Rating: 2 Units

This is the highest total on the board today and I'm always going Under a number this big. It's not that easy to get to 80 points in a college basketball game these days. South Dakota State is an excellent offensive team, but Nevada isn't about to get into a track meet with the Jackrabbits. The SportsLine Projection Model has this game finishing with 155 points.

Rating: 2 Units

The Pride are underrated. They're 1-3 but every game has been close. Dating back to last season, the Pride are 10-3 against the spread in their last 13 as underdogs. The Spiders have been inconsistent, especially on defense. Their defense has been really bad the last three games and it has cost them two wins. Take the points.

Rating: 2 Units

Tony Bennett's Virginia squad has looked uncharacteristically shaky out of the gate, starting the season 2-2. However, Georgia may be the Power Five's worst team this season and has an adjusted offensive efficiency rating that ranks it 189th in the nation. The Cavaliers have struggled to score through four games but have a good matchup here against a Bulldogs team that has a defensive efficiency rating that is No. 230 in the country. Virginia's tight defense should smother Georgia enough to cover the number.

Rating: 2 Units

The Pirates took care of business against the bad teams and then beat fourth-ranked Michigan. According to KenPom, they rank 15th in adjusted defensive efficiency. The Buckeyes had two scares against bad teams at home. Their last game was their first game on the road, and they lost to unranked Xavier. Now they have to face a better team in the Pirates. Lay the small number.

Rating: 2 Units

 I'll grab the favorite here as the model has it at -5.5 for the Badgers. This game is probably going to come down to turnovers, and Wisconsin has the edge there. The Badgers are eighth in the nation in turnovers allowed, while the Aggies are 22nd in turnovers forced. The high rate for Texas A&M has given it some good wins, but against a team that protects the ball like Wisconsin, the Aggies may have trouble covering.

Rating: 2 Units

Neutral-site game in Fort Myers, Fla. This spread is sort in the no-fly zone for me at -4 so will take the moneyline ... I do believe Vermont wins as the Catamounts are always an excellent program, winning at least a share of the America East title for five straight seasons. They already own solid victories this year over Northern Iowa and preseason Ivy League favorite Yale. KenPom ranks Vermont No. 94 nationally and Oakland 156.

Rating: 2 Units

Let's get this winning day started with an 11 a.m. ET tip from Jacksonville. Neither team is great with KenPom ranking Little Rock at No. 300 and Northern Illinois at 319. The Huskies have lost three straight in blowout fashion. They were picked to finish dead last in the MAC so I simply like Little Rock as the lesser of two evils. The SportsLine Projection Model has the Trojans winning by 6.

Rating: 2 Units

 I had this as a play at +7.5 Saturday night and the market has moved it another 1.5 points in my favor. I'll take it. The model makes this a 4.5 spread, meaning we are getting five points of value on this line by my numbers. Indiana State has quietly covered three of its first four games, including both as an underdog. This line is simply too big. I don't think Indiana State wins, but it won't lose by 10. Take the points.

Rating: 2 Units

The wrong team is favored here. I make Northeastern -1.5, so we are getting a nice four-point edge. Both teams have been playing decent basketball, but I think this one comes down to a bucket at the end of the game, and I'll take the points in that scenario every time.

Rating: 2 Units

This line has fallen but there's still value on Louisiana. The Ragin' Cajuns are extremely stout defensively and they have the size to make Indiana work for every basket. The Hoosiers are 1-8 ATS in their last nine games dating to last season, while Louisiana is 7-1-1 ATS in its last nine versus teams with .600-plus winning percentages. Take the points.

Rating: 2 Units

The model has Creighton favored by one point. Colorado State has only covered against Oral Roberts, failing to do so against Pine Bluff and Bradley, and now this will be their first game with a single-digit spread. I just don't see the Rams doing well enough to win by four points. If anything, the Bluejays have an advantage in the Paradise Jam semifinals because they have a tenured coach who has led them to back-to-back solid wins against Nebraska and Brown. Take the points.

Rating: 2 Units

Both teams are terrible offensively and strong defensively. Also, the Spartans play at one of the slowest paces in the nation. The Panthers' offensive numbers are skewed due to their 111-point outburst against a non-Division I opponent. Under is the play.

Rating: 2 Units

Have to say I don't get this spread whatsoever -- every model has Youngstown State as the favorite. SportsLine's has the Penguins winning by 7. ESPN's by 3.6. Sagarin's by 2.6. It's the third game in three days for both and that clearly favors the home side. Youngstown is 5-1 ATS in its past six as a dog.

Rating: 2 Units

I'm going to have to speculate on the status of Luka Doncic as the Mavs say he's a game-time call and I wouldn't like the Clippers as much if he does. I happened to watch a video feed of him going through pre-game warmups and it sure doesn't look to me like he's playing, so we'll back LA.

Rating: 2 Units

The Boilermakers have been rolling all season and had their first true test against North Carolina on Saturday, winning and covering 93-84. Not only do I think Purdue is the better team in this matchup, but it also has way more size than Villanova. I don’t see how the Wildcats will be able to slow down Purdue big man Trevion Williams, who was a 2020-21 All-Big Ten selection. Take the Boilermakers to cover the small number against a Villanova team that lives and dies by the 3-pointer.

Rating: 2 Units

 I'm going moneyline to avoid a backdoor cover but the spread (1.5) should be at least a few points higher according to various models. The SportsLine Projection Model has Ole Miss as 3 points better. ESPN's power rankings 4 points. Ole Miss is averaging 80.3 points per game on 50 percent field goal shooting

Rating: 2 Units

The Quakers have looked really good even with a 2-4 record. They have had a tough schedule. The Monarchs have had an easy schedule but have looked terrible. Their offense is a mess. The last two games, they scored 96 points combined on 30.4 percent shooting. The wrong team is favored in this game.

Rating: 2 Units

Doc Rivers has already said Joel Embiid isn’t playing Saturday night at Portland, and the Sixers come off a huge win at Denver without him after five straight losses (0-5 ATS). Last game of a road trip. My theory: the Sixers are content with their Denver win and go back to being lousy without Embiid. The Blazers are 7-1 at home and have covered their last four as favorites. Huge home edge. Blazers to cover.

Rating: 2 Units

After a win over the Pistons, the Kings have reverted back to their struggling ways, losing both of the last two games by at least 10 points. Playing at home hasn’t helped them much this season, either, given their 2-5 record there ATS. This isn’t part of a back-to-back situation for the Jazz, so there shouldn’t be any rest days to worry about. This has plenty of blowout potential.

Rating: 2 Units

The Aztecs have one of the best defenses in the country. They are only allowing 60.7 PPG and they have had some tough competition to start this season. Now they face the Mavericks who are terrible offensively. They only average 64 PPG which doesn’t tell the entire story. They scored 104 against a non-division I school and they had a game go into overtime. According to Kenpom, they are 324th in adjusted offensive efficiency. These teams are terrible from behind the arc and at the free throw line which helps the under a lot. The Aztecs like to play at a slow pace and have a defensive mentality. This is going to be a boring game to watch with points being very hard to come by. Under is the play.

Rating: 2 Units

My numbers have DePaul winning this by 13 points and I would play 9.5 or -10 as well. DePaul has yet to lose ATS, going 2-0-1 to open the season. On Thursday they notched an upset win against Rutgers and now are less double digit favorites against Western Illinois. This is mostly because the Leathernecks beat Nebraska, but Nebraska just isn't playing well, and DePaul will be a much tougher test for Western Illinois. Trust the model.

Rating: 2 Units

I have the wrong team favored on this one as the model is making the Vaqueros -2. We've been pretty successful with the home underdogs so let's look to keep it rolling with this sizable edge. I'd play it all the way down to +1.5 but it's been going the other way today so you might be able to get an even better number before the 2 p.m. tipoff.

Rating: 2 Units

Drake has played two games so far, and the stat line already looks like a Drake one from last season when the team started 18-0. The Bulldogs shoot at a high percentage (53.5), defend well (37.7 shooting percent allowed) and are shooting 51.1 percent from 3-point land. They also have all five starters back. A well coached team of upperclassmen doesn't make mistakes often. The home edge for Drake against Richmond gives this more value than the number indicates. Bulldogs cover.

Rating: 2 Units

The Bears have looked incredible to start this season. They have been dominant on both sides of the ball as they are ranked sixth in the nation in adjusted efficiency margin, per Kenpom. The Cardinal are 3-1 but haven’t looked good. In their one road game, they lost by 16 as a 3.5 point favorite. Now they have to go to Waco to face the reigning champions. The Bears amazing offense and fast pace should carry them to a huge win and cover.

Rating: 2 Units

This seems like a big number considering how mediocre Michigan has looked and that UNLV is unbeaten, a veteran team and at home, although technically a neutral site at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas in something called the Roman Main Event. I'd expect this game to do massive betting action because of the start time: 12:30 early Saturday morning ET. People love to chase on late-night games -- why Hawaii football home games do so well. That unusual tip time might affect the Wolverines a lot more than the Rebs as well.

Rating: 2 Unit

This total is perplexing considering these teams combined for 203 points in the same gym on Wednesday when the Mavs were without Luka Doncic. He's listed as doubtful tonight. Why would the score change much? Dallas only got 98 points in the first game despite shooting 16-for-32 from deep, and the Mavericks aren't repeating that.

Rating: 2 Units

Ah, the Clean Old-Fashioned Hate rivalry. This spread seems a bit off -- bet it drops by morning -- so I'll happily take the Dawgs and the points. Tech's lone loss is at home to a MAC school, while Georgia's is at a good Cincinnati team. The SportsLine Projection Model has Tech currently winning by a point and a few others I've checked list UGA as the favorite. Coach Tom Crean's club is led by three good veteran transfers in Aaron Cook, Kario Oguendo and Braelen Bridges.

Rating: 2 Units

Respect to readers if you can tell me where both Stetson and Lamar are located. Or if you know anyone named Stetson or Lamar personally (I don't know them but Georgia QB Stetson Bennett and of course Ravens QB Lamar Jackson). Anyways, this line seems off. The SportsLine Projection Model has Lamar winning by 5. So does ESPN's power rankings. Sagarin has the Cardinals by 2. Stetson has been blown out in both road games and had a quick turnaround/travel after losing Wednesday at Miami of Ohio.

Rating: 2 Units

 Early projections show the Buffs should be around 10-point favorites for this Paradise Jam matchup in the Virgin Islands -- I actually attended that once. Quite fun. Colorado hasn't been challenged in a 3-0 start. The Buffs are averaging 90.3 points and shooting 51.5 percent from the field. Southern Illinois lost at Little Rock and beat Austin Peay so an obvious step up here for the Salukis. CU has outrebounded its three foes by 17 per game and will have a massive size advantage here. I'm thinking this spread rises a few points by tipoff.

Rating; 2 Units

These teams have terrible offenses. The Panthers' numbers are inflated from their game against a non-Division I opponent, and the Phoenix went to double overtime in their first game. The Phoenix like to slow the game down and should have no problem doing that against the Panthers. FIU is strong defensively, and both teams are on a back-to-back, which will hurt the offenses. Under is the play.

Rating: 2 Units

Orlando is truly terrible, but there are rumors Kevin Durant will take the game off -- frankly, the Nets should still win, but not by more than 12 points without the NBA's No. 2 scorer.

Rating: 2 Units

 The Hornets recently had a tough road trip where they went 1-4. However, they have bounced back on their current home-stand with a 3-0 record. All three wins were against quality opponents in the Knicks, Warriors and Wizards. With LaMelo Ball leading the way, I like the Hornets to continue their recent hot streak at home.

Rating: 2 Units

 I'm so irked at myself. I had a feeling the Dubs would rest Steph Curry in this game last night after hearing him talk following a win in Cleveland. The spread was 9 then. I was going to play/post it then. However, it was late so I let it go until the morning and it was -7. Then I got tied up in other things. Long story short: Steph, Draymond Green, Otto Porter and Andre Iguodala are all out. If the Pistons at home facing that depleted team on the second of a B2B at the end of a road trip can't win this game, well, the Pistons either need to move back to Fort Wayne or be relegated like AFC Richmond in Ted Lasso.

Rating: 2 Units

we'll take this solid edge and continue to bet on home teams getting points. George Mason is coming off a big win over Maryland, which is probably what is giving JMU the value here (i.e. letdown for Patriots).

Rating: 2 Units

This pick is a fade on the Terrapins, who have looked terrible to start this season. They are 3-1, but it is easy to see this team isn’t good. The Terrapins have struggled on both ends but play at such a slow pace it doesn’t show up in the stats. Now they have to play against a good Hofstra team. The Pride are 1-2, but they have looked good and are elite from three-point range. That is where Maryland has had most of its defensive struggles. If the Pride get hot from downtown, they should win this game outright. But for safety, take the points.

Rating: 2 Units

this spread is too small for Georgetown. Siena has lost all three games by at least 18 points (0-3 ATS). The Saints were given +3 and +3.5 in their two most recent games, and they lost by 20 and 28. Those were against Delaware and Yale, and Georgetown is a level above those teams. Fade Siena until the Saints show they can keep a game anywhere near close.

Rating: 2 Units

We won on a good Norfolk State team -- won the MEAC last year and a game in the First Four of the NCAA Tournament -- on Tuesday against William & Mary and I'm pretty surprised at this number at Bowling Green. The 1-2 Falcons were picked to finish sixth in the MAC and have a loss to Western Carolina, which isn't as good as Norfolk Sate. The SportsLine Projection Model has BGSU winning by 4. So does Sagarin. I will be quite shocked if the Spartans don't cover this spread and frankly think they can win outright.

Rating: 2 Units

The Cowboys have looked great to start this season, dominating on both ends of the floor. Dating back to last season, Wyoming has covered its last eight games. The Cowboys' defense has been spectacular, holding both teams they played under 50 points. The Huskies have struggled offensively to start the season, shooting 33.9 percent. Take Wyoming.

Rating: 2 Units

Both teams have been hammered by injuries, which makes things a little tricky. The Nuggets likely will be without both Michael Porter Jr. (back) and Will Barton (back), while the 76ers are expected to be missing Joel Embiid (COVID-19), Matisse Thybulle (COVID-19) and Danny Green (hamstring). With those three out on Tuesday, Philadelphia lost by 35 points in Utah. Add in the Sixers' 2-6 record ATS as underdogs and I like Nikola Jokic to lead the Nuggets to a cover.

Rating: 2 Units

This spread is about five points too high for the Battle of the Palouse. Are you aware this is the longest continuous running rivalry in the country? It is now because the Ivy League didn't play last season. Wazzu hasn't won a game by more than 19 yet and those were at home. Idaho played both Long Beach State and Fresno State very tough in losses. Transfers Philip Pepple Jr. and Mikey Dixon have shined for the Vandals in the early going. It's a veteran team that is shooting 47.8 percent from behind the arc, ranking first in the Big Sky and 10th in the nation. Teams shoot better from deep at home.

Rating: 2 Units

Rutgers is 3-0 but has failed to cover the spread in each game. All three of its wins have come against teams ranked by KenPom No. 230 or lower. The Scarlet Knights have struggled to find their rhythm offensively ever since losing guard Jacob Young in the transfer portal to Oregon. DePaul enters as one of the nation's top rebounding teams and has four players averaging 13 points or better. Take the home underdog getting more than one possession.

Rating: 2 Units

 The Clippers are really thin injury-wise right now as on top of Kawhi Leonard, Serge Ibaka and Marcus Morris all being out, which we knew, Nic Batum and Terance Mann probably are both sitting tonight as well. There's only so much Paul George can do by himself. This is also LA's first road game in 13 days and the front end of a B2B. Memphis is rested and healthy. I'd be willing to bet the Grizz are favored by tipoff.

Rating: 2 Units

UAB, the preseason C-USA favorite, is unbeaten but has faced UNC-Asheville, Morehead State and Division III program Rhodes College. Thus, I'm pretty surprised the Blazers in their first road game against a good Power 5 program are giving 2.5 points at South Carolina. One issue for the Blazers in the early going is rebounding and USC has a +45 rebounding edge through three games. Every model I can find has the Gamecocks winning outright -- SportsLine's by two points.

Rating: 2 Units

Fading Marquette didn't work out for me against Illinois, but I'll try again tonight with Ole Miss. The Rebels have a deep roster, they should commit fewer turnovers than the Illini did, and they're shooting 39.2 percent from deep. The Golden Eagles won't have the home crowd to fuel their pressure. Lay the small number.

Rating: 2 Units

My model is currently at a 57 percent win rate this year, 55-41-1 on the season and 38-20 (66 percent) in the last week. I preface this pick with the full track record because going against a huge team like Ohio State takes some guts and full trust in the model. The numbers are coming back with this game as a pick'em. This is going to be a contest that likely comes down to the final possessions, and in that situation, I'll take the home team with the points. Don't go any lower than +2.5 though.

Rating: 2 Units

The Friars are already battle-tested, going on the road to Wisconsin and coming home with a 63-58 win. They are now hosting a New Hampshire team that recently lost to Marquette, 75-70, but don't let the score fool you. In that loss, New Hampshire made 12-of-27 3-point attempts after going just 3-of-16 from downtown in its season opener. I expect a worse shooting performance tonight, which should allow the much better Providence team to pull away.

Guess I'm in a Carolinas type of mind today as after picking Davidson and South Carolina, I'm backing Clemson in this Shriners Children's Charleston Classic game -- so, a neutral site but basically a home game for the Tigers. Temple might have the best player on the floor in guard Khalif Battle, but I expect Clemson to double him all day and force other Owls to win the game. Not sure they can do that. teams are shooting just 23 percent from deep against the Tigers. I'm not interested in giving Temple four points, and I'm starting to see this rise to five so let's hit this moneyline now before it's no value.

Rating: 2 Units

 Both the Spartans and Phoenix like to play at a slow pace. And they're not good offensively. The Spartans rank 246th and the Phoenix 299th in adjusted offensive efficiency. The Spartans are averaging 60.7 points and the Phoenix 55.5, and that includes both teams having played an overtime game. The Spartans' defense looks tough as they are allowing just 56.7 points per game. Go Under.

Rating: 2 Units

 Both of these teams have elite defenses. The Bonnies have allowed just 53.5 points per game, the Broncos 57 points per game. Both play very slow offensively. Both teams like to score in the paint, but these defenses thrive at rim protection. These are two of the worst three-point shooting teams in the nation. Go Under.

Rating: 2 Units

 This is New Mexico State's first away game of the season at a neutral site in South Carolina -- obviously, pretty long trip for the Aggies but not for Davidson (located in North Carolina if didn't know). Per usual, Davidson is among the country's best shooting teams, hitting 51 percent. Michigan State transfer Foster Loyer has been tremendous. The SportsLine Projection Model has the Wildcats winning by 11. No other model is close to that: ESPN has Davidson by 1.9 points and Sagarin by a point. Thus, we'll do the moneyline.

Rating: 2 Units

Both Damian Lillard (abdomen) and Norman Powell (ankle) are listed as questionable for Portland. Losing either player would be significant, considering how little amount of depth the Trail Blazers have. When Lillard sat out against Denver on Sunday, they lost by 29 points. The Bulls are hot right now, winning back-to-back games on the strength of DeMar DeRozan's offensive explosion. I think Chicago could win this game outright, even if Lillard and Powell play. If they don’t, the Bulls could run away with the victory.

Rating: 2 Units

Let's grab the points with Utah Valley. The Wolverines are coming off a 12-point win against Pepperdine in which they were 3.5-point underdogs, and my model makes them one-half point favorites versus the Beach. This isn't the biggest edge, but there's a good chance Utah Valley can win outright, and we get to cash in if it's a one-point contest as well.

Rating: 2 Units

Love those pick'em games because if we can't pick a winner outright, what are we doing here? I've had success on Pepperdine dating to last season and will back the Waves again at home. The SportsLine Projection Model has them winning by 11. I don't think that's right. ESPN power rankings has Pepperdine by 8.9 points. Also seems high. Sagarin by 1.5 points. This is the first-ever meeting between Pepperdine and UC Davis.

Rating: 2 Units

The Cardinal did get beat by a strong Santa Clara team, but Valparaiso is going to be much easier to defeat. Stanford beat San Jose State by 14 points on Monday, and I think this opponent is similar on a talent level. The Beacons have yet to cover or win this season and allowed Illinois-Chicago to upset them in overtime on Saturday. Stanford should cover the spread.

Rating: 2 Units

This is a nice payback spot for the Thunder, who fell 124-91 in Houston on Oct. 22. That remains the Rockets' lone win. OKC had won four straight before losing its last two. We should get a nice bounceback game from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who scored a season-low 10 points in Monday's loss to the Heat. Houston rookie Jalen Green was minus-37 in Monday's 34-point loss at Memphis, with three turnovers and one assist. He might have a bigger role as a creator if Kevin Porter Jr. (thigh) can't play. Lay the small number.

Rating: 2 Units

Central Arkansas is off to a cold start. It lost by 35 and 32 to unranked opponents in its first two games. Now, it has to face a Baylor team that is red-hot. KenPom ranks Baylor as the sixth-best team in the nation, while Central Arkansas is terrible on both ends of the court. It is 322nd in adjusted offensive efficiency and 346th in adjusted defensive efficiency, according to KenPom. Both Bears teams play with pace, which favors a blowout. Lay the points with Baylor.

Rating: 2 Units

This is at a neutral site in Connecticut -- show on CBS Sports Network -- and both played Tuesday. NC State had to work pretty hard to dispatch Central Connecticut, while Okie State had no issues with UMass Lowell. The Pokes have two great transfer players in Bryce Thompson (Kansas) and Moussa Cisse (Memphis). The Wolfpack, meanwhile, lost maybe their best player, Manny Bates, to a season-ending injury in the opener. Like the Pokes to prevail as they are clearly the more talented, deeper team but not giving 4 points, so we'll risk the moneyline price.

Rating: 2 Units

The Pistons already have a limited roster, but things are even worse now that Kelly Olynyk (knee) is out for an extended period. They did beat the Raptors without him, but they lost both of the other two games that he missed by at least 20 points. Those included a 22-point defeat at home at the hands of the Kings on Monday. Look for them to have a hard time scoring enough points to keep up with a Pacers team that should have Malcolm Brogdon, Caris LeVert and Domantas Sabonis available.

Rating: 2 Units

The Wizards have won five straight to get to 10-3, and Bradley Beal is coming back tonight. But I'll back the Hornets to win their fourth straight because what they're doing is more sustainable. Washington needed a 19-point comeback to beat the lowly Pelicans last time out. Spencer Dinwiddie is coming off amazing games versus New Orleans and Orlando; he'll find it harder to maintain that level versus LaMelo Ball. Back Charlotte to improve to 7-1 ATS in the last eight home meetings.

Rating: 2 Units

ESPN has the Hawks by 2.2 points and Sagarin by 2.7. The Hawks are coming off a convincing 80-60 victory over NEC Champion Mount St. Mary's on Saturday. Drexel won this matchup by four last year, but the Hawks have won the past nine at home in the series.

Rating: 2 Units

Sometimes it's hard to find out about key injuries with these smaller schools, but Columbia lost one of its best players, senior forward and captain Ike Nweke, in the season-opening loss to Fordham. He had 11 points, five rebounds and three assists. The Lions have lost both games this season by double digits and are projected as the worst team in the Ivy League. Binghamton has been boosted by St. John's transfer Jonathan McGriff, who is averaging 15.5 points and 5.0 rebounds. The Bearcats are 4-1 ATS in their last five road games. I'm a little ticked I didn't get this at -1 early today so let's do the moneyline to avoid an ATS loss on a very close win.

 Los Angeles is looking to begin another winning streak after having its seven-game run snapped by Chicago on Sunday. Paul George is among the top scorers in the NBA with an average of 26.5 points per game and is coming off his fifth double-double of the season as he had 27 points and 11 rebounds against the Bulls. The Spurs are just 1-7 against Western Conference rivals and have allowed at least 114 in three straight contests. Take the Clippers.

Rating: 2 Units

The 76ers have gone 0-4 SU and ATS without Joel Embiid, but I like them to be competitive tonight at Utah. The Jazz have lost four of five and have been getting punished inside. Tobias Harris and Andre Drummond should have big games. The line is inflated based on Utah's performance at home last season. Take the points.

Rating: 2 Units

Santa Clara has four guys averaging at least 14 points -- a lot of returning talent -- and ranks fifth nationally in shooting percentage (58.1) and eighth in assists per game (23.0). Nevada is solid but should not be giving 3.5 points on the road, and it wouldn't surprise me to see this number dip soon.

Rating: 2 Units

 Michigan 7-foot sophomore Hunter Dickinson gets his first real challenge tonight against Seton Hall, which features 6-10 Tyrese Samuel and 7-2 Ike Obiagu. The Pirates are relishing the underdog role as they visit Ann Arbor as part of the Gavitt Tipoff Games. They shouldn't be fazed too much by the hostile atmosphere: their average age is 21.3 years old. The Wolverines, of course, are loaded again, but they are shooting 56.5 percent from the free-throw line. That could come into play late. Grab the points.

Rating: 2 Units

EKU posted a 22-7 record in 2020-21 and finished eighth in the nation in scoring offense at 82 points per game. The Colonels have showed no signs of slowing down this year, putting up 91.0 ppg in a 3-0 start. Eastern Kentucky is 18-3 in its last 21 home games. James Madison plays its first road game of the season and that matters. ESPN's power index has it by 4.2 and Sagarin by 4. Thus, I'm going to take the money line.

Rating: 2 Units

The Spartans were named the team to beat in the MEAC after winning it last year and reaching the Big Dance and are 3-0 for the first time 1995-96. William & Mary has lost its first two games by double digits. These schools are about 45 miles apart on I-64 in Virginia. The Spartans are 5-0 ATS in their last five home games. I've seen this number rise to -3 already at some books so let's lock it in.

Rating: 2 Units

Normally, I might worry that this is the school's first road game of the year, but the Eagles have the nation's longest road win streak dating back to last season with 12 straight. D.J. Burns Jr. leads Winthrop in scoring at 23.0 ppg while shooting an absurd 72 percent. Middle Tennessee is 2-0 but has played two cupcakes. Winthrop is 16-5 ATS in its past 21 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.

Rating: 2 Units

The Boilermakers are loaded with talent, and according to KenPom, they rank second in adjusted offensive efficiency and 24th in adjusted defensive efficiency. They won their first two games by 29 and 25 points. Now they get to face the Wright State Raiders, who let up 96 points to Marshall in their last game. Lay the points.

Rating: 2 Units

Long Beach State is not a bad team -- it has a handful of good fifth-year seniors and added Joel Murray, a former Division II All-American, via transfer. He had 28 points for the Beach in the opener. I'm not saying UCLA is going to lose this game obviously, but it would be natural letdown spot off last Friday's big win in a potential Final Four preview vs. Villanova. For what it's worth, two seasons ago the Beach only lost by four at UCLA. I'd think they can stay within this big number.

Rating: 2 Units

These teams are in a similar spot. They both played Sunday (and won) and are missing a key star. The Lakers are without LeBron James (abdomen) and the Bulls are without Nikola Vucevic (COVID-19). On the bright side for the Bulls, Coby White is expected to make his season debut. The Bulls still have a lot of firepower with Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan and Lonzo Ball. I think Ball and Alex Caruso will make things difficult for Lakers guard Russell Westbrook and the Bulls get the win Monday.

Rating: 2 Units

I believe Providence has a more complete roster than Wisconsin, returning four starters from last year's team - including big man Nate Watson. The Badgers will have no answer for Watson, who is averaging 18 points, eight rebounds and two blocks so far this season. I think the Friars are more than capable of winning the game outright, so I love taking them with the points here.

Rating: 2 Units

Coach Stephen Silas suggested he's going to change the starting lineup of his 1-12 Rockets, and a good move would be benching Daniel Theis. Houston has been outscored by 21 points per 100 possessions with Theis on the floor. More minutes for 19-year-old Alperen Sengun (9.4 ppg, 4.8 rpg) would be a plus. Either way, look for Houston to be more competitive tonight against the NBA's worst defensive team. Before getting blown out by Phoenix, the Rockets had played seven straight games in which they lost by 13 or less. Take the points.

Rating: 2 Units

 The Suns could be forced to play without Deandre Ayton (leg) for the sixth straight game. His absences haven’t slowed them down, though, considering that they are 5-0 with him out. They are 4-1 ATS on the road this season, which is where they will be again Monday. This could be another favorable matchup, considering the Timberwolves are just 1-6 ATS at home. They have lost five straight at home, four of which they lost by at least nine points.

Rating: 2 Units

Southern Miss could not find the basket from long distance against Louisiana on Friday. The Golden Eagles went 2-for-19 from 3-point range and and committed 25 turnovers while losing by 21 points. I think we are seeing a reaction to that performance in this line. I don't know if TCU is good enough to win by 15. The Horned Frogs only beat McNeese by 16 points in their season opener, and McNeese is consistently ranked among the bottom 15-20 teams in the nation. Grab Southern Miss and the points.

Rating: 2 Units

We're getting strong value with them at this number. Sacramento has had two days off after a stretch of four games in six days during which it went 0-4. The Pistons are coming off a 2-1 road trip but have lost three straight at home and four of five overall on their own court. Take the Kings.

Rating: 2 Units

The Celtics have had two days to stew over blowing a 19-point lead in Saturday's 91-89 loss in Cleveland. For the rematch, they get Al Horford and Josh Richardson back in the lineup. Look for Jayson Tatum (1 of 8 from 3-point range, 8 of 22 overall, six turnovers) to play much better as the Celtics get payback.

Rating: 2 Units

 I'll take the Citadel to give Presbyterian some trouble Monday. The Bulldogs just beat Pittsburgh outright by 15 when they were +10.5-point underdogs at the close. I think they will again outperform their expectations. The model agrees, making this game a pick'em. Take the points.

Rating: 2 Units

Maryland transfer Darryl Morsell (23.5 ppg) is carrying Shaka Smart's new team, but the other Golden Eagles are 8 for 41 from 3-point range. Tonight they host a loaded Illinois team. The Illini are relishing the chance to show they go a lot deeper than Ayo Dosunmu and Kofi Cockburn. Dosunmo now plays for the Chicago Bulls, while Cockburn is serving the final game of a suspension. Led by Coleman Hawkins, Jacob Grandison, Trent Frazier and Andre Curbelo, the Illini have held their first two opponents to 33.6 percent from the field. Lay the points.

Rating: 2 Units

These teams have looked terrible offensively. Out of 358 teams, the Jaguars are ranked 341st and the Pioneers 346th in adjusted offensive efficiency, per KenPom. With the slow tempo that the Jaguars like to play at, this game won’t come close to this number. Under is the play.

Rating: 3 Unit NBA Play of the Day

The Trail Blazers have been bad on the road this season, posting a 1-6 record there ATS. Now, they’ll have another uphill battle against the Nuggets with Damian Lillard (abdomen) ruled out. While he’s struggled with his efficiency, he’s still averaged 20 points per game. Filling in for him will be the likes of Anfernee Simons and Dennis Smith Jr. The Nuggets could roll here.

Rating: 2 Units

Vanderbilt hosts a Texas State team that is coming off an 84-59 loss at LSU. The Commodores return two starters from last year's team - including Scotty Pippen Jr., who averaged 20.8 points last season and was a Preseason First Team All-SEC selection. In Vanderbilt's 91-72 season-opening win against Alabama State, it shot just 28.6 percent from 3-point range. Texas State allowed LSU to shoot 55 percent from beyond the arc, so I expect Vanderbilt to bounce back from long distance and cover at home.

Rating: 2 Unit

The model makes this one 138.5, which is a very strong play on a total. I think we see a good deal of 3-pointers in this game, which should help us cash in. Princeton took 31 shots from long distance against South Carolina and Minnesota has averaged 20 3-point attempts in its first two games. If the deep shots fall at any decent rate, this one should get above 133. Take the Over.

Rating: 2 Units

This is an in-state rivalry game with Western Carolina coming off two straight underdog covers to open the season against Bowling Green and Wake Forest. I have ECU ranked right around the same tier as Wake Forest, and that game had an 18.5-point spread and was decided by 12. We should see a similar double-digit result, so this line is too soft. Take the favorite.

Rating: 2 Units

 This line opened at 142.5 and has been hammered by sharp money up to 149.5. When this happens, the likelihood is that the sharps got a much better number than what's available, with the books compensating by raising the line. I think we probably got too much of a reaction, and my model is going to make this one closer to the original number at 143. Therefore, I'll happily go with what looks like a 6.5-point edge and take the gamble that this comes in lower than billed. This being an in-state rivalry also should aid the Under.

Rating: 2 Units

This line opened at 133, which my numbers had as a fair line, but it's been bet down to 130, and I have that as an actionable number. I have the game getting to 135, and I think both offenses have the ability to find the bucket. Fairfield went Over by 20 points in its first game against Providence. BC has come within four points of the total in each of its first two contests. So with the model indicating Over, I'd play this up to 131 at the most.

Rating: 2 Units

The Seminoles have dominated the Gators over the past years. They have covered the spread in the last eight matchups, including seven straight-up wins in a row. FSU put up 105 points against Penn, while Florida struggled in its first game. Florida State has more firepower and should continue the series dominance.

Rating: 2 Units

The Pelicans’ season has quickly gone into a downward spiral. Zion Williamson (foot) isn’t close to playing in his first game and Brandon Ingram (hip) has missed seven straight. The result has been a 1-12 record with a -11.1 point differential that is the second worst in the NBA. If Ingram is out again, this game could get out of hand in a hurry.

Rating: 2 Units

Colorado is a top-60 program, and New Mexico comes in below 250th in most rankings. We're getting a soft line because the Buffaloes almost lost to Montana State, needing overtime to secure a four-point win when they were 12-point favorites. I make this matchup -19 in favor of the Buffaloes. Take the favorites to cover.

Rating: 2 Units

Rough Friday in the NBA for me. I blame La Nina or Nino or whatever, the weather here is wacky. Which reminds me, time to stream the final season of Narcos. No show is better. Anyways, there is no way the Heat should be 7-point underdogs against anyone whether Jimmy Butler plays or not (he probably won't).

Rating: 2 Units

Wouldn't be a legitimate capper if I didn't preview this potential Final Four preview with an awesome late-night tipoff from UCLA. Frankly, this spread shocks me. The Bruins are good but I think a tad overrated -- remember, they barely snuck into the NCAA Tournament last year and should have lost in the First Four. Also, the Bruins lost starting big man Cody Riley to a knee injury in the opener. He averaged 10.0 points and 5.4 rebounds last season. Villanova is a veteran team that might not get this many points the rest of the regular season. UCLA might win at home but no way I'm not taking this many points.

Rating: 2 Units

It's obviously impossible to know in-depth about every team in the country. Don't know a heck of a lot about Idaho State of the Big Sky -- the Bengals were picked to finish sixth in the conference and opened with a win over Montana State. Pepperdine lost its two best players off last year's team that won the College Basketball Invitational but has eight guys back and a couple of good freshmen in Houston Mallette and Mike Mitchell Jr. Lorenzo Romar has recruited well wherever he has been. The SportsLine Projection Model has the Waves winning by 12. Sagarin by about 9. ESPN power rankings by 10.5.

Rating: 2 Units

The Boilermakers are absolutely loaded and they proved it in their first game as they put up 96 points on 50 percent shooting. Even though the Sycamores won their first game, they didn’t look good. They turned the ball over at a very high rate and their defense was subpar. The Boilermakers should be able to put up 90-plus points again and cover.

Rating: 2 Units

The Thunder have been a much more competitive team at home than on the road. Despite three of their four home games being tough matchups against the Sixers, Warriors and Lakers, they are 3-1 ATS. Meanwhile, the Kings have lost three straight and might be without Tyrese Haliburton (back), who is listed as questionable, for the third straight game. I like the Thunder to keep this close.

Rating: 2 Units

Both teams were terrible offensively in their openers. They both shot under 40 percent from the field. Defensively, the Aggies were dominant, holding UNF to just 46 points. The Wildcats showed flashes of defensive potential as well as they held the Utes to under 40 percent from the field. Both of these teams like to play at a slower pace. Go Under.

Rating: 2 Units

Both teams are missing big scorers in Khris Middleton and Jaylen Brown. The Bucks have been one of the best Under teams in the NBA with 75 percent of their games landing Under. Sixty percent of Boston's have and three of four at home.

Rating: 2 Units

Cornell lost all five starters from its 2019-20 team -- the Ivy League didn't play last season -- while Lafayette has four starters back off last season's team that was a Patriot League contender. The SportsLine Projection Model has the Leopards winning by 11. Not sure I agree with that but ESPN's power rankings have Lafayette 6.6 points better. The Big Red are 6-15 ATS in their last 21 road games.

Rating: 2 Units

The Knicks are known for defense under Tom Thibodeau but lately they've been getting lit up. Opponents are shooting 41 percent from deep over New York's last seven games. And the Knicks' starters are the biggest problem: they've been outscored by 15.6 points per 100 possessions. The young and talented Hornets got a huge win in Memphis last time out and I think they carry it over here.

Rating: 2 Units

he Northern Illinois Huskies were impressive in their season opener, winning by seven as big underdogs to Washington. They registered 14 blocks and held Washington below 30 percent shooting. Indiana should win but this is too many points.

Rating: 2 Units

This game is part of the Duke Veterans Day Weekend Showcase in Durham. The Camels are North Division favorites in the Big South; they returned 99 percent of their scoring and minutes played from last season. Hartford won the America East last season but is not as good defensively; this season they're picked to finish fourth. In their opener, the Hawks got 16 more free throws and still lost by 18 to Wagner. Look for Campbell to execute its Princeton offense effectively and cover.