Rating: 2 Units

OKC won and covered the first two meetings with Denver this season, and these teams will face each other again in the regular-season finale on Wednesday. Those victories pushed the Thunder mark in the series to 10-1 SU and 9-2 vs. the pointspread vs. the Nuggets since March of 2014. OKC Gs Russell Westbrook (34 ppg vs. the Nuggets) and Victor Oladipo (21 ppg) have provided the scoring this season. Both teams are motivated, but prefer to shade the Thunder’s series dominance.

Rating: 2 Units

Portland has had a similar season to last year, when the Blazers got off to a poor start (15-24 SU) and then finished strong to grab a playoff spot. Portland was 24-35 before going on a 14-3 SU rampage starting on March 2. Blazer Gs Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum combined for 52 ppg in March, with McCollum shooting 47% from beyond the arc. Utah is likely locked into a first-round 4 or 5 finish with home floor the only unknown. The Jazz, who have some injuries and played last night at home against Minnesota, are only 2-6 vs. the points this season on the road when unrested.

Rating: 2 Units

Indiana is 18-3 SU over the last few seasons against Orlando, covering 10 of the last 11 in this one-sided series. The Pacers had lost 6 of their last 7 SU overall through Monday to fall out of playoff position, so every game will be a “must-win” down the stretch for Nate McMillan’s Pacers. Orlando has shown few signs of life since early February, as the Magic were only 7-17 SU and 8-16 vs. the points from Feb. 2-April 3. Pacer F Paul George has scored 29 ppg and shot 49% in his last 10 through Monday, and the Magic’s poor play at home (12-25-1 vs. number prior to hosting Brooklyn Thursday) are solid reasons to shade visitor.

Rating: 2 Units

Streaky Minnesota has dropped 7 of its last 9 SU and 8 of 9 vs. the number prior to hosting Portland in a makeup game on Monday. While the Timberwolves are out of the playoff picture, Utah is in a battle for the home-court edge in an impending first-round matchup with the Clippers. Jazz PG George Hill (groin; missed 3 straight through April 3) joined PF Derrick Favors (out since March 6) on the injury list. Still, F Gordon Hayward and C Rudy Gobert have combined for 37 ppg and 19 rpg since the All Star break, while Utah continues to play some of the best defense in the league (96 ppg L10 through April 3). Jazz will remember dropping a 107-80 decision in Salt Lake City in most recent series meeting played March 1. T-wolf C Karl-Anthony Towns (21 pts., 15 rebs.) and F Andrew Wiggins (20 pts.) led the way. Hayward has made just 38% vs. Minny this season. Looks like both Favors and Hill are still out, so I am taking the points.

Rating: 3 Unit MLB Play of the Day

Strange split of series this season with road team winning each of first two, most recently a wild 135-130 Cleveland win at Philips Arena on March 3 that was an early warning sign of Cleveland’s ongoing post-All-Star break defensive woes. Maybe some relief is on the way for Cavs, as J.R. Smith (14-for-25 from 3-point range over the last three games entering the week) finally finding his rhythm, so there’s a little less pressure on the Cavs’ shoddy defense. But LeBron played a season-high 52 minutes in Game 76 on Sunday (a double-OT win over Indiana), and the defense couldn’t stop a fairly simple pin-down action from freeing up Paul George (causing some serious friction between James and Tristan Thompson) that could have won the game for Pacers. A lot of points to cover especially since Boston lost again last night to these same Hawks.

Rating: 3 Unit NBA Play of the Day

Quick turnaround from make up game on Monday at Target Center, when Minnesota snapped the Blazers’ winning streak thanks to Blazer C Karl-Anthony Towns’ 34 pts. and 12 boards. Revenge is in the air, as recent trajectories of these sides have been time zones apart. Portland took a 14-3 SU mark its last 17 into the week to move into the final spot in the West playoff race, while sagging T-wolves were just 3-7 SU and vs. spread last 10 after Monday’s victory. And while Blazers still in playoff drive, Minny resorting to experimentation, as Tom Thibodeau has been playing both of his PGs, Ricky Rubio and Kris Dunn, at the same time in the past week, with mixed results. Meanwhile, let’s note Minnesota has officially become the NBA version of the Buffalo Bills, with its playoff drought now reaching 13 seasons (since Kevin Garnett led the T-wolves to the West finals vs. the Shaq-Kobe Lakers in 2004...where did the years go?), the second-longest in NBA history

Rating: 2 Units

Entering the week, Washington had slumped a bit, with three straight losses at the end of a western road trip dropping them to the 4 line in the East playoff standings. Wiz out on road again tonight, but host Knicks haven’t offered much resistance in three previous meetings, losing them all, with Washington series win and cover streak now at five dating to last season. Not even sure who might be on the floor for New York; we know Derrick Rose (injured) and Joakim Noah (suspension) won’t be available, and not sure about Carmelo Anthony, nursing a sore back entering the week. Still a chance for Washington to move up to the third seed in East playoffs, while Knicks’ only motivation is to get done with the season.

Rating: 2 Units

Quick turnaround from Saturday at Barclays Center, when Brooklyn won 121-111, as Brook Lopez dominated with 30 points and Trevor Booker added 23 for hosts. The Magic’s bench issues continued in that loss, when their starting lineup was a plus-10, but they were outscored by 20 points in 26 minutes with at least one reserve on the floor. That result was just one example of the improved recent play of Nets, who took a 12-4 spread mark their last 16 into Tuesday vs. the Sixers, plus a 7-6 SU mark their last 13. Not to mention a better SU mark in March than the Cavs! All not too shabby for an embattled outfit that won SU just once from Dec. 28 thru the end of February. Meanwhile, Orlando playing no defense in the 4-game SU losing streak it took into the week, conceding a whopping 121 ppg in those losses.

Rating: 2 Units

This series has been about as one-sided this season as Joe Frazier’s 1st-round KO of Dave Zyglewicz in Houston back in 1969, with Milwaukee romping to easy wins and covers in first three meetings. Indiana not closer than 14 in any of those, when Bucks blistered the nets for a combined 36 triples in the three games, and near 50% shooting beyond the arc. Check standings, as Milwaukee might have clinched a playoff berth earlier in week. But if Bucks haven’t, they’ve shown more lately than Pacers, whose recent 1-6 stretch, in which they allowed 114 points per 100 possessions, took Paul George & Co. from sixth place to ninth in the East playoff queue. And don’t forget this season’s one-sided series trends.

Rating: 2 Units

The scoreline here solely depends upon Golden State’s focus. Not sure Warriors are going to be especially motivated against a team they destroyed 138-109 in last meeting way back on Dec. 3. But counting upon Golden State losing focus is a flimsy argument to support the Suns, who have done a good job of tanking the past few weeks and who take a 12-game losing streak into tonight’s game at the Talking Stick Arena. Even with Marquesse Chriss shooting better and Devin Booker scoring 70 points in a recent loss at Boston, the Suns rank 28th offensively over that12- game losing streak that has put them even with the Lakers (in the win column) for the second-best lottery odds. So unless Warriors (on 11-0 SU run into last night vs. T-wolves) simply don’t show up, hard-pressed to take Phoenix.

Rating: 2 Units

After getting lambasted by Memphis by 34 back on Dec. 29 when Russell Westbrook was “held” to 21 points, Ok City has won and covered twice without much problem vs. Griz, with Westbrook notching a pair of triple-doubles and scoring 31 ppg in those successes. Granted, Memphis has some motivation here, as Griz still in a position to leapfrog Thunder into the 6th playoff seed in West (and likely avoid another matchup vs. Spurs, which would be their fourth meeting in the playoffs since 2010-11 season!). But right now not willing to trust David Fizdale’s crew, especially with Marc Gasol (foot) missing the last five games into this week, and the Memphis machine really grinding to a halt when Mike Conley goes to the bench (Griz outscored by 25 in the 55 minutes Conley has been on the bench since Gasol’s injury). Griz looking fragile minus Gasol in recent road losses to lowly Kings and Lakers.

Rating: 2 Units

Recent 2-9 SU skid has put Detroit on the brink of playoff elimination. The early stages of that slump included an 87-75 home loss to Toronto on St. Patrick’s Day when Pistons could only shoot 34.9% from the floor and wasted a 22-rebound effort from Andre Drummond (partly because Drummond scored only 8 points and, as is his bent, missed all four of his FT attempts). Looking for another reason why Detroit is slumping? Since the All Star break, the Pistons have been outscored by an amazing 36 points per 100 possessions in the first six minutes of the first quarter, as none of their various starting lineups has worked. No wonder Stan Van Gundy is looking like a condemned man in recent weeks.

Rating: 2 Units

It’s fair to ask if Miami’s great uptick might be over, as Heat couldn’t take advantage of a pair of games last week vs.Knicks (who won at AA Arena) and lost again at home on Sunday vs. Denver. Which has left Heat clinging by its fingernails to the East’s last playoff spot entering the week. Recent Miami downturn might be more than a blip, as it has also coincided with absence of Dion Waiters (ankle), whose return date is still unknown. Meanwhile, Charlotte making a late run at a playoff spot in East by winning 7 of last 9 SU prior to last night vs. Wizards. Hornets have scored 114.5 points per 100 possessions over that 9-game ascent, the second best offensive stretch they’ve had in four years under HC Steve Clifford. Kemba Walker (24.2 ppg that stretch) has led the way, but bench contributions from Frank Kaminsky and Marco Belinelli have been critical, and Jeremy Lamb provided a big lift on Sunday vs. his former employer Ok City.

Rating: 2 Units

Portland has roared into the last West playoff spot in recent super-charged 14-3 SU run. And even with last night’s make-up game at Minnesota causing them a bit of a scheduling distraction, would rather not buck the hot Blazers, who have continued to win thru the recent leg injury sustained by C Jusuf Nurkic. Portland also 5-2 SU its last seven vs. above-.500 teams, and dynamics a lot different than the last time Damian Lillard & Co. visited Salt Lake City right before the All-Star break on Feb. 15, when Jazz were flying high and Lillard and CJ McCollum were a combined 11 of 38 from floor in Utah’s 111-88 romp. In early April, Jazz a tougher sell with George Hill hurting again (Utah 31-14 SU with him in lineup and just 16-14 SU without him), and Gordon Hayward looking a bit tired, as he has been held below 20 points in six of last eight.

Rating: 2 Units

While we have been burned more than once since Halloween by trusting the bipolar Bulls, cannot envision them losing all three this season vs. the sad-sack Knicks, who are now minus Derrick Rose (shut down for the final week with a meniscus tear in his knee) and might be without Carmelo (sore back) for tonight, not to mention Joakim Noah being sidelined by suspension. Chicago entered the week with a tenuous hold on the 7 seed in the East, with the very real prospect of a first-round series vs. a Cleveland side that Bulls have surprisingly beaten all four meetings this season. Hmmm, maybe the Cavs should be worried? But only the St. Louis Blues have had an easier schedule down the stretch than the Bulls, whose last five foes have a combined .331 win percentage this season. So feel relatively comfy trusting Chicago at a short price

Rating: 2 Units

Quick rematch from Toronto’s 111-100 win north of the border last Friday, the second win and cover in as many tries for Raptors vs. Indiana this season. That result was part of a current 9-2 SU run for Toronto that has solidified Raps in the 3rd slot in East playoff queue. All of this minus Kyle Lowry, who might return before end of regular season from wrist problems. But speaking of playoff queues, Pacers not even sure they will be included after debilitating current 4-game losing has them on the outside, looking in, entering the last week of the campaign. Injuries to Glenn Robinson, Rodney Stuckey and Al Jefferson have sapped their depth, but the bad defense has started with the starters. Over these last seven games, they’ve allowed 123 points per 100 possessions with George, Jeff Teague and Thaddeus Young on the floor. But with playoff extinction looming, expect Indiana to draw a line in the sand tonight.

Rating: 2 Units

Don’t sleep on Charlotte, which is making one last run at a playoff spot by winning 7 of its last 9, and now within striking distance of Miami for the 8 spot in the East. Fueling the surge is Kemba Walker, who has tallied 27.3 ppg over the past six games, offsetting the preceding four-game stretch in which he only averaged 15.3 ppg. Into the week, only five games separate the fifth-seeded Bucks and the 11th-seeded Pistons, but Hornets are suddenly playing as well as anyone in that seven-team scrum. Meanwhile, Wiz flattening out a bit, on their first three-game losing streak since mid-November. They got chewed apart by the Clippers and Warriors at the end of recent road trip and are set to have a below-average defense for the first time in five years. Washington has allowed 111.2 points per 100 possessions since the All-Star break after allowing only 105.0 before mid-February. There’s a case to be made for surging Charlotte.

Rating: 4 Units

I am not convinced the Tar Heels are quite as good as their 2016 edition, which also made it to the final game and was tied with Villanova in the final second before a Kris Jenkins 3-pointer won it for the Wildcats. That UNC edition had an athletic big in 6-9 Brice Johnson and a nervy bomber in Marcus Paige who was not afraid to step up and take the big shot. Still, the 2017 version has proven remarkably resilient, already pulling three nailbiters out of the fire in the Dance. And there is always a chance that an unsuspecting hero (such as capable sr. G Nate Britt, who sank a couple of key shots on Saturday vs. Oregon) steps forward for the Heels. But, aside from Meeks and Jackson, UNC was a combined 8 for 42 from the floor in the semis and did not appear entirely comfortable with their shots, probably bothered by the depth perception adjustments in the football stadium. Though I don’t expect Berry and Hicks to shoot a combined 3 for 26 from the floor as on Saturday, I am not sure Williams can count on much scoring from them, either. And let’s not forget that the Gonzaga defense has allowed foes to hit only 36.5% from the floor the entire season, tied with UCF (thanks largely to its 7-6 C Tacko Fall) for the top mark in the nation. Previously-hot South Carolina could only connect on 37.9% of its shots on Saturday. The fundamentally-sound Bulldog defense is adept at staying “in front” of opposing dribblers, which should come in very handy vs. the Heels, who as a result are unlikely to be able to crash the glass as usual. A season’s worth of exemplary performance is not a mirage. This Gonzaga edition has beaten all comers (except a late-season home letdown vs. explosive BYU), with most of the big wins away from Spokane. With depth, balance, size, and more athleticism on the perimeter than past editions, the Zags also appear built to beat the Tar Heels, who will likely fall just short for the second straight year.

Rating: 2 Units

New Orleans had covered 7 of the last 9 at the Smoothie King Center, and the addition of C DeMarcus Cousins has had something to do with the surge. PF Anthony Davis and Cousins give the Pels a dominating frontline, and the Bulls have been much weaker on the boards since trading F Taj Gibson (6.9 rpg) and shutting down Dwyane Wade, a solid rebounding guard. Before the trade, the Bulls were outrebounding foes by 4 per game. Since the trade they’ve been beaten on the boards by 2 per game. Bull C Robin Lopez and 2nd-year PF Bobby Portis are decent role players, but they won’t have Wade (22 pts, 5 rebs in 1st meeting) or Gibson (15 and 15 vs. the Pels) this time around.

Rating: 2 Units

After dropping the first game with Indiana while playing without rest and without LeBron James, Cleveland has bounced back to win and cover two ensuing meetings. The Pacers had dropped 5 straight spread decisions on the road before starting this 3-game road trip in Memphis on Wednesday, and the Cavs are feeling great pressure at the top of the table in the East from Boston. However, not sure Cleveland can just flip the switch unless Cavs play better defense (allowing 110 ppg and being out rebounded by 4 per game since the break).

Rating: 2 Units

Charlotte won the first meeting with OKC this season, notching a 123-112 decision in Charlotte on Jan. 4. The victory came despite Hornet PG Kemba Walker making just 5 of 13 shots and being outscored by Thunder counterpart Russell Westbrook 33-20 (Westbrook added 15 rebounds and 8 assists). Charlotte G Nicolas Batum (28 pts.) and C Frank Kaminsky (17 pts., 6 rebs. off the bench) helped turn the tide that night. This game is in OKC, however, where the Thunder are 21-9 as a favorite and where they have won and covered 8 straight against the Hornets.

Rating: 2 Units

Boston likely to remember the last meeting between these two, as New York went into the TD Garden and scored a convincing 117-106 victory behind Knick G Derrick Rose (30 points). The part the Celtics might remember most clearly is the music blasting from the N.Y. locker room after that game. HC Brad Stevens won’t let Boston forget that or the pathetic job the Celtics did on the boards that night, allowing the Knicks to build a 57-33 rebounding edge. The Celtics are 23-15 vs. the points on the road and fighting for the best record in the Eastern Conference.

Rating: 2 Units

While the Suns waived the white flag in early March and shut down some of their veteran assets, Portland has marched into the final playoff spot by winning 11 of 14 games last month. That surge corresponds roughly with the acquisition of C Jusuf Nurkic from Denver. The 7-0, 280 Nurkic has given the Blazers a different look inside, scoring 14 ppg and grabbing 10 rpg in his 18 games with Portland. Phoenix has been content to lose, build up more lottery balls, and let young G Devin Booker see just how much he can score when given the green light (the answer is 70 pts. on 40 shots vs. Boston 8 days ago).

Rating: 4 Units

The normal North Carolina size edge, which Williams has exploited all season for a nation’s-best +13 rebound margin, and resultant dominance on the offensive glass, might come harder this weekend for the Heels. That’s because, against the Ducks, Williams is likely reluctant to go with his normal bigs of 6-10 Kennedy Meeks and 6-9 Isaiah Hicks at the same time, as the defensive match ups caused by Oregon’s lineup figure to force Roy’s hand. That’s because Williams could get away with committing Hicks or Meeks to Oregon’s mobile 6-9 pivot Jordan Bell, but neither would be a good fit against the Ducks’ 6-7 wing Dillon Brooks, their most likely other defensive assignment. Expect, then, to see Williams use a lot more of F Luke Maye, which might not be an altogether bad thing after Maye excelled (16.5 ppg) in last weekend’s regionals at Memphis, including hitting the game-winning jump shot in the last second vs. Kentucky. But Maye’s presence will likely be at the expense of either Meeks or Hicks (and also perhaps of 6-10 frosh Tony Bradley, who has played key minutes for UNC in the Dance), which would correspondingly limit some of the trademark dominance the Heels have displayed on the boards all season...especially on the offensive glass. There is also going to be plenty of pressure on Heel PG Joel Berry to hit some outside shots (especially with 6-8 wing Justin Jackson misfiring repeatedly beyond the arc last weekend, when he hit just 3 of 13 triples in Memphis) and to limit his TOs, both of which have been recurring issues in the Dance.

Rating: 2 Units

Sacramento hasn’t won many games since trading DeMarcus Cousins, but the Kings have been competitive lately, logging a 6-4-2 spread mark in their last 12 through their March 26 miracle rally to beat the Clippers. The Kings remarkably erased an 18-point, 4th-Q lead vs. L.A. Sunday. Teams leading by 18 in the final Q this season were 359-0 prior to Sacto’s victory. Meanwhile, Minnesota is proving to be one of the bigger busts in the league. After being touted as a breakthrough team with the young Timberwolf talent being combined with vet HC Tom Thibodeau, Minny was the darling of the preseason prognosticators. It hasn’t worked out that way. Twolves are struggling with a 3-7 SU and spread run in their last 10.

Rating: 4 Units

While South Carolina's joyride might be coming to an end vs. tall, deep, and experienced Gonzaga, the point spread of 6½ seems enticing enough to shade the dog. The Zags have four DD scorers, with their top seven players logging 17 or more minutes per game. Rotating seven-footers Przemek Karnowski (12.2 ppg, 5.8 rpg) and Zach Collins (9.9 ppg, 5.7 rpg) represent inside size rarely encountered TY by USC. But Gonzaga really only pulled away from upstart Xavier in the Elite Eight when the Zags finally started hitting their treys (12 of 24 vs. the Musketeers), and Chris Mack’s Big East overachievers ran out of gas. Hitting from distance is hard to do vs. the in-your-face (but rarely fouling) Gamecock defense, as USC’s foes have found out. Opposing coaches have been praising the Cocks for how well they “close out.” One of the more impressive occurrences in the tourney has been the development and confidence shown by the South Carolina attack, which suffered through some erratic stretches in the regular season.

Rating: 2 Units

Chicago hasn’t given up on nabbing the final playoff spot in the East, as a 5-1 SU and spread surge through March 29th brought the Bulls to within a half-game of Miami for the 8th spot as of Monday. Atlanta has had injury problems, with PF Paul Millsap (18 ppg, 7.7 rpg; knee), G Kent Bazemore, and defensive specialist F Thabo Sefolosha (groin) down for periods. However, all 3 of those starters might be ready to go for this game. Favor Hawk side that is 9-1 SU in last 10 vs. Chicago.

Rating: 2 Units

Houston just hosted Golden State on Tuesday, and the Rockets are coming off a game last night in Portland. That scheduling hasn’t bothered Houston, however, as they’ve covered 10 of 14 this season playing without rest. The Warriors have certainly perked up since the middle of March, winning 9 straight with 7 covers in their last 9 of those victories. The Warriors have been doing it with defense, holding their last 6 foes to just 93 ppg. After Warrior games averaged 223 ppg before the All-Star break, HC Steve Kerr’s team has slowed the pace, with scoring down to 209 ppg total. That downshift has resulted in a 15-1 “under” run for Golden State games from Feb. 25-March 27. Warriors feeling heat from the Spurs, but Houston’s 9-1 mark as a road dog this season is impressive, and the now-injured F Kevin Durant led G.S. with 39 & 32 pts. in first two meetings with the Rockets.

Rating: 2 Units

The home team has won and covered both meetings this season, and OKC is 7-1 SU and vs. the points hosting the Spurs the last 4+ regular seasons at the Chesapeake Energy Arena. To be clear, the Thunder had Kevin Durant for most of those successes, and San Antonio has managed to win a few playoff games at this site the last few seasons. The Spurs have played well on the road this season (28-9 SU), but OKC is 27-10 SU at home (25-12 vs. the points), and the Thunder catch the Spurs coming off significant home games facing Cleveland and Golden State earlier this week.

Rating: 3 Unit NBA Play of the Day

These two played for the first time this season just 12 days ago at the Air Canada Centre, and Toronto cruised to a 25-point victory fueled by a 51-33 rebounding advantage and a 44%-26% edge in three-point shooting. The Raptors have won 9 of the last 10 at home against Indiana, covering 7 of those meetings, and are 5-1 SU overall in their last 6 games. Indiana was in a 3-way logjam for the 5-thru-7 spots in the Eastern playoff pecking order on Monday, so with Toronto in a fight with Washington for the 3-4 slots, this is a potential first-round playoff match up for both. Raptor G DeMar DeRozan has regained his shooting stroke, and F Serge Ibaka starting to fit in nicely with his new team.

Rating: 2 Units

Houston has pounded Portland on both previous occasions this season in similar fashion (126-109 & 130-114). Those games were both in November, and James Harden (32 ppg in those wins) clearly outplayed Damian Lillard. Blazers have taken flight since and are fighting to make the playoffs, while Rockets now look locked into No. 3 playoff seed in West. But Mike D’Antoni’s bunch (won 7 of last 8 SU into Tuesday vs. Warriors) showing no signs of slowing down, so wouldn’t figure on Harden and others to take a breather until right at the end of the reg.-season schedule in two weeks. Prefer this season’s Houston-oriented series trends.

Rating: 2 Units

The Clippers haven’t had much trouble vs. the Suns this season, winning and covering all three handily, including 10-point win in the desert in most-recent meeting on Feb. 1. Clips scoring almost 117 ppg in those wins. So even with L.A.’s recurring (and puzzling) bouts of indifference, we are hard-pressed to recommend a Suns team that has appeared to be in dump mode ever since Gs Eric Bledsoe and Brandon Knight went down with injuries earlier in March. L.A.’s inconsistencies (such as the blown lead on Sunday vs. Sacto) more than a bit troubling, but Clips have something to play for (4th seed in West) and Phoenix doesn’t. Series trends and margins in Clipper wins (last eight by nine or more) suggest this is one spot we can trust Doc Rivers’ bunch.

Rating: 2 Units

Chicago has curiously dominated Cleveland this season, winning and covering all three meetings. And LeBron only missed one of those three losses (out for most-recent setback on Feb. 25 due to illness). D-Wade, however, now out for Bulls after scoring almost 20 ppg in first three clashes. It might be time for the Cavs to be really concerned about their defense, which has allowed four of their last five opponents to shoot better than 50 percent and ranks 29th since the All-Star break. Cavs were destroyed in the paint (70-30) in March 22 loss in Denver and couldn’t slow down John Wall in last Saturday’s loss to Washington, but they’ve also forced just 10 turnovers per 100 possessions (the lowest rate in the league) since the break. Suddenly, it’s no sure thing the Cavs can flip the switch.

Rating: 2 Units

Let’s see if Minny is up for a payback after blowing a late lead at Staples Center last Friday. Not only did Jordan Clarkson score a career-high 35 points for Lake Show in that one, but he and D’Angelo Russell had a positive plus-minus (plus-6) together for just the second time in their last 27 games. Such embarrassment should spark an answer from the T-wolves, even though they had lost six in a row amid growing defensive concerns into Tuesday at Indiana. But this looks like a proper spot for Tom Thibodeau’s troops to take out some frustration, which Minny did the last time LA visited Target Center (125-99 T-wolves blowout back on Nov. 13). Last six Lake Show road losses by a staggering 25 ppg!

Rating: 2 Units

The No. 7 team in the Big 12 meets the No. 11 team in the ACC for the 2017 NIT title! Edges appear small in a game that figures to feature improving 6-11 TCU C Vladimir Brodziansky (13.8 ppg, 5.6 rpg) vs. 6-10 Ga. Tech C Ben Lammers (14.4 ppg, 9.3 rpg). Brodziansky is more likely to step outside and face the basket, trying to draw out the postoriented Lammers. GT could perhaps gain an advantage with versatile 6-5 frosh Josh Okogie, who hits 75% of his FTs as part of his 16.1 ppg (prior to the semis). Meanwhile, Horned Frog contributors G Alex Robinson (11.4 ppg) and F Kenrich Williams (10.9 ppg) can be liabilities at the FT line (63% and 57%, respectively) in the late going. So TCU could end up being quite dependent upon 6-5 freshman Desmond Bane (5 of 11 triples first three rounds) and 6-6 sr. Brandon Parrish (7 of 15 treys) to connect from downtown under title-game pressure.

Rating: 2 Units

Truth be told, I was wishing these two didn’t draw one another in the semifinal, such is my respect for each. Especially the host Peacocks, who provided several point spread wins down the stretch thanks to their stingy defense, ranking sixth nationally in scoring allowance (just 61.1 ppg). But Saint Peter’s is often challenged offensively, usually forced to dump the ball on the blocks to rugged 6-8, 251-lb. PF Quadir Welton (top scorer at only 12 ppg) when needing a bucket, with the attack threatening to bog down completely if 6-2 George Washington transfer G Nick Griffin (43% triples) can’t find his stroke beyond the arc. Battle-tested Furman, whose 14-4 SU mark tied for first in the combative SoCon, has more offensive options, including the premier scorer in this matchup, 6-2 jr. G Devin Sibley (17.6 ppg; 52.4% FGs over the past 14 games), who gives the Paladins an edge when these teams need to find a go to scorer in the late going.

Rating: 2 Units

Like the Chants, the Cowboys were unblemished vs. the spread in the earlier rounds of the CBI at home, winning and covering vs. Eastern Washington, UMKC, and dangerous Utah Valley at the Arena-Auditorium, where Wyo has now won and covered 6 of its last 7 stretching back to Mountain West regular season action. The Cowboys have to be somewhat encouraged by their 81 points in Game One without much help from their high scorer, slithery 6-7 wing Justin James (16 ppg), normally a 47% FG shooter (46% treys), who was only 5-for-17 from the floor (just 1 of 7 triples) at Conway. At some point in this series, the Cowboys’ lengthy perimeter (including 6-7 James, 6-8 Hayden Dalton, and 6-5 Jason McManamen) figures to cause matchup problems for the smaller Coastal back court. Worst yet, the Chants are expected to be shorthanded, as sr. G Shivaughn Wiggins (10.3 ppg) missed Game One of the Finals with a knee problem, while spindly 6-5 sr. Colton Ray-St. Cyr (14 points; 4 of 5 treys in the opener) is done for the tourney with a knee injury of his own. Expect the Cowboy comeback to begin tonight in Laramie as Wyo evens the series.

Rating: 2 Units

The Knicks have had worse records in recent years, but that is faint praise for the continued dysfunctions this season. New York still doesn’t have a win streak longer than one game in calendar 2017, and now Joakim Noah’s 20-game suspension only adds to the woes in the first year of a four-year, $72 million contract that was looking ill-advised (to put it mildly) well before the suspension. Miami getting a real gift in its quest to make the playoffs with back-to-back games vs. Knicks. Would dismiss NY’s long-ago win at AA Arena on Dec. 6, back when Knicks were actually trying and before Heat took flight in mid-January. Though Miami had lost 3 of 4 entering the week, shooting only 30% from beyond arc, while Goran Dragic has shot 34 percent overall (with almost as many turnovers as assists) in that stretch. Heat made up for the bad shooting with 25 second-chance points in recent win over Phoenix, but needs to start making shots (and get Dion Waiters back to active duty) as Miami tries to hold onto the eighth and last playoff seed in the East.

Rating: 2 Units

Sandwiched around a couple of narrow Toronto wins this season over Charlotte was a startling 35-point Hornets blowout back on Jan. 20. Raptors have since avenged that loss and entered the week on a 5-game SU win streak (4-1 vs. line), all minus G Kyle Lowry, who remains sidelined with a bad wrist, as Dwane Casey’s bunch not giving up in quest for something better than a 4 seed in the East playoffs. The recent 5- game Toronto uptick featured its best stretch of defense (93.5 points allowed per 100 possessions) of the season. Though the rotation is much different (no Lowry, new faces, young guys getting time) than it has been previously, they’re still much better when they go to their bench. With the improved defense, depth and versatility, a healthy return by Lowry for the playoffs would make the Raps a team to watch in the postseason.

Rating: 2 Units

Atlanta has had no trouble with Philly this season, winning and covering handily (closest margin 17) in three earlier romps. Those, however, were all with PF Paul Millsap available, and since he’s out until the weekend at the earliest, must note Hawks were 0-8 SU in his absence, scoring 17 ppg fewer without him, into last night vs. the Suns. Atlanta (which also lost 7 in a row into last night vs. Phoenix) could see its depth further compromised with Thabo Sefolosha and Kent Bazemore also hurting. If Philly is to avenge the earlier results, it is catching the Hawks at the right time. Sixers, at 17-5 vs. points last 22 into last night vs. Nets, s0 there is a technical case to be made for Sixers.

Rating: 2 Units

Lots at stake here between the top contenders for the last West playoff berth. Thus, it’s extremely important for both sides, as Portland (which has won 2 of the first 3 vs. Denver) also gets the tiebreaker over the Nuggets with a win in this one. Blazers have hit overdrive the past couple of weeks with wins and covers in six of their last seven, as what was the league’s worst defense through December ranks seventh this month and has allowed less than a point per possession in 277 minutes with its two starting bigs--Noah Vonleh and Jusuf Nurkic--on the floor together since Nurkic arrived before the break. That upgraded defense has also resulted in four straight “unders” for Portland.

Rating: 2 Units

TCU has made a dramatic turnaround under first-year HC and alum Jamie Dixon, who led Pittsburgh to the Big Dance in 11 of his 13 seasons in the Steel City. Horned Frogs’ 6-11 Slovakian C Vladimir Brodziansky (13.8 ppg, 5.7 rpg) has developed into one of the top big men in the Big 12, while 6-1 jr. Alex Robinson (Texas A&M transfer) and 6-7 jr. F Kenrich Williams (he had the school’s first triple-double vs. Richmond!) provide steady scoring support. Additionally, 6-5 frosh G Desmon Bane (6.8 ppg) has been blossoming in the NIT, generating 13 points off the bench in each of the victories over Iowa & the Spiders. By the same token, UCF’s first-year mentor Johnny Dawkins has done a marvelous job in his debut in Orlando, leading the hard-nosed Knights to 24 victories after they won a total of only 37 games over the previous three campaigns. As the Stanford head honcho, Dawkins—who has gotten the Knights (with only seven scholarship players due to injuries/defections) to quickly buy into his philosophy of toughness and discipline—led the Cardinal to two NIT championships (2013 & 2015). I feel this should be a pick ’em game in the Big Apple, so I am suggesting “taking” with defensively-stifling, strong-boarding and surging UCF (allowing 67.2 ppg; a nation-leading 36.2% FGs; +8.8 rebounding margin, 6th nationally), which is 9-1 in its last 10 outings.

Rating: 2 Units

After being outgunned by Houston in a wild 2-OT shootout at Oakland on Dec. 1, Golden State returned the favor on Jan. 20 at Toyota Center when rolling by 17, as Kevin Durant scored 32 and James Harden was “held” to 17 points. K-D, of course, is out at least another week (or perhaps longer according to the latest reports from HC Steve Kerr) as he nurses his bad knee, but his unavailability has prompted one of the top “totals” streaks in the NBA this season, as the Warriors are “under” 15-1 their last 16, roughly coinciding with Durant’s absence. Golden State, which slumped a few weeks ago in its early stages minus Durant, now enters Toyota Center on a 7-game SU win streak.

Rating: 2 Units

Indiana has yet to lock down a spot in the East playoffs, but did at least enter the week in a postseason position. Now the Pacers are gifted a reeling Minnesota side that enters Bankers Life Field house on a 6-game SU and spread skid. What has gone wrong for the T-wolves, whose current losing streak is also the longest in the career of HC Tom Thibodeau? Blame a tough March schedule and a sagging defense that has allowed opponents to score 120 points per 100 possessions in the slump. Can Indiana take advantage? The Pacers had better, because their next five games are against teams currently with winning records, and Indiana is only 11-18 SU vs. those sorts this term. Nate McMillan also has bench issues at the moment with Al Jefferson and Rodney Stuckey both hurting. But Jeff Teague (20.8 ppg on 53% FGs the last four) is providing consistent production, Myles Turner had a couple of big games over the weekend, and their starting lineup has been solid (plus-9.7 points per 100 possessions) over the last 10 games.

Rating: 2 Units

First, some recognition is due to Bakersfield, this year’s regular-season champion of the WAC and last year’s winner of the WAC tourney. Three times a national champ at the Division II level in the 90s, the Roadrunners (as a 15-point dog) hung tough in earning a cover in last year’s NCAA tourney, falling 82-68 vs. eventual Final Four team Oklahoma in CSUB’s first try in the Big Dance. And the Roadrunners have been undaunted in winning three straight as a visitor (at Cal, Colorado State, UTArlington) to reach the Garden. Something good is happening with the team put together by Rod Barnes, a former HC at Ole Miss and Georgia State. Meanwhile, Georgia Tech found itself on the outside looking in when this year’s NCAA teams were called on Selection Sunday, watching all nine teams ahead of the Yellow Jackets in the ACC standings get the call to the Big Dance. While CSUB has been traveling for the entire NIT tournament, higher-seeded Tech was gifted with a pair of home games (Indiana, Belmont) before winning at Ole Miss in the quarterfinals to reach New York. The Yellow Jackets are only 3-11 in all games away from home this season despite the emergence of 6-5 blue-chipper Josh Okogie (16.1 ppg, 5.3 rpg) to go with well-seasoned, NBA bound 6-10 jr. C Ben Lammers (14.4 ppg, 9.3 rpg).

Rating: 2 Units

Teams split first two meetings along home court lines. Not long ago, Dallas did get Ok City by 15 at AA Center on March 5 when Russell Westbrook was “held” to 29 & 6. Which was a nice accomplishment by Mavs after Westbrook lit them up for 45 in Thunder’s 11-point win and cover at the Peake on Jan. 26. Ok City had won and covered five straight before running headfirst into Warriors on March 20, and Westbrook’s recent brilliance has put the West fifth seed in play for Ok City. After a six-game stretch in which he averaged 44.0 points but only 8 assists as the Thunder lost 4 of 6, jeopardizing his chances of finishing the season with a triple-double average, Westbrook tallied 26.6 ppg, 10.8 rpg and 14.4 apg during the five game winning streak. That sort of production can reverse this season’s series home trends.

Rating: 2 Units

These two played a classic double-OT game at the “Q” on Jan. 21 when the Spurs survived by 3. Kawhi Leonard was the star that night with 41 points, one of his staggering 25 games of 30+ points thru March 20. Even with Kevin Love back in the fold, not sure about backing Cavs in revenge role, considering they had covered just 4 of last 13 thru March 20 and are just 2-8 as road dog this term. It won’t matter in this game, but Cavs fans in Charlotte, Chicago, Boston, Atlanta and Miami all need to be aware that the games their favorite team is playing in those cities are part of four remaining back-to-backs for the champs (though maybe that Boston game will mean something in regard to the No. 1 seed in the East), and that several starters are likely to rest those nights, as was case March 18 vs. Clippers.

Rating: 2 Units

Double-revenge game for Toronto, which is chasing Boston for the Atlantic Division title and still hasn’t salted away the homecourt edge in the first round of the playoffs. The Raptors have played much-improved defense since the All-Star break, holding foes to 97.6 ppg in the 13 games since, compared with 104.3 ppg prior to that. Conversely, Orlando is playing it fast and loose, losing 5 of its last 6 through March 21 against the points while yielding 115 ppg. The Magic, who have no incentive to win games, might not have C Nikola Vucevic due to ankle and Achilles problems, and he’s been their leading scorer vs. the Raptors

Rating: 2 Units

After years of taking their lumps against the Lakers, Portland has completely turned the tables on the once-great L.A. franchise and has won 11 straight in the series (9-2 vs. the points). The young Laker backcourt has been hurt by Blazer Gs C.J. McCollum and Damian Lillard, who combined for 47 ppg in the first 3 meetings this season. McCollum shot 55% in those games, leading Portland to a 50.4% mark as a team. Los Angeles is yielding 118 ppg and 50% in its last 10 games.

Rating: 2 Units

Much has changed since Denver won at New Orleans way back in October, when the Nuggets scored a 107-102 upset despite a 50-point game by Pelican PF Anthony Davis. Since then the leading scorer for the Nuggets that night, Jusuf Nurkic, was traded to Portland, and the Pels have acquired DeMarcus Cousins. New Orleans PG Jrue Holiday missed that game as well, and he’s been on form lately, helping guide New Orleans to a 6-4 SU and 7-2-1 spread mark in the last 10 games prior to hosting Memphis Tuesday. Nuggets just 5-5 SU and vs. the points in their last 10 at the Pepsi Center through March 21.

Rating: 2 Units

The Boston Celtics are making the most of a critical late-season homestand and look to stay perfect in the stretch when they host the Miami Heat today. The Celtics weathered the storm of a 70-point performance by Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker in a 130-120 win Friday night, improving to 3-0 on their season-high six-game homestand. The streak has Boston one-half game behind first-place Cleveland in the Eastern Conference entering Saturday, but coach Brad Stevens wants a complete effort from his team after watching Booker make things interesting in the second half.

Rating: 2 Units

In this clash pitting two high-octane attacks, I have more faith that defensively-superior Kentucky (42.4% FGs allowed; 5.3 bpg) will come up with more critical stops in crunch time than offense-minded UNC, which allowed a different SEC foe, Arkansas, to find plenty of open looks until clamping down in the final 3 minutes in the Round of 32. The Wildcats’ budding 6-10 frosh C “Bam” Adebayo & battle-tested 6-9 sr. F Derek Willis can hold their own in the paint area with UNC’s more celebrated frontliners. So, look for UK to notch its 15th straight victory in Memphis, where mastermind John Calipari served as the Memphis head honcho for nine years before taking over in Lexington in 2009. When these two teams met in Las Vegas back on Dec. 17, the Cats’ Malik Monk had 47 and UK won. Monk has slowed a bit, but the Wildcats are much improved overall.

Rating: 2 Units

This is the rubber match between these SEC rivals, who split a pair of games this season, with the home side winning each. While SC was noted for its snarling defense for much of the season, its games have become faster-paced as the campaign has progressed, which did not help SC much in its 81-66 loss at Gainesville on Feb. 21. Which proved Florida can shift gears as needed, especially when soph G KeVaughn Allen (13.4 ppg, but 26 in that 15-point win) has located his shooting radar. Speaking of radar, the Gators didn’t even register on it from 3-point land in the first meeting at Columbia back on Jan 18, missing all 17 (!) triple attempts, but still losing by only 4. With the Gators maintaining their defensive intensity into late March, they have a Final Four look about them.

Rating: 2 Units

Atlanta has been a money-burner at Philips Arena since mid-November, logging an 8-21 spread mark in its last 29 at home. One of those non-covers was a 110-105 victory over Brooklyn a few weeks ago (March 8), when Net backup G Sean Kilpatrick came off the bench with 27 points. Kilpatrick might be down with a hanstring injury, but PG Jeremy Lin should be available (he said his ankle twist wasn’t serious). Hawks can’t count on PG Dennis Schroder scoring 31 points as he did to lead all scorers in first goaround. Note Atlanta’s 19-28 mark as chalk this season through March 21.

Rating: 2 Units

Portland won 8 of its last 10 through Monday to climb into the playoff conversation, just 1 game behind Denver for the final spot in the West. The Trail Blazers took the first meeting 95-89 behind an explosive 43-point game from G C.J. McCollum, winning in Minnesota without the services of star PG Damian Lillard. Lillard has since returned and is scoring 31 ppg and shooting 49% since the All-Star break. Minny is coming off a game last night in Los Angeles against the Lakers, and Timberwolves are just 2-19 SU and 6-14-1 vs. the spread at Portland the last few seasons.

Rating: 2 Units

The key matchup in this Elite Eight battle will likely be Oregon HC Dana Altman sticking his 6-7 ace Dillon Brooks on Bill Self’s versatile 6-8 frosh phenom Josh Jackson; Brooks gives the Ducks the sort of unique component to neutralize Jackson that most Kansas foes have not owned. Depth issues could arise for the Jayhawks in a short turnaround vs. a high-quality foe. And the KU defense will be stretched against the various inside and outside Oregon weaponry, which has continued to operate at a high level even minus key 6-10 F Chris Boucher.

Rating: 2 Units

The Toronto Raptors are doing just fine without star point guard Kyle Lowry, and they may be able to climb the standings in the Eastern Conference for his probable return in the playoffs. They will aim for their fifth straight win and potentially seize third place in the East when they visit the Dallas Mavericks today. Behind another monster effort from DeMar DeRozan - who has reached the 40-point mark in back-to-back games - Toronto rallied from 15 points down to grab a 101-84 win at Miami on Thursday. The triumph gave the Raptors a 10-5 record since Lowry was sidelined with a wrist injury at the All-Star break.

Rating: 2 Units

The San Antonio Spurs still have a chance to catch the Golden State Warriors for the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference but time is running out. The Spurs have little margin for error over the final 11 regular-season games and look to post their fourth consecutive victory when they host the New York Knicks today. San Antonio recorded a 97-90 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Thursday and coach Gregg Popovich was pleased with the 23-point performance by power forward LaMarcus Aldridge. The Knicks have dropped four straight games and nine of 11 after falling 110-95 to the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday.

Rating: 2 Unit

Xavier comes into his one after  stuffing Arizona following minor upsets of Maryland and Florida State to get to this West final vs. Gonzaga. The “Muskies” have stayed hot, and just might very well give the Bulldogs a run for their money in the fight to reach the Final Four. Basketball fans were well aware that the X-Men “knew how to play” before their late-season slump brought about by the loss of PG Edmond Sumner followed a little later by the ankle injury that bothered 6-6 wing Trevon Bluiett.  Please note that under Mark Few, with all of his tourney teams the last 17 years, the Zags have never made it to the Final Four. Xavier has just enough quickness outside and bangers inside to give Gonzaga a battle.

Rating: 2 Units

After L.A. took the first two meetings by handy margins, Utah turned the tables on the Clippers. The Jazz were leading the Northwest Division by 2½ games at the beginning of the last week, but hard-charging OKC is going to the whip in the stretch and putting pressure on them. The Jazz have PG George Hill, F Gordon Hayward and C Rudy Gobert all on the same page, but they might miss PF Derrick Favors matching up against Clip counterpart Blake Griffin. Also must note Utah’s 3-12 mark this season as a road dog.

Rating: 2 Units

These teams aren’t that far apart in the standings, but they are miles apart in terms of talent on hand. Since the All-Star break, Minnesota C Karl-Anthony Towns is averaging 29 ppg and 14 rpg, F Andrew Wiggins 22 ppg, and PG Ricky Rubio 16 ppg and 11 apg. Rubio has suddenly found his shooting touch, clicking on 48% of his attempts in his last 10 games through Monday night’s action. Minny likely to be on a 4-game losing streak after absorbing double-digit losses against Boston, Miami and New Orleans before hosting San Antonio Tuesday. The Lakers have lost 8 straight at Staples Center, covering only as larger home dogs. Hungry Timberwolves will add to that misery.

Rating: 4 Units

 Wisconsin is aiming for its third Final Four berth in the last four seasons. The Badgers became the only team in the nation to advance to four straight Sweet 16s when they upset No. 1 overall seed Villanova in the Round of 32 last weekend thanks to continued terrific play from Bronson Koenig. The Badgers have two key seniors with multiple Final Four experience in Koenig, who has drained 11 3-pointers en route to 45 points through two games of this event, and Nigel Hayes, who is averaging 17.5 points and nine boards through two NCAA contests. Ethan Happ, who notched at least 10 points and eight rebounds in five straight games, is another cause for concern for the Gators. 

Rating: 4 Units

Sure, surging Kentucky (on 13-game win skein) in its sixth Sweet 16 in eight years under HC John Calipari—is seeking to avenge its earlier 97-92 loss to UCLA, which ended the Wildcats’ 42-game home win streak. In that high-profile clash in early December, the balanced Bruins had six players score in DDs, while hitting a sizzling 53% from the field, compared to 41.2% for UK. It can be tough as nails and oh-so-rare to knock off Calipari twice in the same campaign. But prefer to support UCLA (third Sweet 16 in last 4 years), who lead the nation in scoring (90.3 ppg), FG percentage (51.9%), assists (21.5 pg) and assist-to-TO ratio. The Bruins have also been hustling more on the stop end (42% FGs allowed; 5.4 bpg; 11th nationally) down the stretch. Admittedly, the Wildcats’ defense is more “connected” after finally internalizing Coach Cal’s philosophy. Nevertheless, UK will once again have trouble slowing down the explosive Bruin attack now that sharp-shooting sr. G Bryce Alford has snapped out of his mini-slump by canning 4 of 11 from distance in his team’s 79-67 victory over defensively-sticky Cincinnati in the Round of 32. The same can’t be said for the Wildcats’ frosh sensation, 6-3 G Malik Monk, who has converted a rim-clanking 20 of 64 from the field (7 of 26 from deep) in his last six outings. The Wildcats’ gifted 6-10 frosh C “Bam” Adebayo has become a greater force in the paint area down the stretch. But UCLA also has been benefiting from more instrumental play supplied by unheralded 7-0 jr. C Thomas Welsh (10.8 ppg), who has scored 27 pts. along with 15 caroms so far in the Big Dance. Moreover, the finely-tuned Bruins have amassed 47 assists while committing a meager 9 TOs vs. gritty Kent State and the defense-oriented Bearcats. And, since the boys from Westwood have transcendent 6-6 frosh Lonzo Ball (considered the likely top lottery pick in the next NBA draft) and UK does not, believe the Wildcats, who narrowly escaped vs. Wichita State in the Round of 32, drop to 0-3 as an underdog their last 3 campaigns.

Rating: 2 Units

Philadelphia had covered 16 of its last 19 after getting the money at Orlando Monday, as Sixer PF Dario Saric has made a convincing case for being selected rookie of the year. Saric has averaged 20 pts. and 8 boards since the All-Star break, and Philly C Jahlil Okafor could be available after resting his sore knee for a few games. Chicago is just 22-31 as home chalk the last two seasons, while the Sixers are 10-4 this year as single-digit road dogs. The Bulls held sway in first two meetings this season, winning and covering at home and on the road, but G Dwyane Wade has since been declared out for the season, and he played an important role in earlier series victories (20 ppg, 57% vs. the Sixers). Sixers have lost 12 straight to the Bulls, but had covered 8 of last 9 road games this season prior to kicking off this road trip in Orlando Monday night.

Rating: 3 Units

This marks the fourth time in 14 seasons under Scott Drew that the Bears made it to the Sweet 16 and they've advanced to the Elite Eight twice with wins over Saint Mary's in 2010 and Xavier in 2012 while losing to No. 2 seed Wisconsin in 2014. Motley, a 6-10 junior forward who has played himself into NBA lottery consideration, leads the team in scoring (17.3) and led the Big 12 in rebounding (9.9), and had 19 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks in the Bears' 82-78 second-round victory over USC. Junior point guard Manu Lecomte (12.3) is the only other player averaging in double figures but 7-0 junior forward Jo Lual-Acuil Jr., who averages 9.1 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.5 blocks, and junior guard Al Freeman, who had 21 points in the team's 91-73 first-round victory over New Mexico State, have also been impact performers. Baylor is 9-1 against SEC teams since the 2012-13 season, including two wins over South Carolina.

Rating: 2 Units

Have the utmost respect for talent-rich UNC and likeable, 14-year mentor Roy Williams, who’s making his 18th trip to the Sweet 16, dating back to his time at Kansas. But it is somewhat troubling that the board-crashing, unselfish Tar Heels (who lead the nation in rebounding margin; 2nd in apg)—spearheaded up front by 6-10 sr. C Kennedy Meeks and versatile 6-8 jr. Justin Jackson—nearly blew a DD lead in their harrowing 72-65 victory over Arkansas in the second round, needing a 12-0 run over the final 3 minutes to knock off the Razorbacks. While we expect UNC’s key G Joel Berry II (ankle injury; 3 of 21 from the field in the Dance) to be more effective with extra time to heal, still recommend grabbing 7½ pts. (line at TGS presstime) with tough-minded Butler, back in the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2011. There will be no “intimidation factor” vs. the undaunted, smartly-coached Bulldogs, who defeated loaded, Sweet 16 team Arizona in the Las Vegas Invitational in late November, as well as prevailing twice vs. LY’s national champ Villanova, plus another Sweet 16 squad (Xavier) in the reg.-season, before losing to the Musketeers in the Big East tourney.  Moreover, UNC won’t easily unleash its devastating transition game vs. methodical, tempo-controlling, mistake-minimizing Butler, owning a solid 3.2 TO margin (21st nationally). Don’t see the bruising Tar Heels, who thrive on the offensive glass, getting a plethora of second-chance opportunities vs. the Bulldogs’ industrious inside duo of 6-8 jr. F Tyler Wideman & 6-7 jr. F Andrew Chrabascz, who’ve faced a string of high-quality bigs in the Big East. In addition, the Butler attack has displayed more punch after savvy 3rd-year HC Chris Holtmann decided to bring top scorer 6-7 jr. Kelan Martin (16.1 ppg) and Kamar Baldwin (10.1 ppg) off the bench.  Fundamentally, look for 6-3 jr. Bulldog defensive stopper G Kethan Savage, who stifled Middle Tennessee star G Giddy Potts (0 for 8 from the field) in the Round of 32, to be a virtual savage vs. UNC’s go-to G Joel Berry II. And envision an inspired effort from the Bulldogs’ integral 6-2 sr. G Avery Woodson, who played two years at Memphis before transferring to Indianapolis. The resolute, deep Bulldogs are 6-1-1 their last 8 as an underdog, and they have endured only one DD loss all season. 

Rating: 3 Units

The Musketeers struggled initially after point guard Edmond Sumner tore an ACL on Jan. 30, but junior guard Trevon Bluiett sparked the team’s postseason surge by averaging 25 points on 51.7 percent shooting in the NCAA Tournament. After knocking off two higher seeds in the first two rounds, Xavier aims for another upset in today’s Sweet 16 as the 11th-seeded Musketeers face No. 2 Arizona in an NCAA Tournament West Region matchup in San Jose, Calif. Xavier is back in the regional semifinals for the second time in three years following victories over Maryland and Florida State.

Rating: 2 Units

For those who were thinking the Big Ten might not have a team escape the sub-regionals (and count me among the doubters), Purdue is one of three league reps still alive into the Sweet 16. In the Boilermakers’ case, erasing the bad taste left over from last year’s stunning first-round exit, courtesy of Little Rock. More recently, there’s also some redemption for the Boilers’ early exit at the Big Ten Tourney, which might have temporarily gotten the masses off Purdue’s scent last week in Milwaukee, where the Riveters eased past Vermont and then outscored one of the nation’s hottest teams (Iowa State) to survive and advance. But the ride likely ends today at the Sprint Center, where Kansas will have a near-home court edge. Though the KC venue did not help the Jayhawks in the recent Big 12 Tourney, when they were KO’d in their first game by upset minded TCU. Bill Self’s bunch, however, had a legit excuse vs. the Horned Frogs, as 6-8 star frosh Josh Jackson (16.6 ppg) was out due to suspension. Jackson was back in action at the sub-regionals in Tulsa, looking as good as ever, especially when scoring 23 in KU’s 90-70 second-round romp past capable Michigan State.

Rating: 4 Units

Top-seeded Gonzaga looks for its third trip to the Elite Eight when it faces pressure-based West Virginia in today's NCAA Tournament West Region Sweet 16 contest at San Jose, Calif. Ball-handling will be of utmost importance for the Bulldogs when they face the fourth-seeded Mountaineers, who are the national leaders in turnovers forced at 20.1 per game. West Virginia's relentless approach is known as "Press Virginia" and the squad said it feels overlooked despite the school reaching the Sweet 16 for the fourth time in 10 seasons under coach Bob Huggins

Rating: 4 Units

Tyler Dorsey continued his recent tear as he poured in 27 points, including the go-ahead 3-pointer with 38.4 seconds remaining, in the comeback win against Rhode Island. Brooks scored 19 points and pulled down seven rebounds to become the Ducks' all-time leader in NCAA Tournament scoring with 123 points as he passed Joseph Young (105) and Elgin Cook (117). Jordan Bell secured a game-high 12 rebounds as the Ducks erased an 11-point deficit in the second half and matched a program record for most wins in a season.

Rating: 4 Units

None of the current UCLA players likely remember when the Bruins knocked off the top-seeded Bearcats in double-overtime to reach the Sweet Sixteen in 2002, but the Bruins probably learned a lot about it during their off day. Like that day when Dan Gadzuric dominated the middle, Jason Kapono was sharp from outside and freshman point guard Cedric Bozeman ran the offense smoothly and efficiently, UCLA will need 6-10 freshman T.J. Leaf to be the best post player on both teams, Bryce Alford to shoot a high percentage from outside and Ball to distribute the ball well. A player the Bearcats may have trouble matching against is 7-foot forward Thomas Welch, who should find room to implement his dangerous mid-range game.

Rating: 4 Units

The Gamecocks were somewhat of an afterthought after losing five of their last seven leading up to the event, but they used a dominant second half to rout Marquette 93-73 on Friday for their first NCAA Tournament win since 1973. They also figure to have something of a home-court advantage playing at Bon Secours Wellness Arena, although the Blue Devils say they relish the thought of a hostile environment.Duke's Mike Krzyzewski has made an NCAA-record 23 trips to the Sweet 16 as a coach. The Blue Devils rank third in 3-point defense, holding opponents to 29.2 percent

Rating: 3 Units

Trojans have been the feel-good story of the tournament so far, coming back from 17 down to defeat Providence, 75-71, in a First Four game on Wednesday night and then rallying from a 12-point second half deficit to edge sixth-seeded SMU, 66-65, on Friday afternoon. It was the 13th time that USC had a double-digit comeback win this season, the most such victories in Division I. USC's 26 wins are a school record, surpassing the previous mark of 25 set in 2007.

Rating: 3 Units

Oregon dominated the paint against the smaller Gaels but faces a tougher test against Rhode Island, which led from start to finish in Friday’s 84-72 upset of No. 6 seed Creighton.  Freshman guard Jeff Dowtin scored a career-high 23 points against Creighton and senior forward Kuran Iverson added 17 as the Rams recorded their ninth straight victory and first in the NCAA Tournament since 1998. Forward Hassan Martin registered a double-double and helped limit Creighton big man Justin Patton to eight points on 3-of-12 shooting. Junior guard E.C. Matthews averages 14.9 points to lead the Rams, who finished tied for third in the Atlantic 10 Conference regular season but earned an automatic bid after winning three games in three days in Pittsburgh.

Rating: 2 Units

San Antonio hasn’t lost to Sacto in a few years, but isn’t exactly running roughshod over the Kings this season, either, as Spurs have failed to cover any of the first three meetings. That includes March 8 at Verizon Center after departure of Boogie Cousins, when Coach Pop’s bunch had to rally from 37-15 after 1st Q (largest 1st-Q deficit in S.A. history!) and down 28 in 2nd Q before finally collaring Sacto in late going. Kawhi Leonard and LaMarcus Aldridge were rested that night, but Aldridge’s absence will now continue indefinitely as he undergoes a battery of tests for heart arrhythmia that could keep him out an extended period. Not greatly interested in laying another inflated price with Spurs, who had dropped six straight vs. line before being gifted with a shorthanded Golden State team on March 11. Though S.A. was effectively tied with Warriors for top playoff seed entering the week, Spurs have been winning a lot of close games lately. Not too keen to lay this sort of price.

Rating: 3 Units

North Carolina has unfinished business in the NCAA Tournament, but the next step for the top-seeded Tar Heels is Sunday's encounter with eighth-seeded Arkansas in Greenville, S.C. The Razorbacks advanced to the second round in the South Region with a close win over Seton Hall, while the Tar Heels cruised in their tournament opener. Justin Jackson was the story for North Carolina on Friday, posting 21 points on 8-of-13 shooting (5-of-8 from the arc) in a much-needed performance for the ACC Player of the Year. The junior had shot 7-of-31 from the arc during a four-game shooting slump and also pulled down seven rebounds in the Round of 64 - his highest total in two months. This is the sixth meeting in the NCAA Tournament between the teams. Both of the Razorbacks' last two NCAA Tournament exits came at the hands of the Tar Heels (2008, 2015).

Rating: 2 Units

Miami’s surge is almost becoming ‘72 Dolphins like, as Heat now 21-5 SU and 22-4 vs. line in last 26 thru March 14. Last Sunday’s close loss (but cover) at Indiana was the first time in that 26-game span that the SU and spread winners were different in a Miami game. Speaking of different, it is not the same Heat as the floundering version that lost by 7 at Portland way back on December 3, though remember that underrated Miami defense kept Damian Lillard & C.J. McCollum mostly in check that night, limiting them to combined 13 for 37 from floor. Both teams in pitched battles to squeeze into the back end of their respective conference playoff slots, though tech case more persuasive against Blazers, just 7-15 as road dog into March 14 at New Orleans

Rating: 2 Units

Just in the nick of time, Detroit looks to be developing a beachhead in East playoff chase, winning and covering 4 of last 5 through March 11 win over Knicks to hold the seventh slot in the traffic jam into this week for the final conference postseason invitations. Stan Van Gundy’s experiment with Tobias Harris as the sixth man also seems to have ended after Harris scored 23 points in the first half alone of that recent win over New York. Don’t want to completely dismiss improving Phoenix, whose 5-1 spread uptick was finally slowed in March 12 loss vs. desperate Portland. But also like long range revenge angle, as Pistons not likely to shoot a sickly 36% from the floor as was the case in their 7-point loss in the desert way back on November 7.

Rating: 4 Units

In addition to owning far and away the Missouri Valley Conference's top scoring offense (81.5 points), the Shockers boast the conference's top marks in field-goal percentage defense (37.6 - fourth in the nation), 3-point percentage defense (30.9 - 17th) and rebounding margin (plus-9.2 - third). Leading scorers Markis McDuffie (11.7 points) and freshman guard Landry Shamet (11.2) shot a combined 4-of-17 against Dayton but received plenty of help from Zach Brown (12 points, 3-of-3 from beyond the arc) and Rashard Kelly (eight, career-high 11 rebounds). Shamet has connected on a 3-pointer in 24 consecutive games and made a freshman school-record 70 on the season, while Conner Frankamp has recorded at least one in 21 straight contests and leads the team with 71.  A victory on Sunday by Wichita State, which is tied with Drake at 1,202 wins, will make it the winningest program in MVC history.

Rating: 2 Units

Philly still covering numbers (three straight after win over Lakers on March 12, improving spread mark to 12-3 last 15 prior to last Tuesday at Golden State), which Sixers have done on all three occasions this season vs. Boston, despite losing all of those SU vs. Celtics. That includes most-recent meeting on Feb. 15 at TD Garden, when Philly used 22 points from improving 6-10 Euro rookie import Dario Saric to stay within earshot. Still, Sixer technical case not airtight despite 23-8 home dog mark, as Boston a solid 23-13 vs. line on road into March 17 at Brooklyn, and Celtics still very much in a scrap with the East elite for the top four conference playoff seeds, all still up in the air into mid-March.  

Rating: 4 Units

Senior center Mangok Mathiang matched his career high with 18 points to go along with five rebounds in the win against Jacksonville State. Sophomore forward Deng Adel scored 16 points in his first NCAA Tournament appearance after the Cardinals missed last season's tournament due to a postseason ban, while Quentin Snider added 16 points and five assists against the Gamecocks. Donovan Mitchell shrugged off a 3-for-15 performance from the field in his first tournament appearance by grabbing a career-high 10 rebounds as Louisville finished with 16 offensive boards. Louisville has won all three meetings with Michigan.

Rating: 2 Units

Golden State had lost 5 of its last 7 SU prior to starting this 3-game homestand vs. Philly and Orlando. That tailspin, which not coincidentally corresponds almost directly to the injury to allstar F Kevin Durant, has the Warriors in danger of losing the top seed in the West. Golden State needed every one of Durant’s 33 points to hold on for a 124-121 victory at Milwaukee on Nov. 19. Golden State was 1-9 vs. the number last 10 through March 13. Still, would rather lay reasonable number than count on Buck side that’s 8-14 as a road dog.

Rating: 4 Units

A contrast in styles figures to make for an intriguing second-round NCAA Tournament Midwest Region matchup tonight when Iowa State takes on Purdue in Milwaukee. The fifth-seeded Cyclones feature a high-scoring four-guard attack while the fourth-seeded Boilermakers boast one of the nation’s most-imposing front lines, led by national player of the year-candidate Caleb Swanigan.  The 6-9, 250-pound Swanigan totaled 16 points, 14 rebounds, four assists and a trio of blocked shots in Thursday’s 80-70 first-round win over Vermont while fellow forward Vince Edwards added a game-high 21 points - with 15 coming in the second half. Swanigan, Edwards and a 7-2 Isaac Haas combined for 25 of Purdue’s 38 rebounds as the Boilermakers finished a plus-10 on the glass and overwhelmed the Catamounts in the paint.

Rating: 2 Units

Utah F Gordon Hayward had an unusually poor shooting night (3 of 15) and was held to just 8 pts. back on Nov. 17 when these two first met this season. Look for the Jazz to turn the tables on Chicago this time around. Utah is 8-4 SU in its last 12 road games, and the Jazz have regained the services of PG George Hill after a brief absence. Chicago played in Washington last night, and the Bulls are just 1-4 this season vs. the number at home in 2nd of back-to-back games.

Rating: 3 Units

Florida and Virginia meet Saturday in the second round of the NCAA Tournament’s East Region in Orlando, Fla. in a matchup of two power-five conference teams are excellent defensively. Both squads will look for better performances after the fourth-seeded Gators shook off a sluggish first half to pull away from East Tennessee State and the fifth-seeded Cavaliers actually relied on their offense to hold off UNC-Wilmington. Virginia, which leads the nation in scoring defense, shot 51 percent and received a career-high 23 points off the bench from Marial Shayok in the five-point victory.  Florida, which came into the tournament averaging 9.5 turnovers (third in the nation), committed eight in the first half.

Rating: 2 Units

Cleveland will well remember Clippers sailing to a 113-94 victory at Quicken Loans Arena back on Dec. 1. LeBron James made just 5 of 14 shots and only 6 of 11 FTs, while the Clipper Bench out scored the Cav reserves 46-28. Cleveland is feeling heat from Boston and Washington in the East, and it’s imperative that the Cavs have a successful road trip. This 4-game swing starts with a victory over Los Angeles.

Rating: 3 Units

Arizona forward Lauri Markkanen had 20 points and six rebounds in Thursday’s 100-82 win over No. 15 seed North Dakota as the Wildcats dominated the paint and shot 58 percent from the field. The 7-foot freshman averaged 20 points to lead Arizona to the Pac-12 tournament title but faces a tough matchup Saturday against Saint Mary’s 6-11 center Jock Landale, who averages 16.2 points along with 9.2 rebounds and recorded his 16th double-double of the season in the win over VCU. Landale will need to avoid foul trouble against a formidable Arizona frontline that includes 7-foot center Dusan Ristic, who had 12 points on 5-of-10 shooting against North Dakota. Arizona averages 76.9 points

Rating: 4 Units

A decade ago, Butler began establishing itself as one of the gold standards for mid-major basketball programs. Relative unknown Middle Tennessee, a 12th seed which is coming off a first-round upset in the NCAA Tournament for the second straight season, will be looking to take another step toward that end when the Blue Raiders tangle with the fourth-seeded Bulldogs in the second round of the South Region today in Milwaukee. Middle Tennessee, which led by as many as 17 in Thursday’s 81-72 triumph over fifth-seeded Minnesota, beat Michigan State in the first round last season as a No. 15 seed before falling to Syracuse. The Blue Raiders, who have already set a school record for wins (31), have won 20 of their last 21 games and have wins this season over SEC schools Ole Miss and Vanderbilt.

Rating: 3 Units

The Seminoles need to cut down on the 16 turnovers they committed against Florida Gulf Coast, but their offensive potential was on full display. Star guard Dwayne Bacon (17.1 points) scored 25 points against the Eagles while freshman forward Jonathan Isaac (12.1, 7.7 rebounds) recorded 17, 10 rebounds, five assists, three blocks and two steals. The Seminoles also blocked nine shots and got double-digit scoring from point guard Xavier Rathan-Mayes (10.4 points, 4.9 assists) and wing Terance Mann (8.6, 4.7 rebounds), but they will face a tougher defensive opponent in the Musketeers. With a win, the Seminoles would tie the school record for wins set in 1971-72, when they advanced to the NCAA Tournament championship game.

Rating: 4 Units

Villanova opened its title defense with a 20-point win against Mount St. Mary's in which the team overcame a dreadful start, missing its first eight shots and not taking a lead until 2:33 remained in the first half.  The Wildcats likely can't afford another slow start against a Badgers team that topped Virginia Tech on Thursday behind Bronson Koenig and Nigel Hayes, two seniors with a pair of Final Fours on their resume.

Rating: 2 Units

Houston faced the “twin towers” version of New Orleans on Feb. 23 and wasn’t impressed. The Rockets scored a 129-99 blowout victory in C DeMarcus Cousins’ debut with the Pelicans. N.O. has begun to adjust to the changes since then, however, as the Pels had a 4-1-1 spread record in their last 6 through. Cousins and F Anthony Davis have combined for 46 ppg and 23 rpg in their last 5 through March 13, and PG Jrue Holiday has dished 8 apg in that span (a bit above his seasonal avg.). The addition of NBA vet G Jordan Crawford on a 10-day deal appears a coup for the Pelicans, as he scored 16 ppg and shot 56% on his threes in his first 3 games.

Rating: 2 Units

Detroit has been making the most of home court the last six weeks, covering 10 of 12 at the Palace prior to hosting Utah Wednesday. Pistons have held foes to 99 ppg at home, and top scorer F Tobias Harris didn’t appear to be hampered by a sore knee in scoring a season-high 28 pts. vs. New York Saturday. Toronto has hit a bit of a swoon, dropping 3 of 4 SU and vs. the points prior to hosting Dallas Monday, as absence of G Kyle Lowry might’ve begun to take a toll. Raptor star DeMar DeRozan has been held to 20 ppg and 40.7% in his last 5 games, and F DeMarre Carroll missed action recently with a sore ankle.

Rating: 2 Units

I have a healthy respect for tough-minded, astutely-coached Dayton (7), boasting a topflight senior backcourt duo in 6-2 Scoochie Smith (13.5 ppg, 4.4 apg) and 6-5 Charles Cooke (16.2 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 3.0 apg). But, while the Flyers were 3-0-1 as an underdog this year, I still prefer to lay a fair price with Missouri Valley juggernaut Wichita State, which made it to the Final Four in 2013 under mastermind Gregg Marshall. The strong boarding Shockers (5th nationally in rebounding margin), spearheaded by remarkably-poised frosh PG Landry Shamet (11.3 ppg, 3.3 apg) and hard working 6-8 soph F Markis McDuffie (11.6 ppg, 5.8 rpg), are riding a 15-game win skein, admittedly in a down year for the MVC. But proven motivator Marshall who defeated Arizona’s Sean Miller, the brother of UD head honcho Archie Miller in LY’s opening round (after Wichita beat Vandy in a play-in)—will use his team’s perceived low seeding as extra-incentive in Indianapolis. The Flyers are not exactly entering the Big Dance exuding confidence, having been knocked off as a No. 1 seed in the first round of the A-10 tourney by Davidson. Undeterred from laying around 3 hoops, since the d-e-e-e-p Shockers have won by more than 6 points in 29 of their 30 victories TY!

Rating: 2 Units

Chicago took first meeting vs. Washington, but that was back on Nov. 12, before Washington put things together and went 34-8 from Dec. 8 through March 12. The Wizards  won the next two against the Bulls, although Chicago covered at the Verizon Center on Jan. 10. Washington has cooled off at home in the last month, covering only 3 of last 9 as host prior to facing Dallas Wednesday after ripping to a 14-1 spread mark in previous 15. Still, the Bulls had dropped 5 in a row SU and against the point spread through Sunday, scoring just 90 ppg and shooting 40.7%. Trust Wizard team that’s caught Boston and is breathing down Cleveland’s neck for the top spot in the East a bit more at this stage.

Rating: 2 Units

Return to action of C Jahlil Okafor and sizzling shooting of rookie PF Dario Saric sparked three straight covers for Philly, including a SU road win at the Lakers through. The Sixers have had a few days off since visiting Golden State on Tuesday. This will be Dallas’ first game as a road favorite this season; so must give considerable weight to Philly’s remarkable 23-8 home dog mark.

Rating: 2 Units

It took a while for Rhody (11) to hit stride. But the Rams enter the Dance as one of the nation’s hottest teams after storming thru the A-10 Tourney to avoid sweating out an at-large bid, extending their late-season surge to eight victories in a row...all in must-win mode. Which didn’t surprise a lot of regional observers, who are quick to remind that the Rams were picked in the Top 25 in some preseason polls. With at least three players (F Hassan Martin, G Jared Terrell, and F Kuran Iverson) who are going to be paid to play in the near future, Rhody is not to be overlooked. We can, however, do just that with a Creighton (6) side that has been floundering ever since key PG Mo Watson, Jr., the nation’s leading assist man (8.5 pg) midway thru the season, went down with a knee injury in mid-January. Since then, the Bluejays are 7-8 SU, using a committee approach at the point, including frosh Davion Mintz, keeping the offense functional at times, but nowhere near as efficient as it was when Watson was controlling traffic (Creighton was 18-1 SU when Watson went down). Over the past six weeks, the Rams have appeared to be the better team, and they can continue their recent momentum into the second round.

Rating: 2 Units

There could have been worse opening-round matchups for Oregon (2) than go-go Iona (14), once again sporting an 80 ppg offense that only knows how to play at fast speed. Though the Gaels go uptempo a bit differently these days, with their first option being 6-8 PF Jordan Washington (17.9 ppg) on the blocks before a squadron of bombardiers, led by Fordham transfer G Jon Severe, lets fly from long range, where the Gaels hit at a 40% clip. Even though Dana Altman prefers a more moderate tempo and execution in halfcourt sets for this Duck edition, small-ball teams such as Iona that also don’t feature much defense (the Gaels rank 272nd in points allowed) can play right into Oregon’s wheelhouse, allowing the various Webfoot weapons such as 6-7 wing Dillon Brooks (16 ppg) to become quickly involved offensively. And when the traffic lanes open up, 6-2 Ducks’ frosh facilitator Payton Pritchard can gladly provide service to a variety of options. We’ll eventually see how UO is impacted by the loss of key 6-10 F Chris Boucher (out with a knee injury), but his absence shouldn’t hurt much vs. this smaller Metro-Atlantic rep.

Rating: 2 Units

Arkansas (8) excited to be back in the Big Dance after its 16-16 season of 2015-16. And while the offensive-minded Razorbacks got on a hot streak down the stretch prior to their 82-67 blowout loss to Kentucky in the SEC title game, believe U of A makes an early exit in Greenville. Have faith that tough-minded, defensive-oriented Seton Hall (9), ranking 38th nationally in defensive efficiency, is primed to advance after its 66-52 setback to Gonzaga in the first round last season. The percolating Pirates nearly upset mighty Villanova in their spread-covering 55-53 loss to the Wildcats in the semifinals of the Big East tourney over the weekend. The Hall is benefiting from strong bench play provided by blossoming 6-2 frosh G Myles Powell (10.5 ppg). And the Pirates own the game’s most versatile performer in 6-4 jr. G Khadeem Carrington (17.0 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 3.3 apg), who works well in tandem with industrious 6-2 sr. G Madison Jones (5.5 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 3.3 apg). Plus, SH’s double-double machine, 6-10 jr. Angel Delgado (15.7 ppg, 13.1 rpg to lead the country) figures to overshadow the Razorbacks’ somewhaterratic 6-10 jr. F Moses Kingsley (12.0 ppg, 7.8), who was M.I.A. in the SEC title game.

Rating: 2 Units

I'm testing a couple theories...and gulping as I do it...such is my respect for Michigan (7) and shrewd HC John Beilein, one of my favorites and one with plenty of successes and spread covers in post seasons past. But I wonder how much energy Michigan had to use in winning four games in as many days at last week’s Big Ten Tourney in Washington after the Wolverines’ plane skidded off the runway as the team initially prepared to leave for D.C. Meanwhile, OSU (10), with its at-large bid secured, was not too bothered by an early exit, courtesy Iowa State, in the Big 12 Tourney, allowing the Cowboys some extra rest after a recent 10-1 SU surge that put Oklahoma State in position to earn a call from the Selection Committee. That OSU also made its move in the rugged Big 12 (tougher, we believe, than this year’s Big Ten), winning five times on the road in that treacherous loop, and that first-year HC Brad Underwood is already a proven March commodity by virtue of his magic woven last year at SF Austin, gives the Cowboys plenty of their own credentials. Fundamentals don’t appear to provide an edge either way, with both teams generating most of their offense from the backcourt (the Derrick Walton, Jr.-Jawun Evans matchup should be a doozy). I will side with a few factors I believe favor dangerous OSU in what might be one of the better games of the opening round.

Rating: 2 Units

Kevin Durant was still in the frame for the Warriors when they won by 20 at Amway Center on Jan. 22. Though the game wasn’t quite as easy as the scoreline looked, as Orlando was ahead until early in the 3rd Q when Golden State went on a 42-19 run to seal the outcome. Those sorts of spurts aren’t happening lately, however, for the Durant-less Warriors, who had covered just one of their last ten into Tuesday’s game vs. Philly, with the resultant offensive dropoff resulting in 8-1 “under” mark last seven thru March 13. Orlando not helpless and has covered 7 of 9 as a road dog of more than 9 points.  This game could get very interesting in the Magic's, especially since the price floated into the teens.