Rating: 2 Units

To this point, Buffalo looking the clear class of the MAC, which some regional sources suggested once Mizzou transfer G Wes Clark (15.4 ppg) became eligible in mid-December. That gave Bulls a third heavy-duty scoring wheel behind smooth-stroking jr. G CJ Massinburg (186 ppg’40% triples) and emerging 6-8 jr. PF Nick Perkins (16 ppg), who scored 26 in recent Jan. 16 blowout of NIU. No MAC foe yet within single digits of Bulls, and WMU hard-pressed to break that trend unless sr. G Thomas Wilder (17.6 ppg) begins to get a bit more scoring help (no other Bronco scoring better than 10 ppg).

Rating: 2 Units

Orlando is just 1-6 ATS this year off an upset win as an underdog and only 3-5 ATS in trying to revenge a home loss against an opponent, while Cleveland is 2-1 ATS in its last three after four or more consecutive SU losses. The Magic are just 5-19 on the road this year. Despite their recent struggles the Cavs are still 15-5 at home.

Rating: 2 Units

The Sixers blew a 22-point first-half lead to the Celtics in London, with Boston eventually winning, 114-103 (that's a 33-point turnaround). Boston's victory gave the Celtics 13 wins in their last 14 games against the Sixers, including seven in a row at TD Garden. This contest marks just Boston's third game in the last 12 days, so the Celtics are also very fresh. Lay the points!

Rating: 2 Units

Lon Kruger returns to his old stomping grounds in Manhattan, where he was a star PG over four decades ago for Jack Hartman and once coached the Mitch Richmond-led Cats into the Elite Eight back in ‘88 (where did the time go?). Now he brings his “Jason Kidd meets Steph Curry” star frosh G Trae Young, still leading the nation in scoring AND assists, and top ten Sooners had also covered five of last six into last Saturday at TCU. Note that a lesser, pre-Trae OU covered both vs. K-State last season, including a 30-point romp at Lloyd Noble Center, as Kruger usually gets solid efforts from his charges vs. his alma mater.

Rating: 2 Units

Is this the year? Clemson might finally have a legit chance to end its 0-for-forever slump at Chapel Hill (55 losses in a row and counting!), as this looks like Brad Brownell’s best Tiger version. Older and solid in every area, balanced with five DD scorers, and augmented by inside presence of former Texas A&M transfer 6-9 PF Elijah Thomas, who is now providing needed rim protection, Clemson for once not out-manned as usually the case vs. Roy Williams’ still-evolving collection of young bigs. Until the newcomers become a bit more reliable, sr. PG Joel Berry II carrying an awfully big scoring and leadership role for Heels, especially as Pitt transfer wing Cameron Johnson (career-low 33% beyond arc) not yet providing a consistent spark to offense since return to active duty in late December.

Rating: 2 Units

Akron’s 1st-year HC John Groce having a rough debut in the “Rubber City” with a frosh-laden squad, which had six players transfer when former mentor Keith Dambrot left for Duquesne after LY’s successful 27-9 campaign. Therefore, must “invest” in triple revenger EMU, which should totally dominate the interior with arguably the MAC’s premier inside duo of double-double machine, 6-10 jr. C James Thompson IV (15.8 ppg, 11.7 rpg)& burgeoning 6-9 jr. Elijah Minnie (Robert Morris transfer; 17.5 ppg, 6 rpg), who poured in 25 in his team’s 79-74 home win over rival Central Michigan on Tuesday. Zipless Zips rank a lowly 270th or worse in TO margin (-1.8 pg), FG% defense (45.7%) & foul shooting (66.5%).

Rating: 2 Units

Wisconsin’s drop-off is now officially confirmed after early Big Ten road losses at Rutgers and Nebraska, the sorts of teams the Badgers used to chew up in the Bo Ryan and early Greg Gard eras. Not this year, however, as Gard’s offense still not providing much support for 6-10 F Ethan Happ (17 ppg), who seems to be fighting opponents alone on many nights. Big and physical Purdue a tough matchup for Happ, and will force Wisconsin's other thus-far unreliable scorers to contribute. Badgers won’t keep pace with 85 ppg Boilermakers, who also shoot better than 50% from floor as soph wing Carsen Edwards (17 ppg) now one of four “teens” scorers (13 ppg or more) for Matt Painter, whose team is also a dangerous 42% beyond arc.

Rating: 2 Units

KU is still dangerous and a Final Four threat as usual, but this is a different sort of Bill Self Jayhawk team, with little depth and few big men. KU relying very heavily upon work from perimeter (and its nation’s best 11 triples pg), but that might play right into the hands of WVU and its sr. G combo of Daxter Miles and Jevon Carter (leads Big 12 with nearly four steals pg), who have seen it all the past few years in rugged loop. Mounties flustered Oklahoma’s Trae Young in recent WVU win at Morgantown, and Bob Huggins’ self-described “golf scramble” offense will find somebody to get a good shot on each possession. So far, so good!

Rating: 2 Units

Since Butler in a oh-so-rare three game losing skein, have faith the proud, talented Bulldogs right their ship vs. Providence squad, which has been no ball of fire at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center TY. Note, Friars already suffered home defeats vs. Minnesota & Marquette, while pulling out narrow 1 & 2-point wins over Belmont & Stony Brook. Count on Butler  digging in defensively after allowing an uncharacteristic 86 ppg during the losing skein. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs’ star 6-1 soph G Kamar Baldwin (15.2 ppg) shoots straighter after nailing only 7 of 19 from the field in his team’s 84-75 setback at high-powered Creighton last Tuesday. Moreover, PC’s top big 6-8 sr. F Rodney Bullock (17 ppg, 6.8 rpg) will have no picnic in the paint area vs. Butler’s industrious 6-8 sr. F Tyler Wideman.

Rating: 2 Units

Miami has already taken a pair of similar looking scorelines (97-91 & 100-93) vs. Chicago, though Heat wasn’t able to cover either. Both of those meetings were pre-December and when Bulls were struggling badly, and though Chicago slowed down around Christmas-time, it did recover for a win at MSG vs. the Knicks on Jan. 10. Still, without worrying about a bigger price, might back Miami, which began to surge at about this same time a year ago. Offense has been a struggle most of the season for the Heat, but they’ve scored 114 points per 100 possessions (with six guys averaging double-figures) while winning six in a row SU thru Jan. 11 to climb all of the way into fourth place in the East, with several of Erik Spoelstra’s charges (Josh Richardson, Goran Dragic, and Kelly Olynyk) all coming up big lately.

Rating: 2 Units

Detroit has been on a bit of an updraft, and the Pistons have been a percentage play as home chalk the last few seasons (43-29-1 in role). Charlotte might get a psychological lift from potential return of HC Steve Clifford from personal leave, as he has been cleared to start coaching again sometime this week, and Dwight Howard gives the Hornets a foil to help contain Detroit pivot Andre Drummond. Howard out rebounded Drummond 15- 13 in first meeting, but the Pistons made 9 fewer turnovers than the Hornets, while holding Charlotte to 39.7% shooting. Yield to Charlotte’s poor road mark (5-13 SU, 4-9-1 as road dog)

Rating: 2 Units

Since NW playing with the passion and sense of urgency that characterized LY’s Big Dance squad, would recommend the veteran Wildcats, eager to avenge LY’s taut 63-62 loss in Bloomington. IU’s somewhat-vulnerable defense (44.2% FGs; 209th) will be dissected by NW’s multi-talented 6-3 sr. floor general Bryant McIntosh (13.4 ppg; 102 assists), who collected a school-record 16 dimes in his team’s resounding 83-60 home romp over Minnesota in mid-week. Plus, look for the Wildcats’ formidable 6-8 jr. C Derek Pardon (13.4 ppg; 7 rpg; 32 blocks) to fully exploit a shorthanded Hoosier forecourt sorely missing the services of sidelined 6-10 jr. De’Ron Davis (9.6 ppg; 4.3 rpg; 22 blocks; out for year with leg injury)

Rating: 2 Units

Miami took 3 of 4 against Milwaukee last season, as defensive intimidator C Hassan Whiteside grabbed 14.3 rpg and blocked 2.3 shots per game. Still, the Heat’s leading scorer against the Bucks was G Dion Waiters LY (23 ppg), and he didn’t make the recent Miami road trip to Toronto and Indiana due to an ankle issue, while PF Justise Winslow has been out for weeks (also an ankle injury). Perhaps MMA-trained PF James Johnson can intimidate Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo, but it’s more likely the “Greek Freak” uses style and speed to win the battle. Miami is 5-13-2 vs. the points at American Airlines Arena this season.

Rating: 2 Units

Silas Melson just delivered the top scoring game of his career and the senior guard looks to post another strong outing when No. 14 Gonzaga visits San Francisco today in West Coast Conference play. Melson established career highs of 23 points and seven 3-pointers as the Bulldogs steamrolled Portland 103-57 on Thursday. The Bulldogs are rolling through the WCC and have won their first five league games by an average of 35.4 points with four of the victories coming by 30 or more points. San Francisco is coming off a 67-65 road loss to Loyola Marymount, a contest in which the Dons committed 17 turnovers.

Rating: 2 Units

Denver is coming off a game last night at home against Memphis, and the Nuggets have had little luck against San Antonio over the last 4-5 years. The Spurs have won 13 of the last 14 covering double-digit spreads in the last 3 meetings at the AT&T Center. The Nuggets have had some luck in 2nd night of back-to-back games on the road the last few years (12-7 vs. spread), but Denver is in a point spread trough while San Antonio had covered 9 of 12 prior to visiting the Lakers Thursday. Spurs are 14-4 as home chalk this season.

Rating: 2 Units

It appears that “Cinderella” Chicago had its carriage turn back into a pumpkin when the clock struck 12 on New Year’s Eve, as the Bulls have lost 5 of 7 SU, including 3 straight at the United Center, since Dec. 31. Always-under-pressure Detroit HC Stan Van Gundy has kept the wolves at bay, as the Pistons came off a 7-game mid-December losing streak to win 6 of last 11 and maintain playoff position as Philly and New York faded. Piston leading scorer F Tobias Harris is pumping in 21.4 ppg and shooting 51% this month, while C Andre Drummond returned after sitting out 2 of 3 to start the month and grabbed 34 rebounds combined at New Orleans and Brooklyn. Chicago has allowed 122 ppg in January, and hasn’t held a team below 111 since Christmas.

Rating: 2 Units

Toronto pushed Golden State to the limit in first meeting, held back on Oct. 25, when Steph Curry and Kevin Durant had to nail a couple of late shots to hold off the Raptors. Now the scene shifts to the Air Canada Centre, where the Raptors had their 14-game home winning streak snapped the other night against Miami. Golden State is coming off a game last night in Milwaukee, and, with Curry’s ankle potentially still a bit tender, motivated Toronto should finally step out from under 10-year shadow that’s seen the Raptors lose 15 of the last 17 against the Warriors

Rating: 2 Units

Both teams played last night, and while the Nets are on a 9-5 spread run when unrested, Washington is just 6-13 vs. the number at the Capital One Arena in 2nd of back-to-back games. The Wizards have been underachieving since the first week of December, covering just 5 of 16 games from Dec. 9 through Jan. 11. First two series meetings went Brooklyn’s way this year, with the Nets taking a pair of home decisions on Dec. 12th and 22nd with 8 players averaging double figures against the Wizards, led by F Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (18.5 ppg, 11.5 rpg, 50%) and 2nd-year pro G Caris LeVert (16.5 ppg, 65% FGs). No guarantee Washington G John Wall and Bradley Beal can regain form that fueled string of 7 straight series victories heading into this season.

Rating: 2 Units

John Calipari knows his Kentucky basketball team remains a work in progress, but entering Saturday’s trip to Vanderbilt the coach also recognizes he is seeing signs of progress. The No. 20 Wildcats showed moxie in rallying from six points down in Tuesday’s 74-73 home victory over Texas A&M, a game in which Calipari played just eight players and relied on PJ Washington’s four points and critical steal in the final 2:28 to hold off the Aggies. While Kentucky has found a way to win three times in conference play -- albeit by a combined total of nine points -- the Commodores could not hold a 10-point lead in the second half to fall 92-84 at home to No. 23 Tennessee on Tuesday. Vanderbilt struggled at the 3-point line (3-of-11 in the second half).

Rating: 2 Units

This intense border rivalry has had several down-to-the-wire games throughout the years. Expect more of the same for this one at Laramie, where recent upgrades by CSU make the Rams an intriguing dog. Larry Eustachy has needed half of the season to figure out the proper  fits to replace his graduated core from LY’s 24-win side, but midweek win at Utah State and other improved recent efforts suggest Eustachy has found the recipe, with jr. G Prentiss Nixon (24 ppg last two) emerging as one of MW’s top scoring threats, while development of 6-11 soph C Nico Carvacho (DD scoring in four of last five) is helping to better space the floor as he now provides a legit post scoring threat. Wyoming beginning to lean awfully heavily upon wings Justin James and Hayden Dalton, as offensive flow almost solely from perimeter in recent games.

Rating: 2 Units

The William & Mary Tribe are 7-0 at home this season, and 5-0 against 7-4 opponents. At home the Tribe are averaging 91.0 scoring, and holding teams to 85.2 points scored on defense. The Towson Tigers are 1-5 while on the road this season, 2-3 against conference opponents, and 10-3 against non-conference opponents. Tribe are 9-2-1 ATS in their last 12 home games and 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games following a straight up win.

Rating: 2 Uints

SMU has lost two games in a row and aims to snap that mini-skid against another scuffling team when it hosts Temple on Wednesday. The Owls have lost five in a row, including their first four games in American Athletic Conference action. SMU's non-conference slate included big victories against Arizona and USC, but the AAC season has gotten off to a disappointing start with two wins followed by a close loss to Tulane and a blowout at the hands of Cincinnati. SMU won last season's two meetings by a combined 30 points.

Rating: 2 Units

This has been maybe the most exciting match up of the season to date in NBA, with three meetings decided all by 4 or fewer, and each of those also “over” in the process. T-wolves have also covered all three of those clashes. Moving forward, we’ll see how Minnesota adapts without injured PG Jeff Teague. The issue isn’t replacing Teague with Tyus Jones in the starting lineup, but rather the loss of one of the few players that has Tom Thibodeau’s trust. The Jones-at-point-guard starting lineup was a plus-48 in its 44 minutes over two games without Teague last week, but the Wolves were outscored by 37 points in 52 minutes with at least one reserve on the floor, with their bench being primarily responsible for a recent loss in Milwaukee. Their depth will continue to be tested as they play a league-high 17 games in January, but with Jimmy Butler carrying a bigger load, T-wolves like their chances.

Rating: 2 Units

Welcome to the big, er, bigger, leagues, Valpo! Regional scouts suggesting that the step up from the Horizon to the Missouri Valley proving a bit much for Valpo, which has continued to struggle in its new environment even after return of top scorer G Tevonn Walker, who missed a few weeks in December with mono. Crusaders not dominating on the glass any longer at this higher level and are now getting routinely overpowered, such as when out-boarded 45-30 in last Wednesday’s loss at Bradley, dropping Valpo to 0-3 SU in new league. Meanwhile, upgraded Drake broke 3-0 in the Valley behind four-year starting G Reed Timmer, now up to a career-high 19.4 ppg.

Rating: 2 Units

High-octane AU (87.3 ppg), which notched an impressive 94-84 upset win at talented Tennessee last Tuesday, is off to its best start since 1999-2000. Hence, must lay around 5 hoops with the defensively-tenacious Tigers (6.6 bpg 5th nationally), benefiting from heralded, fast-blossoming & versatile 6-8 frosh F Chuma Okeke, who collected 11 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists & 2 steals vs. the Vols. Defensively-inviting, weak boarding Ole Miss (75.6 ppg; 240th in rebound margin) likely to drop its 6th straight as visiting underdog in the reg.-season vs. a balanced AU squad (six players avg. 8 ppt or more), which nails a solid 77.9% from the charity stripe. Double revenge works for Bruce Pearl’s platoon.

Rating: 2 Units

Progressing NU (only one win away from equaling last year’s total victories!) has circled this date following last year’s painful 70-69 OT home loss, when Wisconsin hit a 3-pointer with 0.3 on clock in regulation to send the game to overtime. Better-balanced Huskers have a strong 1-2-3 punch in 6-0 jr. G Glynn Watson Jr. (12.4 ppg; 55 assists) 6-6 jr. G James Palmer Jr. (15.2 ppg) & 6-9 jr. F Isaac Copeland (12.1 ppg, 6.8 rpg), who’ll greatly neutralize the Badgers’ premier weapon 6-0 jr. F Ethan Happ. Note, shot-swatting NU (6.3 bpg; 12th) 8-1 SU at friendly Pinnacle Banke Arena, with the only defeat coming in taut 73-72 loss to mighty Kansas in mid-December

Rating: 2 Units

No nights off in the Big 12 this season, partly because of the rise of Chris Beard’s Texas Tech, good enough to go into Kansas on Jan. 2 and beat the Jayhawks. But slowing down Lon Kruger’s go-go OU (96 ppg!) and Steph Curry-like frosh G Trae Young (leading nation in scoring AND assists!) looks a tall order. Young also now getting fellow frosh 6-9 F Barry Manek (scored 20 or more three times in last five game thru Jan. 5; 28 vs. Oklahoma State on Jan. 3) involved on the attack end. Sooners had covered four in a row and were “over” 11-1 into last Saturday vs. West Virginia.

Rating: 2 Units

The Warriors get an opportunity to avenge one of their most stunning defeats in recent years today. Golden State had won an NBA-best 11 straight games when the Nuggets came to town on Dec. 23 and clobbered them 96-81. It not only was the Warriors' most lopsided home loss of the season, but also the second-largest margin of defeat in a home game in Steve Kerr's four years as head coach. Also, the 81-point total was the Warriors' lowest at home in the Kerr era. Don't worry about the number in this one!

Rating: 2 Units

Toronto has won 9 straight against Brooklyn, compiling a 7-2 spread mark in that run (4-0 at the Barclays Center). Brooklyn has been covering some games lately (4 straight prior to facing Boston Saturday), but the red-hot Raptors were on a 15-3 SU run and had covered 3 of last 4 as road chalk prior to visiting Milwaukee Friday. With G DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry playing at the top of their game, and Serge “I-block-a” is an intimidator in the paint, while C Jonas Valanciunas can do it at both ends. With Miami up tomorrow, Cleveland and Golden State after that, the Raptors will do a workmanlike job on the out manned Nets

Rating: 2 Units

Milwaukee won first meeting in series this season, taking a 122-101 decision on Wednesday at home. The “Greek Freak” had 31 points. and 10 rebounds, 5 assists, a couple of blocks (you know...the usual) to take over the game, and Buck G Khris Middleton broke out of a mini-slump with 27 points. on 9 of 14 shooting to chase the Pacers out of the building. Indy G Victor Oladipo didn’t play in that one, but he was targeting a return from injury Saturday against Milwaukee. Indy C Domantas Sabonis had a career-high 24 points. in first meeting, playing 33 mins. off the bench, and feel Indy might be more intense on defense in rematch after allowing 59% Wednesday.

Rating: 2 Units

The Blazers fell just short when they hosted the Spurs earlier, losing by two. They are 4-1-1 ATS the last six times that they attempted to avenge a home loss. During that stretch, Portland is also 5-0 SU and 3-0-2 ATS, after allowing 90 or fewer points. Even with the earlier win here, the Spurs are still only 7-12-1 ATS on the road.

Rating: 2 Units

Florida State looks to finish a stretch of three straight ranked teams to start the ACC season with a winning record when it travels south to take on No. 17 Miami (Fla.) tonight. The Seminoles gave No. 2 Duke all it could handle in a 100-93 road loss to open the league campaign before holding on for an 81-80 victory over 11th-ranked North Carolina at home last Wednesday. The Seminoles will test their productive offense (85.4) against Miami, which is allowing 58.9 points per game and 36.9 percent shooting overall - both in the top five in the nation. The Hurricanes were off to their best start since 2007-08 at 10-0 before dropping two of the last four, including a 64-54 loss at Georgia Tech on Wednesday, and will play their first home game since Dec. 5. Miami needs to take care of the ball better after coughing it up 15 times in a victory over Pittsburgh last Saturday and recording a season-high 18 turnovers against Georgia Tech.

Rating: 2 Units

With Horizon League contender NKU off possible loss at Oakland on Friday, highly recommend laying fair price with the undervalued Norse, which is 9-2 vs. the spread prior to clash with Grizzlies. High-powered, unselfish NK (81.4 ppg; 18.2 apg) should light scoreboard vs. defensively-weak UD (90 ppg; 350th), in the midst of a 9-game losing skein prior to Wright State on Friday. Norse’s bruising 6-7, 250-pound C Drew McDonald (17.7 ppg, 8.1 rpg) should easily collect his 5th double-double vs. poor-boarding Titans, ranked a lowly 302nd in rebounding margin.

Rating: 2 Units

Minnesota took first two meetings in this series this year, winning twice at New Orleans. The Timber Wolf G Jimmy Butler and F Andrew Wiggins combined for 44 ppg and Minnesota shot 54%. New Orleans had won 10 of the previous 12 before those meetings, and the Pelican “big three” of C DeMarcus Cousins, PF Anthony Davis and PG Jrue Holiday acquitted themselves well, combining for 67 ppg and shooting 49% as a group. Minnesota is just a 33% play as a home favorite this season, so favor Pelicans to fight back

Rating: 2 Units

Duke has the engines revved for this Tobacco Road clash vs. a wobbly NC State side that will nonetheless have Coach K’s full attention after Pack’s upset win at Cameron Indoor last season. Pack looking like it is going to be the doormat in a loaded ACC as new HC Kevin Keatts does not have the depth to keep pace with the league’s power teams, as early lopsided losses vs. Clemson and Notre Dame suggest. Blue Devils might not pump the brakes until this one is well under control, as their 95 ppg offense and do-everything 6-11 frosh Marvin Bagley III (22 ppg) gleefully extend the margin vs. bitter local foe

Rating: 2 Units

Washington has won and covered 3 straight vs. Milwaukee and is 9-4 against the number L13 in the series. Both are coming off games last night, the Wiz in Memphis while the Bucks hosted Toronto. Wizards G Bradley Beal led the way with 23 pts. in Washington’s 99-88 victory at Milwaukee in first meeting of the season, and Markieff Morris (+22 differential) did a nice job defending Giannis Antetokounmpo (8 of 21 shooting, “just” 8 rebs.) and Kelly Oubre Jr. had 18 pts. off the bench (entire Buck bench scored 16).

Rating: 2 Units

Board-crashing MW challenger BSU (+9.1 rpg; 12th nationally) has proven its “roadability” with upset victories at Oregon & UNLV in the month of December. With the Broncos’ future NBA draftee 6-7 sr. F Chandler Hutchison (17.4 ppg, 8.5 rpg; 51 assists) continuing to show why he’s a prime candidate for the league’s Player of the Year, have faith surging BSU rises to 10-1 SU last 11 (only loss at powerhouse SMU in mid-December) in Laramie, where it won handily by 15 LY. Defensively-penetrable Wyo (76 ppg; 260th)won’t get many second-chance opportunities, ranked a lowly 284th in rebound margin (-2.7).

Rating: 2 Units

The South Alabama Jaguars are ranked 289 for offensive field goal percentage shooting 41.2% while attempting 54.4 shots per game. The Jaguars shooting percentages include 68.0% for free throw percentage and 35.1% for three point percentage so far this season. On the road, the Jaguars are averaging 64.6 scoring, and holding teams to 73.9 points scored on defense. South Alabama is 8-0 ATS in their last 8 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600, 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS win, and 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.

Rating: 2 Units

A-10 sources alerted early to potential downgrade at Dayton after loss of HC Archie Miller to Indiana and departure of almost all of LY’s key cogs, creating a daunting task for new HC Anthony Grant. Flyers played only .500 ball thru pre-league slate as Grant looks for reliable scoring options beyond returnees G Darrell Davis & F Josh Cunningham (both better than 16 ppg). Bona will never have a better chance to avenge recent series losses vs. better Dayton teams, and Mark Schmidt’s side hasn’t lost SU since high-scoring sr. G Jaylen Adams (18.2 ppg) returned from injury at the start of December.

Rating: 2 Units

UGa is coming off a loss at Kentucky. Hence, a good spot to lay a fair price with the resilient Dawgs, who were 2-0 vs. spread following a pair of setbacks vs. the Wildcats a year ago, by springing upset wins at South Carolina & Alabama! So, must buck defensively vulnerable Ole Miss (76.6 ppg), which won’t get many 2nd-chance opportunities, ranked a lowly 216th in rebound margin. Moreover, ill-prepared Rebels— who’ve only played one game as visitor TY (77-58 blowout loss at Middle Tennessee State in early December), lack a post scorer who can trade blows with UGa’s future NBA draftee, 6-8 sr. F Yante Maten (20.1 ppg, 9.3 rpg), while deep-shooting 6-4 jr. PG William Jackson II (12.1 ppg; 43 of 92 from distance; 45 assists) can hit the J or find the open man with regularity.

Rating: 2 Units

While some expected Chicago to disappear again after lopsided loss at Boston on Dec. 23, Bulls bounced back to beat the Bucks and Knicks to extend their spread uptick to 11-1 last 12 into last Friday’s game vs. Pacers. Return of Niko Mirotic and his ability to co-exist peacefully with Bobby Portis has keyed ascent that’s also reflected in various stats, as Chicago was league’s most improved team (both offensively and defensively) in December, 15.2 points per 100 possessions better for the month (plus.1.6) than they were through November 30 (minus-13.6). Meanwhile Portland continues in an uneven pattern, with Damian Lillard’s recent hamstring woes the last thing Blazers need right now.

Rating: 2 Units

The Toronto Raptors ran into a little speed bump on the road, but they've been unbeatable at home of late. The Raptors will go for their 12th consecutive home win when they ring in the New Year by hosting the Milwaukee Bucks today. Toronto won 12 of 13 before stumbling on the road last week with losses at Dallas and Oklahoma City, but the team had no such trouble in its return home as it blew past the Atlanta Hawks 111-98 on Friday.

Rating: 2 Units

First meeting went Charlotte’s way, as the Hornets dealt the Clippers loss No. 8 of a 9-game streak on Nov. 18. HC Doc Rivers will have a talk with his son about that game, as Clip G Austin Rivers had as many turnovers as hoops or assists in a 3-of-14 shooting night. Rivers has been on a good run of late, scoring 23 ppg and shooting 48% in his last five games through Dec. 28. It appears Blake Griffin will be back this weekend for the Clippers, and must note LA was forced to start Sindarius Thornwell at guard that night due to back court injuries, allowing Charlotte’s Kemba Walker to score a game-high 26 points. The Clippers are healthier now and are 6-3 SU with Milos Teodosic at PG.

Rating: 2 Units

A better-rounded UK team didn’t lose in three meetings vs. a lesser Georgia last season, but still couldn’t cover the number in any of those vs. the Dawgs. Mark Fox now has a veteran roster better suited to perhaps stealing one from John Calipari as U Georgia almost did in OT loss at Lexington last season, with bullish 6-8 sr. PF Yante Maten (20.2 ppg & 9.3 rpg) potentially able to neutralize Cats in paint. Fox also getting nice production from emerging soph G William Jackson (12 ppg, also a most-welcome 44% beyond arc). Note six straight “overs” for UK into Friday’s game vs. the ‘Ville.

Rating: 2 Units

Georgia Southern is 2-5-1 ATS in their last 8 games following a straight up win, 1-4 ATS in their last 5 Sunday games, and 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record. While South Alabama is 7-0 ATS in their last 7 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600, 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record, and 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games overall.

Rating: 2 Units

Chicago’s recent winning ways have included road success, as the Bulls have covered six of their last seven away from home. Chicago covered both trips to Washington last season, and Bulls are getting stat sheet-stuffing contributions from G Kris Dunn, who’s scored 15 ppg with 4.4 rpg, 7.8 apg and 2 spg in December. Washington is just 5-10 as Capital One Arena chalk this season, and Chicago is rebounding well with return of Mirotic (out rebounded by 3 per game in November but out rebounded foes by 2 per game in L10).

Rating: 2 Units

New Orleans playing unusual set of home games on back-to-back nights, while rested New York is coming off Thursday’s visit to San Antonio. The Pels covered three of their first four this season when unrested, and must note the home team is 23-10 vs. the points in New York Knick games this season. The Pelicans took care of the Knicks twice last season, with PF Anthony Davis scoring 31.5 ppg and taking 18 rpg. New Orleans didn’t have the services of C Boogie Cousins for either game last season and still won and covered both against the Knicks, with NY leader Kristaps Porzingis held to 15 ppg and 33% by Davis. Three of the top four Knick scorers in the series from last season are no longer with the team. Pels 12-2 L14 “over” prior to facing Dallas last night (9-1 L10 at Smoothie King Center).

Rating: 2 Units

Sure, La Tech seeking to avenge 93-77 loss to MU in LY’s C-USA tourney. But, still not dissuaded from wholeheartedly endorsing frenetic-paced Herd, which nearly upset highly ranked Xavier in 81-77 defeat in the Cintas Center on Dec. 19th. G-oriented Bulldogs ill-equipped to counter-attack in the paint area vs. UM’s ultra productive 6-9 jr. F Ajdin Penava (19 ppg; 9.9 rpg; nation-leading 64 blocks), who’s transformed into a major force on both ends. Additionally, LT will be hard pressed to contain the Herds’ scorching 6-3 jr. G Jon Elmore (24 ppg), who has knack of getting to the foul line, canning a nation-best 107 of 130 FTs TY. Payback doesn’t work.

Rating: 2 Units

The Northern Kentucky Norse are 6-0 at home this season, and 1-0 against 7-5 opponents. At home the Norse are averaging 83.8 scoring, and holding teams to 58.5 points scored on defense. The Illinois-Chicago Flames are 0-6 while on the road this season, 0-1 against conference opponents, and 5-8 against non-conference opponents. On the road, the Flames are averaging 65.7 scoring, and holding teams to 80.7 points scored on defense.

Rating: 2 Units

With NC State’s starting soph PG Markell Johnson (8.7 ppg; 6.6 apg) suspended on assault charges, must “lay it” with dangerous & profitable Clemson (11-1 SU; 7-2 vs. the spread), looking to make a statement in its ACC home opener. The Tigers’ aggressive, mixing defenses (62.5 ppg; 39.5%) will be perplexing for the Wolfpacks’ true frosh backup PG Braxton Beverly as his backcourt mate 6-3 sr. G Al Freeman (15 ppg) will be constantly hounded by CU’s deep stable of Gs. Moreover, the Tigers’ much-improved 6-8 sr. F Donte Grantham (7.3 ppg LY; 14.8 ppg TY; 38% from the arc) can score in a variety of ways, while skillful scorer/distributor 6-3 jr. Shelton Mitchell (13 ppg; 54 assists) does his thing with impunity

Rating: 2 Units

With return of C Hassan Whiteside from a knee injury against Orlando, Miami regained a key piece. However, Heat G Dion Waiters (14.3 ppg) is down 2-3 weeks with a sprained ankle, and Miami will likely be without starting F Justise Winslow (only minimal practice work Thursday) and tough guy F James Johnson (iffy with an ankle). However, series tech trend favors Miami, which is 15-2 SU and has covered 11 of the last 12 meetings with the Nets. Brooklyn has dropped 6 of its last 8 against the spread, and has been sloppy in December, committing 15 turnovers per game. Nets on 12-4 “under” run; Heat “under” 20-8 L28.

Rating: 2 Units

Undoubtedly, Sun Belt contender UT Arlington’s demanding pre-conference road slate has prepared the Movin’ Mavericks well for the conference trail. So, with UTA’s impressive covers at BYU (upset Cougs 89-84!), Alabama, Northern Iowa & Creigton under its belt, won’t hesitate to lay short price vs. Coastal Carolina still learning how to “finish” close games, enduring its last five losses by a combined 16 points. UTA’s NBA prospect 6-9 sr. F Kevin Hervey (23 ppg) even more effective TY thanks to 7-0 sr. C Johnny Hamilton (Virginia Tech grad transfer; 11 ppg, 8 rpg), who should hurt the shorter Chanticleers in the paint are.

Rating: 2 Units

Wyoming has hit a couple of speed bumps, but remains a “tough out” in Laramie, where Cowboys had won their first 8 SU this term before running into a hot and very underrated Northern Colorado side on Dec. 19. But lengthy Wyo lineup presents a lot of problems for SDSU side that is once again having problems beyond the arc (down to just 30% triples into Gonzaga game last Thursday) for new HC Brian Dutcher as was the case the past couple of years for Dutcher’s mentor Steve Fisher. Cowboys’ 6-7 jr. wing Justin James (16.6 ppg) really heating up, scoring 20 or more in five of last six games.

Rating: 2 Units

Big East sources tell us 9th-ranked Xavier has made a checklist of all revenge games this year, with the Musketeers a perfect 3-0 SU & vs. the line in those highly-anticipated contests so far TY. So, won’t hesitate to lay a handful with the turbo-charged, potent-shooting X-Men (87.8 ppg,52.2% from the field; 4th) still seething from a rare sweep by Marquette a year ago. Without a dependable post game, offensively-oriented Eagles are overly-dependent on the G-tandem of Andrew Rowsey & Markus Howard for point production. Plus, MU will have major issues slowing the Musketeer’s future NBA high-round draftee 6-6 sr. G Trevon Bluiett (20.4 ppg; 38 triples converted at 44%), while much-improved soph distributor Quentin Goodin (7.6 ppg; 6 apg) breaks down the Eagle halfcourt “D” with regularity.

Rating: 2 Units

The recent trend to note with New Orleans is its string of eleven straight “over” results thru Dec. 21. What gives? Pels rank 27th defensively in the fourth quarter and 30th defensively over the last three weeks. Even over that 11-game stretch, they’ve allowed a reasonable 105.7 points per 100 possessions with both Jrue Holiday and Anthony Davis in the game, but they’ve been pretty dreadful defensively with one or both off the floor. Nets trending the other way lately (“under” 8-1 last nine thru Dec. 21), but Brooklyn defensive efficiency numbers have dropped off into mid-December, so another high-scoring New Orleans game could be in the offing.

Rating: 2 Units

Toronto earned a win in 12 of its last 13 games and just swept a home-and-home set from an up-and-coming East team that was awarded a Christmas showcase with a pair of wins over the Philadelphia 76ers. The Raptors are averaging 111.3 points and lead the East in point differential (plus-8.9) as they prepare to face a Dallas squad that owns the worst record in the West. The Mavericks are making a one-game stop at home before three straight on the road and just finished losing at a pair of East teams, including a 112-107 setback on Saturday at the only team in the NBA with a worse record -- the Atlanta Hawks.

Rating: 2 Units

Houston’s long win streak had to end sometime and the Lakers finally caught the Rockets flat last Wednesday. But James Harden & Co. had won 14 in a row SU prior (covering nine of those) and have been a lot better bargain than OKC, which has put forth the occasional big effort but still entered last Friday’s game vs. Atlanta having covered just 4 of its last 18 games. Chris Paul could miss this one for Houston with a groin strain, and while Rockets have only lost once with Paul available, they were winning a lot before he returned to active duty in mid-November, too. Curiously, Thunder have seemed to rise to occasion vs. the better teams this season, but have not been executing at the same level as Houston, which also took out OKC on playoffs last spring.

Rating: 2 Units

The home team has won 11 straight in this series, and Boston is 9-0 SU and against the point spread the last 9 hosting the Wizards. The Celtics haven’t been covering a lot of numbers lately, but Washington had dropped 5 of 6 against he spread prior to visiting Brooklyn on Friday. Wiz G Bradley Beal is nursing a gimpy ankle, while Boston might have PF Marcus Morris back in action after he sat out 7 games (thru Dec. 21) with a sore knee. Celtics tied for league lead in defensive efficiency, and Celtic PG Kyrie Irving shifted into high gear, scoring 27.5 ppg and shooting 51.3% in first 10 games in December. 

Rating: 2 Units

The Christmas extravaganza begins! The Knicks and Sixers kick off the 12½-hour NBA holiday feast for hoops junkies, and have to look at the home team in this one. The host won all four encounters last year, and the New York is 13-5 vs. the points at Madison Square Garden (7-1 as a favorite). Knick F Kristaps Porzingis returned to action on Thursday, and should be good to go considering the Knicks have had two days off. Philly C Joel Embiid should be available, which is a plus for the Sixers, but Philly is just 2-10 against the points in its last 12 games through Dec. 20.

Rating: 2 Units

With lots of alums in Clark County, Nevada usually gets good support for its near-annual pre-league visits to tourneys in the Las Vegas area (as is this one at the Orleans Arena). And local Wolf Pack grads and other backers have been waiting to get a look at Eric Musselman’s latest edition that has only stumbled narrowly away from Reno vs. ranked Big 12 contenders Texas Tech and TCU. SIU not in that category, and moreover the Salukis are not inclined to slow the pace, which invites disaster vs. go-go Nevada side scoring 83 ppg and hitting nearly 50% from floor (and almost 41% beyond arc). Musselman’s most-recent batch of transfers (the Martin twins from NC State, and ex-Purdue wing Kendall Stephens) all scoring in DDs alongside high-energy F Jordan Caroline (18.3 ppg & 10 rpg).

Rating: 2 Units

Big 12 sources report unbeaten TCU not likely to lose steam once into conference play. Until then, might as well continue to ride the rampant Frogs and their smothering defense, which should completely wreck a W&M side not built to compete at this level and obliterated by 35 at Ohio State on Dec. 9. Jaime Dixon’s well-coordinated offense can also stretch floor effectively with its 42% accuracy beyond arc, not to mention all five Frog starters scoring in DDs. Note how TCU shares the ball (20 assists pg!), with heady soph PG Jaylen Fisher (6.3 apg) providing much of the top-notch service

Rating: 2 Units

Charlotte ace G Kemba Walker’s shooting woes are becoming a worry for Hornet stand-in HC Stephen Silas. Walker is shooting just 36% overall and 27% on threes this month. Interestingly, Charlotte is just 3-7 SU and against the points since HC Steve Clifford decided to step away from the team for health reasons. Milwaukee has won 8 of 10 at home SU and covered 3 of L4 at the Bradley Center, including beating Cleveland on Wednesday, while the Hornets have covered just 3 of 13 road games. Home team won and covered first 2 in series this season and Walker was held to 6-15 shooting first trip to Milwaukee.

Rating: 2 Units

With offense-minded ULL off six straight emotionally-engaged games vs. teams from the Bayou State, suggest “laying it” with defensively-sticky Clemson (62.9 ppg; 40.5% from the floor) gunning for its seventh consecutive victory before commencing ACC play on Dec. 30th. The tenacious Tigers limited SEC power South Carolina to 2 of 16 from downtown in their resounding 64-46 home victory on Tuesday. And doubt Ragin’ Cajuns can cool off CU’s hot-shooting 6-3 jr. wing Marcquise Reed (16 ppg; 40% from tripleville), who poured in 25 points vs. defense-hounding Gamecocks.

Rating: 2 Units

Finally, after losing all four vs. Bulls last season, and failing to cover first meeting of this term at the “Q” on Oct, 24, Cavs finally let Chicago have it by 22 at United Center on Dec. 4 when shooting 52% from floor. But still a bit reluctant to lay heavy points with LeBron & Co. at home, where Cleveland was just 3-12 as chalk prior to hosting Lakers last Thursday. And Chicago has made a move in the past week with four SU wins and five covers in a row thru Dec. 14. Even as Cleveland was compiling its recent 13-game SU win streak, it was not always covering numbers (Cavs in fact only 2-5 vs. spread last seven thru Dec. 13).

Rating: 2 Units

Wazzu’s early success at the Wooden Legacy at Fullerton during Thanksgiving week must seem like a dream to those in the Palouse, as the Cougs lost their three subsequent games, not coming close vs. UC Davis, Idaho, and a UTEP team that saw HC Tim Floyd retire a week or so before. Coug becoming a big 3-point crazy in recent slump, hoisting more than 30 triples pg while hitting barely 30% beyond arc. Ernie Kent’s bunch also having troubles on stop end, and figures to have its problems vs. Bruce Weber’s well-balanced K-State with its four DD scorers. Cats can balance the floor with front line scoring force in 6-10 PF Dean Wade, hitting 56% of his FG attempts.

Rating: @ Units

All of a sudden, New Orleans games have resembled indoor track meets, with Pels scoring 108 or more in last eight thru Dec. 14, and “overs” nine straight into Dec. 15 game vs. Nuggets. New Orleans had a 30-point scorer in each of its first five December games, with Rajon Rondo registering a 57/9 assist-turnover ratio, E’Twaun Moore and Dante Cunningham combining to shoot 26-for-41 from 3- point range, and their opponents shooting pretty well too. Now Anthony Davis has returned to the fold, so the points should continue to flow. Fortunately for Wiz, John Wall has been activated after recent knee injury, and if Wall is at full strength, this could turn into quite a fireworks show at Cap One Arena.

Rating: 2 Units

Fast-moving UT Arlington fully should love a frenetic-paced track meet with go-go Creighton (90.6 ppg) exerting less energy on the stop end, allowing 75.6 ppg. Hence, must give ringing endorsement to the road-proven Mavericks, a highly-profitable 29-12 as a visiting underdog since 2013-14, including 3-0 mark TY, with spread covers at BYU, Alabama & Northern Iowa. Anticipate a redemptive performance from UTA’s star 6-9 sr. F Kevin Hervey, who had an uncharacteristic six TOs in his team’s 85-78 home upset loss in early December to Florida Gulf Coast, projected to win the Atlantic Sun Conference TY. Upset possible, even in Omaha

Rating: 2 Units

LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers will carry their phenomenal run into a road-heavy portion of the schedule when they visit the Washington Wizards today. James recorded his third triple-double in four games and the 60th of his career in a 109-100 win over Utah on Saturday, the Cavaliers' 11th straight home victory and 17th in 18 overall contests.

Rating: 2 Units

A-10 scouts worried that this could get ugly for GMU, whose roster limitations were laid bare last Tuesday by Sun Belt Georgia Southern, which rolled to 23-point win in Fairfax. Match-ups look even worse vs. Penn State, which owns much more size and athleticism than Patriots. Nittany Lions equipped to extend margin with their five DD scorers led by 6-5 soph G Tony Carr (20 ppg), who has emerged as one of Big Ten’s premier weapons, while stifling “D” has helped result in 7-2 “under” mark to date. Nittany Lions also almost guaranteed to be fully focused after overlooking Mason a year ago in shocking 19-point loss (!) at Happy Valley

Rating: 2 Units

Arizona State is off to its best start since 1974-75 and has climbed to its highest ranking since 1981 following a 95-85 win at then-No. 2 Kansas last Sunday. The Sun Devils have scored at least 90 points in seven of their nine games. Arizona State will be the fourth top-25 opponent this season for Vanderbilt, marking the most ranked foes the Commodores have faced in non-conference play since 1988. Vanderbilt is 0-3 in its previous matchups with ranked teams.

Rating: 2 Units

After a couple of early encouraging efforts vs. lesser opposition, New Mexico has looked very much like the rebuilding situation it was supposed to be this season for new HC Paul Weir. Now the assignments becomes more challenging for the Lobos as top scorer sr. G Sam Logwood (15 ppg) has taken a leave of absence from the team. All bad news vs. an Arizona side finally back at full strength with return of soph G Rawle Alkins, who saw 22 minutes of floor time in return game last Saturday vs. Alabama. Meanwhile, ballyhooed 7-1 frosh Deandre Ayton (21 ppg & 12 rpg) more than living up to the hype. This one looks like a complete mismatch at the Pit

Rating: 2 Units

UMass still in an adjustment phase under 1st-year HC Matt McCall (former Chattanooga HC). So, must give full support to seasoned UGa (4 starters back), which has already notched a signature road win in 73-66 upset victory at Marquette in early December. Minutemen’s over-eager 6-11, 300-pound C Rashaan Holloway (disqualified twice already) likely to find himself in early foul trouble vs. the Dawgs’ solid forecourt, featuring NBA prospect 6-8 sr. F Yante Maten (18.5 ppg, 9.4 rpg). Meanwhile, UGa’s deep-shooting 6-4 jr. PG William Jackson II (13 ppg; 32 of 70 from distance; 46%) can stretch out the UMass “D’ with his deadly 3-point marksmanship. Unbalanced UMass overly-dependent on 5-11 soph G Lawane Pipkins (19 ppg), who is the sole Minuteman averaging DD-scoring

Rating: 2 Units

Nice to see these two get together again and renew an old rivalry that really bubbled in the early and mid ’70s when Bob Knight and Digger Phelps were at the height of their respective powers. Current Irish HC Mike Brey will recall his Irish blowing a game vs. Hoosiers here in Indy two years ago and should have troops primed to avoid a repeat, as ND’s “smallball” featuring hard-to-cover 6-6 F Bonzie Colson (19.5 ppg) gives IU fits. Hoosiers have other defensive concerns with Irish hitting 51% from floor, and it’s still adjustment time for new IU HC Archie Miller, whose team has already lost five times and continues to look to replace several departed key cogs such as G James Blackmon, C Thomas Bryant, and & OG Aninoby, all DD scorers. Hoosiers only 32% triples, also well down from LY’s 38%.

Rating: 2 Units

With NW needing every pre-conference win to bolster its Big Dance portfolio, strongly recommend veteran Wildcats, who’ve regained their grittiness following a sluggish start to the 2017 campaign. DePaul will have trouble coping with NW’s balanced attack (four players avg. in DDs), smartly directed by unflappable sr. floor leader Bryant McIntosh (14 ppg, 5.8 apg). Erratic-shooting Blue Demons have difficulty playing catch-up, canning only 6.2 triples pg at 31.2%. Plus, Chris Collins’ Cats will have plenty of crowd support in Chicago land, with loyal NW fans gladly making the short 14-mile drive from Evanston.

Rating: 2 Units

Since quick-reloading, nationally ranked, explosive FSU (87.1 ppg) is a perfect 7-0 vs. the spread TY, must buck depth-shy OSU, now that 1st-year HC Mike Boyton recently dismissed two contributing players, 6-5 jr. wing Davon Dillard & highly-regarded 6-3 frosh G Zack Dawson. Cowboys won’t be afforded many open looks vs. defensively sticky Seminoles, permitting only 37.5% from the field, while collecting more than six bpg (15th). Additionally, FSU’s respected HC Leonard Hamilton thrilled with the dramatic evolvement of late-blooming 6-6 sr. G Brian Angola-Rodas, who has bumped his scoring avg. from 4.6 ppg LY to 12.7 TY

Rating: 2 Units

Brooklyn has been on a very positive spread run (13-4 last 17 overall; 9-2 in last 11 on the road). At the same time, Toronto has won 8 straight against Brooklyn (6-2 vs. the points), while the Raptors are coming home to Air Canada Centre after spending 10 days on the road. Meanwhile, the improving Nets are out rebounding and out shooting their opponents over the last 10 games. Brooklyn played New York last night, but Nets covered 3 of first 4 when unrested. Brooklyn HC Kenny Atkinson is getting the most out of his team, and Nets are playing much-improved defense on the road, cutting 5 ppg of last season’s allowance.

Rating: 2 Units

The Clippers held on by a thread to beat Washington 113-112 on Dec. 9 in Los Angeles, but the lineups will be shifted in the Wizards’ favor this time around. Washington G John Wall has returned from an extended absence, while the Clippers will likely be without G Austin Rivers (concussion) and F Danilo Gallinari (glute contusion). The Clips will especially miss Gallinari, who was the top LA starter that night, scoring 25 points. On the plus side, LA welcomed back PG Milos Teodosic recently, stabilizing the position in the wake of injuries to Patrick Beverley and Rivers. Wizards can make the revenge angle work, but Scott Brooks’ crew hasn’t gotten much separation at Capital One Arena this season, logging a 3-8 mark as home chalk. “Under” might be a better option, as the Wizards went that way in 6 of their last 7 and the Clips are without Gallinari.

Rating: 2 Units

It was one of those handful of nights in the first two months of this season that everything went right for Oklahoma City when it rolled past Indiana 114-96 at the Peake back on Oct. 25. Curiously, the one piece of the Thunder puzzle that didn’t contribute much was Paul George (check status with calf), who scored only 10 vs. his former team, though ‘Melo and Russell Westbrook each scored 28 to more than offset a big 35-point effort from Indy’s ex-Thunder wing Victor Oladipo. Since then, however, Oklahoma City has proven unreliable and took a 1-8 spread mark its last nine into Dec. 7 game vs. Brooklyn in Mexico. Meanwhile, Pacers had won and covered 8 of last 11 into last Friday vs. Cavs, as Oladipo has continued to fire away (27 ppg and 59% FG shooting last week). Will George’s return to his old stomping ground light a fuse beneath underachieving Thunder?

Rating: 2 Units

In Nova’s re-emergence into nation’s elite status, Jay Wright has not forgotten about taking care of business at home...lest any Philly area rivals believe they are making up ground on Cats. Wright has thus made sure that Nova has been at its best vs. local Big Five foes, already walloping Penn by 28 and St. Joe’s by 41 before facing LaSalle on weekend. But Wright has saved some of better recent efforts vs. area foes for Temple, which was ripped by 21 last season and has lost by DD margins the past six vs. Nova, and not closer than 15 points the last six meetings. Emergence of jr. G Phil Booth (16 ppg last four thru Dec. 8) has given Wright a reliable third scoring option beyond jr. Gs Mikal Bridges & Jalen Brunson (combining for better than 36 ppg).

Rating: 2 Units

With a light now at the end of the tunnel regarding Kawhi Leonard’s lingering quad injury , San Antonio might finally be back to at full strength. In the meantime, Dallas continues to offer resistance vs. Spurs, covering first two match ups this season after taking 3 of 4 vs. number a year ago. Rick Carlisle again making lemonade from the lemons on his Dallas roster, as Mavs have won SU in 4 and covered spread in 6 of last 7 thru Dec. 7. Even at advanced age, Dirk Nowitzki learning some new tricks (he’s turned into one of the best screeners in the league this season!), and like a year ago, Mavss showing signs of ripening after a rotten start. Recent S.A. covers at Memphis and Ok City only upped Spur road spread mark to 4-7 this season.

Rating: 2 Units

Minnesota cruised to a pair of win-and cover efforts against Dallas earlier this season, leading by 24 points. in the 4th Q before barely holding on for the cover with a 112-99 decision laying 12½ in Minnesota. The Timberwolves overcame a 12-point halftime deficit in Dallas Nov. 17, outscoring the Mavs 68-32 in the second half to pull away. Minnesota C Karl-Anthony Towns has scored 23 ppg on 57% shooting, while F Andrew Wiggins scored 21 points per game and shot 55% against the Mavs.

Rating: 2 Units

Both teams coming off tough games, as Boston was in San Antonio Friday and Detroit hosted Golden State. The Celtics own the best spread record in the league, although they’ve cooled to 4-4 vs. the number in the last few weeks. Detroit has been reliable at home this season, settling in nicely at the Pistons’ brand-new Little Caesars Arena. Detroit put one of the blemishes on the Celtic record two weeks ago in Boston when Detroit F Tobias Harris made 11 of 16 shots and led all scorers with 31, while C Andre Drummond had 26 points. & 22 rebounds the 118-108 upset win. With Boston starters Jaylen Brown (eye) and PF Marcus Morris (soreness) not 100%, gladly side with home team.

Rating: 2 Units

Houston finished 12-1 in November, partially fueled by return to action of PG Chris Paul. The Rockets were 8-0 SU and 6-2 vs. the number when Paul had played prior to visiting Utah on Thursday. Blazers have been headed in a downward spiral since making a quick start, logging a 5-14-1 spread mark in its last 20 games. Rocket leader G James Harden and HC Mike D’Antoni want to “make hay while the sun shines” and extend its lead over Golden State while Steph Curry is sidelined

Rating: 2 Units

Forward Robert Franks was the lone Cougars player to score in double figures (16 points) against Idaho, and he’s pacing the squad at 19.9 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. Sophomore guard Malachi Flynn (16.8 points) is the only player averaging double figures, but he’s totaled 28 points over the last two contests while losing eight turnovers and committing five fouls. Overall, the Cougars are in need of some better starts as they fell behind Idaho 22-6 scarcely five minutes into Wednesday’s game and have trailed by 17 and 19 at the half, respectively, in their last two contests. The Miners dropped six straight after a season-opening win and along the way lost six-year veteran coach Tim Floyd, who abruptly announced his retirement Nov. 27 following a 66-52 defeat to Lamar.

Rating: 2 Units

Marshall continues to show little interest in getting stops away from home, evidenced by its 114-104 setback at rebuilding Colonial rep William & Mary, its last away game on Nov. 29. Hence, eager to lay several hoops with uptempo UT, which drills 10.1 triples pg @ nearly 39%. Rockets’ hard-to-guard 6-7 wing Tre’Shaun Fletcher (18 ppg; team high 35 assists) has quickly found a home after transferring from Colorado, while improved 6-11 soph C Luke Knapke (12 ppg, 6 rpg; 16 blocks) will continue to be a force in the paint area vs. the Herds’ shorter, nondescript forecourt. Payback works for Rockets, who hit only 16 of 29 foul shots in LY’s aggravating 111-105 OT loss in Huntington.

Rating: 2 Units

Brooklyn probably more acclimated to the altitude in Mexico City than Miami after playing here on Thursday and seeing the sights yesterday. However, the Heat are stepping down in class after being beaten by Golden State and San Antonio in last two games. Miami has won 12 of the last 13 against the Nets, covering 10 of the last 11, but altitude might slow Heat in 2nd half, and C Hassan Whiteside didn’t make this road trip. Brooklyn has been on a roll of late, covering 8 of its last 9 overall and 8 of L9 away from home prior to facing Oklahoma City here Thursday. Addition of C Jahlil Okafor can’t hurt the Nets.

Rating: 2 Units

After starting the season 4-0, a series of injuries pushed Los Angeles into a 4-15 nosedive. Washington took a serious injury of its own, losing PG John Wall for an indefinite period with a knee injury, but the Wizards have won 3 of last 5 (4-1 vs. the points) and G Tomas Satoransky has contributed double figures in his share of Wall’s minutes, and is shooting 57% in the last 5 games prior to visiting Phoenix (50% beyond the arc). Conversely, when the Clips lost PF Blake Griffin, the bottom fell out and they’ve lost all four (1-3 vs. the number) since. If Wizards can win in Portland and Minnesota in the last week, they can put a torpedo in the listing Clipper ship

Rating: 2 Units

Detroit, which has only managed to defeat talent-thin Div.II programs thus far, is still in a sieve on the stop end, permitting a whopping 92.1 ppg (349th). So, willing to lay a short price with veteran WMU, making the relatively short 140-mile bus ride to the Motor City. Broncos’ explosive, sharp-shooting 6-3 sr. G Thomas Wilder (19.2 ppg; 48% from deep) should go wild, while springy 6-5 sr. G Josh Davis (9 ppg; team high 49 rebounds) gets plenty of put-back opportunities vs. poor-boarding Titans, ranked a wretched 328th in rebound margin (-6.2 rpg).

Rating: 2 Units

Nevada’s unbeaten start to the season ended painfully on Tuesday at Lubbock when Wolf Pack blew late lead at Texas Tech and lost in OT. That prevented this one from becoming a battle of the unbeatens, as TCU brings 9-0 SU mark into Staples. And though Frogs have some impressive wins in past two weeks, they now face a foe that won’t at all mind playing at the faster pace that Jamie Dixon prefers. Nevada also has the size on perimeter to deal with TCU wings 6-5 Desmond Bane & 6-7 Kenrich Williams, both scoring at 14 ppg. Match-up problem for Frogs will be Pack’s high-energy 6-7 post threat Jordan Caroline (17 ppg), who should be hellbent to atone for season-low 6-point output in bitter midweek loss vs. Red Raiders.

Rating: 2 Units

U of O in a very chippy mood after its long-standing 46-home win streak was snapped in 73-70 setback to surging Boise State last Friday. So, with 6 days to stew over that painful loss, look for determined Ducks to quickly get back on track vs. defensively-soft CSU, allowing 76.4 ppg (257th). Aggressive U of O defense should help fuel transition game vs. mistake-prone Rams, ranked a lowly 303rd in TO margin. Foresee a huge performance from Ducks’ skillful sr. G Elijah Brown (New Mexico transfer; 13 ppg), who hit only 6 of 15 from the field vs. Broncos. Rams likely fall to 0-3 as a visiting underdog after this anticipated double digit loss.

Rating: 2 Units

Dallas hung a 32-point beat down on Milwaukee at American Airlines Center in first meeting this season, marking the Mavs’ 9th series win in the last 10 meetings. Dallas is playing well of late, posting a 4-3 SU record and 6-1 spread mark in its last 7. The Mavs are out shooting foes from beyond the arc lately and have covered L4 visiting Eastern Conference foes. The Bucks appear overrated based on their 6-11 spread mark since Halloween, and don’t fancy laying points with Jason Kidd’s bunch on revenge alone.

Rating: 2 Units

This is Chris Mullin’s best team at St. John’s, but the Red Storm is still far from a finished product. Its offensive sets are often breaking down into Gs Shamorie Ponds (20.2 ppg, but only 23% triples) and Marcus LoVett (15 ppg) going rogue, with the latter’s status ? due to twisted ankle that has kept him out of last two games. More shine to the undefeated ASU ornament at moment, as go-go Sun Devils (also six straight covers) scoring at 93 ppg clip while shooting better than 53% from floor. Bobby Hurley now has some real front line scoring threats in 6-8 RS frosh OF Romello White (16 ppg & 69% from floor) & 6’10 juco De’Quon Lake (11 ppg and 79% Fgs!) to complement holdover hotshot Gs Tra Holder (22 ppg) & Shannon Evans (19 ppg). 1

Rating: 2 Units

Charlotte has covered 7 of first 8 as a home favorite, with G Kemba Walker scoring 24 ppg this season at the Spectrum Center. The Bulls are just 1-12 SU on the road this season and are only 2-6 vs. the points in their last 8 as a visitor, and potential return of PF Nikola Mirotic isn’t going to turn Chicago around

Rating: 2 Units

After beating Golden State back on Oct. 29, Stan Van Gundy’s Detroit side is 2-2 SU and 3-1 vs. the points in last 4 vs. the Warriors after losing the previous 9 straight in the series. This time around the Pistons catch G.S. without PG Steph Curry (out several weeks with an ankle injury), and possibly without PF Draymond Green (iffy with a sore shoulder). Revenge would work a lot better if Golden State was healthy, and the Pistons have covered  59% of the time at home the last 2+ seasons.

Rating: 2 Units

A little payback should be on the plate for New Orleans after being victimized by one of the season’s most puzzling scorelines on Nov. 17 at Pepsi Center when Nuggets dropped a 146-114 bomb on the Pels. New Orleans stopped playing “D” in second half that night when Denver rolled up 82 points en route to 63% FG shooting! All starters in double figures for Nuggets led by Jamal Murray’s 31 points. But that was one of the last games Paul Millsap was active for Denver, and minus him the Nuggets have absorbed some beatings on the road, losing by 30 at Houston and 29 at Utah. The Nuggets were bottom ten-ranked in both offense and defense in the first four games that Millsap missed, so Pels couldn’t have picked a better time to seek their revenge

Rating: 2 Units

The Boston win streak had grown to a Bird-McHale-like 16 in a row into last Wednesday vs. the Heat. Though this one still intrigues a bit because of Philly’s stirring. Remember, the Celtic win streak began way back on Oct. 20 at Wells Fargo Center, when Boston tied up both Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons (each held to only 11 points) in 102-92 win. But a bit more characteristic production from Embiid and/or Simmons could get Sixers (7-2 as dog through Nov. 26) closer in rematch.

Rating: 2 Units

Maybe Mike Brey brings Coley O’Brien and Rocky Bleier along for moral support in East Lansing. But Brey’s “small-ball” working just fine in the early going, as LSU found out in Maui when the Fighting Irish burned the nets at 52% and drubbed the Tigers by 39. ND’s mobile 6-6 sr. PF Bonzie Colson (20.3 ppg in early going) could prove awkward for MSU bigs, especially touted 6-11 frosh Jaren Jackson, jr., who is having a devil of a time staying out of foul trouble (4 or 5 whistles in first three games) in November. Tom Izzo justifiably worried about protecting the glass (Duke 25 offensive caroms in recent Blue Devil win at Chicago) and with sloppiness (Spartans 17 TOs pg first three), not to mention recent twisted ankle suffered by star 6-7 soph wing Miles Bridges.

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Slow start at Wake, as the early departure to NBA of do-everything 6-10 John Collins has changed the Deacon dynamics. Yet to pick up the baton has been expected new go-to guy G Bryant Crawford, who’s taking the most shots of his career while shooting the lowest field goal percentage (34.9) in his three years. Danny Manning’s troops dropped 4 of their first 5, with two losses coming against a pair of teams (Liberty & Drake) ranked outside the top 150 on KenPom.com, (Liberty, Drake). Manning must stop this slide soon as Wake was playing its way out of the NCAA tournament pool before Thanksgiving. Meanwhile, new HC Brad Underwood already working some of his magic with the Fighting Illini, 4-0 out of the chute with handy wins over capable DePaul & Marshall, while tallying 88 ppg with five DD scorers led by emerging 6-7 jr. F Leron Black (15.5 ppg).

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Big East challenger, high-powered & deadly gunning Xavier (94.5 ppg; 56.8% FGs) has been pining for rematch ever since stinging 76-61 setback in Waco last year, when defensively-stingy Musketeers (63.5 ppg) uncharacteristically suffered a nearly nine-minute drought without a FG. Therefore, have no qualms at all laying short price vs. BU bunch on the road for the first time facing loaded, veteran X-Men, spearheaded by future NBA draftee 6-6 sr. G Trevon Bluiett (25 ppg & 55% from arc; 6.8 rpg). Watch for a crowd pleasing, redemptive performance from Bluieitt’s complementary back court mate 6-5 sr. J.P. Macura, who hit a career-worst 2 of 16 from the field vs. the Bears. Payback is sweet at the Cintas Center.

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In a match-up we might see again in March, A&M seeking revenge for late blown lead last November at College Station. And while Ags have done absolutely nothing wrong while surging into the national rankings after their 4-0 break from the gate, match-ups are a bit tricky vs. SC, which has the size and mobility along the front line with NBA bound 6-10 Bennie Boatwright & 6-11 Chimezie Metu to cause uncommon angst for A&M 6-10 bigs Robert Williams & Tyler Davis, who usually aren’t looking at their opponents at eye level. Trojans in midst of making a fortress out of home Galen Center and have already shown they can come out of the crucible with a W, as recent rally from 10 down to win in OT at Vandy suggests.