The Nevada Wolf Pack (6-2) are set to face the Loyola Marymount Lions (3-4) on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at Gersten Pavilion in Los Angeles, California, with tip-off scheduled for 9:00 PM EST. The Wolf Pack have demonstrated a strong start to the season, averaging 86.6 points per game while allowing 65.4 points per game, resulting in a +21.2 scoring margin. They have been effective on the boards, averaging 23.1 defensive rebounds per game, with forward Nick Davidson leading the team at 6.0 rebounds per game. The Lions have faced challenges early in the season, averaging 80 points per game and conceding 68.4 points per game, leading to a +11.6 scoring margin. They have been proficient from beyond the arc, averaging 8.4 made three-pointers per game, which could be a critical factor against Nevada's perimeter defense. Nevada is led by guard Kobe Sanders, averaging 16.4 points and 3.5 rebounds per game, Sanders is a pivotal component of Nevada's offensive strategy. Loyola Marymount's Will Johnston (Guard) is leading the team with 14.9 points per game and averaging 2.9 rebounds, Johnston is a key playmaker for the Lions. Nevada averages 86.6 points per game, while Loyola Marymount averages 80 points per game. In their last meeting on December 2, 2023, Nevada secured a 73-59 victory over Loyola Marymount, with Jarod Lucas leading the Wolf Pack with 20 points. Nevada aims to continue its strong start by leveraging its offensive depth and rebounding prowess. Nevada has too much for this Loyola squad, especially on defense. I'll lay the points late on Saturday with Nevada.

 The Ohio State Buckeyes (5-3, 0-1 Big Ten) are set to host the Rutgers Scarlet Knights (5-3, 0-0 Big Ten) on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at Value City Arena in Columbus, Ohio, with tip-off at 12:00 PM ET. Ohio State is under first-year head coach Jake Diebler, the Buckeyes have averaged 82.5 points per game while allowing 66.2 points per game, resulting in a +16.2 scoring margin. The Scarlet Knights, led by head coach Steve Pikiell, have showcased a balanced attack, with key contributions from freshmen Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper. Ohio State is led by guard Bruce Thornton who is averaging 15.5 points and 5.8 assists per game. The Scarlet Knights are led by forward Devin Royal who is leading the team with 7.6 rebounds per game, Royal also contributes 12.3 points per game. Ohio State: The Buckeyes are looking to rebound from an 83-59 loss to Maryland, aiming to improve their conference record. The Scarlet Knights seek to bounce back after a narrow 81-77 defeat to Texas A&M, focusing on tightening their defense. Ohio State averages 82.5 points per game, while Rutgers' scoring average is slightly lower. Ohio State averages 34.1 rebounds per game, with Devin Royal leading at 7.6 rebounds per game. In their last meeting on January 3, 2024, Ohio State edged out Rutgers with a 76-72 victory. This matchup marks the beginning of Big Ten play for both teams. Ohio State aims to leverage its home-court advantage and offensive depth here today. Lay the points with Ohio State.

On Saturday, December 7, 2024, the Boston College Eagles (6-3) will face the Wake Forest Demon Deacons (7-3) at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, marking the commencement of Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) play for both teams. The Eagles are seeking to rebound from a 73-51 home loss to South Carolina, where they struggled offensively, shooting 33.3% from the field and 12.5% (2-for-16) from beyond the arc. Similarly, the Demon Deacons aim to recover from a 57-44 defeat at No. 22 Texas A&M, a game in which they shot 28.3% from the field and managed only 18 points in the second half. Boston College is led by guard Donald Hand Jr. with an average of 13.7 points per game, Hand Jr. is pivotal to the Eagles' offensive efforts. Wake Forest guard Hunter Sallis is the team's leading scorer, averaging 17 points per game, Sallis contributed 19 points in the recent loss to Texas A&M. Boston College averages 70.3 ppg and 43.3 rebounds per games. Meanwhile, Wake Forest averages just 66.9 ppg and 37.9 boards. In their sole meeting last season, Wake Forest emerged victorious with an 84-78 win at Boston College. Hunter Sallis and Cameron Hildreth combined for 39 points in that game. BC looks the better team thus far and getting this many points today is hard to pass up. Take Boston College.

The Delaware Blue Hens will face the Duquesne Dukes on Friday at UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Delaware has a 5-3 overall record, and is performing well in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA). The Duquesne Dukes are just 1-7 overall and struggling in the Atlantic 10 Conference (A-10). The Blue Hens are on a three-game winning streak, including a recent 100-94 victory over Yale. The Dukes have lost four of their last five games, with their sole win being a 67-54 triumph over Old Dominion. Delaware's John Camden leads the team, averaging 18.7 points per game. Duquesne's Jake DiMichele is the top scorer, averaging 12.0 points per game. Even though Duquesne has home court here, I like the visitors in this one. Play Delaware.

 Extra board game here on Thurdsay has the Northwestern State Demons facing the Incarnate Word Cardinals at the Alice P. McDermott Convocation Center in San Antonio, Texas. Northwestern State is 2-5 overall record. Incarnate Word is 4-3 overall record, the Cardinals have shown promise early in the season. The Demons are coming off a loss to LSU, 53-77 on Nov 29. Incarnate Word secured a victory in their last game with a 86-75 win at Western Illinois. In their most recent encounter on February 17, 2024, Northwestern State defeated Incarnate Word with a score of 81-61. Northwestern State's Cliff Davis leads the Demons, averaging 13.7 points per game. Incarnate Word's Shon Robinson is a pivotal player for the Cardinals, contributing significantly on both ends of the court. Home court here today in this Southland Conference clash. I like the host in this one laying around 4 points. Play Incarnate Word.

The Dallas Mavericks will face the Washington Wizards on Thursday at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. The Mavericks are 14-8 and their place in the Western Conference, 2.5 games back of the Thunder. The Wizards are struggling with a 2-17 record, placing them at the bottom of the Eastern Conference, and worst record in the NBA. Dallas has won five consecutive games, showcasing strong form as they average 118 ppg while allowing 11.6 ppg. Washington is on a 15-game losing streak, including six straight home losses. The Wizards average just 107 ppg while allowing 122.8 ppg. The Mavericks are led by Luka Doncic who averages of 28.6 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 8.0 assists per game. Jordan Poole is the top scorer for the Wizards, averaging 21.0 points and 4.9 assists per game. In their last meeting on February 12, 2024, the Mavericks defeated the Wizards 112-104. This is a lot to lay on the road, but the Mavs are playing very well and the Wizards don't look to have much interest in even playing. Take Dallas.

NBA Eastern Conference clash here on Wednesday has the Orlando Magic (15-8) facing the Philadelphia 76ers (5-14) at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This matchup features two teams experiencing contrasting seasons, with the Magic aiming to solidify their strong start and the 76ers striving to overcome early challenges. The Magic have been impressive this season, currently holding a 15-8 record. They had their six-game winning streak snapped last game at the Knicks (106-121) though they are still 1st in the Southeast division. The 76ers have struggled, with a 5-14 record, placing them 2nd from last in the Eastern Conference standings. They have won two straight games with back-to-back victories over Detroit (111-96) and then last game over Charlotte (110-104). Injuries have plagued the team, notably to stars Joel Embiid and Paul George, contributing to their challenges. The Magic Paolo Banchero remains sidelined, missing 17 consecutive games due to injury. The Sixers will still be without Joel Embiid and Paul George have missed significant time due to injuries, impacting the team's performance. Yes, the Sixers have won two straight, but that's been against the Pistons and Hornets. Now they face one of the better teams in the East. I don't see it going their way tonight. Take Orlando.

The Youngstown State Penguins (3-5) will face the Robert Morris Colonials (6-3) on Wednesday, at the UPMC Events Center in Moon Township, Pennsylvania. This Horizon League matchup features two teams aiming to strengthen their conference standings. The Penguins have encountered challenges on the road, holding a 1-3 away record. They recently achieved a commanding 128-60 victory over Bethany (WV) Bison, with forward Gabe Dynes leading the team with 23 points. The Colonials boast a perfect 5-0 home record. They average 71.6 points per game and have a positive point differential of 3.9. In their latest outing, Robert Morris fell to Ohio University 84-68, with guard Josh Omojafo contributing 15 points. Youngstown is led by forward Gabe Dynes who is emerging as a significant offensive force, Dynes scored 23 points in the recent win over Bethany. Robert Morris leading scorer is guard Josh Omojafo who tallied 15 points against Ohio University. Even though Robert Morris has the better record I like their players and bench better here tonight. I'll take the few points at home with the Penguins.

The Michigan Wolverines (6-1) will face the Wisconsin Badgers (8-0) on Tuesday at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin. This game marks the Big Ten opener for both teams, each seeking to establish early conference dominance, each having had a fine non-conference schedule. Under new head coach Dusty May, Michigan has started the season strong with a 6-1 record. Their offense averages 81.3 points per game, while the defense allows 61.3 points per game. Notable performances include a decisive 78-53 victory over No. 22 Xavier, where forward Danny Wolf scored a season-high 20 points and grabbed 14 rebounds. The Badgers have been impressive, maintaining an undefeated 8-0 record. They have secured significant wins against teams like Arizona, UCF, and Pittsburgh, contributing to their rise in national rankings. Their defense has been particularly strong, holding opponents to an average of 60.5 points per game. Michigan forward is averaging 15.2 points and 8.6 rebounds per game, Wolf has been a consistent contributor on both ends of the court. Wisconsin guard John Tonje is leading the team in scoring, Tonje recently posted a 22-point game, showcasing his offensive capabilities. I like the Wisconsin defense to dominate this contest today. With the Badgers at home, undefeated and with that excellent defense, I'll take them tonight. Play Wisconsin.

The Washington State Cougars (6-2) will face the Nevada Wolf Pack (5-1) on Monday at the Lawlor Events Center in Reno, Nevada. This non-conference matchup features two teams aiming to bolster their early-season records. The Cougars have started the season strong, achieving a 6-2 record. They have demonstrated offensive prowess, averaging 83 points per game. However, they recently faced a setback with a 77-60 loss to SMU, indicating potential vulnerabilities on defense. The Wolf Pack holds a 5-1 record, showcasing a balanced team performance. They are undefeated at home with a 4-0 record and have outscored opponents by an average of 13.6 points per game. In their recent game, Nevada secured a 90-78 victory over Oklahoma State, with guard Kobe Sanders leading the team with 27 points. Nevada guard Kobe Sanders is a key offensive contributor, averaging 15.2 points per game, including a standout 27-point performance against Oklahoma State. Washington State forward Nick Davidson leads the team with 18.0 points and 8.0 rebounds per game, shooting an impressive 81.1% from three-point range. While Nevada is tough at home, this is way too many point to lay to a very good Washington State team. I'll take the visitors here on Monday. Play Washington State.

 The Los Angeles Lakers (12-8) will face the Minnesota Timberwolves (9-10) on Monday at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This Western Conference matchup features two teams striving to improve their standings as the season progresses. The Lakers have shown resilience this season, achieving a 12-8 record and 6th in the Western Conferece. Their offense averages 114.0 points per game, with a field goal percentage of 47.89%. Defensively, they allow 115.2 points per game. In their previous encounter with the Timberwolves on October 22, 2024, the Lakers secured a 110-103 victory, with Anthony Davis contributing 36 points. The Timberwolves hold a 9-10 record, with an offense averaging 111.2 points per game and a field goal percentage of 46.63%. Defensively, they allow 110.3 points per game. They recently snapped a four-game losing streak with a narrow 93-92 win over the Los Angeles Clippers, where Anthony Edwards scored 21 points, including a decisive 3-pointer. The Lakers C/F Anthony Davis averages 29.8 points and 11.4 rebounds per game, Davis is pivotal on both ends of the court. The Wolves guard Anthony Edwards leads the team with 27.7 points per game, Edwards is a dynamic scorer and recently criticized the team's performance, calling them "soft," indicating internal challenges. This is a long trip for the Lakers after their last game in Utah and with numerous players on the injury report they could be short handed. The Wolves are healthy and they are a better team then their record indicates. I'll lay the points here tonight with the T'Wolves. 

The Oakland Golden Grizzlies (1-4) are set to face the Toledo Rockets (3-1) on Saturday at Savage Arena in Toledo, Ohio. Oakland has struggled with just one win while Toledo can improve to a nifty 4-1 on the season. Oakland began the season with a victory over Defiance College but has since encountered challenges, including losses to Boise State, Illinois, Kansas, and Eastern Michigan. Their offense has struggled, averaging 57.0 points per game, while the defense has allowed 80.2 points per game. Notably, they faced a 78-57 defeat against top-ranked Kansas, where Allen David Mukeba led the team with 19 points. The Rockets have demonstrated a strong start, securing wins against Marshall, Wright State, and Detroit Mercy, with a sole loss to Troy. Their offense has been prolific, averaging 83.0 points per game, while the defense has conceded 77.0 points per game. Toledo has historically performed well against Oakland, leading the series 13-7 and winning six of the last seven meetings. The Rockets have the better offense and that will guide them here today as Oakland has struggled with scoring. I don't mind laying these points to a club that struggles to score points. Play Toledo.

The Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens (2-3) are set to face the Rider Broncs (4-2) on Saturday at Alumni Gymnasium in Lawrenceville, New Jersey. Delaware has experienced a mixed start to the season. They secured a notable 100-94 victory over Yale, where John Camden scored 30 points. However, they have also faced close losses, such as an 85-84 defeat to Bryant. Their offense has shown potential, but defensive consistency remains a concern. Rider has demonstrated resilience with a 4-2 record. They achieved wins against San Diego (68-67) and Bucknell (57-53), showcasing their ability to perform in tight games. Their losses include a significant 85-50 defeat to UCLA, indicating challenges against higher-tier opponents. The Broncs have been competitive, with a balanced approach on both ends of the court. Delaware guard Camden has been a standout performer, notably scoring 30 points in the win over Yale. His offensive contributions are vital for Delaware's success. Rider guard Allen Powell has been a consistent offensive threat, leading the team in scoring in multiple games. This game looks to pit the Delaware offense against a balanced Rider team. The Hens can get back to the .500 mark here today while Rider can improve to 5-2. With home court and the better record, I look for Rider to leave with the win today. Play Rider.

 The James Madison Dukes (4-3) are set to host the George Mason Patriots (4-3) on Friday, at the Atlantic Union Bank Center in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Both teams have had comparable starts to their seasons, making this matchup a compelling contest. The Dukes have experienced a mixed start, with notable victories against Ohio (88-78) and UIC (99-81). However, they have faced setbacks against Norfolk State (69-83) and UC San Diego (67-73). Their offense averages 79.0 points per game, while the defense allows 70.0 points per game. The Patriots also hold a 4-3 record, with significant wins over North Carolina Central (75-58) and Stony Brook (94-56). They have encountered challenges against Marquette (63-82) and East Carolina (77-78 in double overtime). The team averages 81.6 points per game and concedes 64.9 points per game. Both teams looks pretty evenly matched here today. Madison is at home and that should tilt the board in their favor. Take James Madison. 

The Eastern Illinois Panthers (1-5) are set to host the Northern Illinois Huskies (2-3) on Friday at Lantz Arena in Charleston, Illinois. The Panthers have faced a challenging start to the season, holding a 1-5 record. Their sole victory came against Earlham College, a non-Division I opponent. Eastern Illinois has struggled against higher-tier teams, including a recent 81-53 loss to Valparaiso, where Nakyel Shelton led the team with 20 points. The Huskies enter the game with a 2-3 record. They secured a dominant 105-37 win over Holy Cross College (Ind.) but have encountered difficulties against stronger competition, such as an 80-65 loss to Georgia Southern. Their recent 69-46 defeat to Valparaiso indicates areas needing improvement. E.Illinois guard Nakyel Shelton has been a consistent offensive contributor, leading the team with 20 points in the recent game against Valparaiso. Northern Illinois guard Keshawn Williams has demonstrated the ability to create shots and effectively lead the Huskies' offense. Both teams have struggled against better opponents this season. However, Eastern Illinois looks the better of the two teams and I'll lay the few points wit them here today. Play Eastern Illinois.

The Bowling Green Falcons (2-3) are set to face the Weber State Wildcats (2-4) on Friday, in a neutral-site game at Mullett Arena in Tempe, Arizona. The Falcons have experienced a mixed start to the season. After a commanding 107-43 victory over Taylor University, they faced challenges against stronger opponents, including a 72-86 loss to Michigan State and a 67-85 defeat at Bellarmine. The Wildcats opened the season with a dominant 118-35 win over Northwest Indian College but have struggled since, enduring a four-game losing streak. Their recent 68-73 overtime loss to Hawaii indicates resilience, yet closing out games remains an issue. This matchup features two teams seeking to establish consistency. Bowling Green's offensive capabilities will be tested against Weber State's defense, which has shown vulnerability in recent games. Weber State's big wwin to start the season was against a very weak opponent. Now they are laying some points to a just as good Bowling Green team on a neutral courtl. I don't think so. I'll take the dog here in Bowling Green.

The UNLV Runnin' Rebels (4-1) are set to face the Mississippi State Bulldogs (5-0) on Thursday in the Arizona Tip-Off event held in Tempe, Arizona. Both teams have demonstrated strong starts to their seasons, making this matchup a compelling early test for each program. UNLV has opened the season with a 4-1 record, showcasing a balanced offensive attack and a resilient defense. Their only loss came against Memphis, a competitive game that ended 80-74. Notable victories include a 93-79 win over Alabama State and an 82-68 triumph over Pepperdine. The Rebels are averaging 83.0 points per game while allowing 74.0 points per game. The Bulldogs have started the season undefeated at 5-0, displaying a robust defense that has been pivotal in their success. They have held opponents to an average of 60.0 points per game while scoring 80.0 points per game themselves. Key victories include a 95-60 win over West Georgia and a 73-57 victory against Northwestern State. Gilbert has been instrumental in orchestrating the Rebels' offense, leading the team in assists and contributing significantly in scoring. Smith has been a dominant presence in the paint, leading the team in scoring and rebounding, and anchoring the Bulldogs' defense. A neutral court site here that actually is more geographical to UNLV in neighboring Arizona. I like UNLV plus the decent points as they could win this game outright. Play UNLV.

The Northwestern Wildcats (4-0) are set to face the Butler Bulldogs (5-0) on Thursday in the Arizona Tip-Off at Mullett Arena in Tempe, Arizona. Both teams enter the matchup undefeated, promising a competitive contest. The Wildcats have demonstrated a balanced approach, averaging 73.0 points per game while allowing 58.0 points per game. Their defense has been particularly effective, holding opponents to low scoring. Notable victories include a 68-50 win over Pepperdine, where Jalen Leach led with 21 points, and a 72-69 triumph against Montana State. Their defense has been a cornerstone, effectively limiting opponents' scoring opportunities. The Bulldogs have showcased offensive prowess, averaging 80.0 points per game and conceding 60.0 points per game. Their defense has been solid, allowing 23.1 points per game. Notable performances include a 78-39 victory over Merrimack and an 81-70 win against SMU. Their defense has been particularly effective, holding opponents to low scoring and demonstrating discipline. This one is shaping up to be a defensive battle. Northwestern has the better defense and this game basically just a pick'em contest. Play Northwestern.

The Utah State Aggies (5-1) are set to face the St. Bonaventure Bonnies (6-0) on Thursday, in the ESPN NIT Season Tip-Off at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Kissimmee, Florida. The Aggies began the season with a 5-0 record, showcasing a potent offense that averaged 98.6 points per game, ranking first nationally. Their defense allowed 65.0 points per game, placing them 65th nationally. However, they recently suffered their first loss, a 94-75 defeat to Iowa, where they struggled defensively, allowing Iowa to shoot 54.5% from the field. The Bonnies have maintained an unblemished 6-0 record, with a balanced approach on both ends of the court. Their defense has been particularly effective, holding opponents to an average of 62.0 points per game. Offensively, they have been efficient, with multiple players contributing significantly to the scoring. Notable victories include a 74-65 win over Florida Gulf Coast and a 70-56 triumph against CSUN. This matchup presents a contrast in styles with Utah State's high-octane offense against St. Bonaventure's stifling defense. The Aggies will aim to push the tempo and capitalize on their scoring depth, while the Bonnies will focus on controlling the pace and leveraging their defensive strengths to disrupt Utah State's rhythm. I'm laying the points here on Thursday with the No 1 scoring offense in the country. Play Utah State.

The No. 23 Ole Miss Rebels (5-0) are set to face the BYU Cougars (5-0) on Thursday in the opening round of the Rady Children's Invitational at LionTree Arena in San Diego, California. Both teams enter the matchup undefeated, promising an exciting contest. The Rebels have demonstrated offensive prowess, averaging 85.2 points per game, while maintaining a solid defense, allowing 64.4 points per game. Their recent 100-68 victory over Oral Roberts showcased their scoring depth and defensive capabilities, forcing 21 turnovers and converting them into 37 points. The Cougars have also started strong, averaging 91.0 points per game and conceding 57.8 points per game. Their defense has been particularly effective, holding opponents to low scoring and demonstrating discipline. Notable performances include a 99-55 win over Queens and an 87-43 victory against Mississippi Valley State. Matthew Murrell (Guard) is averaging 19 points per game, Murrell is a consistent offensive threat and a leader on the court. BYU's Darius Robinson Jr. (Guard) is leading the team with 19 points in their recent game, Robinson Jr. is pivotal in BYU's offensive schemes. Two very high scoring teams here in this opening round. Should be a great offensive show. I'm sticking with the dog here plus the points. Take Ole Miss.

The No. 22 Xavier Musketeers (6-0) are set to face the Michigan Wolverines (5-1) on Wednesday in the championship game of the Fort Myers Tip-Off at Suncoast Credit Union Arena in Fort Myers, Florida. Xavier enters the game undefeated, with a recent 75-66 victory over South Carolina in the Fort Myers Tip-Off. Forward Zach Freemantle led the team with 16 points and nine rebounds, while Dailyn Swain contributed 14 points, six rebounds, and five steals. Michigan improved to 5-1 after defeating Virginia Tech 75-63 in their Fort Myers Tip-Off opener. Guard Roddy Gayle Jr. led the Wolverines with 20 points, and Will Tschetter added 10 points off the bench. Michigan's defense held Virginia Tech to 34.5% shooting and forced 19 turnovers. Xavier's Zach Freemantle has been a consistent performer, averaging 15.6 points and 7.8 rebounds per game. Michigan's Roddy Gayle Jr. is averaging 13 points per game and has been instrumental in Michigan's offensive schemes. Both teams have demonstrated strong performances leading up to this championship matchup. Xavier's balanced scoring and defensive prowess will be tested against Michigan's efficient offense and solid defense. I expect Xavier to come out on top here as they are a small dog. Play Xavier

The Oklahoma Sooners are set to face the Providence Friars on Wednesday in the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament held in Paradise Island, Bahamas. The Sooners have started the season strong, boasting a 3-0 record with victories over Linwood (93-60), Northwestern State (73-57), and Stetson (85-64). They are averaging 83.7 points per game while allowing 60.3 points per game. Forward Jalon Moore leads the team with 22.0 points and 6.3 rebounds per game. The Friars have also begun the season undefeated at 5-0, securing wins against Central Connecticut (59-55), Stonehill (76-49), Hampton (60-51), Green Bay (79-65), and Delaware State (78-48). They are averaging 70.4 points per game and allowing 53.6 points per game. Guard Bensley Joseph is contributing 11.8 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game. Oklahoma's Jalon Moore has been instrumental in the Sooners' offense, averaging 22.0 points and 6.3 rebounds per game. Providence's Bensley Joseph leads the Friars with 11.8 points and 4.0 assists per game. Both teams enter this contest with unblemished records so something has to give here on Wednesday. I'm taking the Oklahoma Sooner minus the small points. 

The University of Massachusetts Minutemen (1-5) are set to face the Harvard Crimson (1-4) on Wednesday at Lavietes Pavilion in Cambridge, Massachusetts. This intrastate rivalry has two teams, both in need of a win. The Minutemen have struggled recently, currently on a five-game losing streak. Their most recent defeat was a 92-59 loss to Florida State, where they faced significant defensive challenges. The Crimson have also faced difficulties, with a 1-4 record to start the season. Their lone victory came against Marist, but they have since suffered losses to Navy, American University, Northeastern, and Colorado. UMass senior guard Rahsool Diggins has been a standout, earning a spot on the preseason all-conference team. Harvard freshman guard Robert Hinton has made an immediate impact, averaging 27.0 points per game in early contests. His performance will be vital for Harvard's chances in this matchup. I'm taking the small points here with Harvard.

The Grambling State Tigers are set to face the Cal Poly Mustangs on Tuesday from the Robert A. Mott Athletics Center in San Luis Obispo, California. Unlikely non-conference matchup as Grambling makes the long West trip to the California coast. The Tigers have started the season with a 1-2 record. They secured a decisive victory against Southern University at New Orleans but suffered narrow losses to ranked opponents, including a 66-64 defeat to #24 Ole Miss and an 86-62 loss to #21 Florida. The Mustangs hold a 1-2 record, with a notable 99-66 win over Menlo College. However, they faced defeats against San Francisco (86-78) and California (91-73). Both teams have demonstrated the ability to score, with Cal Poly averaging 83.3 points per game and Grambling State averaging 72.7 points per game. Should be interesting matchup here on Tuesday with two teams in need of a win. I don't like the travelling the Tigers have had to do for this contest and Cal Poly has a nice home court advantage. I'll take the hosts in this one. Play Cal Poly.

The highly anticipated college basketball matchup between the No. 1 Kansas Jayhawks and the No. 11 Duke Blue Devils is set for Tuesday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. This game is part of the Vegas Showdown, featuring top-tier programs in a non-conference showdown. Kansas has maintained its top ranking in the AP Top 25 poll, receiving 51 of 62 first-place votes ahead of this game. The Jayhawks have showcased a balanced and potent offense, with senior center Hunter Dickinson averaging 17.8 points and 10.4 rebounds per game. Point guard Dajuan Harris contributes 9.2 points and 5.2 assists per game, orchestrating the team's offense effectively. Duke enters the matchup ranked No. 11, with a strong start to the season. Freshman forward Cooper Flagg has been a standout, earning preseason All-America honors and leading the team in scoring. The Blue Devils have demonstrated depth and versatility, with significant contributions from guards Tyrese Proctor and Caleb Foster. Kansas' top ranking and balanced roster give them the edge here on Tuesday. This will be one of the best early matchups of the season and a don't miss contest. I'm taking Kansas here on Tuesday.

The Oregon State Beavers (4-1) are set to face the North Texas Mean Green (4-1) on Monday at The Super Pit in Denton, Texas. This non-conference matchup features two teams with strong starts to their seasons, each aiming to maintain momentum. The Beavers began the season with a four-game winning streak, including victories over Utah Tech, Weber State, Western Oregon, and Cal State Fullerton. Their lone loss came against in-state rival Oregon by a narrow 78-75 margin, despite leading 58-46 with 13:45 left in the second half. Forward Michael Rataj has been instrumental, leading the team with averages of 16.2 points and 9.6 rebounds per game. The Mean Green also hold a 4-1 record, with notable wins, including an away victory at Minnesota. Their only defeat was a seven-point loss to McNeese State. North Texas has demonstrated a balanced offensive attack, with multiple players contributing significantly to their scoring efforts. Home court here tonight goes to North Texas. Both teams have looked good to start the season, but I'm taking the Mean Green on their home court tonight. Play North Texas.

The New Orleans Pelicans (4-13) are set to face the Indiana Pacers (7-10) on Monday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. This matchup features two teams aiming to improve their standings as the season progresses after disappointing starts. The Pelicans have struggled this season, holding a 4-13 record and last place in the Western Conference. The Pelicans currently on a four-game losing streak and are 1-9 their last 10 games. Injuries have significantly impacted their performance, with key players like CJ McCollum and Zion Williamson missing games. McCollum, who has been sidelined due to a thigh injury, expressed hope to return for this game. The Pacers stand at 7-10 and are 8th in the Eastern Conference, recently securing a victory against the Washington Wizards. While McCollum is questionable for tonight, the Pelicans shooting guard Dejounte Murray has landed on the injury report and is doubtful tonight with a hand injury. Pelicans playing short handed and struggling so badly won't bet any better tonight in Indiana. Take the Pacers. 

 Non-Conference matchup here between the College of Charleston Cougars (3-1) as they face off against the Rhode Island Rams (3-0) on Sunday the Thomas M. Ryan Center in Kingston, Rhode Island. College of Charleston Cougars: The Cougars have begun the season with a 3-1 record. They are coming off a 68-47 loss to Liberty, where they struggled offensively, shooting 35% from the field and committing 18 turnovers. Prior to this, they secured victories against South Florida and The Citadel, showcasing a balanced offensive attack. The Rams hold a perfect 3-0 record, with their most recent victory being a 105-73 win over Franklin Pierce. Rhode Island's defense has been solid, but that has also been against poor opponents. Today's contest vs Charleston will be their toughest test thus far. I see this game as going either way, however, with Charleston playing better opponents I will take them here on Sunday plus the modest points. Play Charleston.

The Boise State Broncos (3-1) are set to face the Hampton Pirates (2-3) on Sunday at John Gray Gymnasium in George Town, Grand Cayman, as part of the Cayman Islands Classic. The Broncos have started the season strong, holding a 3-1 record. They are currently on a three-game home winning streak, with their most recent victory being an 84-71 win over Clemson. In that game, forward Tyson Degenhart led the team with 16 points in the first half and secured a team-high 11 rebounds. The Pirates have a 2-3 record this season. They recently secured a 78-68 victory over UMBC, demonstrating resilience and offensive capability. Boise State's balanced scoring attack, led by Tyson Degenhart, will challenge Hampton's defense. Boise's three wins have come at home and today in the tourney contest they are laying a lot of points. I don't expect a Hampton win, but I do expect them to come in under the spread. Take Hampton.

 The Florida State Seminoles are set to face the Temple Owls on Friday at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut as part of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Tip-Off Tournament. The Seminoles enter the game with a 4-1 record. They have demonstrated a balanced offensive attack, averaging 76.5 points per game, while their defense allows 76.3 points per game. The Owls hold a 3-1 record. Their offense averages 70.9 points per game, and their defense concedes 72.9 points per game. Temple has shown resilience, with their only loss being a narrow defeat. This matchup presents an opportunity for both teams to make a statement early in the season. I look for a tight contest with the line coming into play in this one. I'll take the points with the dog, Temple.

Reason: Boardwalk Battle Tournament here on Thursday has the Stetson Hatters facing the Toledo Rockets at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach, Florida. The Rockets enter the game with a 3-1 record. They began the season with a loss to Marshall but have since secured three consecutive victories against Wright State, Detroit Mercy, and Wright State again. In their recent 86-77 win over Wright State, the Rockets showcased a balanced offensive attack, with multiple players contributing significantly. The Hatters hold a 1-3 record. They secured a 94-75 victory over New College (FL) but have suffered losses to Omaha, The Citadel, and Oklahoma. In their recent 74-52 loss to Oklahoma, the Hatters struggled offensively. Playing at a neutral site in the Boardwalk Battle tournament eliminates home-court advantage, making team preparation and adaptability key factors in the game's outcome. Stetson is a double digit dog here on Thursday and while Toledo has shown to be the better team thus far, this game on neutral court levels the playing field. I'll take the points here with Stetson.

Reason: Late action on the college basketball hard court tonight has the Idaho State Bengals set to face the UCLA Bruins at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles, California. The Bengals enter the game with a 2-3 record. They began the season with a victory over Arizona Christian but have since faced losses to San Diego and Cal State Fullerton. In their recent 62-61 loss to Cal State Fullerton, guards Dylan Darling and Jake O'Neil each scored 17 points, highlighting their offensive contributions. The Bruins hold a 3-1 record. They secured an overwhelming 85-45 victory over Lehigh, following a 21-point unchallenged streak in the first half. Aday Mara scored a career-high 16 points, among four Bruins in double figures, including Eric Dailey Jr. with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Tyler Bilodeau added 15 points, while Sebastian Mack scored 10 from the bench. UCLA played without leading scorer Dylan Andrews due to a groin injury. Injury Reports: UCLA's leading scorer, Dylan Andrews, missed the previous game due to a groin injury. His availability for the upcoming game could significantly impact UCLA's offensive dynamics. ANdrews could return tonight, though they likely won't need him as they are 24 point favorites. UCLA is 3-1 all-time against Idaho State, but the Bengals' victory still ranks as one of the biggest upsets of all time. Idaho State stunned a UCLA team featuring future NBA stars Marques Johnson and Kiki Vandeweghe 76-75 in the Sweet 16 of the 1977 NCAA Tournament. You can be assure Idaho State will point to that 1977 win for some momentum tonight. The Bruins should have little issue winning, but I'll take Idaho State plus the big points.

The Iona Gaels are set to face the West Virginia Mountaineers on Wednesday at the WVU Coliseum in Morgantown, West Virginia. Iona enters the game with a 1-2 record. They began the season with losses to Providence and Hofstra but secured their first win against Vermont, with Dejour Reaves leading the team with 22 points in a 62-59 victory. The Mountaineers hold a 2-1 record. They opened the season with victories over Robert Morris and UMass but suffered a significant loss to Pitt, 86-62, in the Backyard Brawl. Both teams have shown the ability to score but need to improve consistency. Iona's Dejour Reaves has been a standout performer, while West Virginia will look to rebound offensively after their recent loss. Both teams looking to get some momentum going with a win tonight. Iona is a very big dog of around 15 points. I believe that's too many points for this West Virginia team to lay. Take Iona.

The Los Angeles Lakers are set to host the Utah Jazz on Tuesday, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California. This matchup is part of the NBA's In-Season Tournament, known as the Emirates NBA Cup, specifically within West Group B. The Lakers have started the season strong, holding a 9-4 record. They are currently on a five-game winning streak, showcasing improved team chemistry and performance. Their offense has been prolific, averaging 116.8 points per game, ranking them seventh in the league. Defensively, they allow 115.8 points per game, placing them 24th. The Jazz have faced challenges, currently at 3-10 and last in the Western Conference. They are averaging 107.2 points per game, ranking 27th in the league, and allowing 118.5 points per game, placing them 26th defensively. Their recent struggles include a loss to the Phoenix Suns, where they were outscored 120-105. The Lakers' high-scoring offense, led by LeBron James and Anthony Davis, will challenge the Jazz's defense. I look for an easy Lakers win here on Tuesday against the worst team in the West. Play the Lakers.

The Niagara Purple Eagles are set to face the Bowling Green Falcons on Tuesday at the Stroh Center in Bowling Green, Ohio. Niagara enters the game with a 1-2 record. They began the season with a commanding 100-65 victory over Houghton but have since faced defeats against Michigan State (96-60) and Detroit Mercy (84-78 in overtime). In their recent loss to Detroit Mercy, Olumide Adelodun led the team with 20 points. The Falcons hold a 1-3 record. They secured a decisive 107-43 win over Taylor University but have suffered losses to Southern Miss (77-68), Davidson (91-85), and Michigan State (86-72). In their recent game against Michigan State, Bowling Green led 72-68 with 7:11 remaining but were unable to score in the final minutes, allowing an 18-0 run by the Spartans. Defensive lapses have been evident for both teams, particularly in closing out games. Hard to see that the Falcons laying these kind of points with their losing record. Niagara may not win outright but I fully expect them to come in under the spread in this one. Play Niagara.

The Golden State Warriors have the best winning percentage in the West with a 10-2 record and .833 win percentage. They are travelling down South tonight to the Intuit Dome in Inglewood to face the LA Clippers in a Pacific Division matchup. The Warriors are averaging 121.3 points per game, ranking third in the league, and allowing 110.8 points per game, placing them eighth defensively. Stephen Curry leads the team with 22.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game. Buddy Hield contributes 17.7 points per game, while Draymond Green adds 9.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game. The Clippers have faced challenges, currently at 6-7 and 11th in the West and on a three-game losing streak. They are averaging 109.7 points per game, ranking 22nd in the league, and allowing 109.9 points per game, placing them fourth defensively. James Harden leads the team with 21.1 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 9.9 assists per game. Ivica Zubac adds 17.4 points and 13.0 rebounds per game, while Norman Powell contributes 24.9 points per game. One thing that will help this Warriors team all season is their depth. They can go 12 deep in any game, something new HC Kerr has been able to exploit. That lets starters rest more and it's propelled them to 1st in the West right now. The Warriors laying just a few points here tonight so I'll take Golden State in this spot.

College Basketball action tonight has the Colgate Raiders set to face the NC State Wolfpack at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, North Carolina. The Raiders enter the game with a 1-2 record. They began the season with a victory over SUNY Cortland but have since faced consecutive losses to Drexel and Syracuse. In their recent 74-72 loss to Syracuse, Jalen Cox led the team with 21 points, indicating his pivotal role in the offense. The Wolfpack boast a 3-0 record, securing wins against USC Upstate, Presbyterian, and Coastal Carolina. Their offense has been prolific, averaging 86.7 points per game, while their defense has allowed an average of 70 points per game. Jayden Taylor has been a standout performer, averaging 16.3 points per game. NC State really hasn't faced anyone yet so you have to take that 3-0 record and 86.7 scoring average with a grain of salt. Meanwhile, Colgate lost by just two points a very good Syracuse club, 72-74. I'm going to take a shot with the decent dog price on Colgate here tonight. Play Colgate. 

The Montana State Bobcats are set to face the Denver Pioneers on Sunday, at Hamilton Gymnasium in Denver, Colorado. The Bobcats enter the game with a 0-1 record, having faced a challenging season opener against Wisconsin, resulting in a 79-67 loss. Despite the defeat, Montana State showcased resilience and competitive play against a formidable opponent. The Pioneers hold a 1-2 record. They began the season with a loss to Stanford, followed by a victory over Western Colorado, and most recently, a loss to Colorado State. Denver has demonstrated offensive potential but has faced challenges in maintaining consistency. Both teams have shown the ability to score but need to improve consistency. Montana State's performance against Wisconsin indicates potential, while Denver's win over Western Colorado highlights their scoring capabilities albeit against weak opponent. Denver has the home court here on Sunday, but Montana is still a 3-4 point favorite. Montana showed they can play with the best as they hung in there against Wisconsin. Can't say the same for Denver. I'm taking the visitor in this one. Play Montana State.

The Nebraska Cornhuskers are set to face the Saint Mary's Gaels on Sunday at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. This non-conference matchup has a neutral site between these clubs here today. Nebraska enters the game with a 3-0 record, securing victories over Texas Rio Grande Valley, Bethune-Cookman, and Fairleigh Dickinson. The Cornhuskers have demonstrated balanced scoring and solid defensive play, allowing an average of 58.7 points per game. St Mary's also holds a 3-0 record, with wins against New Mexico State, UC Irvine, and San Jose State. The Gaels have showcased offensive prowess, averaging 74.0 points per game, and a strong defense, conceding an average of 58.7 points per game. Both teams have displayed effective scoring abilities. Nebraska's balanced attack will be tested against Saint Mary's disciplined defense. Saint Mary's has been particularly strong defensively, allowing only 58.7 points per game. One of these teams will come out of this game undefeated while the other suffers their first loss of the season. I look for a tough contest here, but I'll take the dog with Nebraska.

The Wyoming Cowboys are set to host the Utah Tech Trailblazers on Saturday at the Arena-Auditorium in Laramie, Wyoming. The Cowboys enter the game with a 2-1 record. They secured victories over Concordia-St. Paul and Tennessee State but faced a significant defeat against Texas Tech, losing 96-49.  The team is under the new leadership of head coach Sundance Wicks, who took over after Jeff Linder departed to become an assistant at Texas Tech. The Trailblazers hold a 1-2 record. They began the season with a loss to Oregon State, followed by a win against New Mexico State, and most recently, a loss to Bethesda University. The recent coaching change for Wyoming adds an element of unpredictability. How the team adapts to Coach Wicks' system could influence their performance. Wyoming is at home tonight and that will be a key difference. I don't see them back down and against this Utah Tech club.  Take Wyoming. 

The Tennessee State Tigers are set to host the Alabama A&M Bulldogs on Saturday at the Gentry Center in Nashville, Tennessee. The Tigers enter the game with a 1-3 record. They began the season with a victory over Fisk University but have since faced three consecutive losses, including an 88-84 overtime defeat to Howard University. In that game, guard Brandon Weston delivered an impressive performance, scoring 26 points. The Bulldogs have started strong, holding a 3-0 record. Their victories include wins over Arkansas Baptist and Fisk University. The team has demonstrated balanced scoring and solid defensive play, contributing to their undefeated start. Tennessee State will look to capitalize on Brandon Weston's scoring ability, aiming to establish a consistent offensive rhythm. Alabama A&M's balanced scoring approach will test Tennessee State's defensive resilience. Tenn Tech has home court advantage here on Saturday. You have to throw out some of these early season blowout win because of the teams they face. That being said, this is just the matchup for Tech to shine on Saturday. Play Tennessee Tech. 

The Idaho Vandals are set to face the BYU Cougars on Saturday at the Marriott Center in Provo, Utah. The Vandals enter the game with a 1-2 record. They secured a commanding 94-60 victory over Northwest University but suffered losses to Sacramento State and Portland State. The team has shown offensive potential, averaging 67.8 points per game, but has struggled defensively, allowing an average of 71.2 points per game. The Cougars have been impressive, holding a 3-0 record. They have demonstrated offensive prowess, averaging 81.4 points per game, and a solid defense, conceding an average of 69.9 points per game. Their recent performances include a decisive 88-50 win over Central Arkansas. BYU's high-scoring offense, led by guard Jaxson Robinson, who averages 13.8 points per game, will challenge Idaho's defense. Obviously BYU will have little issue with a win. But they likely will go deep into the bench and give other players a shot in this one. That means this 28+ point spread likely will come into play here on Saturday. I'll take Idaho with the big points as they go against a disinterested BYU club. 

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are set to face the Georgetown Hoyas on Saturday in this non-conference matchup at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.  Notre Dame enters the game with a 2-0 record. They secured victories over Stonehill and Central Michigan, showcasing a balanced offensive and defensive approach. The team has demonstrated effective perimeter shooting and solid defensive play, contributing to their early success. Georgetown also holds a 2-0 record, with wins against Lehigh and Fairfield. The Hoyas have displayed resilience, overcoming early deficits to secure their victories. Their offense has been spearheaded by strong guard play, while the defense has shown improvement compared to previous seasons. Both teams rely heavily on their backcourt for offensive production. The matchup between Notre Dame's experienced guards and Georgetown's dynamic perimeter players will be pivotal. Don't expect Georgetown to be able to come from behind here today as easily as they did in some earlier wins.  I'll take Notre Dame minus the small points here on Saturday. 

Southeast Division clash here on Friday has the Washington Wizards (2-8) facing the Atlanta Hawks (5-7) from the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. The Wizards have struggled, currently on a six-game losing streak. Their defense has been a significant concern, allowing an average of 123.4 points per game, ranking them 28th in the league. Offensively, they average 110.2 points per game, placing them 28th in scoring. Key players like Jordan Poole and Bilal Coulibaly have shown potential but have been inconsistent. The Hawks have experienced a mixed start, holding a 5-7 record. They average 116.2 points per game, ranking them eighth in the league, but their defense allows 121.2 points per game, placing them 28th in defensive rankings. Trae Young leads the team with 23.9 points and 11.5 assists per game, though his shooting percentage has been below his career average. Both teams have struggled defensively, ranking near the bottom in points allowed. I like betting against bad teams playing on the road and while Atlanta isn't one of the Elite East teams, they are good enough to blowout this Washington club. Play Atlanta.

Non-Conference matchup here on Friday that will be played on a neutral court has the Georgia Southern Eagles clashing with the North Carolina Central (NCCU) Eagles on Friday at the Rock Hill Sports & Event Center in Rock Hill, South Carolina. Georgia Southern enters the game with a 1-1 record. They secured a 79-69 victory over Augusta State on November 11. NCCU has faced challenges, holding a 0-3 record. Their recent game was a 76-60 loss to High Point on November 12, 2024. Considering Georgia Southern's recent win and NCCU's struggles, Georgia Southern enters the matchup with a slight edge. Georgia Southern is about a 4 to 5 point favorite. While NCCU is winless, they have been competitive. They don't need a win here Friday, just cover the 5-point spread. Take NCCU Eagles.

 The Lindenwood Lions are set to face the Robert Morris Colonials on Friday at the UPMC Events Center in Moon Township, Pennsylvania. This non-conference matchup features two teams aiming to establish momentum in the early stages of the 2024-25 NCAA men's basketball season. The Lions enter the game with a 1-2 record. After a season-opening loss to Oklahoma, they secured a commanding 98-30 victory over the University of Health Sciences & Pharmacy in St. Louis. Their most recent game was a 77-70 loss to New Orleans on November 14. The Colonials hold a 2-2 record. They began the season with losses to West Virginia and Delaware but rebounded with a 79-51 win over Chatham University. Their latest game resulted in a 70-65 victory over Stonehill on November 14. Playing at the UPMC Events Center provides Robert Morris with a familiar environment and the crowd. Both teams looking to establish some kind of early season momentum. However, Robert Morris has the home court, which in a non-con game like this means a lot. Take Robert Morris.

Northern Arizona has started the season with a 1-2 record, averaging around 68 points per game. They rely heavily on their guard play and perimeter shooting but have been inconsistent offensively, especially against teams with a strong defensive presence. The Lumberjacks' backcourt is their main asset, with a couple of players who are capable shooters from beyond the arc. The Pacific Tigers have shown strong form early on, with a 2-1 record. They're averaging around 75 points per game and have proven effective both in the paint and in creating scoring opportunities through offensive sets. They thrive on a balanced offense and have used their size advantage in matchups. The Tigers are strong on the boards, with their forwards contributing significantly in scoring and rebounding. Pacific's outside shooting has been inconsistent. If Northern Arizona can pack the paint and force Pacific to take more outside shots, this will be a close game. Northern Arizona must also speed up the game and hit outside shots. If they can pull Pacific's defenders to the perimeter and capitalize on three-point opportunities, they have a chance to offset Pacific's size and strength in the paint. Northern Arizona can stay with Pacific if they stick to their game plan. I'll take the points here on Thursday with Northern Arizona.

Extra board action here on Thursday has the Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders and the New Mexico State Aggies facing off at the Pan American Center in Las Cruces, New Mexico. The Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders (1-1) have averaged 80 points per game over their first two games. They secured a victory against Dallas Christian with a score of 87-36 but suffered a loss to Purdue with a score of 73-90. The Aggies have been impressive offensively, averaging 85 points per game. They opened the season with a 77-56 win against Western New Mexico and followed up with a 93-57 victory over New Mexico Highlands. Both teams have shown strong offensive to star this early season. I like playing the dog here on Thursday plus the points as they can put up good numbers and should stay close. Play Texas A&M Corpus.

Wednesday college hoop action has the Harvard Crimson and the Northeastern Huskies meeting up from the Matthews Arena in Boston, Massachusetts. The Harvard Crimson (1-2) Harvard has averaged 68.3 points per game over their first three games. They secured a victory against Marist with a score of 79-66 but suffered losses to Navy (85-80) and American University (67-55). The Crimson have allowed an average of 69 points per game, indicating areas for improvement on the defensive end. The Huskies (1-1) have averaged 78 points per game in their first two outings. They opened the season with an 80-72 win against Boston University but narrowly lost to Princeton with a score of 79-76. Northeastern has conceded an average of 75.5 points per game. Both teams have shown offensive capabilities early in the season, with Northeastern holding a slight edge in scoring efficiency. Both teams have shown they can score and in recent seasons I like this Harvard team better. I'll take the Crimson here on Wednesday plus the small amount of points. Take Harvard.

Extra board game here tonight has the Binghamton Bearcats and the Fordham Rams meeting at the Rose Hill Gymnasium in Bronx, New York. The Binghamton Bearcats have started the season with a 0-1 record, having faced a challenging opener against Penn State, resulting in a 66-108 loss. In that game, Binghamton struggled defensively, allowing Penn State to shoot 54.5% from the field. The Fordham Rams also have a 0-1 record, having lost their season opener to St. John's with a score of 60-92. Fordham faced difficulties on both ends of the court, shooting 36.4% from the field and allowing St. John's to score efficiently. Binghamton sophomore guard Gavin Walsh led the Bearcats with 21 points in their game against Miami. His scoring ability will be crucial for Binghamton as they seek their first win. Both teams are seeking their first win of the season after facing tough opponents in their openers. Both teams gave up a lot of points to much better opponents. This game should be a shot for both to get a win here tonight. That being said, the double digit points that Binghamton gets tonight is just too much by a team that showed little life in its first game. Take the points with the visitor here tonight. Play Binghamton.

The Tarleton State Texans and the Florida State Seminoles set to play a non-conference contest here on Tuesday from the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center in Tallahassee, Florida. The Tarleton State Texans started the season with a 0-1 record, having faced a challenging opener against SMU, resulting in a 62-96 loss. In that game, Tarleton State struggled defensively, allowing SMU to shoot 55% from the field. The Florida State Seminoles have begun their season with a 2-0 record, securing victories over Northern Kentucky and Rice. In their most recent game against Rice, Florida State showcased a balanced offense, with five players scoring in double figures, leading to a 74-62 win. Florida State enters the game as big favorite. The Seminoles' depth and balanced scoring make them a easy straight-up pick tonight. However, the Texans' ability to limit turnovers and execute their game plan result in Tarleton State keeping this one closer than many would imagine. Take Tarleton State. 

The Monmouth Hawks and the Northern Illinois Huskies clash tonight from the NIU Convocation Center in DeKalb, Illinois. The Monmouth Hawks started the season with a 0-2 record. They faced a challenging opener against Michigan State, resulting in a 57-81 loss. In their second game, they were defeated by Temple with a score of 65-80. The Hawks have struggled offensively, averaging 61 points per game, while allowing an average of 80.5 points against. The Northern Illinois Huskies are 0-1, having lost their season opener to Georgia Southern with a score of 65-80. In that game, junior guard James Dent Jr. led the team with 24 points. The Huskies managed to score 65 points but allowed 80 points defensively. Monmouth sophomore guard Abdi Bashir has been a standout, averaging 20 points per game. His scoring ability will be crucial for the Hawks as they seek their first win. Both teams are seeking their first win of the season and both teams have struggled offensively. This will be the best shot for Monmouth to get on the win column and with two games under their belt I look for them to make the necessary adjustments here at NIU tonight. Take Monmouth.

The Cornell Big Red take on the La Salle Explorers Tuesday from the John Glaser Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Cornell Big Red have started the season strong with a 2-0 record. They opened with a commanding 93-52 victory over Marywood University, showcasing efficient shooting and ball movement. In their second game, they edged out Samford University 88-86, demonstrating resilience in close contests. The La Salle Explorers also holds a 2-0 record. They secured a 65-52 win against American University, followed by an 81-60 victory over Lafayette College. The Explorers have displayed a balanced offense and a solid defensive presence in their initial games. Cornell Sophomore guard Jake Fiegen has been a standout, scoring 16 points on 7-of-8 shooting in the season opener. His efficient scoring and playmaking abilities are crucial for Cornell's offense. La Salle Junior guard Corey McKeithan has been leading the team, averaging 16.0 points per game. His scoring and leadership on the court are vital for the Explorers' success. Both teams have shown promising starts to their seasons. Cornell's high-paced offense will be what stands them out here on Tuesday. I'll take the points with Cornell. 

The University of Tennessee at Martin Skyhawks (UT Martin) will take on the University of North Alabama Lions (North Alabama) at the CB&S Bank Arena at Flowers Hall in Florence, Alabama. The UT Martin Skyhawks have started the season with a 2-0 record. Their offense has been prolific, averaging 81.5 points per game, ranking them second in the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC). Defensively, they have allowed an average of 76.7 points per game. Guard Jordan Sears has been a standout performer, averaging 21.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game. The North Alabama Lions also hold a 2-0 record, with a balanced performance on both ends of the court. They are averaging 76.5 points per game while allowing 76.1 points per game. Guard Jacari Lane has been instrumental, contributing 14.7 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game. UT Martin's high-scoring offense will test North Alabama's perimeter defense. UT Martin's potent offense, led by Jordan Sears, could pose significant challenges in this contest. I'll take the visitors here as they should score plenty of points. PLay Tennessee Martin.

The Eastern Washington Eagles (1-1) are set to face the Missouri Tigers (1-1) on Monday at Mizzou Arena in Columbia, Missouri. The Eastern Washington Eagles are under first-year head coach Dan Monson. The Eagles opened their season with a 76-56 loss to Colorado on November 4. They rebounded with a 93-86 victory over Seattle U, where Andrew Cook led the team with 25 points and three steals. The Missouri Tigers began their season with an 83-75 loss to Memphis on November 4. They secured a 77-62 win against Howard in their subsequent game, with Tamar Bates contributing 17 points and Mark Mitchell adding 16 points and eight rebounds. Eastern Wasdhington has shown me enough offense to be a play here on Monday as they should stay close to Missouri. Play Eastern Washington.

 The Fairleigh Dickinson Knights (1-1) will face the No. 15 Creighton Bluejays (1-0) at the CHI Health Center in Omaha, Nebraska here on Sunday. The Creighton Bluejays began their season with a 99-86 victory over UT Rio Grande Valley, highlighted by center Ryan Kalkbrenner's impressive 49-point performance. The Bluejays are coming off a 25-10 record from the previous season, where they reached the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament. They have retained key players, including Kalkbrenner, and added notable recruits and transfers to bolster their roster. The Fairleigh Dickinson Knights opened their season with a 113-72 loss to Miami (FL), where they struggled defensively, allowing a 66.7% shooting percentage from the Hurricanes. Despite the loss, guard Terrence Brown led the team with 18 points. Fairleigh Dickinson is aiming to improve upon their 15-17 record from last season. Creighton should have little issues winning this game outright. But they are laying a lot of points and against a team like FD, I exect the Blue Jays to put this one into cruise control and let the Knights slide in under the line for the cover. Play Fairligh Dickinson.

The Michigan Wolverines (1-0) will face the Wake Forest Demon Deacons (2-0) at 1:00 PM from the First Horizon Coliseum, Greensboro, North Carolina. The Michigan Wolverines are under new head coach Dusty May. Michigan began their season with a commanding 101-53 victory over Cleveland State. Forward Danny Wolf led the team with 19 points, 13 rebounds, three steals, and three blocks. Guard Tre Donaldson contributed 16 points and seven assists. Wake Forest Demon Deacons, coached by Steve Forbes in his fifth year, has started the season 2-0. They secured a 64-49 win over Coppin State and an 80-64 victory against North Carolina A&T. Guard Cameron Hildreth scored 15 points, grabbed five rebounds, and provided four assists in the game against Coppin State. Both teams have started the season strong, Wake Forest has home-court advantage and an experienced roster, including key players like Hildreth and Sallis, will make this a competitive matchup. I'll take the points here today with Wake Forest.

The Memphis Tigers are set to face the UNLV Runnin' Rebels on Saturday at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Memphis Tigers (1-0) began their season with an 83-75 victory over Missouri on November 4. In that game, PJ Haggerty led the team with 25 points, showcasing the Tigers' offensive capabilities. The UNLV Runnin' Rebels (1-0) opened their season with a 93-79 win against Alabama State on November 4. The Rebels demonstrated a balanced attack, with multiple players contributing significantly to the scoring effort. Memphis is led by PJ Haggerty (G) with 25 points in the season opener, Haggerty is a pivotal figure in Memphis's offense. UNLV is led by Dedan Thomas Jr. (G) who is averaging 14.1 points and 5.2 assists per game last season. This matchup marks the first time Memphis will play at UNLV since 1997, adding historical significance to the game. Both teams have started the season strong with convincing wins. Memphis's offense, led by Haggerty, will test UNLV's defense. Conversely, UNLV's balanced scoring and home-court advantage could pose challenges for Memphis. Home court should be the deciding factor here on Saturday as both teams evenly matched. I'll take UNLV in this game.

The Fairfield Stags are set to face the Georgetown Hoyas on Saturday at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. The Fairfield Stags (0-1) began their season with a 96-58 loss to Rhode Island on November 4. In that game, Australian forward Louis Bleechmore led the team with 13 points. The Georgetown Hoyas (1-0) opened their season with an 85-77 victory over Lehigh on November 6. Freshman center Thomas Sorber led the team with 20 points and 13 rebounds, showcasing his potential as a key player for the Hoyas. Fairfield is led by Louis Bleechmore (F) who is leading the team with 13 points in the season opener. Georgetown is led by Thomas Sorber (C) who is averaging 20.0 points and 13.0 rebounds per game. The last meeting between these teams was on December 1, 2007, when Georgetown secured a 61-49 victory over Fairfield. Georgetown the better team but they shouldn't be laying this kind of lumber in this game. The 16.5 points is just too many for the Hoyas. I'll take Fairfield on Saturday.

Extra board game here on Saturday has Morgan State and Longwood from the Joan Perry Brock Center in Farmville, Virginia, has Longwood favored by 11.5 points. The Morgan State Bears (1-1) opened the season with a high-scoring win, defeating Frostburg State 89-76. However, they stumbled in their follow-up game, losing 76-89 to Mercyhurst. This indicates the Bears can score well but may struggle defensively against potent offenses. Key for Morgan State will be shoring up their defensive play, as they have allowed nearly 80 points per game so far. They are led by Wynston Tabbs (G), who is averaging an impressive 24.0 points per game and will be central to the Bears’ offense. The Longwood Lancers (1-0) began their season with a solid 79-68 win over Randolph. They managed to handle Randolph's hot shooting, which speaks to their defensive resilience. The Lancers are coming off a strong 2023 season, and they seem to be in solid form, setting themselves up as a balanced team with reliable defense and offense. They are led byy KJ McClurg (G) who is averaging 14.0 points per game and provides scoring power alongside Longwood’s defensive structure.  Longwood has a significant advantage playing at home. Historically, the Lancers have been solid at protecting their home court. I'll lay the points with Longwood here on Saturday. 

The Tennessee Volunteers are set to face the Louisville Cardinals on Saturday at the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Kentucky. Tennessee Volunteers (1-0) are Ranked No. 12 nationally. Tennessee began their season with an 80-64 victory over Gardner-Webb. Guard Chaz Lanier led the team with 18 points, showcasing his offensive prowess. The Louisville Cardinals (1-0) opened their season with a commanding 93-45 win against Morehead State. Forward Kasean Pryor delivered a standout performance, recording 18 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 assists. Tennessee is led by Chaz Lanier (G) who is averaging 18.0 points per game. Louisville is led by Kasean Pryor (F) who is averaging 18.0 points and 12.0 rebounds per game. Both teams have demonstrated strong starts to their seasons, each securing decisive victories in their openers. Tennessee's balanced attack, led by Lanier, will challenge Louisville's defense. Given Tennessee's national ranking and recent performance, I look for the Vols to take this one. Play Tennessee.

The UCLA Bruins are set to face the New Mexico Lobos on Friday, at Lee's Family Forum in Henderson, Nevada. Both teams enter the game with 1-0 records. In their season opener on November 4, UCLA dominated Rider University with an 85-50 victory. The Bruins showcased a balanced offensive attack, with Tyler Bilodeau leading the team with 18 points and six rebounds. Dylan Andrews contributed 14 points and six assists, while freshman Sebastian Mack added 12 points. The Bruins' defense was equally impressive, holding Rider to 50 points and forcing multiple turnovers. New Mexico began its season with a 91-84 win over Nicholls State on November 4. Center Nelly Junior Joseph had a standout performance, recording 28 points, 16 rebounds, and three blocks. Guard Donovan Dent also made significant contributions with 15 points, 11 assists, and three steals. The Lobos demonstrated offensive prowess but showed vulnerabilities on the defensive end, allowing 84 points. UCLA's balanced offense and strong defense will be crucial in countering New Mexico's high-scoring capabilities, particularly the inside presence of Nelly Junior Joseph. It's still early but UCLA looked much better in their opener and look to have the better talent. Take UCLA.

 The Washington Wizards hold a 2-4 record, placing them second in the Southeast Division, while the Memphis Grizzlies are 4-4, standing third in the Southwest Division. The Wizards have faced challenges early in the season. Jordan Poole leads the team in scoring, averaging 11.6 points per game during the preseason. Corey Kispert has also contributed significantly, averaging 12.0 points per game. The Grizzlies are aiming for a bounce-back season after a disappointing 2023-24 campaign. Ja Morant's return is pivotal, and the team has bolstered its roster with additions like rookie center Zach Edey. In their last meeting on March 12, 2024, the Grizzlies defeated the Wizards 109-97. Trey Jemison led Memphis with 24 points, while Kyle Kuzma scored 24 points for Washington. Considering the Grizzlies' home-court advantage and their efforts to improve this season, the Grizzlies with a healthy Morant are the team to back here on Friday.

 The Arizona State Sun Devils are set to face the Santa Clara Broncos on Friday at Lee's Family Forum in Henderson, Nevada. Both teams enter the game with 1-0 records, having secured victories in their season openers. In their season opener on November 5, Arizona State edged past Idaho State with a 55-48 victory. The game was marked by a strong defensive performance, though the offense showed room for improvement. Missouri State transfer Alston Mason led the team with 14 points, while UW Milwaukee transfer BJ Freeman contributed 12 points. Freshman center Jayden Quaintance, a five-star recruit, had a notable defensive impact with six blocks, despite scoring only two points. Fellow freshman Joson Sanon added 11 points to the tally. Santa Clara commenced their season with an 85-78 win over Saint Louis on November 4. The Broncos were propelled by former Arizona Wildcat Adama-Alpha Bal, who scored 24 points in the game. Bal, who averaged 14.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game last season, continues to be a key player for Santa Clara. This neutral-site game in Henderson, Nevada, presents an early test for both teams. Arizona State's defense, highlighted by Quaintance's shot-blocking ability, will be crucial in countering Santa Clara's offensive threats, particularly Bal. Offensively, the Sun Devils will aim to enhance their scoring efficiency, building on the contributions from Mason, Freeman, and Sanon. Santa Clara, under the guidance of head coach Herb Sendek, a former Arizona State head coach, will look to leverage their experience and Bal's scoring prowess to challenge the Sun Devils' defense. Early in this season I'll take Santa Clara here today with the better scoring offense. Take Santa Clara

 The Robert Morris Colonials (0-1) are set to face the Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens (0-1) on Thursday at the Bob Carpenter Center in Newark, Delaware. In their season opener, the Colonials suffered a significant defeat, losing 87-59 to West Virginia. Junior guard Josh Omojafo led the team with 13 points and six rebounds, showcasing his ability to drive to the basket and draw fouls, as evidenced by his perfect 7-of-7 performance from the free-throw line. However, the team struggled defensively, allowing West Virginia to score 87 points. Delaware also began their season with a loss, falling 85-73 to Bucknell. Senior guard Erik Timko was a standout performer, recording 20 points, four rebounds, and two assists, while senior guard Niels Lane contributed 16 points and five rebounds. Despite these individual efforts, the team allowed Bucknell to score 85 points, indicating potential defensive vulnerabilities. Both teams are seeking their first win of the season. Delaware's home-court advantage and the offensive capabilities of Timko and Lane will be the key to a win here on Thursday. I'm taking Delaware to cover this spread on their home court today.

The Cleveland Cavaliers (8-0) will face the New Orleans Pelicans (3-5) on Wednesday from the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. The Cavaliers have started the season impressively, maintaining an undefeated record through eight games. Their recent victory over the Milwaukee Bucks, with a close score of 116-114, highlights their resilience and ability to perform under pressure. Key players such as Darius Garland, who scored 39 points in the last game, have been instrumental in their success. The Pelicans have had a challenging start, currently holding a 3-5 record. Their latest game resulted in a 118-100 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers. Brandon Ingram led the team with 27 points, but the absence of key players due to injuries has impacted their performance. The Pelicans are dealing with significant injuries, including Zion Williamson, who is listed as questionable due to hamstring soreness. Additionally, CJ McCollum, Herbert Jones, and Trey Murphy are expected to miss the upcoming game. The Cavs have emerged as one of the best teams in the NBA and with Williamson questionable today for the Pelicans I will take the visitors here in this one. Play Cleveland.

The Charlotte Hornets (2-4) will face the Minnesota Timberwolves (3-3) here on Monday in an Interconference matchup. The Hornets have had a challenging start to the season, holding a 2-4 record. Their most recent game resulted in a 113-103 loss to the Boston Celtics on Saturday. LaMelo Ball led the team with 36 points in that matchup. The Timberwolves are currently at .500 with a 3-3 record. They also faced a 113-103 defeat in their last game against the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday, with Julius Randle contributing a team-high 21 points. LaMelo Ball is the star of this team, averaging 30.2 points, 5 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game, Ball is a pivotal player for the Hornets and they will rely on him each game to lead this team. The Timberwolves are led by Anthony Edwards, who averages 28.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game. Charlotte already has a long list of injujed players, including, Brandon Miller (?), Mark Williams (Out), Nick Richards (Out) and DaQuan Jeffries (Out). Minnesota only has one player whose status is questionable and that's Rudy Gobert with a ankle issue. The Hornets can only rely on Ball so much and with their long injury list I will have to take the Wolves here on Monday.

More opening day action here as the Valparaiso Beacons and the Liberty Flames are set to tip off their 2024-25 men's college basketball seasons today at the John Wooden Family Fieldhouse in Xenia, Ohio. Valparaiso concluded with a 7-25 overall record last season, including a 4-7 mark in non-conference play. They averaged 67.6 points per game, shooting 40.6% from the field and 32.6% from three-point range. Liberty finished the previous season at 18-14 overall, with an 11-4 record against non-conference opponents. They averaged 73.8 points per game while allowing 65.5 points per game, indicating a solid defensive performance. Valparaiso guard Isaiah Stafford led the Beacons last season with 16.9 points per game, along with 3.7 rebounds and 2.1 assists. Liberty forward Kyle Rode was a standout for the Flames, averaging 14.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game. Given Liberty's stronger performance last season and their defensive capabilities, they enter this matchup as 9.5-point favorites. Liberty's balanced offense and solid defense present a significant challenge for the Beacons. Take Liberty.

College basketball season tips off here on Monday early with this game between College of Charleston Cougars and the Southern Illinois Salukis playing from the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, South Dakota - a neutral site game for these teams. College of Charleston Cougars is under new head coach Chris Mack. The Cougars aim to build upon their recent successes, including back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances. The team has undergone significant roster changes, bringing in seven transfer players and three freshmen. Southern Illinois Salukis also enter this season with a new head coach, Scott Nagy, and have experienced substantial roster turnover, returning only three players from the previous season. They have added ten scholarship players and a walk-on during the transfer window. Coaching Transitions: Both teams are adjusting to new coaching philosophies and systems, which could impact their performance in the season opener. The effectiveness with which each team integrates new players will be crucial. Charleston's mix of experienced transfers and returning talent may provide just the advantage I am looking for here on Monday. Play Charleston.

The Detroit Pistons (1-5) will face the Brooklyn Nets (3-3) on Sunday at Barclays Center. The Pistons have struggled early this season, holding a 1-5 record and averaging a NBA low 104.8 ppg while allowing 113.5 ppg. Their most recent game resulted in a 128-98 loss to the New York Knicks, marking their 16th consecutive defeat against New York. In that matchup, Cade Cunningham led the team with 22 points, six rebounds, and six assists. The Nets have have started the season at.500 with a 3-3 record, surpassing preseason expectations. Their recent success is attributed to strong fourth-quarter defense, particularly in limiting opponents' three-point attempts. In their latest game, Brooklyn secured a 120-112 victory over the Chicago Bulls, with Cam Thomas contributing a game-high 32 points. At this early point in the season, and it's too early to give much weight, but I'm more impressed with the Nets than the Pistons. The Nets recent defensive improvements and balanced scoring make them a formidable opponent for the struggling Pistons. The Nets' ability to limit high-value shots and execute in the fourth quarter will be what propels them to the win and cover. Plus, we only have to lay about 3.5 points at home, which is great. Take the Nets.

The Oklahoma City Thunder (4-0) and atop of the Western Conference standings will face the Portland Trail Blazers (2-3) tonight at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. The Thunder are off to a great start. They have a 15 point win over Denver, 19 points over Chicago, 24 points over Atlanta and eight points over San Antonio. The Thunder have started the season strong, with a average win margin of 17.5 points. They have dominated recent matchups against the Trail Blazers, securing 12 consecutive victories, including a notable 62-point win in January 2024. The Trail Blazers have had a mixed start, with a 2-3 record. They recently achieved a significant 110-102 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers, showcasing their potential to compete against strong teams. Though LA was without Kawhi Leonard. The Thunder were 28-13-1 against the spread last season, covering in 15 of their last 18 victories. The Trail Blazers were 19-22-1 against the spread last season. They have struggled in recent matchups against the Thunder, failing to cover the spread in several games. I don't normally like laying points on the road, however the Thunder win by big enough margins to cover this spread. Play Oklahoma City.

Western Conference action here on Thursday night has the Phoenix Suns taking on the LA Clippers from the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, CA. The Suns (3-1) enter as favorites due to their offensive depth led by stars like Devin Booker and Kevin Durant, while the Clippers (2-2) aim to counter with a solid perimeter game. The Clippers, likely without the same offensive firepower with Kahwi Leonard out indefinitely, will rely on players like Norman Powell (26 ppg) and James Harden (11.2 ppg) to contribute both in scoring and defense. This game will showcase the depth of the Suns, tipping the scales in their favor to cover the spread tonight. While the Clippers have home court advantage,  I'm taking the Suns tonight with their balanced roster and offensive prowess.

 For the October 25, 2024, matchup between the Charlotte Hornets and the Atlanta Hawks, both teams come in with mixed early-season results. The Hornets have leaned heavily on LaMelo Ball, who scored 34 points, 8 rebounds, and 11 assists in their opening win at Houston, 110-105. The Hawks, led by Trae Young, scored 30 points and 12 assists in their opening win over the Nets, 120-116. Injuries to players like F Brandon Miller and C Mark Williams could impact Charlotte's depth, potentially giving Atlanta the edge in this game. Still early in the season, but I'll take the points here with Charlotte. 

The Sacramento Kings open their season tonight, hosting the 0-1 Minnesota Timberwolves at Golden 1 Center. The Kings are slight favorites, with the line set between 1 and 1.5 points. Both teams have had competitive starts, as the Timberwolves narrowly lost to the Lakers, and the Kings are looking to capitalize on their strong form from last season. The total points over/under is around 227.5, hinting at a high-scoring matchup given both teams' offensive strengths. Historically, they've split their last six meetings, each securing three wins. Sacramento's offense, spearheaded by De'Aaron Fox, will be crucial, while Minnesota leans on Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns. With the Timberwolves already having played one game and this being the Kings' first, I'm backing Minnesota to take this one tonight.

 The NBA season opener between the Phoenix Suns and the LA Clippers on October 23, 2024, is set to be a high-stakes matchup. Phoenix is favored by 5 points going into the game, with the over/under set at 225 points. The Suns, boasting a lineup featuring stars like Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, have been in solid preseason form, and their firepower on offense is expected to be difficult for the Clippers to handle. Phoenix has also historically done well against the Clippers, especially on the road, where they have won five of the last six meetings. The Clippers, on the other hand, face challenges with key injuries, including Kawhi Leonard, who is sidelined indefinitely with a knee issue. The absence of Leonard significantly reduces LA's chances to contain the Suns' offensive trio. While the Clippers have a strong defensive team when healthy, their recent struggles, including a poor ATS (against the spread) record at home, make them the underdog. Phoenix's recent performance, paired with their offensive depth, makes them the favorites in this contest, especially given the Clippers' ongoing injury concerns. Take the Phoenix Suns

Our second night of opening NBA seasonal action has the Milwaukee Bucks and the Philadelphia 76ers facing off in this Eastern Conference battle. The Bucks, led by Giannis Antetokounmpo and newly acquired Damian Lillard, are looking to kick off their campaign strong under coach Doc Rivers. Milwaukee is expected to have one of the top offenses in the league with this dynamic duo, but staying healthy, especially with veteran players like Khris Middleton, will be key to their success. On the other side, the 76ers, who added Paul George in the offseason, are dealing with uncertainty surrounding James Harden. Harden's situation could impact team chemistry early in the season, although their core of Joel Embiid and rising star Tyrese Maxey still makes them formidable. The Sixers will already being in trouble as Embiid and George will both miss tonight's contest and maybe the opening week's games. Given Milwaukee's firepower and the 76ers' injury issues, I will take the Bucks here on Wednesday.

Opening night here in the NBA and who better to start with then the New York Knicks and Boston Celtics. The Celtics, defending champions, will hoist their championship banner tonight and that should have the crowd even more riled up. Boston enters this matchup as the clear favorite. The Celtics, led by Jayson Tatum and Jrue Holiday, are expected to carry their momentum from last season, where they dominated the league defensively and offensively. The Knicks, who had an offseason of key roster adjustments, will look to their core of Julius Randle, Jalen Brunson, and RJ Barrett to challenge Boston's defense. The Knicks are capable of keeping it close, but they will need to exploit Boston's new rotations post-offseason trades. Expect a high-energy game, with Boston likely capitalizing on their home advantage and championship energy. It's an early game but I'll take the Celtics here tonight.

Game 5 of the NBA playoffs as the venue moves back to Boston for this game with the Mavericks. The Celtics took a 3-0 series lead but couldn't close out game four at Dallas, losing 84-122. The Celtics were never in the game and in fact looked like a team just playing the game out for game five back in Boston. The 38-point margin was the third largest ever in an NBA Final. The Mavs stars were sitting down and resting by the fourth quarter. Luka Doncic had 29 points and Kyrie Irving had 21. I have to take the Celtics here in game five. They had little effort in game four and look like they want to wrap this up at home here tonight. Take the Celtics.

Game three of the NBA Finals as the venue moves from Boston to Dallas. The Celtics easily took game one, 107-89 and then too a much tougher game two, 105-98. The Celtics Jrue Holiday had 26 points to lead to Boston to a 2-0 series lead. The Mavs Luka Doncic was listed as injured but played and still scored 32 points with 11 rebounds and 11 assists. However, Doncic missed a 3-pointer with 28 seconds left that ended the Mavs comeback hopes in game two. The Mavs led after one quarter, 28-25 and trailed at the half 51-54. A much more competitive game for the Mavs. And, with the extra time off between games, game three not playing until Wednesday, this gives the Mavs and Doncic time to heal up any injuries. The Mavs in a must win spot here in game three as they can ill afford to go down 0-3 in the series. I'll take another shot with them here on Wednesday. Take the Dallas Mavericks.

Game 2 of the NBA Finals here on Sunday from Boston. Gone are days of old when they played back to back game, now it seems there has to be many days off between games. That's both good and bad. It extends out the Finals for maybe weeks but it can also take away momentum one team might build up. The Celtics had little issues in game one of the Finals, beating the Mavs 107-89. Jaylen Bowen led the Celtics with 22 points and Kristaps Prozingis added twenty more. Dallas never got closer than eight points in the third quarter but the Celtics answered that with a 14-0 run. It seems in this modern age of the NBA that teams do what's called "punting" or giving up to rest players when they feel they have no chance of getting back in the game. This allows their star players more rest. And as such, not overcorrection from Vegas on the line. What was a seven point spread by the Celtics in game one is about the same here in game two. Dallas will have to defend the perimeter better in this game as Boston has many players that can hit from the 3-point arc. Dallas star Luka Doncic said his team wouldn't get down after that game one blowout loss. And Doncic is arguably the best player in the league and I look for him to step up here in game two and be the leader that he is. I'll take the points with the Mavericks on Sunday.

It's game one of the NBA Finals as the Boston Celtics host the Dallas Mavericks. The Mavs beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 4-1 in their series to win the West. They pummeled the Wolves in game five at Minnesota, 124-103. Luka Doncic had 20 points in the first quarter and 36 for the games to go with Kyrie Irving's 36 points. The Mavs had a 29-point halftime lead. The Mavs will get a full 7 days of off time to prepare for the Celtics. The Celtics swept the Paces in the Eastern Finals, though they covered just one of the four games. They also saw three of the four games go over the total. The Pacers played them tough but just couldn't close out the games as they lost three of the four games by five points or fewer. Many can argue that the Mavs Doncic is the best player right now in the NBA and the World. At 6-foot-8 he's tough to guard, kind of like Magic Johnson back in the day. He's likely the MVP this year and would love to add a NBA title. The Celtics have had 10 days off before game one. Could they come out flat or a bit rusty? We'll see. You can make a case for either side in this game, but for me I'm taking the points with the Mavericks and won't be surprised if they steal game one straight up. Play Dallas.

Game three of this best of seven series of the NBA Eastern Conference moves over to Indiana tonight. The Pacers have their backs up against the wall as they are down 0-2 in this series. They hung in there in game one and really should have won that game but lost in OT, 128-133. Game two wasn't close as the Celtics cruised to a 126-110 win. The Pacers have shot well, hitting 53.5% in game one and 52.4% in game two. However, it's their defense that hurts this team. They allowed Boston to hit over 40% from the three-point arc in game two. Tonight is really do or die for the Pacers. They can't go down 0-3 if they hope to have any chance, slim as it may be. So expect their best effort tonight in what should be another high scoring game. The Pacers haven't had much trouble making baskets, they just need to stop Boston from making so many. I'll take the home dog here tonight and see if they can steal game three. Play the Pacers.

 Game two of the NBA Eastern Conference Championship has the Indiana Pacers looking to regroup after giving away game one of this series in OT to the Celtics, 128-133. The Pacers gave the ball away late leading 117-114 and Jayson Tatum hit the game tying three-point shot with 6.1 seconds to play in regulation. Then Tatum scored 10 points in OT, part of his 36 for the game to give the Celtics the win. The Pacers have to be smarting knowing they were just one turnover away from leading this series 1-0. The Pacers used their high paced offense to scored 117 in regulation against the stingy Boston defense. The Pacers will need to clean up those 21 turnovers they have in game one if they hope to win here tonight. They shot almost 54% from the field in game one and 37% from the 3-point arc. The Pacers were red hot from the field and won the rebounding in game one. They did turn the ball over seven more times and only had 10 free throws. Still, they should be up 1-0 here in this series. I will take the points here in game two as the Pacers have proved they can play with the Celtics. Play Indiana.

The NBA Western Conference Finals begin here tonight as the Mavs travel to Minnesota to face the Timberwolves. The Mavs dispatched the Oklahoma City Thunder in six games, winning the last two of the series including the final game, 117-116. The Mavs had to rally from 17-points down in the 3rd quarter and 9-points down in the 4th quarter to get the win. The Timberwolves beat the defending Champion Denver Nuggets in seven games, having to come back from a 2-3 deficit to win games six and seven. They held Denver to 99, 80, 70 and 90 points in their four wins. The Minnesota defense has been key to their success this postseason. They were one of the best defensive teams in the regular season, holding teams to just 105.7 ppg. However, that number has been even more impressive in the playoffs with a 99.6 ppg point allowed average. The Mavericks will once again be the lower seed here in this series, as they have been their first two series. They have the best backcourt right now in basketball with Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Doncic will be a tough matchup for the Timberwolves in this series. The Timberwolves have one concern on the injury front in Michael Conley Jr, who is questionable tonight. Jaylen Clark remains out for the Wolves. Should be a great series. The Mavs have been great in the dog role and have won on the road in the playoffs. The Minnesota defense will be tough, but this backcourt of the Mavs should find a way to lead the team tonight. I'm taking the points with the Mavericks in this game one.

There has been a common theme in the NBA this postseason, and it's called "punting." That's when a team gets down big in a non-elimination game and they pretty much give up. They pull their starters and let them rest even if they lose huge. We've seen that a lot in this Pacers vs Knicks series. The Knicks winning game six by 13 while the Pacers won game five by 31-points and then the Knicks winning game four by 32-points. Now today, this is an elimination game, it's game 7 and the loser is done. The Knicks got blown out in game six knowing they return home. They have bad a lot of injuries this postseason so for them, resting players has been a priority. The Knicks are about a 3 1/2 point favorite here on Sunday. The Knicks have beaten the Pacers in all three games at Madison Sq Garden. They won by 4-points, 9-points and 31-points. With rested stars here today and home court, I'll be on the Knicks in this game seven. Play New York.

Game six of this NBA Western Conference 2nd Round series between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks. The Thunder are down 2-3 and in a must win spot here on Saturday. They are coming off a loss at Oklahoma City in game five, 92-104, as a 4.5 point favorite. Four of the five games in this series have gone UNDER as we've seen the total start at 218.5 and slowly drop to today's lowest total of 209.5. The Thunder averaged 118.5 ppg during the regular season and have dropped to 104.6 ppg in the playoffs. They have also seen their defense go from allowing 111.2 ppg to just 97.4 ppg. Dallas averaged 116.4 ppg during the regular season and 105.5 ppg in the playoffs. They have allowed 114 ppg in the regular season to 102 ppg in the playoffs. This has been a low scoring series and I don't see much to change that outcome here on Saturday. Expect to see defense continue to shine here in game six on Saturday. The Thunder have proven they can win on the road in this series winning game four, 100-96. With this game being a defensive battle, I'll take the points with the dog here in game six. Play the THUNDER. 

Game 5 of the NBA Western Conference Semifinals today and this is a pivotal battle between the Dallas Mavericks and Oklahoma City Thunder. The winner will be in the key position to move on to the Conference finals. The teams have split the first four games with the Mavs winning games two and three and dropping games one and four. The Mavs led game four at home 54-43 at the half but they could score just 15 third quarter points and then got outscored 27-35 in the 4th by the Thunder. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 34 points for the Thunder in the win. I have no issues taking the points here tonight with the Mavericks. They have already proved they can win at a tough OKC, by taking game two of the series, 119-110. Momentum has gone back and forth and tonight I see it switching back to the Mavs. Take the points here in game five. Play Dallas.

Game five of this NBA Eastern Conference matchup between the Indiana Pacers and NY Knicks returns to New York on Tuesday. The Knicks led 2-0 as they headed to Indiana, but the Pacers took games three and four to even the series at 2-2. The Pacers blew out the Knicks in game four, cruising to a 121-89 win. The Knicks have been shorthanded due to injuries and it showed in the loss. The Pacers were to top scoring team in the regular season and now also in the postseason. They shot a blistering 56.8% from the field in game four and also hit 45.2% from the 3-point arc. The Knicks were shorthanded in game four, still they shot a dismal 33.7% from the field and 18.9% from the 3-point arc. Their stars, Jalen Brunson and Donte DiVincenzo had horrible games. They need them to play well if they hope for rebound win in game five. You have to throw out game four. Everything went right for the Pacers and everything went wrong for the Knicks. Don't expect that again here before the home crowd at Madison Square Garden. I look for the Knicks to rebound here in game five and take a 3-2 series lead. Play New York.

Game four of this NBA Western Conference second round matchup between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Dallas Mavericks. The Thunder took game one at home, 117-95, but then lost game two 110-119 and then game three at Dallas, 101-105. The Thunder were the top ranked Western conference team and face going down 1-3 in this series with a loss here on Monday. The Thunder swept their opening round set but face a rough road if they lose here tonight. The Thunder have also remained healthy, so that's not an issue. The Thunder ranked third in field goal percentage and first in three-point percentage. Their shooting has dropped off, especially in the two losses. They need to find that offense that was so good. The Mavs know the importance of going up 3-1 in the series too. The pressure is on the Thunder here tonight. However, I feel they are up to the challenge as they get better production from their frontcourt. The last two losses have been two of the worst for the Thunder this season so they really have to improve here today. I look for the bounce back in game four tonight . Take Oklahoma City.

 After a pair of lackluster games in Denver, the Nuggets finally had the breakout game many thought would come in games one and two. The Nuggets left Denver down 0-2 in the series and facing the possibility of a horrible 0-3 series deficit. But they came out gangbusters in game three, going to wire-to-wire for the win over the Timberwolves, 117-90. The Nuggets experience shined through along with their determination in game three. The defending NBA champions quieted the raucous crowd in Minnesota. Jamal Murray led the Nuggets with 24 points. Nikola Jokic, three time league MVP also had 24 points and 14 rebounds to go with nine assists. It also marked the first time in three games that the Nuggets broke the 100 point mark. Denver can take back home court with a win here on Sunday. Minnesota has a very good defense, but they are young and that youth showed in game three. I look for the Nuggets to get this win and take back home court here on Sunday. Play Denver.

Game four of this best of seven series between the Knicks and Pacers has the Knicks up two game to one. The Knicks took the first two games of the series back in New York, 121-117 and then 130-121. The Pacers got the win in game three, 111-106, but failed to cover the the 7-point favorite line. The Knicks led going into the fourth quarter of game three before the Pacers outscored them 26-16. Tyrese Haliburton led the Pacers with 35 points though he was limping at the end of the game. Donte DiVincenzo led the Knicks with 35 points. The Knicks have been great from the 3-point arc in this series, hitting 39-for-80 (48.8%). If the Pacers can't stop that high number of 3-pointers they won't run away from the Knicks in any game. The Knicks have also owned the better numbers from the free throw line. I expect another close game here on Sunday and as such I'll take the points with the Knicks.

NBA Western Conference Game three here today as the venue shifts to Dallas for the Mavericks hosting the Thunder. The teams split the first two games at Okc with the Thunder winning the opener, 117-95 and the Mavs coming back in game two, 119-110. The Mavs hit a blistering 48.6% from the 3-point arc, their best since March 31. This number sitting as high as OKC +3.0 but seems to have settled at +2.5. Dallas was a 5.5-point dog in game two, so the line has shifting by 8 points. Oklahoma City was the top-ranked team in the Western Conference, so they know how to win and come back off a loss. You may lack experience, but Coach Mark Daigneault has this young team playing great defense. In the regular season, the Thunder were ranked fourth in defensive efficiency. The Mavericks were 16th in defense, sitting at 112.4 points per 100 possessions. As we have seen all postseason, defense has been ramped-up and the Thunder are the much better defensive team. P.J. Washington scored 29 points in game two, and he definitely won't be doing that again when he averaged just 12.9 points per game this season. I'm taking the Thunder here in game two today.

The defending NBA Champion Denver Nuggets have their collective backs up against the wall here today in game three of their NBA West 2nd Round matchup with Minnesota. The Nuggets lost both home games and are down 0-2 as they return to Minnesota today for game three. The Nuggets can ill afford to go down 0-3 in this series so they better bring their A game today. What they have in their corner is experience against this young Wolves club. Denver lost game one, 99-106 and then were neve in game two as they dropped that one, 80-106. They looks tired in that game two loss as they shot just 34.9% from the field and allowed 50% shooting. No NBA team has come back from a 0-3 deficit so the Nuggets know they are in a must win situation. Nikola Jokic was named MVP and will have to play like it today. Anthony Edwards has become a star in the NBA as he's averaging 32.3 ppg in the playoffs. I believe Denver still has a spark in them. They need Jokic and Murray to step up and lead this team. Denver is the correct play here today plus the points. Play Denver.

 Game 2 of this Western Conference Semifinal from Oklahoma City has the Thunder looking to take a 2-0 lead over the Mavericks. The Thunder took game one, 117-95, as a 4-point favorite. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 29 points and nine rebounds for the Thunder. Dallas cut the Oklahoma lead to 66-65 early in the second quarter but the Thunder responded and never looked back. Dallas had one of their worst shooting games in a while, hitting just 39.3% from the field and 68% free throws. The oddsmaker has pumped up the line here today to 5 or 5.5 points. Both Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving had sub-par games for the Mavs in game one. These two average over 50 ppg together. They have 63, 46, 62, 50, 58 and 59 together in their previous six games. I expect a better performance out of the Dallas veterans and the Mavericks overall. While this isn't a must win for Dallas, you know they would love to steal one of these games in Oklahoma City and go back home with home court in hand. I'll take the inflated point spread here today. Take Dallas.

 Game 2 of this Eastern Conference Round 2 clash here between the Indiana Pacers and NY Knicks. Game one went back and forth before the Knicks finally pulled out the win, 121-117 to take a 1-0 series lead. Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 43 points. Brunson became the fourth player in NBA history with 40 or more points in four straight playoff games. Donte DiVincenzo hit the go ahead 3-pointer with 40 seconds to play to lift the Knicks to the win. The Pacers led at half, 55-46. They have the advantage with a deeper bench and that led to the halftime lead. But Brunson scored 21 points in the fourth quarter to bring the Knicks back. The Pacers like the fast pace and the Knicks would rather slow things down. But the Pacers have got the Knicks to play fast which they wanted. The Knicks have a pair of four-point wins over the Pacers this year and two losses. The Pacers have covered three of the four matchups. The Pacers also don't turn the ball over much. I took the Pacers in game one and I'll be on them again here in game two. Play Indiana.

 The NBA Second round opening game here on Tuesday between the Dallas Mavericks and the Oklahoma City Thunder. So far in this second round it's been a dog feast as dogs have been covering. In the case of the T'Wolves and Nuggets the Wolves won both games straight up at Denver. Will that continue here today? The Mavericks took six games to dispose of the LA Clippers, winning and covering the last two in the series. The Mavs averaged 117.1 ppg during the regular season and thus far just 107 ppg in the playoffs. They allowed 114.6 ppg in regular season play and 100.3 in the playoffs. The Thunder swept the New Orleans Pelicans in four games, covering three of those games. In fact, the Thunder bring a nine game winning streak into this game and a 7-2 spread mark. Today, the Thunder are about 3.5-point favorite. The Thunder have been one of the best home teams this season and I don't see that changing in the postseason. There is some good news for the Mavs as Doncic and Hardaway Jr both have been upgraded to probable for today. Still, this is a very balanced OKC team that is hot both winning and covering. I'll take them here today in game one with the short line. Play Oklahoma City.

The Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics begin their 2nd round Eastern Conference match here today. The Cavaliers needed seven games to dispose of Orlando. In fact, it didn't look too good in game seven on Sunday as they trailed 43-53 at the half. However, a 33-15 third quarter propelled them to the lead and they never looked back. Donovan Mitched scored 39 points for the Cavs. They covered three of the seven games. The Boston Celtics took five games to beat the Miami Heat. They lost game two, 94-111 and then beat the Heat by 20, 14 and 34 in the final three games as they covered four of the five games. The Celtics held the Heat to just 92.2 ppg in the playoff fist round. While Cleveland had to play Sunday, the Celtics have been off since their win to clinch the series on May 1st. The Celtics are rested and ready for this game one. They will dominate at the forward positions while the Cavs will not matchup well at all in this series. While the Celtics should have little trouble in the series, I expect a blowout here in game one. Take the Celtics.

 The Indiana Pacers and NY Knicks begin their second round playoff set of the Eastern Conference. The Pacers dispatched the Milwaukee Bucks in six games. The highest scoring team in the NBA during the regular season averaged 123.3 ppg. However, like all NBA teams they saw that lofty average drop in the playoffs with a 113 ppg average. They allowed 119.6 ppg during the regular season and 110.2 ppg in the playoffs. The Knicks also took six games to beat the Philadelphia 76ers in round one. The Knicks averaged 112.5 ppg and allowed 108.2 ppg during the regular season. Those numbers dropped to 108.3 ppg for and 108.2 ppg allowed during the playoffs. They also went over in 80% of their playoff games thus far. The Pacers finished the regular season first in scoring, second in offensive rating and second in pace. They will face a Knicks team that allowed the second fewest points per game this year. However, they are one of the few teams that allowed as many points in the regular season as they did in the postseason. The Knicks beat the Sixers despite a injury plagued run that included just seven players rotating in and out in the playoffs. The Knicks had the slowest pace this season and know they face the high paced Pacers. Jalen Brunson averaged 41.2 ppg and 10.3 assists in the last four games. The Knicks will still be without Julius Randle and Bojan Bogdanovic in this round. I look for the high scoring Pacers to wear down this Knicks team that won't go deep into their bench. The Knicks will try to slow the pace and user rebounding but that likely won't last long. I look for the Pacers to give the Knicks all kind of issues in this series. Take the Pacers in game one.

Game one of the NBA West Semifinals has the Minnesota Timberwolves travelling to Denver to face the defending champion Nuggets. The T'Wolves finished off Phoenix in a four game sweep. They also covered all four games of the series. Anthony Edwards emerged as a star for the Wolves in that first round, averaging 31 ppg and 8 rebounds over the four games. He also shot 43.8% from the 3-point arc. The Denver Nuggets took the Lakers in five games, but failed to cover three of those games including the last two. Had the Lakers lost their play-in game they could have avoided the Nuggets in the first round. The games were closer then many expected. The Wolves will put three-time defensive player of the Year Rudy Cobert on Denver superstar Nikola Jokic. Jokic has looked unstoppable but will now face one of the best defenders. The Wolves rank 1st in the NBA in defensive efficiency and should be able to put some stops to Jokic. Anthony Edwards will be an issue to guard for Denver as they really don't have anyone to stop him. I like defense and the Wolves have it. Take the points in game one.

The New York Knicks will try again to close out this best of seven series against the 76ers. They had a great chance in game five but gave up a last second long three pointer that forced OT. Tyrese Maxey had a great night for the Sixers with 46 points including that game tying shot in regulation and scoring seven points in the final 25 seconds of OT for the 112-106 win. The Knicks might have been looking forward to game 1 of the Eastern Finals but now have to go back to Philly and try again to close out this series. Jalen Brunson was excellent again for the Knicks with 40 points. The Knicks took one of two games in Philly thus far, winning game four, 97-92. Josh Hart has also been very good filling in for injured Julius Randle. He's the Knicks second leading scorer and top rebounder during the playoffs. I look for the Knicks to brush off that game five finish and get things done here tonight in Philly. Take the Knicks.