5*Indiana Pacers -2

The Pacers play much better at home which is evident of a plus +4.5 point differential at Bankers Life Fieldhouse while the Nuggets are minus - 3.1 on the road. Denver is coming off a big emotional win against the Cavs. Lets not forget, Denver crushed Indiana 140-112 at home on Jan. 12 while shooting 57.8 percent from the floor. The Nuggets are 14-31 straight-up after an upset win as an underdog over the past three seasons, including 3-9 this year. Take the hungry host!

5*Oregon Ducks +1.5

Wow! I thought this game would be closer to a pick em. I will gladly take the generous 1.5 points in this upset maker.

4*Rhode Island +5.5

4*Wichita State +5

5*Purdue +1

I like this Purdue team which should enjoy a healthy rebounding edge, and they are much more consistent at the FT stripe which is key in these type of games. Take the Boilermakers to advance to the sweet 16!

5*New Mexico State +12.5

The Aggies are a real College Basketball team that can score and rebound with the best of them. Baylor has been inconsistent at times throughout the season. I have the Bears favored by 10 points so lets take the generous 12.5 points in this matchup.

4*Bucknell +14

5*Princeton +7

I try to keep it simple when handicapping the tournament. I really like teams getting points that tend to play lower scoring games by being methodical. The Tigers certainly do that and should feel right at home playing in Buffalo. Princeton last appeared in the Big Dance back in 2010, losing to Kentucky by just two points as 12-point underdogs. I have Notre Dame as 5.5-point chalk so I will trust my numbers in this game and go with the underdog. Upset Alert!

4*New Orleans Pelicans -2.5

The Pelicans will be playing with two days rest while the T-Blazers will be playing its third game in four days. Portland has a big game against the Spurs on deck. Portland will have a hard time matching up with Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins. The ladder has average 38.7 points and 10.3 rebounds in three games against Portland earlier this season as a member of the Kings. Take the host!

4*Ohio U -2.5

4*TCU  PK

4*Iowa State -2.5

4*Virginia Tech +1.5

5*TCU Horned Frogs +5

TCU hasn't shot the ball particularly well of late and should get a nice boost at home against a ranked team. The Horned Frogs are 5-2 revenging a road loss this season while WV is only 2-7 ATS on Saturday this year. TCU is hell bent on defeating a highly-ranked team. The Mountaineers have a much bigger game on deck against Baylor. TCU is 13-4 SU at home and 35-19 SU in all home games over the past three seasons. Take the hungry host!

4*Syracuse +4

4*Houston U +2

4*Vanderbilt -3.5

5*USC +3.5

The Trojans shot just 31% while committing a season-high 17 turnovers in losing to Oregon on December 30th by 23 points. Now in the rematch, the line is "only" 3.5 points mostly because the Ducks have won 10 straight in the series, while covering six of those tilts. The public will be all over Oregon. It's a trap line in my opinion. USC is playing its best basketball of the season and should be super focused in this spot. Take the hungry host! 

4*Indiana Pacers -4

3*Philadelphia +2.5

4*Milwaukee Bucks +5.5

The Bucks committed 18 turnovers when these teams met less than a week ago in Houston. I think Milwaukee matches up well and should be sharper here at home. Houston has played four more games than the Bucks so far this season. Take the hungry host.

4*Detroit Pistons +2.5

4*Illinois Chicago -4.5

4*Rutgers +6.5

4*Dallas Mavericks +1.5

4*Utah Jazz -5.5

4*Detroit +7

4*New York Knicks +3.5

4*Memphis Grizzlies +6

4*Minnesota Timberwolves +2

The T-Wolves should be one of the most improved teams in the NBA this season. They have good size, lots of team speed and a plethora of emerging young talent, namely Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins. Both players should be All-Stars this year. Towns has a chance to be really special. I love the addition of head coach Tom Thibodeau, who will surely improve the defense while commanding respect in the Locker room. This team wants to start fast for their new coach and president of basketball operations. Take the road dog in this one!

5*Cleveland Cavaliers +6

The Cavs should be extremely motivated in this first game after blowing a 2-1 series lead in last year's NBA Finals. I also think they are a better team over last year's unit. They are healthy. This is the same point spread as last year's opening game when Golden State won by 8 in overtime. Cleveland is playing at another level from what they showed during most of the season. They are making almost 4 more three-pointers in the playoffs compared to the regular season. LeBron James and company seem to have a huge "chip" on their shoulders after most experts are already handing the Championship to Golden State. The Cavs have played three fewer playoff games. That's huge considering the Warriors will have just two days to get ready. The Warriors are coming off a hard-fought seven game series, while the Cavs are fresh and ready to go. I think the Cavs learned a lot from last year's finals. Cleveland wins the series in six or seven.

4*Oklahoma City Thunder +1.5

4*Toronto Raptors +5.5

4*Oklahoma City Thunder +2.5

5*Toronto Raptors -4.5

I think the Raptors back court will shoot much better in this game. Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan were a combined 12-of-32 in Tuesday's overtime loss. Both players got in some extra shooting practice which should help. The Heat are hobbled as Hassan Whiteside and Dwyane Wade received treatment for their ailing knees. Only one day off should benefit the home team. Lets not forget the Heat are coming off an emotional game one win. Wade himself said "we actually had to win the game twice." I think the home team pulls away in the second half and wins comfortably.

4*Indiana Pacers +1.5

The Pacers return home after losing game two by 11 points. Role players perform much better at home. Indiana has a +4 point differential at home while the Raptors are +2 on the road. Toronto has played just eight games with two days of rest this season. They have gone 5-3 SU in those games. The Pacers have played 14 games with two days of rest. Indiana went 10-4 SU in those games. I think two days off helps the Pacers a lot. I like the home team in this spot.

4*Houston Rockets +13.5

The Rockets were eliminated by the Warriors in last years playoffs and should be extra focused in this first game. I don't expect the Rockets to win more than one game in this series, but they have more talent than your typical No. 8 seed. The Warriors exerted a lot of energy down the stretch and I see a closer game than most people believe after their record-setting 73-win performance. The oddsmakers have been inflating Golden State lines and this game is no different. The Warriors are just 14-18 ATS in their last 32 games. The Rockets are 28-11 ATS when playing with 2 days of rest over the last three seasons. Golden State by only 9! 

3*Villanova +3

I believe the Wildcats' run to the championship game has been more impressive as Miami, Kansas and Oklahoma were all power rated among the top 15 nationally and seeded No. 3 or higher. The Tar Heels had an easier go of it by drawing no opponent better than a No. 5 seed. North Carolina hasn't faced a top-level defense in this tourney. Indiana, Notre Dame and Syracuse do not boast elite-level stop units like Villanova. North Carolina has a lot of size up front. This should be a close game that goes down to the wire. Small play on the underdog!

5*Villanova -2

The public will look at their previous encounter when Oklahoma crushed Villanova 78-55 and say this one is easy. Not so fast. That game was back in December. The difference in the first meeting was 3-point shooting. OU was 14-of-26 (53.8%) while Villanova went 4-of-32 (12.5%). This game is being played at NRG stadium in Houston. I expect the Sooners to struggle a bit behind the arc in a very tough venue for long distance shooting. I believe stadium style venues are difficult for teams that rely heavily on outside shooting, basically from one player (Buddy Hield). The Wildcats look like a better team to me especially on defense. Take the Wildcats!

4*Sacramento Kings +2

The Kings have the size and skill to matchup with the Wizards. Speaking of the Wizards, this will be their third road game in four nights. They have gone 6-12 SU when playing without rest. Lets take the home dog in this spot.

4*Detroit Pistons +3.5

The Thunder are coming off an up-and-down game against the Raptors on Monday. This will be the third game in four nights for the roadsters and they are pretty much locked into the third seed out West. The Pistons need wins to remain in the eighth spot in the East. Detroit is 11-2 SU after an upset loss as a favorite this season. The Thunder check in with an 8-19 ATS record after a non-conference game. They also have a big revenge game on deck against the Clippers. I like the home underdog in this spot. 

4*Detroit Pistons -2.5

5*Maryland +6.5

The talent gap between these two teams is closer than you think. I will take the Terrapins in what should be a closely contested affair. Maryland has a decent shot to win this game outright, so lets take the generous 6.5 points. 

4*St Josephs +6.5

5*Miami +2

10*Northern Iowa +4.5

Northern Iowa has won 11 out of their past 12 games and got a taste of the Big Dance last season. They defeated Wyoming 71-54 as 6.5-point favorites before losing to Louisville in the 2nd round. Northern Iowa has one of the best defenses (62.9) in this tourney. They are much better at the free throw stripe as the Longhorns are one of the worst teams in free throw percentage. Texas is extremely overrated and should not be favored by this much. I would not be shocked with an outright upset.

4*Yale +5.5

5*Iona +8

Both teams like to push the pace and take quick shots. The Gaels have won 8 in a row and are led by future NBA talent A.J. English. Iowa State is a good team, but I will take the generous 8 points in what should be a closer contest than what most people believe in the high-altitude of Denver.

3*Arkansas LR -2.5

5*Northern Illinois +3.5

4*New Orleans +1.5

4*Chicago Bulls +1

4*Memphis Grizzlies

The Grizzlies have lost both games against the Jazz in Utah this season. Utah has been good at home and not so hot (9-20) on the road. Memphis has been playing good team basketball without the injured Marc Gasol. I like the home team in this spot.

5*St Bonaventure +3.5

The Bonnies (20-7, 12-4 in Conference) play a St. Joseph’s team that leads the Atlantic 10, but also appears to have locked up an NCAA Tournament berth with a 24-5 overall record and 13-3 in the league. Bonaventure, which gave up a home game to entertain fans at Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial, knows beating coach Phil Martelli’s team would be the type of quality win the NCAA Tournament selection committee looks favorably upon when evaluating bubble teams. I'll take the motivated underdog in this spot!

4*Mercer +4.5

5*Detroit Pistons +2

The Pistons are focused at making the playoffs this season and ending its 0-4 skid at Milwaukee. Detroit lost by 21 points in Milwaukee earlier this season. They got revenge by winning 102-95 at home almost two weeks later. The Pistons are more athletic than those two previous matchups. With two days of rest, I like the Pistons in this spot.

4*Wisc Milwaukee +4.5

4*Miami Florida -1

4*Western Kentucky -2

4*Clemson +2

4*Detroit Pistons +2

The Pistons have lost three straight before the All-Star break and have some new additions which should make them more versatile. The Wizards played a high-energy game last night and they are just 3-8 SU when playing with zero days rest. Washington defeated the Pistons by two points in Detroit earlier this season. Look for the Pistons to get some revenge in this one.

4*Northern Kentucky +2

4*Michigan +1

4*Northern Illinois +4

4*Phoenix Suns +6.5

4*Michigan +4.5

4*Phoenix Suns +8

4*Nebraska +6

4*Louisville

4*Evansville +4

4*FAU +6

5*Utah Jazz -1.5

The Jazz lost to the Pistons in Detroit on opening night by five points, while shooting 16.7% (2-12) from 3-point land. I would expect Utah to shoot much better at home, especially with having extra rest due to Saturday's canceled game (blizzard) against Washington. Detroit is actually a decent team in the East, but this will be their fourth road game in five days. Tough. Not to mention they played at high-altitude (Denver) in their last game. This will be another high-altitude game for the visitors. The Pistons have a minus -3.3 point differential on the road, while the Jazz are plus +3.5 at home. Great line value here. Take Utah!

4*Phoenix Suns +2.5

4*Utah State +2

5*New Orleans Pelicans -2.5

The Pelicans are coming off a dismal effort at home in which the starting five scored a combined 27 points for the entire game. The starting backcourt of Tyreke Evans and Eric Gordon scored a combined 0 points. Anthony Davis shot 8-of-21 for just 16 points. Well below his career average. New Orleans has had three days of good practice time and will welcome back Center Kendrick Perkins. The Wizards are without Nene Hilario, Drew Gooden, and Kris Humphries which significantly weakens their frontcourt. Look for Davis to have a monster game and the Pelicans to get a big home win! New Orleans has gone 14-8 SU and 14-8 ATS (61%) as home favorites of three or less. What's more impressive, is a 10-2 SU and 11-1 ATS mark at home after shooting under 42%.

4*UMASS +3.5

5*New Jersey Nets +3

The Nets play good defense in their building and are coming off an impressive win against the much improved Pistons. Tyson Chandler will not suit up tonight and the Suns will miss his rebounding and rim protection. I like the Nets in this spot.

4*Dallas Mavericks -1.5

4*Dallas Mavericks +5

I believe these two teams are equal in talent and this line seems kinda high. Third game in four nights for the host. Western Conference underdogs have been gold against the East, especially winning teams. Take the road dog in this one!

5*Atlanta Hawks 

Avery Bradley and Marcus Smart are battling through some injuries which will hurt Boston's depth. The Celtics will be playing its third game in four nights after a four day break. Boston is not in good rhythm right now. The Hawks are 31-10 straight-up when playing on Friday over the last three seasons. Kent Bazemore has been on fire for the Hawks. The 6-5 swing man is contributing in all areas and you can be sure the Lakers wish they still had him. 

4*Minnesota T-Wolves +9

5*Chicago Bulls +1

The Bulls return home after allowing the Hornets to score 130 points the other night. The Bulls should be focused on playing better defense against a Thunder team that will playing its third game in four nights. Look for the Bulls to get a big win on TNT!

5*Cleveland Cavs +4.5

Closeout games are always the toughest so the Warriors will have to bring their "A" game. Cleveland in the Finals is a big deal and believe they will show up at home. Look for Cleveland to use more pick and roll with Mozgov, which worked well in game four. Keep in mind, these games have been close going into the 4th quarter. Take the home dog! 

4*Cleveland Cavaliers +2

I am going against the public and taking the home underdog with all the momentum. Role players often perform better at home. Crowd should be pumped up for this one!

4*Cleveland +8

4*LA Clippers -2

4*LA Clippers +6.5

5*Portland T-Blazers -3

I'll take the home team playing with purpose after losing the first two. Role players perform better at home and the Rose Garden is a tough place for visiting teams in game three.

4*Milwaukee Bucks +5.5

4*LA Clippers -1

5*Dallas Mavericks +5

10*Houston Rockets +4

The Rockets allowed the Spurs to shoot over 50% in losing at San Antonio the other night. The Rockets return home knowing they are 11-2 straight up after a loss by 10 points or more. The Spurs are just 1-7 SU as road chalk of 4 points or less. James Harden had a sub-par shooting game and should be much better at home against a Spurs' team playing its 3rd game in four nights. Friday Night home underdogs with winning records are always sharp plays in the NBA. Take the Rockets!

5*Duke -5.5

Duke defeated Michigan State by 10 points back in November and I believe the Blue Devils are playing its best ball at the right time. Michigan State struggles with turnovers and hitting free throws. Duke has had tremendous success against teams that struggle in said categories. Take Duke!

4*Portland Trail Blazers -2.5

5*Kent State +1

Wrong team favored in this game. Take Kent State!

5*UCLA +8.5

Gonzaga defeated the Bruins in Westwood earlier this season. UCLA has found their way now and will be extra motivated in this game. UCLA has quick guards which matches up well with this Gonzaga team. Take the underdog!

5*Michigan State +5

5*Georgia State +7.5

4*St. John's +3.5

10*Buffalo Bulls +4.5

Buffalo is playing its best ball of the season having won eight in a row. They can score and defend with the best of them. West Virginia is nicked up in the back court and that will make their press defense a little weaker. This should be a very tight game so lets take the points.