I'm laying the points with Florida State on Saturday.  We have the Seminoles power rated a solid 2.5 points higher than the line, which is a big deal over the course of a season for us.  No Edmond Sumner was no problem for Xavier on Thursday, but much of that had to do with yet another Maryland meltdown, the second time for the Terps in as many games.  Xavier actually trailed by six in the second half.  Florida State is loaded with Final Four talent, they just need to perform.  They have the shooters, defenders, the right type of depth, and one of our favorite playmakers in Xavier Rathan-Mayes. The Musketeers enter on a 4-9 ATS slide when getting points and they're 5-11 ATS against teams with a winning record.  I'm laying the points with Florida State, our Smackdown on Saturday. Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm backing Marquette on Friday night. We have the Golden Eagles power rated a couple of points off the number and we also like the fact that Luke Fischer has been upgraded to probable.  Five Marquette players average in double digits in scoring and the team averages 83 ppg.  We liked the way South Carolina was playing on the defensive end earlier this season than they have of late and we expect Marquette to be able to "can" their deep shots.  SC star Sindarius Thornwell has been overworked and may find the matchups tough in this one.  We're backing Marquette to capture the win.  We have a Marquette team that's covered four straight against the SEC, while SC has dropped nine of their last 10 ATS, overall.  I'm backing Marquette, my Slam Dunk.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with Virginia Tech, my DogPound release.  Buzz Williams is doing a fine job in Blacksburg, including picking up big-time wins this season against teams at and above Wisconsin's level.  Despite a couple of injuries earlier this season, Va Tech still has five players averaging 9.5 ppg or more.  They love the trey, making 40% of their attempts on the season and that's one of our solid reasons for this play.  Va Tech not only makes 50% of their FGA away from home, but they also have made 42% of their 3-pointers.  Wisconsin's Achilles heel is deep perimeter defense, where they have allowed teams to make 43% of their 3-pointers away from home, which is even worse than their 311th-ranked 3-point defense, overall. The Badgers' poor play on the defensive end was their undoing against Michigan last weekend.  Obviously, this is a neutral site game, but that gives you an idea of what the Badgers have done outside of Madison. Va Tech has been money when getting points, currently on a 23-7 ATS underdog run and they're 7-1-1 ATS in their last nine against teams with a winning record.  Considering Wiscy's defensive troubles and the fact Va Tech has several "outs," led by Zach LeDay, we believe the underdog is going to leave the floor with a win.  Our play is to grab the points with Virginia Tech, our DogPound release.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Colorado State, our Tuesday KO.  Two years ago, the Rams fell just short of a Big Dance invite and then fell to South Dakota State in the opening round, ending a 27 win season.  Last year, Rams' players and Larry Eustachy declined a postseason invite.  But after falling short in the MWC to Nevada, Eustachy says he wants to coach this Rams' version as long as possible and players like Gian Clavell, who was on the 2015 team, has stated he can't wait for the chance to atone for the NIT the loss to SDSU.  We know the Rams are motivated to be here. Charleston also just missed the Big Dance, falling to UNCW, unable to overcome the Seahawks' 53% shooting night.  Charleston doesn't shoot well and has their issues on the glass.  They'll face a good rebounding team on their home floor and a Rams' squad that holds guests to 40.9% shooting.  CSU owns the better depth on the offensive end and the best player on the floor in Clavell, who averages over 20 ppg and 6.1 rpg.  And while the Rams are on a 6-1 ATS run off a SU loss, the Cougars have dropped five in a row ATS when getting less than seven points.  I'm laying the points with Colorado State, my Tuesday KO.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with the Grizzlies on Monday, my KO release.  Memphis enters on a 0-5 SU/ATS slide, while the Bucks are on a 6-0 SU/ATS run.  We don't always play struggling teams laying points against positive streaking teams, but we do look for this situation more often than not. The Grizzlies are laying a couple of baskets and for good reason.  Despite being on the wrong side of an opposite streak, Memphis is still power rated seven points better at home in this matchup.  We believe Memphis hit rock-bottom against Atlanta last time out and will be ready to snap the skid. We note that teams off a double digit home loss are on a 57-27 ATS run against teams with two straight covers as chalk.  Meanwhile, the Bucks have covered just six of 19 on the road against teams with a winning record and they're 8-17 ATS on the road against teams that make at least six 3-pointers per contest.  Strong spot tonight and we're backing the Memphis Grizzlies, our KO release.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday, my KO release.  Tough spot for the T-Wolves after last night's hard-fought win over Golden State.  We do believe the Bucks, who also played last night, but had an easier time in the second half against the Pacers, outscoring Indiana 54-35, will be the fresher squad.  The Bucks are making a run at the postseason, sitting 8th in the East.  They're on a 4-0 ATS run in the second of back-to-back nights and on a 5-0 ATS run, overall.  Milwaukee is also on a 5-1 ATS series run.  I'm laying the points with the Bucks, my KO on Saturday. Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with San Diego State on Friday night.  We felt the 21 point deficit to UNLV in the tourney opener and the fact the Aztecs came all the way back to win the game was a jolt to the SDSU system.  In fact, if you want to break it down this way, the Aztecs are now on a 131-81 run in their last game-plus since trailing by 21 points.  They own the matchups in this one and are playing better offensive basketball than they were when they lost the two regular season meetings by one point in each game.  CSU certainly swept, but didn't come close to dominating either game.  SDSU led both games by double digits at the half, but couldn't hold either lead.  But in their last five games, the Aztecs have held opponents to 33.9% shooting, including 26.3% from behind the arc, while owning a +13.5 rebound margin per game in their last four.  Combine the defensive play with an uptick on the offensive end and we believe SDSU is the side tonight.  SDSU is 3-0-1 against teams playing better than .600 basketball, while the Rams are on an 8-23 ATS slide as a dog of less than seven points.  I'm laying the points with San Diego State, my KO release. Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with the Cavaliers on Thursday night.  Not a good performance by the Pistons last night, especially when the opponent was in a tough NBA situation.  We expect another rough outing for the Pistons, who're on a 0-6 ATS slide when playing in the second of back-to-back nights. The Cavaliers have dropped two straight and three of four games, outright, and are in revenge for a 106-90 loss to Detroit earlier this season.  LeBron James had that night off, but we expect a fired-up effort here.  Before the most recent loss, the Cavs had beaten Detroit in five straight meetings by an average of more than 11 ppg and scored in triple digits in all five.  I believe we're in for another spread-covering Cavs' win tonight.  I'm laying the points with the Cavaliers, my NBA Main Event.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with Arizona State, my Main Event on Wednesday.  The Sun Devils won both of this season's matchups, and while they weren't blowouts, we feel they shouldn't be getting points.  If anyone can get the program on track it's Bobby Hurley and even Arizona coach Sean Miller praised the job he's doing this past weekend. ASU has four players averaging over 12 ppg and a fifth player averages 9 ppg. Torian Graham and Tra Holder are two of the better offensive players in the Pac-12 and Kodi Justice has caught fire of late.  Meanwhile, Shannon Evans is the best disher on the floor.  The Sun Devils should have more success today after nailing 44.5% of their 3-pointers in the two wins over Stanford this season.  The Cardinal are one of the worst defensive teams on the deep perimeter.  They've allowed teams to make 42.2% of their treys when Stanford plays away from home and 47% of their FGA.  Meanwhile, the Cardinal have made less than 40% of their own FGA in those games, including just 28.5% from behind the arc.  Neither team is going to scare people on the defensive end, but the Sun Devils are the much better offensive team.  ASU enters on a 9-1-1 ATS run off a SU loss.  They're also 5-1 ATS off a double digit home loss and the Devils are on a 4-0-1 ATS run in the series. I'm taking the points with Arizona State, my Main Event.  Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Gonzaga on Tuesday night, my KO release.  We had SMC last night and wrote about their head-to-head matchup advantages over BYU and that we thought they'd come through for a third straight time this season.  Tonight, the advantages go against SMC.  Gonzaga had little trouble in both meetings this season and have a clear advantage in the backcourt.  If the Gonzaga guards take care of business like they should, we believe they'll gain the season sweep, cover the spread, and win the WCC tourney.  SMC is known for their defensive play, but the Bulldogs are dominant on the defensive end, also, and own the better offensive players, overall. SMC enters on a 0-4 ATS slide as an underdog, while the Bulldogs are on a 14-3-1 ATS run against teams playing better than .600 basketball. Gonzaga has won 11 of the last 13 meetings SU.  They have covered 11 of the last 12, and their last 10 wins over SMC came by an average of 17 ppg. We'll lay the points with Gonzaga, my Tuesday KO.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with St. Mary's on Monday night.  The Gaels easily swept the season series, winning by 13 points in both games.  Matchups are greatly in their favor as we saw in the two meetings and it really is up to the Gaels to exploit the matchup advantages.  No reason to think the players won't respond again.  SMC has made nearly 40% of their 3-pointers against BYU this season, due in part to their bigs being able to step outside. BYU can't collapse inside because of the Gaels 25th-ranked 3-point shooting, which allows SMC to do damage in the paint when needed.  The Cougars were never in either of this season's meetings, even trailing by double digits at the half in Provo and by as many as 25 points during the second half.  One of the amazing stats is that SMC dominated both games while attempting just 14 free throws in each game.  The Gaels enter on a 7-1 ATS run when laying 7 to 12.5 points, while the Cougars are on a 6-18-2 ATS slide as a dog in the same spread range.  BYU has covered just four of their last 29 as a neutral court dog.  Finally, the chalk in this series has not only won, but covered six straight.  I'm laying the points with St. Mary's, my Monday KO. Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Wisconsin on Sunday, my Knockout Blowout.  The Gophers have been red-hot of late, while the Badgers have slipped a bit, but we like the Badgers to bounce back here.  Wiscy enters on a 20-2 SU run at home, including 14-2 this season. They're nasty on the defensive end on their home floor, holding teams to 56 ppg on 38% shooting, while allowing just 20 made FGs per game.  The Badgers average 22 FTA per game, while their guests average just 12 per game and Wisconsin has forced opponents into a 0.65 assists/turnovers ratio.  They also pull down 11 more rebounds per game than they allow.  Minnesota is upside down on the glass on the road where they're making just 41.6% of their FGA.  The Gophers have covered just three of their last 21 as a road dog of less than seven points, while the Badgers enter on 5-1 ATS run at home when laying less than seven points and they're 4-0 ATS at home against teams with a winning road record.  I'm laying the points with Wisconsin, my KO on Sunday.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with Texas on Saturday afternoon. The season certainly hasn't gone as planned for the Longhorns, but we like their situation in their home finale.  Texas is catching Baylor off a big home win over West Virginia, but on a 4-5 SU slide.  They enter this one on a 3-9 ATS slide as chalk.  Baylor may not have Manu Lecomte (ankle) for this one. Lecomte is the team's second leading scorer and best assists man.  However, this is a play whether Lecomte plays or not.  As a team, Baylor allows hosts a 1.52 assists-turnovers ratio. Meanwhile, Texas holds guests to 67 ppg on 41% shooting, including 29% from behind the arc.  Back to assists...Texas has the best two dishers on the floor with Andrew Jones & Kerwin Roach combining for 215 assists on the season.  We expect an upset in this one and we're taking the points with Texas, our Big-12 DogPound GOM.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Utah State on Wednesday night.  We've gone against UNLV several times this season with success. We knew this team was in for a horrible campaign, playing against them all the way back in game-1 when we cashed with South Alabama, and most recently, this past Saturday when they were clocked by Nevada.  UNLV is showing no signs of life and has not only dropped nine in a row outright, but they're on a 0-7-1 ATS slide in their last eight games.  The Rebels are 5-22-1 ATS in their last 28 MWC tilts. UNLV has scored 58 or fewer points in three of their last six games, while allowing an average of 86.4 ppg to their last five opponents.  Marvin Menzies' troops can't shoot and can't defend and have been losing their man on the defensive end several times per game for weeks.  Utah State won the first meeting 79-63 in January, making 52% of their FGA and 13 of 21 3-pointers.  They out-rebounded UNLV, 38-28.  USU makes over 46% of their shots and has played well on the defensive end.  They're a ridiculous 40-19-1 ATS as chalk and 25-4 ATS in their last 29 against teams playing sub-.400 basketball.  I'm laying the points with Utah State, my Wednesday Wipeout. Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Maryland on Tuesday, my KO release.  The Terps have struggled a bit of late, dropping three in a row, but we believe they're getting "just what the doctor ordered," on Tuesday.  Maryland owns a strong 7-2 SU mark on the road this season, where they make 47% of their FGA, including 40.3% from behind the arc.  They have held their hosts to 40.8% shooting. And yes this one has meaning as Maryland attempts to draw closer to wrapping up a double-bye in the Big-10 tourney. Rutgers has lost five straight games, are 2-14 SU in conference play this season and they've covered just 19 of their last 60 Big-10 games.  The Knights average just 66 ppg and rank 319th in FG percentage and 341st in 3-point accuracy.  Corey Sanders is their best disher with 97 assists, but he's committed 81 turnovers.  Meanwhile, Melo Trimble and Anthony Cowan have combined for 213 assists this season. The Knights don't have an answer for Trimble and I expect Maryland to gain the season sweep.  The Terps enter on a 7-1 ATS run on the road against teams playing better than .600 home basketball, and they're on a 10-3-2 ATS run off a double digit home loss. Bounce back time for the Terps in my opinion.  I'm laying the points with Maryland, my KO on Tuesday.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Western Carolina, my KO on Monday.  Both teams may be playing out the string, but at least one of the two teams still plays some defense on their home floor.  WCU is not only on a 10-4 ATS run at home, but they're on a 4-0 ATS run when laying points.  They own the better defensive numbers both in the home/road situation and overall.  In fact, VMI allows 81 ppg on the road on 49.6% shooting, including 38.6% from behind the arc.  And their offensive numbers, horrible for the season, are even worse of late, shooting under 39% from the field and just 29.4% from the 3-point line over their last five games. The Keydets also averaging a minus-6.6 rebound margin per game on the road. VMI escaped with a 79-78 win in January's meeting, but WCU has covered four of five meetings since 2015 and they're on a 5-0 ATS run against teams playing less than .400 basketball. I'm laying the points with Western Carolina, my Monday KO. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm backing the Florida State Seminoles, my Morning Massacre.  The Seminoles have had problems at times on the road, but they have also beaten Miami-Florida and Virginia in road action.  The 'Noles have championship talent, I'm just not sure Leonard Hamilton can direct them to the Final Four.  But they can have their way with Clemson for the second time this season.  FSU nails 49% of their FGA and holds opponents to 40.8% shooting. Clemson allows teams to make over 45% of their FGA and 36% of their 3-point attempts.  They're bad in the assists/turnovers department and turned it over 22 times in the 48-point loss earlier this season.  Clemson had no matchup for Dwayne Bacon and Xavier Rathan-Mayes and that hasn't changed. In fact, the Tigers are basically Jaron Blossomgame and little else.  Clemson enters on a 2-8-1 ATS slide against teams playing better than .600 basketball.  Meanwhile, the Seminoles are on a 4-1 ATS run at Clemson.  And finally, we note that under coach Brad Brownell, the Tigers have covered just 7 of 23 in revenge if the opponent scored at least 75 points in the earlier meeting.  I'm backing Florida State, my Morning Massacre.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with Memphis, my DogPound release on Thursday night. There are some similarities between these teams, including the fact both pay attention to detail on the defensive end, both are blessed with a pair of strong rebounders, and both teams own strong dishers.  And while we do have Cincy power rated better than Memphis, the point-spread is a tad inflated according to our numbers. We also have a double-digit favorite that's covered just 13 of their last 36 when facing an opponent that holds their opponents to 42% or less shooting.  Memphis fits the defensive bill, along with playing solid deep perimeter defense.  We also note the Bearcats are just 5-13 ATS as home chalk of 12 1/2 to 15 points under Coach Cronin.  Memphis is in need of a win if they wish to entertain thoughts of an at-large Big Dance bid.  They lost their last two games, but they're on a 7-0 ATS run off two straight conference losses.  The Tigers normally regroup in this spot and we like them to do so here, allowing them to hang the number.  I'm grabbing the points with Memphis, my DogPound on Thursday. Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Rider on Wednesday night.  We released Manhattan as a free play on these pages on Sunday and the Jaspers won big.  But that was their home finale and they were hosting a team that was the perfect matchup for Manhattan to shine.  But this is a different situation tonight.  In fact, it's the Jaspers who should prove to be "just what the doctor ordered," for their opponent.  Rider is a beast on the offensive end, especially at home where they average 86 ppg on 50.6% shooting, including 46.5% 3-pointers.  Five players average at least 11 ppg; Kahlil Thomas & Norville Carey average 9.1 rpg and 6.9 rpg; and their top two dishers have combined for 227 assists on the season.  The Broncs average 19 apg on their home floor. Manhattan has just two reliable scorers and no one outside of Zane Waterman is strong on the glass.  The Jaspers best assists man has 97 assists, but 88 turnovers and their second best disher has more turnovers (55) than assists (50). Manhattan has a poor 0.71 assists/turnovers ratio on the road. I'm laying the points with Rider, my MAAC GOY.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm backing East Carolina, my Shocker on Tuesday night.  The Pirates may own an ugly road record, but they haven't played that badly.  In fact, despite being 3-6 SU in their last nine games, overall, they have been a money-maker, covering seven times.  One of the outright wins came in a 74-65 victory over tonight's opponent.  ECU led by as many as 15 points in the second half, clobbered the Green Wave on the glass (+9), and we expect more of the same tonight.  The biggest difference between these two teams is that ECU plays defense and Tulane does not.  The Pirates allow just 63.6 ppg on 38.4% shooting, including 31.2% 3-pointers.  The defensive shooting percentages rank 7th & 30th in the nation.  Tulane checks-in with the nation's 335th ranked defense in FG percentage allowed and 333rd defending the trey.  They're also upside down in rebounding.  Tulane also enters on an 8-25-3 ATS slide at home, including 1-6-2 ATS in lined home games this season.  Meanwhile, ECU is on a 4-0 ATS run as a dog of less than seven points and they're on a 6-1-1 ATS run on the road against teams with a losing home record.  I expect the Pirates to gain the season sweep.  I'm grabbing the points with East Carolina, my Tuesday night Shocker.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Valparaiso on Sunday.  The Crusaders could use a bounce back win after collapsing against Oakland on Friday night.  Valpo trailed just 41-38 with 16 minutes to go, then got outscored 12-0 over the next 2 minutes and that was that.  They beat Detroit 81-74 in last month's meeting, topping 80 points despite committing 20 turnovers.  Doubt that happens again. But that shows just how poor Detroit is on the defensive end.  The Titans allow 85 ppg on the season and 88 ppg over their last eight games.  They rank 350th in FG percentage allowed (50.1%) and 322nd against the trey (38.3%). And while Valpo is +9 in rebounds per game, Detroit is upside down on the glass.  Detroit enters on a 4-0 ATS run as road chalk of 7 to 12 1/2 points and they're on a 10-3 ATS run off a SU loss. Finally, the Crusaders are on an 8-1-1 ATS run at Detroit.  I'm laying the points with Valparaiso, my Daytime Dominator.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with Hawaii on Saturday night.  The Warriors shoot for the season sweep and their 5th straight win and cover over Cal Poly and we believe they'll get it done.  Hawaii won the February 9 meeting, 74-65, despite making just 12 of 20 FTA, while the Mustangs made 21 of 28. Cal Poly had no defensive answer for Noah Allen and we expect more of the same tonight. And we note that CP is on a 2-10 ATS slide in revenge of a road loss. Hawaii enjoyed facing the nation's 333rd ranked team in defensive FG percentage and 329th ranked 3-point defense.  They should have little trouble again tonight.  Neither team is a world beater, obviously, but UH is the better defensive team.  They're not only on a 4-0 SU/ATS run in the series, but they're also on a 4-0 ATS run as a road dog of less than seven points.  The Mustangs won last time out, beating CSUN, however, they're on a 0-6 ATS slide off a conference win.  We'll grab the points with Hawaii, our Big West Dog of the Month.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with Cornell on Friday night.  When the Big Red whipped Dartmouth, 75-62 on January 28, Evan Boudreaux scored 23 points and grabbed 14 rebounds for the Big Green.  No one else reached double figures in scoring for Dartmouth and only one other player finished with more than three rebounds. But that's Dartmouth in a nutshell; it's Boudreaux and little else. Cornell may not have a sizzling record either, but at least they have three decent rebounders and three players averaging between 12 & 17 ppg.  In fact, in that meeting, Cornell put four players in double figures in scoring and four players finished with five or more rebounds.  I expect more of the same in this one.  Dartmouth is horrible on offense and allow the opposition to make over 46% of their FGA.  They're 6-18-2 ATS as chalk, including 3-12 ATS when laying less than seven points. Meanwhile, Cornell is 14-5 ATS against teams playing less than .400 basketball at home.  I'm grabbing the points with Cornell, my Brain Chain Beatdown on Friday.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm backing the Drexel Dragons on Thursday, my Shocker release.  This one reminds me a bit of our play last night on Samford.  Like the Bulldogs, Drexel is better than their record indicates. Yes, it's been a disappointing season, but they have covered three of their last four games and are the better team in this matchup.  Drexel is the much better offensive team and while Delaware's ppg allowed looks decent at first glance, the fact is, they're nothing special in FG percentage allowed or 3-point defense.  At the same time they're one of the worst offensive teams in college basketball in most important categories.  Drexel has five players averaging 9.5 ppg or more, two strong rebounders in Austin Williams and Rodney Williams, and Kurk Lee is the best disher on the floor. And Delaware owns poor assists/turnovers numbers.  I doubt they'll be able to take advantage of any Drexel defensive issues.  The Dragons are on a 6-1 ATS run off a loss, while Delaware has covered just 8 of 26 against teams that shoot at least 21 treys per game.  The Blue Hens averaged just 64 ppg in those 26 games, while allowing 77 ppg.  Drexel won and covered the last two meetings by scores of 76-60 & 74-64 and I expect a third straight series win tonight.  I'm backing the undervalued Drexel Dragons, my CAA Shocker of the Month on Thursday night. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday night, my Knockout release.  These two teams wrap-up the pre-all star portion of the season tonight and ATL looks for a little revenge. The Clippers pulled-off an upset in Atlanta last month without Blake Griffin or Chris Paul.  ATL obviously wasn't engaged and lost.  But the Clippers are in a tough spot, back home following a five game, nine day road trip.  In fact, LAC have played 10 of their last 11 on the road.  The Hawks have been terrific in this spot, currently on a 7-1 SU & ATS run as a road underdog.  They'll throw a hot Dennis Schroder at the Clips along with Tim Hardaway, Jr., who has really taken to being in the starting lineup.  We believe ATL will end the night with a SU win, but we're taking the points for insurance as they attempt to extend the road team run to 5-0 ATS in this series.  I'm grabbing the points with the Hawks, my KO on Wednesday.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with Bowling Green, my DogPound release on Tuesday night.  These teams are rather even and Western Michigan's home floor certainly isn't worth four buckets.  Not that BGU is great on the defensive end, but we're talking about a decent-sized favorite in WMU that allows 78 ppg and ranks 345th in FG percentage allowed (48.8%) and 327th in 3-point defense (38.5%).  The Broncos have no one to match Bowling Green's Demajeo Wiggins on the glass and the best disher on the floor by far is another Falcons' player, Ismail Ali.  The underdog in this series is on a 7-3 ATS run and BGU has won and covered three of their last four games.  I'm grabbing the points with Bowling Green, my MAC DogPound on Tuesday.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with San Diego State on Sunday.  The home team has covered six straight in this series and the Aztecs couldn't be catching Nevada at a better time.  While SDSU isn't playing the type of ball they've grown used to under Steve Fisher, they're still a "tough out" on their home floor.  The situation is strong.  Nevada played their "game of the year" last time out when they hosted their chief rival, UNLV.  The Wolf Pack were jacked to crush the Rebels from start to finish and they did.  But while the Pack may be a big fish in a small pond this season, they are beatable. Over their last four games Nevada lost by 17 points at Utah State and by five points at home to Fresno State.  They'll want to get up and down the floor, but SDSU can throw a wrench into the system with their strong play on the defensive end, allowing just 38% shooting at home where they also average nine steals per game.  SDSU came within 3 points of Nevada in Reno last month despite making just 4 FTs on 6 attempts.  I believe they'll catch the Pack in the rematch.  I'm laying the points with San Diego State, my Slam Dunk.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Gonzaga, my WCC Main Event GOY.  We saw what the Bulldogs did to SMC in the first meeting and while that was a homer for the Zags, it was dominant.  Then again, "Dominant" is the key word in this series.  Gonzaga has won 10 of the last 12 meetings, outright. They have covered 10 of the last 11, including five straight in Moraga.  And just for good measure, the nation's top-ranked team is on a 24-5-1 ATS run, overall. I've been asked several times if I think Mark Few's team is overrated? My answer?  I have Gonzaga power rated higher than any team in college basketball.  Meanwhile, I have 20 teams rated higher than SMC.  No, that doesn't mean a 21st ranked team can't beat a #1 team, but it does mean that the Gaels would have to play above their heads, while the Zags must come down a couple levels.  I don't believe it's going to happen. I also believe if Gonzaga gets up by a couple buckets by intermission or early in the second half, the pressure of "having to win" will overwhelm SMC.  We saw the Gaels nearly succumb to the pressure against lowly Portland on Thursday.  SMC is 1-4 ATS in their last five as a dog of less than seven points.  I'm laying the points with Gonzaga, my WCC Main Event. Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Harvard on Friday night.  The Crimson are off a tough, close loss to Ivy League leading Princeton, but they've had six days to regroup and I believe that's all they'll need to right the ship.  The Crimson can catch and surpass Yale this weekend for second place and we like their chances tonight.  Harvard allows just 40.1% shooting, which ranks 31st in the nation. They also have the best shot creator in this matchup when Siyani Chambers takes the floor.  Brown has been too permissive this season, allowing more than 77 ppg on 49.4% shooting and they're weak on the glass. The Crimson roll into this one on an 8-1-1 ATS run in league play and they're on a 4-0-1 ATS run on the road against teams with a winning home record. Brown fits the bill, but while they're 8-2 SU at home this season, they have dropped their last two and they're on a 2-6 SU slide in their last eight games, overall.  I'm laying the points with Harvard on Friday, my Beatdown release.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with North Texas on Thursday night.  The Eagles have suffered through a very rough slide, having not won a game since December. They have played closer than one would imagine though, covering five of their last nine games.  Tonight, they look to extend their head-to-head run with Florida Atlantic to 6-0 SU and 8-0 ATS. In fact, North Texas has won nine of the last 11 meetings, overall.  Despite the Eagles W/L slide, these teams are quite even, showing similar results on the offensive end with North Texas playing the better brand of defense. I'd also rather have Eagles' J-Mychal Reese running the point than anyone on the Owls' roster.  Look for North Texas to hang the number at the very least. I'm taking the points with North Texas, my Shocker on Thursday.  Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with the Atlanta Hawks, my Wednesday Wipeout.  Ugly home loss for the Hawks last time out, but we expect a bounce back here.  Atlanta is 18-5 ATS off a double digit loss at home and they've also covered nine of the last 12 home meetings with the Nuggets.  Speaking of Denver, they slammed Dallas last time out, but the Nuggets have not been able to figure things out away from home.  Denver is 1-6 ATS on the road against teams with a winning home record and they've allowed over 110 ppg on the road this season.  In fact, the Nuggets have allowed an average of 119 ppg in their last nine road games on 50% shooting, including 39% from behind the arc. Spread those numbers over the course of the season and Denver would easily own the worst defense in the NBA.  Look for the Hawks to bounce back with the win and cover.  I'm laying the points with Atlanta, my Wednesday Wipeout.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Arkansas-Little Rock on Monday night, my SunBelt KO.  UALR has been on the losing end of late, dropping four straight games, but they're getting "just what the doctor ordered," when they host Appalachian State.  The Mountaineers have lost six straight and nine of their last 10. They allowed nearly 82 ppg in the six-game losing streak and three of those opponents shot 49% or better.  One of their main problems right now is turnovers where they're minus-20 in their last four outings.  Basically, ASU has one double digit scorer in Ronshad Shabazz, with no other offensive threats.  UALR has five players averaging more than 9 ppg and beat ASU on the road, 76-68 in January. The win made if five victories SU & ATS in the last six meetings for the Trojans.  Last time here, UALR beat ASU 81-55 as a 15 1/2 point favorite.  They've won three straight home meetings by margins of 26, 18, & 15 points.  We also note UALR is off a home loss and they're on a perfect 8-0 ATS run following a conference loss on their home floor.  I like the spot they're in tonight.  I'm laying the points with Arkansas-Little Rock on Monday night.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm backing Minnesota on Saturday afternoon.  Both teams are struggling, but we feel Illinois will provide "just what the doctor ordered," for the Gophers to snap their five game losing streak.  Minnesota's last four losses came by a grand total of just 17 points with two of the losses coming by a basket each.  Richard Pitino's squad once stood 15-2 on the season.  Illinois has been a disappointment since Big-10 season began.  Six of their last nine losses came by double digits, they struggle on the defensive end, and at the other end of the floor, only one player has at least a 2:1 assists-turnovers ratio.  Minnesota has been outstanding on the defensive end where they rank 19th (39.5%) & 23rd (30.9%) in FG percentage and 3-point shooting allowed, respectively.  And we know Illinois is just 3-11 ATS after game 15 on the season against teams that hold opponents to 42% or less.  Six players average 9 ppg or more for Pitino and they have three strong dishers, led by Nate Mason with 120 assists on the season, while averaging less than 2 turnovers per contest. Finally, with John Groce as coach, we note that after 15 games of the season, the Illini are just 8-20 ATS at home against teams with a winning record. I'm backing Minnesota as they look to gain a measure of revenge for an 85-52 loss last March.  The Gophers are my Revenge Game of the Month.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Stanford, my Knockout release.  Colorado is off a big home win over Oregon, but they have struggled on the road this season.  The Buffs are allowing their "hosts" to score 78 ppg on 46% shooting.  At the same time, they're taking 22.5 3-pointers per road game, connecting on just 30% of their attempts.  CU even struggles at the stripe, making just 62% of their FTs on the road.  We also know that the Buffaloes don't have any players with really strong assists-turnover ratios this season.  Stanford has been outstanding on defense of late, allowing less than 61 ppg over their last five outings.  Reid Travis has been a beast averaging over 16 ppg and nearly 9 rpg.  And the assist combo of Robert Cartwright & Christian Sanders is the best on the floor tonight.  The Cardinal enter on a 6-2 ATS run at home against teams with a losing record. Meanwhile, the Buffs are 5-16-1 ATS as a road dog of less than seven points and they're 2-9-1 ATS in their last 12, overall.  I'm laying the points with Stanford, my KO release.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with Florida State on Wednesday.  After getting knocked around by Wake Forest and Duke, Miami is now riding a 2-game win streak that included a 77-62 win over North Carolina.  But the 'Canes have been burning bankrolls as chalk, cashing just 3 of the last 17, including a 1-8 ATS mark as a home favorite.  Despite Florida State's recent struggles, we still have the Seminoles power rated solidly ahead of Miami and a team that can make a deep big dance run.  They started showing signs of life in the second half against Syracuse and watching that game (without action) gave me a "buy" sign for this one.  After trailing by 18 at the break, the 'Noles finally woke up from their game-and-a-half slumber, getting within two of the Orange with 90 seconds to go in the game, but eventually unable to get over the hump.  Besides the poor ATS spots the 'Canes are in, we have a Florida State squad on a 6-2 ATS run as a road dog of less than seven points.  I'm grabbing the points with Florida State, my Road Warrior on Wednesday.  Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with the Iowa State Cyclones on Tuesday, my DogPound release. If you wish to hang with the Mountaineers you must have a backcourt that can handle the Bob Huggins-coached pressure.  We had Oklahoma over WVU a couple weeks ago because Lon Kruger has done a great job at teaching his kids to handle "press-Virginia."  Iowa State, meanwhile, has the guards. Monte Morris (16.4 ppg & 5.75 apg) has turned the ball over just 23 times in 20 games.  His backcourt mate, Nazareth Mitrou-Long (15.3 ppg & 4.8 rpg) has committed just 34 turnovers in 20 games.  This is the type of backcourt that can take WVU out of its game. ISU has four players averaging 12 ppg or more, while holding opponents to 41% shooting at the other end as a team. They're 8-2 SU at home this season, losing tight games to Kansas & Cincinnati.  WVU is off five straight "big" games and they have hot Okla State on deck.  We expect a determined ISU squad following a loss at Vandy when the Cyclones blew a double-digit lead. The boys from Ames enter on a 12-5 ATS run against teams with a winning record, while WVU is on a 1-4 ATS slide.  ISU is battle-tested to be sure, having played Kansas, Baylor, Gonzaga, Cincy, and Miami-Florida.  I believe they'll leave the floor with a check in the win column tonight.  I'm taking the points with Iowa State, my DogPound release.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Michigan State, my Sunday Knockout.  The Spartans were in control for 18 of 20 minutes of the first half in their loss to Purdue a few nights ago.  They suffered a dry spell to wrap up the first half and an 8-point lead with 2 1/2 minutes to go turned into a halftime tie. They suffered another dry spell in the second half and that was all it took for Purdue to grab the road win.  But I expect MSU to bounce back here in a must win situation.  The Spartans have been limited thanks to injuries suffered to the roster, but I'm not sold on Michigan, despite their 90-60 win over Indiana.  The Wolverines are 0-5 on the road and rank 320th in FG percentage allowed and 351st in 3-point defense.  U-M is just 3-10 ATS against teams with a winning record, while MSU is on a 7-2 ATS run against teams playing better than .600 basketball, and 4-0 ATS as home chalk. Tom Izzo is getting "just what the doctor ordered," and I'm laying the points with Michigan State, my Big-10 Knockout.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm backing UC-Irvine on Saturday night.  The Anteaters came out flat as can be in their most recent game, losing outright as a 13-point favorite to Cal Poly.  The loss ended an 8-game winning streak, where they won six games by at least 20 points. It was also the first time they were installed as a double-digit favorite as the line finally caught up to them. But the line is back to being reasonable off the loss and we'll back them here.  UCI is a decent shooting team and a beast on the glass.  They're also ranked 54th in points allowed per game and the Anteaters hold their opponents to the nation's 10th stingiest, 38.4% shooting.  UC Davis is horrible at the FT line and weak on the glass and UCI has two defenders to throw at and slow down Chima Moneke's effectiveness.  We note that UCI is 5-0 ATS off a double digit home loss and 7-0 ATS as a favorite of less than seven points.  My power ratings say this line is too short and we'll back the Anteaters. I'm backing UC Irvine, my Big West GOM. Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with Xavier on Thursday, my DogPound release.  While Cincy owns the big-time shiny record, the fact is, they're piling up wins in a mediocre conference.  Flip-flop these two teams, sending Xavier to the AAC and I believe the Musketeers would easily be perched atop the conference. Xavier is too lengthy for the Bearcats up top, in my opinion, and they have owned this series of late winning three in a row and seven of the last nine. The Muskies are also on a 4-1 ATS run against their crosstown rivals, while the Bearcats have covered just six of their last 26 against Big East teams and two of their last 11 as home chalk of less than seven points.  I'm grabbing the points with Xavier, my DogPound release.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Kentucky, my KO on Tuesday's slate.  It's not often when we have laid a lot of points this season, but we have a team that's laying a little less than it should be in our betting opinion.  Kentucky may be without the services of De'Aaron Fox, who is listed as questionable (ankle), however in this particular game, I believe the Wildcat talent will circle the wagons and pick up the slack.  Kentucky has three other players averaging between 21.7 ppg & 13 ppg and Malik Monk, Isaiah Briscoe, and Dominique Hawkins should be able to pick up the slack when it comes to creating shots for others.  The 'Cats are outstanding at both ends of the floor, while the Volunteers are a little shaky with their own shot and defending opponents at the other end. John Calipari should have his team focused, using a loss last season in Knoxville as added motivation. Kentucky enters on a 9-3 ATS conference run, while the Vols are 1-8 ATS off a conference win over the last two seasons.  Tennessee has covered just 12 of their last 37 home lined games.  I'm backing Kentucky minus the points, my KO release. Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with the Cavaliers on Monday night, my Slam Dunk.  Yes, the Cavs are ironing things out a bit for the postseason.  At the same time, there are occasions when I believe we'll find spots to jump-in and lay the points and this is one of those spots.  Cleveland is also off an OT home loss to the Spurs, a game where LeBron and company made just 12 of 22 free throws.  The team wasn't too happy with their performance and we expect a focused bounce back effort here against a New Orleans' squad that will likely have Anthony Davis on the floor, but one that's lost six of their last nine games, including a 29-point loss to lowly Brooklyn last time out.  Both teams will be looking to atone, but only one has the ability to do so. We'll lay the points with the Cavaliers, my Monday Slam Dunk.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with Colorado State, my DogPound release.  Defense, Rebounding, and Emmanuel Omogbo are likely to be the three key reasons why CSU pulls an upset tonight.  The Rams are outstanding on the defensive end of the floor and Omogbo is unmatched in this one.  The CSU forward has averaged 15.3 ppg & 10.2 rpg over his last six games.  The Rams also enter on a 5-0 ATS run off a loss by 20 or more and they've covered four straight against teams with a losing record.  USU allows more points than they score on average, are weak on the glass, and outside of Sam Merrill, have mediocre assist-turnover ratios among the rest of the team.  The Aggies are just 2-9 ATS in their last 11 games.  I'm taking the points with Colorado State, my DogPound release.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with the Warriors. As we have seen this week (twice) when the Warriors are facing a top notch foe, they usually play with complete focus and intensity.  We expect GSW to be fully focused for Houston after the Rockets handed them one of their six losses on the season, a 132-127 OT defeat in Oakland in December.  Klay Thompson and Steph Curry combined to make just 13 of 42 shots in the loss.  We note NBA road teams favored by 3 1/2 to 9 1/2 points are on a 30-10 ATS run if they're off back-to-back double digit home wins, provided they're playing .750 basketball on the season. We'll look for GSW to remain hot. I'm laying the points with the Warriors, my Slam Dunk.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm backing the Maryland Terrapins on Thursday, my CBB Shocker.  Iowa is home off a horrible beatdown, losing 89-54 at Northwestern.  But we don't believe they'll bounce back here.  Iowa wants to play uptempo basketball and plays little defense.  Meanwhile, the Terps own the style of play to throw a wrench into the Hawkeye system.  Maryland has held their last nine opponents to less than 64 ppg and have allowed their five conference opponents to make just 41.4% of their FGA and an average of just 5.5 made treys per game.  Take the anomaly against Michigan out of the mix and Maryland has held their other four Big-10 opponents to 39.4% shooting.  While defensive play is their calling card this season, the Terps still have Melo Trimble who can match Iowa star guard Peter Jok.  Maryland enters on a 5-0 ATS run when getting points, while Iowa has dropped five in a row ATS when laying less than seven points.  I'm backing Maryland, my Perfect-10 on Thursday.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm grabbing the points with the Oklahoma Sooners on Wednesday.  OU is in rebuilding mode this season and it has showed, but we like the way they have been playing of late, resulting in four straight covers.  Last time out they beat Texas Tech 84-75.  The return of leading scorer Jordan Woodard is obviously a big deal, he scored 27 points and hauled-in seven rebounds in the win over the Red Raiders.  Just as important, OU HC Lon Kruger has been able to figure out the Mountaineers pressing style of play as well as any coach in the conference.  Does that mean we expect OU to pull the outright win?  No we don't.  But we do expect the Sooners to keep it much closer than the number.  We'll back the Sooners to make it five straight covers.  I'm taking the points with Oklahoma, my DogPound release.  Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with San Diego State, my KO on Tuesday.  One week ago tonight, UNLV went into The Pit as an 11-point underdog and came from behind to beat New Mexico, 71-66.  The win, in our opinion, was much more of an indictment of what's going on with New Mexico rather than a sudden, "we got it," moment from the Rebels.  UNLV works hard, but they're not a good basketball team.  Heck, they only made 38% of their shots against the Lobos. UNLV has made just 40.9% of their FGA this season, (313th in the nation), and they rank 210th behind the arc.  SDSU has fallen short of expectations thus far, but they still play a mean brand of defense, ranked 20th in the nation, allowing just 39.2% shooting.  Steve Fisher's team is deep with 10 players averaging over 10 minutes played per game.  I expect their defensive play to suffocate the shaky Rebels.  UNLV has covered just three of their last 14 as a dog and two of their last 10 conference games. Meanwhile, SDSU has covered 16 of the last 21 meetings, including a 6-1 ATS mark in Las Vegas. I'm laying the points with San Diego State, my Knockout release.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with the Utah Jazz, my Mismatch release.  The Jazz have won three straight and eight of their last 11, playing outstanding defense more often then not.  Utah has held seven of their last 10 opponents to 92 points or less.  Tonight, they catch a Phoenix Suns squad that might be feeling a little happy with themselves after beating the Spurs last time out as a double digit underdog. The Suns are one of the worst defensive teams in the NBA and allowed San Antonio to make over 50% of their FGA, but came away with the 3-point win.  However, I expect the poor work on the defensive end to cost them tonight.  The Suns are on a 4-13-1 ATS slide against fellow Western Conference teams, while the Jazz are on an 11-4 ATS run on the road against teams with a losing home record.  Utah is also on a 4-1-1 ATS run in the series.  I'm laying the points with the Jazz, my Mismatch.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with the UCLA Bruins on Saturday.  Both teams go deep as far as double digit scorers are concerned, but UCLA gets it done inside and out, while Utah owns a week deep perimeter game on the offensive end. They'll attempt to run with the Bruins, which is exactly what UCLA would like, averaging 93.4 ppg on 53.5% shooting, including a nation's best, 44.1% from behind the 3-point line.  UCLA is also loaded with dishers led by Lonzo Bell (144 assists; 42 turnovers).  The Utes best assist man has almost as many turnovers (42) as he does assists (44). And while Utah enters 3-9 ATS as a dog of less than seven and 0-4-1 ATS as a home dog, the Bruins are 5-1 ATS when laying single digits on the season. We'll back the UCLA Bruins minus the points, our CBB Slam Dunk.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with William & Mary, my DogPound Crusher.  UNCW will attempt to force an uptempo game and while their offense is typically up to it, the Seahawks aren't quite as fierce on the defensive end.  UNCW ranks 329th in FG percentage allowed with opponents making 47.5% of their shots.  They're mediocre on the glass and have covered just two of their last 14 against teams that average more than 77 ppg.  William & Mary fits the bill on the offensive end, averaging over 81 ppg.  HC Tony Shaver has a deep team with nine players averaging in double-digits in minutes played per game and a 10th who averages 9:47 per game.  And we're talking about a Tribe program that has strung together three straight 20-win seasons.  David Cohn is a strong distributor, while guard David Dixon and forward Omar Prewitt help form a decent outside-inside scoring game.  William & Mary enters on a 5-1 ATS run as a road dog of 7 to 12 1/2 points and they're on a 5-1-1 ATS run against UNCW, including 3-0-1 ATS in Wilmington.  We expect the Tribe to hang the number in this one.  I'm taking the points with William & Mary, my DogPound Crusher.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the big spot with Davidson, my Blowout Game of the Week on Wednesday. This is not the same Fordham team that beat the Wildcats a season ago.  Gone are three starters and apparently, the ability to shoot the rock.  The Rams have made just 41.3% of their FGA this season, which ranks 300th in the nation.  They aren't too hot from the deep perimeter either, where they rank 279th from behind the arc.  That's bad news for Fordham, facing a Davidson squad that holds the opposition to 41.1% shooting.  The Wildcats are led by Jack Gibbs and Peyton Aldridge, who both average over 20 ppg. Gibbs is a decent disher, as are fellow backcourt mates Jon Axl Gudmundsson and Rusty Reigel, who combine for better than a 2:1 assists/turnover ratio.  They'll attack a bad defensive Fordham team, one that's allowed the opposition to make 48.2% of their FGA.  Add in poor work on the boards and the Rams' are ripe for a beating from a Davidson team in revenge.  The Rams enter on a 0-7-1 ATS slide, while Bob McKillop's program is on a 7-0 ATS run at home following at least four straight non-covers (averaged 83 ppg in the seven wins).  I'm laying the points with Davidson, my A-10 Beatdown GOW.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm backing Florida State, my Knockout on Tuesday night.  We've been on the Seminoles a couple times of late and we'll back them against Duke.  The 'Noles are still flying a little under the radar. They're not only talented, but the talent runs deep with 11 players averaging in double digits in minutes played.  FSU is the 8th best shooting team in college baskets and play just as well at the other end of the floor where they hold teams to 38.9% shooting (23rd stingiest).  Six players average between 18 ppg & 7 ppg and everyone knows their role.  Xavier Rathan-Mayes continues to be one of the best dishers in the ACC, while Jonathan Issac is an ultra tough matchup on the glass.  Duke owns excellent talent once again, but Coach-K is missing from the bench and the Blue Devils are mediocre from behind the arc.  Duke enters on a 0-5 ATS slide as a dog of less than seven points and they're on a 1-7 ATS slide in the ACC.  Meanwhile, FSU has covered six of their last seven conference games.  I'm backing Florida State, my Knockout on Tuesday.  Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with the Warriors, my Sunday Knockout.  We had Golden State on Friday night and watched them give away a 24-point second half lead, falling apart in the fourth quarter, getting out-scored 64-31 to finish the game in an outright loss to Memphis.  When it became apparent the Warriors were not going to cover, I was happy to see them lose outright, so we could come back with them here.  Even Draymond Green said he was happy they lost after blowing the big lead.  He said the team needs to make adjustments and change things up if they wish to compete for an NBA title.  I do expect a fired-up effort in this one and even if they have a big lead I think finishing up strong in the final 12 minutes is going to be important to the team in this game. GSW is on a 26-12-1 ATS run after allowing more than 125 points.  They're on a 9-1 ATS run against the Kings (dominating the series SU), and Sacto has dropped four straight ATS at home.  I'm laying the points with the Warriors, my Sunday Knockout.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with the Indiana Pacers on Saturday night.  Nice win for the Knicks last night, outscoring Milwaukee 33-15 in the fourth quarter after trailing by 13 points through the first three. Carmelo Anthony, Courtney Lee, and Derrick Rose all saw a lot of minutes last night and will now have to lace them up against an improved Indiana team.  The Pacers have won and covered four straight and the offense has been clicking on all cylinders since tweaking the backcourt a bit. Indiana has averaged 117.5 ppg during the four game run.  Besides the 4-0 SU/ATS run, the Pacers have covered eight of their last nine home games against the Knicks.  I'm laying the points with the Pacers on Saturday. Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Florida State on Saturday, my ACC Daytime Dominator Game of the Month.  Virginia Tech got hammered last time out, losing 104-78 at NC State.  While the margin may have surprised, the loss itself did not.  Va Tech was fresh off an upset win over Duke, the final win in an 8-game winning streak.  But other than Duke, it wasn't as though the Hokies beat up on a slew of elite opponents.  They will face an elite opponent today.  The Hokies want to play uptempo, high scoring basketball, but they're running into a Seminoles' squad that ranks 19th in FG defense, holding this season's opponents to 38% shooting.  They're also great defending the trey, and allow just 68 ppg.  FSU nails over 50% of their FGA; owns a strong inside-outside game; and has seven players averaging between roughly 18 ppg & 7 ppg.  The 'Noles also have Jonathan Isaac, an absolute beast on the glass, while Xavier Rathan-Mayes is one of the best assist-men in the league.  FSU is on a 5-1 ATS ACC run and they're on a 6-2 ATS run at home against the Hokies. The 'Noles are also looking to avenge a sweep at the hands of Va Tech a season ago.  I'm laying the points with Florida State, my ACC Daytime Dominator GOM.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm backing the Colorado Buffaloes, my Road Warrior on Thursday.  The Buffs are all about defense, while ASU seems allergic to defending.  Colorado enters allowing just 67.4 ppg on 39.3% shooting, including 30.3% from behind the arc.  Both of those shooting percentages are ranked in the top-40 in college baskets.  The Sun Devils are at the other end of the spectrum, allowing over 82 ppg on 47.1% shooting (314th). They don't defend the 3-point line and outside of Obinna Oleka, they don't rebound well at all.  In fact, they're pretty bad at it.  The thing is, Colorado has George King & Wesley Gordon to offset Oleka.  The two average a combined 15.2 rpg.  CU also has five players averaging between 15 ppg and 7 ppg, and Tad Boyle has a deep team with 10 players averaging in double digits in minutes played per contest.  Finally, while the Buffs are on a 5-1 ATS conference run, the Sun Devils are on a 2-6 ATS slide at home. I'm backing Colorado, my Road Warrior on Thursday.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Boise State, my KO release.  UNLV is off a nice home win over Wyoming, but the Rebels were a 1-point favorite, so no one was too shocked.  The team is short on depth, missing a key player, and short on talent.  I'm not ready to jump on board off the win.  I am ready to go against them and back Boise State, who should have little trouble controlling this game on the defensive end.  They're outstanding defending the perimeter and allow just 66.7 ppg.  The Broncos also own a big matchup advantage in the backcourt with 6'7 guard Chandler Hutchison capable of driving his defender inside, or shooting mid-range jumpers.  Hutchison, averaging 18 ppg and pulling down 8.5 rpg will also make his matchup work under the glass.  I also don't like the fact UNLV doesn't have a strong disher, with Jovan Mooring the best on the team with a mediocre 50/33 assist/turnover mark. Boise enters on a 5-1-1 ATS run as road chalk of less than seven points, while UNLV is 2-9 ATS in their last 11 as a dog and on a 1-6 ATS slide in conference play.  I'm laying the points with Boise State, my KO release. Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.  

I'm laying the points with UC-Davis on Wednesday.  This is HC Jim Les' 6th team at Davis and likely his second best squad, trailing only the 2014-15 team that fininshed 25-7.  The Aggies are 18-11 in their last 29 games and will look to exact revenge for an ugly blowout loss to UCSB in the conf tourney that ended their season last March.  But this season, UC-Davis is the deeper, much healthier, and better team.  They put nine players in double digits in minutes played per game. UCSB is a mess right now.  Eligibility issues have popped up effecting three players, including their leading rebounder, Jalen Canty, who's the second best player on the team.  UCSB is expected to be without his 26 minutes, 10.2 ppg, & 7 rpg tonight and will also be missing Ami Lakoju and his 16 minutes per night.  They were absent the other night when the Gauchos lost a home game to Seattle.  UCSB is just 2-10 SU this season with their two wins coming in OT over Cal-State Bakersfield and against Sonoma State.  UCSB is on a 1-8 ATS slide, while the Aggies are on a 12-5 ATS run as a home favorite of less than seven points.  We'll back UC-Davis, our Big West Mismatch GOM.  Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.  

I'm laying the short points with Tennessee, my Revenge Wipeout.  Nice spot for the Vols to avenge last year's sweep at the hands of the Razorbacks. Rick Barnes had some newcomers on the roster to start this season, but he does believe he has a deeper and more talented team than he coached last season.  So far, we agree.  The Vols took Oregon to the brink before losing by four, came withing two points of knocking off North Carolina in Chapel Hill, battled Gonzaga, and just won on the road in a hostile environment, beating Texas A&M 73-63 as a 9 1/2 point dog.  Mike Anderson's squad has played a less difficult schedule losing their only two real step-up games by 14 to Minnesota and by nine to Florida. Anderson has underwhelmed at Arkansas and his Hogs are 3-12 ATS on the road after playing a game as a dog. Meanwhile, the Vols are on a 6-1 ATS run against teams playing better than   basketball.  This is a spot where the tough early season schedule benefits Tennessee.  We'll back them tonight, laying the points with the Volunteers, our Revenge Wipeout.  Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with William & Mary, my Daytime Dominator on Monday. The Tribe open the new year with a chance to shock the Pride and we believe they will.  Hofstra is not a good defensive team, ranked in the 200's in both FG percentage and 3-point percentage allowed, yet they'll play at William & Mary's desired pace.  The visitors are a much better team on the defensive end, holding opponents to 42% shooting, including 31% from behind the arc.  They're also fairly deep with nine players averaging more than 10 minutes played per game.  Daniel Dixon leads the way in scoring, while the team's best all-around player, Omar Prewitt has talked about having this meeting marked on the calendar since Hofstra knocked the Tribe out of the CAA semifinals last March.  Prewitt had his worst game of the season, making just 1-of-12 shots with just one rebound, while being whistled for four personal fouls.  As bad of a night as Prewitt had, the game was still tied with less than 20-seconds to go before Hofstra won 70-67.  Bill & Mary lost to Northeastern last time out, but they're on a 22-4-1 ATS run off a SU loss. Meanwhile, the Pride have covered just 9 of their last 30 home games.  I'm grabbing the points with William & Mary, my Daytime Dominator on Monday. Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm backing the Pitt Panthers, my Afternoon Annihilator on Saturday. Things didn't start out too well for Pitt and we won going against them twice on these pages, cashing with Eastern Michigan & SMU.  But the new coaching staff led by Kevin Stallings and the players are now on the same page and the Panthers roll into this one with an 11-2 SU mark. They also own the exact type of play on the defensive end, the schemes they run, to slow down Notre Dame.  The Irish want to bomb away from the deep perimeter, but Pitt allows the opposition to make just 30.2% of their 3-pointers.  Meanwhile, I expect Pitt to damage Notre Dame inside the arc at the other end, where they make over 48% of their shots.  14 games into the season and this marks Notre Dame's first true road test.  I'm betting they don't pass.  The Irish enter on a 2-9 ATS slide on the road after winning at least two straight games, while the Panthers enter on an 8-1 ATS run at home if they're off a SU, but non-covering home win.  I'm backing the Pitt Panthers, my Afternoon Annihilator. Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm grabbing the short points with Portland on Thursday night, my Shocker GOW.  If you've followed me this season, you know we have been involved more than once with the Pilots, cashing with opponents Portland State and CS-Fullerton.  We noted Portland's short bench and the fact they were playing a lot of games in a short period of time. Well, Portland has finally had a few days off and while the bench is short, it is extremely talented, especially Alec Wintering, Jazz Johnson, & Gabe Taylor.  The three average a combined 53.6 ppg.  Pacific also operates with a short bench, but the roster isn't nearly as talented at the top as Portland's.  And with a few days of rest, we'll back the Pilots in this one.  We note that Pacific is on a 0-6 ATS slide off a SU win.  I'm taking the points with Portland, my Shocker of the Week.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with USC, my Mismatch on Thursday night.  Both teams like to hit the 80 point mark and both teams also play defense.  But this is a step-up game for the Bears and I don't believe they're up to the task of keeping it inside the number.  Despite playing a relatively easy slate, the Bears have dropped five in a row ATS and once again they're a tad overvalued.  USC is a perfect 11-0 SU this season and while Andy Enfield's team is scoring 82 ppg, it's the Trojans' defensive play that should separate these two tonight. USC still doesn't have Bennie Boatwright on the floor, but he's missed a half-dozen games already, so the rest of the team knows all about picking up the slack. Even with Boatwright sidelined, USC still has five players averaging between 15.5 ppg & 9 ppg.  Jordan McLaughlin and De'Anthony Melton are excellent at finding open shooters on the offensive end and the Trojans are +8 rpg on the season.  As mentioned, Missouri State is on a 0-5 ATS slide. Meanwhile, the Trojans are on a 19-6-1 ATS non-conference run.  I expect more of the same tonight in this neutral court affair in Las Vegas.  I'm laying the points with Southern California, my Mismatch.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with the Chicago Bulls, my NBA Wipeout.  We backed the Bulls two nights ago and cashed when they crushed Detroit by 31 points. The Bulls were fired-up after playing some sluggish and mistake-filled basketball prior to Monday.  Now that they have bounced back and gained that turn-around win, we expect more of the same for at least one more game...tonight's contest with Washington.  The Wizards have covered four straight, but I don't like their play on the defensive end and I believe it'll be a difference maker tonight.  I'm laying the points with the Bulls, my Wednesday Wipeout. Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the short points with Fresno State, my Mismatch on Saturday night. Pacific is an absolute mess on the offensive end, soon to be known as the gang that couldn't shoot straight. The Tigers are making just 37.3% of their FGA, which ranks 341st in CBB and none of their top four scorers are making better than 39% of their shots. Pacific isn't a lot better on the defensive end where they rank #211 in FG percentage allowed.  Bad news facing a surging and undervalued Fresno State squad.  The Bulldogs rank 16th in the nation making 50% of their FGA, while holding the opposition under 40% shooting on the season.  FSU enters on a 5-1 run with the lone loss coming by just 3 points to Marquette in Milwaukee.  Five Bulldogs average between 13.5 ppg and 9 ppg.  Fresno's key players Jahmel Taylor and Jaron Hopkins are transfers from Washington & Colorado, respectively, and both are having big seasons.  FSU whipped Pacific 71-52 as a 10-point home favorite last season and we believe the adjustment for venue has been overvalued.  The Bulldogs enter on a 7-1 ATS run on the road, while UOP is on a 1-6 ATS underdog slide.  I'm laying the number with Fresno State, my Mismatch on Saturday. Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with OKC, my Beatdown GOW on Sunday.  The Thunder had won and covered six straight games before losing 102-99 at home to Houston on Friday night.  We expect an immediate bounce back in the win column and by spread covering margin.  We backed Boston when they whipped Orlando by 30 points earlier this week.  Isaiah Thomas missed the game and we stated in the write-up that the Celtics could skate by short term without him, but not long term. Thomas missed the next game, a SU/ATS loss to Toronto and he's expected to miss this one, also. Even if he happens to play, he's not a good defensive matchup for Boston against Russell Westbrook.  Others will have to take turns defending the Thunder star whether Thomas plays or not and that's a big advantage for the home team.  The Celtics have covered just four of their last 16 against Western Conference teams and we don't like their current inconsistent form.  Meanwhile, the Thunder have covered six of their last seven and they're on a 4-0 ATS run against Eastern Conference teams.  I'm laying the points with the Thunder, my Beatdown on Sunday.  Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm backing Valparaiso, my KO release on Saturday.  Both the Crusaders and Missouri State have two losses on the season, but that's where the similarity ends.  Valpo is battle tested.  They had the unfortunate task of facing Oregon off the Ducks' 17-point loss to Baylor, and if that wasn't enough, they faced Kentucky at Rupp Arena, following the Wildcats' 97-92 home loss to UCLA. Talk about examples of wrong place, wrong time!  Meanwhile, 5-2 Missouri State's losses came against Air Force and DePaul.  Valpo's forward-guard tandem of Alec Peters (25.1 ppg & 9 rpg) and Shane Hammink (14.6 ppg & 4.9 rpg) should prove too much for the Bears.  We expect a better overall season in the MVC for Mo-State, but we believe they're a tad overvalued against this Horizon League foe.  Valpo is on an 8-1 ATS run when the line is in the +3/-3 range and they're 28-7 ATS off a SU road loss.  The Crusaders won last year's meeting, 74-45.  We don't expect a blowout of that magnitude in Springfield tonight, but we do expect a win and subsequent cover.  I'm backing Valparaiso, my KO release.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with the Pacers, my Wednesday Wipeout.  The Suns are in a tough spot having played last night in Salt Lake, a game that may have taken a lot out of them.  Phoenix trailed Utah by 19 points after three quarters, but fought hard in the fourth, pulling even at 103 with 2 minutes to go before eventually losing 112-105.  They simply ran out of gas down the stretch and I expect the big fourth quarter run to weaken the legs a bit tonight.  Indiana comes to town looking to bounce back from a 142-106 loss to Golden State on Monday.  The Pacers have reacted well in this situation, on a 10-1 ATS run the last three seasons off a road loss by at least 15 points.  They'll also look to avenge a 20-point home loss to Phoenix just a few weeks ago.  I believe they'll win by a spread covering margin and I'm laying the points with the Pacers, my Wednesday Wipeout.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with Charlotte on Tuesday, my DogPound release.  We played against Charlotte over the weekend and cashed when Oregon State covered the number.  We have a pretty good read on the 49ers and feel they're a "play-on" getting double-digits from Wake Forest. Charlotte will use their 3-guard attack with all three averaging more than 12 ppg led by Jon Davis (20.8 ppg).  And while Charlotte shoots well from behind the arc, Wake Forest has been struggling of late, making just 10 of their last 50 3-pointers.  Wake frontliners have been a turnover waiting to happen with Arians, Collins, Mitoglou, and Moore committing a combined 49 turnovers this season with just 16 assists.  Wake heads into this one having covered just 3 of their last 17 home games, including a 0-4-1 ATS mark at home when favored by 13 or more.  Meanwhile, Charlotte is on a 19-9-1 ATS run, overall.  I'm grabbing the points with Charlotte, my DogPound on Tuesday. Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with St. Mary's, my KO release.  This marks the second time we'll have played the Gaels, winning the first when they won and covered at Dayton.  SMC is deep and getting outstanding play in the paint and on the perimeter.  They're fundamentally sound, not only making a high percentage of shots, but with 99 assists and just 42 turnovers on the season, an average of 19.8 apg and 8.4 tpg.  Stanford is off a nice win over Seton Hall, but this is their toughest test yet and we don't believe they have the offensive firepower to hang with the Gaels, who're playing well on the defensive end, also.  SMC has held their last three opponents to 63, 64, and 57 points. They head into Wednesday on an 8-0 ATS run after allowing 65 points of less over the last three seasons.  SMC also enters on a 7-0 ATS run as a road favorite of less than 7 points.  We'll back them again.  I'm laying the points with St. Mary's my Knockout on Wednesday. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with the Pelicans on Tuesday, my Slam Dunk.  Coach Alvin Gentry was not happy with his team after a lackluster effort against a 2-13 Dallas team on Sunday night as New Orleans led by six points early in the fourth quarter and then was outscored 29-13 for a 91-81 loss. Anthony Davis did his part, as usual, scoring 36 points with 13 rebounds, however, Jrue Holiday was the only other player in double figures with 17 points coming off the bench.  Fortunately for the Pelicans, they return home where they have won and covered four in a row.   The Lakers are playing without point guard D'Angelo Russell (knee) and Julius Randle has missed the last three games with a hip pointer and is questionable for this game.  New Orleans is in a revenge situation after losing 126-99 in the first meeting on Nov. 12 when the Lakers shot 55.3 percent from the field and Russell scored 22 points. The Lakers are averaging 46.0 percent shooting on the season and are last in the NBA is defensive field goal percentage (.484). I'm laying the points with the Pelicans, my Slam Dunk.  Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with the Thunder on Tuesday, my Slam Dunk.  Oklahoma City has beaten the Lakers nine times in a row, (6-1 L7 ATS), including 113-96 on Oct. 30 when Russell Westbrook finished with 33 points, 11 rebounds and 16 assists.  The Thunder comes off a tough overtime loss to Indiana as Westbrook had a similar performance with 31 points, 11 boards and 15 assists.  The Lakers have lost three of their last four games as their defense has been ineffective allowing an average of 119.3 points during that span.  Chicago shot 51.7 percent and Jimmy Butler exploded for 40 points as the Bulls beat the Lakers 118-110 on Sunday and winning the rebounding battle 56-37.  Lakers point guard D'Angelo Russell is questionable with a knee injury.  The Thunder is #16 in the league with a .445 defensive field goal percentage while the Lakers are dead last at .475.  We'll lay the points with the Thunder, my Slam Dunk GOW. Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with the LA Clippers on Friday, my NBA Main Event. The Los Angeles Clippers had a wake-up call on Wednesday when their seven-game winning streak was snapped in a 111-107 loss to Memphis, which was a 12.5-point underdog.  The Grizzlies took a 61-46 hafltime lead and never looked back as they made 15 of 26 from three-point range. J.J. Redick led the Clippers with 29 points and Blake Griffin added 25 points but they fell to 9-3 ATS this season.  The Clippers have won six of the last seven meetings and they're 5-1 ATS their last six games in Sacramento. The Kings lost their third in a row 110-105 to San Antonio in a game that wasn't as close as the score indicates as the Kings went on a 16-3 run to end the game.  DeMarcus Cousins finished with 26 points and 17 rebounds but, unfortunately, he just doesn't have enough talent surrounding him to make the Kings a playoff contender.  The visitor in this series is on a 5-0 ATS run and we expect more of the same. Look for Los Angeles to bounce back from Wednesday's loss with the win and cover.  I'm laying the points with the Clippers, my Main Event.  Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with SMU, my Dominator on Thursday.  This marks the second time this season we have been involved with these two teams, going 2-0 thus far.  We went against Pitt on Friday and cashed with Eastern Michigan, then backed SMU and won by 27 when they faced EMU. There are likely to be more early season adjustment from Jamie Dixon to Kevin Stallings for the Pitt Panther basketball program, plus the Panthers no longer have James Robinson to quarterback and direct the team on the floor.  This is a problem against a Southern Methodist squad that owns the perimeter players to drive the Pitt backcourt out of its game.  I expect another strong perimeter performance on Thursday.  Pitt has been a serious bankroll burner, currently on a 13-39-3 ATS slide off a SU win and 2-10 ATS off a win by 15 or more.  Meanwhile, when SMU gets going, they take no prisoners, on a 7-2-1 ATS run off a win by 21 or more.  I'm laying the points with SMU, my Dominator, when they take on Pitt at MSG.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm backing the Wisconsin Badgers on Tuesday night, my KO release.  Greg McDermott has done a tremendous job making CU a landing spot for high-end recruits and transfers and he has the program back in the top-25 and looking to challenge for a top-3 spot in the Big East by season's end.  The backcourt is strong, do doubt about it. Marcus Foster and Maurice Watson, Jr., are one of the best backcourt tandems in America.  But Watson did have his problems in the second half in CU's season opener against UMKC, a team expected to finish in the lower half of the WAC this season.  Watson committed 7 turnovers and the Jays finished with 17 turnovers as a team. Wisconsin is one of the few teams that can match and surpass CU in the backcourt.  Taking it one step further, the Badger frontcourt should give CU more trouble than it can handle tonight. Everyone is back for Greg Gard's Badgers.  And while Creighton is a Big Dance contender and then some, the Badgers have true Final Four potential.  Wisconsin is 6-0 ATS on the road following a home game under Gard, and they're 11-3 ATS off a SU win.  I'm backing the Wisconsin Badgers, my Knockout release.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Oakland, my Mismatch release.  The Grizzlies no longer have star guard Kay Felder on the roster, he left early for the NBA. But they were hoping transfer Stevie Clark, once a top-75 recruit, could fill Felder's shoes, at least from a play-making standpoint.  If the opening win over Bowling Green is any indication, Clark will fit-in just fine.  The 5-11 guard dished out 9 assists, while finishing with just 2 turnovers in 28 minutes of action. Oakland's backcourt is still loaded with scoring ability, including Martez Walker and Sherron Dorsey-Walker, who combining for 39 points and 20 rebounds (yes, the two guards pulled down 20 boards) in the 78-70 win & cover.  Oakland led Bowling Green by as many as 14 points, but coach Greg Kampe will use Oakland's loss of concentration at one point of the second half as motivation for improvement.  But backcourt is where the Grizzlies own a big advantage over Western Michigan.  The Broncos have too many question marks in the backcourt to hang around in a game where the home team is going to push the tempo in their usual attempt to create a shootout.  WMU is off an unimpressive win over Marygrove College, a team that had already lost by 35, 18, and 24 points to St. Francis (Indiana), Huntington University, and Rochester College, respectively.  WMU is on a 3-13 ATS slide off a SU win, while the Grizzlies have been a serious bankroll builder, including a 25-6-1 ATS run off a SU win.  We have the Grizzlies challenging Valpo for the top spot in the Horizon this season, while WMU is going to have a tough time finishing higher than 5th in the 6-team MAC West.  As far as this game is concerned, I'm laying the points with Oakland, my Monday Mismatch.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with Eastern Michigan, my Late Release Slammer.  Early season adjustment from Jamie Dixon to Kevin Stallings for the Pitt Panther basketball program, plus the Panthers no longer have James Robinson to quarterback and direct the team on the floor.  EMU enters the new season with solid perimeter and in the paint play, including big-man James Thompson back for another year of potential paint domination.  I expect this battle to be much closer than the line would indicate and I'm grabbing the points with Eastern Michigan, my Late Release Slammer. Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with the Cavaliers on Tuesday, my Slam Dunk. Cleveland got a scare at Philadelphia on Saturday as it blew an 18-point lead and then went down by five before winning 102-101.  LeBron James had 25 points, 14 assists and eight rebounds and the Cavaliers still managed to win even though they shot just 40.7 percent and Kyrie Irving was three of 17 from the field.  Atlanta snapped a two-game losing streak with a 112-97 win over Houston as Paul Millsap led the Hawks with 23 points and Dwight Howard added 20 points and 14 rebounds against his former teammates.  It was the fourth win for the Hawks this season but their other three wins came against opponents who have a combined record of 4-14. Atlanta is 0-5 ATS its last eight games in Cleveland and they're on a 1-8 ATS slide on the road against teams with a winning record. Cleveland swept the Hawks in last season's playoffs and I don't expect revenge here.  Look for the defending champions to be more focused after their close call in Philly.  I'm laying the points with the Cavaliers, my Slam Dunk.  Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with the Celtics on Sunday, my Slam Dunk!  Denver won at Minnesota on Thursday but then the second-worst shooting team in the league reverted to form in a 103-86 loss at Detroit last night while making just 31 of 94 shots for a .330 field goal percentage (we had the Pistons). The guard tandem of Jamal Murray and Emmanuel Mudiay are a combined 8-for-43 from the field the last two games, which is 18.6 percent. The Nuggets are playing a back-to-back (1-4 ATS last 5 in this spot) and their fourth road game in seven days.  Boston has been off since Thursday when it lost at Cleveland 128-122 but covered the 10.5-point spread.  Isaiah Thomas scored 30 points and Avery Bradley added 26 points and 10 rebounds.  The Celtics are the top shooting team in the NBA at nearly 50 percent and they're averaging 110.8 points per game, which is third behind the Cavaliers and Golden State. Boston has won the last four meetings (3-1 ATS) and the Nuggets are 1-5 ATS their last six games in Boston.  I'm laying the points with the Celtics, my Slam Dunk!  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with the Pistons, my Saturday Knockout.  Detroit was playing its third game in four nights on Wednesday and paid for it with a lackluster effort at Brooklyn and losing 109-101.  The Nets shot 53.9 percent for the game and scored 38 points in the first quarter on the way to a 71-55 halftime lead. Tobias Harris and Marcus Morris led the Pistons with 23 points each, but Andre Drummond had no energy scoring six points with six rebounds.  Fortunately for the Pistons, they're back home where they are 3-0 straight up and ATS and they have two days of rest.  And they're on a 10-1 ATS run off an upset loss on the road. Denver won at Minnesota 102-99 on Thursday as the Timberwolves shot only 39.8 percent after shooting the lights out in a 116-80 win over Memphis two days before.  The Nuggets managed to win despite the fact their starting guards, Emmanuel Mudiay and Jamal Murray, were a combined four of 26 (15.4 percent) from the field. And Denver is 2-12 ATS the last 14 times off a SU road win.  Detroit bounced back from its other loss this season with a 26-point win over Orlando.  I'm laying the points with the Pistons, my KO on Saturday. Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with the Chicago Bulls on Friday night, my KO release. It didn't take long for New York to be in disarray as the team is having trouble adapting to its offensive game plan and has lost its last two games by an average of 16 points to Detroit and Houston.  The Knicks are 27th in the NBA averaging 96.8 points per game and the defense hasn't been any better giving up 110.2 to rank 24th.  Carmelo Anthony scored 21 points against the Rockets, but the Knicks had no answer for James Harden, who scored 30 points and dished out 15 assists.  Chicago won its first three games before losing at Boston 107-100 on Wednesday and the Bulls have adapted quickly to its new guard combo of Dwyane Wade and Rajon Rondo.  It was Jimmy Butler though who led the Bulls with 23 points against the Celtics.  Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah will make their returns to Chicago but the Bulls are in much better form than the Knicks.  The Bulls are on a 6-1 ATS run, overall, and they've covered five straight against teams with a losing record.  I'm laying the points with the Bulls, my Friday Knockout. Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with the Warriors on Thursday night.  Golden State has won its last three games which were all on the road and now the Warriors have a chance to make up for their disastrous home opener when they lost to San Antonio by 29 points.  The Warriors blew out Portland 127-104 on Tuesday while shooting 56.2 percent from the field and with Stephen Curry leading his team with 28 points and Ian Clark came off the bench to score 22 points. Oklahoma City is at a scheduling disadvantage as it won a tough 85-83 decision over the Clippers in Los Angeles last night.  OKC is 4-0 but three of the wins were against Philadelphia, the Suns and Lakers.  The Thunder shot just 40.5 percent against the Clippers and Russell Westbrook was the only player in double digits with 35 points.  Oklahoma City is 1-7 ATS its last eight games at Golden State, while the Warriors are 33-16 ATS under Kerr when laying 6 1/2. to 12 points at home.  I'm laying the points with the Warriors, my NBA Slam Dunk on Thursday. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with the Heat on Tuesday night, my Slam Dunk.  Sacramento is playing its third game in four nights and lost 106-95 at Atlanta on Monday and it could have been worse as the Hawks missed 18 free-throw attempts out of 47 overall.  DeMarcus Cousins finished with only 14 points while Rudy Gay led the Kings with 22 points.  The Kings finally held an opponent to a low field goal percentage, however, they were done in by 34 personal fouls.  Miami came back from a 16-point deficit before losing to San Antonio 106-99 on Sunday.  Hassan Whiteside scored 27 points and grabbed 15 boards and Goran Dragic added 25 points.  Whiteside has been dealing with some cramping and plans to stay extra hydrated for this matchup. The Kings are 3-11 ATS their last 14 games in Miami, while the Heat are on an 11-4 ATS run at home going back to last season.  Miami is home and with the scheduling advantage.  I'm laying the points with the Heat, my Slam Dunk. Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with the Rockets on Wednesday, my Wipeout release!  Mike D'Antoni and his high-powered offense is back and the Houston Rockets averaged 118.6 points in the preseason to easily lead the league.  Houston added Ryan Anderson, Eric Gordon, Nene and Pablo Prigioni while Dwight Howard and Terrance Jones are gone.  James Harden averaged 29.0 points last season and may have a field day playing in D'Antoni's offense.  Luke Walton takes over the coaching duties with the Lakers and while he seldom lost while filling in for Steve Kerr at Golden State, he's in for a rude awakening with the rebuilding Lakers, who went 2-6 in preseason.  Los Angeles has some young talent in D'Angelo Russell and Julius Randle and it added Timofey Mozgoz, Luol Deng and Jose Calderon, but it will take awhile to put the pieces together.  The Lakers finished last season 5-12 ATS and Houston is 6-0 ATS  the last six games in Los Angeles. I'm laying the points with the Rockets, my Wednesday Wipeout.  Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with the Warriors on Thursday. We played the Cavaliers last time out, due in part to the fact the Warriors rotations would be hamstrung with Draymond Green sidelined by a suspension. As Steve Kerr said, the team was lacking in communication on the defensive end. But Green is back and I expect the Warriors to play much better. Before the suspension, with Green on the floor, the Warriors had forced LeBron James into committing an average of nearly 6 turnovers per game. We felt he would flourish in Green's absence and James and Kyrie Irving both did so in historic proportions. Obviously, losing Andrew Bogut early in the third quarter magnified the loss of Green. Before Bogut was injured, we saw a dead-even first half, ending the second quarter in a 61-61 tie. I believe the Warriors can win without Bogut (out for the rest of the Finals) as long as Green is on the floor, keeping the Warriors cohesive on the defensive end. Offensively, GSW went cold from the outside in the second half, making just 3 of their final 22 3-pointers. I don't expect those kind of struggles two games in a row. Golden State enters on a 9-1-1 ATS run off a double-digit home loss and they're 12-3 ATS this season when playing with revenge, outscoring those 15 opponents by an average of 117-106. The last time on this floor, Golden State won 108-97. Draymond Green scored 9 points, while pulling down 12 rebounds, with 4 assists, and 3 blocks. Bogut played just 10 minutes and didn't attempt a single shot, while grabbing just 1 rebound. You see where I'm going. I'm taking the points with the Warriors. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with the Cavaliers on Monday night. Draymond Green has been ruled out for tonight's tilt in the Bay Area. While there's always the thought that someone else will pick up the slack for a missing piece, at least for one game, I'm of the thought that it's going to be tough for GSW to get used to not having him on the floor. Green, as reported, has been on the floor for all 88 Golden State wins this season. His harassing and hounding defensive play has forced LeBron into several miscues during this series. James has averaged nearly six turnovers per game. I don't believe anyone on the Warriors roster will be able to come close to duplicating what Green gives them. Obviously, if things open up on the offensive end for the Cavaliers, we could very well see a game six, or at least have a close, hard fought tilt with an underdog cover tonight. We note that road dogs playing .600 to .750 basketball are on a 30-9 ATS run against home teams leading a series and playing at least .750 basketball on the season. I'm grabbing the points with the Cleveland Cavaliers, my Monday night Slam Dunk. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday night. The Cavs led game one, 68-67 with 1:26 to go in the third quarter and looked like they were making the move, certainly with momentum on their side. But over the final 90 seconds of the third quarter, the Warriors closed with a 7-0 run. While one could feel the momentum switching back to GSW, Tyronn Lue apparently could not see it, and didn't realize how much of a difference it would mean to the outcome of the game. In all, the Cavaliers scored just eight points over eight minutes of game time and trailed by 20 points with 5:30 to go in the fourth. The Warriors received a great night from their bench, outscoring Cleveland's reserves, 45-10. Starting guard J.R. Smith, on the roster for offense, took a grand total of three more shots than I did and I didn't suit-up. I expect a different approach in game two on Sunday. I expect a more focused effort early-on and throughout the game. LeBron James and Kevin Love played well for most of the game. I expect others to step up and fill their roles next time out. The Cavs defended Steph Curry and Klay Thompson well, but couldn't overcome Shaun Livingston and Leandro Barbosa combining for 31 points on 13 of 15 shooting, including 4 of 4 from behind the arc. I don't believe we'll see such bench dominance in game two. I'm grabbing the points with the Cavaliers on Sunday, my Knockout GOM. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with Cleveland on Thursday night. A lot is made of the job Andre Igoudala did in last year's Finals, and rightly so. Igoudala was a thorn in LeBron's side and then some. But the Cavaliers' are a different looking team a year later and will present a different challenge. With all hands on deck this year, a jump-shooting team will win the NBA championship, whether it's Cleveland or Golden State. When the Cavs traded for the services of Channing Frye, we were on-air, doing a radio show, and said it was a key factor that would get the Cavs back to the Finals. Yes, having LeBron on the team made that a bit easier to predict. But the reason we felt Frye would be a difference maker is the fact the Cavaliers can now space the floor like never before, thanks to the Frye/Love duo. The huge spacing, something the Warriors didn't face in this year's regular season meetings, has allowed the Cavs' screen-and-rolls to be of the elite variety when it involves James & Love. And let's not fail to mention, Frye's ability to take "bigs" outside gives Cleveland yet another dimension. The Cavs will need help from the bench when GSW goes small, and Frye is not a dominant rebounder, but that's something we believe could effect the series more than it will game one. All this and I haven't even mentioned Kyrie Irving being healthy this time around. The Cavs enter on a 12-2 ATS run when playing just their second game in seven days, outscoring the opposition by an average score of 105-91. They're also on an 11-3 ATS run when facing teams that make at least 46% of their FGA. We expect the situations to continue trending in a winning direction, at least in game one. I'm grabbing the points with the Cavaliers, my Thursday Slam Dunk. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with the Thunder on Saturday night. We had the Warriors last time out, and while we covered and cashed the ticket, I didn't expect the contest to be as close as it was. OKC, despite being in a pretty tough playoff spot, had their chances down the stretch even though Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook got very little help from their teammates. The two took too many shots. 59 to be exact. I expect the Thunder to return to what they did in games three and four. Look for others to get involved early in this one, including Roberson and Waiters, who shot a combined nine FGA, scoring just six total points in the game five loss. The two combined for 27 points and Roberson grabbed 12 boards in game four, after combining for 26 points in game three. Golden State had to hold on for dear life, despite finishing +18 in points in the paint, +13 in fast break points, and dead-even in rebounding. I don't believe they'll duplicate those numbers tonight. We should also note that the lineup that gave GSW a boost early in the fourth quarter didn't include a single starter for part of the surge and just one starter (Harrison Barnes) for a couple more trips up-and-down the floor. We also expect Steven Adams to have a bigger presence early-on, after suffering early foul trouble on Thursday. OKC enters on a 12-3-1 ATS run following a SU loss. They're 4-0 ATS in their last four home games, and 5-0-1 in their last six at home against GSW. Meanwhile, the Warriors are on a 0-4 ATS slide following their last four SU wins. I'm backing Oklahoma City minus the points, my Knockout release. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with the Raptors on Friday night. We had Cleveland in game five and obviously didn't expect a 38 point win. Toronto was historically bad, but they're back home and the host has dominated play between these teams. It's more than home court advantage though. We like the fact that Jonas Valanciunas returned in game five, "shaking off some rust" and scoring nine points in 18 minutes. With a game under his belt, he might not be in full game shape yet, but he is expected to see more time. His return means more looks in the paint on the offensive end, which can calm things down for the Raptors, who were all over the place last time out. This also should open things up a little more for the Toronto backcourt, which played horribly after very good performances at home. The Cavs did a terrific job getting Kevin Love involved early and often on the offensive end in the game five win. But I expect a couple of adjustments to deny, or at least offer some resistance on screen-and-rolls tonight. The Raptors have covered four straight home games against the Cavaliers and they're on an 8-1 ATS run at home against strong teams, those that outscore their opponents by at least three ppg. I'm taking the points with the Raptors, my Slam Dunk on Friday. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Golden State on Thursday night. We had the Cavaliers last night, off a pair of games on the road where they looked quite beatable. The Cavs responded with a 38-point blowout win. No, I don't expect the Warriors to win by 38, but I do expect to see the heart of a champion, putting forth their best possible performance with their season on the line, ending in a spread covering game five win. Make shots and all will be forgiven. They've also had two games and a day off to adjust to the lineup that has given them their most trouble. That's the OKC group of Kevin Durant, Serge Ibaka, Andre Roberson, Rusell Westbrook, and Dion Waiters. That group, when on the floor together, has given the Warriors fits. But I expect adjustments to be made on the same floor where the Warriors have gone 46-3 SU. I'm also not buying a reporter's quote that Steph Curry is playing at 70% health. We do know that the last time on this floor, GSW crushed OKC, 118-91. We do know that the Warriors are on a 21-8 ATS run in revenge of a loss where the opponent scored at least 100 points. And GSW fits a 42-17 NBA league wide ATS spot, backing teams in revenge of a loss by 20 or more points, if they're also off a SU loss by at least 15 points as a favorite. GSW closed a short fave and lost by 24 in game four, fitting all required steps. I'm laying the points with Golden State, my NBA GOY. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Golden State on Tuesday night. The Warriors are off an embarrassing blowout loss in game three and we believe they'll bounce back here. We had OKC last time out and expected big games from Durant & Westbrook and we got exactly that. The game was actually tied at 40 in the second quarter before OKC finished the half on a 32-7 run. Golden State looked to pack it in after that, looking forward to the rest of the "war," understanding the "battle" had been lost. GSW made just 2 of 23 shots in that late first half OKC run and Draymond Green was a disaster throughout the game. But GSW is a perfect 12-0 SU (9-3 ATS) off a SU loss this season and we also don't expect 33 "free" points given to OKC at the FT line (37 attempts). I expect a much more aggressive Golden State squad in game four. The Warriors are 10-2 ATS this season in revenge, outscoring the 12 opponents by an average of 120-105. We'll look for another cover in this one. I'm laying the points with the Warriors, my Main Event. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with the Cavaliers on Monday night. Tough outing for the Cavs last time out after cruising passed the Raptors in games one and two. Cleveland had an off night shooting wise, especially Kyrie Irving (probable) and Kevin Love, who combined to make just four of 28 FGA. Bismack Biyombo set the tone for game three and the Cavs took one to the chops. But I expect Cleveland to bounce back in spread covering fashion and I also expect LeBron James to set the tone on Monday. His Cavs are in a strong NBA-wide situation. NBA favorites of 3 1/2 to 9 1/2 points are 27-6 ATS if they're off a double-digit loss as a road favorite, provided they scored less than 85 points. And road teams in general are 44-18 ATS if they're off a loss as a favorite and their opponent is off a win as a home dog. I'm laying the points with the Cavaliers, my Situational Slam. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm playing the Under between the Cavaliers & Raptors on Saturday night. This series is 21-5-1 to the Under in the last 27 meetings in Toronto. I bring it up because Toronto's only real chance of making a series out of this is to deny the Cavaliers on the offensive end. At least offer a little more resistance and slow the tempo down a bit. The good news is that the Cavs are not making their treys like they did against the Hawks. Cleveland has made just 14 of 41, 34% of their 3-pointers through the first two games of the series. They have more than made up for it with their hot shooting inside the arc, including a lot of open lanes, allowing them to drive to the basket, along with a ton of FTA. Toronto was weary on the defensive end in game one and they looked like they packed it in after a 46-46 second quarter tie went to the wayside with a big Cavaliers' run. The Raptors have turned to defense in a couple of situations they're in today. Toronto has allowed just 92 ppg in their last seven playoff home games. And they're on a 33-18 Under run in revenge of a double-digit road loss. They held those 51 teams to an average of less than 94 ppg, combining for an average of less than 190 total ppg. And finally, we should mention that NBA teams are 27-10 to the Under when the total is in a 190 to 199.5 range, provided that team has won at least eight of their last 10, and are playing no more than their third game in the last 10 days. I'm playing the Under between the Cavs & Raptors, my Eastern Finals Total. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with the Raptors on Thursday. We had the Cavaliers last time out and I mentioned in the analysis that Cleveland's experience advantage would show-up in game-one. We also had Toronto fresh off a hard-fought seven game series with Miami and playing with short rest. That made it tough to adjust to the quicker paced game they'd see against Cleveland and the Raptors were never in the contest. Now they've had a game to adjust, to get their legs under them, and to make the adjustments with Jonas Valanciunas sidelined. Toronto has been here before this postseason, suffering double digit losses to Indiana and Miami, bouncing back with SU wins all four times, by an average margin of 11.5 ppg. We don't need them to win outright in this one. In fact, with the big point-spread, we only need the Raptors to hang the number and we believe they will. Cleveland went inside in game-one, surprising the Raptors a bit after the Cavs had crushed the Atlanta Hawks from behind the arc. Look for Toronto to make the defensive adjustments, including not allowing James & Love much room to begin their screen-and-rolls. The Cavs are excellent when those two are the key ingredients, but as reported, their points per chance drops to the likes of Sacramento & Utah when anyone else is involved in Cavalier screen-and-rolls. I also expect a better game from the Raptor backcourt, including Kyle Lowry, who looked overwhelmed by it all in game-one. Again, this was no surprise to us. The Raptors enter on a 13-5 ATS run against teams playing better than .600 basketball. Dwane Casey's teams are 42-24 ATS off a double digit road loss, and NBA road dogs are 75-46 ATS off a loss by 20 or more, provided the home team is off a win. I'm grabbing the points with the Raptors, my Knockout release. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with the Thunder on Wednesday. We backed the Thunder on these pages in game one and collected the win. I mentioned in my game one write-up that it would be interesting to see if the new-look lineup for OKC, the "big" lineup with Steven Adams and Enes Kanter would inflict as much damage on Golden State that it did on San Antonio. We found out, at least in game one, that it did. Brilliant coaching by Billy Donovan when he kept his big lineup on the floor when Golden State attempted to dictate lineup changes, going small at times in the second half. Donovan didn't budge and OKC won outright. OKC is 1-3 SU this season against the Warriors, but could have won all four games. The Thunder trailed by one point with 2 1/2 minutes to go in the first meeting at Golden State. They led after three quarters and trailed by just two baskets with 4 1/2 minutes to go in the most recent regular season meeting at Oracle Arena. And the Thunder led by four points with 11-seconds to go in regulation in the lone meeting in OKC, before losing by three in OT. Also, after Monday's game, OKC has out-rebounded GSW in all four games. It appears the Thunder have learned to win games late, rather than letting leads slip away this postseason. The Warriors couldn't handle Russell Westbrook at either end of the floor in the second half in game one. He scored 24 points over the final two quarters, to go with 12 assists and six rebounds. The Adams/Kanter combo opens up big time space on screen-and-rolls and the Warriors had no answer. Having said that, Kevin Durant was off-kilter in game one, making just 10 of 30 shots, but I'd expect a concerted effort to get his shot back in game two. If Durant improves even just a little, GSW is going to continue to have trouble on the defensive end. We should note the Thunder enter on a 10-2 ATS run on the road against teams playing better than .600 home basketball. They're also on a 4-0 ATS run, overall. And let's not forget how well they play against quality 3-point shooting teams, currently on a 15-5 ATS run against those who make at least 36% of their treys. I believe the number is too high and I'm taking the points with the Thunder, my Slam Dunk. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with the Cavaliers on Tuesday night. Cleveland has yet to be challenged, sweeping each of their two playoff series thus far. Kevin Love was lost in the first round of last year's playoffs, but this time, he's healthy and adding yet another dimension to the Cavaliers' attack. Cleveland made 77 3-pointers in the sweep of the Hawks and Toronto will have to pay attention to the deep perimeter, while making sure they aren't taken advantage of inside. It's a tough spot, made even tougher with the injury to Jonas Valanciunas, who is out indefinitely. And obviously, the Cavaliers own a big advantage in experience. I do believe that edge will show in game one. The Raptors enter on a 1-5 ATS slide off a SU win, while the Cavaliers are on a 12-3 ATS run against teams playing better than .600 basketball. I'm laying the points with the Cavaliers, my Knockout release. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with the Thunder on Monday. After getting crushed by San Antonio in game one of their previous series, Billy Donovan and OKC made the adjustments, going big with a nice mix of Adams, Kanter, and Ibaka, and with step-up play from Dion Waiters at times throughout the series. Not all of the adjustments will work against Golden State the way they did against the Spurs. But OKC, despite losing all three meetings with the Warriors this season, had their chances to win all three. The Thunder trailed by one point with 2 1/2 minutes to go in the first meeting at Golden State. Enes Kanter finished with 14 points and 15 rebounds in 19 minutes of action. The Thunder led after three quarters in the most recent meeting at Oracle Arena, and trailed by just two baskets in the final 4 1/2 minutes. And the Thunder led by four points with 11-seconds to go in regulation in the lone meeting in OKC, before losing by three in OT. OKC out-rebounded GSW in all three games, but couldn't overcome 20 of 68, 29% shooting from behind the arc. Oklahoma City knows they can play with Golden State and they believe they can win, coming close in all three regular season meetings. They also know they can beat elite NBA teams on the road, taking two of three from a Spurs' team that lost just one home game all season. The Warriors have topped 105 points in seven straight games, but this is not a good thing for certain NBA favorites of 3 1/2 to 9 1/2 points. Home faves in that range have covered just 18 of 68 after scoring 105 or more points in at least five straight games. And let's not forget the Warriors struggled at times with Portland's backcourt and allowed 120, 125, and 121 points in their last three games against the Blazers. OKC enters on a 6-1 ATS run on the road against teams with a winning home mark and I'm backing the dog here. I'm taking the points with the Thunder, my Slam Dunk on Monday. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm playing the Under between the Spurs & Thunder on Thursday. These teams have played to the Under in nine of their last 12 in OKC, and the Spurs get defensive off a loss. San Antonio has played to the Under following each of their last four SU losses, cashing the "low" by an average margin of more than 15 ppg. We've also seen them allow just 92 ppg in 37 outings as road chalk this season. As far as what's taking place on the floor, Manu Ginobili and Patty Mills are not making shots, so we may see others getting some of their minutes; others who can play defense and not worry about what's happening as much on the offensive end. Manu & Patty aren't making shots anyway, so the Spurs might as well get more defensive. I expect to see this in an elimination game on Thursday. Then there's the lack of ball movement from the Spurs over big chunks of gametime, which has been rather eye opening. Part of that is the athletic advantage of OKC on the defensive end. Besides the situations already mentioned, the Spurs are 14-3 to the Under on the road against teams with a winning home record, and they're 15-5 to the Under against teams averaging at least 103 ppg. I'm playing the Under, my Total Knockout on Thursday. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with the Spurs on Tuesday night. Some questioned whether or not Billy Donovan could coach at the NBA level. The answer is a definite - yes. Donovan's Thunder trailed going into the fourth quarter of game four and the Thunder looked like the second best team on the floor. The former Florida Gators coach then gambled...and won. As seen, but lightly reported, Donovan went to a lineup consisting of Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, Steven Adams, Dion Waiters, and Enes Kanter. The lineup gave OKC scorers at every position. The lineup worked and the Spurs looked off kilter down the stretch. But the chess match continues and there's no reason to think Gregg Popovich won't make the correct adjustments on Tuesday. Don't be surprised to see more minutes for the "Big 3." San Antonio heads into this one on a 30-12 ATS run when tied in a playoff series. They're 18-5 ATS in revenge of a double digit road loss, outscoring the 23 opponents by an average of 108-96. I expect a quick adjustment by the Spurs and I'm laying the points, my Tuesday Slam Dunk. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with the Warriors on Monday night. Steph Curry is listed as doubtful for this one, but after a poor performance last time out, I expect his teammates to bounce back strong even if he doesn't suit-up. Golden State jumped out to a 28-22 lead after one quarter of play on Saturday and all things looked well. But Klay Thompson and Draymond Green took a break and spent the opening minutes of the second quarter on the bench and the team never got back on track, getting outscored 36 to 18 in the second and that was that, for all intents and purposes. Thompson stated his team began shooting the ball too quickly, rather than working the ball for better shots. I believe they'll go a bit deeper into the shot-clock on Monday. The Warriors were simply off kilter, even making just 58.8% of their FTA. The last time Golden State lost with Curry sidelined, they came back and crushed the Rockets 121-94 in Houston to take a 3-1 series lead. They're 18-6 ATS off a double digit loss as road chalk, outscoring the 24 opponents by an average of 115-103. And we note that NBA road teams are on a 43-18 ATS run if they're off a loss as a favorite, provided their opponent is off a home win as an underdog. I'm laying the points with the Warriors, my Knockout release. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.