Rating: 2 Units

Detroit is 4-0 ATS in their last 4 road games, 7-2 ATS in their last 9 road games vs. a team with a losing home record, 9-3 ATS in their last 12 Friday games, 6-2 ATS in their last 8 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400, and 5-2-1 ATS in their last 8 games as a road underdog. In addition, the road team is 5-2 ATS in the last 7 meetings.

Rating: 3 Units Mismatch of the Day

The visitor has won the last three meetings, one of them taking place as they were a 2-16 team in C-USA in 2018-19. The pack-line defense they are playing rather well in low possession games is in stark contrast to the no-defense played by the up-tempo opponent that FAU swept last weekend, Florida International. FAU is one of the best underdogs in college hoops over the last two-plus seasons. Unless our calculations are way off, they’ll be favored on their home floor. They scored 107 points in their last game. What went up must come down.

CBB Play of the Day

The over is 12-3 in 49ers last 15 games as a road underdog, 12-3 in 49ers last 15 road games vs. a team with a winning home record, 6-2 in 49ers last 8 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600, and 7-3 in 49ers last 10 games following a ATS win. While the over is 4-0 in Owls last 4 games as a favorite, 6-1 in Owls last 7 overall, and 5-1 in Owls last 6 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.

Rating: 2 Units

IUPUI is 7-3 ATS in their last 10 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. While Wright State is 3-7 ATS in their last 10 road games following three or more consecutive home games,  2-5 ATS in their last 7 games following a straight up win of more than 20 points, and 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up win.

Rating: 2 Units

The host Aggies are 9-0 atop the Mountain West and beat CSU 83-64 on Wednesday night. These visiting Rams tend to fall way behind in the first half – not the worst thing when taking a lot of points, but not the best, either! Utah State has really drilled each and every foe in this situation: second game in three nights – beat San Jose State by 27, Air Force by 19, New Mexico by 36, San Diego State by 15.

Rating: 2 Units

Knicks won in OT here last year. They hit town yesterday before the Warriors came out to play vs. the Spurs, which makes this a second back-to-backs and third game in four nights for the home side. Nobody played more minutes than Curry, Wiseman and Oubre’s 31 apiece last night when the Warriors jumped on the Spurs early. But the Knicks, despite being the Knicks, probably won’t shoot 4-for-33 from three point range like the Spurs did… especially if Alec Burks – a Warrior last year – maintains his current 66.7% three-point shooting in the three games he’s played for New York. He returns from an injury tonight after not playing since Dec. 27. The Warriors won their only home second of back-to-backs by 31 points but that’s one heck of a short sample, is it not? Before last night, their starting lineup of Curry, Oubre, Wiggins, Green and Wiseman had a Plus-Minus of -45.

Rating: 3 Units

Damon Stoudamire to Romar: ‘I… own… you.’ Six straight wins for the visiting Tigers since Romar took over Pepperdine in 2018. The Waves recently got away with shooting 6-for-25 (24.0%) on threes and turning it over 16 times beating Portland by 15 points on this floor but Pacific will defend the paint better and won’t allow the 5-for-8 and 8-for-11 two-point shooting that Pepperdine forwards Kessler Edwards and Kene Chukwuka enjoyed in that match-up. Portland played that game against Pepperdine without five players who didn’t make the trip, including leading scorer Ahmed Ali.

Rating: 2 Units

The nation’s #1 offensive-efficiency team, with an array of pretty good three-point shooters, is on its home floor against the team allowing the highest percentage of opposing three-point field goals in Big Ten play. Could get ugly for Indiana.

Rating: 4 Unit PAC-12 Play of the Day

ASU is 1-9 ATS. There’s a reason we call them Hurley’s girlies. One of the most expectation-laden teams, every year, which can’t even win consistently in a conference that hasn’t been what it used to be for a while. The visiting Wildcats can’t play in the post-season this year, which should put an even greater emphasis on dealing with the rivalry games. Having last Saturday’s Oregon game postponed gave Sean Miller and staff extra time to get home and get ready, while ASU was stuck up in Corvallis, OR over the weekend losing another one. Although it was excusable to lose to USC and UCLA home, and even OSU on the road, remember that ASU lost by 13 points vs. UTEP in their final game before Pac 12 season began.

Rating: 2 Units

Saint Mary’s should have been struggling like they are now when they were playing with recruiting limitations via NCAA sanctions that stretched from 2014 through 2018. But, better late than never. We saw it coming during their non-conference cupcake slate in which they rolled to a fake 9-2, one of the losses 74-49 to San Diego State, the only real team they played (unless you count Memphis, who beat them 73-56 for the other loss). They’ve opened up WCC season losing 66-64 to Santa Clara, 62-52 to BYU, 73-59 to Gonzaga. They’re like Kentucky – slowing the game down to make up for lack of scoring and trying to lead with defense, but at some point ya’ gotta make baskets.

Rating: 2 Units

The last time the Lakers played the Bucks, it was as the fifth and final game of a road trip last December, after they’d won the first three and guaranteed themselves a winning trip. They trailed 65-46 at halftime, understandable given the situation. But they “won” the second half 58-46, not bad given the situation. The set-up for this is different: first game of a seven-game road trip, off a Martin Luther King Day loss (they always lose on Martin Luther King Day; it’s a Laker tradition). Low-man help defense was a focus in L.A. practice for this. Opponent-specific practice is a thing that NBA teams don’t get much time for during the season. The Lakers are 7-0 SU on the road so far.

Rating: 2 Units

If you love being on a side that allows only 59.8 ppg and is facing an opponent averaging the fewest points per game in the conference (65.3), then there’s nothing wrong with desiring Morehead.

Rating: 2 Units

The Houston Rockets still are not whole, and with one dozen of their 72-game schedule in the books, it's becoming easier to wonder if they will find their footing and salvage their season. The newest member of the Rockets was preaching patience following a 125-120 loss at the Chicago Bulls on Monday. Victor Oladipo predicting fairer skies ahead following his 32-point, five-rebound, nine-assist debut in the aftermath of the blockbuster trade that sent All-NBA guard James Harden to Brooklyn and landed Oladipo on a makeshift roster in Houston. Suns coach Monty Williams described the time off Phoenix had between its blowout loss at the Washington Wizards on Jan. 11 and its 108-104 setback at the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday as a delay in the process of acclimation, with multiple health and safety protocol postponements putting the Suns "in a bit of a bind." Consider that Phoenix is 7-16 ATS in their last 23 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record.

Rating: 2 Units

All the elements were there noting a performance worth lauding, and Houston's dismantling of visiting UCF on Sunday provided a showcase of the Cougars' excellence. However, as evidence of how high the bar has been raised for the No. 8 Cougars, there was plenty to assess regarding how they could improve upon their near-perfect first half. The Cougars carried a 45-19 lead to the break after knocking down 6 of 14 3-point attempts and grabbing seven steals. Ultimately, the Cougars rolled to their fourth consecutive win, a 75-58 decision that Houston (11-1, 6-1 American Athletic Conference) will use as a springboard for its rematch against visiting Tulsa on Wednesday. The Golden Hurricane handed the Cougars their lone loss of the season, prevailing 65-64 on Dec. 29 in Tulsa. As for the Cougars' win over UCF, Houston coach Kelvin Sampson said, "Teachers are always looking for teaching moments, and we had plenty. A lot of good moments, too. If you listen to me .. you'd think we lost. But I'm pretty sure we won, right?" Individually and collectively, the Cougars provided glimpses of what makes them formidable. They forced 20 turnovers and converted those miscues into 22 points, grabbed 17 offensive rebounds that resulted in 14 second-chance points, and limited UCF to 4-of-19 3-point shooting. Houston's Quentin Grimes scored 18 points, essentially matching his team-leading average of 17.8, while Justin Gorham added 15 point and nine rebounds.

Rating: 2 Units

All the elements were there noting a performance worth lauding, and Houston's dismantling of visiting UCF on Sunday provided a showcase of the Cougars' excellence. However, as evidence of how high the bar has been raised for the No. 8 Cougars, there was plenty to assess regarding how they could improve upon their near-perfect first half. The Cougars carried a 45-19 lead to the break after knocking down 6 of 14 3-point attempts and grabbing seven steals. Ultimately, the Cougars rolled to their fourth consecutive win, a 75-58 decision that Houston (11-1, 6-1 American Athletic Conference) will use as a springboard for its rematch against visiting Tulsa.  Consider Houston is 17-5 ATS in their last 22 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600. While the favorite is 5-2 ATS in the last 7 meetings and 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings.

Rating: 2 Units

Hawks had a get-well game against Minnesota on Monday, but they didn’t hit their scoring average in victory (108 vs. 111), against the team giving up the fourth-most points per game in the NBA (118.7). Atlanta has still lost more games outright as a favorite than they’ve won, the last two-plus seasons. Blake Griffin and Derrick Rose were out for the Pistons when they lost 128-120 on this floor in the third game of the season. They’re back. They’re useful veterans.

Rating: 4 Unit CBB Play of the Day

Providence had their shot at the Blue Jays at home recently, couldn’t get it done. Their ability to prevent Creighton from swishing three-pointers through their own friendly rims is highly questionable. When the Friars lost 67-65 at home to Creighton they shot only 33.8% from the floor. But it’s not unreasonable to expect the same or worse off an eight-day break and playing in this place, where Creighton is known for getting quick separation that throws slower-paced opponents out of whack. Starting point guard Jared Bynum has been out for Providence. Head coach Ed Cooley: “I’ve never coached a team that wasn’t tough emotionally, mentally and, more importantly, physically. This team has got to get to that point. If we don’t get to that point, we’re going to have a tough time surviving in the Big East.” Thanks for the heads-up, coach!

Rating: 2 Units

Mercer is 3-9 ATS in their last 12 games as a road favorite, 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS loss, and 1-4 ATS in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. While the Citadel is 4-0 ATS in their last 4 home games and 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games overall

Rating: 2 Units

Winthrop is 3-10 ATS in their last 13 games following a ATS loss, 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games overall, and 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games following a straight up win. While Presbyterian is 4-0 ATS in their last 4 home games vs. a team with a winning road record, and 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games as a home underdog. In addition, the underdog is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings, and the home team is 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings

Rating: 2 Units

This is the first of two games in three nights between Northwest Division leading Jazz, and Southwest Division habitual also ran Pelicans, still struggling after all these years to elevate into the Western Conference’s top eight. They think Stan Van Gundy is the guy to step in and get them over that hump when their focal-point player, Zion Wiliamson, doesn’t even have a full season in the league yet. We shall see. For the moment, he’s led them to 5-7, five of the seven losses in succession until they won in Sacramento the other night. Erratic shooting, too many turnovers, Lonzo Ball absent for the last three games… but he could return tonight. Their three losses to the Jazz last season were by 8, 2 and 2 points, and there was a home OT win. Utah won their circled revenge affair at Denver on Sunday, a game to which many of them had been looking forward since Sept. 1. Safe to say they haven’t been looking forward to this game since Sept. 1. Maybe since Jan. 18.

Rating: 2 Units

Mississippi State looks to keep pace near the top of the Southeastern Conference when it hosts in-state rival Ole Miss on Tuesday in Starkville, Miss.
The Bulldogs (9-5, 4-2 SEC) are coming off a 72-69 win over visiting Florida on Saturday. Forward Tolu Smith had a career night with 27 points, 14 rebounds and a career high-tying three blocks. Smith earned his SEC-leading fifth double-double of the season and had the first 20-point, 10-rebound effort of his career. He also made 11 of 13 shots. Consider Mississippi is 5-11-1 ATS in their last 17 games following a ATS loss while the home team is 14-6 ATS in the last 20 meetings.

Rating: 2 Units

Maryland squad that doesn’t really have a true point guard and will be throwing Ayala out there at less than 100 percent. Hunter Dickinson is coming off a season-low nine points and had five turnovers in being outplayed by Minnesota’s Liam Robbins, so he’ll be looking to rebound too. Considering they’re back home at Crisler Arena and so many Wolverines will be looking to atone for an awful effort at the “Barn,” this has blowout written all over it with Michigan just a 10- point favorite.

Rating: 4 Unit SEC Play of the Day

The Vol1s have won four straight against the Gators. Can’t see how this Mike White-coached Florida group – weakened on the inside by injury absences – can score much against a Tennessee bunch that defends equally well inside and out. Florida prefers a quick pace; Tennessee probably won’t allow that to happen. Florida shot in the mid-30s percent range on two-point shots in their last two games. They are shooting a decent 37% from three-point range in SEC play. But – ah, always a but – they haven’t faced Tennessee yet. Clang-clang, rebound Vols.

Rating: 4 Unit CBB Mismatch of the Day

‘Tell me why should we make a ***BEST BET on you again when South Carolina can score like Texas A&M can’t? Tell me Cuonzo, Cuonzo, Cuonzo!’ Could it be because Jeremiah Tillmon once again has nobody to go out and chase on the perimeter? This seems to be the case, given the tendencies of the South Carolina bigs, who also aren’t that big. Tilmon is averaging 18.5 pg and 9 rebounds in his last three games. “There’s not many in America that’s better,” Martin says. “There might be some that’s just as good. But high level of player on both sides of the ball, and then doing it efficiently without fouling. Really impressive.” Consider that Missouri is 14-6-1 ATS in their last 21 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400 while the home team is 4-1-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings.

Rating: 2 Units

The Buckeyes (11-3, 5-3 Big Ten) got their third victory in a row Saturday, an 87-81 decision at Illinois. Following successive road wins, they return home, where they are unbeaten this season in eight games, including three Big Ten contests. Tuesday's game was moved from Jan. 27 to accommodate schedule changes in the conference due to COVID-19 protocols, and it lands in a spot that means Ohio State will have one more day of rest than the Boilermakers (10-5, 5-3), who defeated visiting Penn State 80-72 on Sunday. The short turnaround is rare for regular-season conference games. It's the first time in 20 years that Purdue has had had just a one-day break between Big Ten games (Feb. 27 and 29, 2000). Consider that Purdue is 4-10 ATS in their last 14 games following a ATS win.

Rating: 2 Units

Seems best not to be “that guy” who insists on stepping in front of Baylor, 30-4 SU when favored at home the last two-plus seasons. They’re scoring more, giving up fewer, than the Jayhawks. As noted here recently, can’t trust KU’s David McCormack to step up inside on a consistent basis, especially against the conference’s best

Rating: 2 Units

The large mass of human form resembling James Harden will encounter more defensive resistance than it did in its Nets’ debut vs. Orlando on Saturday. Bucks have had two off-days before coming in and have not been dealing with many personnel absences.

Rating: 2 Units

Spurs have long had problems in this building. Popovich seems to use it as a place to rest guys, test out new lineups, let somebody else coach (he’ll get himself ejected). Weird.

Rating: 2 Units

Sacramento State is 2-5 ATS in their last 7 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600, 2-5 ATS in their last 7 road games vs. a team with a winning home record, and 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record. While Idaho State is 3-0-1 ATS in their last 4 Monday games, 5-1-1 ATS in their last 7 games overall, and 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.

NBA Game of the Week

It’s a great “situation” for the T’Wolves, although they are the type of team that tends to not take advantage. The Hawks were out West last week, return home with only one day in between their 6-point loss at Portland (taking +5) and this assignment, for which they don’t even get a break with a night-time tip. It’s 2:35 pm, ET! Are we feeling a bit sluggish today? The T’Wolves haven’t played since Thursday night at home against Memphis. They figure to be the fresher and more in sync side, because if recently injured and absent Hawks come back for this, they may need a game under their belts before re-jelling with their mates (actually, with so many new players, they haven’t originally jelled yet). Atlanta is a mere 13-15 SU – that’s straightup -- when favored the last two-plus seasons. T’Wolves have a built-in excuse for blowing this, with Towns out again, and probably Juancho Hermangomez and Ricky Rubio, too. But their 0-5 SU road record has been compiled vs. Utah, LA Clippers and Lakers, Denver and Portland. All winners. So, if they don’t come through for us, then we can just hate on them and insult them and win some other games starting tomorrow.

Rating: 2 Units

Home invasion situation with the Magic having been in god-forsaken New York since Friday, where they competed well against Brooklyn on Saturday but were victimized by a large mass of human form who resembled James Harden, swishing threes from way downtown. The Magic have their issues and obstacles but they have been waiting for the Knicks to arrive so they can take well-prepped advantage of losing-streaking New York playing the second of back-to-backs, road to home.

NBA Play of the Day

With a 42.9% rate on three-pointers, you’d think the Clippers should be undefeated, right? Utah led the NBA in that department with 38.0% last season, so expect that percentage to be dropping. The Pacers enter in what was supposed to be a second of back-to-backs, but their game at Phoenix was postponed last night. That’s a fortunate break that eliminates what would have been a fifth road game in seven nights, and instead makes it a Jan. 14 to Jan. 17 gap with time to practice on the road for what has been an undervalued team (8-4 ATS). Indiana’s response to trading Victor Oladipo was a 111-87 win at Portland, accomplished without yet-to-arrive Caris Le-Vert.

Rating: 2 Units

In the downturn the Pels have shown a lack of defensive intensity, losing the TO battle by 4½ per game, allowing foes to make 42% of their treys and giving up 9 steals a game. Sacto not doing any better, with a 2-7 SU mark since New Year’s Eve, ranking dead last in net differential in that period. The Kings average 113.6 PPG, but they allow a whopping 123.2. Look for New Orleans to improve to 6-1 ATS in its last seven following a straight-up loss of ten or more points in its previous outing and lay the short points.

ACC Play of the Day

Head coaches Mike Young and Steve Forbes squared off in the Southern Conference when Wofford and East Tennessee State matched up. Young beat Forbes five of the last eight times and his Virginia Tech team has a one-season head start in his systems vs. the first-season Forbes, whose Demon Deacons endured a long pause recently that should continue to be an obstacle as he attempts to make something of the mess that Danny Manning left behind. Nowhere to go but up, but hopefully not yet, as one of their guards suggests: "It’s just going to take a little time. Hopefully it happens sooner or later, and we can maybe flip the switch, but it’s just a matter of time before we get to it." Another guard, Carter Whitt missed the Louisville game and should still be out. Va. Tech’s Jalen Cone has been giving them a starter’s production coming off the bench.

Rating: 2 Units

Memphis, overrated due to incorrect assessment of Penny Hardaway’s coaching abilities being as good as his recruiting abilities, hasn’t played since Dec. 29 but it was because of their opponents, not them. But before the postponements, they were struggling to score. They face a host giving up an average of only 62.9 ppg, and who they already lost to at home by the score of 56-49. Oh, and they also lost 80-40 here last February. Good luck!

Rating: 4 Unit CAA Play of the Day

Hofstra is now 0-5 ATS in the Colonial following Friday’s outright loss as the road favorite. We had that happy-happy back-to-back against them last weekend with Northeastern, and they followed up on that SU/ATS L-L with an outright loss here by 18 points. People are looking at them as if they already won the CAA, like they did last year, and as if their head coach is still there, which he hasn’t been. They have a short roster, play mostly 40 minutes of zone, are easy to prepare for, have a target on their backs and aren’t shooting as accurately as they did last season.

Rating: 2 Units

Can you imagine Northwestern people when they’re 3-0 after beating Michigan State, Indiana and Ohio State, thinking, ‘Oh, yes! We will dominate the Big Ten and get to the Elite Eight! Wowee!’ Because at that point, anyone who’s been around the block a few times realizes that 3-0 has a fine chance to turn into 3-10. At the moment it’s 3-4, the four straight losses by 15, 19, 25 and 10 points.

Rating: 2 Units

Both teams are dealing with injury issues, but the backcourt of Lillard and McCollum will just be too much for this young Hawks team to deal with in the second game of the back-to-back scenario, as note that Atlanta has indeed struggled in this spot for bettors, going just 2-7 ATS in its last nine road games after failing to score 100 points in a SU/ATS loss in its previous game and playing on no rest.

Rating: 2 Units

‘Fade the Raptors’ mantra worked again on Thursday night. They’re 3-8 ATS. Say no more.

Rating: 4 Unit NBA Play of the Day

Orlando won the first three meetings with Brooklyn last season until the very meaningless fourth, when Brooklyn won 108-96 led by Jeremiah Martin,  Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot, Dzanan Musa and Tyler Johnson. The Nets are in much better shape physically and scoring-potential now, and they’ll have had two days off since beating the Knicks. Orlando is not in better shape physically or in scoring potential. In fact, they’re worse off. They’ve scored 90, 98, 99, 97 points in their current four-game losing streak. Plus, they’re in a second of road back-to-backs (Nets are rested) coming out of Boston Friday last night, where they were without Mo Bamba, Michael Cater-Williams, Evan Fournier, Al-Farouq Aminu, and the three guys who were already out long-term, Chuma Okeke, Markelle Fultz and Jonathan Isaac.

Rating: 2 Units

Thursday night’s result was more of the same from the San Jose State perspective – another beatdown suffered. This time it was 90-57. They’ve been relocated to Phoenix, AZ. The school’s women’s basketball program has been shut down, rather than deal with the fear-based banishment to another state. They lost to the Rams by 33 points despite 35 points from guard Richard Washington. “That’s not very good for us defensively,” said CSU head coach Niko Medved. So now they’ll key on Washington to add insult to another injury.

Rating: 3 Units

When you work with somebody who doesn’t want to be there and doesn’t think
you’re worthy of their personal goals, and then he leaves, the general feeling is more like, “Good riddance to the SOB!” than “Oh, how can we possibly do our jobs moving forward?” Everybody is replaceable. The Rockets have one game under their belt since James Harden, to nobody’s dismay, was dealt. And, as we suggested in Thursday’s forecast, Houston would be more than merely competitive in his wake. They may not be a championship contender, but neither are the Spurs. However, using Pop off a loss in a quick-turnaround, second crack at an opponent definitely playing without John Wall, Danuel House and Eric Gordon, plus possibly DeMarcus Cousins, and Harden if you want to count him, as well as yet-to-report Victor Oladipo, doesn’t seem like an unreasonable move.

Rating: 4 Unit PAC-12 Play of the Day

Undefeated in conference play and looking to move back into the national rankings, UCLA is set to put its much-improved offense up against visiting Washington today. The Bruins (10-2, 6-0 Pac-12) will enter off an impressive 91-61 victory Thursday over Washington State when the leaders of the conference shook off their tendency to play to the level of their opponent. UCLA has not gone 7-0 to open conference play since 1993-94. Washington (1-10, 0-6) will enter the game off a brutal 95-68 loss Thursday at Southern California. UCLA is 4-0 since the start of the new year, but Thursday was the first time the Bruins defeated an opponent by double digits in that time. Consider that Washington is 6-20 ATS in their last 26 games as an underdog.

CBB Mismatch of the Day

And, like we said before picking them at LSU (d-oh!), Arkansas is known for SEC road losses and losing a lot of games after recording 0- and 1-loss non-conference seasons. Alabama has a couple of injuries (Jordan Bruner, Herb Jones) that will no doubt draw Arkansas money but those folks can have ’em ‘cuz we don’t want ’em. Look at those injury chasers, driving the number down.

Rating: 2 Units

The under is 14-5 in Monarchs last 19 Saturday games, 13-5 in Monarchs last 18 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600, and 15-6 in Monarchs last 21 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. While the under is 8-3 in Owls last 11 overall and 5-2 in Owls last 7 games following a straight up win

Rating: 3 Units

After winning their first three league outings, including a 76-58 thumping of Florida on the road, the Wildcats (4-7, 3-1 SEC) took a huge step back in falling to Alabama 85-65 at home Tuesday night. It was the Wildcats' worst loss to the Crimson Tide ever in Rupp Arena and worst to the Tide in Lexington since 1974. Auburn has become a different team since getting a favorable eligibility ruling on freshman Sharife Cooper. Though the Tigers (7-6, 1-4) lost 94-90 to Alabama in the talented point guard's first outing last weekend, they cruised past Georgia 95-77 in Athens in their next outing. Cooper has 54 points, 21 assists, nine rebounds and five steals in his first two collegiate games. Consider Auburn is 10-4 ATS in their last 14 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.

Rating: 2 Units

The typical Oral Roberts game is a track meet where they try to outscore the other team and fail to cover the spread in the process. You know, like yesterday’s 88-84 win against now 1-9 Denver in which ORU was favored by a heck of a lot more than four. Now, we ask this question: How many chances in life do you get to go against a road favorite in the high altitude of Denver, CO that is playing the second of back-to-backs, off a win, after their point guard played all 40 minutes and scored 34 points on 13-for-30 shooting the day before? Hey now

Rating: 4 Unit MAC Play of the Day

We could have a little zig-zaggy action here with Akron coming home off a road loss at 2-9 Northern Illinois (after a seven-hour bus ride), and Toledo coming in just a little too hot for us to sincerely believe it can continue, off 95-78 and 96-63 home wins vs. Ohio and Eastern Michigan. And, of course, there were the six straight wins before that. And the 99-89 win by Toledo on this floor last season. And yet, we go with the home dog coming off two road losses. It’s their only MAC home game in a five-game stretch.

Rating: 2 Units

The over is 6-2 in Aztecs last 8 games after scoring less than 50 points in their previous game, 8-3-1 in Aztecs last 12 games following a ATS loss, and 5-2 in Aztecs last 7 road games.

Rating: 4 Unit SEC Play of the Day

Tell me how will the virus pause affect the Tigers? Tell me Cuonzo, Cuonzo, Cuonzo!’ “I’ve been in leagues where you’ve had a week off. It’s not a bad thing in my opinion. I assume we’ll be fine.” Martin likes it when his 6’10”, 260 Jeremiah Tillman plays against opponents with traditional bigs who don’t step out and shoot three pointers. A&M’s Emanuel Miller and Kevin Marfo have combined to shoot 0-for-5 on three-pointers this season. There you go, coach. A&M has chances to win when they hold opponents to 50-something. Get to 60!

Rating: 2 Units

Georgia responded to a 30-point road loss at Arkansas by coming home and losing by 18 points to Auburn – which we were very happy about. So, we’ll see how Ole Miss reacts to coming off a 14-point home loss to LSU, followed by a  9-point road loss at Florida. They’ve ordered up the right opponent, it seems. The Florida game was 66-63 with :50 remaining when Ole Miss head coach Kermit Davis got a technical for arguing a foul-out called against his 6’8”, 235 Romello White. Good to have some anger carrying over.

Rating: 2 Units

The Lakers pounded the Oklahoma City Thunder 128-99 on Wednesday to remain the NBA's only unbeaten team on the road. But the Lakers, who are an NBA-best 10-3 overall, are 3-3 at home, with losses in two of their past three games at Staples Center. Consider that LA is 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record and 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games as a home favorite.

Rating: 2 Units

Kings won two of three against the bad-favorite Clippers last season. L.A. managed to “get past” New Orleans the other night, 111-106, when the Pelicans were playing without Zion Williamson, Lonzo Ball and Eric Bledsoe. Paul George… ugh. But the Kings are allowing 122 points per game, most in the league. That’s just too many.

Rating: 3 Units

Wisconsin won't find any sympathy for its Tuesday night plight when it hits the floor in New Jersey. The Scarlet Knights (7-4, 3-4) were ranked as high as 11th after starting 6-0, but they have dropped four of the past five, including a 79-68 decision at home Saturday against Ohio State. A lack of post depth, poor first-shot defense and sketchy offensive execution have plagued Rutgers lately. Ohio State canned 51 percent from the field. Consider that Wisconsin is 9-4-1 ATS in their last 14 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.

Rating: 2 Units

Billy Donovan has one of those Nick Saban-like staffs in Chicago, with an assistant for everything. He had one at Oklahoma City, too, where he was the head coach for the last five years until he stepped down after last year, not wanting to be part of the stated rebuild. (His former assistant Mark Daigneault has only four assistants on the current OKC staff). Mo Cheeks was Donovan’s assistant in OKC for five years. The Bulls are off three straight narrow losses out West, before a home game with the Celtics was postponed Tuesday. All the more time to focus on an opponent that Donovan and Cheeks know as well as anyone not connected to the OKC. Both Lauri Markkanen and Ryan Arcidiacono have returned to practice for Chicago (both out since Dec. 31).

Rating: 3 Units

Middle Tennessee State is 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games following a straight up win, 3-9 ATS in their last 12 games following a ATS win, and 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games overall. While Southern Miss is 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up loss. 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games overall, and 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games as an underdog.

Rating: 2 Units

Cleveland is 5-0 ATS in their last 5 Friday games, 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games playing on 2 days rest, 5-2-1 ATS in their last 8 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points. While New York is 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games overall, 0-4 ATS in their last 4 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game, and 0-4 ATS in their last 4 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.

Rating: 2 Units

The Under is 4-1 in Bulldogs last 5 overall, 4-1 in Bulldogs last 5 home games, and 5-2 in Bulldogs last 7 games following a straight up win.

Rating: 2 Units

You already know that Riverside caught USC in a tough spot on Tuesday! USC shot 3-for-21 on three-pointers to make it even harder on themselves. Usually, that would discount the up-in-class strong performance and set them up to be overvalued as a road favorite vs. their own kind. But, we must also consider that they have been on a Big West upswing (7-9 last year was a drastic improvement for the Highlanders), beat Cal Poly by 33 and 12 points last season, and Cal Poly is currently 1-6 vs. Division I teams, the one win against everyone’s favorite patsy San Jose State.

Rating: 4 Unit CBB Play of the Day

The visitor – who won the MAAC last year and is the favorite to win it again -- has won 15 straight in MAAC play. The host – picked to finish last in the MAAC -- has lost three straight conference home games. Siena had every right to be behind the curve after a very long pause before they could play a single game. They had no non-conference tune-ups. But they’ve zipped past Monmouth and Fairfield for 4-0. Rider is 17-28 ATS in MAAC games the last two-plus seasons, which includes 0-3 ATS as a home underdog.

Rating: 4 Unit CBB Mismatch of the Day

With only one day between the loss/no-cover at Dayton and this schlep from there up to Olean, NY, struggling Duquesne seems to be in a tough spot. Starting point guard Sincere Carry said ‘no mas’ earlier in the week and joined guard Lamar Norman, Jr. in the transfer portal. Another guard, Maceo Austin, is on leave for personal reasons. Carry did not leave for playing time reasons, which would seem to be a problem because it’s not like Dambrot was happier with somebody else when Carry – a junior playing a lot since his freshman season -- was getting 30.2 minutes per game. Consider that St. Bonaventure is 15-5-1 ATS in their last 21 games as a favorite.

Rating: 2 Units

Georgia Southern is 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record, 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games as a favorite, 0-5 ATS in their last 5 home games vs. a team with a losing road record, 0-4 ATS in their last 4 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.

Rating: 3 Units

BYU is 12-2 ATS in their last 14 games following a straight up loss, 5-1-1 ATS in their last 7 games as a road underdog, and 19-7-1 ATS in their last 27 Thursday games. While St. Mary's is 1-4 ATS in their last 5 Thursday games, and 1-4 ATS in their last 5 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. In addition, the underdog is 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings.

Rating: 4 Unit CBB Mismatch of the Day

The Wildcats’ Saturday game at Oregon has been postponed, so Sean Miller doesn’t have to play with an eye to Saturday. That wasn’t going to happen anyway, because Arizona is off two home losses and shooting guard Jemarl Baker, Jr. was lost for the season to injury in the most recent. Miller will shuffle the rotation some and Oregon State, forced to pause for seven days with seven players in isolation and back to practice only this Tuesday, can’t scout the shuffle. The Beavers have their own problems to worry about coming off the pause.

Rating: 2 Units

Portland is 6-1-1 ATS in their last 8 games after scoring more than 125 points in their previous game, 4-1 ATS in their last 5 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game, 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games when their starting 5 players combine for more than 160 minutes of the previous day, and 22-9 ATS in their last 31 Thursday games.

Rating: 3 Units

CBS Sports Network televises the first of two between Mountain West contenders, with the re-hook coming Saturday. The host Aggies are covered in the loser-dust of six straight wins and covers against San Jose State, Air Force and New Mexico. You can’t fault ‘em for who they were scheduled to play, but the visiting Aztecs’ most recent games were: Arizona State, Saint Mary’s, two against Colorado State, two against Nevada. The home side has double-revenge but they also have something to prove, against a senior-laden side with class, while having no margin for error. This arena is known for a raucous, home-assisting crowd. But outside influences have turned 10,000 into 1,500.

Rating: 3 Units

San Francisco is 7-16 ATS in their last 23 games following a straight up loss, 8-20-1 ATS in their last 29 road games vs. a team with a winning home record, and 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS loss. While Portland is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games as a home underdog and home team is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.

Rating: 2 Units

Hornets go second of back-to-backs, home to road, after being the successful target of Dallas’ re-introduction of Porzingis. You know how we feel about the Raptors: fade ’em.

Rating: 2 Units

Ah, we meet again, stranger! But Philly will have a more familiar look than in their Tuesday night win vs. the Heat, as Matisse Thybulle, Shake Milton, Tobias Harris and Terrance Ferguson are all "probable." Last night, eight Heat players were still listed as out, including Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo and Goran Dragic. Meyers Leonard was listed as doubtful with a left shoulder sprain. Miami could be going 8 against 12 or 13.

Rating: 2 Units

Montana is  4-0 ATS in their last 4 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record, and 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games following a straight up win. While N. Arizona is 7-16 ATS in their last 23 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record and 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games as a road underdog. In addition, the favorite is 5-2-1 ATS in the last 8 meetings.

PAC-12 Play of the Day

Washington State’s bigs have length, size and rebound well but they are butchers with the basketball. Head coach Kyle Smith is advertising starting four freshmen here. The loss of guard Chris Smith was supposed to hamper UCLA – according to others. Guess what? They’re 5-0 in the Pac 12, and have won all three games he hasn’t played. The last four wins by the Bruins have been close – by 2, 3, 6 in OT, 5 points. This doesn’t have to be

Rating: 3 Units

The Colorado Buffaloes were set for a Wednesday night matchup against Pac-12 rival Cal, but in what has become the new normal, the game was moved back 17 hours. So instead of a primetime slot, the Bears and Buffaloes now have a lunchtime game Thursday. The way Colorado has played of late, however, it doesn't matter that tipoff is at noon local time, this team is ready to go. The Buffaloes (9-3, 3-2 Pac-12) are coming off two impressive wins, the first over then-No. 17 Oregon a week ago followed by a road win at Utah on Monday. Colorado rallied from a 10-point halftime deficit to beat the Utes, and they did it with leading scorer McKinley Wright IV having a so-so game. Consider California is 4-12 ATS in their last 16 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.

Rating: 2 Units

The L.A. Clippers… a favorite that can’t hold a lead. A favorite that falls behind before making a rally. In short, not a good favorite

Rating: 2 Units

The Over is 13-3 in Cowboys last 16 games following a ATS loss, 20-6 in Cowboys last 26 home games vs. a team with a winning road record, 16-5 in Cowboys last 21 games following a straight up loss, and 12-4 in Cowboys last 16 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600. In addition, the Over is 4-0 in Broncos last 4 games following a straight up win of more than 20 points.

Rating: 4 Unit NBA Play of the Day

The T’Wolves are 1-6 SU and ATS when Karl-Anthony Towns hasn’t played, 2-1 SU, 3-0 ATS when he has played. Well, that makes it easy-peasy Great Lakes breezy, doesn’t it? Sunday’s instant-revenge vs. the Spurs was their first straight-up win without him, when they intentionally rested him after his first game back from his injury. With that non-injury absence in the books, he would figure to be a go in this match-up. Minnesota is geeked up about allowing only 88 points to the Spurs in victory and jazzed about playing defense for a change. They’re not good defensively. But Memphis is #27 in points per game (105.9), Morant, Jackson and Winslow aren’t walking through the locker room door and onto the floor for this, and now C Jonas Valanciunas has ‘hit the list!’ The contact police actually pulled him off the floor in-game on Sunday. Second-line guards around Gorgui Dieng – probably not a winning formula.

Rating: 3 Units

Incarnate Word is 5-13 ATS in their last 18 games following a ATS loss and 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games following a straight up loss of more than 20 points

Rating: 2 Units

Pistons lost by 10 and 15 points to the Bucks last week. They lost by 14, 24 and 20 points to the Bucks last season. They lost four playoff games in a row to the Bucks the season before, three of them by 35, 21 and 23 points. During that regular season, they were 0-3 vs. Milwaukee, two of the losses by 23 and 23 points. Do you really want to be “that guy” who steps in front of a 13-0 bulldozer? Good luck

Rating: 2 Units

There are worse things to embrace than 10-2 road underdogs that can score (Arkansas, 97, 99 points in their two SEC wins). A headline tries to make Arkansas’ situation sound worse than it is: “Razorbacks saddled with injuries in early SEC ride.” They have nine healthy scholarship players available. That’s more than they need! Says head coach Eric Musselman:”No big deal, as long as we have seven, we’re good.”

Rating: 3 Units

La Salle is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall and 7-3-1 ATS in their last 11 games following a straight up loss. In addition, the underdog is 5-2 ATS in the last 7 meetings

Rating: 3 Units

UMass is 20-6-1 ATS in their last 27 home games, 21-7 ATS in their last 28 games as a home underdog, and 10-4-1 ATS in their last 15 games overall. In addition the underdog is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings while the home team is 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings

Rating: 3 Units

Mercer is 7-2 ATS in their last 9 Wednesday games. Chattanooga is 1-6 ATS in their last 7 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. In addition, the road team is 6-1 ATS in the last 7 meetings

Rating: 4 Unit SEC Play of the Day

He’s still flying a little under the radar so may as well try to leverage him, him being Auburn freshman guard Sharife Cooper, who became eligible late last week and played his first game for the Tigers in the 94-90 loss vs. Alabama. How’d he do? In 36 minutes, Cooper scored 26 points, 9 assists, 9-for-10 from the free-throw line, against a pressure-oriented Alabama group. Yes, the Tigers are still looking for their first SEC win (0-4). But given that Georgia is 0-3 in the SEC, turning it over 18 times per game, and not suddenly introducing a high-scoring freshman guard of their own, it’s not unreasonable for them to be Auburn’s first victim.

Rating: 3 Units

Florida State (5-2, 1-1 ACC) will end its longest in-season layoff since a holiday break during the 1956-57 season when it plays host to North Carolina State (6-3, 2-2) in Tallahassee, Fla. One of Florida State's strengths is field-goal defense -- a category in which it ranks 45th nationally. The Seminoles have held opponents to under 70 points in four of their five wins but have allowed an average of 81.5 points in their two defeats. Their offense has come primarily from three guards: M.J. Walker (15.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, 2.0 assists per game), Scottie Barnes (11.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, 4.3 assists) and Anthony Polite (10.9 points, 5.1 rebounds). Forward Balsa Koprivica has contributed 9.9 points and 5.9 rebounds. Consider NC State is 1-5-1 ATS in their last 7 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.

Rating: 3 Units

VCU is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record, 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games overall, and 11-5 ATS in their last 16 games as a road favorite. While George Washington is 4-10 ATS in their last 14 games overall. In addition, the favorite is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.

Rating: 3 Units

After Creighton's Christian Bishop dunked with 0.8 seconds left on Jan. 2 to beat Providence 67-65, Xavier's Colby Jones drained a 3-pointer with 0.1 seconds remaining Sunday for a 74-73 win. Instead of entering this one with a four-game winning streak and a possible top 25 ranking, the Friars are 7-5 overall and 3-3 in the conference. Sunday's difficult defeat wasted a great performance by David Duke, who canned 7 of 9 3-pointers and scored a game-high 30 points to go along with six assists. Nate Watson added 17 points and 14 rebounds. The duo continues to provide more than half of the Friars' offensive output, averaging 38.5 points per game between them. As for Marquette (6-6, 2-4), it's coming off perhaps its most bitter loss of the season, made worse by the fact it's had to sit on that defeat for a week. Ahead 43-25 with 15:39 left on Jan. 5 at home against Connecticut, the Golden Eagles completely collapsed. They were outscored 40-11 for the game's remainder and ate a 65-54 setback. Consider that Providence is 16-6 ATS in the last 22 meetings.

Rating: 2 Units

Big class difference here but one must consider the circumstances: USC had not won in Tucson since 2008, hadn’t swept the Arizona schools on the road since 1985. There is some quirky, on the fly scheduling taking place by which USC could be hosting Washington and Washington State on Thursday and Saturday. In the middle of what would be five games in eight days, with this the lone non-conference, expect USC head coach Andy Enfield to use his bench players much more in this game after four of his five starters played 32 minutes or more at Arizona State

Rating: 2 Units

Grambling is 6-15 ATS in their last 21 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400 and 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record.

Rating: 2 Units

Just a hunch, based on observation and experience. Relatively short road lays against opponents they perceive as challengers to their dominance are better pro-Lakers situations than when they are 10-point more favorites against lesser opponents that don’t get their blood pumping over the course of a long season. We told ya’ that before the first Lakers at Rockets get-together here on Sunday, which L.A. won by 8 points laying -3.5. At home, vs. weaker, they layed more and won by less! Rockets, adjust off a loss? It’s the Rockets. Do they ever adjust?

Rating: 4 Unit CBB Play of the Day

6’9” and 6’10” scorers on TCU, Texas and West Virginia did damage against OSU in the Cowboys’ three Big 12 losses so far. Although KU’s 6’10”, 265 David McCormack is coming off 20- and 17-point games he’s averaging 11 ppg. Need to see more. The worst OSU has done so far after 40 minutes in a Big 12 game is trail by 3 points. NBA-bound Cade Cunningham gets only one chance in his life to play against Kansas in a home game.

Rating: 3 Units

Nets are 3-3 when both Durant and Irving play, 2-3 when one or both are jaking it. Nuggets are 4-1 last five, with team defense gradually getting back to its normal good level. Jamal Murray is shooting less (11.5 shots per game) during their current five-game run.

Rating: 4 Unit NBA Play of the Day

Jazz are 3-2 on their seven-game trip. A win here would guarantee a winning trip and allow them to take a vacation day in their next spot, at Washington tomorrow night, which will be the Jazz’ ninth game in 13 days. A headline about last night’s Cleveland loss to Memphis doesn’t really understand them: ‘Growing pains emerge as Cavs lose without Garland, Sexton.” They lost a lot with them! The story proceeded to further indicate that the writers don’t get it: “Andre Drummond extended his Cavaliers record for most consecutive double-doubles to start the season with his 11th straight.” His team lost! By 10 points! To an opponent with four key players missing!

Rating: 3 Units

Kent is 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games overall, 6-2-1 ATS in their last 9 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record, and 19-9 ATS in their last 28 games following a straight up win of more than 20 points. While Central Michigan is 5-11-3 ATS in their last 19 games overall, 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games following a straight up loss of more than 20 points, and 10-28-2 ATS in their last 40 games as a home underdog

Rating: 2 Units

The Raptors are now 2-7 SU with the only wins coming against the Kings and Knicks. Oddsmakers are probably scrambling to downgrade this team, so I recommend jumping on Portland quickly here before the line gets too high. The Blazers are off B2B convincing wins where they scored 125 and 135 points. Toronto is 0-6 ATS so far against teams that have winning records. Portland is 5-4 SU on the year and should win easily.

Rating: 2 Units

Northern Iowa is 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games following a straight up win,  2-8 ATS in their last 10 games overall, and 1-4 ATS in their last 5 home games. Bradley is 3-1-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS loss and 11-5 ATS in their last 16 road games vs. a team with a losing home record. In addition, the road team is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.

Rating: 2 Units

Hopefully this won’t be postponed, with all the 76ers’ virus stuff floating around. Lloyd Pierce’s Atlanta coaching tenure began with 0-3 vs. the 76ers, where he was an assistant under since-fired Brent Brown (replaced by Doc Rivers & Co.). But Atlanta has won four of the last six outright vs. his former team, and one of the losses was 105-103.

Rating: 2 Units

This did not go well for us on Thursday when Memphis lost outright as the rested home chalk vs. the injured, second-of-back-to-back on the road Cavaliers. Cleveland should go favored this time. We’ve pointed this out before: Cleveland has lost outright 10 of the last 15 times they’ve been favored dating back to the start of 2018-19. Unreliable little, er, tall SOBs, aren’t they? Unless you’ve been on the underdog. In that case, call them a meal-ticket!

Rating: 3 Units

UConn suffered its lone defeat this season 76-74 in overtime to now-No. 7 Creighton in the league opener back on Dec 20 but the Huskies have won three straight by an average of 14.7 PPG since. That run began with an 82-61 rout of DePaul on Dec 30, the Huskies ninth straight win over the Blue Demons.

Rating: 3 Units

According to STATS, Illinois (9-3, 5-1 Big Ten) became the first Division I team in the past 25 seasons to trail by at least 15 at halftime and come back to win by 20 or more. The Illini are also the first team to outscore a major conference opponent by at least 40 points in a single half since Kentucky outscored Vanderbilt by 43 in the second half of a 106-44 win on March 5, 2003. Cockburn, last season's Big Ten Freshman of the Year, is averaging 17.0 points and 10.1 rebounds per game. He scored 13 of his 18 points and grabbed 10 of his 12 rebounds in the second half of the game as Illinois won its fourth in a row since a 91-88 loss at Rutgers on Dec. 20. The Terrapins (6-6, 1-5) have lost three in a row and have struggled mightily against strong post players including Iowa's Luka Garza, Indiana's Trayce Jackson-Davis and Michigan's Hunter Dickinson - all of whom scored 22 or more points against them.

Rating: 3 Unit NBA Play of the Day

In the first of a four-game Eastern trip last season, the Nuggets won here 129- 92. The Knicks had two days off before the game, coming off a 44-point loss at Milwaukee. It was the last game that David Fizdale coached for them. He was fired the next day. Off the home loss to OKC – no surprise, and OKC assistant Mike Miller was the Knicks’ interim head coach last season and their former assistant -- this would be a good spot for first-season head coach Tom Thibodeaux to point to and say, ‘Hey, bosses and fans, looky what we can really do against this Western Conference contender who buried us here last time.’ It’s a good player rally-around-each-other game, as well. It doesn’t hurt that it’s the second of back-to-backs for Denver coming out of Philly yesterday, with the Knicks rested and off that loss.

Rating: 3 Units

Cincinnati is especially bad at shooting the 3 at 28% which is 320th in the nation. The Bearcats had lost five in a row before upsetting SMU in their game on Thursday. Cincy is just 2-11 ATS their last 13 games versus a team with a winning record. The Shockers are 43-11 SU at home since 2017 with an average winning margin of +11PPG. The Shockers have also won 20 of their last thirty-one games when coming off a loss.