15* NBA Western Conference ANNIHILATOR on Memphis Grizzlies -2

The Memphis Grizzlies will be highly motivated to beat the San Antonio Spurs and put an end to their losing streak in this series. Memphis has lost five straight to San Antonio since knocking the Spurs out in the first round of the 2011 NBA playoffs. That includes a 95-99 overtime loss at San Antonio in their first meeting of the season on December 1st.

That home victory by the Spurs was no surprise considering the home team has dominated this series, winning 12 of the last 15 meetings. Memphis is 13-4 at home this season, outscoring opponents by 6.7 points/game while limiting foes to 86.7 points/game.

San Antonio is a mediocre 13-8 on the road where it is giving up 100.1 points/game. The Spurs really have not played all that well of late, failing to cover the spread in three of their last four. They have lost their last two road games with an 83-100 setback at New York and an 88-95 loss at New Orleans.

Memphis is a perfect 10-0 ATS versus very good teams - outscoring their opponents by 6+ points/game over the last 2 seasons. It is outscoring these good teams 98.9 to 88.3, or by an average of 10.6 points/game. As you can see, this is a team that takes their game up a notch when playing against the best competition the league has to offer. Roll with the Grizzlies Friday.

15* Bulls/Knicks ESPN Friday No-Brainer on UNDER 191.5

Oddsmakers have set the bar way too high in this game between the New York Knicks and Chicago Bulls. I'll gladly take advantage by backing the UNDER in a contest that will be nationally televised on ESPN tonight. These National TV games always seem to bring out better top defensive effort by both teams.

New York is much worse off offensively without Raymond Felton, who remains out with a finger injury. Felton is great at running the pick and roll, and the Knicks simply do not have an ample replacement for him. They are coming off a 76-point effort at Indiana last night as they shot just 34.8% from the floor.

Chicago is one of the best defensive teams in the league. It is giving up just 91.9 points/game this season on 43.3 percent shooting. However, the Bulls are one of the worst offensive teams in the game. They are scoring only 93.4 points/game on 43.9 percent shooting this year.

The Bulls and Knicks had combined for 184 or less points in three straight meetings (at the end of regulation) before a 110-106 road win by Chicago earlier this season on December 21st. However, New York went off to 45 points in the 4th quarter as the teams combined for 72 in the final period, and that's not going to happen again.

Chicago is 16-4 to the UNDER as an underdog over the last 2 seasons. Better yet, the Bulls are 9-1 to the UNDER as an underdog of 3.5 to 9.5 points over the last 2 seasons. They are combining with their opponents for for an average of 175.5 points/game in this spot. The UNDER is 20-6 in Bulls last 26 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Take the UNDER in this game Friday.

15* NBA Friday Night Line Mistake on New Orleans Hornets -2

The New Orleans Hornets are one of the most undervalued teams in the league right now due to their 10-25 start. This team has been battling injuries all season as C Anthony Davis (13.4 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 1.9 BPG) and SG Eric Gordon (15.6 PPG, 4.4 APG) have missed a combined 43 games this season.

However, both Davis and Gordon are back and healthy, and this team is really playing up to its potential now because of it. In fact, the Hornets have won three straight games outright as underdogs. They went on the road to beat Dallas 99-96 as a 6-point dog before coming back home to top San Antonio 95-88 as an 8-point dog, and Houston 88-79 as a 2-point dog.

I have backed the Hornets with success in each of their last two games, and I'm going to continue to back them tonight against the Minnesota Timberwolves because I believe they are still undervalued as only a 2-point favorite. This is a Minnesota team that remains without Kevin Love, and one that is coming off an ugly 84-106 loss at Oklahoma City.

New Orleans lost to Minnesota 102-113 in their first meeting of the season on December 14th. That loss works in its favor considering it is 26-12 ATS revenging a same season loss vs. opponent over the last 2 seasons. The Timberwolves are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 vs. Western Conference. Minnesota is 5-13 ATS in its last 18 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400. Bet the Hornets Friday.

15* NBA Friday Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on Atlanta Hawks -4.5

The Atlanta Hawks will be highly motivated for a win tonight as they welcome the Utah Jazz to their home court Friday night. Atlanta is 0-4 SU & 0-4 ATS in its last 4 games overall, so it is clearly undervalued right now as only a 4.5-point home favorite over the Jazz.

Look for the Hawks (20-14) to put forth their best effort of the season tonight as they try and put an end to this 4-game skid. Atlanta is 11-6 at home this season, limiting opponents to 96.8 points/game.

Utah is just 8-14 on the road this year, giving up 101.5 points/game. The Jazz are overvalued after winning four of their last five with all four wins coming against the Timberwolves, Suns, Mavs and Bobcats, who are all .500 or worse this season.

The Jazz are 0-8 ATS in road games off a road win over the last 2 seasons. They are losing in this spot 88.8 to 99.0, or by an average of 10.2 points/game. They just cannot seem to string together road wins. They'll be up against a very hungry Atlanta team tonight. Take the Hawks Friday.

20* NBA Friday No-Doubt Rout on Boston Celtics -2.5

I have been riding the Boston Celtics here of late with a lot of success. Boston is riding a current four-game winning streak, which is their longest of the season. I have been on them in all four games with the Celtics posting a 3-1 ATS mark. Their only ATS loss came by a single point in an 8-point win over Phoenix as a 9-point favorite.

The reason I'm riding this team right now is because they are finally at full strength. One of the most underrated players in the league, guard Avery Bradley, has returned from injury to provide a big spark. He is the best perimeter defender in the league in my opinion, and he will make life very difficult on James Harden tonight.

Houston has been on an incredible run of late, but as a result it is overvalued. The Rockets have won 10 of their last 13 games overall, but they just had their five-game winning streak snapped with a 79-88 loss at New Orleans on Wednesday. With their momentum halted, I look for the Rockets to suffer a second straight defeat on the road tonight.

This play falls into a system that is 27-4 (87.1%) ATS over the last 5 seasons. It tells us to bet against all teams where the line is +3 to -3 (HOUSTON) - terrible defensive team - allowing 103+ points/game on the season, after scoring 85 points or less. Bet the Celtics Friday.

15* Heat/Blazers TNT Late-Night BAILOUT on Miami -3

The Miami Heat are highly motivated for a victory tonight. They have lost four of their last seven games overall, including a 77-87 road loss at Indiana on Tuesday. I believe they are actually undervalued right now due to their recent struggles, and they should be a bigger favorite over Portland in this one.

The Blazers have been playing very well of late, but as a result they are overvalued. They have won 11 of their last 14 games overall, but they have mostly been beating up on inferior opponents. They will finally meet their match tonight in the defending champion Heat.

The road team has won five straight and six of the last seven in this series. The road team is 16-5 ATS in the last 21 meetings. Miami is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 meetings in Portland, winning the last three outright.

The Heat are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 vs. NBA Northwest opponents. The Blazers are 6-20-1 ATS in their last 27 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game. Portland is 4-19 ATS after having won 4 of its last 5 games over the last 3 seasons. The Blazers are 3-12 ATS after 2 or more consecutive wins over the last 2 seasons. Take the Heat Thursday.

15* Kentucky/Vanderbilt ESPN Thursday No-Brainer on Vanderbilt +13

The Vanderbilt Commodores are undervalued today as a double-digit home underdog to the Kentucky Wildcats. This is a team that has clearly improved as the season has gone along, winning four of their last six while covering the spread in four of their last five lined games.

Kentucky comes into this game way overvalued after covering the spread in each of its last five games overall. It has played an extremely soft schedule while winning five of its last six with all five victories coming at home against Samford, Portland, Lipscomb, Marshall and Eastern Michigan. It is not just going to roll Vanderbilt on the road tonight.

This has been a very closely-contested series in recent years to say the least. Each of the last six meetings have been decided by 9 points or less. In fact, each of the last nine meetings were decided by 13 points or fewer, making for a 9-0 system backing the Commodores pertaining to tonight's spread.

Vanderbilt is 6-0 ATS after a game where they made 53% of their free throws or worse over the last 2 seasons. It is winning in this spot by an average of 14.5 points/game. Add that 9-0 trend to this 6-0 one and we have a perfect 15-0 system backing the Commodores tonight. Bet Vanderbilt Thursday.

20* Knicks/Pacers TNT GAME OF THE WEEK on Indiana -4.5

The Indiana Pacers are rolling right now, and they're not about to cool off on National TV against the depleted New York Knicks tonight. Indiana has won 11 of its last 14 games overall heading into this one.

The Pacers have been absolutely dominant at home this season. They have gone 13-3 SU & 10-6 ATS at home, outscoring opponents by 7.8 points/game. They are limiting foes to just 87.3 points/game at home this year. The Pacers have won eight straight home games coming in with all eight victories by 5 points or more, including an 87-77 win over the defending champion Miami Heat on Tuesday.

The New York Knicks have really cooled off after a fast start this season. They are just 5-6 SU in their last 11 games overall, including 4-8 ATS in their last 12 games. Their recent struggles have coincided with an injury to PG Raymond Felton (finger), who has missed the past six games. Also, leading scorer Carmelo Anthony (29.0 PPG) has been suspended for tonight's game, further hurting the team.

Indiana has won 28 of its last 39 home meetings with New York. The Pacers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record. The Knicks are 1-4-1 ATS in their last 6 road games. New York is 0-3-1 ATS in its last 4 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Bet the Pacers Thursday.

15* Miami/UNC ESPN Thursday ANNIHILATOR North Carolina -4

The North Carolina Tar Heels should be a much heavier home favorite tonight over the Miami Hurricanes. North Carolina will be highly motivated to bounce back from a 52-61 loss at Virginia on Saturday as it returns home where it has played well all season.

UNC is 7-0 SU & 4-1 ATS in all home games this year, outscoring opponents by an average of 18.3 points/game. It has a few impressive home wins this year, including a 79-73 victory over a very good UNLV team as only a 2-point favorite.

Miami comes into this game overvalued after winning its last two games, including a 62-49 victory at Georgia Tech on Saturday. Remember, this is the same team that lost 50-69 to Arizona, and 55-57 to Indiana State in late December on a neutral court.

North Carolina is 10-0 SU in its last 10 meetings with Miami. The Tar Heels are 7-0 ATS off a road loss over the last 3 seasons, winning in this spot by 18.5 points/game. UNC is 6-0 ATS after a game where they made 53% of their free throws or worse over the last 2 seasons, winning in this spot by 20.5 points/game. These three trends combined for a perfect 23-0 system backing the Tar Heels. Roll with North Carolina Thursday.

20* NBA DOG OF THE MONTH on New Orleans Hornets +3

The New Orleans Hornets are one of the most undervalued teams in the league at this point of the season due to their 9-25 start this season. They have been battling injuries all season, but they are finally healthy and a dangerous team because of it.

Eric Gordon (18.2 PPG) and Anthony Davis (13.7 PPG, 8.3 RPG) have missed a combined 43 games this season, which is the biggest reason for their early struggles. Both are back and healthy and helping out this team. Gordon scored 24 points while Davis added 17 in a 95-88 win over San Antonio as an 8-point underdog on Monday.

Houston is overvalued right now due to the fact that it has been red hot of late. I look for the Rockets to cool off in a very tough spot for them tonight. They will be playing the second of a back-to-back and their 4th game in 6 days. Off a big emotional win over the Lakers last night, this is clearly a letdown spot for them.

Houston is 1-10 ATS in road games after allowing 100 points or more 2 straight games over the last 2 seasons. New Orleans is 9-1 ATS in home games vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons. The home team has won six straight meetings in this series. The Hornets will be very hungry for a win having already lost twice in Houston this season. Bet the Hornets Wednesday.

15* SEC PLAY OF THE DAY on Tennessee -2.5

The Tennessee Volunteers should be a much heavier home favorite tonight over Ole Miss. I'll gladly back them at this price as they look to bounce back from a tough 80-85 home loss to Memphis last time out. That was the Volunteers' first home loss of the season, and a rare one to say the least.

Tennessee is 6-1 at home this season, outscoring opponents by 10.6 points/game. It has beaten quality opponents in Wichita State and Xavier at home this season, and it will notch another home victory over Ole Miss in this one. In fact, the Vols have won eight straight home meetings with the Rebels dating back to 1997.

Ole Miss is way overvalued right now due to its 11-2 start against a very soft schedule. Their 11 wins have come against Miss Valley State, Coastal Carolina, Arkansas-Little Rock, McNeese State, Lipscomb, Rutgers, E. Tennessee State, Loyola-Marymount, San Francisco, Hawaii and Fordham. Tennessee will be the toughest team that the Rebels have faced all year.

The Volunteers are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games following a S.U. loss. Tennessee is 14-6-1 ATS in its last 21 home games. The Vols are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 vs. SEC foes. The Rebels are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 games following a SU win of more than 20 points. Tennessee is 8-0 ATS in home games against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons. The Vols are 24-9 ATS at home when the line is +3 to -3 since 1997. Bet Tennessee Wednesday.

15* NBA Wednesday No-Doubt Rout on Boston Celtics -9

I have rode the Boston Celtics with success in each of their last three games. They beat Indiana at home 94-75 as a 3-point favorite, won at Atlanta 89-81 as a 5.5-point dog, and won at New York 102-66 as a 7.5-point dog.

The biggest reason I've been backing the Celtics of late is the fact that they've underachieved through the first half of the season, and I have no doubt this is a much better team than their 14-17 record at the time I started backing them.

Avery Bradley is one of the most underrated players in the league. He has just recently returned from injury to give the Celtics a big boost the past four games. Bradley is arguably the best perimeter defender in the league and he'll make life miserable on these Phoenix guards tonight, just as he did on J.R. Smith Monday. Also, Rajon Rondo returns from his one-game suspension.

This is clearly a rebuilding year for the lowly Phoenix Suns. They are off to just a 12-24 start this season, going 14-21-1 ATS in the process. The Suns have been atrocious on the road, going 2-15 while getting outscored by 10.2 points/game. I faded them with success against Milwaukee last night as they lost 99-108. That makes this a tough situation for Phoenix as it will be playing the second of a back-to-back and its 3rd game in 4 days.

Phoenix is 1-10 ATS versus good passing teams, averaging >=23 assists/game over the last 2 seasons. The Suns are 2-16 ATS versus good shooting teams - making >=46% of their shots over the last 2 seasons. They are losing in this spot by 12.5 points/game. Phoenix is 0-8 ATS when playing 8 or more games in 14 days this season. Take the Celtics Wednesday.

15* ACC PLAY OF THE DAY on Virginia Tech -3

The Virginia Tech Hokies are highly motivated for a win tonight as they return home following a brutal stretch on the road. They have played four straight away from home while going 1-3 with three losses to some very good teams in Maryland, BYU and Colorado State.

Virginia Tech will be very happy to return home to a place where it has clearly played its best basketball of the season. The Hokies are 7-1 at home this season while outscoring opponents by 13.1 points/game. They have home wins over Iowa and Oklahoma State this year.

Boston College is just 1-3 on the road this season. Its lone road win came against Penn State, and its three losses were against College of Charleston, Dayton and Baylor. The Eagles also have bad home losses to Bryant (54-56) and Harvard (63-79) this season.

The Eagles are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Boston College is 2-6-1 ATS in its last 9 games following a loss. The Eagles are 1-5-1 ATS in their last 7 road games. The home team has won eight of the last nine meetings in this series. Roll with Virginia Tech Wednesday.

15* CBB Wednesday Undervalued Underdog on Western Michigan +14

The Western Michigan Broncos are one of the most underrated teams in the country. They are off to a very solid 8-5 start this season with their only losses coming on the road against some very good competition in Cornell, Michigan, Illinois State, Duquesne and NC State.

They are certainly battle-tested after playing three of the top teams in the country in Michigan, Illinois State and NC State. They also have impressive wins on the road against Loyola-Illinois (81-71) as a 5-pint dog, and South Florida (58-53) as a 10-point dog.

Akron is overvalued due to a five-game winning streak coming in that has gotten the Zips to 9-4 on the season. However, all five of those wins came at home against some very soft competition. Those five wins were against Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Cleveland State, Texas Southern, Princeton and Coppin State.

Western Michigan will be motivated to put an end to a 7-game losing streak to Akron. It has played the Zips very tough during this skid, though, as six of the seven losses have come by 12 points or less. That includes a 66-69 overtime loss to Akron in their lone meeting last season.

This play falls into a system that is 24-5 (82.8%) ATS over the last 5 seasons. It tells us to bet against home favorites of 10 or more points (AKRON) - a good offensive team (74-78 PPG) against a good defensive team (63-67 PPG), after scoring 85 points or more. Take Western Michigan Wednesday.

15* Pitt/Georgetown Big East No-Brainer on Georgetown -2

This line is an absolute gift from oddsmakers. Georgetown is one of the most underrated teams in the country and it should be a much bigger favorite at home tonight against the overrated Pittsburgh Panthers.

Georgetown is off to a 10-2 start this season. Its only losses have come against then-No. 1 Indiana in overtime on a neutral court as a 9.5-point dog and at Marquette 48-49 as a 3-point dog. Off that loss to Marquette Saturday, I look for the Hoyas to be hungry to bounce back at home.

Pitt played a very soft schedule before opening Big East play, racing out to a 12-1 start. However, it was favored by 6 over Cincinnati in its Big East opener, losing 61-70 at home. It then went on the road Saturday and fell at Rutgers 62-67 as a 7-point dog. Once again, this team is overvalued tonight.

Georgetown is a perfect 8-0 at home this season. It is outscoring opponents by a whopping 13.8 points per game at home this year. It is limiting its opponents to 51.1 points per game on 37.0 percent shooting at home.

The Panthers are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record. Pittsburgh is 1-5 ATS in their last 6 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. The Panthers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 road games. The Hoyas are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a S.U. loss. Bet Georgetown Tuesday.

15* NBA Tuesday No-Doubt Rout on Milwaukee Bucks -5.5

Off four straight losses, the Milwaukee Bucks will be highly motivated for a win tonight. Their losses have come against Detroit and Indiana on the road, as well as red hot San Antonio and Houston at home. They had beaten Miami at home in their last win before this 4-game skid.

Finally, the Bucks get a break in their schedule tonight against the Phoenix Suns, losers of eight of their last nine games overall. Phoenix is just 2-14 on the road this season, getting outscored by an average of 10.2 points/game. It is giving up a whopping 106.6 points/game away from home this year.

Phoenix is 0-7 ATS when playing 8 or more games in 14 days this season. It is losing in this spot by an average of 9.2 points/game. Milwaukee is a very profitable 57-30 ATS in its last 87 games following 4 or more consecutive losses. The Bucks are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games vs. a team with a losing S.U. record. Roll with the Bucks Tuesday.

20* CBB Tuesday Night Line Mistake on Drake +20.5

The oddsmakers have missed their mark badly in this game between Drake and Creighton. The Bulldogs are clearly undervalued headed into this one as a 20.5-point underdog. I like them to give the overvalued Blue Jays a run for their money in this one.

Drake is just 6-8 on the season against a very tough schedule. Its eight losses have come against quality opponents in Detroit (by 6), California (by 3), Xavier (by 4), St. Mary's (by 15), Iowa State (by 9), Bradley (by 9), Wichita State (by 12) and Missouri State (by 12). As you can see, none of its eight losses came by more than 15 points.

Creighton is overvalued due to its 14-1 start and No. 13 ranking in the country. There's no question that this is a very good team that will be a tough out in the NCAA Tournament, but it has created expectations for itself due to this fast start that it cannot live up to.

I faded Creight on Saturday by taking Indiana State +14.5 with success, and I'll do the same tonight with Drake. Only four times this season have the Blue Jays won by more than 20 points. Those four games were against Presbyterian, Longwood and St. Josephs and Nebraska.

Drake has played Creighton tough over the last several years. Each of the last 13 meetings dating back to 2006 were decided by 17 points or less with Drake actually winning five of those outright. This makes for a perfect 13-0 system backing the Bulldogs pertaining to tonight's line of 20.5.

This play falls into a system that is 41-11 (78.8%) ATS since 1997. It tells us to bet against home teams as a favorite or pick (CREIGHTON) - off 2 straight wins against conference rivals against opponent off 2 consecutive home losses of 10 points or more.

This play falls into another system that is 47-13 (78.3% ATS) over the last 5 seasons. It tells us to bet on road underdogs of 20 or more points (DRAKE) - off a loss by 10 points or more to a conference rival against opponent off a win against a conference rival. Take Drake Tuesday.

Note: I noticed that Drake has been bet down to +16.5 in some places since I posted this pick Tuesday night. I still recommend Drake at +16.5

15* NBA Monday Undervalued Underdog on New Orleans Hornets +8.5

The New Orleans Hornets have played the San Antonio Spurs very tough this season, but they are 0-2 in two meetings. They lost 95-99 at home as a 7-point underdog on October 31st, and 94-99 on the road as a 13.5-point dog on December 21st.

The Hornets will want revenge from those two heartbreaking defeats, and they should not be an 8.5-point home dog tonight. That's especially the case considering New Orleans is finally at full strength as SG Eric Gordon just recently returned the line-up. He helped lead the Hornets to a 99-96 overtime victory at Dallas on Saturday, which was their 3rd road win in the last six games.

San Antonio is overvalued right now due to a run in which it has won eight of its last nine games while going 6-3 ATS in the process. This run has been against some very weak competition. With the Lakers on deck Wednesday, and having already beaten the Hornets twice this year, the Spurs could be overlooking them just enough to lose this game, let alone cover the inflated 8.5-point spread.

New Orleans is 24-12 ATS revenging a same season loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons. The Hornets are 33-18 ATS as an underdog of 3.5 to 9.5 points over the last 2 seasons. The home team is 20-7 ATS in the last 27 meetings in this series. The Spurs are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 meetings in New Orleans. Roll with the Hornets Monday.

15* Celtics/Knicks NBA Monday No-Brainer on Boston +6.5

The Boston Celtics (16-17) are hungry to get back to .500 on the season tonight with a victory over the New York Knicks. I have been on Boston its past two games with a 94-75 home win over Indiana as a 3-point favorite, and an 89-81 road win at Atlanta as a 5.5-point underdog.

I believe this team is ready to turn the corner and win a third straight game for only the second time this season. Boston just recently got Avery Bradley back from injury, and he is one of the most underrated players in the league. His perimeter defense is as good as you will see in the NBA.

New York is overvalued due to its fast start. It has won two straight as well, but it needed to come from way behind to beat Orlando last time out. This team is without starting point guard Raymond Felton until late January, and they have been inconsistent without him.

Boston has owned this series with New York. It has won 14 of the last 17 meetings dating back to 2009. The Celtics are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 meetings in New York. The road team is 6-2 ATS in the last 8 meetings.

The Knicks are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. New York is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games following a win. Boston is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 vs. Eastern Conference foes. Take the Celtics Monday.

Note: I still recommend the Celtics at +7.5 now that Rajon Rondo has been officially ruled out.

15* NBA Sunday PLAY OF THE DAY on Charlotte Bobcats +9

The Detroit Pistons should not be a 9-point favorite against any team in the league, not even the Charlotte Bobcats. This is a much improved Bobcats' team this year that will give the Pistons a run for their money, possibly pulling off the upset tonight.

Detroit is overvalued right now due to winning four straight games coming in. Its last three wins have all come by 6 points or less, so it's not like it is blowout out the opposition. Off a 1-point home win over Atlanta last time out, it is in a big letdown spot tonight against the Bobcats.

An easy way to tell that Detroit is overvalued is the fact that it has not been a favorite of more than 7 points in any game this season. In fact, the 13-22 Pistons have only been a favorite 11 times this year with nine of those being a 5-point favorite or less.

Charlotte put an end to its long losing streak with an impressive 91-81 road victory at Chicago on December 31st as an 11.5-point underdog. It did lost to Cleveland 104-106 in its most recent game, but this team comes in fresh and ready to bounce back. In fact, this will only be the Bobcats' 2nd game in six days, so they'll be giving 100% effort in this one.

This play falls into a system that is 25-7 (78.1%) ATS since 1996. It tells us to bet on underdogs of 3.5 to 9.5 points (CHARLOTTE) - off an upset loss as a home favorite, a terrible team (<=25%) playing a team with a losing record. Bet the Bobcats Sunday.

15* Syracuse/South Florida Big East ANNIHILATOR on South Florida +8.5

The Syracuse Orange (13-1) are in a big letdown spot Sunday. They are coming off a 78-53 home victory over Rutgers in their Big East opener. That gave head coach Jim Boeheim is 903rd career victory, moving him past Bob Knight for 2nd on the all-time Division 1 wins list. It's only human nature for his players to have a letdown after getting him such a big win.

I believe South Florida is a good enough team to beat Syracuse even without a letdown by the Orange, but the spot makes the Bulls a must-play today. South Florida is off to a 9-3 start this season to pick up right where it left off last year as an NCAA Tournament team.

The Bulls remain underrated this season. They play tremendous defense, limiting opponents to just 60.2 points/game and 39.0 percent shooting. They have four players averaging double digits scoring, including returning starters Anthony Collins (10.2 PPG, 7.8 APG) and Victor Rudd (11.2 PPG, 7.8 RPG).

This will be just the 2nd true road game for Syracuse this season. Its first resulted in a 91-82 victory at Arkansas as an 8.5-point favorite on November 30th. That's a big reason why this team is so overvalued right now because it has done almost all of its damage at home against very weak competition.

Syracuse is a tired team right now as this will be its 3rd game in 7 days, and its 4th game in 9 days. The Orange are 0-7 ATS in road games when playing their 3rd game in a week over the last 3 seasons. The Bulls are 14-5-1 ATS in their last 20 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600. USF only lost by 8 points at Syracuse last season as a 14-point underdog. I like them to stay within 8 at home this time around. Take South Florida Sunday.

15* CBB Saturday Night Line Mistake on Northern Iowa +9.5

The Northern Iowa Panthers should not be catching this many points Saturday night against the Illinois State Redbirds. The Panthers have won eight of their last 10 meetings with the Redbirds, losing only once by more than 9.5 points.

Northern Iowa is undervalued right now due to losing four of its last five games overall. However, it has been an underdog in five of its last six games, clearly playing a difficult schedule. Its losses have come against Iowa, UNLV, Wichita State and Indiana State. It even beat St. Mary's 82-73 and George Mason 82-77 despite being an underdog in both games during this stretch.

Illinois State has lost its last two with a 75-77 setback at Indiana State, and a 72-79 drubbing at home at the hands of Creighton. Off such a tough loss to the Blue Jays, who are picked to win the MVC this season, I expect the Redbirds to suffer a hangover from that defeat.

Northern Iowa is 8-1 ATS versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game over the last 3 seasons. The underdog is 8-1 ATS in the last 9 meetings in this series. This one will go right down to the wire folks. Roll with Northern Iowa Saturday.

15* NBA Saturday PLAY OF THE DAY on Boston Celtics +5

The Boston Celtics are undervalued right now due to a recent 4-game losing streak before last night's 94-75 win over Indiana. I picked the Celtics last night, and I'm on them again Saturday as I believe they are going to put a run together here soon.

Boston just recently got Avery Bradley back from injury. His presence will take a lot of pressure off of Rajon Rondo, who also recently returned from injury. This team is finally starting to get healthy and there's no question they are going to string some wins together in the near future.

I believe that Atlanta has overachieved with its roster in the first half of the season, and as a result it is overvalued. It lost at Detroit last night 84-85, using a ton of energy to try and come back as it outscored the Pistons 22-11 in the 4th quarter.

Meanwhile, Boston coasted to its victory and rested in the 4th quarter, so it comes into this game in a much better frame of mind. The Celtics didn't have a single player play more than 30 minutes last night, while the Hawks had all five starters play more than 31 minutes. In fact, Jeff Teague, Al Horford and Lou Williams all played more than 40 minutes.

The underdog is 8-2 ATS in the last 10 meetings in this series. The road team is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings. The Celtics are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 meetings in Atlanta. The last two meetings between these teams were decided by a combined 4 points. Boston has won four of the last five meetings with its only loss coming by a single point. Bet the Celtics Saturday.

20* Pac-12 GAME OF THE MONTH on Utah +18.5

The Arizona Wildcats are way overvalued right now due to their perfect 13-0 start this season. They got away with murder in a 92-83 home win in overtime against Colorado on Thursday. They erased a double-digit deficit in the second half, and Colorado hit a game-winning jumper at the end of regulation that was eventually called off, though most would argue it should have counted.

Arizona is feeling overconfident right now as it continues to win close games. It had beaten San Diego State 68-67 prior to that overtime victory over Colorado. I wouldn't be surprised to see this underrated Utah team pull off the upset, but I'll take the points for some insurance.

Utah is a much better team than it is getting credit for. It is certainly better than its 8-5 record would indicate. ALL FIVE of its losses have come by 5 points or less this season. That includes a 58-61 loss at BYU as a 12.5-point underdog, and a 54-55 loss at Arizona State as an 8-point dog. The Utes are 8-2 ATS in all lines games this season.

Arizona is 0-6 ATS in home games off a no-cover where the team won straight up as a favorite over the last 3 seasons. The Wildcats are 0-6 ATS in home games after failing to cover the spread in 2 or more consecutive games over the last 3 seasons. These two trends combine for a perfect 12-0 system that has not lost in three years. Take Utah Saturday.

15* CBB Saturday Undervalued Underdog on Rice +16

The Rice Owls are catching way too many points Saturday against the Harvard Crimson in this one. Rice is an ever-improving team under former UCLA head coach Ben Braun. I know it is just 3-9 on the season, but it is an impressive 4-1 ATS in its lined games as it has been undervalued all year.

Its lined games have been against some solid competition, including a 63-77 loss at Temple as a 26-point underdog, and a 41-57 loss at Texas as an 18-point underdog. It also lost to Drexel 47-55 as a 13-point dog, and 63-65 to TCU as a 4-point dog.

Harvard is in for a big letdown in this one. It let a big lead slip away at St. Mary's last time out, falling 69-70 as a 12-point road underdog. The Gaels were playing a second of a back-to-back, so they clearly weren't on their game. I look for the Crimson to suffer a hangover from that crushing defeat.

Harvard hasn't been prone to blowing teams out, either. It is 7-5 this season with just one of those wins coming by more than 16 points. It has a 15-point home win over MIT, a 7-point home loss to Vermont, a 9-point home win over Fordham, a 1-point home win over Boston, and a 7-point home win over Holy Cross, falling to cover the spread in any of those five contests.

This play falls into a system that is 29-8 (78.4%) ATS since 1997. It tells us to bet on underdogs of 10 to 19.5 points (RICE) - after allowing 65 points or less 4 straight games against opponent after a close loss by 3 points or less. Also, the Crimson are 0-6 ATS in home games after 3 consecutive non-conference games over the last 2 seasons. Take Rice Saturday.

15* MVC GAME OF THE WEEK on Indiana State +14

The Indiana State Sycamores are showing excellent value as a 14-point underdog to the Creighton Blue Jays Saturday. Indiana State is a much better team than it is getting credit for in this one.

The Sycamores are off to a 9-4 start this season with their four losses coming against quality opponents in UCLA, New Mexico, San Diego State and Morehead State as they were an underdog in all four contests. Three of those losses have come by 9 points or less. What's most impressive about their 9-4 start is the fact that they have been an underdog in nine of their ten lined games this season, going a superb 7-3 ATS.

Creighton is overvalued due to its 13-1 start. It is coming off a huge win at Illinois State by a final of 79-72 as a 1.5-point favorite, setting it up for a big letdown spot tonight. The Blue Jays may win this game, but it won't be by more than 14 points.

The Sycamores are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS win. Indiana State is 6-0 ATS in its last 6 games overall. The Sycamores are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a S.U. win. Indiana State is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record. These four trends combine for a 20-0 system backing the Sycamores. Bet Indiana State Saturday.

15* Bulls/Heat ESPN Friday No-Brainer on UNDER 191

The oddsmakers have inflated this total tonight between the Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat. This game will be played on National TV on ESPN, which will bring out the best effort defensively from both teams. I don't expect either team to top 95 points in this one.

The Chicago Bulls don't need to be on National TV to play defense. It is their specialty as they are limiting opponents to just 91.6 points/game this season. However, they are scoring a mere 92.4 points/game, combining with their opponents to average 184.0 points/game on the season.

Miami has been playing solid defense at home, giving up 96.9 points/game. It will have no trouble shutting down this mediocre Bulls' offensive attack tonight. The Heat are one of the highest-scoring teams in the league, but rarely do they face a defense as stiff as the one they'll be up against tonight.

A look at the recent history between these teams indicates that this total has been inflated. Chicago and Miami have combined for 190 or less points (at the end of regulation) in 10 of their last 11 meetings. That includes an 83-72 home victory for Miami in their most recent meeting, and a 96-86 (OT) home win for Chicago in their previous meeting in a game that was tied 84-84 at the end of regulation.

The UNDER is Under is 20-7 in Bulls last 27 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600. The UNDER is 15-4 in Bulls last 19 games as an underdog. The UNDER is 6-1 in Heat last 7 home games. The UNDER is 9-1 in Bulls last 10 games when playing 6 or less games in 14 days this season. Take the UNDER in this game Friday.

15* NBA Friday No-Doubt Rout on Boston Celtics -2

The Boston Celtics are more motivated for a win tonight than they have been all season. They are coming off four straight losses while dropping eight of their last 10 games overall. There's no question they will be giving 110% effort to try and right the ship tonight.

A big reason for the Celtics' struggles of late is their schedule, which has featured seven road games. Also, eight of those 10 games have come against teams that would currently be in the playoffs if the season were to end today. It's safe to say the the Celtics are battle-tested heading into this showdown with Indiana.

While the Celtics are undervalued due to their recent cold streak, the Pacers are certainly overvalued due to their recent success. Indiana has won nine of its last 11 games overall. However, seven of their nine wins during this stretch came against teams with losing records. They have simply taken advantage of a very soft schedule over the past month.

The Celtics are 14-6-1 ATS in their last 21 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. The Pacers are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. The home team is 11-5 ATS in the last 16 meetings. Roll with the Celtics Friday.

15* CBB Thursday No-Doubt Rout on San Jose State -2.5

The San Jose State Spartans are not getting the respect they deserve from oddsmakers tonight. As only a 2.5-point home favorite, I expect them to roll right over the Idaho Vandals Thursday.

San Jose State is off to a solid 7-5 start this season. What is most impressive about this start is the fact that it is 4-1 in true road games with its only loss coming at Kansas by a final of 57-70 as a 27.5-point underdog. That game really showed what this team is capable of. They also have a solid home win over Weber State 68-67 as a 2.5-point dog.

Idaho is simply not a very good team at 5-6 on the season. Its only wins have come against Wisconsin-Green Bay, Cal Davis, Eastern Washington, Walla Walla and Seattle. The Vandals are just 2-4 on the road this season, and they have lost every game they have played against a respectable opponent.

San Jose State is 20-6 ATS after 2 straight games where they were called for 15 or less fouls since 1997. The Spartans are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games overall. They want revenge from two losses to Idaho by 8 and 6 points last season. I believe they get it tonight in blowout fashion. Take San Jose State Thursday.

15* T'Wolves/Nuggets NBA Thursday ANNIHILATOR on Minnesota +8

The betting public has jumped all over the Denver Nuggets tonight. This line opened at 6.5 in most places and has already been bet up to 8. I'm going to fade the public and back the Minnesota Timberwolves showing excellent value here tonight.

Denver is overvalued because it just recently put an end to the Los Angeles Cliippers' 17-game winning streak with a 92-78 home victory on Tuesday. That win has the public all over them in this one, and I fully expect the Nuggets to suffer a big emotional letdown after such a huge victory. Also, starting PG Ty Lawson is doubtful to play with an Achilles injury.

Minnesota comes in undervalued after its 84-106 loss at Utah last night. That was arguably the worst game the Timberwolves have played all season, and there's no question they will be motivated to bounce back with a win tonight. I know they are playing a back-to-back, but this will be just their 2nd game in 5 days, so fatigue won't be a factor.

Minnesota has played Denver very tough in recent meetings. The Nuggets have only beaten the Timberwolves once by more than 7 points in the last six meetings. Minnesota lost 107-113 and 103-101 (OT) in its last two trips to Denver, respectively.

The road team is 20-5-1 ATS in the last 26 meetings, and the Timberwolves are 9-1 ATS in their last 10 meetings in Denver. Minnesota is 16-5 ATS in its last 21 games following a SU loss of more than 10 points. It is also 12-3 ATS as a road underdog of 6.5 to 9 points over the last 2 seasons. Roll with the Timberwolves Thursday.

15* CBB Thursday Undervalued Underdog on Wisconsin-Milwaukee +18

At 4-10 on the season, the Wisconsin-Milwaukee Panthers are certainly undervalued heading into this showdown with Detroit. The Panthers are also 0-8 on the road this year, where they are getting outscored by an average of 15.5 points/game.

Detroit is overvalued due to its 8-5 start which has included wins in six of its last seven games with its only loss coming at Syracuse. The Titans are also 7-0 at home this season where they are outscoring opponents by 15.3 points/game.

A closer look shows that Detroit only has two wins this season by more than 16 points. Those were at home against Northern Michigan (88-53) and Rochester College (102-67), two games where there wasn't a point spread set because they were expected to blow them out.

Only three of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's 10 losses this season have come by more than 16 points. One was a recent 21-point loss at Wisconsin in their last road game. If they can stay within 21 of the Badgers on the road, I have no doubt they can stey within 17 of Detroit away from home.

Detroit is 0-7 ATS in home games after having won 4 or 5 of their last 6 games over the last 2 seasons. The Titans are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400. Bet Wisconsin-Milwaukee Thursday.

15* CBB Wednesday Late-Night BAILOUT on UTEP +10.5

The UTEP Miners should not be catching double-digits against the Colorado State Rams Wednesday. UTEP comes in playing its best basketball of the season having won three straight and five of six overall. Its only loss during this stretch came by a final of 60-62 to a very good UNLV team as a 6.5-point underdog.

Colorado State is off to a very impressive 11-2 start this season, but as a result it is way overvalued heading into this contest Wednesday. It has won five straight, but those five wins have come against North Florida, CS-Bakersfield, Portland, Virginia Tech and Adams State. The Rams will certainly be seeing a step up in competition tonight.

UTEP is a perfect 6-0 ATS when playing against a top-level team (Win Pct. > 80%) over the last 2 seasons. UTEP is 4-0 ATS in its last 4 games overall. Colorado State is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games vs. a team with a winning record. Bet UTEP Wednesday.

15* CBB Wednesday No-Doubt Rout on Miami -6

The Miami Hurricanes will be very hungry for a win Wednesday when they host LaSalle. They have lost back-to-back games to Arizona and Indiana State on neutral courts to drop to 8-3 after a hot 8-1 start. I have no doubt they get back on track with a blowout home victory tonight.

Miami is 5-0 SU & 3-0 ATS at home this season. It is outscoring opponents by 15.6 points/game at home this year. That includes a 67-59 victory over Michigan State and a 77-62 triumph over Detroit. LaSalle has played one of the easiest schedules you will ever see, and as a result it is overvalued due to its 9-2 start.

LaSalle is 11-24 ATS after having won 4 of its last 5 games since 1997. The Hurricanes are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 vs. Atlantic 10 opponents. Miami is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600. The Hurricanes are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a S.U. loss. Miami is 41-17-1 ATS in its last 59 non-conference game. Roll with the Hurricanes Wednesday.

15* CBB Wednesday Undervalued Underdog on Missouri State +16

The Missouri State Bears are a much better team than their 3-10 record would indicate. They should not be catching 15 points to the Evansville Purple Aces tonight. All 10 of their losses have come by 20 points or less, so they have yet to get really crushed. The Bears come in with confidence after beating Southern Illinois 70-59 in as a 5-point dog in their Missouri Valley opener on December 30th.

Meanwhile, Evansville is reeling after back-to-back losses to Butler and Creighton by a combined 25 points. It is just 7-6 on the season with few blowout wins on its resume. It has beaten Oakland City, Miami Ohio and Tennessee Tech by more than 15 points, but that's not saying much. The Purple Aces also beat Yale by 10, Western Illinois by 5, Tennessee Tech by 12 and Alabama State by 13. I believe Missouri State is better than every team that Evansville has beaten.

This play falls into a system that is 156-99 (61.2%) ATS over the last 5 seasons. It tells us to bet on road teams as an underdog or pick (MISSOURI ST) - off an upset win as an underdog, a bad team, winning 20% to 40% of their games on the season. Take Missouri State Wednesday.

15* NBA Wednesday Night Line Mistake on Toronto Raptors -3.5

The Toronto Raptors continue going under the radar despite being one of the hottest teams in the league. They have won six of their last seven games overall, including a 123-88 victory at Orlando last time out on December 29th. That means they've had three days' rest heading into this one.

While the Raptors are well-rested, the Portland Trail Blazers come into this game on a back-to-back. They won at New York 105-100 as a 9.5-point underdog, which was a huge win for them. I look for the Blazers to suffer a big letdown here tonight as they simply aren't able to get up emotionally for Toronto after that win inside Madison Square Garden last night.

Portland is 5-10 on the road this season, getting outscored by 6.8 points/game. Toronto is 7-5 at home this year, outscoring opponents by 3.4 points/game. The Raptors are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400. Toronto is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 home games. The favorite is 5-0 ATS in the last 5 meetings. The home team is 7-3 ATS in the last 10 meetings. Roll with the Raptors Wednesday.

15* NBA Wednesday No-Doubt Rout on Chicago Bulls -3.5

The Chicago Bulls will be more motivated for a win tonight than they have been all season. As a result, I'll back them as only a 3.5-point favorite over the lowly Orlando Magic. Chicago has lost three of its last four while going 0-4 ATS in the process.

This recent run has the Bulls way undervalued heading into this contest. They are coming off their most embarrassing loss of the season with an 81-91 home loss to Charlotte, allowing the Bobcats to put an end to their 18-game losing streak. Head coach Tom Thibodeau is one of the best in the business in getting his players to respond from a bad defeat.

Orlando is in a world of hurt right now after losing second-leading scorer Glen Davis (16.0 PPG, 7.9 RPG) for 4-6 weeks with a shoulder strain. Now, guards Jameer Nelson (hip) and E'Twuan Moore (elbow) have missed the past two games, and each is questionable to return tonight. Orlando has lost six straight coming in, including a 110-112 overtime loss to Miami last time out. I look for the Magic to suffer a hangover from that tough loss to the rival Heat and drop their 7th straight tonight.

The Bulls are 45-22-2 ATS in their last 69 games following a S.U. loss. Chicago is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 road games vs. a team with a losing home record. The Bulls are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 Wednesday games. The Magic are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 home games. The road team is 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings. Chicago has won six of its last seven meetings with Orlando. Take the Bulls Wednesday.

15* NBA Wednesday Bounce-Back BLOWOUT on Cleveland Cavaliers -3

The Cleveland Cavaliers are hungry for a win tonight. They have lost two straight in heartbreaking fashion to Atlanta (94-102) and Brooklyn (100-103) in the closing seconds. I look for them to take out their frustration on the lowly Sacramento Kings tonight and to pick up a blowout home victory.

Cleveland comes in on three days' rest having last played on December 29th in Brooklyn. Meanwhile, Sacramento will be playing the second of a back-to-back and its 3rd game in 4 days. The Kings lost 97-103 at Detroit last night. They won't be able to match the intensity of the well-rested Cavaliers in this one. The Kings are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games playing on 0 days rest.

Sacramento is just 1-13 on the road this season. It is getting outscored by an average of 10.7 points/game away from home this year. The Kings are 9-19-1 ATS in their last 29 games following a S.U. loss. They are also 8-17 ATS in their last 25 games vs. a team with a losing S.U. record. Bet the Cavaliers Wednesday.

15* 76ers/Lakers NBA Late-Night BAILOUT on Philadelphia +9

The Los Angeles Lakers are simply laying too many points to the Philadelphia 76ers tonight. They have not done well in the role of the big favorite over the last several seasons because they always tend to play down to their competition.

Philadelphia is undervalued because it has lost two straight and eight of its last 10 games overall. Each of its last three losses have come on the road by 7 points or less to Brooklyn, Golden State, and Portland. It has won two of its last five with a 99-80 home win over Atlanta, and a 99-89 triumph on the road at Memphis, both playoff teams. This recent stretch certainly has the 76ers motivated for a win here tonight.

The Lakers are overvalued due to winning six of their last seven games overall. That includes a 104-87 home victory over the hapless Portland Trail Blazers last time out. They could be looking ahead to their game against the Los Angeles Clippers next, who have won 17 straight games.

Los Angeles is 9-26 ATS after covering 4 or 5 of its last 6 against the spread over the last 3 seasons. The Lakers are 9-23-1 ATS in their last 33 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game. Los Angeles is 2-14 (88%) ATS in its last 16 Tuesday games. The Lakers are 15-35-2 ATS in their last 52 games vs. a team with a losing S.U. record. The road team is 7-1 ATS (88%) in the last 8 meetings. Take the Lakers Tuesday.

15* CBB Tuesday PLAY OF THE DAY on Yale +20.5

The Yale Bulldogs are showing awesome value as a 20.5-point underdog to the Iowa State Cyclones on Tuesday, January 1st. There's no question that some of these Iowa State players had a little too much fun last night, and they won't be wanting to play at 1:00 EST this afternoon.

This is a huge letdown spot for the Cyclones considering they open Big 12 play next. In fact, they will open conference action with Kansas, which is the team favored to win the Big 12. They will be overlooking Yale enough in this one to not cover the inflated number.

Yale is battle-tested coming in. It is coming off back-to-back road losses to Nevada (75-85) as a 12-point dog, and to St Mary's (62-78) as a 22-point dog. This team is certainly better than its 4-9 record would indicate as eight of its nine losses have come by 16 points or less.

This play falls into a system that is 30-6 (83.3%) ATS over the last 5 seasons. It tells us to bet on road underdogs of 10 or more points (YALE) - a poor offensive team (63-67 PPG) against a good defensive team (63-67 PPG), after allowing 75 points or more 2 straight games. Bet Yale Tuesday.

15* NBA Monday PLAY OF THE DAY on Brooklyn Nets +9.5

The Brooklyn Nets needed a spark and they've gotten it with a coaching change. Avery Johnson has been fired, and interim head coach P.J. Carlesimo has taken over. He has led the Nets to back-to-back wins by a combined 19 points.

I look for the Nets to give the San Antonio Spurs a run for their money tonight. The Spurs will be playing the second of a back-to-back and their 3rd game in 4 days, so this is a very tough situation for them.

This play falls into a system that is 27-5 (84.4%) ATS since 1996. It tells us to bet on road underdogs (BROOKLYN) - cold team - failing to cover the spread in 12 or more of the last 15, with a winning percentage of between 45-55% on the season.

Brooklyn is way better than it has shown in recent weeks, and as a result it is undervalued heading into this contest tonight. Roll with the Nets Monday.

15* Gonzaga/Oky State ESPN 2 ANNIHILATOR on Oklahoma State -1.5

The Oklahoma State Cowboys are showing solid value as a small home favorite over the Gonzaga Bulldogs tonight. This is a team that is 10-1 on the season with solid neutral court wins over Tennessee (62-45) and NC State (76-56) already.

Oklahoma State is 7-0 SU & 5-1 ATS at home this season. It is outscoring opponents by a whopping 21.7 points/game at home this year. It has been playing tremendous defense this season, limiting opponents to 55.5 points/game and 35.8% shooting overall.

Gonzaga is 1-9 ATS in its last 10 road games. Oklahoma State is 6-0 ATS in home games after having won 6 or 7 of their last 8 games over the last 3 seasons. The Cowboys are 7-0 ATS in home games after successfully covering the spread in 2 or more consecutive games over the last 3 seasons. Oklahoma State is 6-0 ATS in home games after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 3 seasons. These four trends combine for a 28-1 (97%) system backing the Cowboys. Bet Oklahoma State Monday

15* Jazz/Clippers NBA Late-Night BAILOUT on UNDER 195.5

This is a home and home situation for Utah and Los Angeles tonight. These teams just played in Utah on Friday as the Clippers squeaked away with a 116-114 victory. Both teams were on fire as the Clippers shot 49.4%, while the Jazz shots 47.9%. There's no way either team shoots that well again.

I look for the familiarity of these teams having just played two nights ago favors a low-scoring game. Both teams know what one another likes to do offensively, which will allow the defenses to make the proper adjustments to stop it. That high-scoring game Friday has provided is with some excellent line value on the UNDER in this one.

The Clippers have allowed less than 100 points in 11 of their last 13 games overall. In fact, they have yielded 85 or less in six of their last eight contests. The Jazz have scored less than 100 points in eight of their last nine, and they have allowed less than 100 in six of their last nine.

The UNDER is 4-0 in Clippers last 4 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game. The UNDER is 8-3 in Clippers last 11 games overall. The UNDER is 4-1 in Jazz last 5 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Bet the UNDER in this game Sunday.

15* Celtics/Warriors NBA Late-Night BAILOUT on UNDER 195

The books have set the bar too high tonight in this contest between the Boston Celtics and Golden State Warriors. I look for neither team to top 95 points in this low-scoring, defensive battle.

Boston will be motivated following one of its worst losses of the season. It fell 77-106 at the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday, and off sch a poor defensive performance, there's no question it will be getting after it on that side of the ball tonight.

Golden State is certainly an improved defensive team this season as it is allowing less than 100 points/game this year. It is coming off two of its best defensive performances of the season with a 94-83 win at Utah, and a 96-89 home victory over Philadelphia.

The UNDER is 4-1 in Celtics last 5 road games. The UNDER is 4-1 in Celtics last 5 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600. The UNDER is 18-7-1 in Celtics last 26 Saturday games. Bet the UNDER in this game Saturday.

15* CBB Saturday Night Line Mistake on Oklahoma -3

The Oklahoma Sooners remain one of the most underrated teams in the country. Head coach Lon Kruger returned all five starters from last season, and this is going to be one of the best teams in the Big 12 this season.

Oklahoma is off to a solid 7-3 start, but it is coming off a one-point loss to SF Austin State. It will be highly motivated to bounce back from that loss, and it is undervalued because of it.

Ohio is 8-4 this season, but a closer look at its losses shows that this team clearly has problems. It has road losses to Robert Morris (76-84), Memhis (58-84) and UMass (76-85) as well as a home loss to Richmond.

The Bobcats are 0-3 on the road this season, getting outscored by 14.3 points/game. They don't have a good win yet this season. Ohio is 4-10 ATS in its last 14 road games. The Sooners are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 home games, and 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a S.U. loss. Roll with Oklahoma Saturday.

15* CBB Saturday No-Doubt Rout on South Florida -2.5

The South Florida Bulls remain one of the most underrated teams in the country. They made a great run to the NCAA Tournament and actually won a game there last year, and they have several key pieces back from that team.

The Bulls have opened 7-3 this season while winning five of their last six contests. The includes a 6-2 mark at home where they are outscoring opponents by 8.1 points/game.

George Mason is just 7-4 on the year. It has losses to Bucknell, New Mexico, Maryland and Northern Iowa. It is coming off a big win at Richmond, but I believe that victory has it overvalued heading into this one.

South Florida is 16-4 ATS off a home win scoring 85 or more points since 1997. George Mason is 8-21 ATS in its last 29 games following a S.U. win. The Patriots are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. The Bulls are 8-1 ATS versus good 3 point shooting teams - making >=37% of their attempts over the last 2 seasons. Take South Florida Saturday.

15* CBB Saturday Undervalued Underdog on Virginia Tech +10

This line is an overreaction from the results of last game for both teams. Virginia Tech suffered its worst loss of the season 52-88 to Colorado State, while BYU rolled over Northern Arizona 84-54.

At 9-3 on the season, I still believe Virginia Tech is one of the most underrated teams in the country. BYU doesn't really have a good win all season. It lost to Florida State (70-88), Notre Dame (68-78), Iowa State (62-83) and Baylor (64-79). The Cougars have no business being a double-digit favorite in this one.

BYU is 0-6 ATS in road games after a cover as a double digit favorite over the last 2 seasons. The Cougars are 4-17 ATS after a blowout win by 20 points or more over the last 3 seasons. BYU is 1-10 ATS in road games after a game where they covered the spread over the last 2 seasons. Bet Virginia Tech Saturday.

15* NBA Friday Night Line Mistake on New Orleans Hornets -2.5

The New Orleans Hornets are way undervalued due to their recent 11-game losing streak. Seven of those 11 losses came by 7 points or less, so they just weren't getting the breaks. They beat the Orlando Magic 97-94 last time out on Wednesday to put an end to the skid, and I look for them to go on a nice run here with the Raptors and Bobcats up next.

Toronto comes into this game way overvalued after having won five of its last six games overall. Four of those wins came at home against the lowly Magic, Pistons, Rockets and Mavericks. They also won at Cleveland, but were torched 80-100 at San Antonio on Wednesday to put an end to their five-game winning streak. They should be a much bigger dog tonight on the road against the Hornets.

The Raptors are just 2-15 SU & 6-11 ATS on the road this season. They are getting outscored by a whopping 10.5 points/game away from home thus far in 2012. Bet the Hornets Friday.

15* NBA Friday Total DOMINATOR on Heat/Pistons UNDER 191.5

The books have set the bar too high tonight in this contest between the Miami Heat and Detroit Pistons. Miami is going to be without second-leading scorer Dwyane Wade (suspension), and it could be without their best shooter Ray Allen (shoulder), who is listed as questionable.

A look at recent meetings between these teams and it's easy to see that this total has been inflated. Miami beat Detroit 98-75 on April 8th in their most recent showdown for 173 combined points. The Heat topped the Pistons 88-73 for 161 combined points in their previous meeting on March 23rd.

Detroit has combined for 188 or fewer points with five of its last six opponents. The only exception was a double-overtime loss at Atlanta last time out. They combined for 165 points with Indiana, 164 with the Los Angeles Clippers, 188 with Toronto, 168 with Washington and 185 again with Washington.

The Pistons are 18-4 to the UNDER in their last 22 games after allowing 120 points or more in their previous game. The UNDER is 7-1 in Miami's last 8 games overall. The UNDER is 10-2-1 in Heat last 13 Friday games. The UNDER is 4-0 in Pistons last 4 home games. Take the UNDER in this game Friday.

15* NBA Friday No-Doubt Rout on Brooklyn Nets -9.5

The Brooklyn Nets have just made a coaching change amidst their poor run of 10 losses in their last 13 games. Avery Johnson has been fired, replaced by veteran head coach P.J. Carlesimo. I believe this move will spark new life into the Nets and give them a big boost tonight.

This is still one of the most talented teams in the league, and it's only a matter of time before the right coach puts it all together. The Nets have an excellent chance of working out the kinks against a Charlotte Bobcats team that is arguably the worst in the league once again in 2012-13.

Charlotte has lost 16 straight games heading into this contest. It is just 7-21 on the season, including 2-10 SU & 4-8 ATS in 12 road games. It is getting outscored by an average of 14.3 points/game away from home this season.

The Bobcats are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 games following a SU loss of more than 10 points. The Nets are 8-3-2 ATS in their last 13 games playing on 1 days rest. Charlotte is 11-32 ATS when the total is between 190 and 199.5 points over the last 2 seasons. The Bobcats are 3-16 ATS in a road game where the total is between 190 and 199.5 points over the last 2 seasons. Roll with the Nets Friday.

15* Celtics/Clippers TNT Late-Night BAILOUT on Boston +8.5

The Los Angeles Clippers are way overvalued right now due to their 14-game winning streak. There's no question that it's an impressive run, but now is the time to fade them against a gritty Boston Celtics team that will simply want this one more.

Boston is coming off one of its strongest performances of the season, and it should be getting more respect than it is from oddsmakers because of it. The Celtics went into Brooklyn and came away with a 93-76 road victory on Christmas Day. They limited the Nets to 40.6 percent shooting while forcing 20 turnovers.

Boston has won three of its last four meetings with Los Angeles. It is 2-0 in its last two visits to Los Angeles, including a 94-85 victory as a 5.5-point underdog in the most recent meeting between these teams. In fact, it hasn't lost any of its last five trips to L.A. by more than 2 points.

The underdog is a perfect 7-0 ATS in the last 7 meetings dating back to 2009. Take the Celtics Thursday.

15* NBA Wednesday Total DOMINATOR on Warriors/Jazz UNDER 204

I look for a low-scoring, defensive battle tonight between the Golden State Warriors and Utah Jazz. The biggest reason I like this UNDER is the fact that Utah is without starting point guard Mo Williams, who is averaging 12.9 points and 6.7 assists per game.

Without Williams, Utah's offense won't be very efficient. They'll slow it down even more and look to get the ball inside to Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap one just about every possession. The Jazz have been playing in many low-scoring games of late. In fact, each of their last seven contests have seen 195 or less combined points.

Golden State is coming off three straight high-scoring games, including a 115-118 home loss to the Los Angeles Lakers in overtime last time out. That's a big reason why this total has been inflated tonight. I look for Utah to control to the tempo at home and for this game to be slowed down to a snail's pace without Williams out there running the show. The Jazz are allowing just 94.3 points/game at home this year.

The Warriors are 15-4 to the UNDER in road games after scoring 110 points or more over the last 3 seasons. Golden State is 15-4 to the UNDER in a road game where the total is greater than or equal to 200 over the last 2 seasons. The Warriors are 28-9 to the UNDER in road games after a combined score of 215 points or more 3 straight games since 1996.

These teams have combined for 203 or fewer points in seven of their last nine meetings. The UNDER is 12-3-1 in the last 16 meetings overall, including 5-0-1 in the last 6 meetings in Utah dating back to 2009. The UNDER is 6-1 in Warriors last 7 games playing on 3 or more days rest. The UNDER is 7-0 in Jazz last 7 games playing on 2 days rest. The UNDER is 13-3-1 in Warriors last 17 vs. a team with a winning S.U. record. Roll with the UNDER in this game Wednesday.

15* NBA Wednesday No-Doubt Rout on San Antonio Spurs -13

The San Antonio Spurs have been absolutely dominant at home this season. They are 10-2 at home where they are outscoring opponents by an average of 12.1 points/game. That includes a 129-91 victory over Dallas last time out on December 23rd, and this team is even more dangerous when given a lot of rest.

Toronto is overvalued right now due to its 5-game winning streak. Those five victories came over the Mgaic, Pistons, Cavs, Rockets and Mavericks with four of them coming at home. The Raptors have been atrocious on the road this season. They are 2-14 SU & 6-10 ATS on the road, getting outscored by an average of 10.0 points/game.

The Spurs are 9-1 ATS in their last 10 games playing on 2 days rest. San Antonio is 20-5-2 ATS in its last 27 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400. The 35-13-4 ATS in their last 52 games following a S.U. win. San Antonio is 36-14-3 ATS in its last 53 home games. The Raptors are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Take the Spurs Wednesday.

15* NBA Wednesday Undervalued Underdog on New Orleans Hornets +3

The New Orleans Hornets are highly motivated for a win tonight. They blew a 21-point lead to Indiana last time out to lose 75-81 as the Pacers handed them their 11th straight defeat. They have simply not been able to get the breaks to go their way as seven of those 11 losses have come by 7 points or less.

A Christmas Break is just what this New Orleans needed to regroup. While the Hornets are almost back at full strength health-wise, the Magic are not. They just loss Glen Davis to a shoulder injury for the 4-6 weeks. That is a huge blow considering Davis was second on the team in scoring (16.0 PPG) and second in rebounding (7.9 RPG).

New Orleans is 30-13 ATS in its last 43 road games following 4 or more consecutive losses. The Hornets are 28-15 ATS in their last 43 games as a road underdog. Orlando is 0-7 ATS in home games versus good 3 point shooting teams - making >=36% of their attempts this season. The Hornets are 11-3 ATS in their last 14 games playing on 3 or more days rest. Bet New Orleans Wednesday.

15* Nuggets/Clippers NBA Late-Night BAILOUT on Denver +7

The Denver Nuggets are showing great value as a 7-point road underdog to the Los Angeles Clippers Tuesday. Los Angeles is way overvalued due to its current 13-game winning streak and counting. The Nuggets are one of the most underrated teams in the league due to their mediocre 15-13 start against an absolutely brutal schedule.

Denver has played 19 of its first 28 games on the road this season. They've done an excellent job of posting a winning record despite that schedule, and they are playing their best basketball of late. The Nuggets have won four of their last five, and they are 6-1 ATS in their last seven. They would love nothing more than to put an end to the Clippers' winning streak.

The Nuggets are 11-2 ATS versus very good teams - outscoring their opponents by 6+ points/game over the last 2 seasons. Denver is 32-14 ATS as an underdog of 3.5 to 9.5 points over the last 3 seasons. The Nuggets are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games following a SU win of more than 10 points. The Clippers are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game. Denver is 37-18 ATS in its last 55 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. The road team is 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings. Roll with the Nuggets Tuesday.

15* Thunder/Heat NBA Finals Rematch on UNDER 206

The Oklahoma City Thunder and Miami Heat are very familiar with one another after playing in the NBA Finals this past June. Their series went to five games with Miami winning the final four to win the championship. Four of those five meeting saw 202 or less combined points, so they were typically low-scoring. I look for this rematch in the regular season to follow suit with less than 206 combined points by game's end.

Both teams have been very solid defensively. Oklahoma City is giving up 96.2 points/game overall, and it are combineing with their opponents to average 196.9 points/game on the road this season. Miami is giving up 97.4 points/game overall, and it is combining with its opponents to average 200.8 points/game in all games this year. As you can see, both teams are combining with their opponents to average well less than this posted total.

Miami is 18-4 to the UNDER after 2 straight games where they made 50% of their shots or better over the last 3 seasons. Oklahoma City is 8-1 to the UNDER when the total is 200 to 209.5 this season. The UNDER is 5-0 in Heat's last 5 home games. Take the UNDER in this game Tuesday.

20* Knicks/Lakers Christmas Day No-Brainer on UNDER 214.5

Oddsmakers have set the bar too high in this contest between the New York Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers. These teams are very familiar with one another after playing each other recently. New York beat Los Angeles 116-107 on December 13th less than two weeks ago. Because of that high-scoring affair, oddsmakers have inflated this total in the rematch, which I anticipate to be much more lower scoring.

Both teams know how to defend, especially the Knicks, who are giving up just 96.5 points/game on the season. The Lakers have been defending well at home this year, limiting opponents to just 96.1 points/game. They are scoring 101.5 points/game at home, so they are combining with their opponents to average 197.6 points/game. New York is combining with its opponents to average 198.7 points/game on the road this year. As you can see, both numbers are well below the posted total in this one.

The UNDER is 42-19-1 in Lakers last 62 vs. Eastern Conference. The UNDER is 35-16-1 in Lakers last 52 games playing on 2 days rest. The UNDER is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings in this series. The Lakers are 15-5 to the UNDER after allowing 100 points or more 2 straight games over the last 2 seasons. Bet the UNDER in this game Tuesday.

15* NBA Sunday No-Doubt Rout on Brooklyn Nets -5.5

The Brooklyn Nets are highly motivated for a victory here Sunday. They have lost three straight and eight of 10 coming in to sit just one game over .500 on the season. There's no question that they want to put an end to this skid.

Brooklyn has had plenty of time to stew over its recent losing streak. It hasn't played since Wednesday, December 19th so it has had three days' rest in between games. The Nets have had time to regroup and prepare for the 76ers, which will make the difference in this one.

Philadelphia is 1-9 ATS in road games when playing against a marginal winning team (Win Pct. 51% to 60%) over the last 2 seasons. The 76ers are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 road games. Philly is 0-4 ATS in its last 4 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. The Nets are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games playing on 3 or more days rest. These four trends combine for a 23-2 (92%) System backing Brooklyn. Roll with the Nets Sunday.

15* Lakers/Warriors NBA Late-Night BAILOUT on Los Angeles PK

The Los Angeles Lakers come in fresh and ready to go. They will be working on three days' rest since last beating the Charlotte Bobcats at home on December 18th. This extra practice time will do wonders for the Lakers as they continue to try and get down Mike D'Antoni's system.

While the Lakers come in fresh, the Golden State Warriors will be extremely exhausted. They will be playing the second of a back-to-back, their 4th game in 5 days, and their 6th game in 9 days tonight. They won't be able to match the energy level of the Lakers in this one.

Los Angeles has simply owned this series with Golden State. It has won 17 of the last 18 meetings dating back to 2008, winning 94% of the time. Given the situation and their dominance in this series, the Lakers should be a heavy favorite tonight and they're not.

This play falls into a system that is 70-33 (68%) ATS over the last 5 seasons. It tells us to bet against home teams (GOLDEN STATE) - after a home game where both teams score 100 or more points, extremely tired team - when playing their 3rd game in 4 days. Roll with the Lakers Saturday.

15* CBB Saturday Undervalued Underdog on Western Kentucky +21.5

The Louisville Cardinals are in a huge letdown spot here Saturday in this neutral court showdown with Western Kentucky played at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, TN. They have arch rival Kentucky on deck and will be looking ahead to that contest.

Western Kentucky is a solid team at 8-4. It is coming off back-to-back road losses to a pair of very good teams in Murray State and Virginia Commonwealth. Those two games have the Hilltoppers battle-tested an hungry for a victory heading into this showdown with Louisville.

This play falls into a system that is 25-7 (78.1%) ATS since 1997. It tells us to bet on underdogs of 20 or more points (W KENTUCKY) - after a blowout loss by 30 points or more against opponent after scoring 75 points or more 3 straight games. Bet Western Kentucky Saturday.

15* NBA Saturday No-Doubt Rout on Houston Rockets +1

The Houston Rockets are playing their best basketball of the season heading into this contest with the Memphis Grizzlies. They have won four of their last five games overall, which includes a 109-96 victory at New York.

While the Rockets come in on two days' rest, the Memphis Grizzlies will be playing the second of a back-to-back and their 6th game in 9 days. There's no question that Houston will be the fresher team, and with the way it is playing right now, it should be laying points instead of being the underdog.

Houston is a perfect 8-0 ATS as a home underdog of 6 points or less over the last 2 seasons. It is winning in this spot by an average of 6.3 points/game. Bet the Rockets Saturday.

15* CBB Saturday No-Doubt Rout on Virginia Tech -2.5

The Virginia Tech Hokies are one of the most underrated teams in the entire country. They should be a heavier favorite tonight over Bradley in this neutral court showdown at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, NV.

The Hokies opened 7-0 before losing two of their last three games to West Virginia and Georgia Southern by a combined 6 points. That loss to Southern last time out is really not sitting well with Virginia Tech, and I look for its players to take out their frustration on the Bradley Braves tonight.

While Virginia Tech has had six days to stew over that loss to Georgia Southern and prepare for Bradley, the Braves are working on little rest. This will be the 3rd game in 6 days for Bradley, which puts it at a huge disadvantage in rest and preparation.

The Braves are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 neutral site games. The Hokies are 3-0-1 ATS in their last 4 games following a ATS loss. The Hokies are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record. These three trends combine for a perfect 11-0 system backing the Hokies. Take Virginia Tech Saturday.

15* CBB Friday No-Doubt Rout on SMU -2.5

The SMU Mustangs have been going under the radar this season. They are coached by former NBA great Larry Brown, who is quietly turning this program around. Brown has his Mustangs off to an 8-3 start this season.

Wagner doesn't have near the talent of SMU, and it should not be betting this much respect from oddsmakers. Its only wins this season have come against NC Central, Princeton, Hofstra and Coppin State. It is no match for the Mustangs in this one.

What is most impressive about SMU's 8-3 start is the fact that it has already played seven road games in its first 11 contests. It has won four of those road games, including a 73-47 win at Hofstra. As stated before, Wagner also played Hofstra, winning by a narrow margin of 52-44.

Common opponents are a good way to compare teams, and SMU is clearly the superior squad when you look at their meetings with Hofstra. This contest on a neutral court won't even be close folks. Take SMU Friday.

15* Bulls/Knicks NBA Friday No-Brainer on UNDER 188

This game between the Chicago Bulls and New York Knicks will be a low-scoring affair between two of the best defensive teams in the league. I don't expect either team to eclipse 95 points in this one.

Chicago is allowing just 90.3 points per game this season while holding opponents to 42.4% shooting. However, it is scoring a mere 92.8 points per game on 44.1% shooting. As you can see, it is combining with its opponents to average 183.1 points per game this season. New York is yielding 94.5 points per game at home.

Recent history between these teams shows that we are getting tremendous value with this UNDER tonight. Each of their last three meetings have seen 184 or less combined points at the end of regulation. That includes a 93-85 home victory for Chicago on December 8th with 178 combined points in their lone meeting this season.

The UNDER is 7-0 in Bulls last 7 games playing on 2 days rest. The UNDER is 4-0 in Bulls last 4 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game. These two trends combine for a perfect 11-0 system backing the UNDER. Also, the UNDER is 35-16 in Bills last 51 games overall, and 20-6 in their last 26 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Roll with the UNDER in this game Friday.

15* NBA Friday Total ANNIHILATOR on Bucks/Celtics UNDER 191.5

This total has been inflated tonight in a battle between the Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics. I'll take advantage by backing the UNDER in a game where I expect neither Boston nor Milwaukee to put up more than 95 points in this one.

The recent history between these teams shows that this total has been inflated tonight. They have already met three times this season with Milwaukee winning 99-88 on the road on November 2nd for 187 combined points, Boston winning 96-92 on the road on November 10th for 188 combined points, and Milwaukee winning at home 91-88 on December 1st for 179 combined points. So this will be their 4th meeting of the season already, and familiarity breeds low-scoring games.

Looking back further I find some even more astonishing numbers in this head-to-head series. Boston and Milwaukee have combined for 191 or less points at the end of regulation in eight of their last nine meetings with one another. Their last four meetings dating back to last year have seen an average of 178.8 combined points/game.

Boston is 40-23 to the UNDER when playing its 3rd game in 4 days over the last 3 seasons. The UNDER is 9-1 in Bucks last 10 vs. NBA Atlantic division opponents. The UNDER is 5-0 in the last 5 meetings in this series. The UNDER is 6-1 in Bucks last 7 road games. Take the UNDER in this game Friday.

15* NBA Friday Total DOMINATOR on Hawks/76ers UNDER 188.5

The Atlanta Hawks and Philadelphia 76ers will take part in a defensive battle tonight. Philadelphia has gone OVER the total in six straight, while Atlanta has gone OVER the number in three of their last four. These recent OVER runs for both teams has created some line value on the UNDER tonight.

Atlanta is scoring just 94.7 points/game while giving up 90.9 points/game on the road this season for an average combined score of 185.6 points/game. Philadelphia is scoring 93.2 points/game and allowing 96.9 points/game on the season for an average combined score of 190.1 points/game.

The recent history between these teams shows that this number has been inflated. Philadelphia and Atlanta have combined for 185, 185 and 166 points in their last three meetings, respectively. These teams clearly tend to play in defensive battles, and I expect that to be the case again tonight.

Atlanta is 15-2 to the UNDER after failing to cover the spread in 3 or more consecutive games over the last 3 seasons. I'm seeing an average combined score of 179.1 points/game between the Hawks and their opponents in this spot. Bet the UNDER in this game Friday.

15* CBB Thursday PLAY OF THE DAY on Pepperdine +8

The Pepperdine Waves are showing solid value as a 7.5-point underdog to the Tulane Green Wave Thursday. Pepperdine is one of the most underrated teams in the country, and I believe it has an excellent chance to win this game outright tonight.

Pepperdine is off to a 7-4 start this season under head coach Marty Wilson. Three of its four losses have come by 6 points or less, and the other was a 62-79 loss at California as a 20.5-point underdog. The biggest reason you can tell this team is underrated is the fact that it is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games overall.

Sure, Tulane is off to an 8-3 start this season, but it really doesn't have a good win on its resume. Its eight victories have all come at home against the likes of Bethune-Cookman, Nebraska-Omaha, Chicago State, Southern U, Loyola New Orleans, Navy, Nicholls State and Texas Pan Am. Just to give you an example of how easy of a schedule that is, there was only one line set in those eight games. Tulane has only had four lined games all season.

Tulane is 1-10 ATS in home games when playing their 2nd game in 3 days since 1997. The Green Wave are 1-10 ATS in their last 11 games overall. Tulane is 0-6 ATS in their last 6 games after allowing less than 50 points in their previous game, 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600, and 0-4 ATS in their last 4 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. These five trends combine for a 35-2 (95%) system backing the Waves. Roll with Pepperdine Thursday.

15* Thunder/Timberwolves TNT Total DOMINATOR on OVER 199

The books have set the bar too low tonight in this contest between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Minnesota Timberwolves. I look for a high-scoring affair as both teams score at least 100 in this one while combining for 200-plus by game's end.

Oklahoma City has been scoring at will while playing tremendous basketball over the past month. The Thunder have won 15 of their last 16 games overall. The biggest reason for their success has been their offensive efficiency considering they have score 100-plus points in 15 of those 16 contests.

Minnesota has not been good defensively of late, which is a big reason why the OVER is 4-1 in the Timberwolves' last five games overall. They have given up 102 or more points in five straight contests, so the Thunder are certainly in line to put up at least 100 in this one.

A look at the recent meetings between these teams and it's easy to see that the books have set the number too low tonight. Each of the last 10 meetings in this series dating back to 2010 have seen 201 or more combined points. In fact, eight of those contests have seen 214 or more combined points. This makes for a perfect 10-0 system backing the OVER in this one. Take the OVER in this game Thursday.

15* CBB Wednesday Late-Night BAILOUT on Loyola-Marymount +8.5

The Loyola-Marymount Lions are showing awesome value as a 7.5-point home underdog to the Ole Miss Rebels tonight. Ole Miss is way overvalued due to its 7-1 start to the season, while Loyola-Marymount is undervalued because of its mediocre 5-4 start.

It's easy to see why Ole Miss has gotten off to a 7-1 start considering it has played seven of its first eight games at home. Those seven home wins came against Mississippi Valley State, Coastal Carolina, Arkansas-Little Rock, McNeese State, Lipscomb, East Tennessee State and Rutgers. Its only road game this season resulted in a 62-65 loss at Middle Tennessee State.

Loyola-Marymount has played a much more difficult schedule as six of its first nine games have been on the road. The Lions have gone 2-1 at home this season with their only loss coming to Long Beach State by three points with a final of 70-73.

I really like the balance of this team as they have four players averaging in double figures scoring, led by Anthony Ireland (21.1 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 4.8 APG). They also recently got guard Bruce English (10.0 PPG) back from injury.

Loyola-Marymount is 7-0 ATS in home games versus good shooting teams - making >=45% of their shots over the last 2 seasons. The Lions are 6-0 ATS in home games versus very good teams - outscoring their opponents by 8+ points/game over the last 2 seasons. These two trends combine for a perfect 13-0 system that has not lost over the last two years. Bet Loyola-Marymount Wednesday.

15* Hornets/Clippers NBA Late-Night BAILOUT on New Orleans +13.5

The New Orleans Hornets are showing great value as a 13.5-point underdog to the Los Angeles Clippers Wednesday night. This number has been inflated, and we'll take advantage by backing the dog in the final game on the board tonight.

The Clippers are overvalued due to their current 10-game winning streak. The betting public is now all over this team due to this streak, which has forced the oddsmakers to set this number higher than it should be.

New Orleans will be amped up for this game to try and end the Clippers' winning streak, while also trying to put a halt to their own eight-game slide. They nearly ended it in their past two games, falling 94-95 at Portland as a 5-point dog, and 96-103 at Golden State as a 7.5-point dog.

New Orleans just recently got Anthony Davis back from injury, and he is clearly their most important player as he ranks 2nd in the team in scoring (14.6), 1st in blocks (2.0), 1st in rebounds (8.2) and 1st in steals (1.4).

The Hornets won their first meeting with the Clippers this season 105-98 on the road on November 26th as a 13-point underdog, and they didn't even have Davis for that contest. With him in the line-up this time around, he'll make life very difficult on Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan of Los Angeles.

This play falls into a system that is 61-26 (70.1%) ATS over the last 5 seasons. It tells us to bet on road underdogs (NEW ORLEANS) - cold team - having lost 8 or more of their last 10 games against opponent hot team - having won 8 or more of their last 10 games.

New Orleans is 29-12 ATS in road games after 4 or more consecutive losses since 1996. The Hornets are 27-14 ATS as a road underdog over the last 2 seasons. The Clippers are 3-10 ATS in their last 13 home games following a road trip of 7 or more days. The Hornets are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games playing on 0 days rest. Roll with New Orleans Wednesday.

15* NBA Wednesday Total DOMINATOR on Cavs/Celtics UNDER 192

Both the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics will be fatigued tonight after playing Tuesday. This will be the second of a back-to-back for both squads as Boston fell 89-100 at Chicago, while Cleveland lost 99-113 at home to Toronto.

The fact that both teams lost actually works in our favor here. Cleveland has lost four straight now, and it will be fighting extra hard defensively to try and get a win. Boston has dropped three straight while allowing at least 100 points in all three road losses to Houston, San Antonio and Chicago. It will certainly be laying it all on the line defensively tonight.

The recent history between these teams indicates that the total has been inflated tonight. The Celtics and Cavaliers have combined for 169, 183 and 175 points in each of their last three meetings, respectively.

This play falls into a system that is 32-9 (78%) to the UNDER since 1996. It tells us to bet the UNDER on all teams where the total is between 190 and 199.5 points (CLEVELAND) - off a upset loss as a favorite against opponent off 2 consecutive road losses by 10 points or more.

Cleveland is 17-5 to the UNDER after a combined score of 205 points or more 2 straight games over the last 3 seasons. Boston is 29-16 to the UNDER when playing on back-to-back days over the last 3 seasons, including 4-0 to the UNDER in its last four games playing on 0 days' rest. Take the UNDER in this game Wednesday.

20* NBA on ESPN TOTAL OF THE MONTH on Knicks/Nets UNDER 194.5

The New York Knicks take on the Brooklyn Nets tonight in what will be one of the best rivalries in the league for years to come. These rivals are already very familiar with each other having played each other twice.

Brooklyn won the first meeting 96-89 in overtime on November 26th, while New York took the second 100-97. The Nets shot 52.9% in that game, while the Knicks made 14 of 28 (50%) from 3-point range. So, this will be their 3rd meeting in less than a month.

Neither team is likely to shoot as well as it did in the last meeting. Their familiarity with one another will lead to a low-scoring affair tonight. Plus, Carmelo Anthony is banged up and questionable to go tonight for New York after missing the past two games due to injury.

The UNDER is 4-0 in Nets last 4 games playing on 0 days rest. The UNDER is 23-7 in Nets last 30 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. The UNDER is 34-16-2 in Nets last 52 road games. The UNDER is 8-2 in the last 10 meetings in New York. Bet the UNDER in this game Wednesday.

15* CBB Wednesday Undervalued Underdog on The Citadel +20.5

The Citadel Bulldogs are showing solid value as a 20.5-point underdog to St. Bonaventure tonight. The books have inflated this number quite a bit in a game that the Bonnies will not take seriously.

St. Bonaventure is off to a 6-3 start this season, but it really doesn't have an impressive win on its resume. It has been favored in all but two games this season, and it lost both of those contests as an underdog to Ohio and Arkansas State.

Off a huge 87-53 win over Cleveland State, and with a Top 25 opponent in NC State on deck Saturday, St. Bonaventure is in a big letdown spot. It will be looking ahead to that game against the Wolfpack, and it won't give The Citadel the attention it will take to cover this big spread tonight.

The Citadel is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games overall. The Bulldogs are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record. This is simply a great situation to back the Bulldogs given the state of mind of St. Bonaventure coming in. Take The Citadel Wednesday.

20* Hornets/Warriors NBA Late-Night BAILOUT on UNDER 193

The books have set the bar too high tonight in this contest between the New Orleans Hornets and Golden State Warriors. Both teams are better defensively than they get credit for, and neither is explosive offensively.

New Orleans is scoring just 91.9 points/game and giving up 98.1 points/game. Its defensive numbers will continue to improve as long as Anthony Davis stays healthy. He has missed the majority of their games and he just recently returned.

Golden State is scoring 99.6 points/game and allowing 98.4 points/game, including 96.9 points/game at home. Mark Jackson has this team playing the way he envisioned when he took over, which is defense first.

Taking a look at the recent history between these teams, it's easy to see that there is value with the UNDER. Golden State and New Orleans have combined to score 193 or less points in four straight meetings. That includes an 83-81 Hornets' home victory in their most recent showdown.

This play falls into a system that is 38-11 (77.6%) to the UNDER over the last 5 seasons. It tells us to bet the UNDER on all teams where the total is between 190 and 199.5 points (GOLDEN STATE) - off an upset win as a road underdog, playing with 2 days rest. Bet the UNDER in this game Tuesday.

15* NBA Tuesday No-Doubt Rout on Milwaukee Bucks -2

The Milwaukee Bucks should be a much bigger home favorite tonight over the Indiana Pacers. This is one of the most underrated teams in the league, and they continue going under the radar despite a solid 12-10 start.

Milwaukee has won four of its last five games overall, which includes an impressive road win at Brooklyn. Its only loss came last time out to the Los Angeles Clippers as nothing went right offensively. Turns out that wasn't such a bad loss considering the Clippers have won 10 in a row and counting.

These teams have already met once this season with Milwaukee topping Indiana 99-85 at home on November 14th. That game was even more of a blowout than the final score would indicate as the Bucks took a 60-34 lead into halftime before calling off the dogs after intermission.

Indiana is getting too much respect due to its three-game winning streak that has come against the Cavs, 76ers and Pistons. The Pacers are 16-32 ATS in their last 48 road games following two straight wins by 10 points or more. Indiana is 11-27 ATS after successfully covering the spread in two or more consecutive games over the last 3 seasons. Take the Bucks Tuesday.

15* NBA Tuesday Total ANNIHILATOR on Jazz/Nets UNDER 193

The books have set the bar too high tonight in this contest between the Utah Jazz and Brooklyn Nets. I look for a low-scoring, defensive battle Tuesday in Brooklyn as neither team surpasses 95 points in this one.

The Nets are averaging 95.9 points/game this season while allowing 93.8 points/game. That's an average combined score of 189.3 points/game between the Nets and their opponents this season. This team is built for the half court, and they'll control the tempo playing at home tonight.

The UNDER is 3-0 in Utah's last three games overall. The Jazz have really struggled offensively in their last two contests, falling 84-99 to Phoenix on December 14th and 86-99 to Memphis the following night.

The UNDER is 5-0 in Jazz last 5 games playing on 2 days rest. The UNDER is 4-0 in Jazz last 4 Tuesday games. The UNDER is 5-0-1 in Nets last 6 games following a ATS win. These three trends combine for a 14-0 system backing the UNDER. Also, the UNDER is 9-3 in Nets last 12 games playing on 2 days rest. Roll with the UNDER in this game Tuesday.

15* T'Wolves/Heat NBA Tuesday No-Brainer on Minnesota +9

The Minnesota Timberwolves are finally starting to get healthy, and this is going to be a very dangerous team going forward because of it. They have opened 12-10 despite battling through injuries all season.

Sure, Minnesota blew a 12-point halftime lead to fall to Orlando last night 93-102. However, it was likely overlooking the Magic and looking ahead to this contest against the defending champion Miami Heat tonight.

The Timberwolves will be giving a much better effort in this one. They had been playing very well before that loss last night. They have still won six of their last eight games overall, and they are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 contests.

Minnesota is 15-3 ATS versus good teams - outscoring their opponents by 3+ points/game over the last 2 seasons. The Timberwolves are 11-2 ATS as a road underdog of 6.5 to 9 points over the last 2 seasons. The Heat are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record. Bet the Timberwolves Tuesday.

15* CBB Tuesday Undervalued Underdog on Winthrop +29

This is a huge letdown spot for the No. 7 Ohio State Buckeyes (8-1). They have a home game against No. 9 Kansas on deck, and it's only human nature for them to look ahead to that game this Saturday.

Because Ohio State will be overlooking Winthrop in this one, I have no doubt that they'll be able to stay within 29 points tonight. The Buckeyes are becoming a bit bored after playing Northern Kentucky, Long Beach State, Savannah State and UNC-Asheville all at home in their last four contests.

The Buckeyes started to show signs of getting bored against UNC-Asheville last time out, only winning 90-72 despite coming in as a 25.5-point favorite. Wintrop is off to a 4-4 start this season with only one of its losses coming by more than 15 points. It is coming off an impressive 50-49 win at Ohio (7-3) last time out. Take Winthrop Tuesday.

15* NBA Monday No-Doubt Rout on Minnesota Timberwolves -3.5

The Minnesota Timberwolves are one of the most underrated teams in the league. They have been battling through injuries all year and still find themselves in the playoff hunt in the Western Conference at 12-9.

Minnesota has won four straight and six of seven overall. Ricky Rubio just returned on Saturday, while Kevin Love (flu) missed Saturday's 114-106 overtime victory over Dallas. Both Rubio and Love are expected to be in the line-up together for the first time this season Monday.

These teams already met once this season with Minnesota topping Orlando 90-75 at home on November 7th. With Rubio and Love both in the fold this time around, I'm expecting a similar blowout on the road tonight.

This play falls into a system that is 31-6 (83.8%) ATS over the last 5 seasons. It tells us to bet on road favorites (MINNESOTA) - after a home game where both teams score 100 or more points, winning between 51% and 60% of their games on the season. Take the Timberwolves Monday.

15* Detroit/Syracuse ESPN 2 Monday No-Brainer on Detroit +20

The Detroit Titans are showing excellent value tonight as a big road underdog to the Syracuse Orange. They have won four straight to improve to 6-4 on the season. Their only four losses have all come on the road to St. Johns, Miami, Bowling Green and Pittsburgh all by 15 points or less.

Syracuse is way overvalued right now due to its 9-0 start. Sure, it has gone 6-0 ATS in all lined games to this point, but that is another reason why this team is overvalued right now. The Orange have played an extremely easy schedule to this point with seven home games and only one true road game. This will be their toughest home game yet.

This play falls into a system that is 74-30 (71.2%) ATS over the last 5 seasons. It tells us to bet on underdogs of 10 or more points (DETROIT) - after 2 or more consecutive wins against opponent after 9 or more consecutive wins.

Syracuse is 6-17 ATS in home games after 4 straight wins by 10 points or more since 1997. Detroit is 5-1-1 ATS in its last 7 vs. Big East opponents. The Orange are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 vs. Horizon League foes. Roll with Detroit Monday.

15* Hornets/Blazers NBA Sunday Night BAILOUT on New Orleans +5.5

The Portland Trail Blazers are overvalued right now after back-to-back victories over the Raptors and Spurs. They caught the Spurs in a tough spot for San Antonio as they were playing the second of a back-to-back. This also sets the Blazers up for a letdown after such a big win.

New Orleans is highly motivated to put an end to its 6-game losing streak that has featured losses to the Lakers, Grizzlies, Heat, Wizards, Thunder and Timberwolves. That is an absolute brutal schedule, and it certainly gets easier tonight against the 10-12 Blazers.

The Hornets are starting to get healthy as they finally got top pick Anthony Davis back in the line-up recently. Davis' return is huge as he ranks 2nd on the team in scoring (14.6 PPG), 1st in rebounding (7.7 RPG) and 1st in blocks (2.2 BPG).

Portland is 1-11 ATS after successfully covering the spread in 2 or more consecutive games over the last 2 seasons. It is actually getting outscored 106.2 to 95.1 in this spot, or by an average of 11.1 points/game. Roll with the Hornets Sunday.

25* NBA Situational GAME OF THE YEAR on Chicago Bulls -3.5

This is one of the best situations you will see all year in the NBA. All factors point toward a blowout in favor of the Chicago Bulls tonight as they host the Brooklyn Nets.

Chicago comes in fresh as it has had two days' rest since a solid 96-89 victory at Philadelphia on Wednesday. It will use those fresh legs to run the dead tired Nets out of the building tonight.

Brooklyn will be playing the second of a back-to-back and its 4th game in 5 days. If that situation wasn't already tough enough, the Nets are coming off a double-overtime victory over Detroit last night by a final of 107-105. Simply put, they won't have anything left to give against Chicago in this one.

The Nets are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games playing on 0 days rest. The Bulls are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 vs. Eastern Conference. Chicago is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games overall. Brooklyn is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games overall. Bet the Bulls Saturday.

15* CBB Saturday No-Doubt Rout on Georgia -1.5

The Georgia Bulldogs are showing their best value of the season as only a 1.5-point favorite over Iona. I look for them to run away with this one by double-digits or close to it by game's end.

Georgia is undervalued right now due to its 2-6 start against a wicked schedule. It has faced the likes of Indiana, UCLA, South Florida and Georgia Tech all on the road for four of its losses. Battle-tested and hungry for a victory, the Bulldogs will be laying it all on the line at home tonight.

Iona is just 3-4 this season, and it should not be getting this much respect from oddsmakers. Its four losses have come to Quinnipiac, Illinois-Chicago, St. Peters and Rutgers. I wouldn't consider any of those four teams to be above-average, and the Gaels lost to them all.

Iona is 2-10 ATS versus good defensive teams - shooting pct defense of <=42% over the last 2 seasons. Georgia is 22-7 ATS in home games after scoring 55 points or less since 1997. The Gaels are 2-11-1 ATS in their last 14 road games vs. a team with a losing home record. The Bulldogs are 21-7 ATS in their last 28 Saturday games, and 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games vs. a team with a losing S.U. record. Take Georgia Saturday.

15* CBB Saturday Undervalued Underdog on Marshall +12.5

The Cincinnati Bearcats are overvalued due to their 9-0 start. They should not be a double-digit favorite Saturday in what will essentially be a home game for Marshall at the Charleston Civic Center in Charleston, WV.

Cincinnati has played an extremely soft schedule this season. It has yet to play a true road games, and its two neutral court contests resulted in wins over both Iowa State and Oregon by 11 points or less.

Marshall is off to a 6-4 start this season with all four of its losses coming by 12 points or less. Two of those defeats came on the road against Villanova and West Virginia, which are two solid basketball programs. This is a Marshall team that returns three starters from a squad that beat Cincinnati 73-69 last year.

This play falls into a system that is 73-36 (67%) ATS over the last 5 seasons. It tells us to bet against favorites of 10 or more points (CINCINNATI) - after 9 or more consecutive wins, undefeated on the season. This trend really shows how it is profitable to fade overvalued teams that open the season on long winning streaks.

Marshall is a perfect 6-0 ATS vs. top caliber teams - outscoring their opponents by 12+ points/game over the last 3 seasons. It is actually outscoring these top caliber teams by an average of 6.9 points/game over the last 3 years. Take Marshall Saturday.

15* Texas A&M/Oklahoma ESPNU ANNIHILATOR on Oklahoma -3

The Oklahoma Sooners are one of the most underrated teams in the country this season. Head coach Lon Kruger, a proven winner throughout his career, has returned all five starters from last year's team. That includes three double-digit scorers.

The biggest reason this team is undervalued is due to its mediocre 6-2 start. However, both of those losses came on the road to Gonzaga and Arkansas, which are two teams that are better than they get credit for. This will essentially be a home game for the Sooners as it will be played at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, OK.

Texas A&M is getting way too much respect due to its 7-1 start. It has played a much softer schedule than Oklahoma. Its only tough opponent came against Saint Louis on a neutral court, and the Aggies fell in blowout fashion 70-49. They have only played one true road game all season.

This play falls into a system that is 72-35 (67.3%) ATS over the last 5 seasons. It tells us to bet on any team (OKLAHOMA) - off a close road loss by 3 points or less, with all five starters returning from last season. The Aggies are 1-8 ATS in their last 9 neutral site games. Roll with Oklahoma Saturday.

20* NBA on ESPN GAME OF THE MONTH on Denver Nuggets -1

The Denver Nuggets are one of the most undervalued teams in the league right now due to their 11-12 start. The Memphis Grizzlies are certainly overvalued due to their 14-5 start, and that is starting to show as they have lost two straight coming in despite being heavy favorites in both.

The biggest reason Denver is just 10-11 right now is due to a brutal schedule. It has played a ridiculous 17 road games compared to just 6 home games to this point. Following a five-game road trip, there's no question that it will be excited to return home tonight.

The Nuggets are 5-1 SU & 4-2 ATS at home this season. They are scoring 103.8 points/game and allowing 94.0 points/game, outscoring their opponents by an average of 9.8 points/game at home this year.

Denver is 27-3 in all home meetings with Memphis since 1996. The Grizzlies are 6-15-1 ATS in their last 22 games vs. a team with a losing S.U. record. The Nuggets are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 home games following a road trip of 7 or more days. Bet Denver Friday.

15* Celtics/Rockets ESPN Friday No-Brainer on UNDER 206.5

The books have set the bar too high tonight in this nationally televised showdown on ESPN. Any time a game involving the Boston Celtics has a total set over 200, the UNDER is certainly worth a look. I look for the defensive intensity to be at a high level for both teams in this National TV battle.

Boston has already played in four overtime games this season, including their 117-115 victory over Dallas in double overtime on Wednesday. Even with those four OT games included, the Celtics are still averaging just 98.3 points/game and giving up 97.5 points/game on the season.

Houston has also been a part of three overtime games already, which is certainly more than average as well. The Rockets are scoring 104.2 points/game and allowing 104.8 points/game on the season.

Boston is combining with its opponents to average 195.8 points/game, while Houston is combining with its opponents to average 209.0 points/game. Add those numbers up and divide by two and we get an average of 202.4 points/game, which would be the expected total if these teams played each other. We're getting a full 4 points of value here with the UNDER, and I believe it's even more than that considering these teams have combined to play in 7 overtime games already.

The two most recent meetings between these teams have been extremely low scoring. Houston beat Boston 93-77 at home on 3/18/11 for 170 combined points. Boston topped Houston 97-92 in overtime on 3/6/12 in a game that was tied 84-84 at the end of regulation for a combined 168 points. The UNDER is 6-1 in the last 7 meetings in Houston.

This play falls into a system that is 71-36 (66.4%) to the UNDER over the last 5 seasons. It tells us to bet the UNDER on all teams where the total is 200 to 209.5 (BOSTON) - well rested team - playing only their 2nd game in 5 days, winning between 51% and 60% of their games on the season. Roll with the UNDER in this game Friday.

15* NBA Friday Night Line Mistake on Orlando Magic +5

The Golden State Warriors are overvalued right after having won eight of their last nine games overall. There's no question that this team is better than it was expected to be, but they should not be favored at Orlando tonight.

Golden State's only loss during this stretch came at home to Orlando by a final of 94-102 on December 3rd. After winning five straight road games to start this 7-game trip, the Warriors are in a huge letdown spot tonight.

They are coming off a win over the defending champion Miami Heat 97-95 on Wednesday. After earning their biggest win of the season, there's no question the Warriors will have a hard time getting up to face the Magic tonight.

Orlando has won seven of its last eight meetings with Golden State. Its only loss since 2008 came in overtime by a final of 123-120 on the road. The Magic are 37-16-1 ATS in their last 54 vs. NBA Pacific opponents. The Warriors are 3-8 ATS in the last 11 meetings in Orlando. Take the Magic Friday.

15* Lakers/Knicks TNT Total ANNIHILATOR on UNDER 208

The Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks will take part in a defensive battle tonight. This game will be nationally televised on TNT, which tends to bring up the defensive intensity from both teams.

New York is one of the better defensive teams in the league as they give up 95.3 points/game on the season, including 91.2 points/game at home. The Knicks have allowed less than 100 points in eight of their last nine games overall.

The Lakers are yielding a respectable 98.8 points/game and they are certainly putting emphasis on their play at this end of the floor after a tough recent stretch. They have lost five of their last six contests, so this team will be giving a little bit extra at the defensive end to try and pick up a big win.

A look at the recent history between these teams makes it easy to see that this total has been inflated. The home team won their two most recent meetings. Los Angeles won 99-82 on 12/29/11 for 181 combined points, while New York won 92-85 on 02/10/12 for 177 combined points. The UNDER is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings.

New York is a perfect 8-0 to the UNDER as a home favorite of 6.5 to 9 points over the last 2 seasons. We're seeing an average of 184.1 combined points/game in this spot. The Lakers are 14-4 to the UNDER after allowing 100 points or more 2 straight games over the last 2 seasons. The UNDER is 34-15-2 in Lakers last 51 Thursday games. The UNDER is 16-7 in Knicks last 23 Thursday games. Bet the UNDER in this game Thursday.

15* Spurs/Jazz ESPN Late-Night BAILOUT on UNDER 210

Oddsmakers have inflated this total due to recent performances from both teams that were very high-scoring. I'll take advantage by backing the UNDER in a game that will be nationally televised on ESPN, which always tends to bring out stronger defensive intensity by both teams.

San Antonio just beat Houston 134-126 in overtime for 260 combined points. Utah just beat the Lakers 117-110 on the road for 227 combined points. Both the Rockets and Lakers have been atrocious on the defensive end recently, which is the biggest reason for those high-scoring affairs. Oddsmakers have been forced to set this total too high based on those recent performances, knowing that the betting public would jump on the OVER if they didn't.

Taking a look at this series between the Spurs and Jazz, it's easy to see that this number has been inflated. Each of the last six meetings in this series have seen 210 or less combined points. Six of the last seven meetings in Utah have seen 208 or less combined points. Utah is only giving up 93.6 points/game at home this season, while San Antonio is yielding 97.3 points/game in all games this year.

The Jazz are 18-5 to the UNDER in home games after scoring 110 points or more 2 straight games since 1996. Utah is 70-47 to the UNDER in a home game where the total is 200 to 209.5 since 1996. The Jazz are 22-10 to the UNDER in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 3 seasons. The UNDER is 4-0 in Jazz last 4 games playing on 2 days rest. Roll with the UNDER in this game Wednesday.

15* NBA Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on Charlotte Bobcats +8.5

The Charlotte Bobcats are showing solid value as an 8.5-point home underdog to the Los Angeles Clippers tonight. The value is simply too good to pass up, and I'll gladly fade the public and put my smart money on the big home dog in this one.

This is an extremely tough spot for a Clippers team that is way overvalued due to its seven-game winning streak. Los Angeles will be playing the second of a back-to-back and its 4th game in 5 days. It is coming off a big 94-89 road win at Chicago on National TV last night, setting it up for a big letdown spot tonight in Charlotte.

The Bobcats are way undervalued right now due to their current eight-game losing streak. This skid has come against a brutal schedule as their eight opponents have been the Thunder, Hawks, 76ers, Blazers, Knicks, Bucks, Spurs and Warriors. Four of their five home losses during this stretch have come by 8 points or less. Fresh on one days' rest, and motivated to put an end to this losing streak, the Bobcats will be giving better effort tonight than the Clippers.

The Clippers are 19-38 ATS after successfully covering the spread in 4 or more consecutive games since 1996. Los Angeles is 37-60 ATS in road games after 2 or more consecutive wins since 1996. The Clippers are 6-13-1 ATS in their last 20 road games vs. a team with a losing home record, and 1-4 ATS in their last 5 road games overall. Los Angeles only has one true road win by more than 5 points this season. Take the Bobcats Wednesday.

20* NBA TOTAL OF THE MONTH on Nets/Raptors UNDER 188.5

There are two main reasons that I believe this game finishes well below the posted total tonight. Both the Brooklyn Nets and the Toronto Raptors will struggle to reach 90 points because of these two factors.

First, Brooklyn is a tired team right now as it will be playing the second of a back-to-back and its 3rd game in 4 days. I look for the Nets to play at a slower tempo offensively because of it. This is an excellent team defensively as the Nets are allowing just 94.0 points/game overall and 91.1 points/game on the road. They are only scoring 93.0 points/game on the road as well.

Toronto is likely to be without two of its top three scorers tonight. Andrea Bargnani (16.0 PPG) is doubtful with an elbow injury, while Kyle Lowry (15.8 PPG, 5.8 APG) is doubtful with a tricep injury. Not having Bargnani's shooting and Lowry's ability to run the offense and create open looks for teammates is really going to hamper Toronto's offense tonight.

Toronto is 10-1 to the UNDER in home games after a game where they made 85% of their free throws or better over the last 2 seasons. We're seeing an average of 176.5 points/game in this situation. The UNDER is 20-5-2 in Brooklyn's last 27 road games. The UNDER is 17-4 in Raptors last 21 vs. NBA Atlantic Division opponents. Bet the UNDER in this game Wednesday.

15* NBA Tuesday Line Mistake on Cleveland Cavaliers +7

The Cleveland Cavaliers should not be catching 7 points to the overrated Los Angeles Lakers tonight. I'll gladly side with the value and back the home dog in a game I believe the Cavaliers can win outright.

Cleveland welcomes back point guard Kyrie Irving from a broken finger. He practiced Monday and is expected to play tonight. His return will be a huge boost to a Cleveland team that has struggled to score of late. Irving leads the team in scoring (22.9) and assists (5.6), and he's the heart and soul of this team.

"I think all the guys are looking forward to having Irving back out there because he does make most of our guys' job a lot easier because he creates so much for himself and for his teammates," coach Byron Scott said. "I'm sure the guys will be happy to have him back out there."

The Lakers are way overvalued this season as they are just 9-12 straight up and 9-12 against the spread. They remain without two All-Stars in Pau Gasol and Steve Nash, and they have really struggled without these two. Los Angeles has lost four of its last five games overall. Its biggest weakness is defending quick point guards like Irving.

The Lakers are 0-11 ATS in their last 11 Tuesday games. Los Angeles is 16-34-1 ATS in its last 51 games vs. a team with a losing S.U. record. The home team has won four straight in this series, and three of those four meetings were decided by 6 points or less. Take the Cavaliers Tuesday.

20* Knicks/Nets ESPN Tuesday No-Brainer on UNDER 194

Both the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets are improved defensively this season. I believe oddsmakers have set the bar too high tonight in this rivalry. The defensive intensity will be very high between these two teams in a nationally televised game on ESPN.

These teams already met once this season with Brooklyn topping New York 96-89 at home on November 26th in overtime. That game was tied 84-84 at the end of regulation for 168 combined points, and I look for a similarly low-scoring affair tonight. The UNDER is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings in this series.

The Knicks are yielding just 95.2 points/game this season. They have been an improved defensive team ever since Mike Woodson took over as head coach. The Nets have been even better on this end of the floor, yielding a mere 93.7 points/game on the season. Off four straight losses, I look for Brooklyn to up its defensive intensity even more tonight.

Brooklyn is 8-1 to the UNDER versus good ball handling teams - committing <=14 turnovers/game this season. New York is 32-17 to the UNDER as a favorite over the last 2 seasons. The Knicks are 14-4 to the UNDER in road games after a home game where both teams score 100 or more points over the last 3 seasons. The UNDER is 5-0-1 in Nets last 6 games playing on 1 days rest. Bet the UNDER in this game Tuesday.

15* CBB Tuesday Undervalued Underdog on Duquesne +8.5

The Duquesne Dukes should not be catching 8.5 points at home tonight to the overrated West Virginia Mountaineers. This is a game I easily see them covering, and possibly winning outright Tuesday. West Virginia is in a big letdown spot following a 68-67 home victory over Virginia Tech last time out.

West Virginia is just 4-3 on the season, including a 50-84 loss to Gonzaga. It also lost to Davidson and Oklahoma on a neutral court. The Mountaineers lost their top two scorers from last season in Kevin Jones and Daryl Bryant, who combined for nearly 37 points/game. They have struggled without these two.

Duquesne is 5-4 on the season with its only losses coming to Albany (69-66), Georgetown (55-61), North Dakota State (43-57) and Pittsburgh (45-66). Those four teams have a combined 33-6 (85%) record on the season. That 55-61 loss at Georgetown really shows what this team is capable of because the Hoyas are one of the best teams in the country.

The home team is 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings in this series. Duquesne hast lost its last two home meetings with West Virginia by finals of 61-64 and 63-68. The Mountaineeers are 6-15 ATS after 2 or more consecutive wins over the last 3 seasons. West Virginia is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record. Roll with Duquesne Tuesday.

15* NBA Monday Total DOMINATOR on Raptors/Blazers UNDER 196

This contest between the Portland Trail Blazers and Toronto Raptors Monday sets up for a low-scoring affair. Both teams are in tough spots that will limit their ability to score the basketball.

Toronto will be playing the second of a back-to-back and its 5th road game in 8 days. It showed signs of wearing down last night, scoring just 83 points in a 19-point loss to the Los Angeles Clippers.

Portland will likely be playing without two starters tonight. Nicolas Batum (16.4 PPG, 5.8 RPG) is expected to miss his third straight game with a back injury, while Wesley Matthews (16.0 PPG) is doubtful with a hip injury.

Portland has lost two straight without Batum, including an ugly 80-99 home loss to the Kings last time out. The Blazers really cannot afford to be down two starters because they have the worst bench in the league.

Their bench ranks 30th in scoring (14.9 points/game), which is 9.0 points worse than the 29th-ranked bench (Lakers). They are really going to miss the 32.4 points that Batum and Mathews combine to average. I look for Portland to slow down the tempo and run its offense through LaMarcus Aldridge in this one.

The UNDER is 19-7-1 in Raptors last 27 games following a SU loss of more than 10 points. The UNDER is 4-1 in Raptors last 5 vs. a team with a losing S.U. record. The UNDER is 9-3-1 in Blazers last 13 games following a ATS loss. Roll with the UNDER In this game Monday.

15* Hawks/Heat NBA Monday No-Brainer on UNDER 195

With first place on the line tonight in the NBA's Southeast Division, the Miami Heat (13-5) host the Atlanta Hawks (12-5) in a battle between easily the two best teams in this division. I look for the defensive intensity to rise more than your normal game in this one.

Miami has been talking about playing better defense after back-to-back losses to the Wizards and Knicks in which they allowed a combined 217 points. They did play much better their last time out on this end, limiting the Hornets to 90 points on 44.9 percent shooting.

"We didn't do everything right," coach Erik Spoelstra said. "We still had a handful of breakdowns. But the commitment on the defensive end was better than the past two games."

Atlanta continued its solid play defensively with a 93-83 road win at Memphis last time out. It is allowing just 93.6 points per game on 43.3 percent shooting on the season, including 90.4 points on 42.9 percent shooting on the road.

This has been a very low scoring series in the past. In fact, Miami and Atlanta have combined to score 195 or less points at the end of regulation in 15 straight meetings. Fourteen of those saw 194 or fewer points. That makes for a perfect 14-0 system backing the UNDER pertaining to tonight's total set. Take the UNDER 195 points in this game Monday.

15* NBA Sunday No-Doubt Rout on Phoenix Suns -3.5

The Phoenix Suns will roll at home tonight over the Orlando Magic. Phoenix comes into this game way undervalued, while Orlando is certainly overvalued due to recent results. Getting the Suns as only a 3.5-point home favorite is a gift from oddsmakers.

Phoenix is going to be highly-motivated for a win following six straight losses. The biggest reason for this losing streak is a tough schedule that has featured seven of their last eight games on the road. The Suns will certainly be looking forward to returning home tonight where they are 5-4.

Orlando is overvalued due to winning its first two games against the Lakers and Warriors on its current five-game road stand. It has lost its last two, and now it will be fatigued coming into this one as this will be its 5th road game in 8 days. The Magic are clearly one of the worst teams in the league, and they are just 3-7 on the road this season.

The home team has won eight of the last nine meetings in this series. The favorite is a perfect 7-0 ATS in the last 7 meetings dating back to 2009. The Magic are 4-14 ATS after playing 3 consecutive road games over the last 3 seasons. The Suns are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 Sunday games. Phoenix is 10-3 ATS in its last 13 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. Bet the Suns Sunday.

15* CBB Sunday PLAY OF THE DAY on Nebraska-Omaha +30.5

The Iowa State Cyclones are coming off their biggest game of the season. They lost to in-state rival Iowa 71-80 on Friday to fall to 6-3 on the season. Just two days later, I look for the Cyclones to suffer a hangover effect from that defeat.

Iowa State will have a very hard time getting up emotionally to play a Nebraska-Omaha team that is 2-8 on the season. The biggest reason for their poor record is the difficulty of their schedule. They have already played eight road games, including a 62-75 loss at Nebraska. After playing at Wisconsin last time out, this team will not be intimidated by Iowa State on the road.

This play falls into a system that is 87-35 (71.3%) ATS since 1997. It tells us to bet against home favorites of 10 or more points (IOWA ST) - off a road loss, a good team (60% to 80%) playing a terrible team (<=20%).

This play falls into another system that is 29-6 (82.9%) ATS over the last 5 seasons. It tells us to bet on road underdogs of 10 or more points (NEBRASKA-OMAHA) - a poor offensive team (63-67 PPG) against a good defensive team (63-67 PPG), after allowing 75 points or more 2 straight games. Roll with Nebraska-Omaha Sunday.

15* CBB Saturday West Coast BAILOUT on Pacific -2.5

Pacific should be a much heavier home favorite tonight over San Francisco. This is a much-improved Tigers team that returned all five starters from last year. I know they are just 4-4 on the year, but they have played a ridiculously tough schedule.

Pacific's four losses have come against Gonzaga, California, Oral Roberts and Fresno State. It has wins on a neutral court over both Xavier and St. Mary's despite being an 8-point dog against the Musketeers, and a 10-point dog against the Gaels. It also beat Nevada last time out at home.

San Francisco is simply overvalued due to its 5-1 start against a very soft schedule. It has played four of those six games at home, while losing to Stanford 62-74 on a neutral court, and winning at American in its only true road game. This road trip to Pacific will be the Dons' toughest game of the season to this point.

Pacific is a perfect 6-0 ATS in home games off a home win over the last 3 seasons. It is outscoring teams by an average of 11.9 points/game in this spot. The Dons are 6-22-1 ATS in their last 29 vs. Big West. The Tigers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 vs. WCC opponents. Roll with Pacific Saturday.

15* NBA Saturday Total ANNIHILATOR on 76ers/Celtics UNDER 187.5

This one is about as obvious as it gets folks. It sets up perfectly for a low-scoring game, and I look for Boston and Philadelphia to not even come close to approaching this 187.5-point total.

Both teams will be playing the second of a back-to-back in this home and home situation. Making matters tougher for both teams is the fact that they went to overtime last night, and looked very tired down the stretch. They combined for just 178 points at the end of regulation, and 189 points after OT.

Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett were really dragging for the Celtics, while the 76ers time and time again were up against the shot clock down the stretch. The familiarity between these teams after playing last night will make points extremely tough to come by.

Pierce, Rajon Rondo and Jason Terry all played more than 42 minutes for the Celtics last night, while Jrue Holiday, Jason Richardson, Evan Turner and Thaddeus Young played more than 41 minutes for the 76ers.

The UNDER is 6-2 in 76ers last 8 road games. The UNDER is 7-3 in 76ers last 10 games when their starting 5 players combine for more than 160 minutes on the previous day. The UNDER is 4-1 in Celtics last 5 games playing on 0 days' rest. The UNDER is 13-4-1 in Celtics last 18 Saturday games. Take the UNDER in this game Saturday.