Wolves/Nuggets 9:00: Nuggets played uninspired basketball Sunday yet still took the Wolves to OT. Now that Denver is back home, lights out for Minnesota. Key Denver cog - Murray has proven he is fully recovered from his ACL injury to give Jokic a legitimate one-two punch that every great team has. And Porter Jr. is also playing a great stretch of basketball. Just too much firepower for inconsistent Wolves. 

Bucks/Heat 7:30: Bucks were unstoppable from the perimeter on Wednesday with 25 three pointers. And Lopez had a monster game. I've seen this old dance before in the playoffs and Milwaukee came out flat as a follow up. I anticipate Giannis playing as the line dictates. Heat won't back down on this floor. They're a proud defensive team (#2 in allowing points) and will be prepared protecting their home floor. Losing Herro is a tough loss but Spoelstra has the "next man up" mentality and Robinson, Strus and Oladipo or Vincent going to have to step up their game when called upon. Need Jimmy Butler to turn it up a notch down the stretch while veteran Kevin Love needs to contribute. Sure, Lopez was unstoppable Wednesday but he's been inconsistent off monster games his entire career. Adebayo has pride and should show up big today. Take the points. 

Clippers/Suns 10:00: Suns not in a panic mode yet, but not comfortable on the floor. The few games of rest at the end of the season for the Suns' key cogs reared their heads Sunday. Suns were out of position defensively too often and a step slow; moreover, Paul, who makes the clutch-controlled dribble penetration shots inside the foul line, couldn't late in the 4th quarter. On the other hand, Clippers' coach Lue, once again did a masterful job outcoaching his playoff adversary. And he worked his bench well as Plumlee, and Mann gave good work down the stretch. Westbrook was ridiculously bad putting the ball in the hoop but made up for it in hustle. Clippers have fine tuning on offense to do and once again should cover. They're not intimidated by Phoenix and control a 5-2 ATS mark in Los Angeles. 

Knicks/Cavaliers 7:30: Brunson is definitely the missing piece the Knicks so desperately needed to get them to the next level. His chemistry with college teammate Josh Hart, which helped win two National Championships at Villanova, was apparent when the lights shined bright on Saturday. Just need Randle (ankle) to shake off his playoff history rust and Barrett to step up. Knicks 6-2 ATS at Cleveland. Take points. 

OKC/New Orleans 9:30: OKC 10-4 ATS last 14 in series and 6-0 in last 6 trips to New Orleans. Sure, Pelicans made a run last season without the services of oft injured Zion Williamson (hamstring) but look for young OKC to keep it competitive. 

T-Wolves/Lakers 10:00: T-Wolves have covered this series 6-1 ATS; however, the new Lakers, which were transformed last month, have shown great promise, including an easy win over the 'Wolves March 31st. With Gobert (suspended) and McDaniels (hand) out, too much stress put on Edwards, Conley and Towns to log heavy minutes. Not a fan of how Lakers' coach Ham uses his bench, but Los Angeles has too much talent to shuttle in to fail here. Anthony Davis should have a huge game considering Gobert's backup (Naz Reid) is also out. Lakers the call. 

San Diego State/U Conn 9:20: U Conn has been the most dominant NCAA Tournament team (20.6 PPG) since the 2018 Villanova National Champion (16.6 PPG). SDS is definitely a worth contender with a veteran team that's physical and plays great defense. But U Conn has too many ways to hurt you offensively including the inside presence of Sanogo. And to think star SG Jordan Hawkins was recovering from a bad virus and still put in 13 points in 26 minutes. U Conn a bit more polished and offensively prolific. SDS has a tendency to go into shooting droughts and most likely will fade late here vs a deep and skilled Huskies team. 

Miami Fla/U Conn 8:49: 'Canes continue to find ways to be the giant killer and we'll continue to ride them here. Larranaga has pushed the right buttons for most of the season and should find a way to keep Sanogo in check despite having an undersized team. U Conn has had some trouble with good shooting teams that space the floor; after all, Xavier swept the season series against U Conn in doing just that. And Miami U does it as good as anyone. Whether it be Miller, Pack, Wong, someone on the 'Canes has continually elevated their game as a catalyst to spark a rally in post-season. We'll ride the wave of the 'Canes. 

FAU/SDS 6:09: FAU proved they belong here. They clearly don't have to take a backseat to anyone. Johnell Davis has proved to be virtually unstoppable in the postseason and he has a dangerous shooting contingent that can get hot. And the emergence of big man Vlad Goldin gives the Owls an inside presence that makes the Aztecs force to honor him. FAU is deep, can run and spread the floor as good as any top team in the nation. SDS is defensively sound but not the greatest shooters, especially from the perimeter at 36.3% (71st nationally). We'll grab the Owls. 

Celtics/Bucks 7:30: Much of the drama taken out of this game on account of Celtics losing to the Wizards Tuesday. Bucks have control of the #1 seeding over the Celtics by three games with six remaining. Celtics played like they were on automatic pilot Tuesday night vs the shorthanded Wizards. Look for them to turn it up several notches here. They've responded well to losses most of the year, sport a 5-2 ATS mark in last 7 road tilts, and play well in Milwaukee (18-7-1 ATS). Bucks are just 6-19-1 ATS at home vs teams with winning road record. Celtics the call. 

Xavier/Texas 9:45: Respect the Longhorns but Xavier getting points is too attractive to pass up. Current Xavier HC Sean Miller coached the Musketeers from 2004-09 and was more than partly responsible for Xavier's terrific 25-8-2 ATS NCAA Tournament record. As we know, he went on to Arizona to accomplish greater heights in the NCAA Tournament (Elite Eight 3X) before NCAA violations hit which ultimately landed him back to Xavier. And he's gotten the best out of quality bunch of athletes; as a matter of fact, 5 players are averaging at least 10 PPG. Xavier averages 82 PPG on 50% from the floor and nearly 40% from the perimeter. Texas interim coach doing a great job but not going to out coach Miller even despite the better athlete and slightly deeper bench. Xavier 3-0 ATS as a dog in this price range. Xavier the call. 

Analysis to follow...

Miami-Fla/Houston 7:15: Love the way Miami-Fla spreads the floor and scraps relentlessly. Wong got his stroke back vs Indiana and the team operating on all cylinders. Larranaga a veteran tournament coach, like Sampson, getting the best out of his players; remember, he put George Mason on the map when he led them to the Final Four in 2006. He's coming off an Elite Eight Tournament run last year and he's got a quality group to work with now. Miami dangerous as a dog and we'll grab them here. 

Analysis to follow...

FAU/Tennessee 9:00: FAU has great athleticism and can shoot the heck out of the perimeter; however, Tennessee plays a physical brand of basketball that takes offensive minded teams out o their game. Vol's allow just 57.8 PPG and guard the perimeter well. Look for Tennessee to wear the Owls down over the course of the game. Volunteers the call. 

Arkansas/U Conn 7:15: U Conn getting back into that tournament mode they displayed earlier in the season when they capped off three game tournament win at T-Mobile Arena, including a dominant win over Alabama. Although both teams very deep, long and athletic, U Conn's Hurley has his boys playing more consistently well defensively. And the Huskies have a slight edge with 6'9" Sonogo who the Huskies aren't reliant on, but gives them a big edge in the paint. U Conn the call. 

Michigan State/Marquette 5:15: Marquette is a team locked in now. They've won 10 straight and 15 of their last 16 games. Not know for their defense but held last 4 opponents to 70 or less. Tyler Kolek has been the major catalyst with 17.2 PPG during the 10-game run. And the Golden Eagles have forced 15 turnovers per game during their win streak. I respect Izzo on his prep for tournaments but his team has been highly inconsistent this season. They're 0-4 ATS off a SU win. Marquette the call. 

Maryland/Alabama 9:40: Maryland can hang with teams that are not consistent offensively. That was exhibited in the first round against West Virginia as they clawed their way back; however, they're offensively challenged when meeting a team that's in the top 10 offensively and holds their opponents to under 70 points defensively (0-3 ATS). In 2021, the 'Tide rolled them in this round 96-77. This year's 'Tide team poses a greater challenge. And considering Alabama's All-American Brandon Miller scored 0 points in the opening round, gives you an idea of how talented this 'Bama team is. Alabama the call. 

Northwestern/UCLA 8:40: Big Ten offering a stiff challenge to teams in this tournament and Northwestern no exception. But now they meet their match. UCLA is not only defensively strong but can execute offensively at a much higher level than the offensively challenged Wildcats. And the Bruins can get a bit more depth back with Bona (shoulder) tonight. UCLA the call. 

Auburn/Houston 7:10: Both coaches are outstanding in their prep and game adjustments. But we'll give the edge to Bruce Pearl (6-1 ATS last 7 tournament appearances) considering the injuries that have befallen on the Cougars. Cougars top gun Sasser (groin) most likely won't be himself. And Shead is struggling with a knee injury. Cougars just 1-5 ATS off a SU win. Edge to Auburn. 

Analysis to follow.

Kent State/Indiana 9:55: Kent State can plain and simply ball. Earlier in the season, they traded blows with heavyweights Gonzaga and Houston, and narrowly lost to College of Charleston - all easy covers on the road! And they've gotten better as the season progressed. They blew out the #2 scoring team in the nation - Toledo in the MAC Championship - one of my big plays of the season. The Golden Flashes are a dangerous team under Senderoff - a disciple of Kelvin Sampson. Fundamentally solid defense and great point guard play, look for the Flashes to deliver. 

Analysis to follow...

Analysis to follow...

USC/Michigan State 12:15: Michigan State may have a proximity and time advantage here. Playing in Columbus early gives the edge to the Spartans; however, not happy how the Spartans played on the road this year and their status of NCAA Tournament consistency and coach (25 straight under Izzo) got them a slightly higher seeding. USC more of a complete team under Enfield. Trojans are 7-2 ATS in NCAA Tournament games. Also like the backcourt play of Ellis and Peterson which plays a big role in these games. USC the call. 

Analysis to follow...

Analysis to follow...

Analysis to follow...

Memphis/Houston 3:15: Got to go with the Tigers here; after all, they've covered 9 of the last 10 in this series, including March 5th 67-65 loss in Memphis. With Houston's top gun - Sasser (groin) questionable after sustaining a groin injury in the first half yesterday, Tigers have the talent to hang again. Memphis the call. 

TX A&M/Alabama 1:00: Aggies have virtually owned this series going 5-0 SU/ATS in its last 5 vs the 'Tide, including 67-61 win on March 4th in Texas. Buzz Williams is an excellent tournament coach and has the dudes to match Alabama's talent. Every team has its weakness. The 'Tide is amazing on the offensive glass but in the bottom tier in the nation on the defensive glass. Aggies more disciplined in their defense. Aggies are 26-9 ATS off a SU win while the 'Tide sports a money burning 1-5 ATS mark in the same role. With the dog at 6-1 ATS in this series, grab the Aggies. 

Kent State/Toledo 7:30: Toledo, the #2 scoring team in the nation, can trade points with anyone in the nation; however, defensively, they're challenged. And that bites them in the ass every year this time of year. Kent State, which swept the season series, has covered 7 of the last 8 in this series. Kent plays them tough with great defensive design. Take the Flashes. 

West Virginia/Kansas 3:00: Kansas already secured top seeding in NCAA Tournament, will have to face a hot WV team that has covered 5 straight, including in yesterday's Big12 Tournament with a solid win over Texas Tech. Huggins has the Mounties playing the inspired defense he's been teaching for years. Bill Self (illness) won't be controlling the bench today and that's a big loss. West Virginia is on the bubble for NCAA Tournament participation and will certainly attain an at large bid with a win here. Take West Virginia

George Mason/St. Louis 2:00: St. Louis not having its dominating defensive presence this year should open the door for the Patriots to cover. Billikens not capitalizing on takeaways this season as guard play has been suspect with a -1.6-turnover margin. GM has an inside presence and solid on the defensive boards (19th in nation). They traded blow for blow with St. Louis in St. Louis on January 11th. On this neutral floor in NY, we'll grab the Patriots. 

Oklahoma State/Oklahoma 9:30: Analysis to follow...

Ole Miss/South Carolina 7:00: Analysis to follow...

Georgia Tech/Pittsburgh 2:30: Analysis to follow...

ND/Virginia Tech 7:00: Mike Brey's swan song for ND and we'll ride him and his crew here. He's been a good coach for the Irish and his men won't go down without a fight. Sure, they didn't win on the road all season; however, they'll be fine on the neutral floor in Greensboro. Irish lost 11 games by single digits including five one possession defeats. They got swept in the regular season series but should be competitive here. VT perimeter sizzle will not be sustainable here. We'll grab the points. 

Georgia Tech/Florida State 2:00: GT on a great 8-0 ATS tear down the stretch. The Engineers took a while to get their perimeter game cranking and that is what led to their winning run. Seminoles, on the other hand, can be dangerous but their inconsistencies, especially defensively rear their ugly heads too much. And they don't have enough offense to outshoot opponents. Yellowjackets the call.

BYU/St. Mary's 9:00: BYU is playing for its NCAA Tournament life now; therefore, little margin for error. St. Mary's is most likely going to the Big Dance and has already swept the regular season series. between these two. BYU plays the Gaels tough - covering six straight in series. We'll grab the hungry Cougars. 

Analysis to follow...

Houston/Memphis Noon: Memphis has covered 8 of the last 10 in this series. Sure, Houston is worthy of that #1 ranking with a stifling defense (#2 in nation), and an efficient offense; however, Memphis has been a thorn in the side of Houston, especially on this floor at FedEx Forum. Memphis lost only one game on this floor this year with a 1-point loss in OT to Tulane. And keep in mind that Hardaway's bunch traded punches with Alabama and beat Texas A&M outright here. Take the points!

Tennessee/Auburn 2:00: Both teams without some key players here; however, Tennessee's loss of Zeigler is one that takes notice. Zeigler not only averaged 10.3 PPG and 5.4 APG, but extremely valuable on the defensive end with 59 steals. His leadership and defensive prowess is a major blow to a team playing into revenge on the road against a hungry Auburn team that's in a desperation mode for a big win in an attempt for an at-large NCAA Tournament bid. Look for Bruce Pearl to have Auburn deliver the win here. 

Georgia/South Carolina 1:00: Two of the bottom feeders of the SEC but like the Gamecocks here. SC has been competitive over their last 10 games going 7-3 ATS while the Bulldogs are a money burning 1-9 ATS. SC looking to avenge the January 28th OT loss at Georgia. Bulldogs defense has been abysmal on the road - allowing 11 PPG more than they do at home. That should open the door for the offensively challenged Gamecocks to deliver the win here. SC the call. 

Alabama/Texas A&M Noon: Alabama living on the edge over their last three games. They've managed to come from behind to eke out victories down the stretch including 2 of last 3 in OT. Over that span, they've struggled from three-point range going 11 of 53 (28%). A&M presents a strong home floor and on a 7-1 ATS tear. The Aggies are 4-0 SU and won 6 of their last 8 SU on this floor vs Alabama. Buzz Williams has them well prepared and we'll grab A&M here. 

Iowa State/Baylor Noon: ISU looked like a lock for the NCAA Tournament early in the season with wins over Texas, TCU, OK and Baylor. Since January 21st though, they've gone on a dismal 3-7 SU/2-10 ATS slide. And one of their top scorers - Grill - dismissed from the team. Grill had 18 points on December 31st win over Baylor at Iowa State. The Cyclones are not the same team on the road as they struggle to score (62 PPG) while less defensive (allow 69 PPG). Meanwhile, Baylor, despite their injury woes, is coming off two solid wins and should get sweet revenge here. 

Analysis to follow...

Texas/TCU 9:00: Last time these teams met (January), the Longhorns climbed back from a 13-point deficit to upend the Horned Frogs 79-75. That game was in Austin. On the road, the Longhorns struggled on a 1-4 ATS slide. Now that Mike Miles is back in the fray for TCU, look for TCU to deliver the goods here. 

Massachusetts/Duquesne 7:00: U Mass upset Duquesne back on January 28th in Massachusetts. They've gone 1-6 SU/ATS since. Duquesne has enjoyed a solid resurgence in their basketball program under form University of Akron HC Dambrot. They're coming off a disappointing home loss to Davidson. Dukes have responded well off losses (6-1 ATS) and 4-0 ATS on Wednesday. Look for the Dukes to get it together back on their home floor in an easy double-digit win. 

Marquette/Butler 6:30: Tonight, Marquette looks to clinch the Big East title but it won't be easy. Butler, playing with same season revenge, is competitive under competent veteran coach Thad Matta. Butler has covered 4 of the last 5 in this series and 10-3 ATS at home vs a team with a winning road record. Hinkle Fieldhouse no easy place to play for road teams. Matta established a strong home court there in his first stint with the Bulldogs and he's holding up the trend in his second. Marquette just 1-4 ATS off a SU win and giving a bit too many points here. And C Bates could be back tonight; if not, Jalen Thomas holding the fort well. Butler the call. 

Baylor/Oklahoma State 9:00: Okie State trending in wrong direction at wrong time. Cowboys looked to be a lock in the NCAA Tournament field after huge win at Iowa State February 11th; however, after four straight losses, they find themselves on the bubble. It won't get easier tonight. Baylor gaining momentum off big win over Texas. George (ankle) questionable for this game but Bonner proved he is worthy of filling the void. Bears 5-1 ATS on Mondays and road team in this series 15-5-2 ATS. Bears the call. 

Manhattan/Quinnipiac 2:00: Manhattan has been a spread winner this season. They're not a talented team but they play hard. They actually play better on the road (5-1 ATS run). They're coming off a blowout home loss but usually respond well after that; as a matter of fact, they're 4-0-1 ATS off a loss of 20+. They've covered 5 of their last 6 off a SU loss and have been money on Sunday at 5-1 ATS. Road team in this series is 4-0 ATS and look for the Jaspers to hang tight. 

Texas/Baylor 2:00: Baylor off 2 road losses to Kansas and Kansas State. Today, they're back home looking to avenge their January 30th loss at Texas. The Bears should have it back together against a Longhorns squad that's 3-9 ATS on the road vs a home team with winning % above .600. With the favorite in this series at 6-0 ATS, Baylor the call. 

Louisville/Georgia Tech 2:00: Both of these conference bottom feeders starting to cover down the stretch of the season. Cardinals on a 4-0 ATS run while GT has covered 5 straight. Tech is looking to avenge its February 1st loss and should do it here. Louisville has been pathetic defensively on the road - allowing 82 PPG. And although GT is surely no offensive juggernaut, they should pull away late from the pitiful Cardinals. GT's Pastner doesn't have great personnel but utilises it better than his counterpart Payne. We'll lay the points here. 

Clemson/NC State Noon: Don't like how Clemson is playing on the road. They come off big wins at home and get worked on the road. February 15th, blasted FSU at home and then dropped their next game to lowly Louisville as an 11-point favorite. Inexcusable and put them on the bubble for the NCAA Tournament. Sure, they rebounded well at home vs Syracuse on Wednesday but once again have to fight their demons on the road. And NC State is hot and hungry. And the Wolfpack, which got ambushed at Clemson back on December 30th, is looking for revenge and should deliver. 

Analysis to follow...

Analysis to follow...

WF/NC State 9:00: WF has shooters who can score consistently. They keep games close on the road as exhibited by their 4-1 ATS mark on the road vs teams above .600. Deacons will be looking to avenge earlier season 79-77 loss at home on January 28th. However, Demon Deacons were without Frank Clark who is working his way back in condition. He's a huge compliment to DJ Burns. WF is coming off competitive loss to Miami and desperately need a signature win if they have aspirations for postseason play. WF 11-5 ATS off a SU loss while NC State a money burning 9-23 ATS off a SU win. WF the call. 

Miami Fla/Virginia Tech 7:00: Tech showing a level of inconsistency alternating wins and losses since January 28th. Meanwhile, Hurricanes on a nice six game winning streak starting with their home win over Virginia Tech. Tech starting to crack down defensively but can't keep pace with the athletic Hurricanes. Pack and Wong lighting it up. 'Canes 24-8 ATS as a traveler against a home team with winning percentage above .600. And they're 4-0 ATS off a 90+ point game. Miami Florida the call. 

Tennessee/Texas A&M 7:00: These teams going into the opposite direction.  Tennessee has lost 3 of their last 4 games while the Aggies are undefeated in February. Aggies going into this one still hungry; after all, they're seeking triple revenge while catching the struggling Vols at the right time. Aggies have them on their dominant home floor tonight. Look for Buzz Williams' boys to get er done. 

Kansas/TCU 9:00: Miles' return made a huge difference for TCU as the Horned Frogs blew by Oklahoma State Saturday. In the meantime, Kansas overcame a double-digit deficit vs Baylor with a dominant second half to cruise to victory. Kansas looking to avenge its earlier season home loss to TCU and should deliver. TCU sports a 2-6 record following a 100 or more-point performance. And they're an underwhelming 4-9 ATS on Mondays. Self is revving up his Jayhawks for post-season play on a 4-0 ATS run. Road team in this series is 7-2 ATS and the dog is 4-1 ATS. Kansas the call.