4* NBA - Western Conf PLAY OF THE WEEK on Rockets +2 -109

I get this isn't the best scheduling spot for Houston, who will be playing their 4th game in 6 days, but I just think the books have factored that into the number and the value is with the Rockets as an underdog. 

Houston comes in having won and covered 8 in a row. The concerns of how Russell Westbrook and James Harden could go exist can be thrown out the window. Harden has to be the MVP frontrunner right now, as he's averaging 39.2 ppg to go with 7.6 apg and 5.7 rpg. As for Westbrook, he's doing just fine at 21.6 ppg, 7.1 apg and 8.4 rpg. I just see no reason to back off this team with how they are playing right now. 

Denver is also just 2-5 ATS last 7 at home and 1-5 ATS last 6 vs a team with a winning record. Take Houston! 

5* NCAAB - Vegas NO LIMIT Top Play on UC-Davis +4 -104

Easy play here on UC Davis as a dog against Big Sky bottom feeder Sacramento State. The Aggies come in at just 2-3 SU and 0-4 ATS, but have also played 4 of 5 away from home. Sacramento State is 2-0, but their toughest opponent was UC-Riverside, who expected to be at or near the bottom of the Big West. 

UC Davis has been very profitable in this spot, going 19-7 ATS in their last 26 road games after failing to cover 3 of their last 4 games. The Hornets defense has looked great against a couple of weak opponents, but are just 2-10 ATS last 12 times they have faced a team like UC Davis that is shooting 48% or better from the field and have lost in this spot by almost 15 ppg. Take UC Davis! 

3* NBA - Raptors/Magic ATS WINNER on Magic +4 -115

I'm doubling down on tonight's NBA matchup between Orlando and Toronto, as see great value both with the Magic and the UNDER. 

I know Orlando comes in 0-4 SU and 1-3 ATS on the road this season, but they just weren't playing well at all to start the year. Magic got the kinks worked out on their recent 5-game homestand. They won each of the last 3 and 4 of 5 overall. I like them to carry over that momentum and not just cover but win this game outright. 

Raptors have been playing without Kyle Lowry and Serge Ibaka and I just think they are starting to show some signs of fatigue. One player that really seems to be effected is Fred VanVleet, who is averaging close to 38 mins/game. He's just 11 for 38 from the field in his last two games. 

As for the UNDER, the Magic like to slow things way down. Orlando is the third slowest team in the league with a pace rating fo 98.6. Toronto starting out playing fast (104.2 pace rating in October), but injuries have forced them slow things down. In the month of November their pace rating is just 101.6. 

Magic are 11-2 ATS last 13 when they come in having won 4 of their last 5 and the UNDER is 14-3 in their last 17 road games when playing only their 2nd game in 5 days. Take Orlando & UNDER! 

3* NBA - Raptors/Magic TOTAL WINNER on Magic/Raptors under 208 -115

I'm doubling down on tonight's NBA matchup between Orlando and Toronto, as see great value both with the Magic and the UNDER. 

I know Orlando comes in 0-4 SU and 1-3 ATS on the road this season, but they just weren't playing well at all to start the year. Magic got the kinks worked out on their recent 5-game homestand. They won each of the last 3 and 4 of 5 overall. I like them to carry over that momentum and not just cover but win this game outright. 

Raptors have been playing without Kyle Lowry and Serge Ibaka and I just think they are starting to show some signs of fatigue. One player that really seems to be effected is Fred VanVleet, who is averaging close to 38 mins/game. He's just 11 for 38 from the field in his last two games. 

As for the UNDER, the Magic like to slow things way down. Orlando is the third slowest team in the league with a pace rating fo 98.6. Toronto starting out playing fast (104.2 pace rating in October), but injuries have forced them slow things down. In the month of November their pace rating is just 101.6. 

Magic are 11-2 ATS last 13 when they come in having won 4 of their last 5 and the UNDER is 14-3 in their last 17 road games when playing only their 2nd game in 5 days. Take Orlando & UNDER! 

4* NCAAB - Situational VEGAS INSIDER on Siena +5½ -110

The Saints are worth a look here as a road dog against the Bulldogs. Siena has gone a perfect 4-0 ATS to start out the season and have done so against some decent competition. Last time out the Saints nearly upset the Ivy League favorites on the road, as they fell 56-59 at Harvard, easily covering as a 10.5-point dog. 

Now they face another Ivy team in Yale, who has lost two straight and really struggling to get their offense going. In their 3 games against Div. 1 opponents the Bulldogs have shot 39% or worse from the field. That's a big concern, as Siena has been rock solid on the defensive side of the ball. In their last 3 games they have held Harvard to 40% shooting, St. Bonaventure to 38% and Xavier to 43%. 

Not a big surprise to see Yale struggle, as they lost 3 starters, including their best player in Miye Oni. Siena will have the best player on the floor in this one in sophomore point guard Jalen Pickett. Last year Pickett had to basically do it all on his own as a freshmen. This year he's got some help. Mount St. Mary's transfer Donald Carey is putting in 16 ppg and Notre Dame transfer Elijah Burns is at 15.5 ppg. Take Siena! 

3* NBA - Late Night ATS CASH COW on Suns +3 -109

I actually think we are getting some decent value here with Phoenix due to the Suns playing in the second game of a back-to-back set and having just got annihilated by the Celtics last night 99-85 at home.

Thing is, Phoenix had 3 days off before playing Boston, so the back-to-back isn't a as big a deal. Suns are also a team that has been very profitable in this spot, going 9-4 ATS last 13 in the second game of a back-to-back. They are also a perfect 3-0 ATS on the road this season, covering by almost 11 points/game. 

These two already played once this season and the Suns won 124-95. Phoenix did as they pleased, shooting 50% from the field and racking up 31 assists. That result combined with the Kings off a 100-99 win at home over the Celtics adds even more value. 

Home teams revening a road loss of 20 or more and are coming off a home win by 3 or less are a mere 21-54 (28%) ATS since 1996. Take Phoenix! 

3* NCAAB - Late Night BAILOUT BLOWOUT on New Mexico +1 -110

I believe the fact that UTEP has started out 3-0 has the Miners getting way to much respect here at home against the Lobos. I would definitely have New Mexico favored in this one.

Thanks to a lot of transfer additions, the Lobos have one of the most talented teams in the MWC this year and they have lived up to the hype early on with a 4-0 start, all 4 wins coming by double-digits. 

UTEP simply hasn't played anyone. Their 3 wins are against the likes of New Mexico Highlands, New Mexico State and East New Mexico. That's two of three games against non-D1 competition. They should be averaging a lot more than 76.3 ppg.

I just don't see them keeping pace with New Mexico, who averages 93.0 ppg on 54% shooting. Lobos are simply the more talented team and it wouldn't shocked me if they made it 5 straight wins by double-digits. Take New Mexico! 

4* NCAAB - Underdog ATS HEAVY HITTER on Fairfield +26 -105

I think we are getting a great price here with the Stags as a massive road dog against the No. 7 ranked Terps. Maryland hasn't had to sweat anything early on and I just think they are going to have a hard time giving a pretty mediocre Fairfield team their full attention. 

Terps have covered their last two, beating Rhode Island by 18 as a 12-point favorite and Oakland by 30 as a 18.5-point favorite. This will be the most they have been asked to lay since they were a 28.5-point favorite in their opener against Holy Cross, a game in which they failed to cover. 

Stags are just 1-3 SU, but are 3-1 ATS and could easily be 4-0 both SU and ATS. They have two losses by 4-points or less and 9-point loss in OT, which was the only game they failed to cover as a 5-point dog. Fairfield has 3 double-digit scorer, led by Jesus Cruz's 19.5 ppg. Even if this gets ugly early, they should be able to climb through the backdoor and cash a winner. Take Fairfield! 

4* NCAAB - Situational VEGAS INSIDER on Manhattan +5 -105

I like the value here with the Jaspers catching points against the Bulldogs. Manhattan is off to a strong 2-0 start and just won outright as a home dog against Albany in their last game. Jaspers won that game holding the Great Danes to just 28.3% shooting. 

Manhattan should be greatly improved over the 11-win team from last year, as they brought back 85.3% of their minutes and 10 different guys who started at least 1 game. One thing that killed last year was turnovers and that was a direct result of their lack of experience at the guard position. 

More than anything, I think this Jaspers defense is built to win on the road with how they defend the ball. The offense hasn't been great, but they are due to shoot the ball well. Samford's defense isn't great and have already allowed 90+ on two occasions. 

Samford likes to play fast and that's another plus for Manhattan. Jaspers are 42-20 ATS last 62 vs up-tempo teams that average 62 or more shots/game. Jaspers are also 5-1 ATS last 6 on the road vs a team with a winning home record, 9-1 in their last 10 after allowing 55 or less and 20-8 last 28 after a game with a combined score of 125 or less. Take Manhattan! 

3* NCAAB - Vegas Oddsmakers LINE MISTAKE on College of Charleston PK -104

Marshall is a team I feel is worth fading early on. Thundering Herd won 23 games last year and did so averaging an impressive 80.5 ppg (28th in the country). They just don't have the offensive fire-power this year having lost two prolific scorers in Jon Elmore (20.3 ppg) and C.J. Burks (17.7 ppg). 

Thru their first 3 games the Herd are averaging just 67 ppg with 70 being their highest output of the season. Marshall did cover last time out at Notre Dame as a 19-point dog, but they also failed to cover their first two against Robert Morris and Toledo, both at home. 

Charleston is the team to beat in the Colonial this year and are primed for a bounce back after an ugly game against Oklahoma State, where they couldn't make a thing (32.7%) and the Cowboys couldn't miss (51.9%). 

Marshall is just 3-12 ATS last 15 off a SU loss and 0-8 ATS last 2 seasons when listed anywhere from +3 to -3. Cougars are 4-1 ATS last 5 vs a team from C-USA and 7-0 ATS last 7 after failing to cover 2 in a row. Take Charleston! 

4* NBA - Over/Under Total NO-BRAINER on Spurs/Mavs under 225 -109

This just feels like way too many points for this matchup. Both of these teams rank in the bottom half of the league in pace of play. I know the Spurs have played some high scoring games of late, but only one time in the Mavs last 6 games have they finished with a combined score of 225 or more. 

Spurs offense is averaging a respectable 112.4 ppg, but a lot of that is them playing a lot of bad defenses. San Antonio's opponents on the season are giving up 111.7 ppg, so they are just barely eclipsing what their opponents allow. 

Another thing to note is that in the last 30 meetings between these two teams, they have not had a game hit 225 points. UNDER is also 27-14 in Dallas' last 41 vs a poor defensive team that is allowing a shooting percentage of 46% or more. Take the UNDER! 

4* NCAAB - Situational VEGAS INSIDER on SIU-Edwardsville +15½ -109

Big time value here with the Cougars as a big road dog against the Coyotes. South Dakota State has started out 4-0 with a 3-1 ATS mark. I feel it has them laying way too big a number here against a SIU Edwardsville team that has shown they can compete against some good teams. 

This reminds me a lot of South Dakota's home game against Florida A&M, where they were being asked to lay 17.5 and ended up squeaking out a 3-point victory. 

Cougars are an experienced team with 4 starters back and added twins Lamar and Shamar Wright, who's dad, Lorenzo Wright, played in the NBA. Those two should only get better the more they get into the flow of things. Overall SIU is a very balanced team with 6 different guys averaging 7 or more ppg. Take SIU Edwardsville!  

3* NBA - Over/Under Total ANNIHILATOR on Cavs/Knicks over 208½ -109

I like the value here with the OVER in Monday's NBA matchup of Eastern Conference bottom feeders, as the Knicks will play host to the Cavs. A lot of time when you get two bad teams against one another, you don't see a whole lot of effort on the defensive side and that's what I'm expecting here. 

Cavs defense has been slipping of late, as they have allowed 50% shooting in each of their last two games and 47% or better in 5 of their last 7. Knicks are giving up 109.2 ppg. 

OVER is 5-2 in Cleveland's last 7 games vs a team that's won fewer than 40% of their games and 10-3 in their last 13 off a game where they didn't cover. Take the OVER! 

5* NCAAB - Vegas Underdog GAME OF THE MONTH on Middle Tennessee +3 -110

No way should the Blue Raiders be getting points here against the Chanticleers. Coastal Carolina has already dropped games at home to Campbell and Northern Kentucky. Middle Tennessee has started out 3-0, which includes a win at Lipscomb. 

I'm expecting big improvements out of the Blue Raiders in year two under head coach Nick McDevitt. He really turned UNC Asheville into a power and finished up 40-14 in his last 3 years. 

The Chanticleers most recent game was that home defeat to the Norsemen. Coastal Carolina is just 4-12 ATS last 16 off a home loss and 0-5 ATS last 5 at home overall. Blue Raiders have covered 5 of 7 against a team from the Sun Belt and are 9-3 ATS last 12 overall, including a 5-2 ATS mark in their last 7 on the road. Take Middle Tennessee! 

3* NBA - Over/Under Total ANNIHILATOR on Wizards/Magic under 223 -109

UNDER is worth a look here in Sunday's NBA matchup between Orlando and Washington. The Magic are just an ideal UNDER team, as they rank dead last in the league in pace of play (99.7). They are 28th in offensive efficiency (100.9) and 5th in defensive efficiency (100.0). 

UNDER is 8-3-1 in Orlando's last 12 vs a team from the Eastern Conference and a perfect 5-0 in their last 5 vs a bad team like the Wizards that has won less than 40% of their games. 

UNDER is 29-7 (81%) with a total of 220 to 229.5 when you have a road team off a win that's won between 25% to 40% of their games and facing another team with a losing record. Take the UNDER! 

3* NCAAB - Undervalued UNDERDOG on Charlotte +4 -110

I like the 49ers to cover the small number at home against the Demon Deacons. Everyone keeps waiting for Danny Manning to work his magic in Winston-Salem, but it's just not happening. Wake has won just 11-games each of the last two years, both times going a mere 4-14 in ACC play. 

They would of had a chance to be decent had freshmen Jaylen Hoard stuck around, but he left early for the NBA. I get Charlotte isn't the best program, but we saw the Demon Deacons already barely beat Columbia at home 65-63. 

Wake did win last time out against UNC-Asheville, but are just 5-13 ATS last 18 off a SU win and 2-5-1 ATS last 8 on the road. Take Charlotte! 

5* NBA - Heavy Hitter PLAY OF THE MONTH on Cavs +7 -105

Love the value here with the Cavs as a big home dog against the 76ers. Philadelphia is just 2-5 SU in their last 7 and have failed to cover 4 straight. 76ers are not a good road team and are playing their 3rd straight away from home. 

Cavs might be one of the least talented teams in the league, but they are playing hard under first year head coach John Beilein. This team has been routinely undervalued by the books and that's evident by Cleveland's 6-3-2 ATS record. 

76ers are 1-9 ATS last 10 on the road against a bad team that's won 25% to 40% of their games. Cavs are 5-1-1 ATS last 7 off a double-digit loss at home and 5-1 ATS last 6 on 2 days of rest. Take Cleveland! 

4* NCAAB - Situational VEGAS INSIDER on Illinois State -1½ -110

I got no problem laying the short number at home with the RedBirds in Sunday's game against UCF. I just think the Knights are in some trouble this season. UCF had a dream season last year, winning 24-games and coming up just short of upsetting Duke and advancing to the Sweet 16. 

The Knights lost every key player from that team and it's going to be a struggle for them to come anywhere close to what they were. They just lost at home by 9 to Miami as a 3-point dog and I look for them to struggle in their first true road game of the season. 

Redbirds have thrived in this spot, going 26-13 ATS in their last 39 as a home favorite of 3-points or less. Take Illinois State! 

3* NCAAB - Early Bird ATS DESTROYER on Wisconsin -1 -105

The Badgers are definitely worth a look here at basically a pick'em at home against the Golden Eagles. Just feel like like Marquette is getting a little too much love here off a 10-point home win against Purdue. 

Golden Eagles had a chance to be special this year until Sam and Joey Hauser decided to transfer. Now it's just the Markus Howard show and while he's great, it's hard to be a one-man show and win on the road against a team like Wisconsin that really gets after you defensively. You can bet the Badgers are going to really focus on Howard and make the other guys beat them. 

Wisconsin comes in off a 83-63 blowout win at home over McNeese State and are 32-16 ATS last 48 at home off a home win by 20 or more points. Marquette on the other hand is just 1-6 ATS last 7 vs a team with a winning record. Take Wisconsin! 

3* NBA - Blazers/Spurs TOTAL WINNER on Blazers/Spurs under 228 -109

I just think the total here has been set way too high for this one. Portland was playing with some decent pace early on, but all the injuries have forced the Blazers to slow things down. Their pace of play rating was a respectable 105.1 in their first 8 games and is just 99.4 over their last 4. It's important to note the dip has come against teams that look to push the pace, which is a good sign the slow play will continue. 

Spurs defense hasn't been great, but their biggest weakness has been protecting the paint. Portland isn't really a team to take advantage of that, as they are 25th in the league in number of attempts per game within the restricted area. Look for this to stay well below the mark. Take the UNDER! 

4* NCAAB - Saturday Night CASH COW on Rutgers -7½ -105

The Scarlet Knights have started out 3-0 and I look for them to have no problem covering the number in Saturday's neutral site showdown with St. Bonaventure. Rutgers is a program on the rise and many fans are calling for their first winning season in over a decade. 

The Bonnies are off to a 0-3 start having lost at home to Ohio and Vermont and most recently losing at Siena as a 1-point favorite. Offense has been a big problem for St. Bonaventure. They are averaging just 59.0 ppg and have yet to shoot better than 38% from the field in any game. 

Now they must face a Rutgers defense that is only giving up 55.7 ppg, holding teams almost 15 points under their season average. St Bonaventure is 1-9 ATS last 10 games when facing a team that's holding teams under 42% shooting and the Scarlet Knights are 13-3 ATS last 16 away from home against teams who are averaging 64 or fewer points/game. Take Rutgers! 

3* NBA - Bucks/Pacers ATS WINNER on Bucks -6½ -110

I like Milwaukee to cash in a win and cover at Indiana on Saturday. I just feel like we are getting a decent price here with the Bucks coming in off 4 straight non-covers. Especially given that Milwaukee will be playing just their second game in 6 days, while the Pacers are in the second game of a back-to-back set after playing last night at Houston. 

Another thing to note with the Pacers is that while they are 7-2 in their last 9 games, a lot of those wins came against bad teams. In fact, Indiana has played the softest schedule of any team in the NBA so far. 

Bucks are 30-16 ATS last 46 as a favorite of 3.5 to 9.5 points and a dominant 17-4 ATS last 21 vs a division opponent with an average margin of victory of 13.6 ppg. Take Milwaukee! 

5* NCAAB - Vegas NO LIMIT Top Play on Louisiana Tech +10 -105

This is just too many points for Louisiana Tech to be catching on the road against the Blue Jays. The Bulldogs have started out 2-0 with two blowout wins. They won at Texas A&M CC 82-49 as a mere 8-point favorite and followed that up with a 98-52 victory against Wiley College. Note that Texas A&M CC nearly went on the road an upset Vanderbilt, losing by a final score of 71-66. 

As for Creighton, they are coming off a 79-69 loss at Michigan, where they let the Wolverines shoot 57% from the field and now face a LA Tech team that has hit 50% from the field in each of their first two games. I just don't see the Blue Jays being able to pull away and winning by double-digit. In fact, I give the Bulldogs a legit shot at winning this game outright. Take Louisiana Tech! 

4* NCAAB - E Michigan/N Texas ATS WINNER on Eastern Michigan +9 -110

The Eagles are worth a look as a near double-digit dog on the road against the Mean Green. Eastern Michigan hasn't played the stiffest of competition over their 3-0 start, but they have dominated all 3 games and will be playing with a ton of confidence in this one. 

North Texas is coming off two really tough road games, as they were at VCU last Friday (lost a heartbreaker 59-56) and at Arkansas on Tuesday (lost by 23). Both games the offense really struggled, as they shot just 40% against the Rams and 33% against the Razorbacks. 

Mean Green are just 19-35 ATS last 54 as a home favorite of 6.5 to 12 points, 18-36 last 54 in non-conference home games and 5-16 ATS last 21 at home off a loss by 20 or more. Take Eastern Michigan! 

3* NCAAB - Austin Peay/Tulsa ATS WINNER on Austin Peay +9 -109

This is just too good a price to pass up with the Governors against the Golden Hurricane. Austin Peay comes in off a 22-point loss at Western Kentucky, but that's a really good Hilltoppers team who lost just 1 starter from a 20-win team and is expected to win C-USA this year. 

Tulsa has started out 2-1, but there two wins have come by single-digits against the likes of Houston Baptist and Oral Roberts. They also lost by 14 on the road to Texas Arlington. Golden Hurricanes have a history of exceeding expectations under Frank Haith, but I don't think that's going to be the case this year. Take Austin Peay! 

3* NCAAB - Belmont/Boston College ATS WINNER on Belmont +1½ -110

The Bruins are worth a look here at basically a pick'em on the road against the Eagles. Boston College is getting a lot of love here after starting out 3-0 SU and 3-0 ATS, but I think they are going down on Saturday. 

One key matchup here that I think really favors Belmont is big man Nick Muszynski going up against the Eagles Nic Popvic. Muszynski is averaging 17.5 ppg and 3 bpg. He's not only going to get his, but he should be able to contain Popvic, BC's second leading scorer. 

Bruins were red-hot from 3 last time out, going 16 of 38 (42%) against Samford. Belmont is 15-4 ATS last 19 after a game where they made 13 or more 3-pointers. Bruins are also a perfect 9-0 ATS as a dog the last 3 seasons. Eagles just 1-8 ATS last 9 at home off a home game. Take Belmont! 

4* NCAAB - Temple/LaSalle ATS WINNER on Temple -4½ -110

I like the Owls to cash in a win and cover over LaSalle in Saturday's Big Five matchup. Temple has had a whole week to prepare for this one, as they haven't played since last Saturday's 18-point win over Morgan State. 

While Temple has had ample time to prepare for this rivalry matchup, the Explorers just played a Big 5 rival in Penn on Wednesday. That didn't go well, as they lost by 16 as a 8.5-point dog. 

Not real concerned with home court edge in this one. These two schools are a mere 3-miles apart on Broad Street. Expect plenty of Owls' fans in attendance. 

I also think turnovers will be a big factor here. Temple has forced 36 turnovers in their first two games, while LaSalle has coughed up the rock 34 times in their first two games. Take Temple! 

3* NCAAB - Late Night BAILOUT BLOWOUT  on Cal-Irvine +3 -110

The betting public can't get enough of the Broncos as a small home favorite against the Anteaters, but I really like Cal-Irvine to go into Boise and get a win, making them an easy play at this price. 

Boise went just 13-20 overall and 7-11 (T-7th) in the MWC last year, but because they bring back their top four scorers and add in a couple of Pac-12 transfers, people are expecting a big turnaround. I'm not convinced that will be the case. It certainly didn't look to be in their last game, when they lost by 31 on the road to Oregon as a 10.5-point dog. 

UC Irvine comes in averaging 82.3 ppg on 49.7% shooting, which is pretty remarkable when you factor they have shot a miserable 29% from behind the 3-point line. Good chance they get that going against a Broncos defense that is allowing their opponents to shoot 43.2% from deep against them on the season. The defense as a whole just isn't very good for the home team and it will cost them tonight. Take UC-Irvine! 

3* NCAAB - No Doubt ATS ANNIHILATOR on UC-Davis +5 -110

The Aggies are worth a look here as a small road dog against the Red Wolves. I feel like we are getting a good price on UC-Davis in this one due to the fact that they have failed to cover each of their first two lined games. They also couldn't have played any worse than they did in their opener at Loyola when they got blasted 82-48 as a mere 13-point dog. 

Arkansas State did manage to cover in their last game at home against VMI as a 7-point favorite, but the Keydets are 0-4, so that's nothing to get excited about. Red Wolves also shot a ridiculous 58% from the field, which is not the norm for this team. They only managed 43 points on 33% shooting the game before against Ole Miss. 

Turnovers have been a problem for the Red Wolves. They are averaging 16 turnovers a game and will be facing a UC Davis defense that has forced an impressive 33 turnovers in their last 2 games. That's nothing new for the Aggies, as they have ranked in the top 40 nationally in defensive turnover rate the last two years. I'll take the points for insurance, but fully expect the Aggies to win outright. Take UC Davis! 

5* NCAAB - Vegas NO LIMIT Top Play on Alabama +1 -110

I love the Crimson Tide at basically a pick'em on the road against the Rams. Alabama bounced back in a big way from their heartbreaking 1-point loss to Penn in their opener with a dominating 78-59 win at home over FAU, easily covering as a 12.5-point favorite. 

Rhode Island failed to cover as a big favorite in their opener against Long Island and then were embarrassed on the road in a 73-55 loss as a 12-point dog to Maryland. Rams have not been able to get their offense going. They shot just 39% from the field against Long Island and then a mere 30% against the Terps. 

Rhode Island has a solid trio of Langevine, Russell and Dowtin. Tide have guys that can give those three fits. Alabama's suffocating man-to-man defense travels well and will be too much for this struggling Rams offense to overcome. Take Alabama! 

5* NBA - Eastern Conference PLAY OF THE MONTH on Pistons -3 -109

I think we are getting a great price with Detroit as a slim road favorite against the Hornets. Charlotte is off to a better start than most expected with 4 wins in their first 11 games, which puts them on pace to eclipse their win total of 23.5. I'm not buying into the early success and believe this team is going to struggle to find wins going forward. 

We've seen clear signs of this of late, as they have lost 4 straight, which includes a couple of home losses to bad teams in the Pelicans and Grizzlies. 

Pistons are just 4-8 to start the year, but did play a good chunk of their early schedule without Blake Griffin. While they enter having lost 3 straight, all 3 were by single-digits and two of those on the road. I expect a big effort here from Detroit on Friday and they are simply the better team and it's just not asking much for them to cover the small number. 

Pistons are 22-10 ATS last 32 when playing a team that's won fewer than 40% of their games. Take Detroit! 

3* NBA - Over/Under Total DESTROYER on Pistons/Hornets over 219 -109

I look for the Pistons/Hornets to fly past the total set by the books Friday night. These are simply too bad defensive teams. Detroit comes in allowing 112.5 ppg and that jumps up to 115.2 ppg on the road. Charlotte is allowing 113.7 ppg and their defense is even worse at home, where they are allowing 118.0 ppg. 

The Pistons have seen an average score of 223 in their 6 road games this season, while the Hornets are combining for 228.2 ppg on their home floor. Charlotte also really likes to push the pace at home. They also struggle to defend spot up shooting, which is something that Detroit excels at. 

Charlotte has allowed each of their last 3 opponents to shoot 50% or better from the field and the OVER is a dominant 13-3 in their last 16 after 2 such games of bad defense. OVER is also 6-1 in the Pistons last 7 on the road, 8-1 in their last 9 when playing on 2 days of rest and 8-2 off a loss. Take the OVER! 

4* NCAAB - Situational VEGAS INSIDER on South Alabama -4 -109

Easy play here on the Jaguars as a small road favorite against the Mocs. We just saw how talented this South Alabama team is in their last game, as they nearly pulled off a big upset at home against Auburn, losing 70-69 as a 7-point dog. Not a huge surprise, given the Jaguars are considered the team to beat in the Sun Belt this year. 

Chattanooga on the other hand is picked to finish near the bottom of the Southern Conference. The Mocs did just win 74-68 at Troy as a small road dog, but the Trojans are considered by many as the worst team in the Sun Belt. 

Jaguars are 11-3 ATS last 14 games vs a team with a winning record, while the Mocs are a mere 2-12 ATS last 14 home games vs a team that's outscoring opponents by 12+ points/game. Take South Alabama! 

4* NCAAB - Situational ATS HEAVY HITTER on Arkansas State -6 -109

The Red Wolves are definitely worth a look here as a small home favorite against the Keydets. Arkansas State is showing some value coming off an ugly 71-43 loss at Ole Miss and should have no problem winning here by double-digits at home against VMI. 

The Keydets have lost each of their first 3 games and are expected to be down this year. Most have VMI picked to finish at or near the bottom of the Southern Conference and a big reason for that is they lost the conference's leading scorer, Bubba Parham, who transferred to Georgia Tech. 

Red Wolves are 72-48 (60%) last 120 off a loss by 10 or more, while the Keydets are a mere 2-11 ATS last 13 on the road when playing their 3rd game in a week span. Take Arkansas State! 

3* NBA - Big Money ATS DESTROYER on Clippers -4 -109

The Clippers are worth a look here at New Orleans on Thursday. Good chance Los Angeles decided to rest Kawhi in the second game of a back-to-back, but the good news is Paul George is ready to make his season debut. 

I think that will be more than enough for the Clippers to win here by 5 or more against a Pelicans team that just isn't very good and is dealing with a ton of injuries. New Orleans is not only a mere 2-8 SU, they are just 3-7 ATS. They are still waiting on the return on Zion from injury. Josh Hart and Lonzo Ball are both out, while Jahlil Okafor and Brandon Ingram are both listed as questionable. 

Pelicans are 4-12 ATS last 16 at home and a mere 1-10 ATS last 11 at home against a team that has won fewer than 40% of their road games. Take Los Angeles! 

4* NBA - Underdog VEGAS INSIDER on Cavs +4½ -105

I think we are getting a great price here with Cleveland at home against the Heat. This might seem like a small number for Miami to be laying against a sub-par Cavs team, but the Heat will be playing far from full strength. Derrick Jones Jr and Justise Winslow are both out for this game, while Goran Dragic and Tyler Herro are both questionable. 

Cleveland might not be the most talented team, but they are playing hard under first year head coach John Beilein. Cavs have covered 3 straight are a very profitable 6-2-2 ATS on the season. Home team has also covered 4 of the last 5 in the series. Take Cleveland! 

5* NCAAB - Vegas Insider GAME OF THE MONTH on St. Louis -7½ -109

The Billikens should have no problem putting away the Eagles by double-digits Wednesday night. St Louis lost a lot from last year's squad that won 23 games and I think it has them undervalued to start out the season. The Billikens did get back do it all guard Jordan Goodwin and forward Hasahn French. 

St Louis opened with a 22-point win as a mere 7-point favorite against Florida Gulf Coast and followed that up with a 11-point win as a 9.5-point favorite against Valpo. Billikens are 30-13 ATS at home when they come in off 2 straight covers. 

Eastern Washington is just 2-10 ATS last 12 non-conference games and just 3-9 ATS last 12 vs a team that's won more than 60% of their games. Take St Louis! 

3* NBA - Over/Under Total ANNIHILATOR on 76ers/Magic over 204 -110

I think we are getting some decent value here with the total in Wednesday's game that has the 76ers visiting the Magic. I just feel like the number here has been deflated way too much due to Orlando's offensive struggles and the 76ers coming off a game last night at Cleveland that ended with a mere 197 points. 

Thing is I don't think we are going to get a great defensive effort from Philadelphia playing in the 2nd game of a back-to-back and 3rd in 4 days. We should also get one of the better offensive performances from the Magic playing at home on a full 2 days of rest. 

OVER is 31-12 in Philadelphia's last 43 road games off a home win by 3-points or less, 14-3 in their last 17 when playing on 0 days rest and 10-4 last 14 vs a team with a losing record. Take the OVER! 

3* NBA - No Doubt ATS BLOWOUT on Grizzlies +2½ -110

I like Memphis to cash in a win here as a small road dog against the Bobcats. Grizzlies are coming off a 113-109 win at San Antonio as a 10.5-point dog and I think that win will go a long way in giving this team the confidence it was lacking after a slow start. 

Charlotte enters having lost 3 straight and are definitely a team worth fading with a small line at home. Hornets are a mere 9-22 ATS over the last 3 seasons at home with a line of +3 to -3. Road team has also covered 7 of the last 10 in the series. Take Memphis! 

3* NCAAB - Undervalued DOG OF THE DAY on Ohio +6 -110

Iona might be the favorite to win the MAAC, but I just think the Gaels are getting too much respect at home against an Ohio team that has turned some heads in their first two games. The Bobcats opened the season with a 12-point win at St. Bonaventure as a 11.5-point dog. They followed that up with a 38-point win over Heidelberg. 

Iona also played a team from the A-10 to open the season and they lost by 6 at LaSalle as a favorite. Note that LaSalle was picked to finish worse than the Bonnies in A-10 play. The Gaels shot just 30% from the field in that loss to the Explorers. 

Iona is just 1-10 ATS last 10 non-conference games and are 3-11 ATS last 14 when coming off a loss. Take Ohio! 

4* NBA - Late Night PLAY OF THE WEEK on Kings +2½ -110

Most are going to just blindly take Portland here with the news that the Kings have lost starting point guard De'Aaron Fox for weeks to a ankle injury suffered in Monday's practice. It might be tough for Sacramento to overcome this in the long-run, but I expect this team to really come out strong here in the first game without him. 

Keep in mind the Kings have a legit backup to run the points in Corey Joseph and the team as a whole is playing with a ton of momentum having won 3 of their last 4. Blazers are just 4-6 on the year and their only win in their last 5 games is at home against the Hawks. 

Another key factor here is rest. Portland will be playing their 4th game in 6 days, while the Kings are playing on 3 full days of rest. Take Sacramento! 

3* NCAAB - Late Night BAILOUT BLOWOUT on Washington State +4 -110

The books just don't want to give this Cougars team any love. Washington State was a mere 3-point favorite in their opener against Seattle and they went on to win that game 85-54. Now they are getting points against San Clara? No way I'm passing up on the Cougars at this price. 

Washington State will have the best player on the floor in C.J. Elleby, who flirted with leaving for the NBA. Elleby was sensational in the opener with 27 points and 7 rebounds. Cougars have covered 12 of their last 17 non-conference games and I'm confident they cash a winning ticket tonight. Take Washington State! 

3* NBA - Over/Under Total DESTROYER on Knicks/Bulls under 213½ -109

Easy play on the other here as two of the league's worst offensive teams go head-to-head at the United Center. The Knicks rank dead last in offensive efficiency and the Bulls are sitting at 27th. Both teams also rank in the bottom half of the league in pace of play with the Knicks way back there at 28th. 

These two teams already played once this season and combined for just 203 points. Both teams shot under 43% from the field. Expect more of the same tonight. UNDER is 8-2 in New York's 10 games and 12-3 in their last 15 when playing a bad team that's won 25% to 40% of their games. Take the UNDER! 

3* NCAAB - No Doubt ATS ANNIHILATOR on Oral Roberts +7½ -110

Really like the value with the Golden Eagles. This just isn't an in-state matchup, both schools are located in Tulsa, OKlahoma. Oral Roberts might be considered the lesser of the two in this fight, but I think the Eagles have the goods to win this game outright. 

Oral Roberts has two studs in Emmanuel Nzekwesi and Kevin Obanor, two more returning starters, and two grad transfers expected to play big roles. This team is all-in on winning the Summit and getting to the NCAA Tournament. Tulsa loses 3 key pieces from last year's team that went 18-14 and that team only beat the Golden Eagles by 10 (trailed by 5 at the half). Take Oral Roberts! 

5* NCAAB - Late Night NO LIMIT Top Play on Pacific +5½ -109

Easy play here for me with the Tigers as a decently priced road dog against the Rainbow Warriors. Hawaii has been overvalued in each of their first two games, as they failed to cover as a 17.5-point favorite in a 65-52 win over Florida A&M and as a 1.5-point favorite in a 81-75 loss to South Dakota. 

Just so happens that Pacific has faced both of those teams and had pretty similar results. Tigers lost by 10-points at home to South Dakota and crushed Florida A&M 76-54. I not only think Pacific will cover, but I give them a great shot at winning outright. 

Warriors are a mere 5-16 ATS last 21 games vs a team from the West Coast Conference and have failed to cover 4 straight at home. Take Pacific! 

4* NBA - Late Night VEGAS INSIDER on Warriors +8½ -109

It's crazy how things have turned with Golden State. The Warriors had been the biggest public bet in the league for years, but no one wants anything to do with this year's Golden State team. Sure, it's not the same team. Not even close. But I do feel it has the Warriors a bit undervalued here at home against the Jazz. 

Utah is a team everyone was hyping up leading into the season and while they are off to a decent 6-3 start, they are just 3-6 ATS. Also, most of that success has come at home, as they are 1-3 SU and 0-4 ATS on the road. 

Also a big system in play backing a play on the Warriors, as underdogs with a losing record are 100-57 (64%) ATS over the last 5 seasons when coming off 3 or more straight road losses. Take Golden State!

3* NBA - No Doubt ATS BLOWOUT on Rockets -5½ -109

Houston is definitely worth a look here laying what I feel is a short number against a struggling Pelicans team. Rockets started out the season failing to cover each of their first 6 games, but have won and covered each of their last 3. The most recent a 117-94 blowout win at Chicago as a similarly priced 6.5-point favorite. 

New Orleans comes in off a win and cover in a 115-10 win at Charlotte, but are just 2-7 overall. In each of their last 4 losses have come by double-digits. After really struggling defensively early on, Houston has been much better on that side of the ball of late. I just don't see the Pelicans being able to keep pace. Rockets are averaging 120.1 ppg and New Orleans are giving up 122.4 ppg. Take Houston! 

3* NCAAB - Undervalued DOG OF THE DAY on Samford +9 -110

I like the value here with the Bulldogs as a near double-digit dog against the Bruins. Belmont has some nice pieces back from last year's team that received an at-large big, but they lost two big time playmakers in Dylan Windler (21.3 ppg, 10.8 rpg) and Kevin McClain (16.8 ppg). 

Bruins lost their opener 72-79 at Illinois State as a 5.5-point favorite. I just feel Belmont is getting a little too much love from the books to start the year and this Samford team is not only capable of covering, but winning this game outright. Bulldogs are an impressive 11-2 ATS in their last 13 non-conference games and a perfect 7-0 the last 2 seasons as a road underdog. Take Samford!  

4* NBA - Over/Under Total NO-BRAINER on Cavs/Knicks under 214 -110

Easy play for me on the UNDER in Sunday's NBA showdown between bottom feeders New York and Cleveland. The Knicks are scoring just 101.2 ppg on the road, while the Cavs are managing a mere 97.3 ppg at home. 

Neither of these teams like to play up-tempo. New York is 28th in pace of play and Cleveland comes in at 23. UNDER is 3-1 in the Knicks 4 road games and a perfect 3-0 in the Cavs 3 home games this season. 

UNDER is also 20-7 in the Knicks last 27 at home with a line of +3 to -3 and 7-3 in the Cavs last 10 vs a team that's won fewer than 40% of their games. Take the UNDER! 

4* NBA - Big Money ATS HEAVY HITTER on Thunder +8 -105

Love the value here with Oklahoma City as a big home dog against the Bucks. I just feel like this is way too many points for Milwaukee to be laying in this spot. Bucks are finishing up a 4-game road trip that has seen them go from Minnesota, to LA, to Utah and now OKC in the last 7 days. 

You can see the effects of this trip getting to Milwaukee by their poor shooting performances against both the Clippers (42.9%) and Jazz (35.8%). Note they also used up a ton of energy ralling from a 22-point halftime deficit against Utah, only to lose on a last second shot. 

Thunder have won 3 of 4 and have a 5-1 record the last 6 times they have hosted the Bucks. Thunder have also covered 5 of their last 6 vs a team from the Eastern Conference and are 4-1 ATS last 5 vs a team with a winning record. Take Oklahoma City! 

3* NCAAB - No Doubt ATS BLOWOUT on Arkansas-Little Rock +5½ -109

The Trojans are worth a look here as a small road dog against the Redbirds. Little Rock opened up the season as a 5.5-point dog at home against Belmont and went on to win the game outright 79-72. 

I like their chances of making it two straight upsets with a win against Illinois State, who is working in 8 new players to a team that won just 17-games last year. Redbirds have failed to cover in 5 straight against a team from the Sun Belt, while the Trojans are a solid 5-2 ATS last 7 vs the Missouri Valley. Take Little Rock! 

5* NCAAB - In-State Rivalry PLAY OF THE MONTH on Florida State +6 -105

I really like the value we are getting with the Seminoles as a dog. I think we are getting a great price here on FSU coming off an upset loss on the road at Pitt in their opener. Winning on the road right out of the gate is never easy, especially against a conference opponent.

I also wasn't overly impressed with Florida in their 15 point win as a 22-point favorite at home against North Florida. Wouldn't be shocked at all if the Seminoles won this game outright. 

Gators have been an awful bet at home, as they are 3-13 ATS last 16 at the Exactech Arena, including a 0-6 ATS mark in their last 6 at home with a total of 130 to 134.5. Take Florida State! 

3* NCAAB - Undervalued DOG OF THE DAY on Minnesota +4½ -110

I really like the value here with Minnesota catching points against Oklahoma. I just think this is going to be a tough year for the Sooners, who lost 6 seniors and had two other guys transfer from last year's team. I know the Gophers are reloading as well, but I like what they got coming back. Minnesota was impressive in their opener, destroying Cleveland State 85-50 as a 22-point favorite. Oklahoma is 7-19 ATS as a road favorite under Kruger, including a 4-14 ATS mark on the road when favored by 6 or less. Take Minnesota! 

3* NBA - No Doubt ATS BLOWOUT on Spurs -1 -110

I'm not sure why the books are undervaluing San Antonio so much at home, but I'll gladly back the Spurs at basically a pick'em against the Celtics. Part of the value with SA comes from Boston being overvalued coming in having won 6 straight and going 4-1-1 ATS during that run. 

Spurs are 14-4 ATS last 18 home games with a line of +3 to -3 and 16-6 ATS last 22 at home as a favorite of 6 or less. Boston comes in off a 108-87 blowout win over Charlotte, but are just 1-6-1 ATS last 8 off a SU win by more than 10 points. Take San Antonio! 

5* NCAAB - Situational VEGAS INSIDER Top Play on Nebraska -7 -110

It was about as awful a start to the season as Nebraska fans could have hoped for when their team came out and got annihilated 66-47 by UC-Riverside as a 15.5-point home favorite. Not what they were expecting in the debut of Fred Hoiberg. 

However, I think that result has created some big time value here with the Cornhuskers, who are laying single digits against a Southern Utah team that picked to finish middle of the pack in the Big Sky. Even after the loss in the opener, Nebraska is 22-10 ATS last 32 at home. Cornhuskers are also 10-1 ATS last 11 at home if their last game was a non-conference game. Take Nebraska! 

3* NCAAB - Early Bird CASH COW on Fairfield +4½ -110

I like the Stags to cash in here as a small home dog against the Minutemen. UMASS has been a mess under Matt McCall and are likely to struggle some early with a bunch of new players and completely revamped coaching staff. 

While it came in a loss, I was really impressed with Fairfields 64-68 loss to Bucknell in their season opener. That's a Bucknell team that had 3 starters back from a 21-win team and are the biggest threats to Colgate for the Patriot League title. Take Fairfield! 

4* NBA - Situational VEGAS INSIDER on 76ers +5 -110

Most will look to take the Nuggets here as a small home favorite, as the 76ers will be without Ben Simmons, but Philadelphia nearly won at Utah last time out with Simmons going out in the 1st half. We also know the 76ers are going to be extremely motivated here having lost their last two. 

Nuggets come in off back-to-back wins, but those were against the Magic and Heat. I just haven't been all that impressed with Denver early on and they have already failed to cover 2 of 3 at home this season. 76ers are 7-1 ATS last 8 off a SU loss, while Nuggets are 1-4 ATS last 5 vs a team with a winning record. Take Philadelphia! 

3* NCAAB - Late Night ATS DESTROYER on Grand Canyon +8 -109

I really like the value here with Grand Canyon as a near double-digit dog at home against Illinois. The fact that the Fighting Illini are laying this small a number against a team from the WAC really tells you all you need to know. 

The Antelopes are a popular pick to win the WAC this year and they landed a big time transfer in TCU's Jaylen Fisher. Not to mention we already saw Illinois struggle against a small conference team, as they only won by 8 at home against Nicholls State in their opener and they were a 22.5-point favorite in that one. Take Grand Canyon! 

4* NBA - Big Money ATS HEAVY HITTER on Pelicans +2½ -105

I really like this spot for New Orleans and the books definitely agree with this line begging for public money on the Raptors. Pelicans are a much better team than their 1-6 record would suggest. 

Another key factor here is we can bank on a max effort here from New Orleans, as they will be ready to roll after a much-needed 3-day break. As for the Raptors, they might have a hard time showing up here, as they get ready to take off on a 5-game west coast trip. 

It's also important to note that Toronto is coming off a up-and-down game against the Kings, where the two combined for 244 points. Raptors are 4-17 ATS last 21 off a game with a combined score of 235 or more. Toronto has also failed to cover 7 of their last 23 road games vs a team that's won fewer than 40% of their games. Take New Orleans! 

4* NBA - Sharp Money ATS NO-BRAINER on Cavs +5 -109

Cleveland is worth a look here as a small dog against the Wizards. This might seem like a favorable line to back Washington at home against a Cavs team that is just 2-5 on the season and come in having lost 3 straight. However, I actually like Cleveland to win this game outright. 

I've liked what I've seen out of this Cavs team. The schedule just has been tough to start. This is by far the worst team they have played. I also don't like this spot for the Wizards, who will have 4-days off after this one. 

Wizards are a miserable 5-15 ATS last 20 home games played on Friday and have gone just 11-25 ATS last 36 vs a bad team that's winning between 25%-40% of their games. Cavs are 18-7 ATS last 25 vs a team that's winning fewer than 40% of their games and 8-3 ATS last 11 on the road vs teams in this spot. Take Cleveland! 

3* NCAAB - Vegas Underdog ATS ANNIHILATOR on Marist +7½ -110

I just feel like this is way too many points for the Keydets to be laying against the Red Foxes. I get Marist isn't very good and is expected to finish near the bottom of the MAAC, but not a lot is expected out of VMI either. 

While the Red Foxes will be taking the court for the first time this season, the Keydets opened on Tuesday at East Carolina and get destroyed 80-68 as a 8.5-point dog. VMI was lucky to only lose by 12, as they shot just 37% from the field, while allowing the Pirates to connect on 53%. That's a ECU team that won just 10 games last year. Take Marist! 

5* NBA - Western Conf TOTAL OF THE MONTH on Blazers/Clippers over 228 -109

I look for the Blazers and Clippers to fly past the total when the two face off in LA tonight. These are two of the most efficient offenses in the league right now. Clippers are No. 3 in offensive efficiency and the Blazers are just two spots back at No. 5. 

On top of that, both of these teams rank in the top half of the league in pace of play and the bottom half of the league in defensive efficiency. I do think the Clippers can be a top tier defensive team if they choose, but I don't see them having the energy on that side tonight playing in the second game of a back-to-back. 

OVER is 30-18 in the Clippers last 48 home games and 11-2 in their last 13 at home if they are playing their 3rd straight at home. Take the OVER! 

4* NBA - Late Night Total HEAVY HITTER on 76ers/Jazz over 210½ -105

I look for the Jazz and 76ers to fly past the total tonight. The UNDER is 7-0 in Utah's first 7 games. I think the books have over-adjusted the number here, creating value on the OVER. This is the lowest total of the season for the Jazz and it's not like they are facing an offense that can't score. 

Philadelphia is averaging 114 ppg and have played 3 times without their best player in Embiid. While the 76ers offense has traveled well (115.0 ppg on the road), the defense has not. Philadelphia is giving up 114 ppg and allowing teams to shoot 52% from the field on the road, including 44% from deep. Both teams will hit at least 105 in this one. Take the OVER! 

4* NCAAB - Oddsmakers LINE MISTAKE on Virginia -2½ -110

I got no problem laying the short number here with the defending champs on the road against the Orange. No denying that Virginia lost a lot of talent from last year's team, but time after time TOny Bennett has made it work with whatever he has on his roster. To think this team won't be one of the best in the ACC is a mistake. 

Syracuse is a team I think could be down this year. They lost 3 of their top 4 scores and the backcourt situation doesn't look ideal. Sure they will play tough defense under Jim Boeheim, but I don't think that will be enough here. I just don't see Syracuse scoring enough to pull off the upset. Take Virginia! 

4* NBA - Over/Under Total NO-BRAINER on Bulls/Hawks over 219 -110

I'm confident the Bulls/Hawks will fly over the total Wednesday night in Atlanta. With both teams off big games Tuesday night, I just don't see the defensive effort being there for either side. Bulls were in a heated contest against the Lakers at home and the Hawks pulled out a late rally to upset the Spurs. 

OVER has cashed in 3 of the last 4 games for the Bulls. I know the UNDER is a perfect 6-0 in Atlanta's 6 games, but they played several games without their best player in Trae Young. He returned against SA and scored 28 points in the 2nd half after a slow start. Hawks defense took a huge hit with John Collins getting handed a 25-game suspension, so Atlanta will have to rely on the offense even more. 

OVER is 7-3-1 in Chicago's last 11 off a SU loss and 4-1 in Atlanta's last 5 at home vs a team that's won fewer than 40% of their road games. Take the OVER! 

5* NCAAB - Vegas Insider PLAY OF THE MONTH on Purdue -19 -110

I got no problem laying the big number with Purdue at home against the likes of Green Bay. I think people are sleeping on the Boilermakers a little bit due to them losing Carson Edwards, but this is a team that has the good to contends with the likes of Michigan State and others for the Big Ten title.

They might not have the superstar on their roster like Edwards, but they are extremely deep and I just don't see the Phoenix being able to keep pace. History agrees, as the Boilermakers are 20-7 ATS in their last 27 as a home favorite of 18.5 to 24 points. Take Purdue! 

5* NCAAB - Late Night NO LIMIT Top Play on St. Mary's -3 -115

You might be wondering why Wisconsin is getting points against the Gaels. It's for good reason and I think St Mary's is going to make easy work of a Badgers team in transition. Wisconsin only loses two starters, but they lost one of the best players in the country in Ethan Happ. For a team that ranked 276th in scoring at 68.6 ppg, I think the offense is going to have a hard time keeping pace with better competition. 

The Gaels have all their key guys back from last year's NCAA Tournament team that won 22-games and beat Gonzaga in the WCC Tournament, despite many thinking it was going to be a down year for St Mary's. They also got some key guys back from injury and this is one they need for their resume come March. Take St. Mary's! 

4* NBA - Over/Under Total NO-BRAINER on Magic/Thunder under 204 -110

Don't be fooled into taking the OVER with this low total in tonight's NBA action between the Thunder and Magic. I actually think there's value with the UNDER in this one. Both of these teams are strong defensively. OKC is tied for 3rd in defensive efficiency and Orlando is right on their heels at No. 5. 

Not only that, both teams are struggling on the other side of the ball. Magic are dead last in the league in offensive efficiency and the Thunder aren't to far back at 26th. Orlando also plays at the second slowest pace in the league. Take the UNDER! 

4* NCAAB - No Doubt ATS HEAVY HITTER on Valparaiso +3 -110

I think we are getting a great price on the Crusaders. Toledo is one of the better programs in the MAC, so they get a lot of love from experts. I just think they are getting a little too much coming into the 2019-20 season. Sure they won 25 games last year, but they lost two of their best players in Jaelan Sanford and Nate Nagigato. 

Valpo went just 15-18 last year and with the news that leading scorer and rebounder, Derrick Smits left for Butler, not much is expected of this team. They got back a couple of double-digit scorers, while adding in 3 transfers. Eron Gordon from Seton Hall, Nick Robinson from St. Joe's and ZIon Morgan from UNLV. I think the wrong team is favored. Take Valparaiso! 

3* NBA - Vegas ATS ANNIHILATOR on Celtics -5½ -109

I got no problem laying a short number on the road with Boston against the Cavs. Cleveland is showing some fight under first year head coach John Beilein, but that's only going to get this team so far with the talent they have. 

Even with the Celtics likely playing without Enes Kanter or Jaylen Brown, I look for Boston to win this game by double-digits. Celtics have won 4 straight since losing a hard fought game at 76ers in their opener, which included a 118-95 win at New York against a similarly bad Knicks team. Take Boston! 

5* NCAAB - Opening Night PLAY OF THE YEAR on Kansas +1 -109

Most are going to look at this and just blindly take Duke because of how much respect this program has with Coach K. Everyone knows the Blue Devils lost a lot from last year's team, but the assumption is that they just reload. I get it and that's definitely true to a point, but I got a hard time believing Duke has anywhere close to as talented a Top 3 as they had last year with Zion, RJ Barrett and Cam Reddish. 

Things didn't look good for KU early on in the offseason, but that didn't last long. Jayhawks got two guys back they thought were leaving early in Udoka Azubuike and Devon Dotson. THey also were not expecting Sivio De Sousa to win his appeal and  be eligible to play. I like the mix of youth and experience on this team and while Duke might have the better NBA talent, I think it's going to take time for the Blue Devils to reach their full potential with how young they are. Take Kansas! 

4* NCAAB - Situational VEGAS INSIDER on Clemson -5 -115

I like the Tigers to win here easily at home against ACC rival Virginia Tech. Clemson lost a couple guys to ACL injuries that they hoped would help this year, but there's still plenty of talent on deck for the Tigers to build on last year's 9-9 finish in conference play. 

As for the Hokies, they are a team in major transition after losing an elite head coach in Buzz Williams. Not only that, Williams didn't leave new head coach Mike Young a whole lot to work with. Hokies lost 4 starters and have to replace their top 5 scores from last year.

It's also worth noting that Clemson got a bit of a head start, as they played and won the World University Games in Italy. That time to build chemistry is huge and should have them ready to roll to start the year. Take Clemson! 

3* NBA - Late Night Total ANNIHILATOR on Blazers/Warriors under 224 -109

The Warriors are a complete mess right now. They won't have Steph Curry for months because of a broken hand. Draymond Green is out at the moment with a torn ligament in this finger and D'Angelo Russell is questionable with an ankle injury. Without these 3 in the lineup, they scored just 87 points in a 6-point home loss to the Hornets. 

The only way Golden State even has a chance to be competitive without Curry and Green is to slow the game way down and play hard defensively, which is what I'm expecting here agianst the Blazers. Even if they can't keep Portland in check, this should turn into a blowout and still stay under the high total set by the books. Take the UNDER! 

3* NBA - Over/Under Total DESTROYER on Pistons/Wizards over 224½ -109

I look for Detroit and Washington to have zero problem eclipsing the total Monday night. The Wizards haven't exactly been playing a lot of defense. In Washington's last 3 games they have allowed 124 to the Spurs, 159 to the Rockets and 131 to the T-Wolves (without KAT). All of those saw a combined score of 140 or more. 

Pistons aren't a great offensive team, but they are scoring 112.7 ppg on the road and giving up 115.7 ppg on the road. Wizards are averaging 133.5 ppg on their home floor. OVER is 30-15 in Washington's last 45 with a total of 220 to 229.5 and 25-10 at home the last two seasons with a total of 220 or more. Take the OVER! 

4* NBA - No Doubt ATS BLOWOUT on Clippers -4 -109

This is just too good a value to pass up with the Clippers at home. Los Angeles just lost at Utah by double-digits last week, but that was to be expected given that Khawi didn't play. With Leonard in the lineup the Clippers should have no problem winning by 5 or more at home. 

Utah has failed to cover 5 of their last 6 on the road, while the Clippers are a strong 31-16 ATS last 47 as a favorite. Just look at the Jazz's road games this year. They scored a mere 86 points in a 9-point loss to the Lakers, barely beat the Suns by 1-point in Phoenix and lost outright to the Kings as a 4-point favorite. Take Los Angeles! 

3* NBA Over/Under Total DESTROYER on Lakers/Spurs over 217½ -109

I think this is an easy play on the OVER. Lakers offense has been clicking lately and it figures to only get better the more chemistry LeBron and AD form. Not to mention they have recently just got back a big time scorer in Kyle Kuzma. Lakers have scored 119 or more in each of their last 3 games. 

I could easily see them getting to that points, but all we need is for both teams to get to 109 and we can't lose. Spurs have scored 113 or more in 4 of 5 games and are averaging 119 on the road. OVER is 6-0 in Spurs last 6 at home and 10-3 in the Lakers last 13 vs a team with a winning record. Take the OVER! 

4* NBA - Situational ATS HEAVY HITTER on 76ers +2½ -110

Easy play on the 76ers getting points against the Blazers Saturday night. Portland is getting love here because they are at home, but the Blazers did just finish up a 4-game road trip and have been on the go since the season started (have yet to play two straight at home). 

Philadelphia has started out 4-0 and will not be overlooking this one. Last year the Blazers swept both meetings against the 76ers in blowout fashion, winning 129-95 at home and 130-115 at Philly. I just don't think this year's Blazers team is as strong as the one that made the Western Conference Finals. Even with Embiid suspended, I still think the 76ers will role here. Take Philadelphia! 

3* NBA - Undervalued UNDERDOG on Magic +4½ -110

Most will immediately look to fade Orlando here, as the Magic will be on no rest and just got annihilated by 32 at home last night against the Bucks. Not me. I'm confident Orlando will respond here with not only a cover, but I like them to win outright. 

Denver has last their last two. The most recent being a 122-107 loss at New Orleans as a 4-point favorite. The offense just isn't in sync right now for the Nuggets and while it didn't show last night, this Magic team can get after you defensively. Even after giving up 123 to the Bucks they are still allowing just 97 ppg at home. Take Orlando! 

5* NBA - Late Night PLAY OF THE MONTH on Spurs -6½ -108

I'm not sure how you pass up on the Spurs in this spot. I know San Antonio is playing on no rest after a hard fought loss against the Clippers last night, but the Warriors have looked awful to start the season and now must play without Steph Curry. 

Golden State really doesn't have a guy they can go to at the point to fill the void left by Curry. Not to mention they were already lacking scoring outside of the former league MVP. Add in the awful defense they have played and I don't care who the Spurs send out there they should win here by double-digits no problem. 

Warriors just 12-30-1 ATS last 43 at home. Spurs have covered 4 of the last 5 in the series and the favorite has covered 11 of the last 15 in the series. Take San Antonio! 

3* NBA - No Doubt ATS ANNIHILATOR on Magic +5 -115

The books are begging you to take the Bucks here as a small road favorite against the Magic, especially with Milwaukee coming off that ugly loss to the Celtics where they blew a huge lead. I just don't trust this Bucks team on the road in this pot. Not only are they coming off a big game against Boston, they got the defending champs on their home court tomorrow. 

Orlando is a sneaky good team and while they are just 2-2 to start, they haven't shot the ball well at all. Defensively they are better than people think. They have held 3 of their first 4 teams under 40% shooting. Magic are 8-3 ATS last 11 at home, while the Bucks are just 1-4 ATS last 5 on the road. Take Orlando! 

3* NBA - No Doubt ATS BLOWOUT on Heat -6½ -109

This is an easy play on the Heat. Miami just beat Atlanta 112-97 on Tuesday and they completely dominated after Trae Young went out with an ankle injury. I could see some talking themselves into betting the Hawks at home here, but I just feel that Young is too valuable to Atlanta's success. 

I've also really liked what I've seen out of this Miami team. Keep in mind that game against the Hawks was the first time Jimmy Butler suited up for the Heat. He had 21 points. Miami's just got too much depth for Atlanta to keep it close. Take Miami! 

4* NBA - Clippers/Jazz ATS NO-BRAINER on Jazz -2½ -105

This is just too good a price to pass up with Utah at home. The Jazz haven't really played great to start the year and yet are 3-1. I get the Clippers have looked great to start the year, but I think they are overvalued because of it. Last time they were on the road they lost by 8 at Phoenix and there's not many places tougher to play than Utah. 

Jazz are 21-10 ATS last 31 off a non-cover and have covered 3 straight at home against the Clippers. I believe Utah's defense will be the deciding factor in this matchup. Jazz are allowing just 91.5 ppg and just 88.0 ppg at home. LA is giving up 112.5 ppg and 126.0 ppg on the road. Take Utah! 

3* NBA - Late Night Total ANNIHILATOR on Clippers/Jazz over 215 -109

I'm not expecting this thing to get into the 230's or anything, but I see a ton of value with the total at this price. Utah is averaging 106.5 ppg at home and will be facing a Clippers defense that is giving up 126.0 ppg on the road. 

While Utah has an elite defense that is allowing just 91.5 ppg, it's hard to see them holding this Clippers team under 100, as LA is averaging 121.5 ppg. 

Not to mention the books are begging for UNDER money with this total, as the public will be much more inclined to take the UNDER seeing that the Jazz haven't played a game all season where the two teams combined for more than 200 points. Take the OVER! 

4* NBA - No Doubt ATS BLOWOUT on 76ers -6½ -110

I got no problem laying this number at home with the 76ers. Philadelphia is coming off a couple of uninspiring wins over the Pistons and Hawks, but both of those were on the road. 76ers are not the same team on the road as they are at home. They were 31-10 at home last year compared to 20-21 on the road. 

Philadelphia doesn't just win SU at home. They are 56-37 (60%) ATS at home the last 3 seasons. They are also a dominant 24-8 ATS last 32 at home against a team that's won more than 60% of their road games. 

Timberwolves are 3-0 to start the season, but two of those wins are against Eastern Conference bottom feeders in Brooklyn and Charlotte. The other is a win at home against the Heat (without Jimmy Butler), where they trailed by 7 going into the 4th quarter. Minnesota just 3-7-1 ATS last 11 vs a team that's won more than 60% of their games and have failed to cover 5 straight against the 76ers. Give me Philadelphia!

5* NBA - Hawks/Heat Southeast GAME OF THE MONTH on Heat -8 -105

This line is begging you to take the Hawks and the public is taking the bait. I just don't think we are going to get the kind of effort needed from Atlanta to keep this close. Hawks are off a gut-wrenching 105-103 loss at home to the 76ers last night. A game the Hawks led by 9 after the 1st quarter and still had the lead going into the 4th quarter. 

Another factor here is the schedule makes this one a little less enticing for the Hawks, as they will turn around and host Miami on Thursday. As for the Heat, they are off to an impressive 2-1 start that includes a 5-point win at Milwaukee. They did that without their prized new addition of Jimmy Butler, who will make his debut tonight. Heat's only home game was the season opener and they won by 19 over Memphis. 

Home favorites of 3.5 to 9.5 points after allowing 105 or more in 2 straight are 95-51 (65%) ATS since 1996 when facing an opponent off a loss by 3 or fewer points. Take Miami! 

3* NBA - Over/Under Total DESTROYER on Warriors/Pelicans over 235 -109

Don't be afraid of the big number here. These two should easily eclipse this total. Each of the Pelicans first 3 games have seen a combined score of 139 or more. Both teams also love to push the pace. New Orleans is currently No. 6 and the Warriors are No. 9. Both are also struggling defensively. Golden State ranks dead last in defensive efficiency and the Pelicans come in at 25th. 

OVER is 21-8 in the Pelicans last 29 after 2 straight losses and the average score in this spot has been 138.1. Take the OVER! 

3* NBA - No Doubt ATS BLOWOUT on Thunder +10½ -109

OKC is definitely worth a look here as a double-digit dog at Houston. Thunder avoided an 0-3 start with an emphatic 120-92 win at home over the Warriors, where they had a 42-point lead one point in the game. OKC also covered in a 5-point loss as a 9-point dog at Utah. No question they are going to be up for this one. 

Houston has failed to cover each of their first two as they are simply being overvalued by the books to start the year. They were lucky to leave with a 126-123 win at home against the Pelicans on Saturday, a game they were favored by 12. Look for the Thunder to keep this much closer than the books anticipate. Take Oklahoma City! 

5* NBA - Eastern Conf PLAY OF THE MONTH on Magic +4½ -105

Most are going to be tempted to take the Raptors here laying what looks like a short number at home against the Magic, who have failed to cover each of their first two games. I like Orlando quite a bit at this price. 

What people are going to overlook with Toronto is them playing their 3rd game in 4 nights, all 3 at different venues. This is only the second game in the last 5 days for Orlando. Magic simply haven't shot the ball well in their first two games and are due for a few more shots to fall. Hard to see Toronto's defense being at it's best playing 3 in 4. 

Road dogs who had a losing record the previous year and off a road loss are 37-12 ATS (76%) ATS last 5 seasons. Take Orlando! 

5* NBA - Vegas NO LIMIT Top Play on Mavs -2 -109

The Mavs are definitely worth a look here as a slim home favorite against the Blazers. I think Dallas is even better than anticipated and the Mavs have started out 2-0. Portland on the other hand is a team that came into this season way overvalued after last year's trip to the Western Conference Finals. 

Portland won last time out at Sacramento, but that's not saying much given how bad the Kings have looked to start the season. I just don't think this will be a very profitable team on the road, especially early on, as it will take some time for the books to adjust to how much worse off this year's team is. 

Mavs are 6-1 ATS last 7 at home vs a team with a winning road record and the Blazers are a mere 2-8 ATS last 10 times they have played the Mavs on the road. Take Dallas! 

4* NBA - Late Night Total KNOCKOUT on Clippers/Suns under 228 -110

I think these two teams will fly past the total Saturday night. The rest of the league has to be a bit worried with what they are seeing from the Clippers, as they look every bit as good as we thought they we would Khawi and they are going to be adding Paul George to the mix here shortly. 

Clippers have featured the most efficient offense in the league at 123.6 points per 100 possessions. The next best is the hawks at 116.7. The defense was great the first two games, but one was against a Lakers team that is the slowest pace team in the league and the other against a Warriors team that looks to be in big trouble with their lack of scoring options. 

I don't think the Clippers will bring that same intensity on defense against the Suns on the road and I wouldn't be surprised at all if both teams score into the 120's. Take the OVER! 

5* NBA - Southwest Division PLAY OF THE MONTH  on Pelicans +11 -110

I absolutely love the value here with New Orleans as a double-digit dog against the Rockets. I think with the Pelicans off a hard fought loss last night, most will be looking to fade them in the second of a back-to-back against a Houston team looking to rebound from a loss to the Bucks in their season opener. 

I just think there's enough talent with New Orleans, even without Zion, to keep this within single digits. Big thing here on no rest is the Pelicans are a very deep team. They had 10 guys play at least 14 minutes last night with no one playing more than 33. 

Houston has a lot of star-power, especially with the 1-2 punch of Westbrook and Harden. It has a chance to be special, but it's going to take some time for the chemistry to form. Thus making the Rockets a team to fade early on, especially when they are big favorites like this. Take New Orleans! 

5* NBA - Western Conf TOTAL OF THE MONTH on Blazers/Kings over 225 -110

I look for the Blazers and Kings to fly past the total tonight. Sacramento let the Suns of all teams shoot 50% from the field in their season opener. That says a lot about this team and the effort they will be giving on the defensive side of the ball. 

The offense did manage just 95 points on 39% shooting, but I would expect a much better showing from the offense at home. Blazers also due for a much better shooting night after connecting on just 41% against a really good Denver team. 

OVER is 18-7-1 last 26 Blazers games after they failed to cover the spread and 8-1-1 in their last 10 vs a team with losing record at or below 40%. Take the OVER! 

4* NBA - Situational ATS VEGAS INSIDER on Raptors +3½ -110

Book are begging you to take the Celtics at basically a pick'em at home against the Raptors and the public is taking the bait. It was not an impressive start for Boston in their opening loss to the 76ers. Celtics shot a miserable 36.7% from the field. 

Toronto is a team that I think people are sleeping on, which is rare thing for the defending champs to not get any love, but that will happen when you lose your best player. No question this isn't as good a team without Leonard, but it's still one of the better rosters in the east. People still don't realize how good Siakam is. 

Celtics just 5-16 ATS over the last 2 seasons off a road loss and just 5-15-1 ATS last 21 at home. Take Toronto!

5* NBA - Late Night TOTAL OF THE MONTH on Nuggets/Blazers under 218 -109

You will hear a lot about the offensive playmakers on both sides of the ball in this game, but I think we are going to see the two defenses shine. This season opener means a little more, especially to the Nuggets, as the Blazers knocked them out of the playoffs last year. 

I also think Portland is still a team playing with a chip on their shoulder, as they just continue to not get the respect they feel they deserve. This team just went to the Western Conference Finals and yet no one is picking them as a title contender. I expect as close to a playoff-like atmosphere as you can expect this early in the season. I also think we are getting a few points of value here with the books inflating the total in a nationally televised game. Take the UNDER! 

4* NBA - No Doubt ATS BLOWOUT on Magic -8 -109

I got no problem laying the big number here with Orlando at home against the Cavs. Cleveland added another talented point guard in Garland, but already got a young stud point guard in Sexton. I'm not convinced these two will be a good fit together. 

Also, there's just not a ton of talent on this roster. Magic basically brought everyone back from a team that improved by 17 wins last year. I think this is a sneaky good team and that continuity should be a big advantage early in the season. I see the Magic jumping all over the Cavs early and coasting to a double-digit win. Take Orlando! 

5* NBA - Opening Night GAME OF THE YEAR  on Lakers/Clippers under 226½ -110

I think the books have completely missed the mark with the total in tonight's highly anticipated season opener between the Clippers and Lakers. I think we are seeing a high number because the Lakers brought in AD and the Clippers added Kawhi and George. However, George is not ready to play and Lakers will be without Kuzma. 

You got two of the very best defensive players on the same team in Leonard and Patrick Peverley. Lakers got LeBron and AD and a bunch of guys that can play defense in Rondo, Howard, Bradley Green, etc. 

I'm expecting playoff like intensity from both teams in this game and a bit of a slower pace. Total should be closer to 215 than 225. Take the UNDER! 

5* NBA Finals - Game 6 NO LIMIT Top Play on Raptors +3½ -109

I cashed in on the Warriors as a dog in Game 5 at Toronto. A big reason for that is, I just just didn't think the Raptors would be able to match the fight of Golden State and the return of Durant. Warriors had their way early with Durant in the lineup, but the offensive woes returned after he left. After putting up 62 points in the first half, Golden State managed just 44 in the second half. 

Warriors made a ridiculous 20 3-pointers in Game 5 and yet they still needed a ridiculous comeback in the final couple minutes to squeak out a 106-105 win. That's a massive concern, as it's unlikely Golden State shoots that well again. The Raptors already won twice at Oracle in the series and their intensity will be up a notch in this one. I don't see this thing extending to a Game 7. Take Toronto! 

5* NBA Finals - No Limit GAME OF THE MONTH on Warriors +4 -115

As difficult as it may be to back Golden State after just watching them lose two straight at home, I don't the series ends tonight. With or without Durant. However, I do think we are finally going to see Durant and just having him on the floor changes the game. If he plays, it's going to be a heck of lot harder on the Raptors defense, as they can't just focus all their attention to Curry and Thompson. 

The biggest thing I like here is that we got a defending champ with their backs against the wall. Golden State definitely has more to offer. This is also a sticky spot for the team up 3-1. It's not easy to match the intensity of the team facing elimination when you know in the back of your mind that a loss isn't the end of the world. Take Golden State! 

5* NBA Finals - Vegas NO LIMIT Top Play on Warriors -5 -105

While I definitely would prefer Klay Thompson play, I want to point out that I love Golden State to win and cover in Game 4 regardless if he's on the floor. As of right now he's listed as probable, while Durant is listed as out, so you have to assume he's playing. 

Either way the effort simply wasn't there on the defensive end of the floor in Game 3 and there's no doubt that's been the focal point in the lockerroom leading up to this game. Golden State might be the defending champs, but they know they are all but done for if they lose this game. 

I think a better effort defensively and Toronto not shooting it as well from deep as they did in Game 3 will get the job done. The Warriors have the fire-power with Curry to score enough to not just win but win going away. Take Golden State! 

5* NBA Finals - Game 3 NO LIMIT Top Play on Warriors -5½ -109

Even if Durant and Thompson don't play for Golden State, I'm all over the Warriors to win and cover at home in Game 3. Toronto had their chance to go up 2-0 but couldn't get it done and it's always the toughest bouncing back from a loss in a game that you felt like you should have won. 

Either way, I just don't see Golden State losing in this spot. The Warriors needed to win Game 2 and did just that. I think Game 3 is even that much more important. This is where the home-court shift will lead to a more lopsided outcome for the Warriors, as they should get a lot more out of their role players. Take Golden State!