Rating: 2 Units

This is simply one of those games where there's no doubt the visiting team will win but the home team is getting too many points by a handful. Arkansas State dating to last season is 3-9 ATS in its past 12 games vs. a team with a losing record. UAPB is just 1-9 SU but has played a brutal schedule with every game but one on the road. Last season Pine Bluff upset the Red Wolves in Jonesboro.

Rating: 2 Units

Chicago has won four games in a row but is without DeMar DeRozan, Alex Caruso and Javonte Green again tonight due to injury/COVID. They were able to beat the short-handed Nuggets without them Monday in Chicago but don't think they can win in Cleveland, which is healthy. Let's avoid a potential backdoor cover by using the moneyline.

Rating: 2 Units

nteresting to see UConn as the underdog in this matchup, my model has that as the wrong team favored... So I'll jump now with my projected number sitting closer to -1.5 for the Huskies. West Virginia has a tall task, and I would expect that if Connecticut doesn't win they will probably keep with within a bucket.

Rating; 2 Units

For this matchup in Youngstown between the Penguins and the Central Michigan Chippewas my model has the 11 point spread as a bit too low. I'm projecting a 14 point win for Youngstown at home. CMU has looked terrible, going 2-6 ATS so far this season and Youngstown is coming off a good win against Green Bay which could indicate they're a bit underrated still. This is a solid team with a great mascot, go Penguins!

Rating: 2 Units

Western Carolina has won the past two in this series, including a 3-point buzzer-beater last season. The SportsLine Projection Model has WCU winning by 11. Various other ones don't have it nearly by that much but all by a minimum of three points. The Catamounts are among the national leaders with 112 made three-pointers. They have won every game they have led at the half this year and lost the ones they haven't led. Teams generally get off to good starts at home. Tennessee Tech has lost three straight and is 0-4 in true road games.

Rating: 2 Units

 Everything points to the Celtics covering this line. First, they are 9-5 ATS on the road. Second, the Lakers are 4-11 ATS at home, including 3-9 ATS as home favorites. They only have four wins this season against teams with a winning record. The last time these teams met, LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook all played, but the Celtics still won by 22 points in Boston. Jaylen Brown sat that game out for the Celtics and he’s questionable for the rematch, but regardless of his status I’ll take the points.

Rating: 2 Units

Both of these teams struggle offensively and play with no urgency. The Broncos average 64.1 points per game and the Matadors are scoring 59.1 as both rank in the bottom 50 in the nation. The Broncos have gone Over the total in only two of their eight games, while the Matadors have done so just once in six contests. This game will be played at a very slow pace and stay Under this low total.

Rating: 2 Units

The Jayhawks are not where they want to be yet and are just 2-4 ATS in their last six games. Their defense has been struggling recently, allowing an average of 77.3 points over the last three contests. The Miners have been overperforming this season. Their defense has looked elite, as they are allowing just 61.1 points per game. This spread is too high, considering how Kansas is playing right now. Take the points with the Miners.

Rating: 2 Units

Northeastern is 3-0 in true home games this season, while UMass has played just one true road game and lost in blowout fashion at Yale. UMass has rallied back from down double digits to win in four games this season but that it was down double digits is obviously concerning. The Minutemen are 8-20 ATS in their last 28 road games. Since the 2014-15 season, the Huskies are 22-4 in non-conference home games. Led by transfer Chris Doherty, Northeastern has outrebounded its opponent in six of its nine games this season, including four of the last five. The Huskies are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games as a favorite.

Rating: 2 Units

Toledo might be the MAC's best team and its only two losses were at good teams Oakland and Michigan State. Sophomore Ryan Rollins leads Toledo and ranks 26th nationally with a MAC-best 20.1 ppg. The Rockets are outrebounding their opposition by 7.9 rpg this season, which ranks ranks 33rd in the nation. Bradley has won three in a row but all were home and against pretty mediocre-to-bad competition. The Braves are 1-6 ATS in their last seven games as road underdogs. I probably wouldn't go any higher than this spread.

Rating: 2 Units

This is a fade on the Tribe, who are 0-8 SU and ATS in their eight games against Division I teams. Kenpom ranks William & Mary as the 321st team in the country. The Monarchs are expected to be getting back two of their best players, Charles Smith and Jason Wade, from injury. They have been playing really well even without the duo. Old Dominion is the much better team in this matchup. With the addition of Smith and Wade, the Monarchs easily should cover this spread.

Rating: 2 Units

The Blazers are in trouble. The good news is that C.J. McCollum (ribs) is listed as probable. The bad news is that Damian Lillard (abdomen) and Anfernee Simons (ankle) will be out again, while Nassir Little (ankle) is listed as questionable. With those three out the last two games, the Blazers lost both contests by at least 28 points. Another blowout could be coming.

Rating: 2 Units

The Cavaliers covered as underdogs, yet again, Sunday in a one-point loss to the Jazz. They are now 15-6-1 ATS as underdogs this season. The fact that the Bucks are favored by this much, even with Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) listed as questionable, is surprising. Even if he plays, I think the Cavaliers can cover this line.

Rating: 2 Units

The Pacers come into this game ice cold, losers of four straight. Three of those losses came at home. Their depth chart is limited right now, with both T.J. McConnell (wrist) and Justin Holiday (COVID-19) out, which isn’t helping matters. They have not operated well as favorites this season, posting a 5-9 record ATS in such situations. Despite the expectation that Spencer Dinwiddie sits this game out for the Wizards, who also just played Sunday, look for Washington to keep things close.

Rating: 2 Units

Coastal Carolina has looked very good in its past two games, double-digit wins over South Carolina and Winthrop. Kansas State transfer Rudi Williams totaled 49 points in those games. Williams is shooting 58.7 percent from the field this season and 57.1 percent from deep. Just for a point of reference, Mercer also has played Winthrop and lost in OT. The Bears are 1-3 on the road and that win was against Kennesaw State. They are 1-4 ATS in their past five after a win.

Rating: 2 Units

My model makes Iowa a six-point favorite Monday and it might end up finishing at an even wider margin. Illinois has struggled on the road, owning an 0-3 ATS record, and now the Illini head to Iowa for a Big 10 battle. Iowa has been playing well and will be looking to cover its fifth straight. Lay the points.

Rating: 2 Units

Texas Southern is 0-7 but that's very misleading as the Tigers have played a very tough schedule and not a single home game yet. They have been competitive in nearly every game as witnessed by their 5-2 ATS mark. TSU won the SWAC last season and a game in the First Four of the NCAA Tournament and is favored to win the SWAC again with four starters back. I don't think UF even wins by 20, much less 25 to lose this bet.

Rating: 2 Units

his spread opened at Clippers -2 but is now Lakers -1.5 because LeBron James cleared COVID protocols already and will play. I usually wait until as late as possible before picking NBA games these days to see who might be ruled out last minute -- that strategy saved me on the Bucks on Thursday when Giannis was a last-minute scratch -- but I won't be around that late tonight so we will just have to assume that LeBron and Anthony Davis (questionable but always on the injury report) do play. The Clippers enter on a three-game skid.

Rating: 2 Units

The SportsLine Projection Model has the Pilots winning by exactly three, but ESPN's BPI and a few others have it closer to 7. Portland's 7-2 record matches the best nine-game start to a season in the last 10 years. Shantay Legans has the best nine-game start among all Portland head coaches since the Pilots joined NCAA Division I in 1958. Legans brought in a ton of transfers and three especially have been thriving: Former Eastern Washington (where Legans was hired from) players Tyler Robertson (16.4 ppg, 7.0 rpg) and Mike Meadows (10.6 ppg, has a triple-double), and ex-UNLV big man Moses Wood (15.1 ppg, 6.6 rpg). VMI is winless on the road and obviously had to make the long trip across country. The Keydets haven't covered yet this year.

Rating: 2 Units

Big Ten opener for both and these are the two highest-scoring offenses in the country. The Hawkeyes are averaging 94 PPG and the Boilermakers 92.4. This game is going to be amazing to watch, very fast paced and high scoring. It will explode past the total.

Rating: 2 Units

The Heat are running out of healthy players. Bam Adebayo, (thumb), Jimmy Butler (back) and Markieff Morris (neck) are all expected to sit out. With them out Monday, the Heat loss by 26 points to the Cavaliers. They have little size up front to battle with Domantas Sabonis and Myles Turner, so the Pacers have the chance to earn a decisive victory.

Rating: 2 Units

This is a fade on the Irish as they 1-5 ATS and have lost three of their past four SU. The Eagles have been overperforming so far, and their defense has been outstanding in only allowing 60.1 PPG. Notre Dame should struggle again and BC will cover.

Rating: 2 Units

The Pistons are pretty bad but there's talk that the Blazers will give Damian Lillard tonight off in the second of a back-to-back -- plus, Norman Powell missed Monday's loss to Utah and is in doubt, so I think Detroit can stay within this number if both are true. We'll have to take the chance now, though, because the spread will drop if Lillard becomes official. The Pistons are 4-1 ATS in their past five.

Rating: 2 Units

Looking forward to watching this game and simply taking the Suns because they are at home. The Dubs are a bit thin right now with Andre Iguodala (still a great defender) and Damion Lee out along with of course Klay Thompson and James Wiseman. Draymond Green may not be 100 percent after taking a hard fall Sunday but is expected to play. Chris Paul defensively tends to give Steph Curry some trouble.

Rating: 2 Units

This pretty much comes down to where this game is being played -- San Jose State is unbeaten at home with wins over Cal State Fullerton and Northern Colorado, while South Dakota is 0-2 in true road games with double-digit losses at Drake and Nebraska. San Jose State has been boosted by five Power 5 transfers, topped by Ohio State's Ibrahima Diallo. The Coyotes are 0-5 ATS in their last five road games.

Rating: 2 Units

This is a contrarian play, as there's going to be a good number of bettors rushing to take the team that just beat Gonzaga. However, we just saw Gonzaga struggle against Tarleton on Monday and, if you remember the game between Duke and the Zags, there was a good amount of foul trouble for Gonzaga. Just something to consider. Bottom line, this is a decent letdown spot for Duke coming off a big win. Grab the points with Ohio State at home.

Rating: 2 Units

The Broncos have looked terrible in their last two games, losing both as favorites. They have scored a total of just 116 points in those two games. The Rainbow Warriors have looked good, going 3-2 but not losing a game by more than three points. Their offense has been really good as they are averaging 81 PPG. This spread is too high, as the Hawaii offense will score enough points to cover.

Rating: 2 Units

The model has the wrong team favored and thinks the Wildcats edge this one out by a point. Wake Forest looks to have the money on its side but this line still came down from +2 overnight. Both teams have played a bit of a weak schedule to open the year. Wake has failed to cover against both LSU and Oregon St in its last two games and Northwestern should pose a similar challenge.

Rating: 2 Units

Rice comes off a solid third-place finish at a holiday tournament in Florida and is 2-0 in true home games. Owls guard Travis Evee leads the team and is eighth in Conference USA with 16.1 points per game. He is second in C-USA with 3.3 three-pointers per game, is third in three-point field goal percentage (43.4%) and sixth in field goal percentage (50.0%). The Owls lead C-USA in three-point shooting. Rice is 6-0 ATS in its past six games as a home favorite. The SportsLine Projection Model has Rice winning by six.

Rating: 2 Units

Purdue's offense is unstoppable. It is averaging 92.3 PPG, and the Boilermakers have shot at least 50 percent from the field in all six of their games so far this season. The Seminoles have been bit by the injury bug, as they are missing three players in their rotation, including two starters. Florida State went to overtime with Boston University and only had four players record over 20 minutes. The Seminoles are very thin right now, and the Boilermakers should blow them out and easily cover. Lay the points.

Rating: 2 Units

 I believe this spread is only going to rise -- the SportsLine Projection Model has the Mocs winning in a rout. The schools played on Nov. 16 in Chattanooga and the home team won by seven. Kansas transfer Silvio De Sousa has been great in the early going for the Mocs, averaging 12.0 points and 6.5 rebounds. Chattanooga was picked No. 1 in the 2021-22 SoCon Preseason Coaches and Media Polls, while Tennessee Tech was picked to finish 8th in the Ohio Valley Conference Preseason Poll.

rating: 2 Units

 I am a bit surprised to see Minnesota favored by just a few points Tuesday. The Gophers are undefeated and hold a 4-1 record against the spread so far this season. Meanwhile, the Panthers are 2-4 and have only covered once in their five home games. Pittsburgh was just beaten outright by UMBC. A 10-point loss when you're a 5.5-point favorite does not instill confidence. The model has this one as a five-point game, so we're getting a good 2.5 points of edge. Lay it.

Rating: 2 Units

Elon is 0-5 against NCAA Division I competition this season with the Phoenix's two wins against something called Randolph College as well as Bluefield College. I think the latter one was from the movie Animal House. UNCG is unbeaten at home and allowing just 53.2 points per game there. The Spartans are ranked fifth nationally in rebounding margin (15.7), 11th in rebounds per game (45.4) and 24th in defensive rebounds per game (30.3). They will have a huge edge there. At -6.5, I didn't like this but at -4 it's worth a shot. The SportsLine Projection Model has UNCG winning easily.

Rating: 2 Units

OK, this spread has climbed to the point where I have to take that huge number on the Hawks. The MEAC program is 2-4 straight up but 5-0 against the spread. It upset a good Fordham team. UConn may not have much interest in the beginning coming off tough holiday tournament games vs. Auburn, Michigan State and VCU. CBS Sports Network has this telecast.

Rating: 2 Units

 The Cowboys have looked amazing on both ends of the court. They are averaging 84.6 points while allowing 56.8 per game. They have had an easy schedule but they have thrived so far. The Titans have struggled defensively even against a weak schedule. KenPom ranks them as the 258th best defensive team. The Cowboys' offense will have another great game.

Rating: 2 Units

Oregon really has to prove it can cover a spread, so I'll take the points with Montana. The Grizzlies had a bit of trouble to open the season but have covered in three straight games. Oregon has had difficulty all season as the Ducks are 1-5 against the spread, only covering against SMU, which is 1-7 ATS. Not a big vote of confidence there for Oregon. Montana can stand up to a team like this, 13 is likely too many points. Grab the underdog and challenge Oregon to show us it is decent enough to get this done. I don't think the Ducks are.

Rating: 2 Units

The Trail Blazers have been a disaster on the road, posting a 1-9 record ATS. Things won’t be any easier for them Monday with Norman Powell (quadriceps) out. He’s averaging 16.9 points and Portland doesn’t have many viable scoring options behind him on the bench. The Jazz, who blew out the Pelicans by 22 points at home Saturday, could be lined up for another lopsided win.

Rating: 2 Units

This is mostly a fade of UT Arlington. The Mavericks are 1-5 this season, won their only game against a non-DI school, and have covered just once. We just saw Utah State win handedly on a similar -15.5 line vs. UT Arlington, and UCSB has covered as the home favorite two of two times this year. This is definitely a bit of a mismatch, and USCB should be able to get it done on both ends of the floor.

Rating: 2 Units

 At full strength, I think Illinois would spank Notre Dame. However, the Illini are expected to be without Andre Curbelo (undisclosed), Trent Frazier (leg), Jacob Grandison (illness) and Benjamin Verdonk (flu) tonight in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge matchup. The Irish have been hugely bolstered by graduate transfer Paul Atkinson Jr., the 2019-20 Ivy League Player of the Year who transferred to Notre Dame during the offseason. Wish I had gotten this at +6.5 but clearly oddsmakers are starting to adjust.

Rating: 2 Units

The Cavaliers welcomed back star rookie Evan Mobley from an elbow injury during their 105-92 demolition of the Magic on Saturday. They also have Lauri Markkanen and Kevin Love back from their bouts with COVID-19, adding significant depth. They have played tough, going 11-6-1 ATS as underdogs. The Mavericks are only 3-5 ATS at home and don’t have the size up front to battle with Mobley and Jarrett Allen. Look for the Cavaliers to keep this game close.

Rating: 2 Units

Oral Roberts was one of the darlings of the 2021 NCAA Tournament but the Golden Eagles haven't really carried that over yet with a 3-3 record and those wins over all non-Division I schools. KenPom ranks Tulsa as the No. 142 team nationally and Oral Roberts 177. Sagarin has Tulsa as two points better and the SportsLine Projection Model six better. This is for the Mayor's Cup -- Oral Roberts is in Tulsa if you didn't know.

Rating: 2 Units

 I think the wrong team could be favored in this one. Cornell is 5-1, including three outright wins as an underdog against Binghamton, Lafayette and Colgate. The Big Red then covered in a loss to Penn State as a dog and against St Francis (PA) as a favorite in a victory. They've yet to lose ATS and face a Canisius team that has had its struggles. The Golden Griffins recently were 10-point favorites over Coppin and only won by a point. I think this is going to be a close battle between upstate New York teams. I'll take the points on the team that's covered every game.

Rating: 2 Units

Both teams are defense-oriented. The Toreros allow just 60 points per game and the Under has cashed in their last three games. The Matadors are averaging just 55 points away from home, while the Toreros allow 52.3 points per game at home. Both teams play at a slow pace. Go Under.

Rating: 2 Units

The Wildcats are 3-2 but their losses have come against two of the nation's top five teams. They beat the 17th-ranked Volunteers by 18 points in Tennessee. They have had a full week of rest. The Explorers have looked incompetent at times in their first four games. They have played against very weak competition and are just 2-2. Their terrible defense won’t be able to handle the Wildcats' offense.

Rating: 2 Units

The Bucks have reeled off six straight wins, which coincides with Khris Middleton’s return from a bout with COVID-19. They are 9-3 with him in the lineup this season, compared to 3-5 without him. He played when these two teams met earlier this season, which was a 10-point win for the Bucks in Indiana. I like them to cover in their rematch, as well.

Rating: 2 Units

 This pick is a fade of Georgia. The Bulldogs are averaging 66 points per game against a weak schedule. The Terriers are averaging 84 points on 48.9 percent shooting from the field. Their offense should stay hot today.

Rating: 2 Units

The Warriors are a stellar 11-1 at home, but don’t sleep on them on the road, either. They are 6-1 away from home, including 5-2 ATS. They have been the most dominant team in the league, recording a plus-13.6 point differential. Getting Marcus Morris back is big for the Clippers, but Nicolas Batum (COVID-19) being out is noteworthy. I’ll lay the small amount of points here and look for the Warriors to stay hot.

Rating: 2 Units

Drake has lost two tough games in Florida, to Belmont and Alabama. I still think the Bulldogs will cover versus a North Texas team that's shooting 42 percent overall and 31.9 percent from deep. The Bulldogs are much better offensively and that will be the difference here.

Rating: 2 Units

My model makes this game an 8.5-point spread, so you're getting a nice edge here with Dixie State. This is a battle between Utah schools, and even though Dixie has gone 1-4, this line is still too big. Grab the points, and expect this rivalry matchup to stay within double digits.

Rating: 2 Units

A team that is quietly surging is Charlotte. The Hornets have won eight of their last nine games, including a 133-115 win last night against Minnesota. The 133 points was team's season-high. On Saturday they face the worst team in the NBA in the Rockets. Back the Hornets to continue their winning ways.

Rating; 2 Units

The Bulls are coming off a solid bounce-back win on Friday against Orlando. They now travel back home to host a Miami team that has not played since Wednesday. I expect the Bulls' recent experience of losing the second game of a back-to-back scenario (they lost to the Pacers on Monday, 109-77) to motivate them to a hot start on Saturday. Take Chicago to hold off the Heat.

Rating: 2 Units

Indiana is 5-0 and has covered every double digit spread it has seen since letting Eastern Michigan hang around to open the season. EMU was concerning, but Indiana seems to have woken up since and I think the Hoosiers keep rolling. Marshall has struggled against teams much worse than this. The model has this as a 14-point spread in favor of Indiana, so I'm getting my coveted three-point edge. Lay the points with the Hoosiers.

Rating: 2 Units

 I feel like the wrong team is favored. My model makes this game a pick 'em, but Harvard lost to Sienna and barely covered against Albany so I am a bit confused on why the Crimson are favored. This is a big Boston-area rivalry game; I think Northeastern shows up, and the model agrees. Grab the points in what should be a close one.

Rating: 2 Units

Yes, Duke is a very good team, but no team is on Gonzaga's level. The Bulldogs proved that with their 20-point beatdown of UCLA. According to KenPom, the Bulldogs rank first in adjusted offensive efficiency and seventh in adjusted defensive efficiency. The Blue Devils have looked impressive but they haven’t faced a good opponent since their first game. This spread is too small.

Rating: 2 Units

The Trail Blazers are a dreadful 1-8 ATS on the road, while the Warriors are 8-2-1 ATS at home. It looked like the Warriors were going to suffer a disappointing loss at home to the shorthanded Sixers in their home game Monday but stormed back in the second half to eventually win by 20 points. They now have a +13.5 point differential, which is the best in the NBA. Look for them to keep rolling at home.

Rating: 2 Units

Oregon State is 0-5 against the spread and Wake Forest is undefeated this season, but my model has Oregon State as a one-point favorite. Wake Forest has not had a very difficult schedule, and Oregon State might be able to keep this closer than expected, if not win outright. This is definitely a bit of a contrarian play, but if you play systemically you need to trust it.

Rating: 2 Units

It's been a rough stretch for the Nuggets, who have lost five straight games. Three of those games came with Nikola Jokic (wrist) out, and he might not be back for this game, either, since he’s listed as questionable. Even if Jokic is able to return, the Nuggets will still be without Michael Porter Jr. (back), leaving them without one of their best scoring options. The Bucks are 4-1 ATS as road favorites and have a favorable opportunity to cover this small number.

Rating: 2 Units

The Celtics tend to crush me more than most teams, but I'm going to risk it here on the road because Jaylen Brown will play, while the Spurs are without both Doug McDermott and Devin Vassell. That's a fair amount of offensive production and Vassell is great defender who likely would have been tasked with Brown or Jayson Tatum.

Rating: 2 Units

Combined, these two teams average 204.6 points per game this season, but OKC is again without star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and his 20.4 points and 4.4 assists. Washington is a Top 10 defensive team and OKC in the Top 16 via rating.

Rating: 2 Units

This is a true home game for Arkansas State and not a neutral site tournament. The Red Wolves (soon to be possibly also be the Washington Football Team's nickname) are projected to win by seven via the SportsLine Projection Model and by 4.5 via ESPN BPI. A-State returns all five starters, 97.1 percent of minutes, 97.9 percent of scoring and 96.6 percent of rebounds from last season.

Rating: 2 Units

The Timberwolves roasted me on Wednesday vs. the Heat -- pun intended -- and have won five straight. Is this 2004? If so, I want to buy some Facebook stock and do some blogging! Anyways, four of those Minnesota wins were at home and the fifth at awful New Orleans. Winning in Charlotte is something else entirely. The Wolves also will be without starting point guard Patrick Beverley.

Rating: 2 Units

Rick Pitino's Iona team is coming off an upset win over Alabama in which the Gaels made just 4-of-21 3-pointers. The Gaels have a balanced attack, led by forward Nelly Junior Joseph, who averages 16.3 points and 7.8 rebounds. Four starters average double figures in points. In a game where the spread is just 3.5 points, free throw shooting could prove to be crucial, and Iona ranks third in free throw attempts while Belmont checks in at No. 222. Grab the points with the hot Iona team.

Rating: 2 Units

Folks, this is why I sit home all day monitoring numerous news feeds -- to get you guys the immediate information (and win some bets myself). Thankfully, I have an understanding wife! We crushed fading Georgia Tech earlier today because they were hit hard by the flu. Well, Xavier just ruled out starters Dieonte Miles and Colby Jones with fellow key players Jerome Hunter and Adam Kunkel as game-time decisions vs. the Hokies. The Musketeers are dealing with a flu bug, too.

Rating: 2 Units

The Jaguars have had only three games against Division I teams and their offense has struggled. They have averaged just 64.3 PPG in those games. The Rainbow Warriors have a very explosive offense as they are averaging 84 PPG. All five of their starters are averaging double-digit points. Only two Jaguars are doing that. Hawaii is likely the better team so taking any points here is a good deal.

Rating: 2 Units

This is too big of a spread for the Incarnate Word Thanksgiving Invitational game. This is a spot for Incarnate to show up in its own tournament. My model makes the Cardinals only three-point underdogs, so we are getting nearly a four-point edge. Grab the points.

Rating: 2 Units

Got destroyed on college hoops, I'll admit it. Still firmly believe I should have won two of the three and one was a bad beat of a lifetime. Oh well, we move on. This game is in Orlando and KenPom ranks Miami at 102 and North Texas 114. The last three games, Miami started four sixth-year players and a third-year player, owning a combined 27 seasons of experience. This early in the season, I'll take experience like that.

Rating: 2 Units

CBS Sports Network has this game from the Bahamas. KenPom ranks unbeaten Mississippi State six spots ahead of Louisville nationally. The Bulldogs have trounced their first four opponents but this will be an obvious step up in competition. Louisville has a home loss to Furman on its resume and comes off a not-impressive close home win over Detroit. MSU leads the SEC in field goal percentage (52.0) and three-point field goal percentage (45.7) and has four impact transfers. Louisville is 1-7 ATS in its past eight as a dog. I believe this spread should be a few points higher.

Rating: 2 Units

No sport changes my mind about playing or not playing a game more than college basketball regarding injuries simply as they are so hard to track with nearly 400 schools in Division I. Well, I just happened across some pretty good injury news for New Mexico in this one as star guard Jaelen House, an Arizona State transfer, will play after missing the previous game, and senior guard Saquan Singleton, the Lobos’ top returning scorer/rebounder/assist leader from last year, will make his season debut off a heart abnormality. Frankly, I thought this spread was a couple of points too high regardless but now like the Lobos quite a bit in Las Vegas.

Rating: 2 Units

The Bears are much better than the Rams offensively and defensively. The VCU defense has only allowed 52 PPG so far this season, but it hasn't faced an offense like Baylor. The Bears average 85.8 PPG and shouldn't slow down today. KenPom ranks BU as the fourth-best team in the nation and VCU 91st. This spread is too small for how good the Bears are.

Rating: 2 Units

The Rainbow Warriors have looked good offensively and they have a big rest advantage in this one. The Flames have been terrible offensively; they struggle to get good looks. Hawaii also should dominate the glass against Illinois-Chicago. Lay the small number and look for Hawaii to win easily.

Rating: 2 Units

 This is a true home game for New Orleans as it hosts the UNO Classic. This spread seems off via various models as SportsLine's has the Privateers winning by seven and ESPN's BPI by 10. New Orleans has perhaps the best backcourt in the Southland Conference in seniors Derek St. Hilaire (21.6 ppg) and Tony Green (10.5 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 4.3 apg). The Privateers won easily on Wednesday, while Presbyterian had to play down to the wire vs. VMI. New Orleans is 10-1 ATS in its past 11 at home.

Rating: 2 Units

 The Warriors are rested as they face the shorthanded 76ers. Philly is 2-6 SU and ATS without Joel Embiid, the wins and covers coming against the depleted Nuggets and the lowly Kings. Tobias Harris, Seth Curry and Danny Green all are questionable tonight. Even if they play, I like Golden State to improve to 8-3 ATS at home and 13-5 ATS overall. The Warriors rank first in defensive efficiency, by a wide margin, while Philly is 25th.

Rating: 2 Units

The Trail Blazers have struggled on the road, going 1-7 SU and ATS, but this is a good spot for them against the flailing Kings. After a poor start to the season, Damian Lillard has been outstanding over his last eight games. He had 25 points in 31 minutes last night. Sacramento is 2-7 SU at home and enters this one on a 1-8 SU and ATS skid. The Kings just lost by eight at home to a very depleted 76ers lineup. Back Portland.

Rating: 2 Units

 I have this game as +2.5 for UC San Diego. The Tritons have gone 3-0 against the spread so far this season, winning every game by double digits, and are facing a Montana squad that lost to North Dakota. I think we have a much closer game than five points, and UC San Diego might just win outright. Grab the points.

Rating: 2 Units

 The Hawks hit the road to face the Spurs, who are in complete disarray having lost five straight. Grab Atlanta.

Rating: 2 Units

The Baylor Bears aren’t being talked about enough with the top tier of teams. They are stacked. They have been dominant on both ends of the court. According to KenPom, the Bears rank sixth in both adjusted offensive efficiency and adjusted defensive efficiency. The Sun Devils have been very inconsistent. Their offense has had a lot of troubles and they haven’t played a defense of Baylor's caliber. Lay the points.

Rating: 2 Units

The Bulls' ascent in the Eastern Conference has been one of the best stories on the young season. But they are coming off their worst loss this season to the Pacers, 109-77. I expect this young team to have a letdown against a Rockets team that is overdue for a competitive game. Take Houston.

Rating: 2 Units

OK, I understand the Heat are in the second of a road/road back-to-back and that Minnesota is playing much better of late, but the Heat are underdogs? That truly baffles me. Hey, I'll take it. Dating to last season, Miami has covered its past seven in the second of a B2B.

Rating: 2 Units

This is a tough spot for the Lakers. They are a veteran-laden team that will be playing the second game of a back-to-back set. They have played two back-to-back sets this season and lost the second game of both. One was an eight-point loss to the Thunder, and the other was an 18-point loss to the Bulls. While LeBron James will return from his suspension, Anthony Davis just played 34 minutes last night while sick, so he might not be in top form. I’ll lay the points with the Pacers.

Rating: 2 Units

KenPom ranks Utah Valley at No. 188 and Nicholls State 215. While the SportsLine Projection Model has the Wolverines winning by a point in the SoCal Challenge, Sagarin has them by 4.3. Utah Valley has the WAC's best player in Fardaws Aimaq, who leads the Wolverines in both scoring (22.6 ppg) and rebounding (13.2 rpg). Utah Valley returns 10 players, including three starters, from last year's squad that won a share of the WAC regular season title. The school is coached by former NBA scrub Mark Madsen -- remember him dancing years ago at a Lakers title celebration?

Rating: 2 Units

This game will be the Huskies' real start to the season. They have played four really bad teams. They're averaging 92 points while shooting better than 50 percent from the field and nearly 40 percent from deep. They've allowed 51.3 points per game while holding opponents to 33 percent shooting. The Tigers got a scare from South Florida last time out. UConn is a much better team than Auburn. This spread is too small.

Rating: 2 Units

Let's get our day started on a winning note from the Bahamas. Is this spread wrong? The various models appear to think so. SportsLine's has Drexel winning by two points. ESPN's BPI has the Dragons has about a point better. CAA Preseason Player of the Year Camren Wynter for Drexel will be the best player on the floor.

Rating: 2 Units

KenPom ranks Fairfield 15 spots better nationally and this is a true home game for the Stags. The SportsLine Projection Model has them winning by 3. Sagarin and ESPN's BPI have it about the same. Fairfield played both Boston College and Providence tough, while Stony Brook is 0-2 on the road. Fairfield is one of four teams in the nation to welcome back more than 99 percent of its scoring and 99 percent of its minutes from last season.

Rating: 2 Units

 This spread seems too high at least according to various models -- SportsLine's has about the highest point differential I've seen at Campbell winning by 17. Campbell is a good Big South program but UMES has had some quality outings this season, only losing to Saint Joseph's by two and winning at Fordham. The Hawks should be able to stay within this number.

Rating: 2 Units

In my mind, this is going to be a defensive slog in the Bahamas. Both clubs allow only around 60 points per game. Teams are shooting 34.5 percent against Sparty and 37 percent against the Ramblers. Not like either club knows these rims, either. And, yes, that does matter. First-year Loyola head coach Drew Valentine was a graduate assistant coach on Tom Izzo's staff at Michigan State in 2013-14 and 2014-15.

Rating: 2 Units

This number is way too low. The Red Raiders' offense has been spectacular so far this season. They are averaging 86.3 points on 48.5 percent shooting from the field. The Mavericks are terrible defensively so the Red Raiders will have an easy time scoring. And the Mavericks are good enough offensively to do their part and get this game Over.

Rating: 2 Units

The model makes this one a seven-point spread, and it looks like Texas-Rio Grande Valley should be able to keep this game within double digits. The Vaqueros play with an elevated pace and can go on scoring runs. Grab them and the points.

Rating: 2 Units

 LeBron James will not play so I only expect this moneyline to rise during the day -- there's also the fact the Lakers play again Wednesday so maybe they rest Russell Westbrook or Anthony Davis (although I doubt it).

Rating: 2 Units

The Friars are 5-0 on the season and already have taken down two Big Ten teams in Wisconsin and Northwestern. They now will face a Virginia team that struggles with an offensive efficiency rating that ranks them No. 156 in the country. No one has had an answer for Providence big man Nate Watson, who averages 18.6 points, 6.2 rebounds and 1.4 blocks. The Friars are a top-50 team rebounding the ball on the defensive end, while Virginia checks in 200 spots lower in the same category. Lay the small number with the better team on a neutral court.

Rating: 2 Units

The wrong team is favored in this game. The Wolfpack have been terrible so far. They lost by 27 points yesterday while allowing 102 points. The Patriots have looked good on both ends of the floor. They are on fire from beyond the arc and that should continue against the Wolfpack’s terrible defense.

Rating: 2 Units

This play is a fade on the Thunderbirds. In their three games against Division I opponents, they are 0-3 straight up and against the spread. They have looked terrible on both ends of the court and they have shown no potential to get better. The Bulldogs are really strong defensively and they have shown some sparks offensively. The Bulldogs are a much better and more experienced team. They have good chemistry and it shows on defense. Lay the points.

Rating: 2 Units

Gonzaga is the number one team in the country for good reason. The Zags are stacked. But they have their hardest game of the season Tuesday against UCLA. Once they get ahead big here, they likely will rest starters. The Chippewas' offense has shown potential. This spread is too high.

Rating: 2 Units

 I recommend betting this right now before oddsmakers adjust (takes longer in college hoops) as CBS Sports' Jon Rothstein just reported that Santa Clara star Josip Vrankic is out tonight vs. TCU with mono. Vrankic averages 16.3 points, 6.7 rebounds and 6.0 assists per game.

Rating: 2 Units

The Kings stink but maybe they get the interim coach bump Monday after firing Luke Walton on Sunday -- WAY overdue move, by the way. Alvin Gentry, who has coached about half the teams in the league and is well-respected, takes over. I'm basically going against Philly here, though, without Joel Embiid, Danny Green and now apparently Tobias Harris. I won't be betting my life savings on this play or anything, but if Sacramento can't beat a Philly team in the midst of a long trip and without its three best players (Embiid, Harris and Ben Simmons), well, I don't know what to say.

Rating: 2 Units

The Grizzlies are not expected to have Dillon Brooks or De'Anthony Melton tonight. It's a bad spot for Memphis against a surging Jazz team that's won and covered three straight. Utah has covered those three by an average of 13 points. The Jazz remember that Memphis stole Game 1 in Salt Lake City in last year's playoffs. Lay the points.

Rating: 2 Units

Both teams are great defensively. The Cowboys are allowing 54.7 points per game, including an overtime contest, while the Antelopes are yielding 56 points per game. Both teams also play a s slow pace. Look for an offensive struggle as this is the first time either team has faced a strong defense.

Rating: 3 Unit NBA Play of the Day

The Suns have won 12 games in a row, and nine of those victories have been by at least seven points. They did just play against Denver on Sunday, but neither Chris Paul, Devin Booker nor Deandre Ayton logged more than 28 minutes in the lopsided win, so they should be relatively fresh. The Spurs have lost seven of their last nine, with the two wins during that stretch coming against bad Orlando and Sacramento teams. I like the Suns to come through with another decisive victory.

Rating: 2 Units

This line looks cheap because the Bulls played Sunday and beat the gritty Knicks 109-103. But tonight it’s just the rudder-less Pacers trying to find themselves in Rick Carlisle’s scheme. They routed the Pelicans on Saturday to end a three-game slide, but I think Indiana's overall road woes (2-9 SU away) weigh more here than the Bulls playing yesterday.

Rating: 2 Units

My model has this one at 8.5. This is a huge matchup on the road for Belmont, and I think it might be a bit too tall of a task. The Tigers are 4-0 against the spread and have won every game by at least 16 points. Lay them with LSU.

Rating: 2 Units

Atlanta is concluding a five-game homestand during which it won the first four contests after losing six straight overall. Three of those victories came against Milwaukee, Boston and Charlotte. Meanwhile, Oklahoma City lost the first two contests of its three-game road trip and is just 2-6 away from home this season. Expect the Hawks to cruise to their fifth straight win.