Rating: 2 Units

Utah has won its last 6 on the road SU and covered 8 of its last 11 as a visitor, including recent SU wins at Toronto and San Antonio. That being said, the Jazz haven’t had much success at the Moda Center, losing 7 of their last 8 in Portland SU, dropping the last 4 against the number. However, this is the first meeting in Portland this season, and the Trail Blazers haven’t been nearly as good at home as they had in recent years, logging a 7-13-1 spread mark as host prior to facing Charlotte on Thursday. Jazz Gs Ricky Rubio and Donovan Mitchell combined for 58 pts. in Jazz OT win back on Nov. 1.

Rating: 2 Units

New York’s loss of PF Kristaps Porzingis was a major blow to a Knick team that already had more than its share of problems. Porzingis scored 40 pts. and had 6 blocks in his only appearance vs. the Pacers this season, which was a 108-101 Knick victory back on Nov. 5. Pacer PF Thad Young scored 19 ppg and shot 73% vs. the Knicks this season, and Indy made more than 50% overall in the series. Assuming Pacer G Victor Oladipo (24 ppg, 49% on the season) is over his illness, look for Indiana to pad its 27-19 mark the last 2 seasons as Bankers Life Fieldhouse chalk. 

Rating: 2 Units

The Missouri Valley has been a home-oriented loop this season; ask Bradley, just 1-5 SU and vs. line on Valley trail after last Wednesday’s loss at Northern Iowa. Meanwhile, surging SIU has just one spread L in last eight thru Feb. 7, including spread push vs. Braves at Peoria back on Jan. 9. Catalyst in recent Saluki uprising has been 6-10 juco Kavion Pippen (Scottie’s nephew), scoring 17.3 ppg last three into last Thursday vs. Illinois State, and providing vet HC Barry Hinson with a Valley rarity...a true back-to-the-basket threat in the post.

Rating: 2 Units

Recalling a pair of defeats last year vs. SMU, Cincinnati (which hasn’t lost SU since Dec. 9 vs. Florida) made sure to take care of business vs. Mustangs in 76-56 romp at temporary home of NKU’s BB&T Arena in nearby Highland Heights on Jan. 7. With only two spread Ls last nine, Mick Cronin’s Bearcats mostly handling heavy imposts in American play. Meanwhile, even with a neutral-floor win over Arizona and a success at Wichita State, SMU’s Big Dance at-large case has been damaged by recent losses to UConn and Tulsa, as Mustangs having trouble getting above .500 in AAC. Note that snarling Cincinnati “D” has held American foes to 56 points or fewer in 8 of first 10 loop games

Rating: 2 Units

This grudge match might get even more ugly after Kyrie Irving’s social media post showed him laughing at a house burning down after the Cleveland-Laker trade shook up the trade deadline. Irving will have to step up his game against the Cavs, however, as he shot just 42% and scored only 16.5 ppg as the two teams split the first two (although the Celtics covered both). Prefer to take a lead with refreshed, new-look Cavs, who are 4-2 as a road dog, the only category in which they’ve had a winning mark.

Rating: 2 Units

Detroit had Saturday off to shake off trade revenge game against the Clippers, and win or lose, would favor Piston side that looked much-improved on acquisition of PF Blake Griffin. Detroit has won 4 of 5 against the Hawks over the past 2 seasons, including a 105-91 victory in most recent encounter, which was played in Atlanta. Griffin had 26 pts., 10 rebs. and 10 assists in his only game against the Hawks this season, while C Andre Drummond had 39 boards in the two Detroit wins against Atlanta this season. .

Rating: 2 Units

When these two teams met back on Jan. 2 in Louisville, the Panthers were 8-6 on the season and had gone 7-2 in their previous nine games. But Louisville, led by Quentin Snider's 19 points, routed Pitt 77-51 and the Panthers haven't won since, putting them in the midst of the longest losing streak in school history. That win kicked off Louisville's 6-2 start to conference play. Louisville is on an 11-game win streak against Pitt and leads the all-time series 15-5.

Rating: 2 Units

These two Western powers are both leaking a little oil of late. Golden State is just 1-3 SU in its last 4 and have covered only 2 of its last 9 games prior to facing Dallas on Thursday. San Antonio is 3-3 SU and 2-4 vs. the number in its last 6. The Warriors have held the upper hand against the Spurs, winning 6 straight with a 5-1 spread mark dating back to March last year and including a series sweep in last year’s playoffs. Look for that trend to continue, especially with F Kawhi Leonard still out with a quad and PG Dejounte Murray joining him on the sidelines.

Rating: 2 Units

Have little interest in backing Chicago side that was win less in its last 7 and had dropped 6 straight spread decisions prior to facing Minnesota last night. Rested Washington, conversely, shook off its 1-9 spread run by covering 5 of its last six, as G Bradley Beal, Otto Porter Jr., and Markieff Morris have stepped up to replace output of injured PG John Wall. The Wizards have taken the last 4 vs. Chicago SU, and the Bulls have been outscored 112-102 in their last 5 games, shooting just 39% in that negative streak.

Rating: 2 Units

UNLV probably feeling a bit cocky after midweek upset win at Nevada when Wolf Pack missed injury Mountain West MVP contender wing Caleb Martin. But crisp-executing Wyoming the sort of team to exploit Rebels’ lack of discipline, as big Cowboy wings 6-7 Justin James (18.7 ppg) & 6-8 Hayden Dalton (17.4 ppg) can cause some matchup problems on perimeter for UNLV HC Marvin Menzies. Note that before that Wednesday upset in Reno, money-burning Rebs had covered the number in just one of previous twelve games!

Rating: 2 Units

Cleveland State is 6-15 ATS in their last 21 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600, 10-25-2 ATS in their last 37 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record, and 8-20-1 ATS in their last 29 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. While Illinois Chicago is 13-3 ATS in their last 16 games overall, 20-6 ATS in their last 26 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record, and 21-7 ATS in their last 28 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.

Rating: 2 Units

New Orleans was just 1-4 SU and vs. the number in its first 5 games playing without injured C DeMarcus Cousins, and Brooklyn has been a big winner as an underdog (27-15 vs. the points). The Pelicanx defense suffered with Cousins sidelined, as they gave up 115 ppg and 48%, up sharply from seasonal averages. NO played last night in Philly, while the Nets are rested and have covered 14-7-1 since late December and 8-4-1 vs. the number in its last 13 at the Barclays Center. 1

Rating: 2 Units

In this battle between LA-area WCC rivals, it’s looking a lot like last season when LMU avenged a bitter 1-point loss at Malibu with a 21-point home romp past Pepperdine. Well, Waves scored another win by the same score as last year (71-70) over the Lions on Jan. 25 at Firestone Field House when Pep frosh G Trae Berhow nailed a long 3-pointer in the last second, but that was also Waves’ only SU win since Dec. 5 as the walls begin to close in around beleaguered HC Marty Wilson. LMU not doing much better the past month, but did recently knock off BYU at Gersten Pavilion and has been competitive on more nights than Pepperdine. Lions HC Mike Dunlap still getting good production from juco PG James Batemon (17.4 ppg).

Rating: 2 Units

With injury-plagued, offensively-inept Rutgers (65.8 ppg; 327th) needing a GPS device to locate the basket these days, must lay the lumber with hot Nebraska, which has a real shot at Big Dance at-large bid with a strong finish in Big Ten play. Huskers—who’ve found a reliable fourth scoring option in emerging 6-8 sophomore F Isaiah Roby—are a highly-profitable 10-1 vs. the spread in conference play, including 60-54 victory at Rutgers in late January. And Scarlet Knights unable to quickly make up an expected deficit in Lincoln, canning a meager 4.5 treys pg (350th) at 30.2% (340th).

Rating: 2 Units

Since offensively-stodgy & erratic-gunning UGa (68.7 ppg; 42.7% from the floor) unable to gain any real traction in SEC play, believe SEC leader Auburn can sweep series after being swept by the Dawgs in 2016-17. Tigers, who still have a shot at a top four seed in the Big Dance despite 81-80 home loss to surging Texas A&M on Wednesday, figure to crash the boards with more ferocity after being out-rebounded by the Aggies 33-22 in the 1-pt. setback. And AU can afford to double-team UGa’s premier weapon F Yante Mateen if necessary, since the Dawgs convert only 5.9 triples pg (309th) at a rim-clanking 32% (310th). Plus, you can expect an inspired effort from the Tigers’ dangerous 6-3 jr. G Bryce Brown (16.6 ppg; poured in 28 in 1st meeting), who hails from Stone Mountain, Georgia

Rating: 2 Units

Loyola Chicago is  23-7 ATS in their last 30 games following a straight up win, 30-12-1 ATS in their last 43 road games vs. a team with a winning home record, and 40-17 ATS in their last 57 games following a ATS win. While Indiana State is 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games overall, 1-4 ATS in their last 5 vs. Missouri Valley, and 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games following a double-digit loss at home.

Rating: 2 Units

The Bulls are in the midst of a seven-game losing streak (1-6 ATS) and struggling big time without guard Kris Dunn who remains out with a concussion and note that they traded Nikola Mirotic to the New Orleans Pelicans last week. The Timberwolves are 4-1 ATS in their last five games following a straight up loss and 5-2 ATS in their last seven games playing on one days rest. They've covered the spread in four straight meetings with the Bulls and this will be a special game for Minnesota's Jimmy Butler who will pay his first visit to the United Center as a member of the Minnesota Timberwolves. Butler has averaged 22.3 points, 5.4 rebounds and 5.1 assists and should lead the Wolves to a comfortable win.

Rating: 2 Units

Boston, which added C/PF Greg Monroe to shore up its front line, played last night in Washington. The Celtics have actually been a positive play at home when unrested, covering 12 of 19 chances over the past 3+ seasons. Boston has won 5 straight against Indiana, covering 4 of those meetings, and return to action of Celtic PG Kyrie Irving is a major relief to HC Brad Stevens. Irving scored 28 ppg and shot 54% in two meetings with the Pacers this season, and injury to Pacer PG Darren Collison will likely mean inconsistent Lance Stephenson will have to defend Kyrie. Boston 6-3 L9 laying single digits at home.

Rating: 2 Units

Shorthanded Minnesota is possibly down three starters with the most recent injury to 6-5 jr. G Dupree McBrayer (leg; check status). So, must “lay it” with the profitable Hoosiers (7-2 vs. spread last 9 in Big Ten play) eager to get back to .500 in Big Ten play. Once again, the laboring Gophers will have no answer for IU’s dynamic duo of 6-8 jr. F Juwan Morgan (16.8 ppg, 7.3 rpg) & 6-3 sr. G Robert Johnson (13.4 ppg, 4.5 rpg), who combined for 48 points in their 75-71 upset win in Minneapolis in early January. “Costly” & defensively-lax Minnesota, which is a lowly 2-7 vs. the spread last 9 in league play, has yielded a whopping 76 points or more in 8 of L9 in the Big Ten!

Rating: 2 Units

New Orleans rode PG Jrue Holiday’s 34 pts. to a victory (and a narrow cover) back on Dec. 10. Philly “big” Joel Embiid sat that game out with a back injury, and Pelican star C Boogie Cousins, who had 23 pts. and 9 boards in first meeting, has since been sidelined for the season. With Embiid playing at an all-star level, expect the Sixers to turn the tables on New Orleans. Philadelphia has covered 6 straight as Wells Fargo Center chalk, so have no problem laying the points with a Sixer team that has climbed to 4th in the league in efficiency differential.

Rating: 2 Units

Yale is 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400. While  the favorite 9-3 ATS in the last 12 meetings. In addition, Columbia is 4-14 ATS in the last 18 meetings and 2-7 ATS in the last 9 meetings in Yale.

Rating: 2 Units

The Wright St. Raiders are 11-1 at home this season, and 10-2 against 8-5 opponents.

At home the Raiders are averaging 66.9 scoring, and holding teams to 56.7 points scored on defense. While the Green Bay Phoenix are 0-11 while on the road this season, 5-8 against conference opponents, and 5-8 against non-conference opponents. On the road, the Phoenix are averaging 68.5 scoring, and holding teams to 82.4 points scored on defense. In addition, the favorite is 7-1 ATS in the last 8 meetings.

Rating: 2 Units

Home team has won last four in this series as the sides have split those matchups, though Atlanta covered the first two clashes this season. To back Hawks again, might want to make sure PG Dennis Schroder is beyond last week’s shoulder injury. Even if he’s okay, however, there is a case for Orlando, playing better lately and on an 8-1 spread uptick into February. Plenty of flaws on Atlanta side; Hawks played some decent defense for a stretch in early January, but remain the team that has seen the biggest increase (by a wide margin) in points allowed per 100 possessions

Rating: 2 Units

North Carolina State looks for its fourth straight win as it visits Virginia Tech in an important matchup tonight. The Wolfpack are tied for fifth and hold a one-game lead over the Hokies in the crowded ACC standings as both teams need all the wins they can get down the stretch to improve their NCAA Tournament resumes. N.C. State is playing its best basketball of the season and is fresh off a dominant 76-58 victory over Notre Dame where the Wolfpack shot 50 percent and allowed their second-fewest points against this season.

Rating: 2 Units

The move to the Missouri Valley has not been an easy one for Valparaiso, which was able to physically wear down opponents in the lesser Horizon. That recipe, however, isn’t working in the rougher Valley, as the Crusaders have been getting hammered consistently off the glass, something that rarely happened in their old neighborhood and hampered Valparaiso in home loss to Evansville (which won board battle 42-34) on Jan. 24. Purple Aces will be glad to get physical again vs. Crusaders, who also will have problems containing host’s on-fire G Ryan Taylor (20.4 ppg), who had scored 22 or more in three straight (all E’ville wins, including 22 in first meeting) into last Saturday vs. Illinois State. Valparaiso win less SU (0-5) on Valley trail into last Saturday at SIU.

Rating: 2 Units

With back-to-back victories over Pittsburgh and Virginia Tech, Miami played its way back into the Coaches Poll at No. 25. Now the Hurricanes, who have won four of their last five, have to work hard to remain there, beginning with Wednesday's visit from Wake Forest, which has lost seven straight in the state of Florida.  Wake has yet to beat a ranked team this season and is winless in its last 20 road matchups with ranked opponents. That doesn't bode well against the Hurricanes, who have made their home court a real advantage with 35 wins in their last 38 games, including an 8-1 mark at the Watsco Center this year thanks to outscoring its opponents by an average of 16.2 points per game. Miami is set up for a strong stretch run to the postseason with five of its final eight games at home.

Rating: 2 Units

Life in the Big East with a young team is proving difficult for Marquette, which plays a conference game at Seton Hall. The Golden Eagles have lost four straight games including the last three at home and face an uphill battle the rest of the way with five of their final seven contests on the road starting with the Pirates, whom they beat by 20 points last month. In their most recent loss to Providence, the Golden Eagles were 0-of-8 from beyond the arc in the second half and received only seven points from Andrew Rowsey, who was coming off his first scoreless game of the season.

Rating: 2 Units

Nebraska is 10-1 ATS in their last 11 games following a ATS win, 10-1 ATS in their last 11 vs. Big Ten, 13-3 ATS in their last 16 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record, and 17-5 ATS in their last 22 games overall. While Minnesota is 2-5 ATS in their last 7 home games vs. a team with a losing road record, 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record, and 2-7 ATS in their last 9 games following a straight up loss.

Rating: 2 Units

The Wizards though have flat out struggled in this spot at times for bettors this year, interestingly going just 10-14 ATS against poor defensive teams which allow 106 plus points per contest. The 76ers on the other hand have been “money in the bank” in this position, going 14-8 ATS at home this season and 20-13 ATS in their last 33 when playing with two days of rest.

Rating: 2 Units

Oklahoma State is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record, 40-17-2 ATS in their last 59 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400, and 44-21-3 ATS in their last 68 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. In addition, Oklahoma State, is 15-6-2 ATS in the last 23 meetings at home.

Rating: 2 Units

The Milwaukee Bucks are winners of six of seven games since moving on from head coach Jason Kidd, but an injury to superstar forward Giannis Antetokounmpo could spell doom for the club. However, The Bucks hope to have Antetokounmpo available when they visit the struggling New York Knicks today. New York dropped its last three games and six of the last eight after squandering a late lead in a 99-96 home setback to lowly Atlanta on Sunday.

Rating: 2 Units

Kent State is 5-0-1 ATS in their last 6 home games, 5-1-1 ATS in their last 7 games overall, and 5-1-1 ATS in their last 7 vs. Mid-American. While Eastern Michigan is  7-19 ATS in their last 26 vs. Mid-American and 1-4 ATS in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. Eastern Michigan is also 4-9 ATS in the last 13 meetings overall and 1-5 ATS in the last 6 meetings in Kent St.

Rating: 2 Units

Davidson is 6-1-1 ATS in their last 8 games overall, 6-1-1 ATS in their last 8 vs. Atlantic 10, 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record, and 22-7-1 ATS in their last 30 Tuesday games. In addition, Davidson is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings at home.

Rating: 2 Units

That Bulls uptick for much of December and January now looks a memory as Chicago endured a rough patch at the end of January, losing five in a row SU and failing to cover the last four of those (some by hefty margins) into February. Chicago will be selling at trade deadline and put Nikola Mirotic on the shelf before dealing him to the Pelicans, but more could be on the move before next Thursday. The same might be said of Sacramento, where some of the Kings’ vets (George Hill in particular) could also be targeted. Interesting angle worth noting is that Sacramento entered February 10-2 in games it led entering the 4th Q, and Kings just completed a 3-3 trip to the South, so there is some life at Golden 1 Center. Sacramento also owns a win over Chicago back on Dec. 1 at United Center when Kings shot 53% from floor, though that was before Mirotic reappeared and Bulls began an uptick...all now in the rear view mirror.

Rating: 2 Units

Temple off upset of Wichita State on Thursday following its well-played 85-67 romp over UConn. Hence, would “invest” on the revenge-minded Owls, who hit a season-worst 4 of 21 from deep in their 85-75 home upset loss to Tulane in the AAC opener on Dec. 28th. Owls, who subsequently covered at Houston and pulled off big upset at SMU, should even the series vs. an erratic Tulane contingent, which barely escaped in 71-69 OT win at also-ran East Carolina on Wednesday. Watch for a high-impact showing from Temple’s usually-steady 6-10 sr. F Obi Enechionyia, who canned a season-worst 1 of 9 from the field in the first clash

Rating: 2 Units

Maryland is 6-0 ATS in their last 6 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400, 6-0-1 ATS in their last 7 home games, and 7-0 ATS in their last 7 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. While the home team is 7-2 ATS in the last 9 meetings.

Rating: 2 Units

Toronto was just 1-4 vs. the number last 5 at home prior to hosting Portland on Friday, and Memphis has been on fire against the number since Boxing Day, logging a 13-4 spread mark in its last 17 after close loss at Detroit Thursday. Grizzlies were leaning on swing man Tyreke Evans, who scored 19.5 ppg, grabbed 5 rebs., and dished 5 assists, but he’s on the move and reportedly won’t play for the Grizzlies again while whatever trade is arranged. Memphis C Marc Gasol (18 ppg, 9 rpg) was enjoying the support, but PF JaMychal Green is expected to return to action this weekend. Raptors might be caught looking ahead to hosting Boston on Tuesday. Raptor Gs DeRozan (42% L10Gs) and Lowry (38% L10) on a cold shooting run despite DeRozan’s player of the month award for January

Rating: 2 Units

Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks picked on the Brooklyn Nets in recent years, a trend they will try to maintain when the teams clash in New York on Sunday afternoon. The Bucks have won nine in a row over the Nets - including four straight on the road - and Antetokounmpo was unstoppable in a 116-91 rout of Brooklyn a little over a week ago. The 23-year-old All-Star had 41 points on 14-of-20 shooting to go along with 13 rebounds and seven assists in that meeting, one of four double-doubles he has recorded in the past five games. The latest was a 29-point, 11-rebound performance and the decisive layup with 1.9 seconds left in Friday's 92-90 home win over New York, Milwaukee's fifth victory in six games since firing head coach Jason Kidd.

Rating: 2 Units

Sacramento is 6-2 SU and 7-1 vs. the points in last 8 against Dallas, including a 93-88 defensive tussle on Oct. 20. King PG George Hill had 21 pts. on 9 of 12 shooting in that victory, the only win in the Kings’ miserable 1-8 SU start to the season. Sacramento had a massive 57-36 edge on the boards that night, and youngsters De’Aaron Fox and Buddy Hield weren’t even making the major contributions they are now. Fox scored 14 ppg and dished 5.2 assists in January, while Hield is shooting 48% (42% on treys) over his last 5 games. Kings, who played Golden State last night, have been relatively unaffected

Rating: 2 Units

New Orleans is coming off a  game last night in Oklahoma City, while rested Minnesota had the night off after hosting Milwaukee Thursday. The Timberwolves have won 10 straight home games, covering the last 8 games played at the Target Center. HC Tom Thibodeau’s Minnesota side is a triple-headed offensive beast, with G Jimmy Butler 24 ppg in his L6Gs), F Andrew Wiggins (20 ppg L10) and C Karl-Anthony Towns (20 ppg, 12 rpg this season). New Orleans had given up 113 ppg in last 5 prior to visiting run-and-gun OKC last night, while the Timberwolves have held last 8 visitors to the Target Center to 99.7 ppg.

Rating: 2 Units

Houston G James Harden had a triple double in Nov. 9 meeting in Houston, with his 35-11-13 night besting LeBron James’ effort (33-4-7). There’s little percentage in backing Cleveland, which is just 15-35 against the number, has covered just 4 of its last 23 games, has just one more SU win than Miami and Indiana, and finds itself in a dogfight for home court position in the playoffs. The Rockets have the second-best record in the NBA. Houston began its four-game road trip with a 102-91 win at San Antonio on Thursday behind another stellar effort from All-Star guard James Harden.

Rating: 2 Units

Auburn has won four in a row following its only setback in conference play, a five-point loss at Alabama on Jan. 17, and opened a two-game lead in the SEC with its 79-70 win at Mississippi on Tuesday, coupled with Florida's loss to Georgia. Bryce Brown is averaging a team-high 16.6 points per game for Auburn and will look to string together back-to-back 20-point games for the first time this season. The 6-3 junior shooting guard scored 23 against Mississippi on 9-for-16 shooting from the floor.

Rating: 2 Units

The slope could be a bit slippery for MW leader Nevada at Moby Arena, where CSU us usually capable of plotting a trap. But not sure Rams up to it now after all-out effort fell short in OT at midweek vs. border rival Wyo. Moreover, CSU has been down its top two scorers (G Nixon with ankle, G Paige with hand) in recent games, and distractions mounting in Fort Collins with HC Larry Eustachy apparently being fitted with a noose by administrators. Would rather not touch Rams at moment, and much prefer percolating Wolf Pack, off of back-to-back 100-point eruptions (though double OT helped in recent trip to Wyoming), and all starters scoring 16 or more in Wednesday’s explosive 102-92 win over dangerous Fresno.

Rating: 2 Units

Clemson clearly demonstrated it can win a marquee game sans the services of injured 6-8 sr. F Donte Grantham in its headline-grabbing 82-78 home upset victory over North Carolina  on Tuesday. And don’t expect the Tigers to suffer from any letdown after Wake Forest pulled off a 76-72 upset win over Florida State on Wednesday. But seriously doubt the Deacons can knock off nationally-ranked, defensively-stout Clemson (65.8 ppg; 41.2% from the floor; 5.6  bpg),which had seven different players nail a 3-ball vs. the Tar Heels. Look for Tigers’ clutch 6-3 jr. G Macquise Reed to take over the game in crunch time as he did for Roy Williams’ troops vs. a WF contingent, which is only 2-4 SU last 6 in Lawrence Joel Coliseum.

Rating: 2 Units

Memphis, which is in the hunt for a top four finish in the AAC (and first-round bye in at the upcoming conference tourney), is placing extra importance in this winnable game with juggernaut Wichita State on deck. So, more than willing to lay a short price vs. offensively challenged & often-careless ECU (65.4 ppg; ranked 331st; 311 in TO margin), which lacks much come-back ability, nailing a paltry 5.1 triples pg at a horrific 27.3% (351st). Tubby Smith’s Tigers—who’ve covered 4 straight as chalk—owns one the league’s most improved players in the AAC in sizzling 6-3 jr. G Jeremiah Martin (18.3 ppg TY; 10.3 LY), who’s surpassed the 20-point plateau in 4 of his last 5 outings. Additionally, UM’s productive 6-8 jr. F Kryon Davenport (12.7 ppg, 6.5 rpg) quickly establishes his post game vs. Pirates’ vulnerable forecourt, missing shelved 6-10 sr. F Jabari Craig (out for year with foot injury).

Rating: 2 Units

Unable to develop reliable  secondary scoring options beyond do-everything 6-9 sr. F Alize Johnson (15.3 ppg & 11.5 rpg; only DD scorer on team), Missouri State’s fortunes have taken a dip since New Year’s, winning just twice SU and failing to cover a number in last eight games. Before Bears season turned south, they did win a close verdict vs. Valley front runner Loyola before Xmas. But Porter Moser’s revenge-fueled Ramblers have made much better progress since, recently on a 7-game SU win streak, and having developed admirable balance with five DD scorers, led by on-fire former Iowa State transfer G Clayton Custer (scored 20+ in last two games)

Rating: 2 Units

Mississippi is 7-2 ATS in their last 9 home games vs. a team with a winning road record,  36-13-2 ATS in their last 51 games following a straight up loss, and 9-4 ATS in their last 13 Tuesday games. While Auburn is 1-4 ATS in the last 5 meetings in Mississippi and 1-5 ATS in the last 6 meetings overall.

Rating: 2 Units

Kentucky is 10-4 ATS in their last 14 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400, and 12-5 ATS in their last 17 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. While Vanderbilt is  5-16 ATS in their last 21 games overall, 4-13 ATS in their last 17 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600, and 4-14 ATS in their last 18 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.

Rating: 2 Units

The Detroit Pistons are mired in an eight-game losing streak and shook things up in a big way by acquiring Blake Griffin from the Los Angeles Clippers. It is unknown whether or not Griffin will make his club debut in Tuesday's home against the Cleveland Cavaliers but the Pistons will be counting on the five-time All-Star to help spring a turnaround. Meanwhile, Cleveland is seeking its first three-game winning streak since mid-December and had dropped 10 of 13 games before beating the Indiana Pacers on Friday and posting a 121-104 win over the Pistons on Sunday in the front end of the home-and-home set. The Cavaliers won the past three meetings by an average of 25.7 points.

Rating: 2 Units

Illinois State is  5-17 ATS in their last 22 games following a straight up win, 0-8 ATS in their last 8 games following a ATS win, and 0-3-1 ATS in their last 4 road games. In addition the home team is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings while Illinois State is 3-7 ATS in the last 10 meetings, and 1-5 ATS in the last 6 meetings in Missouri St.

Rating: 2 Units

South Dakota State is 11-3 ATS in their last 14 home games, 7-2 ATS in their last 9 home games vs. a team with a losing road record, 6-2 ATS in their last 8 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400, 13-5 ATS in their last 18 vs. Summit, and 21-9 ATS in their last 30 games overall.

Rating:  2 Units

Oklahoma State is 40-16-2 ATS in their last 58 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400, 44-20-3 ATS in their last 67 home games vs. a team with a losing road record, and 15-7-1 ATS in their last 23 Tuesday games. While TCU is 1-4 ATS in the last 5 meetings and 0-4 ATS in the last 4 meetings in Oklahoma State.

Rating: 2 Units

Central Michigan is  9-3 ATS in their last 12 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400. While Northern Illinois is 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games following a ATS win, 1-4 ATS in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record, 1-5 ATS in their last 6 road games, and 0-4 ATS in their last 4 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.

Rating: 2 Units

Ohio is 2-5-1 ATS in their last 8 road games, 1-3-2 ATS in their last 6 games overall, 2-6-2 ATS in their last 10 vs. Mid-American, and 3-12-1 ATS in their last 16 Tuesday games. In addition, Ohio is 3-8 ATS in the last 11 meetings in Bowling Green.

Rating; 2 Units

URI is 7-2-1 ATS in their last 10 road games vs. a team with a winning home record, 21-7-1 ATS in their last 29 games following a straight up win, and 19-7-1 ATS in their last 27 games overall. While UMASS is 17-35-2 ATS in their last 54 vs. Atlantic 10, 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up loss, and 1-4 ATS in their last 5 Tuesday games.

Rating: 2 Units

The Panthers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a straight up win of more than 20 points and 5-1-1 ATS in their last 7 Monday games. While the Flames are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 Monday games.

Rating: 2 Units

The Crusaders are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 vs. Patriot League, 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games following a straight up win, and 5-2 ATS in their last 7 Monday games. While the Mountain Hawks are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games overall, 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record, and 0-4 ATS in their last 4 Monday games.

Rating: 2 Units

Rider is 9-3-1 ATS in their last 13 games following a straight up win, 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400, and 7-3-1 ATS in their last 11 games overall. While Monmouth is 2-5 ATS in their last 7 road games, 2-6 ATS in their last 8 Monday games, and 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.

Rating: 2 Units

The Blue Devils are 5-1-1 ATS in their last 7 games following a ATS loss and 17-8-1 ATS in their last 26 games overall. While the Fighting Irish are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record, 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games overall, and 1-4 ATS in their last 5 vs. Atlantic Coast.

Rating: 2 Units

The Bulldogs are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 home games vs. a team with a winning road record, 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a ATS win, and 9-3 ATS in their last 12 Monday games. While the Buccaneers are 2-5 ATS in the last 7 meetings and the underdog is 5-2 ATS in the last 7 meetings.

Rating: 2 Units

Friday marked the opener of a five-game home stand for San Antonio, which still owns an NBA-best 20-4 mark at home. The Kings are just 8-19 on the road but two of those wins came in the last two games, making the team 2-2 on a six-game trip that ends in New Orleans on Tuesday. Sacramento is giving longer looks to its younger players and was led by the likes of Buddy Hield and De'Aaron Fox while closing Thursday's 89-88 win at Miami on a 17-4 run.

Rating: 2 Units

Shamet averages team bests of 15.0 points and 5.2 assists despite totaling only 11 points and nine assists in his last two games. Morris (12.5 points, 4.6 rebounds) is averaging 16 points over his last three games after recording 19 versus UCF as the Shockers improved to 8-0 this season when he scores 18 or more points. Senior forward Rashard Kelly (5.8 points, team-high 7.5 rebounds) will play his 127th game Sunday, moving him into 10th on the school's all-time list.The Shockers have won nine of the last 10 meetings, including a 72-69 victory on Jan. 13 behind 16 points apiece from sophomore guard Landry Shamet and senior guard Conner Frankamp.

Rating: 2 Units

Chicago has won both of first 2 meetings with Milwaukee by similar scores, upsetting the Bucks twice as a medium dog. Bull PFs Nikola Mirotic and his former sparring partner Bobby Portis have combined for 37 ppg and 18 rpg against Milwaukee this year. It would help the Bull cause if PG Kris Dunn can recover from his concussion, as he’s missed the last 3 games through Jan. 25. Dunn scored 18.5 ppg and shot 55% vs. the Bucks this season, and Chicago HC Fred Hoiberg wouldn’t mind if Giannis Antetokounmpo rested his balky knee, as the “Greek Freak” scored 28.5 ppg on 63% shooting while pulling down 11.5 rpg in first two in series.

Rating: 2 Units

Houston has toyed with Phoenix the last few seasons, winning 6 straight and 13 of the last 15, with an 11-4 spread mark. The Rockets are rested and have a healthy back court again, and every win is crucial if they are to catch defending champ Golden State. Houston was just 2 games behind the Warriors prior to Thursday’s action, and the pace at which Phoenix plays is just what the doctor ordered for the Rockets to succeed.

Rating: 2 Units

It’s not like the old days for SDSU, whose new HC Brian Dutcher has junked Steve Fisher’s patient offense and has the Aztecs (scoring nearly 80 ppg!) running these days, reflected again in 97-point explosion at midweek vs. CSU. Better news is that recent minor injury to key G Trey Kell didn’t keep him out of Wednesday’s win over Rams, when Kell played 26 minutes. Meanwhile, UNLV not similarly progressing under cool guy HC Marvin Menzies, who has watched Rebs fail to cover a staggering ten straight games (0-9-1).

Rating: 2 Units

Minnesota G Jimmy Butler has missed time nursing a knee injury, as he sat out three straight and was iffy for Golden State Thursday. Brooklyn was 11-2-1 vs. the number prior to visiting Milwaukee last night, and playing the 2nd of back-to-back games has been a profitable situation for the Nets this season, as Kenny Atkinson’s team has covered 6 of 9 when unrested. The Timberwolves have been a poor home favorite the last few seasons (26-37-1 L3Ys), and Brooklyn is a snazzy 24-11-1 vs. the points as a dog this season. The Nets out-rebounded and outshot Minnesota in 98-97 Brooklyn win on Jan. 3, overcoming not only Butler’s 30 points., but 19 turnovers of their own.

Rating: 2 Units

For the NCAA Tournament hopefuls in the crowded middle of the SEC pack, head-to-head results likely will loom large in March. One of those potentially critical match ups comes today, when Mississippi State hosts Missouri. Missouri looked like a solid contender to return to the NCAA Tournament a few weeks ago, but it has lost two straight contests and three of its last four. The Tigers' offensive output dropped off in a 60-49 loss at Texas A&M last Saturday, and they melted down in the final 10 minutes of a 93-71 home setback against Auburn four days later.  The Bulldogs have won four straight meetings with the Tigers.

Rating: 2 Units

With coming Nebraska (RPI in low 60s) seeking to be in the conversation of the NCAA Tourney Selection Committee, willing to lay single digits vs. defensively-lax Iowa (76.4 ppg, 44.7% from the field), which hasn’t strung together back-to-back quality efforts in the Big Ten so far. Hawkeyes, who were able to efficiently run their half court attack vs. struggling, slowish Wisconsin on Tuesday, will be afforded few uncontested looks vs. defensively-sticky Huskers (68.5 ppg; 41.5% from the floor). Moreover, anticipate more formful shooting from NU’s terrific back court tandem of 6-6 jr. James Palmer Jr. & Glynn Watson Jr., who combined for 11 of 29 from the floor in their grinding 60-54 victory at improved Rutgers. Hustling Huskers 10-1-1 last 12 vs. the spread.

Rating: 2 Units

Terrible spot for the Hornets here as they're coming off a 121-110 triumph against the Hawks Friday night. Charlotte is 1-4 ATS in its last five games playing on no rest and 2-8-1 ATS in its last 11 games following a straight up win (4-10-1 ATS its last 15 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points).

Rating: 2 Units

Tennessee raced out to a 17-point halftime lead and held on for a 67-62 win against the Commodores. Bowden scored 19 points and tied a career high with five 3-pointers after entering the night shooting 25 percent in conference games. However, Tennessee can’t take Iowa State lightly, as the Cyclones enter having won their last five games against top-25 non-conference teams at Hilton Coliseum.

Rating: 2 Units

TCU (lofty RPI of 16) seeking to avoid any bad losses and secure a good seeding in the Big Dance. So, would favor the happening Horned Frogs, benefiting from ego-boosting 82-73 home upset win over West Virginia on Monday. Vanderbilt lives and dies from the 3-point line, but the Commodores won’t outgun high-octane, good-passing TCU (87.3 ppg; 6th nationally; 20 apg; 2nd), which cans 9.2 triples pg at a solid 40.6%. Vanderbilt's perimeter game took a hit with loss of key 6-5 wing Matthew Fisher-Davis out for the season with a shoulder injury. Plus, the Commodores ill-equipped to slow down the Horned Frogs’ highly-effective 6-11 sr. F Vladimir Brodziansky (15.4 ppg, 80% from foul line), while 6-7 sr. G Kenrich Williams (14.4 ppg; 42% from the 3-point line) is a matchup nightmare.

Rating: 2 Units

Something has to give here as the irresistible force (Duke’s nation’s leading scoring offense at 91.7 ppg) meets the immovable object (Virginia’s nation’s best 51.6 ppg scoring defense). Measured vote for the ‘Hoos, as Tony Bennett’s patient style and smothering defense has routinely jammed the gearbox on the Blue Devil attack in recent years, with several lower scoring match ups. Bennett getting reliable offense from emerging soph G Kyle Guy, scoring better than 15 ppg (very good for a Bennett offense) and canning 43% beyond arc. Points should work with UVa.

Rating: 2 Units

In this SEC-Big 12 Challenge clash, must side with dangerous Ole Miss. Though UT has done a commendable job compensating for the loss of star G Andrew Jones (leukemia), believe his absence will be exploited by a G-heavy Ole Miss squad, which has covered 3 straight as an underdog, including outright upsets over Florida and Arkansas. Rebels’ smooth 6-2 sr. G Deandre Burnett (15 ppg; 38 triples at 41%) ending his career with a bang, while emerging soph G Breein Tyree (10 ppg) has greatly improved his marksmanship, nailing 39% from the arc after only 29% from distance in SEC games a year ago. Longhorns, nailing a poor 30.5% from deep (331st), only 12-14 as home chalk since 2015-16.

Rating: 2 Units

The Rams are 12-3-1 ATS in their last 16 games following a straight up loss. While Rams are 3-1-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings. In addition, the underdog is 3-1-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings and the road team is 4-1-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings.

Rating: 2 Units

Credit Air Force HC Dave Pilipovich for scheming the Falcons into several recent competitive efforts, including a shock win at CSU last Wednesday. But maybe we shouldn’t be surprised, as the Force took a 5-game cover streak into last Saturday vs. Fresno, as Falcons getting big efforts from a variety of sources (G Trevor Lyons scored 22 in upset at Fort Collins; soph F Ryan Swan 19 in recent win at San Jose; soph F Lavelle Scottie scored 26 in near-miss vs. UNLV on Jan. 10). Meanwhile, Utah State appears headed in opposite direction, with defensive deficiencies exposed in recent 3-game MW losing streak.

Rating: 2 Units

The Bearcats built upon the longest active home winning streak in the country with an emphatic 86-60 triumph over East Carolina, and look very much like a team that isn't ready to see that run come to an end. It hasn't even mattered that Cincinnati has had to play its home games at Northern Kentucky University's BB&T Arena while Fifth Third Arena undergoes extensive renovations; the Bearcats have won all 10 games played there so far this season, and have won their first three American Athletic Conference home games by an average of 26.7 points. They'll look to continue that red-hot run against an Owls team that has won two straight games, and nearly pulled off an upset in a 55-53 loss to Cincinnati back on Jan. 4.

Rating: 2 Units

The Toronto Raptors are likely looking forward to a long stretch loaded with home games, but they first must get past an improving Atlanta Hawks team on the road today night. The Raptors, who are 17-3 at home, will play 10 of 13 in Air Canada Centre beginning with Friday's matchup against Utah, and they hope to head to Toronto on a good note. Their two-game road trip began with a 115-109 loss at Minnesota on Saturday, the squad's fourth loss in seven contests following a 17-3 run. Toronto won its first two against Atlanta by an average of 23.5 points, but the Hawks are on their best run of the season with four victories in six games, the latest a 104-90 triumph over the Jazz on Monday. Dennis Schroder had 20 points as Atlanta improved to 3-2 on its current six-game home stand.

Rating: 2 Units

Jazz still minus Rudy Gobert and losing contact with the edge of the West playoff picture (Utah was five games out of 8th place as of Jan. 18). This stretch vs. middling opposition might be Utah’s last chance to climb into the playoff picture, and if they’re hanging on fringe of race into February, could pull the trigger on a deal (Niko Mirotic from Bulls is one reported target). Detroit, however, was actually in an East playoff position at mid January, and only four teams have a bigger home-road NetRtg differential than the Pistons, who have been 8.8 points per 100 possessions better at home than on the road. Good news for Detroit, then, that it’s currently in a stretch of 13 of 15 at friendly Little Caesars Arena, where Pistons have beaten Spurs and Rockets in recent weeks.

Rating: 2 Units

The Fighting Illini are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 Monday games and 3-0-1 ATS in their last 4 games following a ATS loss. While the Spartans are 3-8-1 ATS in the last 12 meetings versus the Illini.

Rating: 2 Units

Denver will be especially motivated to atone for a 108-100 setback to lowly Phoenix in its latest action. Jamal Murray had 30 points, including going five of eight from range in the loss to the Suns. Even though the Blazer have a three game win streak that three-game win streak includes victories over light weights Phoenix, Indiana and Dallas. Note that over its last nine games Portland has won three straight, lost three straight and then won three straight again. Additionally the Blazers are just 3-4 ATS already this year after playing three consecutive home games, while the Nuggets are 4-3 ATS this season off an upset loss as a favorite and 6-4 ATS vs. the division.

Rating: 2 Units

It would have been easy for Bruce Weber's Wildcats, who lost starting point guard Kamau Stokes indefinitely to a foot injury, to fold up after the 73-72 loss to the No. 10 Jayhawks which ended with junior guard Barry Brown missing a potential game-winning 3-pointer at the buzzer. But Kansas State bounced back three nights later with a 87-69 blowout of No. 6 Oklahoma and then followed that up Saturday with a 73-68 victory over 25th-ranked TCU. The Wildcats now must avoid a letdown when they travel to Waco to face a Baylor squad that is smarting and tied for the Big 12 cellar after blowing a six-point lead in the final 2:50 of a 70-67 loss at first-place Kansas on Saturday night.

Rating: 2 Units

Dallas owning Washington lately vs. Wiz the way the Cowboys have been beating the Redskins the past couple of years. Mavs won their third straight in series (all as a dog!) when rolling comfortably by 14 at Cap One Arena on Nov. 7, a night in which Scott Brooks’ bunch was at full strength with John Wall and Bradley Beal each scoring 23, but unable to keep pace with Dallas and Harrison Barnes, who scored 31. Mavs continue to offer great spread value, on an 18-8 spread run into Jan. 20 vs. Blazers, while erratic Wiz were working on a 7-game spread skid into last Friday’s game at Detroit. Washington notorious for playing to level of opposition...and sometimes it bites Wiz.

Rating: 2 Units

Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins both finished with over 20 points against Memphis but they were able to let Holiday be the go-to guy for much of the night and the star tandem finished with a combined 26 shots - nearly 10 below their norm. Davis had 27 points and 16 rebounds and Cousins recorded 25 and 11 in a win at Chicago on Nov. 4.

Rating: 2 Units

The Utah Jazz have struggled to score points all season, but enter the start of a three-game road trip Monday at the Atlanta Hawks following one of their best offensive performances. Rookie Donovan Mitchell continued his emergence with 23 points in Saturday’s 125-113 victory over the Clippers, helping the Jazz set season highs in points in a quarter (39) and a half (76) despite missing guard Rodney Hood due to a leg injury. The Jazz are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points and 5-2 ATS in the last 7 meetings versus Atlanta.

Rating: 2 Units

Brooklyn snapped a three-game skid with a 101-95 triumph over Miami its last time out. The Nets are 5-0 ATS in their last five games following a straight up win, 4-0 ATS in their last four road games overall and 13-6 ATS in their last 19 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. They'll be seeking revenge for a 114-80 loss to the Pistons home in Brooklyn on Jan 10. and are a solid 19-11 ATS in revenge spots this season. The Pistons are 3-13-1 ATS in their last 17 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400 and once again asked to cover too many points here IMO, particularly the way they've played of late.

Rating: 2 Units

The Eastern Conference-leading Boston Celtics hit a bit of a snag recently with losses in back-to-back home games and need a win over the visiting Orlando Magic today to avoid being swept on the three-game home stand. The Magic are sitting at the bottom of the East and are losers of eight of nine after a comeback effort fell just short at Cleveland on Thursday. Boston coach Brad Stevens called out his team's effort on the offensive end after Thursday's 89-80 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, but guard Marcus Smart would like to see the team put in a better effort on both sides of the court. The Magic don't have an offensive big man in the middle with Nikola Vucevic (broken hand) out but still managed to knock off Minnesota on Tuesday and battle all the way back from a 20-point halftime deficit in Thursday's 104-103 loss to the Cavaliers. Boston took the first two meetings this season by an average of 15.5 points.

Rating: 2 Units

Mountain West showdown between teams both on course for Big Dance (recent RPI had Nevada at 16 and Boise at 29, well within at-large range). Last season, however, a similar looking Broncos team was outclassed twice by Wolf Pack, and regional insiders believe this is a better Nevada edition, especially on stop end. Pack has more length on perimeter than any other MW entry, and can effectively tie up top Boise scorer wing Chandler Hutchison (19.6 ppg), who recently dropped 44 on San Diego State. Eric Musselman now getting consistent big efforts from 6-7 Purdue grad transfer wing Kendall Stephens, scoring 19 ppg last four after the NC State transfer Martin twins had stolen many of the early-season headlines.

Rating: 2 Units

Los Angeles has dominated the series in Utah, winning 11 of the last 13 visits to the Vivint Smart Arena. The Clippers have won 6 in a row SU, covered their last 5 and have had two days off. Utah hosted New York last night, and the Jazz have been a tough cookie in this scheduling position, covering 15 of the last 22 at home when unrested. Clippers shot 50% against Utah this season, but LA G Austin Rivers (21 ppg, 55%) and Patrick Beverley (19 ppg, 50%) are out, forcing Lou Williams into the starting lineup. Williams has scored just 14.5 ppg and shot only 37.5% against the Jazz

Rating: 2 Units

Although Houston dodged a bullet in getting a virtual slap on the wrist for the fracas in Los Angeles against the Clippers, but losing Trevor Ariza and Gerald Green will handicap the Rockets nonetheless. Those two have contributed 27.3 ppg and 8.4 rpg in the past 10 games, and it’s usually no fun playing the Warriors shorthanded. Golden State is 21-3 SU on the road, including a 124-114 victory at the Toyota Center Jan. 4, which was the last meeting with the Rockets. The Warriors have won and covered 9 of last 11 in Houston!

Rating: 2 Units

Herb Sendek doesn’t have the weapons on hand as he did a year ago, when inheriting bombs-away G Jared Brownridge from predecessor Kerry Keating, as well as a useful frontline scrapper in Nate Kratch. Broncos badly missing those weapons this season, and Sendek was helpless to watch on Dec. 30 at Spokane, when Zags viciously dismembered SC 101-52. Mark Few might display a bit more compassion in rematch, but Gonzaga still scoring 90 ppg, and hard to make a case for Broncos, only 3-13 vs. spread entering weekend

Rating: 2 Units

The 76ers are 5-12 ATS in their last 17 vs. NBA Central. While the Bucks are 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings in Philadelphia and 9-4 ATS in the last 13 meetings. In addition the road team is 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings.

Rating: 2 Units

The New Orleans Pelicans have two All-Star starters in their front court but are just two games above .500 entering today's home contest against the Memphis Grizzlies. Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins are hoping to get their team in position to make a strong playoff push with the season past the midway point. Memphis is showing signs of life with three consecutive wins - its first such streak since a 3-0 start to the season - and Friday's 106-88 victory over Sacramento matched its largest winning margin (18) of the season, which also occurred against the Kings

Rating: 2 Units

Charlotte has won seven of its last 11 games after enduring a 3-12 stretch that included a 104-98 loss to Miami at home Dec. 15. That was part of a 14-4 surge for the Heat, who have since stumbled with two losses in three games to begin their five-game road trip. They built a 10-point halftime lead before running out of steam in Friday's 101-95 loss at Brooklyn on Friday.

Rating: 2 Units

Cleveland backers probably no longer have money to play with after the Cavs have covered just 2 of 17 games since Dec. 10. Cleveland is just 3-8 straight-up in its last 11 games and has been outscored 112-104 ppg in that downturn. The Cavs clearly need the help they thought they’d receive from Isaiah Thomas, but he’s shooting just 31% (18% from 3-point range) in his last 4 games after some “fool’s gold” performances when he first returned from the hip injury that sidelined him until earlier this month. OKC has been playing much better, as Russell Westbrook, Paul George and Carmelo Anthony have combined to shoot 47% and score 63 ppg in January.

Rating: 2 Units

With streaking RI gunning for its 13th straight victory, must lay short price with A-10 front runner, double-revenger Rams, who played their best defensive game of the year in 73-51 home romp over previously-surging UMass on Wednesday. Disciplined & careful RI (+5.2 TO margin; 6th nationally) smoothly directed by blossoming 6-3 soph PG Jeff Dowtin, who has collected 91 assists & only 21 TOs. Meanwhile, Rams’ sharpshooting back court mates 6-3 sr. Jared Terrell (18 ppg; 42% from the arc) and E.C. Matthews (13.6 ppg) will exploit a sagging Dayton defense, which has allowed 80 ppg over the last 3 outings. Flyers, who’ve already suffered home defeats administered by UMass & Penn this term, will eventually succumb to a hot & profitable Ram contingent, 6-0-1 vs. spread last 7 tilts.

Rating: 2 Units

Since uptempo, good-shooting LSU (79.8 ppg; 49.4% FGs) has actually played better on the SEC trail than in Baton Rouge, have no qualms endorsing the Bayou Bengals seeking their fourth straight road win, including upset victories at Texas A&M & Arkansas. LSU’s gifted 5-11 frosh PG Tremont Waters (16.3 ppg; 40% from distance; 102 assists) is a prime candidate for SEC Newcomer of the Year, while undervalued 6-11 sr. F Duop Reath (12.4 ppg, 5.2 rpg) will do plenty of biz in the post area vs. undersized Vanderbilt, being forced to use shortish 6-6 sr. F Jeff Roberson at the center spot. Additionally, the Bayou Bengals can afford to pack it in on the stop end, since the Commodores are only canning 32.2% from trey land (296th). Underperforming Vanderbilt is a bankroll-evaporating 1-14 vs. the spread TY!

Rating: 2 Units

Denver has toyed with Phoenix lately, with the Nuggets winning and covering 7 straight, including a 134-111 decision earlier this season at the Pepsi Center when Denver G Gary Harris scored 36 pts. on Jan. 3. The Nuggets are coming off a competitive but very disappointing loss in Los Angeles to the Clippers, a result that dropped Denver just off the pace in a five-team game of musical chairs for the 5th-8th seeds in the West. Phoenix, meanwhile, has covered just 2 of its last 8 and Jay Triano’s squad seems content to make sure Sun G Devin Booker (27 ppg L10) and F TJ Warren (23 ppg L10; iffy with a back injury) get their points.

Rating: 2 Units

Though Illinois still seeking its first Big Ten victory, strongly recommend “taking” with a highly-combative Illini squad, which has lost 8 of its 9 games by 7 points or fewer, including three OT setbacks. Expect Illinois to shoot straighter after nailing only 3 of 18 from deep in taut 64-63 loss at improved Nebraska on Monday. Wisconsin still too overly-dependent on do-everything 6-10 jr. F Ethan Happ, who won’t outclass the Illini’s mettle tested, good-shooting 6-10 jr. F Michael Finke, who scored 16 points and hauled in 10 caroms vs. the Huskers. Plus, Illinois’ industrious 6-7 jr. F Leron Black (14.3 ppg, 5.6 rpg) will be tough matchup for the Badgers, who’re ranked a lowly 289th in FG% defense (46.2%).

Rating: 2 Units

Washington has been point spread poison the last few weeks, as the Wizards have dropped 7 straight against the number. The Wizards’ defense has been missing in action in the downturn, yielding 112 ppg. Washington won the first two meetings with Detroit this season, once without star PG John Wall, but both of those results came at Capital One Arena. Now the series shifts to Detroit’s new Little Caesar’s Arena, where the Pistons have been surging in the last several weeks. Detroit is 5-1 SU and has covered 3 of its last 4 at home, including wins against Western reps San Antonio and Houston.

Rating: 2 Units

San Antonio has won 5 straight against Toronto, but Spurs’ road record (11-14 SU, 9-15-1 vs. the points) is far from impressive this season. Despite stubbing their toe a few times with recent losses to Golden State and Miami, the Raptors own the second-best home record in the league, and are playing at a much higher level than when these two met back on Oct. 23. Raptor G Kyle Lowry got off to a very slow start this season, and C Jonas Valanciunas was injured and didn’t play in first go-round. Looks like the Spurs will be without F Kawhi Leonard for a while, as his thigh injury remains a problem. That’s not good for the Spurs.