Rating: 2 Units

Philly has been devouring these lesser teams down the stretch as it ramps up for the playoffs with 7 straight wins after Monday’s romp past the Nuggets. Hawks mostly non-competitive in dropping 9 of last 11 vs. number into Minnesota on Wednesday, but just in case note that Dennis Schroder (scored 41 in shock win at Utah last week) and emerging 2nd year Taurean Prince (23.6 ppg his last 8 thru March 27) capable on shooting Atlanta into a game, so will draw the line at double digits. It was early in the season when Philly beat Atlanta by 10 at Wells Fargo Center, covering a 7 1/2 point spread in the process.

Rating: 2 Units

As Sacramento tanks away the rest of its season while giving “developmental time” (nice term for tank) to kids down the stretch, Indiana taking these games seriously as Pacers still have a shot at the 3 seed in the East with a strong finish. The gears have admittedly been grinding a bit on the attack end, as Indy has seen the league’s biggest drop in offensive efficiency (5.7 points per 100 possessions) since the All-Star break, with five different rotation guys (including Victor Oladipo) having shot less than 30 percent from 3-point range. But they made three of their five 3-point attempts in overtime on Sunday vs. the Heat, as they clinched a playoff spot. The latter must seem like pure fantasy these days to Kings fans.

Rating; 2 Units

It seems hard to remember, but Memphis was once good enough this season to win a game at Portland way back on Nov. 7, when David Fizdale was still coaching Griz and regarded fondly in the Bluff City, and Mike Conley (remember him?) scored 20 points. How a few months changes things. Now the only question is how much of a price we want to lay with the Blazers. Memphis entered this week having lost 23 of its past 24 games before a shock win vs. T-wolves, but the low point of the season came last Thursday in a franchise-record 61-point loss to the Hornets. This was the largest margin of defeat for any team since February 1998, and Memphis’ 55-point hole through three quarters was tied for the largest such deficit in the shot clock era.

Rating: 2 Units

Philly has won all three previous meetings though failed to cover 9 ½-point spread at MSG on March 15. Joel Embiid played that night and scored 29 points for Sixers, and while he is probably due to take a rest over the final two weeks of the regular season, the schedule breaks kindly this week and he likely plays tonight. Philly now has a 7-game win streak after winning big vs. Denver on Monday, covering the last five of those, while “over” 5-1-1 those 7. The Knicks lead the group of tankers into this week solely because of their shocking road win against the Wizards on Sunday, but otherwise hard to find many takers at moment for New York.

Rating: 2 Units

The Houston Rockets set a franchise record for victories in a season by defeating New Orleans on Saturday and can reach the 60-win mark for the first time when they host the Atlanta Hawks today. James Harden bounced back from a rough shooting effort in a victory over Detroit on Thursday to score 28 points and hand out eight assists in the 114-91 triumph against the Pelicans. The Rockets' eighth consecutive win gave them a 4 1/2-game lead over Golden State in the race for first place in the Western Conference with nine contests remaining.  Clint Capela dominated inside with 18 points, 16 rebounds and six blocked shots for Houston, which has matched the second-longest streak in franchise history with 15 straight wins at home. The Hawks are 1-3 on their six-game road trip and have lost eight of nine overall after falling 106-94 at Golden State on Friday.

Rating: 2 Units

Boston took no prisoners in first meeting, played back on Nov. 1, when the Celtics were in the midst of a quick start. Star PG Kyrie Irving was integral to the Celt victory with 22 pts., while G Jaylen Brown matched him in points while grabbing 6 boards. Irving is likely still out for Boston, but Brown should be nearly through with the concussion protocol by the time this one is played. The Celtics’ 24-10 spread mark away from home this season impressive, even more so if you consider they are 10-2 the last 12 through March 22. Celtic's HC Brad Stevens will remind his team of its 16-point loss in Sacramento last year.

Rating: 2 Units

At a short price, favor the Duke side, which owns the more potent, steadier inside-outside attack, featuring Bagley, Carter & Allen. The Blue Devils have a host of rangy Gs to extend their zone and keep the pressure on KU’s lethal marksmen of Graham, Newman & Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk. Coach K’s squad has been a steady money-maker, going 22-11 vs. the spread, including an 11-3 mark as a single-digit chalk. Duke will welcome KU’s fast-paced attack, and the Blue Devils are much better equipped for 2nd chance points, as they out-rebound foes by 9.1 caroms pg (4th nationally). And the Blue Devils have made the extra pass in the Big Dance, dishing out a whopping 44 assists in the first two rounds. In a battle between two tradition-rich programs who rank 2nd & 4th in all-time victories, Duke has won 7 of 9 meetings.

Rating: 2 Units

Don’t want to completely dismiss Texas Tech, which has dealt with a lot of diverse weapons and shooters this season (such as Oklahoma’s gunslinger deluxe Trae Young) and might have the defense to slow down Jay Wright’s nation’s-best 87 ppg offense. But there’s so much diversity on the Villanova offense that Chris Beard is going to have to devise a way to keep an eye on various shooters who are all comfy enough to float beyond the arc and who will stretch the Red Raider defense. Although the play making Keenan Evans seemed to be close to 100% last weekend when spearheading Red Raider wins over Stephen F Austin and Florida, neither of those sides has the diversity of Villanova. And while we think Texas Tech is beyond its late-season slump, it’s worth noting that the Red Raiders had not covered a spread in eight straight games before barely surviving that Saturday war vs. the Gators.

Rating: 2 Units

The Cleveland Cavaliers are starting to put the pieces together as they get set for another playoff run and ran their winning streak to four in a row by trouncing the Phoenix Suns 120-95 on Friday. The Cavaliers will try to keep it rolling on the road when they open a three-game trip by visiting the Brooklyn Nets today. Cleveland, which will play five of its remaining 10 games against teams with losing records, is getting healthy as well and welcomed back Rodney Hood (back), Tristan Thompson (ankle) and Larry Nance Jr. (hamstring) in Friday's win and is just waiting on Kyle Korver (personal) and Cedi Osman (hip) to get back.

Rating: 2 Units

Even with FSU springing a minor upset over Gonzaga, I will still lay short price with streaking Michigan, riding a 12-game win skein. The Wolverines are more tenacious on the stop end, And the most unique weapon on the court is 6-11 Moritz Wagner, who can attack the rim, smartly dish to an open man, or nail the 3-ball (40% from the arc). HC Beilein is adept at making half-time adjustments, and super-steady PG Abdur-Rahkman should be able to find seams in a ‘Nole defense ranked a lowly 211th in points allowed. Plus, Wolverines frosh Jordan Poole made a quantum leap in the confidence department by nailing UM’s amazing game-winning shot vs. Houston!

Rating: 2 Units

New Orleans has given Houston problems, covering 3 straight and 11 of the last 17 in the series. The Rockets are pushing for the best record in the league, and they’ve been tough to beat at home, winning 13 straight. However, Mike D’Antoni’s side was a much less impressive 5-10 vs. the number in its last 15 as a favorite at the Toyota Center prior to hosting Detroit on Thursday. Pelican PF Anthony Davis and PG Jrue Holiday have combined for 52 ppg against Houston this season, and N.O. is 7-1 SU and vs. the number in its last 8 on the road

Rating: 2 Units

Things haven’t worked out as anticipated for Detroit, as Stan Van Gundy’s team is just 3-13 SU L16 thru March 18, a streak compiled shortly after the trade for Blake Griffin. Griffin has scored 19.6 ppg on 42% shooting with a 5.4 rebound average. Not too bad, but well below his numbers in 20 games with the Clippers this season. Chicago playing pretty competitively in the week leading up to St. Patrick’s Day, covering all 4 with a 2-2 SU mark despite HC Fred Hoiberg “pulling his punches” and sitting some of his most productive contributors. The Pistons have covered just 3 of 15 chances this season laying 4 pts. or more at Little Caesar’s Arena, and they won’t get any sympathy from the refs after Van Gundy loudly and publicly called out the refs in a recent loss.

Rating: 2 Units

Philadelphia is 14-2 SU in its last 16 at the Wells Fargo Center. Philly notched a win at Minnesota in first meeting, overcoming an outburst by Timberwolf swingman Jimmy Butler, who scored 38 pts. in 46 minutes. Butler was matched by Philly C Joel Embiid (a stat-stuffing 28 pts., 12 rebs. and 8 assists) and G J.J. Redick (26 pts.), while overcoming an embarrassing 7 turnovers by rookie PG Ben Simmons. Minny has been sour on the road, going 3-14 SU and 4-13 vs. the number in its last 17 away from the Target Center through Monday night. Now Philly won’t have to deal with Jimmy Butler (knee surgery; hoping to return for playoffs).

Rating: 2 Units

It can be argued with some conviction that to get this far, Loyola has faced tougher challenges (Miami-Fla, Tennessee, Nevada) than it will in the Elite Eight vs. Kansas State. A replay of the Wildcats’ root canal vs. UMBC might be in order; although that game was not played at an appreciably slow pace, K-State was decidedly sloppy (18 TOs) vs. the Retrievers. The latter is not something that afflicted Loyola in its sub regionals vs. the Canes and Vols when guilty of only an acceptable 10 TOs vs. each. Another nail-biter is almost assured in games involving the Ramblers, who have shown a knack for pulling out the close ones.

Rating: 3 Units

Texas Tech has had some injury problems of its own in the past month, with key G  Keenan Evans (17.8 ppg) having to fight his way thru a painful turf toe, and injury-prone C Zach Smith having trouble staying on the court for extended minutes. But the mid season  form of the Red Raiders seemed to resurface in Dallas, as a healthier Evans (45 points in the two games in Big D) and frosh F Zhaire Smith (18 points in the second-round win over the Gators) highlighted Beard’s collection of diverse play makers. And the active Red Raider defense continued to be able to deliver key stops, as it has done for much of the season. Although the key to any advancement remains the continued health of the electric Evans, who was touch-and-go in his first few games following the toe injury before looking more like himself last weekend (Evans said he felt “about 85 percent” after the Florida win). Defense, however, travels in March. And that combination with a healthier Evans gives Texas Tech a chance to get to the Elite Eight. Besides, I'm more than a bit reluctant to recommend an investment on Purdue, considering the Boilermakers’ recent and considerable point spread shortcomings.

Rating: 2 Units

After all, the Orange are now getting increasing contributions on both ends of the floor from burgeoning 6-9 frosh Marek Dolezaj (5.6 ppg, 4.9 rpg), who contributed 17 points in his team’s 57-52 win over high-scoring TCU in the Round of 64. And, with Syracuse rim protector 7-2 jr. Paschal Chukwu (91 blocks) patrolling the paint area, the young Duke bigs figure to have face a tougher challenge in the rematch on a neutral site, where they won’t get the favorable whistle (in 1st meeting, the Orange attempted 10 fewer foul shots). Also, keep in mind that Boeheim’s bunch knocked off trendy Michigan State with the aforementioned Frank Howard on the bench for the final 6 minutes after fouling out! Note that the Orange are 7-2 their last 9 as an underdog.

Rating: 2 Units

OKC has turned it up a notch at the right time, winning last 6 (5-1 vs. lien in those) into Tuesday‘s game at Boston. Thunder G Russell Westbrook continued to average a triple-double in the uptick, with his shooting efficiency amped up to 52% over the last 5 of those. And the addition of vet 6-9 G/F Corey Brewer has helped the locker room coalesce as well as giving OKC HC Billy Donovan additional options defensively. Brewer has been inserted as a starting guard and has helped defensively, logging 12 steals in wins over the Raptors, Clippers and Atlanta in a recent stretch. Miami was 10-3-2 vs. the points in its last 15 prior to visiting Cleveland Monday, but with C Hassan Whiteside possibly still out with a hip problem and G Dwyane Wade sidelined with a hamstring problem, look for surging Thunder to continue to jell

Rating: 2 Units

Minnesota has struggled lately, but the Timberwolves have had an extremely tough schedule. Now Tom Thibodeau’s troops are dropping in class after facing 8 straight foes that are in playoff position or strong contention. New York is definitely not in that category. The Knicks were 8-31 SU in their last 39 through March 18 and had won just 2 of their last 14 games SU (3-11 vs. the number) at Madison Square Garden prior to hosting the Bulls  Monday. T-wolves rode Karl-Anthony Towns’ 23 pts., 15 rebs. and 9 assists to a 118-108 win in Minneapolis on Jan 12, on a night when since-injured Knick F Kristaps Porzingis contributed 17 pts. and 10 boards

Rating: 4 Unit Sweet 16 Game of the Week

I have thought that for much of the season, Nova was the best team in the country on the most nights. Though the Wildcats are hardly immune, having been dumped by Butler, St. John’s, and Providence along the way. Those losses, however, might be a valuable tool for a Nova bunch that, while still owning a couple of pieces from its dramatic title run in 2016, also has components that recall last year’s early sub-regional exit courtesy of Wisconsin, as well as those three losses this season, which Wright will make sure erase any overconfidence on his veteran squad.

Rating: 2 Units

The Tiger defense will have its toughest test in the tourney, by far, vs. KU’s well-balanced (5 players avg. DDs) 4-G offense, which can attack the rim with zest or pop from deep, hitting 10 triples pg at a sizzling 40.3% (11th nationally). In fact, the Jay Hawks will welcome G-oriented CU, since the Tigers have nobody who can dominate in the paint like the Pirates’ double-double machine 6-10 Angel Delgado. Additionally, KU’s torrid-shooting 6-3 soph G Malik Newman (13.4 ppg for the season; 25 ppg last 5 games) has been in a steady groove down the stretch, while unheralded 6-5 jr. wing Lagerald Vick (12.1 ppg; 4.8 rpg) is a dangerous option as well, canning 10 of 16 from the floor (5 of 9 from distance) in the first two rounds. Note that the Tigers are only 4-5 their last 9 as a single-digit dog. So, I am compelled to lay a handful of points with KU, which has covered in this round of the tourney the last two campaigns, with comfy spread covers vs. Purdue (98-66 last year) & Maryland (79-63 in 2016).

Rating: 2 Units

This game features two teams with a combined 43 wins.  While nothing to play for but pride, the Kings hold a +22 to +6 advantage on the power ranking indicator.  Atlanta won the previous meeting this season as a home favorite, However, the Hawks are just 5-28 on the road this season and Sacramento has been playing better of the two teams lately.  The Kings will win this one by a margin of six to ten points.

Rating: 2 Units

Rating: 3 Units

Rating: 2 Units

The Utah Jazz had their nine-game winning streak halted and seek to start a new one when they open a three-game road trip against the Dallas Mavericks today. Utah suffered a damaging defeat when it fell 99-94 to the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday for just its third setback in the past 24 games. The stunning home loss to one of the worst teams in the NBA dropped the Jazz into eighth place in the congested Western Conference playoff picture with just 11 games to play. Dallas is coming off a 115-105 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday and dropped three straight games and 18 of its last 24. Mavericks rookie point guard Dennis Smith Jr. (ankle) will miss his second straight game.

Rating: 2 Units

—It’s hard to remember, but Houston was at the tail end of its worst dip of the season (a 2-7 SU skid) when it lost by 7 at Little Caesars Arena on Jan. 6. That was also when James Harden was out in early January and before the bottom fell out of the Pistons’ season. Now the only question is how many points we feel comfy laying with the Rockets, who have not been all that reliable when asked to carry heavier prices at Toyota Center (just 6-13 laying 9½ or more at home). But it will take a lot of points to get interested in Detroit (and 12.5 isn't it), which entered the week having lost 13 of 16 SU and loser of 13 of last 17 vs. line.

Rating: 2 Units

A&M is playing in its third Sweet 16 since the field was expanded to 64 teams in 1985. The Aggies are certainly oozing with confidence following their highly-impressive 86-65 romp over defending champ North Carolina. The Tar Heels, who were able to camouflage their lack of height with accurate outside shooting throughout the season, were fully exposed in the paint by A&M’s active, physical frontline tandem of 6-10 soph Robert Williams, a projected lottery pick, and 6-9, 270-pound jr. Tyler Davis, who poured in 18 points & collected 13 rebounds vs. UNC. And the Aggies have benefited from terrific backcourt play provided by blossoming 6-4 frosh G T.J. Starks, who’s amassed 36 points & 13 assists in the first two rounds. Plus, A&M mentor, Billy Kennedy praised the performance of 6-9 jr. F DJ Hogg, who chipped in 14 points vs. Roy Williams’s overwhelmed squad. And A&M would love to advance to the Final Four with a trip to San Antonio, just three hours from its campus in College Station. However, at a price of less than 2 hoops, prefer Michigan, even though the Wolverines’ season was saved in its thrilling 64-63 victory over tough Houston, thanks to reserve 6-4 frosh Jordan Poole, who nailed a deep buzzer-beater from tripleville. The Aggies figure to have some difficulty finding rhythm on the attack end vs. UM’s stingy defense (63.8 ppg; 8th nationally; 42.5% FGs), anchored by relentless 6-10 jr. F Moritz Wagner & emerging 7-1 soph C Jon Teske. Moreover, have to believe the well-designed Wolverine attack, expertly directed by 6-4 sr. PG Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman (12.6 ppg, 3.3 apg), will shoot more accurately from deep after combining for a wretched 13 of 46 from downtown in the first two rounds.

Rating: 2 Units

I'm not exactly enamored by the thought of laying points with Charlotte, effectively out of the playoff race and expending about as much energy on the defensive end as the Harlem Globetrotters. Fortunately for the Hornets, they are facing the NBA version of the Washington Generals in Memphis. Though the Grizzlies beat a non-tanking team (Denver) last Saturday to end a long losing streak, and Tyreke Evans has returned to active duty, it’s hard to find any silver linings in Memphis, though Dillon Brooks dropped 29 on the Bulls a week ago, which is a good sign for the developing rookie. Still, Charlotte okay as home chalk this season (16-11)

Rating: 2 Units

Philly hasn’t had too much trouble this season with Orlando, winning and covering twice by handy margins at Wells Fargo Center. Still, the Magic has yet to stop playing hard for Frank Vogel, though sometimes it’s a bit difficult to watch; Orlando has been pretty brutal offensively, scoring just 94 points per 100 possessions over the last two weeks (with Evan Fournier and Aaron Gordon both having missed the last five games). So there’s a good go-against case involving the Magic here.

Rating : 2 Units

Rating: 2 Units

The Utes and Gaels haven't met since 2013-14, but the two teams participated in a closed scrimmage prior to the season. "I haven't watched them all year but we played them early on and know their personnel,'' Gaels head coach Randy Bennett told reporters. "I'm familiar with their program and they are tough, physical and well coached.” St. Mary's appears to have gotten over the disappointment of being left of the Big Dance and has a chance here of  earning a third chance at playing in the semifinals at Madison Square Garden with a win, after falling one game short in 2009 and 2016. Utah, the 1947 NIT champion and 1974 runner-up, is bidding for its first trip to the semifinals since 1992 with first-round exits in 2001, 2014 and 2017.The Gaels are 18-1 SU at McKean Pavilion (losing to only Gonzaga), where they've outscored opponents on average, 78.7-to-60.9 PPG but No. 1 seeds in this tourney are just 3-5 ATS. Take the points with Utah.

Rating: 2 Units

San Diego has survived a couple of tests in the CIT, first gifted a travel-weary Hartford side that had made the cross-country journey on short notice last Monday, then facing a depleted Portland State and surviving a nail biter on Saturday. But these are distracting times nonetheless at Jenny Craig Pavilion in the wake of HC Lamont Smith’s recent controversial resignation, with asst. Sam Scholl filling in on an interim basis while a search for a new leader commences.  UNC has more the appearance of a team that could bring home the CIT trophy, especially as it has fared well all season on the road, winning at South Dakota, Southern Miss, and Wyoming in pre-league play and surviving the vagaries of Big Sky travel. The Bears are seeking redemption from their gut wrenching Big Sky semis loss to Montana, when sr. F Tanner Morgan missed two FTs with less than a second to play in regulation time when making just one would have won the game. But a motivated Morgan bounced back to score 19 in Sunday’s win over Drake. And Arizona State transfer G Andre Spight (21.9 ppg) has been a season-long revelation and is closing his college career with a rush (25.5 ppg last eight).

Rating: 2 Units

Oklahoma City has ignited in the past couple of weeks with six wins on the trot. The trigger has been an unlikely source, Corey Brewer, who has provided energy and defense since his recent addition from the Lakers and has been a key cog in the uptick that Thunder rides into TD Garden...a surge that includes a Sunday win at Toronto, stopping the Raps’ 11-game SU win streak. Meanwhile, injuries are now decimating this Boston team (Kyrie Irving out for this one with knee problems again), which can now only hope to have everyone (except Gordon Hayward) healthy for the playoffs. (Marcus Smart may not return until late in the first or early in the second round.) Celtics have lost SU their last two at home and were humbled at New Orleans on Sunday.

Rating: 2 Units

So far this has been Minnesota’s series this season, as T-wolves have won last three, including a pair at Staples Center vs. Clips. The T-wolves had a healthy Jimmy Butler for two of those, including a 112-106 win on Dec. 3 at Target Center when he scored 33. But there’s no timetable for his return from knee injury that Tom Thibodeau is only hoping will heal in time for the playoffs...if Minnesota gets there at all. The Wolves have mostly struggled in Butler’s absence and enter tonight having covered just 4 of their last 15. What a golden chance for Clips (still within striking distance of Minnesota entering the week) to help their playoff cause! T-wolves rank 27th in NBA defense in the nine games since the Butler injury.

Rating: 2 Units

Not sure there’s ever a good time for Orlando to be catching Toronto. But tonight might be even worse timing than usual as Raps enter Amway Center in a bitter mood following their first SU loss in almost a month on Sunday vs. the surging Thunder. Toronto had little trouble in its last visit to this building on Feb. 28, winning handily by 13 when shooting 54% from floor. For Orlando, Evan Fournier remains out with a sprained MCL, and while he is talking of getting back on the court this season, that seems unlikely.

Rating: 2 Units

Guard Justin Bibbins scored 15 of his game-high 21 points in the second half against UC Davis to help the Runnin’ Utes rally from an 11-point first-half deficit. Forwards Donnie Tillman and Tyler Rawson added 11 points apiece, but Utah will need more from senior forward David Collette, the team’s second-leading scorer (12.7) and rebounder (4.6), who finished with only six points and two boards, respectively, Wednesday night. The Utes’ defensive intensity, though, is a reliable constant as they allow an average of 68.4 points per outing and a 41.7 percent opposing field-goal percentage. Utah has won three of the four games against LSU

Rating: 2 Units

Memphis has the lead in the race to the bottom of the overall standings, and Brooklyn isn’t far behind. However, while neither of these sides will be confused with a contender any time soon, at least Brooklyn isn’t totally pulling their punches (and players) in a blatant dive. The Nets have provided point spread value to bettors, logging a 34-23-1 spread mark from Nov. 6 through March 12, including covering 5 of the last 7 of those. Memphis had covered just 4 of its last 15 through March 11, and with C Marc Gasol’s minutes cut back to avoid injury and the mysterious rib injury that kept Griz G Tyreke Evans on the sidelines, points have been hard to come by at times for the league’s least efficient and lowest scoring attack. Griz’ starters were held to 46 pts. in Nets’ 98-88 win in Memphis Nov. 2.

Rating: 2 Units

Philadelphia has scored 119 ppg and shot 54% in collecting a pair of double-digit victories at Charlotte’s expense earlier this month, and this will be the third meeting in 17 days between the two teams. The Sixers’ 6-10 PG Ben Simmons scored 16 ppg, snatched 8 rpg and dished 10 apg in those wins, while Hornet PG Kemba Walker (18 ppg, 40% FGs, just 2 rpg, 6 apg) and C Dwight Howard (held to 12 total rebounds over the two games) have been minimized by Philly. The Sixers are a dominant 20-9 vs. the points at the Wells Fargo Center this season, and Charlotte’s 7-15-2 spread mark on the road through March 12 dovetails the tech factors.

Rating: 2 Units

Portland played last night at home against Detroit, but the Blazers are 16-5 SU and 14-6-1 vs. the points in their last 21 chances when unrested dating back to New Year’s Day 2017. The Clippers are just 3-8 vs. the points in their last 11 at home, and the visitor has covered 5 of the last 6 in the series. The Blazers have done a nice job defensively on L.A. G Lou Williams, who shot just 29% in the first two games with Portland. Meanwhile, Blazer Gs Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum combined for 46 ppg and made 48% of their shots from beyond the arc against the Clips.

Rating: 2 Units

Xavier has routinely proved it possesses one of the best offensive teams in the country - something it displayed in its NCAA Tournament opener as well as the last time it faced Florida State. The top-seeded Musketeers attempt to end the ninth-seeded Seminoles' season in the second round of the West Region for the second straight year today when they meet in Nashville, Tenn. Riding 20-point performances from each of its top three scorers Friday, Xavier drained 11 3-pointers en route to setting a program record for most points in a NCAA Tournament game with its 102-83 victory over Texas Southern, marking the fourth time this season the nation's eighth-highest scoring team topped the century mark. The Musketeers enjoyed similar success exactly one year ago versus Florida State, shooting 55.6 percent from the field in a 91-66 rout of the Seminoles behind 29 points from Trevon Bluiett.

Rating: 2 Units

The Tigers won the SEC regular-season title but stumbled a bit down the stretch, losing three of their last five going into the conference tournament, where they fell to Alabama in their first game. Their offensive struggles continued against the Cougars, as they shot below 40 percent for the fourth straight contest. Leading scorer Mustapha Heron (16.6 points, 5.5 rebounds) scored 16 points and Desean Murray (10.4, 6.8) recorded a characteristic 11 along with seven boards, but Bryce Brown (16 points) struggled to find his stroke, going 3-for-10 from 3-point range.

Rating: 2 Units

Houston won and covered first 3 meetings with Minnesota this season, with the Rockets scoring 121 ppg and surviving some off shooting by leader James Harden (35% vs. Minnesota). It’s difficult to make a case that streak will end, especially considering Houston’s 22-10 mark laying points on the road and the Timberwolves’ 3-9 spread stretch from Feb. 25 through March 12. Minnesota C Karl-Anthony Towns averaged 25 & 14 against the Rockets this year, but T-wolf HC Tom Thibodeau had the services of Jimmy Butler for each of the first three. Houston’s Feb. 13 win snapped Minnsota’s 13-game home winning streak.

Rating: 2 Units

Senior Gary Clark did his part in the first round with 11 points and 13 rebounds and is trying to lead his team in his final chance at NCAA Tournament success. "In this game, we had to adjust," Clark told reporters. "In every game, that's how it's going to be. You've got to adjust to how the team's doing. Our adversity allows us to do that well. Being my fourth year, tell young guys to just enjoy it, live in the moment and not get too riled up about the crowd and all that. Just do what we've been doing all year." One of those young guys is sophomore guard Jarron Cumberland, who exploded for 27 points and 11 boards.

Rating: 2 Units

The defending national champion Tar Heels will counter with better team speed and perimeter shooting skills, assets they didn't rely on much during their 84-66 first-round win against Lipscomb on Friday. Luke Maye is one of the 6-8 starters for North Carolina, and he's also one of the most versatile players in college basketball, averaging 17 points and 10.1 rebounds while also converting 43.8 percent of his 3-point tries.   North Carolina is 34-1 in NCAA Tournament games played in its home state. The only loss was in 1979 and have won two of three all-time against Texas A&M. Their lone loss came in the second round of the NCAA Tournament in 1980.

Rating: 2 Units

Toronto has been dynamite at home, winning 11 of last 12 SU and covering 7 of their last 10 prior to hosting Dallas on Friday, and has won 15 of its last 16 through March 12. Raptor G DeMar DeRozan continues to ignite his team, scoring 24 ppg since the all-star break, and running an offense that’s scored 115 ppg and made 13 treys per game since the break. The Thunder handed Toronto a 124-107 defeat in Oklahoma City on Dec. 27, when F Paul George poured in 33 pts. and Russell Westbrook added 30 (and 13 assists). Thunder C Steven Adams might be nursing a sore ankle, and consistent Raptors seem intent on maintaining the best record in the East.

Rating: 3 Units

The Boilermakers held Butler, which averages 8.3 triples, to just one 3-pointer in the first 28 minutes in their December victory while building a 26-point lead. Sophomore guard Carsen Edwards, who leads the team in scoring (18.4 points), had a team-high 18 points in the first meeting with the Bulldogs, while senior forward Vincent Edwards, who is third on the team in scoring (14.5), finished with 15 points, including 4-of-5 3-pointers. Senior guard Dakota Mathias is also averaging in double figures (12.3) and has connected on 92-of-199 3-pointers. The Boilermakers are 21-0 this year when shooting 48 percent or better from the field.

Rating: 2 Units

An 11-game winning streak is apparently not something that earns a team a great deal of separation in the Western Conference, though the Portland Trail Blazers have certainly improved their outlook. The Trail Blazers will try to make it 12 straight and keep their firm grasp on the No. 3 spot in the West when they host the Detroit Pistons today. Portland's 11-game surge leaves it two games up on the fourth-place Oklahoma City Thunder entering play on Friday but still only 4 1/2 games in front of the Los Angeles Clippers and Denver Nuggets tied for ninth. The Pistons' odds of making the playoffs are getting longer as they sit 5 1/5 games behind the eighth-place Miami Heat in the East heading into play on Friday. Detroit is not enjoying much success against West postseason contenders on the current six-game road trip and fell at Utah and Denver on the first two stops.

Rating: 2 Units

Third-seeded Michigan looks to shut down No. 6 seed Houston in the second round of the West Regional on Saturday in Wichita, Kan. The Wolverines allowed the third-fewest points in their NCAA Tournament history in the 61-47 win over No. 14 seed Montana on Thursday and hope to reach 30 wins for the first time since 2012-13 by putting the defensive clamps on the Cougars, who have scored at least 80 points in five of their last nine outings. Michigan has won 10 straight games overall and have advanced to the Sweet 16 in three of their previous four tournament appearances.

Rating: 2 Units

Sixth-seeded Florida will need another strong defensive performance in the NCAA Tournament when it faces third-seeded Texas Tech on Saturday in the second round of the East Region in Dallas. The Red Raiders will have plenty of offense, a tough defense and a home atmosphere as they play just five hours from their campus. The Red Raiders have scored at least 70 points in 13 of their last 15 games after rallying past Stephen F. Austin 70-60 in their Tournament opener.

Rating; 2 Units

The Bulldogs also benefited from an individual double-double Thursday as senior forward Johnathan Williams notched his fourth straight with 19 points and 13 rebounds on 8-of-12 shooting. Perkins (16 points) and Norvell (15) also scored in double figures against UNC Greensboro, helping Gonzaga overcome poor shooting outings from 3-point range (5-of-23) and the free-throw stripe (13-of-25). The Bulldogs’ 68 points matched their lowest total in a game this season, and they rank 12th nationally with 84.0 points per outing with six players averaging at least 9.4, led by Williams (13.7), forward Killian Tillie (13.1) and Perkins (12.5). This will be the third meeting between the programs, and the second came earlier this season when Gonzaga cruised to an 86-59 win at the PK80 Invitational in Portland on Nov. 23.

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The Charlotte Hornets will try to extend the New York Knicks' misery when the teams meet today in Madison Square Garden. The Knicks have lost nine straight after Thursday's 118-110 setback against Philadelphia, blowing a 13-point lead in the second half in their eight consecutive defeat at home.  New York has not lost 10 in a row since a 16-game skid in 2014-15 and likely won't end this one until it can figure out how to make some stops, as opponents are averaging 118.6 points during the losing streak. The Hornets had no issues on the offensive end in a 129-117 win at Atlanta on Thursday. Dwight Howard finished with 33 points and 12 rebounds and is averaging 26.8 and 9.6 over his last five games for Charlotte, which snapped a four-game road losing streak with the victory.

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Houston knocked off potential West playoff opponents in each of the last two games, beating San Antonio and the Los Angeles Clippers at home, and will face three more on the road trip with stops at Minnesota and Portland after New Orleans. The road trip is the longest remaining excursion of the regular season for the Rockets, who play eight of their final 11 games at home. The Pelicans enter play on Friday in sixth place in the West, one game behind the fourth-place Oklahoma City Thunder but just 1 1/2 games clear of the 10th-place Denver Nuggets. New Orleans is not having much success against teams in the playoff race of late and dropped three of its last four, including a 98-93 setback on Thursday at a San Antonio squad that trails it in the West.

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Two days after recording its biggest win in program history, No. 13 seed Buffalo looks to upset another perennial power Saturday when the Bulls face No. 5 seed Kentucky in the second round of the NCAA Tournament South Regional in Boise, Idaho. Buffalo stunned fourth-seeded Arizona 89-68 on Thursday while Kentucky advanced with a 78-73 victory over 12th-seeded Davidson. Buffalo hardly looked overwhelmed against national player of the year candidate freshman Deandre Ayton and Arizona, which had a huge size advantage but was out rebounded by one and failed to contain the Bulls’ perimeter game. Senior guard Wes Clark scored a team-high 25 points to lead the Bulls, who made 15-of-30 three-point shots and shot 54.8 percent overall.

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The Crimson Tide overcame 17 turnovers and nine missed foul shots while shooting 60 percent from the floor in Thursday's 86-83 triumph over the Hokies. John Petty helped Sexton by draining 6-of-8 from 3-point range - he's 11-of-17 from behind the arc over the last two games - while Donta Hall was 5-of-5 from the field in Thursday's win. Sexton averages 19.2 points overall and has surpassed that average in five straight games with all of those performances coming against teams that are seeded eighth or better in the NCAA Tournament.

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Golden State continues to look up at the Rockets in the Western Conference, while the Kings are among the worst in the league. The Warriors are “burning hot” on the Team Strength Oscillator, while the Kings are 3-7 in their last ten and are “average” status. The Warriors have a 2-1  series lead this season. Sacramento is tied for ninth in Team Volatility, meaning they generally lose as an underdog and win as a favorite. All signs point towards the Warriors to cruise in this one to keep pace with the Rockets.

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The Heat enter as the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference and the Lakers are out of the playoff picture in the Western Conference. However, Los Angeles has won seven of their last ten games and took the first meeting between the teams as a road underdog. Miami has slight edges in both the Power Ranking Indicator (+19 to +15) and on the Team Strength Oscillator (“average up” versus “average”). Los Angeles is tied for ninth in Team Volatility and should be a slight home favorite, so I see the Lakers edging the Heat to take the season series, 2-0.

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The Tigers have relied on a stellar defense that is ranked 35th in the nation in opposing field-goal percentage (41 percent) and 29th in the country in blocked shots per contest (4.8 per game) entering Sunday's action. Clemson overcame the season-ending injury to Donte Grantham as junior guard Marcquise Reed finished 10th in the ACC in scoring at 15.9 points per game and ranked fifth in steals at steals per contest (1.7). Led by first-year head coach Chris Jans, the Aggies won the West Coast Conference for the fifth consecutive season and tied the program record for most wins in a season. Following a two-game losing streak, New Mexico State won its final six games entering the NCAAs.

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In this match up, both teams are battling for playoff position in the Western Conference. The Thunder have a +24 to +20 edge on the Power Ranking Indicator.  Winners of the first two meetings this season, Oklahoma City is “burning hot” on the Team Strength Oscillator versus “average up” for the Clippers. Another indication to go with the Thunder is that Los Angeles is sixth in Team Volatility.  The Clippers will be a road underdog, so the Thunder should walk away with their third head-to-head victory this season without defeat.

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The Raptors come in with the best record in the Eastern Conference, while the Mavericks have been eliminated in the Western Conference. Toronto has a +28 to +22 advantage on the Power Ranking Indicator and +2.16 to -5.53 on the Team Strength Oscillator. Surprisingly, Dallas took the first meeting as a home underdog. I don’t see that same happening in Toronto. The Raptors will dispose of the Mavericks relatively easy to stay on top in the playoff race.

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In tonight's game there's no doubt that the loss of sophomore forward Anfernee McLemore is particularly significant for Auburn. He was injured on February 17, after playing just 13 minutes in a loss at South Carolina. Since the injury the Tigers have lost four of six games (including the loss to the Gamecocks). Two of the last three times these teams have played each other, the game was decided by four points. The Cougars are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up win and 5-2-1 ATS in their last 8 games versus teams with a winning up record. While the Tigers are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games overall.

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Boston looks to catch Toronto in the division and conference, while the Magic try to avoid the basement in the conference. Boston holds a +26 to +7 advantage on the Power Ranking Indicator and are “burning hot” versus “ice cold down” on the Team Strength Oscillator. The Celtics also hold a 2-1 season series advantage. There is little indication that Orlando can pull off an upset in this one. I go with Boston in a double-digit victory.

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The 76ers are among a six-team battle for third through eighth in the Eastern Conference, while the Nets have one of the worst records in the conference. Philadelphia has a surprising only slim +14 to +11 edge on the Power Ranking Indicator and are “average down” versus “ice cold up” on the Team Strength Oscillator. The 76ers have won two of three meetings between the teams this season. Another indication to bet on Philadelphia is they are fifth in Team Volatility and will be a home favorite. I see the 76ers winning this at home to keep pace in the Eastern Conference playoff race.

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Foster averaged seven 3-pointers a game and has become substantially more accurate from beyond the arc this season, converting on 42.2 percent of his attempts compared to 34.1 last season; and he was under 40 percent both seasons at Kansas State, as well. Foster has a solid compliment in the backcourt in junior shooting guard Khyri Thomas, who is shooting 41.9 percent from 3-point distance. Thomas averaged 20.8 points over the final five regular-season games, but was kept quiet in the overtime loss to Providence on Thursday, scoring eight points - just the third time this season he has been held to single digits.

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The Longhorns' up-and-down season included playing without Andrew Jones (diagnosed with leukemia in January) and consistent bench contributor Eric Davis Jr. (withheld during investigation since Feb. 23). The young Texas team - which played four freshmen in its seven-man rotation in Thursday's loss to Texas Tech in the Big 12 quarterfinals - got 6-11 freshman forward Mohamed Bamba back after he missed three games with a toe injury.

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The Bulldogs have had a see-saw campaign, going 4-6 since the start of February, but were never in doubt to make the field, particularly after reaching the semifinals of the Big East Tournament, where they lost to Villanova. The Razorbacks and coach Mike Anderson, who has guided his team to three tournament bids in seven seasons, advanced to the semifinals in the SEC Tournament before bowing to runner-up Tennessee. Jaylen Barford and Daryl Macon have averaged 18 and 16.9 points, respectively, this season for the Razorbacks, who have won eight of their last 11 games.

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Sixth-seeded Florida hopes to find the best version of itself when it begins play in the NCAA Tournament against No. 11 seed St. Bonaventure in the first round of the East Region today in Dallas. The Gators owns impressive victories over Gonzaga, Cincinnati, Kentucky (two) and Auburn, but dropped five of their last eight games against non-NCAA teams before falling in the SEC Tournament quarterfinals against Arkansas.  St. Bonaventure will create quite a challenge after the Bonnies knocked off UCLA 65-58 on Tuesday in the First Four at Dayton, Ohio, for its school-record 26th win and first NCAA Tournament victory since 1970. St. Bonaventure advanced without big nights from its leading scorers - senior guards Jaylen Adams (19.4) and Matt Mobley (18.4), who finished with 22 points combined against the Bruins.

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A pair of high-scoring teams will do battle in the NCAA Tournament's East Region first round when No. 8 seed Virginia Tech takes on No. 9 Alabama on Thursday in Pittsburgh. The Hokies average 79.7 points and have five double-figure scorers, while the Crimson Tide averages 72.4 with both teams allowing at least 70 points a contest. Alabama is powered by one of the top freshmen in the country, guard Collin Sexton, who leads the team in scoring (19 points) and assists (3.5) and is able to take games over, as he did with 21 second-half points in a quarterfinal win over Auburn in the SEC tournament. Coach Avery Johnson will need to get more offense from the rest of the lineup as the Hokies will certainly focus on stopping Sexton and forcing other Alabama players to beat them. Guard Justin Robinson paces the high-powered Hokies attack, averaging 13.8 points and 5.6 assists, both team-highs. Four different players -- Robinson, Justin Bibbs, Ahmed Hill and Nickeil Alexander-Walker -- have hit at least 50 3-pointers this season, which will stretch the Alabama defense.

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The Pirates are a veteran team that features four senior starters, including Carrington and leading scorer Desi Rodriguez who averages 17.8 points and 4.9 rebounds. And then there's senior center Angel Delgado, the Big East's all-time leader in rebounds and just the second player in history to lead the Big East in rebounding in three different seasons. But don't sleep on sophomore guard Myles Powell who was named the Big East Most Improved Player after averaging 15.4 points per game -- second-most on the team -- and is shot 38.5 percent from behind the 3-point arc this season.

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Ohio State owns the higher seed and the more recognizable name, but South Dakota State has more recent NCAA Tournament experience on its ledger entering their first-round West Regional matchup Thursday. That’s the challenge awaiting the fifth-seeded Buckeyes as they take on the 12th-seeded Jackrabbits in Boise, Idaho. A No. 12 seed has beaten a No. 5 seed in nine of the last 10 NCAA Tournaments, and 12s have won 11 of the last 24 such first-round matchups overall. The Buckeyes, who earned an at-large bid out of the Big Ten, are making their 28th Big Dance appearance overall but their first since 2015 under former coach Thad Matta. South Dakota State, meanwhile, captured an automatic NCAA bid by winning the Summit League championship and also finished first in the conference with a 13-1 league record during the regular season. It will be the third straight NCAA Tournament appearance for the Jackrabbits and fifth in the last seven seasons for the program which moved up to the Division I level in 2005.

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The fact that they play in a major conference that sent seven teams to the tournament and have Freshman of the Year candidate Trae Young certainly helped the Sooners, who were the only team in the field, including First Four teams, to make it with fewer than 19 victories. Young led the nation in scoring (27.4 points per game) and assists (8.8) while grabbing 3.9 rebounds for coach Lon Kruger. The 6-2 guard helped his team to a 12-1 start, including three wins over ranked teams, but things started to go south in mid-January. The Rams, who were unable to capture a second straight Atlantic 10 Tournament title, got a tough draw, including a possible second-round game with No. 2 seed Duke, for a team that won 25 games, including its first 13 in the Atlantic 10.

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If Stan Van Gundy’s job prospects in Detroit for next season are really hinging upon the Pistons making the playoffs, then get ready to see SVG on ESPN or TNT in 2018-19 as it looks as if his team is going to fall short. As of yet the Blake Griffin addition has not translated into enough wins; Detroit is just 2-10 SU and vs. line last 12 into Bulls game on March 9, not the sort of return on investment that was expected after adding big Blake from the Clips. Would rather back Utah, revving up again with four SU wins in a row thru March 8 after a brief lull following the All-Star break, and already a winner vs. Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on Jan. 24 at the outset of what would become an 11-game Jazz SU win streak into All-Star break.

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While Clips still scratching and clawing to get into West playoff mix, Bulls simply headed full speed into the draft lottery. Chicago needed an even-worse Memphis to slow the rapid descent in March 7 Bulls win, but Fred Hoiberg’s bunch had lost SU in 14 of previous 17, and the arrow has been pointing straight down since Niko Mirotic’s trade to the Pelicans signaled surrender for this season. Absence of Robin Lopez for Bulls has meant that Hoiberg is forced to use Cristiano “Ronaldo” Felicio, who recently recorded a woeful -17 point differential in just 25 minutes of floor time against the Mavs on March 2. Too many reasons to go against the Bulls to shy away from playoff-chasing Clips, who won and covered 5 of 7 on most recent road trip.

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Keep an eye on the injury report, as Anthony Davis had to leave the last two of New Orleans’ 10-game win streak thru March 8 (the second time, March 7 at Sacramento, exiting in 3rd Q after rolling an ankle). With the ”Uni-Brow” entering the MVP discussion by scoring nearly 40 ppg during the uptick, his presence is obviously important. But unless Davis is definitely out, have no interest in bucking the hot Pels, who were not only scoring almost 125 ppg in the win streak, but playing some defense, as they’ve posted top ten numbers on stop end during the ascent. New Orleans also in a stretch of 8 of 9 at home that can help solidify a playoff berth in West, something that appears increasingly out of reach in East for the Hornets, whose 4-game skid thru March 7 has effectively knocked them from serious playoff contention

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Expect Toronto to at least be on the alert for this matchup vs. Brooklyn after sleepwalking its way to a narrow 114-113 OT escape in last meeting on Jan. 8. But overlooking Nets might have been understandable after Raps won by 33 in previous meeting on Dec. 15 north of the border when Toronto shot almost 56% from floor and DeMar DeRozan scored 31. Brooklyn slumping again into March (1-13 SU last 14 into last Thursday vs. Hornets) though Nets covering some inflated numbers lately (5 of 6 into Charlotte game). Toronto’s recent 14-game streak thru March 8 (13-1 SU, 10-4 vs. line) a bit more impressive as Raps bearing down to secure top East seed in fast-approaching playoffs.

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Oklahoma City is 15-6 ATS in their last 21 games when their starting 5 players combine for more than 160 minutes of the previous day. While Atlanta is 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS loss, 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games following a straight up loss, and 0-4 ATS in their last 4 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game. In addition, Oklahoma City is 1-3 ATS in the last 14 meetings in Atlanta and 19-8 ATS in the last 27 meetings overall.

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Like much involving Houston this season, battles vs. San Antonio have turned into a Rockets party, with Houston winning and covering handily in first two meetings. This is what Rockets have admittedly been doing against almost every foe lately, as SU win streak had mushroomed to 17 in a row (13–4 vs. line) thru March 8. Meanwhile it is not inconceivable that Spurs could miss playoffs as they are having trouble finding traction with Kawhi Leonard still sidelined (though perhaps back soon) and various nagging hurts (Pau Gasol, LaMarcus Aldridge) elsewhere on roster. Coach Pop looking for answers, as usually-stout SA defense has fallen off, giving up 6 more points per 100 than their season average in recent 3-8 SU skid. Transition defense in particular was an issue during this stretch. Getting Rudy Gay back is not going to help on the stop end, but Pop needs his shot creation until (if) Leonard returns.

Rating: 2 Units

The Boston Celtics have suffered only a three-point loss at Western Conference-leading Houston since the All-Star break, winning their other six games in that stretch by an average of 14 points. They will look to stay hot and keep close in the race for the top spot in the East when they host the Indiana Pacers today. Boston got past Minnesota on the road 117-109 on Thursday to clinch a playoff spot.  Boston is 2 1/2 games behind first-place Toronto and comfortably ahead of a six-team pack fighting for the rest of the playoff spots, a group that includes the Pacers. Irving averages 24.8 points on 54.5 percent shooting, 6.3 assists and 5.7 rebounds since the All-Star break for the Celtics.

Rating: 2 Units

Tough stretch of games for Golden State, which is coming off San Antonio and a visit to sizzling Portland. With a day off to prep and two days off after this, expect a top effort from Warriors, who are trying to make up ground on Western Conference-leading Houston. Minnesota has become a target since the injury to star swing man Jimmy Butler, but Tom Thibodeau’s team was struggling long before the injury. Minnesota is just 2-8 vs. the number in its last 10, giving up 115 ppg in that span. And Minnesota dropped its last 5 against the points facing playoff-positioned teams.

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The Bearcats have defeated SMU (61-51) and Memphis (70-60) in their first two games of this event as Gary Clark has averaged 14.5 points and 11.5 rebounds. Jarron Cumberland added 18 points versus Memphis after going scoreless against SMU, giving Houston one more weapon to worry about in the championship game. The Cougars rode Rob Gray's 33 points to a 77-74 win over Wichita State on Saturday, earning a trip to the AAC title game for the first time. Houston knows it can beat Cincinnati, as it did as recently as Feb. 15 when it snapped the Bearcats' national-best winning streak at 16 games.

Rating: 2 Units

New York snapped its 8-game series losing streak against Toronto on Nov. 22, but the Raptors avenged that result with a vicious 113-88 shellacking that was one of a pair of one-sided Knick losses sandwiched around that win this season. Seven Raptors have scored in double digits in the series against New York this season. The Knick problems are well-documented, with a 1-11 spread mark in its last 12 prior to facing Milwaukee on Friday. Raptors have given top effort every night in chase for the best record in the East

Rating: 2 Units

No. 4 seed Kentucky is playing some of its best basketball of the season at the right time and looks to record a fourth consecutive SEC Tournament Championship when it takes on second-seeded Tennessee today in St. Louis. The Wildcats allowed 49 points in the quarterfinals and scored an 86-63 triumph against Alabama in the semifinals Saturday for their sixth victory in the last seven games after losing four straight.

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Arizona will try for its third Pac-12 tournament title in the past four years when the top-seeded Wildcats meet second-seeded USC at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas tonight. Arizona outscored fourth-seeded UCLA 11-0 in overtime to win the first semifinal 78-67 and the Trojans routed No. 6 seed Oregon 74-54 in the second to reach their first tournament championship since 2009. Deandre Ayton was back to being a force against UCLA after a rocky performance in the quarterfinal victory against Colorado, totaling a season-high 32 points on 13-for-16 shooting and grabbing 14 rebounds against the Bruins. There's few college players in the country who can match up with the 7-1 freshman forward.  Arizona has won four in a row against USC since a quadruple-overtime loss Jan. 9, 2016.

Rating: 2 Units

Will take any points with San Antonio side that’s 2-0 as a dog against OKC this season. The Spurs have their problems, losing 8 of their last 11 into Thursday vs. Warriors to fall from 3rd to 5th in the Western Conference pecking order, and C Pau Gasol didn’t play at Golden State due to a shoulder injury. However, definitely distrust OKC side that’s been outscored 111-107, is allowing foes to shoot 48%, and has made just 32% of its treys since the all-star break. Mix in fact that the Thunder is just 7-16 vs. the number laying points at home and you have a case. With Carmelo Anthony and Paul George shooting a combined 38% over the team’s last 7 games, it’s no wonder HC Billy Donovan appears frustrated at times.

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Ball movement was key for North Carolina in the win against Duke as it was able to dismantle a 2-3 zone defense by recording 24 team assists on 28 made field goals, with Pinson (seven assists) and Kenny Williams (six) leading the way. Luke Maye had a bounce-back performance, leading the Tar Heels with 17 points, 10 rebounds and four assists a day after he scored just two points on 1-of-15 shooting against Miami in the quarterfinals. Four other players reached double digits in points for North Carolina, with Joel Berry II scoring 13 and Cameron Johnson, Garrison Brooks and Williams each adding 10. Virginia is in the conference title game for the ninth time in school history but has won only two championships (1976 and 2014) and lost to North Carolina in 2016. North Carolina is looking to win its 19th ACC championship and pull within one of Duke for most all-time.

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This is a quick turnaround from Tuesday’s series meeting in Washington when the Wizards took a 117-113 decision in OT at the Capital One Arena behind the sharpshooting of Bradley Beal. Beal sank 12 o 16 attempts, including 6 of 7 on his threes to secure the victory. Miami was down 9 at the half but mounted a comeback thanks to bench efforts by Dwayne Wade (team-high 22 pts.) and Tyler Johnson (21). The Wizards played in New Orleans last night, but they are 9-5 the last 2 seasons on the road in 2nd of back-to-back games.

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Malik Newman was a top-10 recruit for Mississippi State back in spring of 2015, but it is Kansas who is reaping the rewards of his talent nearly three years later. The 6-3 sophomore attempts to put the finishing touches on his brilliant offensive display at the Big 12 Tournament today when the ninth-ranked and top-seeded Jayhawks face No. 18 West Virginia in the championship game at the Sprint Center in Kansas City, Mo. Kansas has won the conference tournament seven times in 15 years under coach Bill Self and is 10-2 all-time in the Big 12 championship game.

Rating: 2 Units

Fourth-seeded Kentucky looks to stay on track for its fourth consecutive SEC Tournament title when it faces No. 9 seed Alabama in the semifinals today in St. Louis. The Wildcats cruised past Georgia 62-49 on Friday to notch their 11th consecutive win against the Bulldogs and hope to beat the Crimson Tide for the 10th straight time while ousting them in the semifinals for the second straight year following a 79-74 victory on March 11, 2017. Kentucky has won 12 of its last 13 SEC Tournament games and 16 of the last 18 meetings with Alabama.

Rating: 2 Units

Seattle is 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600, 1-4 ATS in their last 5 Friday games, 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games following a straight up win, and 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games following a ATS win. While New Mexico St. is 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games following a straight up win of more than 20 points, 5-1-2 ATS in their last 8 games overall, 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after scoring more than 90 points in their previous game, and 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up win.

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Florida is en route to the NCAA Tournament, but the No. 23 Gators would like to improve their resume when they open SEC Tournament play against Arkansas in today's quarterfinals at St. Louis. Third-seeded Florida was sharp while winning its final three regular-season games by an average of 13 points, while the Razorbacks posted a 69-64 over South Carolina in Thursday's second round. The Gators battled issues through a large portion of the season, but coach Mike White is feeling good about his team as March arrives. The sixth-seeded Razorbacks are a hot squad with seven victories in their past nine games, but they have dropped their last eight meetings with the Gators. 

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In the first meeting between the teams this season on Dec. 30, Butler knocked off Villanova 101-93 - easily the most points scored against the Wildcats this season. Villanova got its revenge in the second meeting on Feb. 10, notching an 86-75 victory as Donte DiVincenzo scored a career-high 30 points and Jalen Brunson, the potential National Player of the Year, added 27. The third meeting came to fruition late Thursday night, when Butler advanced past Seton Hall on a late tip-in by Tyler Wideman. Villanova had advanced earlier in the evening with a 94-70 victory against Marquette. Villanova averages 87.4 points - tops in the nation - and has scored at least 90 in four of the last six games.

Rating: 2 Units

The Lakers have been playing very well, logging an 18-8 SU mark since Jan. 7, but recent injury to swing man Brandon Ingram is a worry for HC Luke Walton. That being said, Denver is 1-6 vs. the points overall in its last 7, including 4 straight spread losses at the Pepsi Center. The Lakers have benefited from the return of PG Lonzo Ball, who’s made 50% of his treys over the past 5 games, and blending in of Isaiah Thomas (19 ppg & 6.8 apg off the bench in L5Gs) are solid buy signs. Denver has given up 116 ppg and 51% in its last 10 games.

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St. Louis is 2-6 ATS in their last 8 Friday games and 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games vs a team with a winning straight up record. While Davidson is 11-4-1 ATS in their L16 games overall, 11-4-1 in their last 16 vs the Atlantic 10, and 8-3-1 ATS in their last 12 games following a straight up win.

Rating: 2 Units

Utah has been on a tear since the last week in January, as the Jazz have won 16 of their last 18 SU and are 11-6-1 vs. the number since winning in Detroit Jan. 24. One of the wins in that run was a 92-88 victory at the FedEx Forum on Feb. 7. The Jazz didn’t cover that trip to Memphis, as vet F Derrick Favors, C Rudy Gobert and super rookie Donovan Mitchell combined to make just 6 of 21 shots. A 29-point effort by Jazz PG Ricky Rubio and a 28-12 edge in free throws made was enough to get the win, and the Jazz held a 10-point lead with 31 seconds left before Dillon Brooks and Mario Chalmers hit late treys to claim a backdoor cover. Utah is in a dead heat with the Clippers and Denver for the final playoff spot, so they desperately need this win with a trip to red-hot New Orleans scheduled for Sunday.

Rating: 2 Units

The two conference leaders collide. The first meeting went Toronto’s way, with the Raptors making 53% of their shots, while making Rocket kingpin James Harden work for his 38 points, as he was 8 for 25 on the night. Harden also had an embarrassing 9 turnovers! Rocket G Eric Gordon hit only 3 of 12 shots, and key Houston all-star Chris Paul didn’t play that night. The Rockets have won 17 straight games and are 9-1 SU and 10-0 vs. the points in their last 10 on the road, and are 36-2 with Harden and Paul in the lineup together. Toronto unlikely to duplicate its 14 of 30 performance from beyond the arc in Houston, and Paul’s added presence this time around can’t be minimized.

Rating: 2 Units

Sophomore guard Kyle Guy looked just fine after an injury scare last Saturday and hopes to follow up a strong performance in No. 1 Virginia’s ACC Tournament opener as the top-seeded Cavaliers take on fourth seed Clemson in the semifinals today at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y. Guy, who played with a brace on his injured left knee, scored a game-high 19 and drained four 3-pointers in Virginia’s 75-58 win over Louisville on Thursday.  The Cavaliers lead the nation in scoring defense and gave up the least points all season to No. 20 Clemson as Virginia held the Tigers to 31.9 percent shooting while forcing 19 turnovers in a 61-36 triumph on Jan. 23.

Rating: 2 Units

No. 12 Tennessee is entrenched in the NCAA Tournament field, but the second-seeded team wouldn't mind adding the SEC Tournament title to its list of accomplishments. The Volunteers begin their pursuit of the conference crown on today, when they face seventh-seeded Mississippi State in the quarterfinals at St. Louis. Tennessee finished the regular season with four consecutive victories while enjoying a winning campaign for the first time in the three-year tenure of Rick Barnes, who was named SEC Coach of the Year. Tennessee obliterated Mississippi State 76-54 on Feb. 27, when Admiral Schofield scored 24 points as the team shot 56.3 percent from the field.

Rating: 2 Units

Kent State is  0-2-2 ATS in their last 4 Friday games. While Buffalo is 5-1-2 ATS in their last 8 games following a ATS win, 10-3-1 ATS in their last 14 neutral site games. Bulls are 7-3-2 ATS in their last 12 Friday games, and 7-3-2 ATS in their last 12 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.

Rating: 2 Units

St. Joseph is 5-1-1 ATS in their last 7 games overall, 5-1-1 ATS in their last 7 vs. Atlantic 10, and 23-8-1 ATS in their last 32 Friday games.

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With team scoring leader Shake Milton on the sidelines - likely for the entire AAC Tournament - with a hand injury, SMU leaned on a trio of scorers to build a big lead against the Huskies, then hold on for dear life after UConn closed to within four late. Ben Emelogu II had a team-best 23 points in the 80-73 victory, while Akoy Agau added a career-best 21 and Jahmal McMurray chipped in 19. Those three will have to be just as good - or better - Thursday as the Bearcats come in having allowed 57.3 points per game during the regular season, second only to Virginia (52.8) and well ahead of third-place Central Florida (61.3). Cincinnati also dominated the two-game series with the Mustangs, winning both games by a combined 41 points.

Rating: 2 Units

The intrigue is quickly leaving this rivalry that once had the ability to captivate NBA Nation. Not so this season, with focused Golden State rolling to a pair of easy wins and covers vs. the ever-depleted Spurs, who now might be looking at LaMarcus Aldridge on the shelf with ankle problems to go along with Kawhi Leonard (might return sometime in March) and perhaps even Paul Gasol. Warriors have played in some breathtaking spurts since the All-Star break as they ramp up for another run at the ring, and even at full strength Coach Pop would be hard-pressed to change this season’s series dynamics.