1-point loss as 4.5-point dogs. This line should be much closer to PK. Bet the Wizards Tuesday.

15* MVC PLAY OF THE DAY on Murray State/Southern Illinois UNDER 132

Familiarity favors defense and low-scoring games. This will be the 2nd meeting between Southern Illinois and Murray State this season. The Salukis won 63-57 on the road for 120 combined points in their first meeting this season.

It will be more of the same in the rematch today with this game being played at a snail's pace. Southern Illinois ranks 323rd in adjusted tempo and 37th in adjusted defense and will control the tempo playing at home. Murray State ranks just 219th in adjusted tempo.

Southern Illinois is 11-1 UNDER in its last 12 games vs. a team with a winning record in the second half of the season. The Salukis are 21-5 UNDER in their last 26 games vs. a team with a winning record overall. Bet the UNDER in this game Tuesday.

15* Big 12 PLAY OF THE DAY on Oklahoma/TCU UNDER 138.5

This is a very high total for any game involving the Oklahoma Sooners. They are a dead nuts UNDER team, raking 325th in adjusted tempo and 57th in adjusted defense this season. They take on a TCU team that ranks 14th in adjusted defense.

It tends to be a defensive battle when these two teams get together. Indeed, Oklahoma and TCU have combined for 135, 100 and 128 points in their last three meetings, respectively. All three finished UNDER this 138.5-point total. Bet the UNDER in this game Tuesday.

20* Penn State/Rutgers Big Ten No-Brainer on Penn State +6.5

This is a very evenly matched game tonight. Penn State is 13-6 SU & 12-7 ATS while Rutgers is 13-6 SU & 13-6 ATS. The Scarlet Knights deserve some respect for home-court advantage, but this line should be 3 or less, not 6.5. There's clearly value with the road underdog Nittany Lions.

Penn State is 3-1 SU & 3-1 ATS in its last four meetings with Rutgers with its lone loss coming by a single point, 58-59 as 5.5-point road dogs. I think this game comes down to the final possession, too.

The Nittany Lions are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 road games. Penn State is 9-2 ATS in its last 11 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. The underdog is 5-1-1 ATS in the last seven meetings. Bet Penn State Tuesday.

20* NBA Western Conference GAME OF THE WEEK on San Antonio Spurs +8.5

The San Antonio Spurs have quietly gone 9-3 ATS in their last 12 games overall and have been very competitive even in losing efforts. Now they are catching too many points tonight against the Portland Trail Blazers.

While the Spurs are rested on two days' rest and playing just their 2nd game in 6 days, the Blazers will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back after a 112-121 home loss to the Los Angeles Lakers last night. It was their 3rd consecutive loss by 9 points or more.

The Blazers have no business being this heavily favored against anyone considering they are just 2-8 SU & 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games overall. Lillard played 39 minutes, Simons 38, Grant 34 and Hart 32 last night, so they won't have much left in the tank for the Spurs tonight.

Portland is 4-16 ATS in its last 20 games following an upset loss as a favorite. San Antonio is 4-2 SU & 5-1 ATS in its last six meetings with Portland. Bet the Spurs Monday.

20* NBA Eastern Conference GAME OF THE WEEK on Orlando Magic +8.5

The Orlando Magic have quietly gone 16-6 ATS in their last 22 games overall. Now they are catching too many points at home to the Boston Celtics tonight.

The Celtics are without both Marcus Smart and Malcolm Brogdon tonight, Robert Williams is questionable. and Jayson Tatum will be paying through a wrist injury. They are laying too many points on the road tonight given their injury situation.

Orlando is 2-1 SU & 3-0 ATS in three meetings with Boston this season. The Magic won outright as 13-point road dogs, outright as 11-point road dogs and only lost by 6 as 9-point home dogs in their first three meetings this season.

Orlando is 5-0 ATS In its last five games following a loss. The Magic are 10-2 ATS in their last 12 games playing on one day of rest. Boston is 1-9 ATS when revenging a loss this season. Bet the Magic Monday.

15* Duke/Virginia Tech ESPN ANNIHILATOR on Virginia Tech -2.5

It's a great time to 'buy low' on the Virginia Tech Hokies tonight. They have gone 0-7 SU & 0-7 ATS in their last seven games overall with all seven losses by 10 points or fewer, including five losses by 5 points or less.

But the Hokies are now as healthy as they have been all season. They return home from three consecutive brutal road games at Virginia, Syracuse and Clemson. And I expect them to put it on the Duke Blue Devils, who have been one of the most overrated teams in the country because of the name on their uniform.

Duke is just 1-7 ATS in its last eight games overall. The Blue Devils have been terrible on the road, going 1-3 SU & 0-4 ATS in true road games this season. Their lone win came by a single point at Boston College as 8-point favorites, and they lost by 11 as 6.5-point favorites at Wake Forest, by 24 as 4.5-point favorites at NC State and by 8 as 1-point favorites at Clemson.

The Blue Devils are 0-6 ATS in their last six games vs. a team with a winning record. Duke is 0-5 ATS in its last five road games. The Blue Devils are 0-5 ATS in their last five games overall. The home team is 9-3 ATS in the last 12 meetings. Bet Virginia Tech Monday.

20* Nets/Warriors NBA TV No-Brainer on OVER 235

The Golden State Warriors are a dead nuts OVER team especially now that they have all their scorers back and healthy.  The Warriors rank 1st in the NBA in pace and have taken a big step back on defense this season.  They have scored 118 or more points in five consecutive games, and the OVER has gone 5-1 in their last six games with combined scores of 234 or more points in all six games.

Kyrie Irving and company will have no problem getting up and down with the Warriors.  They beat a short-handed Warriors team 143-113 in their first meeting this season at home for 256 combined points.  The Warriors are expected to have all hands on deck for this game other than Wiseman and Iguodala, which hurts them more defensively than anything.  Bet the OVER in this game Sunday.

25* NFL Divisional Round GAME OF THE YEAR on San Francisco 49ers -4

This line should be closer to 49ers -7.  The Dallas Cowboys are getting too much respect for their win in prime time Monday Night over the Tampa Bay Bucs.  They beat a washed up Tom Brady who was playing behind one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL.  Dak Prescott had a career game, and just everything that could go right for Dallas did.

Now the Cowboys are in a terrible spot playing their 4th consecutive road game and on a short week.  These haven't been short trips either as all four have been 700-plus miles for the Cowboys.  They won't have much left in the tank this week for the 49ers, who played last Saturday and have had two extra days to rest and prepare for this game than the Cowboys.  This is where the Cowboys' season comes to an end in blowout fashion.

They have to play the hottest team in the NFL in the 49ers, who have won 10 consecutive game the last six of which have come with Brock Purdy at quarterback.  The 49ers have scored 35-plus points in five of the six games started by Purdy with the lone exception being against the Seahawks in his second start on the road.  They also kneeled at the 1-yard line to end that game.  Purdy has a 16-to-4 TD/INT ratio this season and is averaging 9 yards per attempt.

The 49ers rank 5th in scoring offense at 27.3 points per game, 5th in total offense at 373.4 yards per game and 3rd at 6.0 yards per play.  The 49ers rank 1st in scoring defense at 16.7 points per game, 2nd in total defense at 302.3 yards per game and 4th at 5.0 yards per play.  They are the most complete team in the NFL with almost zero weaknesses.  They are also as healthy as they have been all season with all of their key weapons and defenders healthy.

Things won't come nearly as easy for Dak Prescott as they did against the Bucs.  The Cowboys have a suspect offensive line and the 49ers have one of the best pass rushes in the NFL, plus they give up nothing against the run.  Purdy is playing behind one of the best offensive lines in the NFL, which will negate Dallas' pass rush, which is the strength of their team.  Micah Parsons won't be all over Purdy like he was all over Tom Brady.  The Cowboys have a vulnerable secondary that Purdy will be able to exploit, plus the 49ers will have their way on the ground against the Cowboys, too.  They have rushed for 153 or more yards in all six games with Purdy under center.

Dallas was not playing well prior to the Tampa Bay game.  They lost 26-6 at Washington in Week 18 against third-string QB Sam Howell.  They beat a Titans team that was resting starters and playing a 3rd-string QB and needed to pull away in the 4th quarter just to do that.  They needed a late turnover from the Eagles to beat them with backup QB Minshew at home.  They lost to the Jaguars in OT on the road.  And they needed a last-second drive to beat the lowly Houston Texans by 4 at home.  They were playing like shit prior to that win over the Bucs, which was clearly the aberration.

Meanwhile, the 49ers have gone 10-0 SU & 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games overall with seven wins by 13 points or more while outgaining nine of their 10 opponents.  The lone exception was against the Raiders on January 1st which was clearly a letdown spot.  The 49ers spent NYE in Vegas and probably partied too hard, thinking they'd just have to show up to win against a backup QB.  That performance can be forgiven.  When they have been locked in, they have been absolutely dominant.  The 49ers have outscored their opponents by an average of 16.2 points per game during their 10-game winning streak.

The 49ers have a huge advantage in the coaching department with Shanahan over McCarthy, too.  Shanahan is 10-1 ATS in January games as the coach of San Francisco.  The 49ers are 9-1 SU & 8-2 ATS at home this season outscoring opponents by 13.7 points per game.  San Francisco is 12-2 ATS in its last 14 home games dating back to last season.  The 49ers won 23-17 at Dallas in the playoffs last season.  The Cowboys have exactly one playoff road win since 1993.  Dak is 1-4 ATS in his playoff career.  Bet the 49ers Sunday.

15* Bengals/Bills AFC ANNIHILATOR on Buffalo -5.5

These are two teams coming off misleading results in the Wild Card Round.  The Bills should have beaten the Dolphins by more when you look at the numbers, while the Bengals should have lost outright to the Ravens.  Those misleading results have provided us with some line value to pull the trigger on the Buffalo Bills this week.  They should be closer to 7-point favorites against the Bengals at home this week when you factor in everything.

The Bills have won eight consecutive games and are playing with a lot of motivation for Damar Hamlin, plus the fact that they've never won a Super Bowl and feel like they should have won last year.  They are on a mission this season, and it's the defending AFC champion Bengals standing in their way this week, which only adds to the motivation.

The Bills felt like they just had to show up to win last week, and it showed after jumping out to a 17-0 lead they found themselves in a dog fight with the Dolphins.  They survived 34-31, but it was a bigger blowout than the final score.  The Bills outgained the Dolphins by 192 yards and held to them to just 231 total yards, which should make it impossible for them to score 31 points.  But the Bills committed three turnovers that set up easy scoring opportunities for the Dolphins.  Look for them to clean it up this week.

The Bengals beat the Ravens 24-17 at home last week.  They won despite getting outgained by 130 yards and racking up only 234 yards of total offense.  That came a week after the Bengals beat the Ravens 27-16 in Week 18 despite getting outgained by 129 yards and being held to 257 yards.  Their luck runs out this week on the road in a hostile environment against a much better team in the Bills.

A big reason the Bengals have struggled on offense the past two weeks averaging just 245.5 yards per game against the Ravens is because of a banged-up offensive line.  The Bengals will now be down three starters on the offensive line this week against the Bills.  Joe Burrow is going to be under duress the entire game.  He was sacked a ton in the playoffs last year, but his defense and his kicker bailed him out.  The defense won't stop this potent Bills offense, and he won't be bailed out this week when he's getting sacked more than a handful of times.  And this is coming from one of the biggest Burrow believers you will find.  I just think this is too much for him to handle this week.

Buffalo averages 6.1 yards per play on offense and allows 5.0 yards per play on defense, outgaining opponents by 1.1 yards per play this season.  Cincinnati averages 5.4 yards per play on offense and allows 5.5 yards per play on defense, breaking dead even on a yards per play basis.  This shows Buffalo is by far the superior team.  

The Bills are 7-1 at home this season and outscoring opponents by 12.7 points per game.  Sean McDermott is 11-1 ATS following a win by 3 points or less as the coach of Buffalo.  The Bills are 7-0 ATS following a win by 3 points or less over the last three seasons.  Bet the Bills Sunday.

15* NBA Sunday Total DOMINATOR on Clippers/Mavericks UNDER 224.5

The Los Angeles Clippers and Dallas Mavericks just met less than two weeks ago on January 10th.  The Clippers won that game 113-101 at home for just 214 combined points.  Familiarity favors defense and low scoring games, and I expect more of the same in the rematch here Sunday.

This has been a very low scoring series as it is.  The Clippers and Mavericks have combined for 217 or fewer points in six consecutive meetings.  They have combined for 217 or fewer points in nine of their last 10 meetings, making for a 9-1 system backing the UNDER pertaining to this 224.5-point total.

Injuries to both teams will take away from the offense of both teams and help us cash this UNDER ticket.  The Clippers will be without both John Wall (11.4 PPG, 5.2 APG) and Luke Kennard (8.7 PPG, 46.2% 3-pointers), while the Mavericks will be without second-leading scorer Christian Wood (18.4 PPG).  Bet the UNDER in this game Sunday.

20* CBB TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Butler/UConn UNDER 137.5

Familiarity favors defense and low scoring games.  This will be the 2nd meeting of the season between Butler and UConn.  The Huskies won the first meeting 68-46 on December 17th for just 114 combined points.  Oddsmakers have set the total too high for the rematch Sunday, which will be an early 12:00 EST sleepy start time, which also favors the UNDER.

UConn is one of the best defensive teams in the country holding opponents to 63.9 points per game and 40.4% shooting.  It's safe to say the Huskies will be in a foul mood after losing five of their last six games overall, and I expect it show on the defensive end more than anything with max intensity.

The same can be said for Butler, which will be highly motivated for revenge while also looking to bounce back from losing three of their last four.  The Bulldogs allow 66.6 points per game and 43.7% shooting this season.  But they have been atrocious on offense, scoring 61 or fewer points in six of their last nine games overall, including 56 or fewer in five of those.

Butler and UConn has squared off five times as Big East opponents over the last three seasons.  They have combined for 135 or fewer points in all five meetings and an average of just 125.2 combined points per game.  The UNDER is 7-2 in Bulldogs last nine games overall.  Butler is 8-1 UNDER as an underdog this season.  The Bulldogs are 10-1 UNDER vs. good teams outscoring their opponents by 4-plus points per game this season.  Bet the UNDER in this game Sunday.

15* Michigan State/Indiana Big Ten Early ANNIHILATOR on UNDER 138.5

This will be an early, sleepy start time for a Big Ten matchup Sunday at 12:00 EST between the Michigan State Spartans and Indiana Hoosiers.  I expect points to be hard to come by for both teams for a couple of reasons.

The Spartans are without Malik Hall (9.9 PPG, 52.5% shooting) right now.  They have gone UNDER the total in their two games since losing him, falling 63-64 to Purdue for 127 combined points and beating Rutgers 70-57 for 127 combined points.  The Spartans have been held to 70 points or fewer in 10 of their last 12 games overall.

The Indian Hoosiers are without Race Thompson (8.4 PPG, 49.5% shooting) and Xavier Johnson (9.9 PPG, 37% 3-pointers) right now which has hampered their offense as well.  They are coming off an aberration shooting performance making 61.8% against Illinois last time out, which has inflated this total.  They were held to 63 and 66 points in their previous two games by Wisconsin and Penn State, respectively.

Michigan State and Indiana have combined for 137, 122, 149, 130 and 125 points in their last five meetings.  As you can see, four of the five meetings have seen less than this 138.5-point total.  Bet the UNDER in this game Sunday.

20* WCC GAME OF THE WEEK on Santa Clara +12.5

Santa Clara wants revenge from a 64-67 home loss to St. Mary's in their first meeting on December 31st as 6-point underdogs.  Now the books have moved this number 6.5 points to St. Mary's -12.5, which is too big of an adjustment for home-court advantage.

The reason the books have over-adjusted is because St. Mary's is 7-0 SU & 6-1 ATS in its last seven games overall and making backers a lot of money.  But it's time to 'sell high' on them now, and it's time to back a Broncos team that has consistently been disrespected from oddsmakers.  The Broncos are 7-0 ATS in their last seven games overall with their two losses during this stretch coming by 3 to St. Mary's and by 5 to Gonzaga.

Santa Clara is 7-1 ATS in its last eight meetings with St. Mary's.  Each of the last eight meetings were decided by 11 points or less, and each of the last seven meetings were decided by 8 points or fewer.  Bet Santa Clara Saturday.

15* CBB Saturday Total DOMINATOR on Santa Clara/St. Mary's UNDER 135

Familiarity favors defense and low scoring games.  This will be the 2nd meeting between Santa Clara and St. Mary's this season.  St. Mary's won 67-64 on December 31st for 131 combined points in their first meeting.  It will be another defensive struggle in the rematch.

St. Mary's is 9-0 UNDER in its last nine games after a game where it outrebounded its last opponent by 15 boards or more.  The UNDER is 9-4 in Broncos last 13 games overall.  Bet the UNDER in this game Saturday.

15* NBA Saturday Undervalued Underdog on Orlando Magic +7.5

The Orlando Magic have quietly gone 16-5 ATS in their last 21 games overall.  Several of those few losses actually came when they had key guys suspended.  But now the are basically as healthy as they have been all season.

This line has been adjusted too much in Washington's favor due to Orlando playing the 2nd of a back-to-back.  But the Magic had four days off prior to beating the Pelicans 123-110 at home last night.  Only Franz Wagner played more than 26 minutes for the Magic in that win, so they will still be fresh and ready for another big effort tonight.

Washington has no business laying this big of a number to anyone.  The Wizards are 19-26 on the season and just 2-5 SU & 2-5 ATS in their last seven games overall with four losses by 9 points or more, and one win coming by 3 points.  They are getting too much respect for their upset win at New York last time out, which was a revenge game for them after recently losing to the Knicks two games prior.

Orlando is 8-1 ATS after covering the spread in three or more consecutive games this season.  Washington is 4-16 ATS in its last 20 games when playing on two days' rest.  The Magic are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 road games.  Washington is also 14-37-1 ATS in its last 52 games when playing on two days' rest.  Orlando is 5-1 ATS in its las six trips to Washington.  Bet the Magic Saturday.

15* ACC PLAY OF THE DAY on Virginia Tech/Clemson UNDER 142

Familiarity favors defense and low scoring games.  This will be the 2nd meeting between Virginia Tech and Clemson this season.  Clemson won the first meeting 68-65 for just 133 combined points on the road on January 4th.  That total was set at 136.5, and now we are getting a 142-point total in the rematch.  The books have made a big mistake adjusting this total up.

Virginia Tech and Clemson have combined for 141 or fewer points at the end of regulation in nine consecutive meetings, which makes for a 9-0 system backing the UNDER pertaining to this 142-point total.  Each of the last eight meetings have seen 133 or fewer combined points at the end or regulation and an average of just 125.1 combined points per game, which is 17 points less than this posted total.  Enough said.  Bet the UNDER in this game Saturday.

20* NBA Saturday UPSET SHOCKER on Toronto Raptors ML +100

The Boston Celtics will be without leading scorer Jayson Tatum (31.2 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 4.3 APG) tonight against the Toronto Raptors.  Not only that, but this is a massive letdown spot for the Celtics after finally getting revenge on the Golden State Warriors on Thursday night in OT at home.  They will fall flat tonight at Toronto following that victory.

Toronto will be highly motivated for a victory following two consecutive road losses coming in.  Unlike the Celtics, the Raptors are fully healthy right now.  And them at full strength and at home is better than Boston without Tatum.  Bet the Raptors on the Money Line Saturday.

20* NFL TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Jaguars/Chiefs UNDER 53

This total is way too high given how well both of these defenses have been playing down the stretch, especially the Chiefs.  The improvement of this Kansas City defense has been flying under the radar.  They have allowed just 17.8 points per game and 285 yards per game in their last four games overall.

The Jaguars have allowed just 13 points per game and 284 yards per game in their last four games overall.  That includes the 30 points they allowed to the Chargers last week, which was very fluky because it came with five turnovers from the Jaguars who gave the Chargers a ton of short fields en route to a 27-0 lead.  That game saw 61 combined points with a big Jaguars comeback, but it shouldn't have since the Chargers only had 320 total yards while the Jaguars had 390 in comeback mode.  That result has inflated this total this week.

Familiarity favors defense and low scoring games, and this will be the 2nd meeting between the Chiefs and Jaguars at Arrowhead Stadium this season.  The Chiefs won that first meeting 27-17 for just 44 combined points.  The Jaguars were held to just 315 total yards in defeat.  The Chiefs moved the ball well, but I expect the Jaguars to be much better defensively in the rematch.  And Kansas City is good at sitting on the ball and milking clock with a lead, which is why they always tend to play in closer game because they quit scoring and let teams back in it.  That makes them a great UNDER team.

The UNDER is 6-2 in Chiefs eight home games this season with an average of just 44.5 combined points per game.  The UNDER is 9-2 in Jaguars last 11 games after allowing 30 points or more in their previous game.  The UNDER is 4-1 in the last five meetings.  The UNDER is 7-0 in Jaguars last seven games vs. good offensive teams that average 6 or more yards per play in the second half of the season.  Bet the UNDER in this game Saturday.

15* MWC PLAY OF THE DAY on Colorado State ML -115

The Wyoming Cowboys are broken this season.  They are 5-13 on the season including 0-8 SU & 2-6 ATS in their last eight games overall.  They have a ton of key injuries they are dealing with, which is the biggest reason for their struggles.  And books continue to over-adjust for their home-court advantage, which has been non-existent this season.

Colorado State beat Fresno State by 22, upset UNLV on the road and played a very good San Diego State team to a 6-point game last time out in three of its last four games.  The Rams are by far the superior team here and should be favored on the road.  Bet Colorado State Saturday.

15* SEC PLAY OF THE DAY on Tennessee/LSU UNDER 131

The Tennessee Vols are a dead nuts UNDER team.  They rank 1st in the country in adjusted defense and are holding opponents to 54.2 points per game and 33.6% shooting, which is 17 points per game less than their season averages.  But the Vols aren't a very efficiency offensive team, whooting 44.3% as a team.

The LSU Tigers rank 95th in adjusted defense and are holding opponents to 67.1 points per game and 42.9% shooting.  The Tigers shoot just 42.7% as a team and will struggle to get any buckets against Tennessee.  LSU Has scored 49, 66, 56 and 56 points in its last four games coming in, respectively.

Tennessee is 6-0 UNDER after going over the total in its previous game this season.  LSU is 9-1 UNDER in its last 10 games vs. a top-level team that wins more than 80% of their games on the season.  Bet the UNDER in this game Saturday.

25* CBB UPSET GAME OF THE YEAR on Arizona +1

The UCLA Bruins have won 14 consecutive games and were fortunate to win four of their last six as they needed some heroics late.  Their luck runs out this week and the streak stops here in their toughest game of the season at Arizona.

The Wildcats are 10-1 at home this season and it will be a raucous atmosphere this afternoon in Tuscon.  Arizona won its final two meetings with Arizona last season 76-66 at home and 84-76 in the Pac-12 Tournament.  The home team is 4-0 ATS in the last four meetings.

UCLA is 1-8 ATS in its last nine games following three consecutive wins by 10 points or more.  The Wildcats are 4-0 ATS in their last four games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.  Bet Arizona Saturday.

20* Iowa/Ohio State Big Ten No-Brainer on Ohio State -4

This is a great time to 'buy low' on the Ohio State Buckeyes.  They have gone 0-5 SU & 0-5 ATS in their last five games overall, so we are buying at the very bottom on them as short home favorites over the Iowa Hawkeyes today.  It's safe to say they will be highly motivated for a victory.

Conversely, it's a great time to 'sell high' on the Hawkeyes.  They have gone 4-0 SU & 4-0 ATS in their last four games overall with three of those wins coming at home.  They are 1-2 in true road games in Big Ten play this season with losses by 16 at Nebraska and by 4 at Penn State plus an upset win at Rutgers.

The Hawkeyes are 1-5 ATS in their last six road games.  Iowa is 2-10 ATS in its last 12 road games following three or more consecutive home games.  Bet Ohio State Saturday.

15* Big East PLAY OF THE DAY on DePaul/Providence UNDER 147.5

Familiarity favors defense and low scoring games.  This will be the 2nd meeting between DePaul and Providence this season.  Providence won 74-59 for just 133 combined points in that first meeting while shooting 48% from the field and 50% from 3-point range.  It's hard seeing them shoot that well again, and we have a total of 147.5 here which is 14.5 points more than what they combined for in that first meeting.

In fact, DePaul and Providence have combined for 133 or fewer points at the end of regulation in each of their last five meetings.  They have averaged just 122.4 combined points at the end of regulation in those five meetings, which is roughly 25 points less than this posted total.  Enough said.  Bet the UNDER in this game Saturday.

20* Texas Tech/Kansas State Big 12 No-Brainer on Texas Tech +5

It's a great time to 'buy low' on Texas Tech today.  The Red Raiders are 0-6 SU & 1-5 ATS in their last six games overall.  They are still in search of their first Big 12 victory with five of the six losses coming by 7 points or fewer, so it's not like they haven't been competitive.

Conversely, it's a great time to 'sell high' on the Kansas State Wildcats.  They are 16-2 SU & 12-5 ATS this season.  The Wildcats are coming off an upset win over rival Kansas, so that makes this a massive letdown spot now.  They have been celebrating that win since Tuesday and won't be fully focused for Texas Tech today.

Texas Tech has won 8 of its last 10 meetings with Kansas State outright.  The Red Raiders have a great shot to pull off the upset today, but we'll take the points for some insurance.  Bet Texas Tech Saturday.

15* CBB Saturday Undervalued Underdog on TCU +7.5

The TCU Horned Frogs are 14-4 this season with all four losses coming by single-digits, including three by 4 points or fewer.  They won't bet getting blown out by Kansas today, either.

The Jayhawks have proven to be very vulnerable of late, especially at home.  They have gone 2-5 ATS in their last seven games overall.  They won by 14 as 21.5-point home favorites over Harvard, won by 2 as 10-point home favorites over Oklahoma State, won by 4 as 10.5-point home favorites over Oklahoma and won by 2 as 7.5-point home favorites over Iowa State.

TCU beat Kansas 74-64 as 6-point home dogs and only lost by 4 as 11.5-point road dogs in their two regular season meetings last year, and Kansas went on to win the National Championship.  The Horned Frogs are 24-9-4 ATS in their last 37 games vs. a team with a winning record.

TCU is 5-0 ATS in its last five games following a loss.  The Horned Frogs are 14-5-1 ATS in their last 20 road games.  The Jayhawks are 0-4 ATS in their last four home games.  Bet TCU Saturday.

20* NBA BLOWOUT GAME OF THE WEEK on Utah Jazz -6

The Brooklyn Nets have been a disaster without Kevin Durant.  They are 0-4 SU & 0-4 ATS in their last four games overall losing by 11 at home to Boston as 1-point dogs, by 12 at home to OKC as 4.5-point favorites, by 8 at San Antonio as 2.5-point favorites and by 5 at Phoenix as 3.5-point favorites.

Now the Nets are in a terrible spot tonight.  They will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back and their 4th game in 6 days as well as their 3rd consecutive road game.  Kyrie Irving played 38 minutes, Nic Claxton 35 minutes, Seth Curry 36 minutes, Royce O'Neale 34 minutes and Joe Harris 31 minutes last night for the Nets.  They won't have much left in the tank tonight, and now they have to play in altitude in Salt Lake City to make matters worse.

The Jazz are 4-1 SU & 4-1 ATS in their last five games overall with their lone loss coming by a single point to the 76ers as 7-point dogs.  They upset the Timberwolves, crushed the Clippers by 23 and beat the Cavaliers and Magic during this stretch.  Unlike the Nets, the Jazz are fully healthy right now and have been dangerous when that's the case.

The Jazz are 10-1 ATS in their last 11 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.  Utah is 19-8 ATS in the last 27 meetings, including 5-1 ATS in the last six meetings in Salt Lake City.  The Jazz are 17-3 ATS in their last 20 home games following three or more consecutive ATS wins.  Bet the Jazz Friday.

20* Heat/Mavericks ESPN No-Brainer on Miami ML -115

The Miami Heat are almost fully healthy and playing some of their best basketball of the season right now as a result.  They have gone 4-1 SU in their last five games overall with two wins over Milwaukee and a 26-point win at New Orleans last time out.

The Heat should continue their momentum tonight against one of the most overrated teams in the NBA in the Dallas Mavericks.  The Mavericks are just 15-29-2 ATS on the season.  They are missing Maxi Kleber and now will be without Christian Wood after suffering a fractured thumb last game.  That's a huge loss as Wood has scored 19-plus points in 10 of his last 12 games overall and was starting to form a great chemistry with Luka Doncic.

Plays against home teams with a line of +3 to -3 (Dallas) - after being beaten by the spread by 42 or more points total in their last five games are 71-37 (65.7%) ATS over the last five seasons.  The Mavericks are 1-5 SU & 1-5 ATS in their last six games overall and needed two heroic 3's by Doncic to force OT and double-OT in a win over the Lakers for their lone victory during this stretch.  Their five losses came by 17, 17, 12, 11 and 8 points.

Miami is 15-5-1 ATS in its last 21 trips to Dallas, and 9-4-1 ATS in the last 14 meetings overall.  The Mavericks are 16-33-2 ATS in their last 51 games overall.  The Heat are 5-0 ATS in their last five games vs. a team with a winning record.  Bet the Heat on the Money Line Friday.

15* NBA Friday UPSET SHOCKER on Orlando Magic +2

The Orlando Magic have quietly gone 15-5 ATS in their last 20 games overall.  Several of those few losses actually came when they had key guys suspended.  But now the are basically as healthy as they have been all season, and this is a great spot for them coming in on four days' rest after being off since January 15th.

The New Orleans have been playing without their two best players in Zion Williamson (26.0 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 4.6 APG) and Brandon Ingram (20.8 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 4.7 APG) and it's no surprise they have struggled without them.  Both remain out, plus key role player Herbert Jones (10.0 PPG) is questionable after missing the past four games.  Another role player in Naji Marshall (10.5 PPG) is questionable as well.

The Pelicans are just 3-7 SU & 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games overall.  Orlando is 10-2 ATS after playing two consecutive road games this season.  New Orleans is 3-8 ATS in its last 11 road games.  The Magic are 6-2 ATS in the last eight meetings.  Bet the Magic Friday.

15* CBB Thursday Late-Night BAILOUT on Oregon State +11

The Stanford Cardinal are 5-12 this season and should not be double-digit favorites against anyone in the Pac-12, including Oregon State.  The Cardinal are 0-5 SU & 1-4 ATS in their last five games overall which included a 22-point loss to Cal and a 17-point loss to Washington.

Oregon State is also 0-5 SU in its last five games, but has been more competitive going 3-2 ATS.  The Beavers only lost by 9 as 13.5-point dogs at Oregon, by 12 as 15-point home dogs to Arizona and by 5 as 9-point home dogs to Arizona State.

Home-court advantage has not mattered in this series.  The road team is 5-1 SU & 5-1 ATS in the last five meetings.  Oregon State pulled the 68-63 upset as 6-point road dogs in 2020 and the 73-62 upset as 5-point road dogs in 2021.  

The Cardinal are 4-9 ATS in their last 13 home games.  The Beavers are 8-0 ATS in their last eight games after playing two consecutive games as home underdogs.  Stanford is 3-13 ATS in its last 16 games after allowing 60 points or less last game.  Roll with Oregon State Thursday.

20* Pac-12 GAME OF THE WEEK on Arizona State +5

The Arizona State Sun Devils are one of the most improved teams in the country at 15-3 this season.  They are getting disrespected here as 5-point home underdogs to UCLA.

It's time to 'sell high' on the Bruins, who are riding a 13-game winning streak following consecutive losses to Illinois and Baylor.  I think this is where the streak comes to an end.  They have survived in three of their last five games beating Washington State by 1, USC by 2 and needing a double-digit comeback to beat Colorado at home last time out.  Their luck runs out tonight.

UCLA is 0-6 ATS in its last six road games after winning 12 or more of its last 15 games.  Arizona State is 6-0 ATS in its last six games after playing two consecutive road games.  The Bruins are 9-25 ATS in their last 34 road games following three or more consecutive home games.  The home team is 17-6-2 ATS in the last 25 meetings.  A bad ASU team upset UCLA 87-84 as 10-point home dogs last season.  Take Arizona State Thursday.

20* Warriors/Celtics TNT No-Brainer on UNDER 241

Familiarity favors defense and low scoring games.  It's safe to say the Celtics and Warriors are very familiar with one another after meeting in the NBA Finals last season.  They also played once this season, and all recent meeting went well UNDER this 241-point total.

Indeed, the Warriors and Celtics combined for 230 points in their first meeting this season.  They combined for 228 or fewer points in all six NBA Finals games.  In fact, they have combined for 233 or fewer points in 20 consecutive meetings, making for a 20-0 system backing the UNDER pertaining to this 241-point total.  The UNDER is 21-6 in the last 27 meetings.  Bet the UNDER in this game Thursday.

15* Kings/Lakers NBA Late-Night BAILOUT on OVER 244.5

Both the Sacramento Kings and Los Angeles Lakers are dead nuts OVER teams right now. They are two of the fastest-paced teams in the NBA, and they both play little defense.

The OVER is 5-0 in Kings last five games overall with combined scores of 270, 247, 250, 253 and 251 points. The 270-point effort came against the Lakers. They also combined for 254 points in their previous meeting this season. The OVER is 5-0 in the last five meetings.

The Lakers are coming off 272 combined points against the Houston Rockets. The OVER is 20-7-1 in Lakers last 28 games vs. a team with a winning record. The OVER is 12-4 in Lakers last 16 games playing on one days' rest. The OVER is 6-1 in Lakers last seven games after allowing more than 125 points in their previous game. Take the OVER in this game Wednesday.

20* NBA TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Hornets/Rockets OVER 236.5

The Charlotte Hornets are a dead nuts OVER team. They have combined for 236 or more points with their opponents in six of their last eight games overall. They play fast and play no defense.

The Houston Rockets have combined for 272, 255 and 250 points in three of their last four games coming in with the only exception being the Clippers, who are a dead nuts under team when playing at home. The Rockets also play fast and play no defense.

The OVER is 20-8 in Hornets last 28 road games. The OVER is 15-4 in Hornets last 19 road games following a home loss by 10 points or more. Bet the OVER in this game Wednesday.

15* CBB Wednesday Night BLOWOUT on Drake -7

The Drake Bulldogs are finally starting to play up to their potential. They have won three consecutive games to improve to 14-5 this season including a pair of blowout home wins over Murray State by 18 and Bradley by 25.

The Bulldogs are 9-0 at home this season with one of the better home-court advantages in the conference. Now they'll be seeking revenge from a 49-52 loss at Missouri State in their first meeting this season. This will play out much differently the 2nd time around with the Bulldogs at home, and I expect a blowout victory in their favor.

Missouri State is 2-5 SU in true road games this season including losses at St. Mary's by 20, at Belmont by 13 and at Illinois State by 10. Those latter two losses came in their last two road games and were very poor performances as both Belmont and Illinois State are down this season. Roll with Drake Wednesday.

20* MVC GAME OF THE WEEK on Indiana State ML -125

The Indiana State Sycamores are 13-6 this season and will be highly motivated for a victory tonight following two consecutive conference losses to Southern Illinois and Missouri State. I look for them to take out their frustration on the Bradley Braves tonight.

Indiana State is 7-2 SU & 6-2 ATS at home this season. Home-court advantage has been huge in this series as the home team is 8-0 SU & 8-0 ATS in the last eight meetings. The Sycamores are 21-5 SU in their last 26 home meetings with the Braves.

Bradley is 2-4 SU in true road games this season with one of those wins coming by 2 at SIU-Edwardsville as a 6-point favorites. They lost by 25 at Drake as a 2.5-point dog, lost by 9 at Murray State as a 5.5-point dog, lost by 3 at Belmont as a 1-point favorite and lost by 22 at Utah State as a 7.5-point dog.

The Braves are 1-11 ATS in their last 12 road games. The home team is 23-8 ATS in the last 31 meetings. Bet Indiana State on the Money Line Wednesday.

15* CBB Wednesday Total DOMINATOR on Florida/Texas A&M UNDER 138

The Florida Gators and Texas A&M Aggies will be playing in a rematch from a 66-63 win by the Aggies on January 4th which saw just 129 combined points. Familiarity favors defense and low scoring games, and I expect more of the same in the rematch here just two weeks later.

Texas A&M is a very good defensive team allowing just 66.4 points per game and 40.4% shooting on the season. Florida has been nearly identical, allowing just 66.4 points per game on 40.3% shooting. Points will be hard to come by in this rematch.

Florida is 9-1 UNDER vs. good ball handling teams that commit 14 or fewer turnovers per game this season. The UNDER is 8-1 in Gators last nine games overall. The UNDER is 5-1 in Aggies last six home games. Take the UNDER in this game Wednesday.

20* 76ers/Clippers TNT Late-Night BAILOUT on UNDER 227

The Los Angeles Clippers are missing Paul George (23.7 PPG), Luke Kennard (8.7 PPG) and John Wall (11.4 PPG) tonight. That's a lot of offensive production missing, and they have to rely on defense to be competitive without them.

Amazingly, the UNDER is 23-4 in Clippers last 27 home games, which is one of the best kept secrets in the NBA right now. They are 20-3 UNDER at home this season, averaging 106.1 PPG at home and allowing just 105.3 PPG.

The 76ers rank 3rd in defensive efficiency and 26th in pace, making them a dead nuts UNDER team. The Clippers rank 23rd in pace and 8th in defensive efficiency, making them an UNDER team as well. Take the UNDER in this game Tuesday.

20* NBA Western Conference GAME OF THE WEEK on Portland Trail Blazers +7

The Portland Trail Blazers are as healthy as they have been all season right now and it's starting to show. They are coming off back-to-back blowout wins over Dallas by 17 points each.

It's time to 'sell high' on the Denver Nuggets after winning six consecutive games coming in including five by double-digits. They barely survived in a 3-point win over the Magic as double-digit favorites last time out. And I expect they'll find it hard to beat Portland let alone by 8-plus points, which is what it's going to take to beat us tonight.

This will be the 4th and final meeting between these teams this season. Portland has actually outscored Denver by 11 points combined in the first three meetings. 

The Blazers are 8-1 ATS following two consecutive home games this season. Denver is 1-9 ATS following three consecutive games where it made 50% of its shots or better. Portland is 16-3 ATS in its last 19 games vs. good shooting teams that make 50% or better. Bet the Blazers Tuesday.

15* NBA Tuesday Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on San Antonio Spurs +6.5

The Brooklyn Nets have been lost in their last two games without Kevin Durant. They lost 109-98 at home to Boston and 112-102 at home to Oklahoma City as well. A team led by Kyrie Irving and Ben Simmons is not a team I'd trust my money with.

The San Antonio Spurs have quietly gone 5-2 ATS in their last seven games overall, and 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games. They have been competitive despite continuing to lose outright, and I expect them to give the Nets a run for their money without Durant tonight.

The Nets are 16-34-1 ATS in their last 51 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400. The Spurs are 7-2 ATS in their last nine home games vs. a team with a winning road record. San Antonio is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 home meetings with Brooklyn. Roll with the Spurs Tuesday.

20* Raptors/Bucks TNT No-Brainer on UNDER 224

The UNDER is 4-1 in the last five meetings between Toronto and Milwaukee with combined scores of 197, 199, 228, 190 and 206 points at the end of regulation, respectively.

Given this head-to-head history, this total of 224 has been set too high tonight. The UNDER is also 10-2 in the last 12 meetings. Bet the UNDER in this game Tuesday.

20* Big East GAME OF THE WEEK on Butler +7.5

The Butler Bulldogs are coming off one of their most complete performances of the season in a 79-71 upset home win over Villanova as 3.5-point dogs. Now they are catching too many points at home against Creighton on Tuesday.

Butler wants revenge from a 56-78 road loss at Creighton as 8-point dogs. Now the books have set the number almost exactly the same as the first meeting without adjusting for home-court advantage. That's great value with the Bulldogs at home.

Creighton is 0-4 SU & 1-3 ATS in true road games this season. Butler is 10-2 ATS in its last 12 games vs. teams that average 6 or fewer steals per game. The Bluejays are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games overall. Home-court advantage has been huge in this series as the home team is 15-2 ATS in the last 17 meetings. Bet Butler Tuesday.

15* CBB Tuesday Undervalued Underdog on Tulane +10

Tulane is playing its best basketball of the season right now. The Green Wave have gone 5-0 SU & 5-0 ATS in their last five games overall with home wins over Memphis by 7, Tulsa by 16 and UCF by 8 as well as road wins over Temple by 11 and SMU by 9.

Now the Green Wave are ready to give the No. 1 ranked Houston Cougars a run for their money as double-digit home underdogs tonight. Tulane is 8-1 at home this season and has a big home-court advantage.

Houston has been vulnerable of late winning by 6 at home over UCF as 15-point favorites and by 6 at home over USF as 23-point favorites. They can't be trusted to be laying double-digits on the road here. You're definitely paying a tax to back the Cougars at this point with their No. 1 ranking and it's time to 'sell high' on them. Take Tulane Tuesday.

25* NFL Wild Card GAME OF THE YEAR on Tampa Bay Bucs +3

The Dallas Cowboys haven't won a road playoff game since January of 1993.  Tom Brady is 7-0 in his career against the Cowboys including a 19-3 win at Dallas earlier this season.  The Cowboys failed to reach the red zone once in that first meeting.  The Cowboys are 1-4 on grass this season while going 11-1 on turf, and they will be outdoors on grass here where their speed isn't as much of a factor.

Dak Prescott is also 0-4 ATS in the playoffs in his career.  Prescott tied for the NFL lead in interceptions this season despite missing five games.  He was terrible in a game the Cowboys were trying to win last week against Washington.  He went 14-of-37 for 128 yards with one touchdown and one interception while averaging just 3.5 yards per attempt.

The Cowboys lost that game 26-6 to the Commanders as 7-point road favorites.  Their 15 'drives' went like this; fumble, 3 and out, 3 and out, pick-6, 3 and out, 3 and out, TD, 3 and out, 3 and out, 3 and out, 3 and out, turnover on downs, 3 and out, 3 and out, 3 and out.  That doesn't look like a team that is playoff-ready, and certainly not one that should be laying points on the road.

Tom Brady had his best game of the season against the Carolina Panthers in Week 17 with a spot in the playoffs on the line.  Brady went 34-of-45 for 432 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions to lead the Bucs to a 30-24 win.  He has all of his weapons healthy and may be getting back some key pieces along the offensive line.  The Bucs were able to rest starters for the majority of the game against the Falcons last week and will be fresh and ready to go.

I trust Brady over Prescott, and I also trust this Tampa Bay defense over this Dallas defense.  The Cowboys gave up 40 points and 503 yards to the Jaguars, 34 points and 442 yards against the Eagles and 26 points and 309 yards against the Commanders in three of their last four games.  The other game be thrown out as the Titans rested their starters in Week 17.

The Bucs rank 13th in scoring defense at 21.1 points per game on the season and you can throw out the 30 points they gave up to the Falcons in Week 18 because they rested starters on defense.  The Bucs also rank 9th in total defense at 324.3 yards per game and 10th at 5.1 yards per play.  They held the Cowboys to 3 points and 244 total yards in that first meeting back in Week 1 this season.

Teams that have played the tougher schedule than their opponent on the season have been great bets in the wild card round.  The Bucs played the 13th-ranked schedule, while the Cowboys plays the 29th.  The team that played the tougher schedule is 54-28-2 ATS since 2002 in the wild card round.  If the difference in SOS is 10 or more, the team that played the tougher schedule is 30-9-1 ATS.

The Bucs are 8-0 ATS in their last eight games after gaining less than 250 total yards in their previous game.  Tampa Bay is 5-1 ATS in the last six meetings.  The underdog is 5-1 ATS in the last six meetings.  Plays against favorites (Dallas) - in a game between two average defensive teams (18-23 PPG), after a loss by 10 points or more are 33-9 (78.6%) ATS over the last 10 seasons.  Bet the Bucs Monday.

20* NBA Non-Conference TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Pelicans/Cavs UNDER 222.5

Points will be hard to come by in this showdown between two of the best defensive teams in the NBA. The Cavaliers rank 2nd in the NBA in defensive efficiency, while the Pelicans rank 7th in the same category.

The Pelicans have to rely more on defense right now without their two best players and scorers in Zion Williamson and Brandin Ingram. I expect the Cavaliers to lock them down today.

The UNDER is 4-1 in the last five meetings with combined scores of 220 or fewer points in four of the five, including 212 or fewer in three of them. The UNDER is 5-1 in Pelicans last six games playing on two days' rest. The UNDER is 9-2 in Cavaliers last 11 home games following a road trip of 7 or more days. Roll with the UNDER in this game Monday.

20* Purdue/Michigan State Big Ten No-Brainer on Michigan State +3.5

The Michigan State Spartans are 7-1 SU & 6-2 ATS in their last eight games overall and ready to pull off the upset over the Purdue Boilermakers at home today. They should not be catching 3.5 points here.

Purdue is 3-0 SU but 0-3 ATS in true road games this season. The Boilermakers only beat FSU by 10 as 16-point favorites, Nebraska by 3 in OT as 7.5-point favorites and Ohio State by 2 as 1.5-point dogs. But Zed Key got hurt early for Ohio State and they were behind the eight ball.

The home team is 7-1 SU in the last eight meetings with the lone loss coming by a single point. The home team is 6-2-1 ATS in the last nine meetings. Purdue is 0-6 ATS following a home win by 10 points or more this season. Take Michigan State Monday.

20* NBA Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on Orlando Magic +10.5

The Orlando Magic have quietly gone 14-5 ATS in their last 19 games overall with only four losses by more than this spread.  I fully expect them to give the Denver Nuggets a run for their money tonight and stay within this inflated number.

The reason this number is inflated is because the Nuggets are 5-0 SU & 4-0-1 ATS in their last five games overall with five wins by double-digits.  But now it's time to 'sell high' on them, knowing this is a letdown spot after beating the Clippers on the road Friday on National TV.  They won't be nearly as motivated to face the Magic tonight.

Denver is 11-24 ATS in its last 35 games following a road win, including 8-19 ATS in its last 27 games following a road win by 10 points or more.  Plays against any team (Denver) - after beating the spread by 36 or more points total in their last five games, a good team (60% to 75%) playing a bad team (25% to 40%) are 35-13 (72.9%) ATS over the last five seasons.  The Magic are 7-2 ATS in their last nine road games.  Bet the Magic Sunday.

15* NBA Sunday Undervalued Underdog on Oklahoma City Thunder +5.5

The Oklahoma City Thunder are 4-1 SU & 5-0 ATS in their last five games overall with all four wins coming by double-digits, and their lone loss coming by a single point at Miami.  They should not be catching 5.5 points to the Brooklyn Nets tonight.

The Nets just lost Kevin Durant and are coming off an 11-point home loss to a short-handed Boston team without him.  They cannot be trusted to lay points to many teams in the NBA without Durant on the floor because he is far and away their best player.  I don't trust Ben Simmons and Kyrie Irving to lead the team without him.

Brooklyn is 1-15 ATS in its last 16 home games after failing to cover the spread in two or more consecutive games.  The Nets are 13-37 ATS in their last 50 games as home favorites.  The Thunder are 8-0 ATS in their last eight road games vs. Atlantic Division opponents.  Oklahoma City is 40-19 ATS in its last 59 road games.  Take the Thunder Sunday.

20* NBA Western Conference TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Rockets/Clippers UNDER 221.5

The Los Angeles Clippers are expected to be without George (23.7 PPG), Morris (13.3 PPG), Wall (11.4 PPG) and Kennard (8.7 PPG) tonight.  The Houston Rockets are expected to be without Kevin Porter Jr. (19.2 PPG) as well.  That is a lot of offensive production missing today.

Amazingly, the UNDER is 19-3 in Clippers 22 home games this season.  They are a dead nuts UNDER team at home, scoring 105.5 PPG and allowing 105.5 PPG for an average of 211 combined PPG at home.

The UNDER is 4-1 in the last five meetings with combined scores of 228, 210, 188, 213 and 197 points between the Rockets and Clippers.  The UNDER is 22-4 in Clippers last 26 home games.  Bet the UNDER in this game Sunday.

15* CBB Sunday Undervalued Underdog on Temple +6

The Memphis Tigers continue to be grossly overvalued today as 6-point road favorites at Temple.  Memphis is 4-2 SU but 0-6 ATS in its last six games overall, losing both true road games outright as favorites at Tulane and at UCF.  They are on upset alert again today against Temple.

The Owls have gone 4-1 SU & 4-1 ATS in their last five games overall continually getting disrespected by oddsmakers.  They are also 8-3-1 ATS in their last 12 games overall.  They have beaten the likes of Villanova, VCU and Cincinnati at home this season.

Temple is 8-1 ATS after playing a game as a favorite this season.  The Owls are 7-0 ATS in their last seven Sunday games.  The home team is 4-0 ATS in the last four meetings.  Roll with Temple Sunday.

20* Ohio State/Rutgers Big Ten No-Brainer on Ohio State +4

It's a great time to 'buy low' on the Ohio State Buckeyes.  They have gone 0-3 SU & 0-3 ATS in their last three games overall including a very bad upset home loss to Minnesota.  But Ohio State was missing one of its most important players for two of those games in Zed Key (12.3 PPG, 7.8 RPG), and he is back healthy now.

Conversely, it's a great time to 'sell high' on Rutgers.  The Scarlet Knights have gone 6-1 SU & 6-1 ATS in their last seven games overall.  They lost their last home game to Iowa by 11 so they can certainly be beaten at home.

Ohio State is 11-3 SU in its last 14 meetings with Rutgers.  The last two meetings were decided by 1 and 2 points.  Rutgers hasn't won any of its last nine meetings with Ohio State by more than 3 points, making for a 9-0 system backing the Buckeyes pertaining to this 4-point spread.  Take Ohio State Sunday.

15* CBB Saturday Late-Night BAILOUT on San Francisco +8

It's time to 'sell high' on the St. Mary's Gaels after going 5-0 SU & 4-1 ATS in their last five games overall.  They played only one true road game during this stretch and only won 67-64 as 6-point favorites at Santa Clara.  Now they are laying 8 points at San Francisco tonight, and this line is too high.

It's a great time to 'buy low' on San Francisco after going 1-4 SU & 2-3 ATS in their last five games overall.  It has been a brutal schedule with road losses to Santa Clara and Portland, as well as home losses to Gonzaga and San Diego.  Keep in mind they only lost to Gonzaga by 2 at home, so they have shown their potential.

Each of the last three meetings between the Dons and Gaels have been decided by 5 points or fewer.  St. Mary's is 3-11 ATS in its last 14 games following two consecutive wins by 10 points or more.  The home team is 8-3 ATS in the last 11 meetings.  Bet San Francisco Saturday.

15* Mavericks/Blazers NBA Late-Night BAILOUT on Portland ML -115

I love the spot for the Portland Trail Blazers tonight.  We'll 'buy low' on them following five consecutive SU & ATS losses coming in.  It's safe to say they will be highly motivated for a victory tonight, and they are much healthier than their opponent.

The Dallas Mavericks are without Kleber, Finney-Smith and could be without Wood, who suffered an ankle injury.  This is a clear letdown spot after beating the Lakers in double OT on TNT Thursday.  Luka Doncic hit two game-tying 3's at the end of regulation and at the end of the first OT to keep them alive.  It's only human nature for them to suffer a letdown following that huge road victory on National TV.

Dallas is 2-10 ATS following a win by 6 points or less this season.  The Mavericks are 6-19-1 ATS in their last 26 games following a SU win.  Dallas is 8-20 ATS in its last 28 road games.  Portland is 6-2 ATS in its last eight home games.  Roll with the Blazers on the Money Line Saturday.

15* NBA Saturday Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on Philadelphia 76ers -4

This is a great spot for the Philadelphia 76ers tonight.  They are coming off an upset loss to the Thunder that came out of nowhere as they had won five of their previous six games with four by 9 points or more.  They will be pissed off from that loss and give a big effort in Utah tonight.  Plus, they are fully healthy right now with the exception of Tobias Harris, who is questionable.

This is a terrible spot for the Utah Jazz.  They will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back following a hard-fought 112-108 win over the Magic last night.  Markkanen played 36 minutes and Clarkson 35 last night and neither will have much left in the tank after carrying the team with 51 combined points last night.

The 76ers are 7-2-1 ATS in their last 10 games following a double-digit home loss.  The Jazz are 18-38-3 ATS in their last 59 games following an ATS loss.  Philadelphia is 8-3 ATS in the last 11 meetings.

Plays against home underdogs (Minnesota) - off a home win scoring 110 points or more when playing the 2nd of a back-to-back are 48-25 (65.8%) ATS since 1996.  Plays on road favorites of 3.5 to 9.5 points (Philadelphia) - off an upset loss as a home favorite against an opponent that's off a home win scoring 110 points or more are 31-6 (83.8%) ATS since 1996.  Take the 76ers Saturday.

20* New Mexico/San Diego State MWC No-Brainer on New Mexico +8

New Mexico is one of the most underrated teams in the country.  The Lobos are 15-2 this season with their two losses coming by 7 and 4 points.  So they haven't lost by 8-plus points this season, making for a perfect 17-0 system backing them pertaining to this 8-point spread tonight.

San Diego State has been one of the most overrated teams in the country this season.  The Aztecs are 13-3 SU but just 4-10-1 ATS in lined games.  And this will be one of their stiffest tests of the season tonight.  Bet New Mexico Saturday.

15* Chargers/Jaguars AFC Saturday Night BAILOUT on Jacksonville +2.5

The Jacksonville Jaguars have all the momentum heading into the playoffs.  They went 5-0 SU & 4-1 ATS in their final five games overall and needed every single victory just to get into the playoffs.  Teams that come into the playoffs with momentum are dangerous teams.

That explains why Brandon Staley played his starters for so long with Herbert and Allen still in the game well into the 4th quarter against the Broncos last week.  But they fell short 28-31, which ended their four-game winning streak.  They put a lot into that game to try and win it, and it proved costly as two of their best players in DE Bosa and WR Williams left the field with injuries.  Bosa is good to go this week even if hobbled, but Williams was carted off with a back injury and is very questionable.

The key to the Chargers' turnaround down the stretch was getting both WR Williams and WR Allen back on the field healthy.  But without Williams they are much easier to defense because he is such a great deep ball threat, and a great jump ball receiver in red zone opportunities.  I have no doubt head coach Staley regrets his decision to play the starters in a meaningless Week 18 game.

The Jaguars have a big rest advantage here as they beat the Titans on Saturday last week, so they will be on normal rest.  The Chargers played on Sunday and will now be on a short week with travel having to fly down to Jacksonville.  The edge in rest and preparation goes to the Jaguars, and the coaching edge certainly goes to the Jaguars as well.  Doug Pederson is 5-1 ATS as a head coach in the playoffs guiding the Eagles to a Super Bowl win even with Nick Foles.  Staley will be making his first playoff appearance as a head coach, as well most of their players.

A lot of people want to throw out that first meeting between the Jaguars and Chargers this season because Herbert was coming back from injury, and they didn't have Williams or Allen.  Those are fair points.  But the Jaguars beat them 38-10 and totally dominated.  Trevor Lawrence went 28-of-39 for 262 yards with three touchdowns and zero picks.  They rushed for 151 yards as a team.  They held the Chargers to just 312 total yards despite playing come from behind style football.

A lot is being made of this QB battle between Lawrence and Herbert, but I think a key factor is that the Jaguars are going to be able to run the football while the Chargers are not.  That will make life much easier on Lawrence and much more difficult on Herbert.  Lawrence has been great down the stretch with a 15-to-2 TD/INT ratio in his last nine games and is living up to his full potential under Pederson.

The Chargers rank 28th against the run allowing 145.8 yards per game and dead last (32nd) at 5.4 yards per carry.  The Jaguars rank 12th against the run at 114.8 yards per game and 7th at 4.2 yards per carry.  Travis Etienne, who has rushed for 1,125 yards and 5.1 per carry this season, is going to have a monster game to lead the way.  I trust Pederson to stick to the run knowing this is his greatest advantage in this game.

The Chargers are 0-6 ATS in their last six road games after scoring 25 points or more in two consecutive games.  Wrong team favored here given all the factors working in Jacksonville's favor, including momentum, rushing, coaching and rest and preparation advantages.  Roll with the Jaguars Saturday.

BONUS FREE NFL TEASERS:

7-Point Teaser: 49ers -2.5/Bengals -2.5 or better

6-Point Teaser: Jaguars +8.5/Bucs +8.5

20* NBA Saturday No-Doubt Rout on Cleveland Cavaliers -3.5

This is a great spot for the Cleveland Cavaliers and a terrible one for the Minnesota Timberwolves.  The Cavaliers had yesterday off and conclude their five-game road trip tonight.  They want to end the trip with a win, and I expect it to come in blowout fashion.

The Timberwolves will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back after a close 121-116 win over the Suns last night.  All five starters played at least 31 minutes for the Timberwolves, who are short-handed as it is.  Don't be surprise if they rest a player or two tonight.

The Timberwolves have played the Rockets, Pistons and depleted Suns in their last three games.  This is a big step up in class for them, and they weren't impressive in any of those three games, even losing to the Pistons outright by 17.  The Cavs are legitimately one of the best teams in the NBA and are fully healthy right now.

The road team is 3-0 SU & 3-0 ATS in the last three meetings in this series.  Cleveland is 6-2 ATS in its last eight trips to Minnesota.  The Timberwolves are 2-7 ATS in their last nine games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.

Plays against home underdogs (Minnesota) - off a home win scoring 110 points or more when playing the 2nd of a back-to-back are 48-25 (65.8%) ATS since 1996.  Plays on road favorites of 3.5 to 9.5 points (Cleveland) - revenging a loss where opponent scored 100 or more points, off a road win scoring 110 or more points are 85-43 (66.4%) ATS since 1996.  Bet the Cavaliers Saturday.

15* Pac-12 PLAY OF THE DAY on Colorado +12

This line is inflated tonight.  UCLA is getting too much respect for its current 12-game winning streak, and it's time to 'sell high' on the Bruins.  They now take on a game Colorado team that doesn't get blown out.

Colorado is 11-7 this season with just one loss by more than 10 points, which was a 13-point defeat.  So they have only lost by this kind of margin once in 18 games this season, making for a 17-1 system backing the Buffaloes pertaining to this 12-point spread.

Each of the last six meetings between Colorado and UCLA were decided by 12 points or less, including five by single-digits.  Colorado hasn't lost any of its last 10 meetings with UCLA by more than 12 points, making for a 10-0 system backing the Buffaloes pertaining to this 12-point spread.  Take Colorado Saturday.

15* MVC PLAY OF THE DAY on Drake -2.5

The Drake Bulldogs are showing great value as short home favorites over the Bradley Braves tonight.  This is a night game and it will be a great atmosphere and an even bigger home-court advantage for the Bulldogs than normal.  Drake is 8-0 at home this season and outscoring opponents by 22.1 points per game.

Bradley is coming off three straight poor performances on the road.  They lost by 9 at Murray State as 5.5-point favorites, lost by 3 at Belmont as 1-point favorites and only beat SIU-Edwardsville by 2 as 6-point favorites in their last three true road games.  This is a much stiffer test for the Braves than any of those three games were.

Bradley is 1-10 ATS in its last 11 road games.  The Braves are 1-11 ATS in their last 12 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.  Roll with Drake Saturday.

20* NBA TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Celtics/Hornets OVER 231

The OVER is 4-1 in Hornets last five games overall.  They have combined for at least 227 points with their opponents in eight consecutive games, including 234 or more in six of those.  This 231-point total has been set too low for a game involving the Hornets.

Now they are up against an elite offensive team in the Boston Celtics tonight.  The Celtics rank 1st in the NBA in offensive efficiency.  They are scoring 118.4 points per game on the season.  The Celtics and Hornets combined for 245 points in their first and only meeting this season.

The OVER is 11-1-2 in Celtics last 14 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.  The OVER is 4-0 in Hornets last four games following a loss.  Bet the OVER in this game Saturday.

20* Duke/Clemson ACC No-Brainer on Clemson ML -120

Clemson has gone 14-3 this season and quietly has won 10 of its last 11 games overall.  The Tigers are one of the most improved teams in the country, but they don't get the respect they deserve, which has been evident during their 5-1 ATS run over their last six games.

That continues to be the case as they are basically a PK at home to Duke.  This isn't your father's Blue Devils without Coach K.  Duke is 1-5 ATS in its last six games overall as it consistently gets too much respect from oddsmakers due to the name on the uniform.  That includes outright losses at Wake Forest by 11 and at NC State by 24 despite being favored, plus a 1-point win at Boston College in its last three road games coming in.

Clemson is 9-0 SU at home this season.  The Tigers are 6-0 ATS when the line is +3 to -3 this season.  The Blue Devils are 0-4 ATS in their last four road games.  These three trends combine for a perfect 19-0 system backing the Tigers tonight.  Roll with Clemson on the Money Line Saturday.

20* Seahawks/49ers NFC No-Brainer on UNDER 43

There is a flood watch in Santa Clara on Saturday with a 100% chance of rain and 30-40 MPH winds in the morning.  It is expected to clear out a little by game time, but it's likely going to be a sloppy field worst case.  We don't need the weather help to cash this UNDER, but it's certainly a bonus.

Familiarity favors defense and low scoring games.  This will be the 3rd meeting this season between these division rivals.  The 49ers won 27-7 for 34 combined points in the first meeting.  Seattle's only score came on a blocked FG return TD.  The 49ers won 21-13 in the 2nd meeting for 34 combined points again.  Seattle's lone TD came in garbage time trailing 21-6 with under four minutes to play.

So this Seattle offense has only scored one TD in eight quarters against this elite 49ers defense this season, and it came in garbage time of a blowout.  The 49ers rank 1st in scoring defense at 16.3 points per game, 1st in total defense at 300.6 yards per game and 4th at 5.0 yards per play.  Nothing is going to come easy for Seattle, which has average just 246.5 yards per game in two meetings with the 49ers this season.

Seattle's defense has been playing much better down the stretch.  They have held their last four opponents to an average of just 16.8 points per game in their last four games, which is impressive when you consider they faced the 49ers and Chiefs during this stretch.  They held the Chiefs to just 297 total yards, the Jets to 279 total yards and the Rams to 269 total yards in their last three games heading into the playoffs.  But Seattle is scoring just 16.3 points per game in its last four games overall as well.

Wild Card Round UNDERS are 27-11 dating back to 2012.  The UNDER is 4-0 in Seahawks last four games overall.  The UNDER is 4-0 in 49ers last four playoff games.  Take the UNDER in this game Saturday.

BONUS FREE NFL TEASERS:

7-Point Teaser: 49ers -2.5/Bengals -2.5 or better

6-Point Teaser: Jaguars +8.5/Bucs +8.5

20* Iowa State/Kansas Big 12 No-Brainer on Iowa State +7.5

The Iowa State Cyclones are 6-0 SU & 5-1 ATS in their last six games overall and playing as well as almost anyone in the country right now.  They upset Baylor by 15 as 2-point home dogs, upset Oklahoma by 3 as 3.5-point road dogs, upset TCU by 2 as 5.5-point road dogs and blasted Texas Tech by 34 as 4.5-point home favorites in their last four games.

Now they take on a Kansas team that is getting way too much respect from oddsmakers at home of late due to their current 9-game winning streak.  But they nearly lost their last two home games, beating Oklahoma State by 2 as 10-point favorites and Oklahoma by 4 as 10.5-point home favorites.  They needed some late heroics to win both those games, and they are going to need some late heroics to survive the Cyclones today, too.

Iowa State is 8-1 ATS in its last nine games after scoring 80 points or more last game.  Kansas is 1-8 ATS in its last nine January home games.  The Jayhawks are 4-10 ATS in their last 14 home games.  The road team is 6-2 ATS in the last eight meetings.  Take Iowa State Saturday.

15* CBB Saturday Undervalued Underdog on Louisville +13

The Louisville Cardinals have been a great bet over the last couple weeks due to their 2-15 record.  But they are 5-0 ATS in their last five games overall with four losses by 13 points or fewer during this stretch.

In fact, the Cardinals have just one loss by more than 13 points in their last eight games, which was at Kentucky in a game they covered.  Now they are catching 13 points at home to a North Carolina team that could be without their best player in Armando Bacot (17.6 PPG, 10.6 RPG), who left the Virginia game with an ankle injury last time out and it changed the game.  Virginia went on a big run thereafter and won 65-58.

Plays on underdogs of 10 or more points (Louisville) - after covering five or six of their last seven games, a team that wins less than 20% of their games playing a team with a winning record are 28-9 (75.7%) ATS over the last five seasons.  The Tar Heels are 1-6-1 ATS in their last eight road games.  Roll with Louisville Saturday.

15* CBB Saturday UPSET SHOCKER on North Texas +4

North Texas lost 46-50 at home to Florida Atlantic as a 2-point favorite in their first meeting this season on December 29th.  It's revenge time for the Mean Green today as they are now 4-point road underdogs in the rematch, which is too big of an adjustment.  I fully expect the Mean Green to win outright, but we'll take the points for some insurance.

North Texas is 18-6 ATS in its last 24 conference road games.  The Mean Green are 7-0 ATS in their last seven road games vs. good offensive teams that average 77 or more points per game.  The Mean Green are 19-6-3 ATS in their last 28 road games.  The underdog is 4-1-1 ATS in the last six meetings.

Plays on road underdogs (North Texas) - revenging a loss as a home favorite against an opponent that's off two consecutive conference wins by 5 points or less are 72-32 (69.2%) ATS since 1996.  The Owls' luck runs out today following four consecutive wins by 4 points or fewer coming in.  Take North Texas Saturday.

15* AAC PLAY OF THE DAY on Tulane -1.5

Tulane is playing its best basketball of the season right now and should be a bigger favorite at home here against UCF.  The Green Wave are 4-0 SU & 4-0 ATS in their last four games overall with an upset home win over Memphis by 7 as 4-point dogs, a blowout win over Tulsa by 16, an upset road win at Temple by 11 and a solid 9-point win at SMU.

Now they host a UCF team in a clear letdown spot off a double-OT win over Memphis at home on Wednesday.  G Darius Johnson (11.8 PPG, 4.3 APG) is questionable after sitting out that Memphis game and F Michael Durr (4.9 PPG, 4.6 RPG) is out for the Knights.

The Knights are 2-10 ATS in their last 12 games after allowing more than 90 points in their previous game.  The Knights are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 road games.  The Green Wave beat the Knights 82-67 at home last season.  UCF is 1-9 ATS in its last 10 road games following two consecutive conference games.  The Green Wave are 10-1 ATS in their last 11 games after allowing 80 points or more in their previous game.  Bet Tulane Saturday.

20* Nuggets/Clippers ESPN No-Brainer on Los Angeles PK

It's a great time to 'buy low' on the Los Angeles Clippers.  They lost six consecutive games before a 113-101 home win over the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday.  I backed the Clippers in that win and cover against the Mavericks, and I'm back on them again tonight.

The Clippers come in on two days' rest so they are ready to go.  They will be without Paul George and Luke Kennard again, but the key for them is having Kawhi Leonard healthy and in the lineup.  They are one of the deepest teams in the NBA so they can make up for the losses of George and Kennard as long as Kawhi is healthy.

It's a great time to 'sell high' on the Nuggets, who have gone 14-3 SU in their last 17 games overall.  But they could be without Nikola Jokic, who is questionable tonight with a wrist injury.  I like the Clippers either way because they will be pissed off and out for revenge for one of their worst losses of the season at Denver on January 5th just eight days ago.

Denver is 1-9 ATS in its last 10 road games following two or more consecutive wins.  The Nuggets are 3-13 ATS in their last 16 games following two consecutive wins by 10 points or more.  Roll with the Clippers Friday.

15* NBA Friday Late-Night BAILOUT on Rockets/Kings OVER 235

The Sacramento Kings are a dead nuts OVER team right now.  They have combined for 237, 270, 247 and 250 points in their last four games overall.  The Kings rank 5th in pace, 3rd in offensive efficiency and 25th in defensive efficiency this season.

The Houston Rockets will have no problem getting up and down with the Kings and playing little defense tonight.  The Rockets rank 28th in defensive efficiency.  Only the Spurs and Pistons have been worse.

The Kings and Rockets have combined for 230 or more points in each of their last six meetings, including 239 or more points in four of those.  The OVER is 4-1 in the last five meetings.

The OVER is 5-1 in Kings last six home games.  Sacramento is 9-1 OVER in its last 10 games as a home favorite of 6.5 to 12 points.  The OVER is 9-1 in Kings last 10 games vs. a terrible team that wins less than 25% of their games.  Take the OVER in this game Friday.

20* NBA Non-Conference TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Magic/Jazz OVER 232.5

The Orlando Magic are 7-4 OVER in their last 11 games overall.  They have combined for 232 or more points in seven of those 11 games.  They have gotten healthy and gotten everyone back from suspension, making them a very good offensive team but they still rank just 23rd in defensive efficiency.

Utah is a dead nuts OVER team because they play fast, rank 5th in offensive efficiency and 26th in defensive efficiency.  The OVER is 10-2 in Jazz last 12 games overall with combined scores of 230 or more points in 10 of their last 11 games.  The Jazz are scoring 120.9 points per game and allowing 116.1 points per game at home this season.

The OVER is 8-0 in Magic last eight games following a close win by 3 points or less.  The OVER is 49-24-3 in Magic last 76 games following a win.  Bet the OVER in this game Friday.

15* NBA Friday Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on Orlando Magic +6

The Orlando Magic just got a bunch of players back from suspension and are as healthy as they have been all season.  They pulled off two big upsets in two of their last three road games winning 115-101 at Golden State as 6.5-point dogs and 109-106 at Portland as 8-point dogs even on the second of a back-to-back.

Now the Magic have had the last two days off and are rested and ready to go, which is key going into the altitude in Utah.  I expect them to pull off this upset as well, but we'll take the points for some insurance.

The Jazz cannot be trusted to lay this many points when they rank just 26th in defensive efficiency.  They allow 116.1 points per game at home this season, and the Magic will never be out of this game because of it.  

The Jazz are just 2-7 SU in their last nine games overall.  The Magic are 13-5 ATS in their last 18 games overall, including 6-2 ATS in their last eight road games.  Take the Magic Friday.

15* NBA Friday Undervalued Underdog on San Antonio Spurs +9.5

The San Antonio Spurs have quietly covered five straight while also going 7-1 ATS in their last eight games overall.  They have only lost one of their last eight games by more than 8 points.  Now they are catching 9.5 points at home tonight against the Golden State Warriors, which is too much.

The Warriors are getting unwarranted respect from oddsmakers due to Steph Curry just returning to the lineup.  They promptly lost 125-113 as 12-point home favorites to the Phoenix Suns, who were without five key players in their first game with Curry.  Now they are laying 9.5 points on the road in their 2nd game with Curry to a Spurs team that would beat the Suns right now.

Four of the last five meetings between the Warriors and Spurs were decided by 6 points or fewer.  Golden State is 1-8 ATS as a road favorite this season.  The Warriors are 3-16 SU & 4-15 ATS on the road this season.  Roll with the Spurs Friday.

15* NBA Friday Total DOMINATOR on Pelicans/Pistons OVER 233.5

The Detroit Pistons are a dead nuts OVER team, especially at home.  The Pistons are 27-17-1 OVER in all games this season, including 14-5-1 at home.  They rank 29th in the NBA in defensive efficiency and rank in the top half of the league in pace.  The Pistons and their opponents have combined for 230 or more points in six consecutive games, including 234 or more in five of them.

The New Orleans Pelicans are also 25-17 OVER in their 42 games this season to make them a dead nuts OVER team.  They rank 12th in pace and 6th in offensive efficiency.  They continue to get their points even without Zion and Ingram.  They have gone for 244, 244 and 239 combined points in their last three games.

The OVER is 10-1 in Pelicans last 11 games following an ATS loss.  The OVER is 11-4 in Pelicans last 15 games overall.  The OVER is 16-5-1 in Pistons last 22 home games.  The OVER is 10-1 in Pistons last 11 games after failing to cover the spread in three of their last four games.  New Orleans is 15-5 OVER in road games this season.  Bet the OVER in this game Friday.

15* CBB Friday Total DOMINATOR on Villanova/Butler UNDER 134

Villanova is a dead nuts UNDER team.  They rank 332nd in adjusted tempo and play at a snail's pace.  They have really struggled on offense this season scoring just 71.1 PPG on 43.5% shooting.  But they still lock it down defensively holding opponents to 43.6% shooting.

Butler also likes to slow it down ranking 216th in the country in adjusted tempo.  They are a great defensive team ranking 52nd in adjusted defense, allowing just 43.2% shooting on the season.  They also struggle on offense, scoring 69.4 points per game on 45.8% shooting.

Both teams are coming off consecutive losses which will add to their motivation tonight, and that extra hard play will show up on defense more than on offense.  The UNDER is 6-1 in Butler's last seven games overall.  The UNDER is 5-2 in Villanova's last seven games overall.  Butler is 7-1 UNDER vs. teams that are called for 17 or fewer fouls per game this season.  Bet the UNDER in this game Friday.

15* CBB Thursday Late-Night BAILOUT on Utah +12.5

It's time to 'sell high' on the UCLA Bruins tonight.  They have won 11 consecutive games coming in but have had a couple lackluster efforts of late that will bleed into tonight.  Three games ago they beat Washington State by 1 as 8.5-point road favorites, and last time out they only beat USC by 2 as 11-point home favorites to barely keep this streak alive.

Now they face an underrated Utah Utes team tonight that is a sleeper in the Pac-12 this season.  The Utes are 12-5 this season with their five losses all coming by 10 points or fewer.  They haven't lost by this kind of margin all season, and asking the Bruins to win by 13 points or more tonight to beat us is asking too much.

Utah has done its best work on the road this season going 3-1 SU & 3-1 ATS with two outright upsets with the only loss coming at BYU.  The Utes are 4-1 ATS in their last five road games, while the Bruins are 1-4 ATS in their last five home games.  Roll with Utah Thursday.

20* Mavs/Lakers TNT No-Brainer on Los Angeles +3

The Los Angeles Lakers have quietly gone 5-1 SU & 5-0-1 ATS in their last six games overall.  They only game they lost during this stretch was without LeBron James on the road to the Denver Nuggets.

James returns to the lineup tonight as the Lakers come in on two days' rest.  They will be rested and ready to go and looking for revenge from a 115-124 road loss at Dallas on Christmas Day where they blew a 20-plus point lead.  Troy Brown is also expected back for the Lakers tonight.

The Mavericks have been one of the most overrated teams in the NBA this season.  They have gone 14-26-2 ATS this season.  They are without Kleber and Finney-Smith and could be without Powell, who is questionable with a hip injury suffered in a 101-113 road loss to the Clippers last time out.  The Mavericks will be playing their 4th game in 6 days tonight.

Dallas is 7-20 ATS in its last 27 road games.  Los Angeles is 4-0 ATS in its last four games when playing on two days' rest.  The Mavericks are 0-7 ATS in road games after scoring 105 points or fewer this season.  Wrong team favored here.  Bet the Lakers Thursday.

15* CBB Thursday Undervalued Underdog on Loyola-Marymount +14

Loyola-Marymount is 12-6 this season with all six loses coming by 16 points or fewer.  This 14-point spread is too high tonight when you look at the recent head-to-head series between Loyola-Marymount and St. Mary's.  Six of the last seven meetings have been decided by 11 points or fewer.

Loyola-Marymount is a perfect 6-0 ATS following an ATS loss this season.  St. Mary's is 24-43 ATS in its last 67 home games following a conference win by 10 points or more.  The Lions are 7-0 ATS in their last seven games following an ATS loss.  Loyola-Marymount is 6-0 ATS in its last six games following a SU loss.  The road team is 20-6 ATS in the last 26 meetings.  Take Loyola-Marymount Thursday.

15* NBA Wednesday Late-Night BAILOUT on Rockets/Kings OVER 237.5

The Sacramento Kings are a dead nuts OVER team right now.  They have combined for 237, 270 and 247 points in their last three games overall.  The Kings rank 7th in pace, 4th in offensive efficiency and 26th in defensive efficiency this season.

The Houston Rockets will have no problem getting up and down with the Kings and playing little defense tonight.  The Rockets rank 28th in defensive efficiency.  Only the Spurs and Pistons have been worse.

The Kings and Rockets have combined for 230 or more points in each of their last five meetings, including 239 or more points in three of those.  The OVER is 4-1 in Kings last five home games.  Roll with the OVER in this game Wednesday.

15* CBB Wednesday Undervalued Underdog on Louisville +17.5

This is a great time to 'sell high' on the Clemson Tigers.  They have gone 5-0 SU & 5-0 ATS in their last five games overall and are coming off two consecutive upset road wins at VA Tech by 3 and Pitt by 1.  They have a home game against Duke on deck Saturday and will be looking ahead to that game.  That makes this a letdown and sandwich spot for the Tigers, and I don't think they'll be motivated enough to beat Louisville by 18-plus points, which is what it's going to take to beat us tonight.

It's a great time to 'buy low' on the Cardinals as they have quietly gone 4-0 ATS in thier last four games overall.  They only lost by 12 at NC State as 17.5-point dogs, by 23 as Kentucky as 23.5-point dogs, by 1 to Syracuse as 9-point dogs and by 8 to Wake Forest as 9.5-point dogs.  They have been very competitive in ACC play and will continue to be tonight at Clemson.

Louisville is 30-11 ATS in its last 41 road games following four or more consecutive ATS wins.  Clemson is 8-21 ATS in its last 29 games after covering six or seven of its last eight games.

Plays against home favorites of 10 to 19.5 points (Clemson) - following three consecutive conference wins against an opponent that's off two or more consecutive home losses are 32-11 (74.4%) ATS over the last five seasons.  Bet Louisville Wednesday.

20* NBA Western Conference GAME OF THE WEEK on San Antonio Spurs +13.5

The San Antonio Spurs have quietly covered four straight and have gone 6-1 ATS in their last seven games overall.  That includes a 113-121 loss at Memphis as 12-point dogs on Monday.  Now the Spurs get their shot at revenge as 13.5-point road dogs in the rematch here two days later on Wednesday.

The Grizzlies won't be that motivated to beat the Spurs again after just beating them on Monday.  They certainly won't be motivated enough to put them away by 14-plus points, which is what it's going to take to beat us tonight.

The Spurs are 15-5 ATS in their last 20 road games when revenging a road loss.  Memphis is 0-10 ATS in its last 10 games vs. teams that allow 50% shooting or higher.  Each of the last seven meetings between Memphis and San Antonio were decided by 13 points or fewer, including five by 8 points or fewer.  Bet the Spurs Wednesday.

20* NBA Eastern Conference GAME OF THE WEEK on Indiana Pacers +5

The Indiana Pacers have quietly gone 6-1 SU & 6-1 ATS in their last seven games overall with their lone loss coming by 3 on the road at Philadelphia in overtime.  The Pacers come in rested and ready to go playing on two days' rest.

The New York Knicks are 4-6 SU & 4-6 ATS in their last 10 games overall with their four wins coming against the Rockets, the short-handed Suns, the Spurs (by 3) and the Raptors (by 4).  They have no business being 5-point favorite against a team playing as well as the Pacers right now.

Indiana is 8-1 ATS when playing only its 2nd game in 5 days this season.  The Pacers are 9-1 ATS after successfully covering the spread in three or more consecutive games this season.  New York is 9-24 ATS in its last 33 home games after playing a home game.

Plays on road underdogs (Indiana) - revenging a close loss by 3 points or less against an opponent that is off an upset loss as a favorite are 33-8 (80.5%) ATS over the last five seasons.  Take the Pacers Wednesday.