Chicago at LA Clippers 10:30 ET

Bulls (+) over Clippers- This is the first meeting of the season between these two and Los Angeles swept the two-game set in each of the past two years and Chicago got the sweep the season before that. The Clippers have won and covered four straight after dropping 4-of-5 while the Bulls have lost their last five games as coach Billy Donovan says after their loss at Portland yesterday that it is ‘time to reflect’...Take CHICAGO!

Rutgers at Penn State 6:30 ET

Nittany Lions (-) over Scarlet Knights- These two met in early December in New Jersey with the Scarlet Knights prevailing 80-76 as a 3.5-point favorite. Rutgers at 3-4 in the Big Ten had expected more while Penn State has won just two of their seven conference games and has lost four in-a-row entering this fray. The last three losses for the Nittany Lions came against ranked teams Oregon, Illinois and Michigan State while covering the last two. Lions installed as a very strong favorite here and it seems that they are not worthy...but they are 9-2 at home while Rutgers is 1-3 on the road. Take RUTGERS!

LA Lakers at LA Clippers 9:00 ET

Lakers (+) over Clippers- These two Los Angeles teams are meeting for the first of four season encounters for the first time in the Clippers new home about a mile from the Forum which they shared with the Lakers for 32 years. The Clippers have won their last three games entering this battle including a 59 point win over Brooklyn while the Lakers managed to beat the Nets by one-point. Anthony Davis is back and the Lakers took 3-of-4 last season. Take LA LAKERS!

Illinois at Michigan State 12:00 ET

Illini (+) over Spartans- Even though Michigan State has won the last meetings Illinois had won the previous four meetings. The Spartans are on a 10-game winning streak while the Illini have been setting impressive NCAA scoring records by defeated a Top-25 ranked team by 32 points (Oregon) and the set a record last time out by scoring the most points by a visiting team at Indiana’s Assembly Hall. This one should come down to the final buzzer. Take ILLINOIS!

Cleveland at Minnesota 9:00 ET

Timberwolves (+) over Cavaliers- Can it happen? Can Cleveland be beaten twice in a row? Well they have lost 2-of-3 and are up against Minnesota who has defeated the Cavaliers four of the past five meetings although this is their first encounter of the season. The Timberwolves have come to life winning five of their last seven with their losses which were by 1-point against Golden State and 2-points against Memphis. Take MINNESOTA!

South Carolina at Oklahoma  4:00 ET

Gamecocks (+) over Sooners- South Carolina has dropped four straight games entering this fray and this followed and eight game win streak that ended when SEC play began and they are 0-4 in conference play. Oklahoma won their first 13 games and were undefeated until conference play started (a pattern by live by year after year) and have lost all four of their SEC encounters. The Gamecocks have enough talent to surprise the Sooners here and win outright. Take the points with SOUTH CAROLINA!

Tennessee  at Vanderbilt

Commodores (+) over Volunteers- These two rivals go at it in Nashville where host Vanderbilt is 9-1 on the season. Tennessee has had their way in this series winning 9-of-10 meetings with the lone Vandy win coming at home the year before last. The Volunteers was taken apart by Florida on the road 73-43 back on January 7 and have bounced by with a road win over Texas, but not here. Take VANDERBILT!

Wisconsin at USC 3:00 ET

Trojans (+) over Badgers- Wisconsin enters this Big Ten affair on a six game winning streak after having lost their previous three games. The Badgers have gone from a defense first squad to a team that will out shoot and out gun you with a pair of 7-footers grabbing the ball off the boards. USC has posted a pair of wins and six of their last eight including a win at Illinois. Trojans playing with confidence at home get it done. Take USC!

Iowa at UCLA 9:00 ET

Bruins (-) over Hawkeyes- So east meets west in this contests between a pair of squads that are both on down trends since Big Ten conference play began. UCLA has dropped four straight games three of which were on the road and in their lone home game during that span was a beating by Michigan which made the Bruins 8-1 at Pauley Pavilion. Iowa is second in the nation in scoring and will be up against a club that plays defense first. UUCLA at home against a first time visitor to Pauley. Take UCLA!

Utah at New Orleans 8:00 ET

Pelicans (-) over Jazz- In the you’ve got to kidding category, New Orleans who has won only 10 games of 42 played and have the worst record in the NBA and yet they are a double-digit favorite at home where they are 4-16 straight-up. Utah, I must admit is just 3-15 on the road but does that justify a double-digit price against the Pelicans. This is the first meeting of the season between the two and I am forced to give the favorite here. Take NEW ORLEANS!

Denver at Miami 8:00 ET

Heat over Nuggets- It is difficult for me to grasp just why Miami is favored here as they are playing without their superstar Jimmy (Playoffs) Butler who has appeared in his final game in South Beach. Straight-up Denver has won six straight meetings and 9-of-10 straight up and 8-2 ATS. So, why are the Heat favored here? It just doesn’t look right and bookies don’t make this kind of mistakes. Take MIAMI!

Minnesota at New York 7:30 ET

Timberwolves (+) over Knicks- Intriguing matchup between a pair of clubs that made a blockbuster trade before the season began and neither of them have shown their previous form. Minnesota send Karl-Anthony Towns to New York and the big guy has delivered for the most part, but parting with a pair of shooting guards has left a bit of a void for the Knicks. The Timberwolves who were blown out at home by New York in late December are looking to even the season series against a struggling Knicks squad that has lost five of seven with their wins over lowly Toronto and Philadelphia. Take MINNESOTA!

LA Clippers at Portland 10:00 ET

Blazers (+) over Clippers- These two have already met twice this season splitting a pair in Los Angeles with the Clippers being 8-point favorites each time. Now, the venue has changed to Portland and the line is close to where it was in LA. Too much of an overlay for a team that is 8-11 SU on the road against a team that is 8-10 at home. Take PORTLAND!

Houston at Sacramento 10:00 ET

Kings (-) over Rockets- Sacramento tasted defeat for the first time in eight games under new coach Doug Christie and are now 7-2 under his leadership. The loss was at Milwaukee but the Kings have won four straight at home under their new regime after winning only six of 16 home games under dismissed coach Mike Brown. Houston enters town on a five game winning streak (Megabucks winner last night) while the Kings were crushed by the Bucks last time out. Reversal of fortune tonight. Take SACRAMENTO

Rutgers at Nebraska 9:00 ET

Scarlet Knights (+) over Cornhuskers- This Nebraska team owes me (You too)! A little over a week ago I posted the Cornhuskers at Iowa and was beaten in overtime as a dog of 4.5-points. What got to me was every update I had the ‘Huskers were leading by anywhere from 10-15 points before the half and lead deep into the second hale before getting tied at the buzzer by the Hawkeyes...it happens to us all at sometimes but that one hurt. Rutgers on the other hand made up for early losses by defeating UCLA as a Megabucks winner and now on the Nebraska and the are 1-6 SU on the road. Still, take RUTGERS!

Cleveland at Oklahoma City 8:00 ET

Cavaliers (+) over Thunder- The Cavaliers ended a three-game losing streak to Oklahoma City eight days ago in Cleveland. Of course most are expecting the Thunder at home to avenge the loss at home. Trouble river city as the Thunder lost their center last need for at least a week as Isaiah Hartenstein is out and they are already without Chat Holmgren and this will cost them here. The Cavs are No. 1 on offense scoring 121.9 PPG while OKC is No. 1 on defense allowing just 102.9...three pointers rule. Take CLEVELAND

Memphis at Temple 7:00 ET

Tigers (-) over Owls- I am surprised that I seen as much interest in Temple here as I have because the Tigers are a bigger and better basketball product. Both clubs enter with four games streaking with Memphis having won their last four SU and the Owls going 4-0 ATS having lost the game by one-point at E. Carolina as a 3-point underdog. The Tigers have won the past six meetings going 3-2-1 ATS but the Owls do have enough offensive firepower to give the Tigers a run for the money but tigers eat owls...take MEMPHIS!

Texas at Oklahoma 10:00 ET

Longhorns (+) over Oklahoma- These two are long time rivals going back to the old Southwest Conference and even Big-12 action and now meet as member s of the SEC (go figure). Both Texas and Oklahoma are still seeking their first SEC victory and in head-to-head match-ups Texas has won seven straight meetings. The Sooners opened with 13 straight non-conference wins and will be on a four-game slide after this one goes final. Take TEXAS

Purdue at Washington 9:30 ET

Huskies (+) over Boilermakers- After dropping 3-of-4 the final of which as a beat down by Auburn Purdue has rebounded with five straight wins. Washington has lost their last three after their upset win over Maryland all against ranked opponents. The Huskies have been pounded in their last two outing and Purdue has won the last five games by an average  margin of 22.2 points. Still, it is time for the Huskies to man up...take WASHINGTON!

Charlotte at Utah 9:00 ET

Hornets (-) over Jazz- I’m sorry I have to use this type of game with a pair of dregs playing each other but I smell a rat here. Would someone tell me why a team that has won only eight of 36 games would be favored on the road where they are 2-15 straight-up. Now, I understand that Utah is not so good (like I said a dreg) but they have more wins and are at home and the Hornets have dropped 19 of their last 21 overall. Take CHARLOTTE!

Houston at Denver 9:00 ET

Rockets (+) over Nuggets- As of right now the Nuggets still receive more respect than does Houston and actually at this time the Rockets are the better team. They have come a long way since have the most losses in the NBA a year and a half back. Houston has won four straight games and five of their past six games and have not lost two-in-a-row this season. Head up the Rockets have won four of the last five from the Nuggets. Take HOUSTON!

Dallas at New Orleans 8:00 ET

Pelicans (+) over Mavericks- These two met earlier this season when Luca Doncic  was healthy and Kyrie Irving was of right mind Dallas destroyed the Pelicans 132-91. That was the Mavericks largest margin of victory of the season and the largest margin of defeat for New Orleans. The Pelicans have won four of seven after an 11-game losing streak. The Mavs are moving in the wrong direction right now having lost seven of their last nine games. Take NEW ORLEANS

Utah at TCU 8:00 ET

Utes (+) over Horned Frogs- There was a time when these two would be playing each other under a different banner as former Mountain West Conference competitors. After four straight losses the Utes put one together last time out taking down Oklahoma State by 21 points. TCU has alternated wins and losses their past five games and just defeated BYU at home where they are undefeated but they are due to go down here. Take UTAH!

Baylor at Arizona 11:00 ET

Bears (+) over Wildcats- I have no issues playing against Arizona and have already cashed against them a number of times although I did get caught sticking my hand in the cookie jar once so to speak keeping in mind that they have won six in-a-row. As well Baylor was off to a slow start but have now won six of its last seven and are back in the Top-25. These two haven’t met often but the Bears have won the last two meetings and three is a charm. Take BAYLOR!   

Iowa at USC 10:30 ET

Hawkeyes (-) over Trojans- USC returns home after a two-game road trip and is off of their biggest win of the season an 82-72 upset over No.13 Illinois. The last time these two met other than the football field but on the hardwood it has been 42 years so no rivalry or series information exists. Iowa has won five of their last six with the loss a 31-point blowout loss at Wisconsin making their true road games at 0-2. I expect the Trojans to still be enamored with themselves after their big win and they get ambushed tonight. Take IOWA!

Ohio State at Wisconsin 9:00 ET

Buckeyes over Badgers- Wisconsin has changed the way they approach the game...instead of having one of the nation’s most dependable defenses they have now gone to the rout where they will now outscore you averaging 83.1 PPG. The Badgers opened the season 8-0 and were ranked before three straight losses knocked them off the charts but they have rebounded (literally) and have won six straight. The Buckeyes are off of a home loss to Oregon and will be ready to play an original Big Ten rival. Take OHIO STATE!

Arkansas at LSU 9:00 ET

Tigers (+) over Razorbacks- Now, I find it funny that these two basketball schools will be meeting without a win in SEC action. Both Arkansas ans LSU are 11-5 overall and 0-3 in conference play so something has to give here. The Razorbacks have won five of the past seven meetings and enter this contest on a three-game slide after a six game win streak and are 2-8 ATS in the last 10 games overall. The goof is the Tigers have also dropped their last three games but rise up at home. Take LSU!

Clemson at Georgia Tech 8:00 ET

Yellow Jackets (+) over Tigers- These two have split their last 10 meetings but Clemson has won four of the past five including their last meeting at Georgia Tech 81-57. The Tigers have also won four of five and are 5-1 in ACC play. The Yellow Jackets have dropped their last two games and are just a 500 most likely on the season and not make it to the Big Dance in March because they have had a pair of terrible performances. Still, they rise against an old conference rival. Take GEORGIA TECH!

New Orleans at Chicago 8:00 ET

Pelicans (+) over Bulls- These are two clubs that started the season behind everybody else because of injuries and poor play. As both got healthy their play improved and I am looking for to playing them now that they are under-valued. Chicago has won 5-of-8 and with the return of Zion Williamson the Pelicans have picked up the pace and have played 500 ball in their 10. In an earlier meeting this season the Pelicans beat a short-handed Chicago club 123-111. They do it again. Take NEW ORLEANS!

Sacramento at Milwaukee 8:00 ET

Kings (+) over Bucks- The Kings like the Pacers have finally started to play the kind of basketball that produces wins and that is being unselfish and playing defense. Sacramento has won their last seven games and they defeated the Bucks the last time they met. So, what you say Milwaukee had won the previous 15 meetings. That right the Kings had not won in Milwaukee for 10 seasons. But, the hex has been broken and  the Kings will rule. Take SACRAMENTO!

Cleveland at Indiana 7:00 ET

Pacers (+) over Cavaliers- Can lighting strike twice or will the Cavaliers get their revenge. (Ha revenge, (I hate that term). You see Indiana just handed Cleveland their first defeat after 12 straight wins and now it is the Pacers that are streaking. Indiana has win six straight and after a struggle starting the season but they have put themselves in playoff mode. Look for the red-hot Pacers to stay hot. Take INDIANA!

San Antonio at L.A. Lakers 10:30 ET

Spurs (+) over Lakers- The Los Angeles Lakers have won three last three meetings including twice already this season and eight of the past nine meetings. San Antonio has dropped their last three games and this will be their third straight road game. Both of these clubs are midland teams that will stay around the break even mark all season. The Lakers of course because of the fires in LA had one game canceled and of all things even with LA head coach JJ Riddick’s house turning to ashes the Lakers are playing in LA as opposed to some other venue. It doesn’t help today as distraction in the smog laden city  isnworse than ever. Take SAN ANTONIO!

UCLA at Rutgers 6:30 ET

Scarlet Knights (+) over Bruins- Both of these clubs won for ‘us’ earlier in the season but have disappointed us lately and both are on three game skids. Rutgers has been without their top player Dylan Harper who has to return to form tonight. UCLA is another team that has been affected by the wild fires in LA and they are not professionals like the Rams and Lakers and it should weigh heavy on their heads. Take SCARLET KNIGHTS!

Sacramento at Chicago 3:30 ET

Bulls (+) over Kings- This price seem a bit off to me but I could not turn down a play on Chicago as they are battling tough having won five of their last seven games. But, the hottest team in the NBA aside from the super teams has to be Sacramento who has won six straight which came on the heels of a six-game losing streak. The winning streak by the Kings influenced to number and I better understand the line. The Kings under new coach Doug Christie are playing their best basketball of the season as these two meet for the first time this year. Kings off of a road win at Boston on Friday and will not have the same intensity here. Take CHICAGO!

Michigan State at Northwestern 12:00 ET

Wildcats (+) over Spartans- This seems to me to be a very short number for Michigan State to be favored after all they have won eight straight and 11 of 12 . Northwestern just dropped a pair on their most current road trip to Purdue and Penn State. The Wildcats have gotten the best of the Spartans against the number covering the last for meetings. For some unknown reason no matter who good MSU is or how bad NW might seem they always play  tough against  this opponent. Take NORTHWESTERN!

Tennessee at Texas 6:00 ET

Longhorns (+) over Volunteers- Texas is finding out that playing basketball in the SEC can be very treacherous as playing an SEC football schedule. The Longhorns are 0-2 in conference play while Tennessee the No. 1 team in the nation was taken apart at Florida 73-43 on Wednesday. Texas has also dropped their last two games to Texas A&M and at home to Auburn (they made it close but were never in it). The Volunteers have done it with the No. 2 ranked defense allowing just 57.1 PPG but it is a different game on the road. Take TEXAS!

Florida at Arkansas 4:00 ET

Razorbacks (+) over Gators- The Florida Gators bounced back from their first loss of the season after 13 straight wins with a convincing 73-43 beat down of Tennessee. Arkansas is 8-1 SU at home with the lone loss to Mississippi which happened on Wednesday as they enter this fray having dropped the last two one of which was at Tennessee 76-52. So, the Gators crush Vols, Razorbacks get crushed by Vols. Hence...take ARKANSAS!  

Connecticut at Georgetown 2:00 ET

Huskies (-) over Hoyas- Can this really be happening...no not so much the Connecticut is now allowing others the play with the ball, but Georgetown...is this real. They have been so bad for so long it is difficult to give them the respect that they most assuredly deserve. The Hoyas are 12-3 (a half game better than UConn) and have been doing it the way of the past with defense. They once possessed one of the best full court pressure defenses and they are doing it again with only four of their 15 games going over the total. Connecticut has had some injury issues which continue today and they have yet to find that mesh which led them to two straight National Championships. Take GEORGETOWN!

Kansas at Cincinnati 2:00 ET

Bearcats (+) over Jayhawks- Waddled with three losses already the prideful Jayhawks look to straighten out their issues and they started with defense in the 2nd half allowing Arizona State 13 total points. Cincinnati who was 10-1 and ranked in the Top-25 have dropped three straight including getting blown away 68-48 at Baylor on Tuesday. There were a number of logistic problems that arose in Waco  before and after the game and they never got focused and never were in it. This time the will be ready for their biggest challenge of the season. Take CINCINNATI!

UCLA at Maryland 8:00 ET

Terrapins A(-) over Bruins- The New Year has not been good for either of these clubs as they have both lost a pair of contests. UCLA lost at Nebraska and against at home against Michigan while Maryland got swept on their west coast swing losing at Oregon and Washington. The Bruins were goods to us while defeating Oregon, Arizona and Gonzaga as their defense wasn’t up to par. he Terrapins are happy to return East where a team from the left coast now has to make adjustments. Take MARYLAND!

Oklahoma City at New York 7:3 0ET

Knicks (+) over Thunder- OKC has had their way with New York winning the last three meetings and six of the past seven including a home win and cover last Wednesday and are looking to even the score at MSG. The Thunder just had their 15 game winning streak end at Cleveland as the NBA’s best as of now took them down 129-122. NY is 12-5 at home and are rarely an underdog here. Take NEW YORK!

Golden State at Indiana 7:00 ET

Pacers (-) over Warriors- It seems that the more action I see being wagered on Golden State the larger the Pacers become as favorites. Indiana has beaten the Warriors the past two meetings and five of six including a win two days before Christmas 111-105 at Golden State. The Warriors have to be just that as they are a bunch of walking wounded and will be without Andrew Wiggins for personal reasons. Take INDIANA!

New Orleans at Philadelphia 7:00 ET

Pelicans (+) over 76ers- Poor New Orleans it is either one thing or another that destroys the city and the basketball team and even come to think of it to the football team as well. The Pelicans are beginning to mend as they get healthy with the return of oft injured Zion Williamson. Philadelphia has also had to deal with injuries and have been very inconsistent. The Pels have dropped two straight at home but have defeated the 76ers the last two meetings. Take NEW ORLEANS!

Purdue at Rutgers 6:00 ET

Scarlet Knights (+) over Boilermakers- Leave it to educators (I used to be one) to once again have their number bass-ackwards. Rutgers has played 15 games and has seven losses and yet they are ranked on the Top-25. Like in Football when the Big Ten has 18 teams and the Big -12 has 16 teams and the Pac-12 has two teams, so I guess a team with seven losses isn’t a stretch to be ranked. Purdue (11-4) who is ranked No. 20 have posted three straight conference wins after losing their opener at Penn State. The Scarlet Knights have dropped their last two games and 3 of 4 but have one Big Ten win and it is over Penn State. Take RUTGERS!

Penn State at Illinois 9:00 ET

Nittany Lions (+) over Illini- Penn State enters this Big Ten fray as a beaten favorite falling to Indiana 77-71 at home ending a four-game win streak. No. 13 Illinois returns home after a pair of West coast wins over Washington and Oregon but has lost the last four meetings against the Nittany Lions and are 3-7 ATS in the last 10 meetings. Both of these clubs are high scoring with the better defense being played by the Illini but not that big a difference. Take PENN STATE!

Oklahoma City at Cleveland 7:00 ET

Thunder (+) over Cavaliers- A battle between the NBA’s best (Boston might have something to say about that before it is all said and done) who are head and shoulders about the rest of the field. Cleveland got off to that record setting start and at 30-4lead the NBA with Oklahoma City close behind at 30-6 SU. Both are stellar ATS with OKC 24-9-3 and the Cavaliers 24-10 ATS. The difference in styles comes from the Thunder playing defense while Cleveland is looking to outscore you. That 15-0 start by the Cavs has been met by the Thunder who will make it 16 straight with a win tonight. Take OKLAHOMA CITY!

Mississippi at Arkansas 8:00 ET

Rebels (+) over Razorbacks- Now coaching Arkansas John Calipari took over a squad that has defeated Mississippi seven of the past nine meetings and hold a 52-34 all-time series record. The Razorbacks were just beaten 76-52 by No. 1 Tennessee last time out on Saturday while the Rebels opened SEC play with a 63-51 win over Georgia at home on Saturday. More of the same here. Take MISSISSIPPI!

Michigan at UCLA 10:00 ET

Bruins (-) over Wolverines- UCLA suffered their first Big Ten basketball defeat at of all places but Nebraska, who are not known for the cage play but their gridiron action of course. The Bruins were without their top shooting and play making guard Eric Dailey Jr. UCLA is a perfect 8-0 SU at home while the Wolverines are 2-0 in true road games Take MICHIGAN!

Nebraska at Iowa 8:00 ET

Hawkeyes (+) over Cornhuskers- Iowa is coming off of one of their worst losses in decades as Wisconsin destroyed the Hawkeyes 116-85 in Madison. Nebraska coach Fred Hoiberg has his club playing great defense as the just shut down UVLA on Saturday holding the Bruins to their season low shooting just 36%. Iowa does not play defense on the same level as the Cornhuskers. Take NEBRASKA!

Cincinnati at Baylor 8:00 ET

Bears (-) over Bearcats- Both of these clubs are coming off of losses and are looking to regroup. Cincinnati fell from their Top-25 ranking after their second straight defeat while Baylor was annihilated by Iowa State. Cincinnati plays really tough defense and have allowed just 60.5 PPG and that will be the difference as Bearcats are just 2-10 to the over. Take CINCINNATI!

Phoenix at Charlotte 7:00 ET

Hornets (+) over Suns- This has been a one sided series for a while now as Phoenix has won the past seven meetings and 9-of-10 and this will be the their first meeting of the season. he Suns ended a four game losing streak last night as our Power Play winner last night while the Hornets have dropped 10 straight games but have the return of two starters LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller who have been out over a week. Take CHARLOTTE!

Arizona at West Virginia 7:00 ET

Mountaineers (+) over Wildcats- These two will meet for the second time this season with West Virginia already having defeated the Wildcats 83-76 in overtime in the Battle-4 Atlantis tournament. Things are different this time around as Arizona has fallen out of the Top-25 and West Virginia has moved in. The Wildcats offense will be the difference as the average 85 PPG ranking No. 17 ans No. 13 in rebounds while the Mountaineers average 75.6 ranked No. 179. Revenge is sweet. Take ARIZONA!

Kentucky at Georgia 7:00 ET

Bulldogs (+) over Wildcats- These two SEC clubs are both 12-2 on the season with Kentucky having beaten three teams ranked in the Top-1p defeating Florida, Duke and Gonzaga. Georgia just lost their SEC opener to Mississippi Saturday ending a seven-game winning streak. The Bulldogs shot just 2-for-18 from the three point stripe and they’ll do better than that tonight. Take GEORGIA!

Miami at Sacramento 10:00 ET

Heat (+) over Kings- Bye bye love...the Heat have cooled off with the suspension of Jimmy Butler but what did they expect? haven’t this happened everywhere he has been. Well Miami has dropped three in-a-row and the are off a mugging of Golden State 129-99 last night. The Kings return home after a one game road trip and have won their last four so the number is very inviting but I believe the Heat have more grit...Take MIAMI!

LA Clippers at Minnesota 8:00 ET

Timberwolves (-3) over Clippers- Wolves will be going for the series sweep as they have defeated LAC twice already with wins five days apart in Nov. 29 & Dec 4. This will be LA’s second game with the return of Kawhi Leonard and they won his debut 131-105 over Atlanta. The Wolves have dropped their last three and are off of a Saturday loss at Detroit. But, times is a charm...take MINNESOTA!

Phoenix at Philadelphia 7:00 ET

Suns (+) over 76ers- I resisted giving this game so much that I realized it had to be a play (kinda twisted but it might work). Phoenix has lost seven of the last eight and it looks to be getting worse as players are moping around admitting their ‘vibes were low’. After a very slow start Philadelphia has won 11 of the last 16 as Ebiid increases his playing time. But, it is time for the Suns to shine...take PHOENIX!

Wisconsin at Rutgers 7:00 ET

Scarlet Knights (+) over Badgers-  Rutgers has been able to hang with the Badgers winning three of the past five meetings including the last time they played in New Jersey as a 3-point underdog winning 57-56 outright. The Scarlet Knights had a rough spell without Dylan Harper but he returns and teams up with Ace Bailey who already holds the freshman single game scoring record. Take RUTGERS!

Sacramento at Golden State 8:30 ET

Kings (+) over Warriors- These two met four times last year and Golden State  won the first meeting but Sacramento rallied and won the final three games between the two. Off of a six game losing streak the Kings have posted three straight wins and are a respectable 7-7 SU on the road. This line seem rather shallow as Golden State was a 6.5-point favorite over the Kings just over a year ago. Take SACRAMENTO!

LA Lakers at Houston 7:00 ET

Lakers (+) over Rockets- The Rockets are on the upswing and believe it or not so are The Los Angeles Lakers who have won four-in-a-row and 7-of-8 while also going 7-1 ATS. This is the first meeting of the season and these two split four games last season and in the last meeting Houston was a 1-point dog at home and won big 135-119. But now they are laying points and James and Davis will keep it close. Take the LA LAKERS!!

Maryland at Oregon 4:00 ET

Terrapins (+) over Ducks- Both clubs are coming off losses but the beating that No. 7 Oregon took made the record books. Illinois pounded the Ducks 109-77 for the largest margin of victory ever over a Top-10 ranked team. The Terrapins at the same time were being taken down by Washington 75-69 ending a mini 3-game winning streak and a 8-of-9 run. The Terps offense scores more and their defense allows less. Take MARYLAND!

New York at Chicago 8:00 ET

Bulls (+) over Knicks- New York went all out to win their game at Oklahoma City last night with every starter playing at least 40 minutes. The Knicks were on a nine game win streak and held a nine-point lead entering the final quarter and then tired legs gave out and they were out-scored by 37-19. The Knicks reserves were outscored 44-5. In today’s game they should be entitled to time off as a management break. These two have split their last six meetings with the Bulls capturing a win in mid November. Take CHICAGO!

Texas at Texas A&M 8:00 ET

Longhorns (+) over Aggies- A pair of SWC teams, oh wait, no more...these two SEC teams have added quality to an already pumped up conference. No. 19 Texas chases and old rival under a different banner but the intensity is the same. Texas has been taking it to the Aggies in head-to-head action winning six of the last seven meetings and 43 of the last 53 meetings. These two clubs are on a par on defense as A&M only allows 62.6 PPG ranking No. 21 while the Longhorns allow 62.0 points ranking No. 16. But, it is on offense that Texas has the advantage averaging 84.5 ranking No. 29 while the Aggies score 76.2 ranking No. 176. Take TEXAS!

Arizona at Cincinnati 2:30 ET

Bearcats (-) over Wildcats- How is it at 7-5 that Arizona is ranked No. 24 in the nation and they had to win their last three in get where they are. The Wildcats have a pair of 7-foot centers and as a matter of fact their 7’2” center Krivas is out. Cincinnati (11-2) is off to a great start but are coming off of a lost at Kansas State 70-67 where they surrendered 11 points above their defensive average. The Bearcats keep opponents to 59.5 PPG ranking No. 5 in the nation. Defense rules but the Wildcats lay it to and have experience.! Take ARIZONA!

Duke at SMU 2:30 ET

Mustangs (+) over Blue Devils- New to the ACC SMU made a splash in football and look to impress in basketball but the difference in ACC action between football and basketball is dramatic. Staying on the hardwood it is the Mustangs that lead the conference in scoring averaging 87.2 points per game while Duke is the ACC’s top defensive team allowing only 59 points per game. The Blue Devils are ranked No. 4 in the nation and the bookies have a time  making them favorites. That to me is a no confidence! Take SMU!

UCLA at Nebraska 2:00 ET

Cornhuskers (+) over Bruins- UCLA has been bery, bery good to us! We had them as winners against Arizona. Gonzaga and Oregon and against them in their loss to North Carolina. Nebraska is sporting the same 11-2 SU record going 8-5 ATS while the Bruins have covered nine of 13.  In a match up of styles these two are very similar making defense the focal point of their game. This should be a low scoring affair in which free throws may spell the difference and it is the weakest part of the Bruins game hitting just 68% while the Huskers are hitting 77%. Take NEBRASKA!

New York at Oklahoma City 8:00 ET

Knicks (+) over Thunder- These two clubs have won 22 straight games between them as New York is on a nine-game win streak and the defending division champions have won 13 straight and one more win will equal the franchise high which was established while the team was in Seattle. The Knicks are the highest scoring team in the NBA averaging 117.9 points per game. Take NEW YORK!

Iowa at Wisconsin 7:00 ET

Hawkeyes (+) over Badgers-A pair of 10-3 Big Ten contenders face off in Wisconsin where the Badgers will host Iowa. The Hawkeyes have won three straight after dropping a pair to Michigan and No. 3 Iowa State. Wisconsin enters off of a pair of wins after three straight defeats to Michigan, Marquette and Illinois and are 0-2 in Big Ten conference play as they have gone from a defense first team to an offensive threat. Take IOWA!

Rutgers at Indiana 8:30 ET

Scarlet Knights (+) over Hoosiers- Sometimes in this crazy world we call sports betting we see trends and factors that for some reason have no explanation. Take the fact that a relative new comer to the Big Ten, Rutgers has dominated Indiana in head-to-head meetings winning eight of the past 10 also going 8-2 ATS. The Hoosiers does not had the national attention it once demanded and will get ambushed by this under-rated squad from New Jersey. Take RUTGERS!

Northwestern at Penn State 7:00 ET

Wildcats (+) over Nittany Lions- Penn State has been a ‘comer’ of late and now is looks as if that role has been taken over by Northwestern. The Wildcats are ready to challenge the Nittany Lions here as they have won the past two meetings and showed that the can compete as witnessed by their outright win over Illinois. Penn State has won three straight and has only lost to Clemson and Rutgers but have dropped the last two meetings with the Wildcats. This one should come down to the final horn. Take NORTHWESTERN!

Phialdephia at Saramento 10:00 ET

Kings (-) over 76ers- Philadelphia has now won four in-a-row and 10 of 13 after a 3-14 start. Sacramento made a coaching change after practice before boarding a plane and promptly went out and lost their sixth in-a-row. In his second coaching contest Doug Christie posted his first win Monday night over Dallas 110-100 and he has instilled a fresh attitude. Well, anyway the bookie’s believe that they are ready, just look at this ridiculous line. Take SACRAMENTO!

Atlanta at Denver 9:00 ET

Hawks (+) over Nuggets- Atlanta started slowly and at one time was 7-11 but have circled the wagons and have won 11-of-15 since November 1. The Hawks who have been streaky all season are currently on a six game win streak after dropping three in-a-row. Denver has won the last four meetings and seven of the past eight and were heavy favorites in all. The only time the spread was this low (Nuggets were always favored) thee Hawks won. Take ATLANTA!

Dallas at Houston 8:00 ET

Mavericks (+) over Rockets- Houston is starting to develop a bad habit and that is blowing late double-digit leads.  Twice in this five game home stand the Rockets gave up a 16-point lead ti Minnesota and a 12-point lead to Miami. Dallas has dropped three of four games as they have had to go with four starters out and it is something they will learn to live with because Luca Doncic is out a month. The Rockets won the only meeting thus far this season on Halloween in Dallas as a 6.5 point underdog 108-102. turnabout...take DALLAS!

North Carolina at Louisville 6:00 ET

Cardinals (+) over Tar Heels- These two traditional basketball powerhouse programs are meeting in an ACC battle in the KFC Center in Louisville. North Carolina (8-5) has had the best of the series between these two and have won the five meetings and seven of eight since February 2019. The lines on these meetings has always had the Tar Heels favored and sometimes by as much as 21 points as a high (last meeting Jan. ‘24) and as low as -1.5 like it is Sunday. North Carolina won both games at Louisville as 1-point favorites but this NC club does not have the same talent level as those teams and already have five losses. Take LOUISVILLE!

Cleveland at LA Lakers 9:00 ET

Lakers (+) over Cavaliers- Cleveland is on another winning streak and at 28-4 they have had plenty of them. The Cavaliers are playing the second of back-to-back games as the defeated Golden State on the road last night and are in LA tonight. Los Angeles has won five of six and although just 17-13 on the season when Anthony Davis and LeBron James get it going the Lakers are very hard to beat. Take the points at home here. take LA LAKERS!

St. John’s at Creighton 4:00 ET

Red Storm (-) over Bluejays- I think that this Creighton team may not be what we have come to expect from the Bluejays. But, St. John’s is on a mission after being left out of the NCAA tournament last season. It was a matter of numbers as the former Redmen were rated 26th in the nation but got squeezed out by automatic bids. Coach rick Pitino was so incensed he refused the NIT bid as the number one seed. This Red Storm club is the best Pitino has had there and the best in Queens in over two decades. A win here will go a lone way. Take ST. JOHN’S!

Seton Hall at Xavier 2:00 ET

Pirates (+) over Musketeers- These two Big East members are not going to be a threat to the conference title and neither most likely will get to the Big Dance. Seton Hall enter 5-8 both SO and ATS and have dropped four straight withntheir last win coming against New jersey Institute of ztechknogy. Befoere that the lost at home to monmouth. Xavierbha lost three straight and 4-of 5 butbhas played tougher competition losing to Connecticut, Cincinnati and by two points against Marquette. They should recover enough to win close if at all. Take SETON HALL!  

VCU at St. Bonnies 2:00 ET

Rams (+) over Bonnies- maybe Shaka Smart if gone but the Virginia Commonwealth University continues to put a quality program together on the basketball court. The Rams are 10-3 SU and facing their toughest opponent of the season in the 11-1 Bonnies. St, Bonaventure has not been this highly regard since the days of Bob Lanier. They have even started to dominate this series winning five of the last six meetings Both clubs play great defense and that should keep this in doubt until the final buzzer. Take VCU

Kings (+) over Mavericks- Sacramento just return from a loss at the LA Lakers and after going 0-5 SU and ATS in a five-game homestand from Dec. 16-26. That make six straight losses and seven straight no covers. Mile Brown was fired Friday and Doug Christie is now the head coach and is looking to instill a fresh attitude.  Dallas will be with Luca Doncic but the 7-3 SU when he is sidelined. That is just the opening the Kings need. Take SACRAMENTO!

Cleveland at Golden State 10:00 ET

Warriors (+) over Cavaliers- I could say these are two teams moving in different directions but Cleveland has been moving in just one direction and that is i to the winners circle. The Cavaliers have won six straight and 9-of-10 while posting a fabulous 22-9 ATS record. Golden State has won just two of the past eight games and they are the same 2-6 ATS. In head-to-head action the Cavaliers have won the last three meetings including a 136-117 home victory the first week of November. But, tonight the Warriors even the season series. Take GOLDEN STATE!

LA Clippers at New Orleans 8:00 ET

Pelicans (+) over Clippers- New Orleans lost nine of their last ten and 18 of 19 games and has only won a pitiful five games on the season while losing 27. Now, some teams with a losing record still manage to be competitive with the points and may actually have a decent ATS record. Not so much with the Pelicans. If you examine the ‘birds’ roster you will find plenty of talent, the trouble is getting them healthy. Not having a lead at any time in the last two games has the Pelicans anxious for a good start. Take NEW ORLEANS!

Cincinnati at Kansas State 7:00 ET

Wildcats (+) over Bearcats- Cats are wild here and that’s better than bears...Oh well maybe next time. Cincinnati has been very good to us already this season so maybe it is time to fade them a bit. The Bearcats have won their last four and their only flub was a loss to Villanova and they have done it with defense as they are 1-9 to the over. The Wildcats have dropped their last three games as the level of competition gets stiffer as they are just 3-8 ATS. Returning home after a loss at Wichita State the Wildcats have had nine days to ready themselves. take KANSAS STATE!

Atlanta at Toronto 3:30 ET

Raptors (+) over Hawks- Atlanta has won their last three all at home while Toronto has dropped their last nine games and it doesn’t really matter where they play. Oh, maybe not so much as they are 1-14 on the road whereas they have won six games out of 16 at home. These two have split their last 10 meetings with five wins each and it was the raptors that won the last meeting in Atlanta last February. Try this on the 17-15 SU Hawks are 14-18  ATS while the 7-24 Raptors are 19-11-1 ATS. Take TORONTO!

Brooklyn at Orlando 6:00 ET

Nets (+) over Magic- Orlando has defeated Brooklyn the last five times that they have met including three times this season all results covering the number. Meanwhile the Nets are 3-9 in their last 12 games overall and are off a home loss to San Antonio where they scored a season low 87 points. I expect a better performance on offense with the return of Ben Simmons and Cameron Johnson. Take BROOKLYN!

Sacramento at LA Lakers 10:30 ET

Kings (+) over Lakers- Considering that the Los Angels Lakers opened the season with a 131-127 home win over the Kings and then won both December meetings in Sacramento this line seems awful short to me. The Kings had won five straight meetings until this year’s opener and now will have a new coach leading the way as Mike Brown was let go yesterday. Maybe that is the wake-up call the Kings needed to jump start their defensive attitude. At 13-18 SU and 10-20 ATS the Kings can use a spark that new coach Doug Christie can provide. Brown ran practice Friday and was informed of his firing before boarding the plane for LA. Take SACRAMENTO

Phoenix at Golden State 9:30 ET

Warriors (-) over Suns- Both of these clubs are at .500 have split their first 30 games with 15 wins and losses. Against the points Phoenix has yet to meet the odds makers level of confidence as they have ‘covered’ just 10 of 30 games. The Warriors are like their record at a break-even mark. Golden State has even split road and home games going 8-8 away and 7-7 at home. The Suns took the first meeting as hosts in late November and have won 8-of-10 meetings. In those 10 meetings the Warriors were never more than a -3.5-point favorite and now...why is the number this high. Take GOLDEN STATE

Milwaukee at Chicago 8:00 ET

Bulls (+)  over Bucks- On Monday when these two met in Chicago I went out of my way to let everybody know that I was releasing in a very ‘special’ Megabucks and I fell flat on my face with the Bulls getting pounded by 31 points. The Bulls have now lost three straight and are trying to even the season series at 2-2 as they showed that they can defeated the Bucks opening the season 133-122 in Milwaukee. Take CHICAGO!

Utah State at San Diego State 6:00 ET

Aggies (+) over Aztecs- No. 20 San Diego State has made their mark on the college basketball scene making it to the Final game before being put in their place by Connecticut. The Aztecs have just a pair of losses to NCAA powerhouses, losing to Oregon and Gonzaga but have wins over Creighton and No. 4 Houston. But, this time out they are they target as Utah State has the goods to pull off the outright upset. These two split a pair of games played at Utah State last season and the Aztecs had won five straight prior to last season’s split. Utah State is 11-1 and averaging 85.3 PPG while SDS ranks No. 195 averaging just 75.2 PPG. Take UTAH STATE!

Gonzaga at UCLA 4:00 ET

Bruins (+) over Bulldogs- I love this Bruins team even after their 76-74 loss to North Carolina which ended their nine game win streak. With back-to-back wins over Oregon and Arizona UCLA broke into the Top-25 and are currently No. 22. Gonzaga now like Boise State in football is not going to surprise anyone and are actually a bit over-rated right now. The Bulldogs have won four straight meetings and are 6-1 SU against the Bruins. This encounter pits one teams strength against the other’s strongest suit. Gonzaga is No. 2 in the nation in points scored per game averaging 89.2 while UCLA is No. 8 in defensive scoring allowing just 58.4 points per game. It is easier for a defensive team to force a good offensive team to be a little off their game. Take UCLA!

Cleveland at Denver 9:00 ET

Nuggets (+) over Cavaliers- Cleveland is starting a four game road trip and it is supposed to be the toughest stretch they have faced this season. The Cavaliers have won five in a row and come to Denver an underdog who has won five of seven and are righting the ship so to speak after a slow start. The Cavs post a home win over the Nuggets earlier this year and now turnabout is fair play. Take DENVER!

Dallas at Phoenix 9:00 ET

Mavericks (+) over Suns - This will be the third meeting of the season between these two and Phoenix has posted a pair of victories winning 114-102 at home and posting a 114-113 in Dallas. The Suns will once again be without Devin Booker and one special Mavs guard will take advantage. The Mavericks are starting to pick up the pace and when they are healthy they are very tough to beat but they will be without Luca Doncic so expect Kyrie Irving to make up the difference. Take DALLAS!

Minnesota at Houston 8:00 ET

Timberwolves (+) over Rockets- If this line doesn’t raise an eyebrow then you really do not under stand what is going on...right or wrong any ‘player’ would pick up on it. Here is Houston winners of four straight and 6-of-7 leading the Southwest with a 21-9 record returning home after a 3-game road sweep and they are barely favored against a struggling Timberwolves club. Minnesota a floundering 15-14 have yet to recover fully from the trading away Karl-Anthony Towns. Maybe their victory at Dallas will spurn them on. Take MINNESOTA!

Oklahoma City at Indiana 7:00 ET

Pacers (+) over Thunder- It seems from what I hear Oklahoma City was upset that they were passed over on Christmas Day. Most would love that day off to spend time with family but last year’s No. 1 seed in the West feels disrespected. The Thunder have won eight in-a-row and are 12-1 in their last 13 games overall. Indiana is on a winning streak of their own pocketing six straight and are return home after a 3-game West Coast road trip defeating Phoenix, Sacramento and Golden State outright as underdogs. Pacers have won the past three meetings and 8-of-the-last-10.  Take INDIANA!

Miami at Orlando 7:00 ET

Heat (+) over Magic- Five days ago a meltdown of epic proportions took place in Miami when in the fourth quarter the Heat blew a 25-point lead and for good measure lost the game by seven points. The Heat scored just eight total points and just kept throwing up 3-pointers and lost their ‘mojo’ as they went cold and then it was Magic as they scored 37. Bad for Orlando as they lost their third started when Mo Wagner went down on Saturday and Jimmy Butler has sat out the past two games but should make an appearance tonight. Take MIAMI!

LA Lalkers at Golden State 8:00 ET

Lakers (+) over Warriors- Last season the Lakers won the first of four meeting last season 145-144 in overtime and then Golden State responded by winning the next three meetings  and going 3-0 ATS. The Warriors have dropped 4-of-5 and have gone 3-9 after a 12-3 start. James is back and playing as good as ever in the minutes he puts out. LeBron minutes believe it or not are increasing and so our chances. Take LA LAKERS!

Philadelphia at Boston 5:00 ET

76ers (+) over Celtics- Two of the worse points spread team in the NBA this season as Boston the defending champions who may just be sleepwalking until the playoffs or at last until the All-star game are 11-18 ATS awhile the beleaguered 76ers are 10-17 ATS. Philadelphia f course is with and without Joel Embiid who was tossed for the game Monday against San Antonio and will be seeing red on Christmas. Celtics have had control in the series but this a funky time for them. Take PHILADELPHIA!

Minnesota at Dallas 2:30 ET

Timberwolves (+) over Mavericks-What did they expect? Did the brass making the decisions actually think that they were improving their club by trading Karl-Anthony Towns away. We can understand financial decisions but the NBA is plenty rich and no club suffers because of all the international and USA TV contracts. Dallas has started to play the level of basketball expected with their talent level but every once in a while Kyrie Irving steps off the edge of the Earth (the flat part) and goes MIA. Sometimes he’s on the floor and he’s Missing in Action. Take MINNESOTA!

Detroit at LA Lakers 10:30 ET

Pistons (+) over Lakers- Los Angeles has put together a three game winning streak (two of which were against Sacramento) with the return of LeBron James as they rebound from a 3 and 11 stretch. James with be 40 years old in seven days and his minutes are becoming fewer and fewer with each passing day. Detroit has shown vast improvement from their franchise worst record last season and they broke a 7-game losing streak to the Lakers in early November. The Pistons are off their season high in points in their 133-125 win at Phoenix and will be ready. Take DETROIT!

LA Clippers at Memphis 8:00 ET

Clippers (+) over Grizzlies- This is the first meeting of the season between these two with Memphis taking the first meeting and LA winning the last three. The Grizzlies have won the last two and 6-of-7 and 8-of-10 entering this contests. But, they once again will be without Ja Morant while LA has yet to see Kawhi Leonard on the floor. These are two of the better point spread teams with the Griz at 20-9 ATS and the Clippers are 17-11-1 ATS. Take the LA CLIPPERS!

Milwaukee at Chicago 8:00 ET

Bulls (+) over Bucks- ‘There is something wrong in Mudville’ and Casey is swinging the bat for the Milwaukee Bucks. Explain to me hoe the Bucks the NBA Cup Champions can be a virtual pick-em against the Chicago Bulls who just lost to the Celtics by 25-points 123-98 on Saturday while the Bucks were cruising against the Wizards. Even if the ‘Greek Freak’ doesn’t play this line seems bogus to me. Take CHICAGO BULLS!

Indiana at Sacramento 6:00 ET

Pacers (+) over Kings- After the was Indiana closed the 2023-24 season much more has been expected then what they have delivered this year. The Pacers are under .500 but are starting to reach their expected level of play winning their last three and 4-of-5. Sacramento has dropped their last three and are 0-4 ATS in their last four games overall. Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton returns to play against the club that drafted him No.1 and then traded him to the Pacers. In his second trip back to Sacramento and he’ll get a small measure of revenge. Take INDIANA!