I'm laying the points with the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday night.  When last these teams met, the Jazz blew the Nuggets off the floor in a 106-77 win as a 1-point home underdog.  Utah was in the middle of a six-game winning streak, where they averaged 115.5 ppg and won by an average margin of 24 ppg.  They beat three teams by 29 or more points during the run.  Things are not going so well now for the Jazz.  They've dropped eight of their last 10 games SU, covering just four and the losses have come by an average margin of nearly 14 ppg.  Denver has covered four of their last five games and went into Christmas break off of wins over Golden State and Portland, both coming on the road.  The Nuggets have covered six of their last eight and the home team has covered six straight in this series.  Denver was playing their fourth road game in five contests and fifth of seven on the road when they traveled to Salt Lake in the blowout loss.  Obviously, they're better rested, healthier, and in a better spot this time.  We're laying the points with the Nuggets on Tuesday.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Missouri on Saturday night.  Illinois lost four of its top five scorers from last season's 20-15 squad and it appears that new coach Brad Underwood will need more than one season to get the Illini back to that level. Illinois has lost five of its last seven games, including 74-69 to New Mexico State as a 6.5-point favorite last Saturday while shooting just 43.5 percent from the field.  Meanwhile, Counzo Martin is working wonders at Missouri as his team is 10-2 and on a current five-game winning streak after an 8-24 season in 2016-17.  The Tigers did have a scare against Stephen F. Austin winning by a point and shooting 55.8 percent with Kassius Robertson scoring a team-leading 23 points and Jordan Barnett adding 22 points for the Tigers.  Missouri has extra incentive as it has lost four straight to Illinois during the lean years when Kim Anderson failed to have any success during his time as coach.  Missouri has a .502 field goal percentage and holds opponents to .394 and just 66.6 points per game.  The Illini enter on a 1-9 ATS slide against teams that make at least 48 percent of their shots, losing by an average margin of 17 ppg.  Mizzou exacts some revenge and we're laying the points with the Tigers.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with the Celtics on Saturday night.  Chicago has been a different team since getting Nikola Mirotic back on the floor and the Celtics have cooled off following their incredible start to the season, but Boston owns a nice revenge situation here.  We expect to see Boston's best after getting crushed 108-85 by the Bulls less than two full weeks ago. Boston is 5-1-1 ATS off a SU loss and they have covered five of the last seven meetings in Boston.  And finally, they're 41-24 ATS in revenge of a SU loss under Brad Stevens.  I'm laying the points with the Celtics on Saturday. Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Kentucky on Saturday afternoon.  UCLA has had a tumultuous season filled with suspensions and players leaving the team and the Bruins are just 3-8 ATS with a couple of close wins against what were supposed to be undermanned teams.  The Bruins had to go overtime to beat Central Arkansas earlier in the season and barely survived against South Dakota on Tuesday and both of those games were at home.  Kentucky won its revenge match against the Bruins 86-75 in March and that was when UCLA had Lonzo Ball.  The Wildcats have different players this year, but most of the starters are potential NBA first round draft picks. Kentucky hasn't lost since a 65-61 defeat to Kansas on Nov. 14 and the Wildcats are 4-1 ATS their last five games, including 93-86 against Virginia Tech last week. UCLA is 3-11 ATS its last 14 games against SEC teams and the Wildcats have covered five of their last seven versus Pac-12 schools.  Also, Steve Alford's squads are 5-17 ATS their last 22 games against teams with winning records. More of the same.  We're laying the points with Kentucky, our Daytime Dominator.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with UNLV on Friday night.  The Rebels are 9-2 ATS its last 11 home games dating to last season and its only losses this season have been in overtime to Northern Iowa and  Arizona.  Coach Marvin Menzies definitely has the program on the upward swing and the Runnin' Rebels are playing the best they have in several years. The Rebels come off an expected easy 95-63 win over Mississippi Valley State after beating Pacific in a game that wasn't as close as the score indicated.  The Rebels shot 63% against MVSU with incredible balanced scoring as seven players scored between 10 and 13 points.  Northern Colorado is 9-3 but this will be its toughest test of the season so far as UNLV is shooting 52.2% and averaging 90.9 points compared to 43% and 71 points for the Bears.  UNLV's defense also has been superb holding opponents to just a .389 field goal percentage. Northern Colorado's underdog win at Wyoming caught UNLV's attention. UNLV is 7-1-1 ATS against Big Sky opposition and we expect them to be focused on this one from start to finish.  We're laying the points with UNLV, our Bailout Blowout. Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Idaho on Thursday.  UC Irvine lost again 86-68 at Montana on Tuesday (we had Montana) and the Anteaters now have five losses in a row and this is their fifth straight game away from home and no improvement is in sight.  Montana shot 52.5 percent compared to 42.9 percent for the Anteaters whose leading scorer was John Edgar Jr. with just 13 points.  Idaho was picked to win the Big Sky Conference and has all five starters back from last year's 19-14 squad.  The Vandals have an 8-3 record and they have covered the number four of six lined games.  This game is being played in Boise as part of the Holiday Hoops Classic.  The Vandals blew out Western Michigan 82-52 on the road on Monday holding the Broncos to 16 points in the first half.  Idaho holds opponents to just 27.8 percent from 3-point range and on offense it is 10th in the country in 3-point field goal percentage (.424).  Victor Sanders scored 25 points and Jordan Scott added 10 points and 13 rebounds and the Vandals shot 50.0 percent against WMU. UC Irvine is 3-12 ATS its last 15 games dating to last season.  Idaho takes care of business against teams with sub-.400 records, posting an 11-3 ATS mark the last 14 times.  I'm laying the points with Idaho, our KO on Thursday. Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Oregon State on Thursday.  Kent State comes off a 22-14 season and was expected to finish near the top of the MAC East Division, but apparently the losses of All-MAC forward Jimmy Hall and Deon Edwin from last year's squad has been too much to overcome.  The Golden Flashes are 5-6 and 2-5 ATS and have lost six of their last eight games, including by 26 points at Xavier followed by losses at Wright State and at home by 12 against Northeastern.  The Flashes don't bounce back well from bad losses, covering just two of their last 12 off a double digit defeat. The Flashes are shooting only 42.8 percent and Oregon State has a .484 field goal percentage and the Beavers have won six in a row.  The return of Tres Tinkle (coach's son) has been a stabilizing force after he played only six games last season due to an injury. Tinkle averages 17.5 points and a team-leading 7.0 rebounds and Stephen Thompson Jr. averages 15.5 points and leads the team with 39 assists.  The teams met last year and the Beavers won by 19 points without Tinkle and Kent State shot 27.6 percent.  OSU has covered four of its last five road games dating to last season and we like them here.  I'm backing Oregon State, our Road Warrior.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Houston on Wednesday.  Kelvin Sampson is doing a great job of blending in his returnees with junior college transfers and the Cougars are off to a 9-2 start and have covered four of their last five lined games.  Houston not only is shooting at a 49.1 percent clip, but the defense is holding opponents to just 40.1 percent. Also, the Cougars are shooting 42.4 percent from 3-point range, which even tops last season's 39.4 percent. Providence is just 2-7 ATS and three of their guards are doubtful for this game. Maliek White, Alpha Diallo and Kyron Cartwright average 26.9 points combined and all are injured.  Forward Emmitt Holt already had been lost for the season with an abdominal  injury.  The Friars were fortunate to beat Stony Brook on Sunday and that followed a loss at Massachusetts after they needed overtime to defeat Brown.  Providence won't have enough firepower to keep up with the Cougars.  I'm laying the points with Houston on Wednesday.  Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with St. John's on Wednesday.  Chris Mullin appears to be bringing back the glory years at St. John's as it's off to a 9-2 start with the only losses coming against Missouri and Arizona State.  Guard Marcus LoVett is out with a knee injury, but the Red Storm still won and covered against Iona on Sunday while holding the Gaels to a .349 shooting percentage.  Shamorie Ponds led five players in double figures with 16 points and Bashir Ahmed added 12 points and 11 rebounds.  St. Joseph's has much worse injury problems as Lamarr Kimble went down for the second year in a row and is out for the season and forward Charlie Brown is out indefinitely with a wrist injury.  The Hawks have lost every game this season when they had to step up in competition and they are 0-7-1 ATS their last eight games against Big East teams and 0-6 ATS at neutral sites dating to previous seasons.  The Red Storm is holding opponents to just 37.3 percent from the field.  We're laying the points with St. John's on Wednesday afternoon.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Georgia Tech on Tuesday.  Georgia Tech's hopes have been bolstered by the return of sophomore guard Josh Okogie, who missed the first eight games of the season due to a suspension and then an injury and he scored 19 points in a 79-54 win over Florida A&M on Sunday.  However, that still doesn't excuse the Yellow Jackets losing its three previous games to Grambling State, Tennessee and Wofford and it was the first time they covered the spread since the season opener against UCLA, which was played in China. Georgia won last year's meeting 60-43 even with Okogie in the lineup and the Bulldogs won the year before by 14 points.  Georgia is 7-2 and it does come off a 72-62 loss at Massachusetts when it shot only 35.5 percent.  Georgia is allowing only a .400 field goal percentage against a tougher schedule than Georgia Tech has played.  The home team is 11-5 ATS the last 16 meetings and the Bulldogs are 6-2-1 ATS the last nine meetings at home.  I'm laying the points with Georgia, our Rivalry Beatdown.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Montana on Tuesday.  UC Irvine lost all-conference selection Jaron Martin to graduation and therefore lacked experience at the guard position coming into the season and the Anteaters are off to a 4-9 start and just 3-7 ATS.  Irvine is 1-7 on the road and has lost eight of its last 10 games with the only wins coming against Northern Arizona and small school Whittier.  Montana comes off a 77-61 win over UC Riverside while shooting 50 percent and holding the Highlanders to just a .385 shooting percentage.  The Grizzlies return four starters from last year's squad and have six players that are least 6 feet 6 inches tall.  Montana is shooting 50.0 percent at home and averaging 81.5 points per game while Irvine is scoring only 63.9 points on the road.  Irvine is 3-11 ATS its last 14 games dating to last season and they've covered just 9 of their last 28 road games against teams with a winning record.  I'm laying the points with Montana on Tuesday. Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

Late release:  I'm backing the Bucks on Tuesday.  Thanks & GL!  Scott.

I'm laying the points with East Carolina on Monday.  Two teams that have different coaches than who started the season face each other and East Carolina has won three in a row since Michael Perry took over for Jeff Lebo on Nov. 29.  Charlotte fired Mark Price on Thursday and assistant coach Houston Fancher will make his head coaching debut at the school tonight. The 49ers are 0-6 ATS this season and have lost all three road games, including 64-50 at Chattanooga on Dec. 10.  Charlotte allows opponents a .480 shooting percentage and it has lost its last four games overall without covering the spread in any of them.  The Pirates came from 17 points down to defeat Campbell 69-66 on Dec. 4 and since have had two weeks off.  ECU has three double-figure scorers in a guard-oriented offense, including B.J. Tyson (15.8 ppg), Isaac Fleming (14.3) and Kentrell Barkley (13.2).  Charlotte is 7-19 ATS its last 26 road games and East Carolina is 7-1 ATS its last eight home games.  Also, the 49ers are 1-11-1 ATS their last 13 non-conference games.  I'm laying the points with East Carolina on Monday. Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm backing the Washington Wizards on Sunday.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

We're laying the points with UNLV on Saturday night.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Fresno State on Saturday.  Fresno State has won seven in a row since coach Rodney Terry made a subtle lineup change early in the season by inserting Sam Biitner into the starting lineup and the Bulldogs are shooting 50.6 percent overall and 40.6 percent from 3-point distance.  Biitner is 19 of 30 from beyond the arc for a .633 percentage.  Oregon won last year's meeting at home 75-63, but the Ducks return only one starter from that squad while Fresno State returns five of the eight players that were in that game. Oregon has losses to Boise State, Oklahoma and Connecticut and its difficult to find a win over a quality opponent unless you want to count Ball State, which beat Notre Dame.  Fresno has covered 19 of its last 26 home games and 35 of its last 51 overall.  The Ducks are 1-6 ATS their last seven games and 0-4 ATS following a win.  The Bulldogs are 23-6 ATS after a win dating to last season.  I'm laying the points with Fresno State, our Saturday Shocker. Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Kentucky on Saturday afternoon.  Virginia Tech is 9-1 but this will be only its second true road game and the first one went to overtime at Mississippi where it won 83-80.  The Hokies are the top shooting team in the country, however, Kentucky is one of the top defensive teams and holding opponents to 30.2 percent from 3-point range.  The Wildcats have six players at least 6-foot-9 compared to one for Virginia Tech, which has only faced three opponents that are above .500.  Kentucky's only loss was to Kansas early in the season, which is understandable for a team starting five freshmen.  The Wildcats are shooting 50.6 percent and allowing only 38.1 percent and come off a 93-76 win over Monmouth, which shot only 26 of 70. Hamidou Diallo scored a team-leading 23 points and P.J. Washington added 20 points and six rebounds against the Hawks and the Wildcats shot 53.4 percent from the field.  Kentucky is on a 16-6 ATS run at home against teams with a winning record and they're on a 4-0-1 ATS run against teams playing better than .600 basketball.  I'm laying the points with Kentucky, our Daytime Dominator on Saturday.  Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with UC Davis on Friday night.  UC Davis was expected to regress after winning the Big West Tournament championship game in March because it lost four starters, but the Aggies haven't missed a beat under coach Jim Les largely due to the one returnee, Chima Moneke, who leads the team with a 20.7 scoring average and 10.9 rebounds per game.  UC Davis is 7-2 and 5-0-2 ATS this season and 11-2-3 ATS dating to last season.  The Aggies are shooting 47.2 percent compared to 37.7 percent for San Francisco and the Aggies are holding opponents to a .398 field goal percentage.  The Dons are 9-30-1 ATS their last 40 games against Big West schools and 1-4 ATS in their five lined games this season.  San Francisco likes to shoot threes, however, their shooting percentage beyond the arc is just 29.9 percent.  The Aggies have covered the number five road games in a row.  I'm taking the points with UC Davis on Friday.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm backing the 76ers on Friday night. OKC has won a few games of late, but Carmelo still bogs down the offense, shooting a career low percentage this season.  Magnifying the issue is the fact he still takes too many shots.  OKC will miss Andre Roberson (ankle) and his 26 minutes per game in this one, making the Thunder a little more vulnerable on the defensive end to Ben Simmons and the Sixer backcourt.  Philly will have Robert Covington back on the floor tonight.  He and the Sixers are well rested, not having played since the OT win at Minnesota on Tuesday and they enter this one on an 8-1 ATS run when playing with two days off between games. Time off plus no game until Monday should keep Philadelphia completely focused.  It also means we'll also see normal minutes from Joel Embiid.  The Thunder have covered just one of their last 10 games, overall, and they're on a 0-6 ATS slide off a SU win. Philadelphia has been a bankroll builder when facing Western Conference opposition, posting a 42-16-1 ATS run, including 10-4-1 ATS this season.  Big night in Philly!  The team will be pumped for this one and we believe they'll take care of business. I'm laying the points with the 76ers on Friday night.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with Western Kentucky on Wednesday.  This is definitely a down year for Wisconsin, which is 4-7 straight up and 3-6-1 ATS and two key players already are lost for the season with injuries to guards D'Mitrik Trice and Kobe King. The Badgers already have lost to Ohio State by 25 points and Virginia 49-37 while shooting 31.3 percent.  The Badgers come off an 82-63 loss to Marquette on Saturday when the defense was almost non-existent as the Golden Eagles shot 52.7 percent overall and made 14 of 22 from 3-point range. Coach Rick Stansbury has quickly put together a talented squad at Western Kentucky that has a .492 field goal percentage and won six of its last eight games and covering the number five of the last six. Wisconsin is just 2-7 ATS its last nine games against C-USA teams and that was when the Badgers had good teams and Wisconsin is just 1-4 ATS its last five home contests.  We're grabbing the points with Western Kentucky, our DogPound release.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Texas on Tuesday.  Texas has one of the most improved teams in the country and its only two losses were in overtime against Duke and Gonzaga.  The Longhorns also remember a tough, 53-50 loss to the Wolverines last season and Michigan has lost both true road games this season against North Carolina and Ohio State. Michigan also lost to LSU in the Maui Tournament and was fortunate to beat UCLA in overtime on Saturday, but U-M has covered just 5 of their last 20 off a home win.  Shaka Smart recruited a top-five class and his team comes off a 71-67 win at Virginia Commonwealth, his former school, last Tuesday giving the Longhorns a week to prepare for this matchup.  Texas is allowing just a .378 shooting percentage while shooting 47.1 percent on the offensive end.  Andrew Jones scored 19 points against VCU and Mo Bamba, another highly-touted recruit, added 13 points and grabbed 13 rebounds and the Longhorns shot 51.0 percent from the field.  Texas is 9-4 ATS its last 13 games against Big Ten schools.  We'll lay it with Texas, our TKO release. Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Colorado on Tuesday.  Colorado comes off a loss at Xavier in what was a revenge game for the Musketeers.  Colorado is back home where it is 4-0 SU this season and 13-5 ATS in the month of December under Tad Boyle. And San Diego doesn't figure to shoot the lights out as Xavier did shooting 60.3 percent on Saturday.  The Toreros shot only 40.7 percent last season and are shooting 44.2 percent this year and Colorado is allowing just a .363 field goal percentage at home.  Tad Boyle has a young but very talented squad that is led by senior guard George King, who averages 14.4 points and 8.8 rebounds per game and freshman McKinley Wright IV, who leads the team with a 15.7 scoring average and 38 assists.  San Diego has losses to San Diego State and at UC Santa Barbara and it is averaging only 68.1 points after finishing #321 in the country last year with 65.3 points per contest.  The Buffaloes usually bounce back after a big loss as they are 7-3-1 ATS their last 11 after losing by at least 20 points and they are 4-1 ATS their last five games against West Coast Conference schools.  I'm laying the points with Colorado, our Slam Dunk on Tuesday. Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm backing the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night.  Memphis has the fortune of playing their second straight game against a team playing their first game back in the states after spending time in the high altitude of Mexico City. The Grizzlies covered the first in a 102-101 OT loss to OKC as a 4 1/2 point underdog.  It's been a struggle for Memphis, thanks in big part to the loss of Mike Conley, but they still play hard on the defensive end and it looks as though they won't face Hassan Whiteside tonight.  Miami's second leading scorer and top rebounder is still listed as "out indefinitely," nursing an injured knee.  Memphis has covered five of the last six meetings at home and we'll back them here.  I'm backing Memphis, our Monday Slam Dunk. Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Kansas on Sunday.  Arizona State is 8-0 but will be playing its first true road game with one day of rest after playing St. John's on Friday night in Los Angeles.  What's more, the Sun Devils catch Kansas off an upset loss to Washington and the Jayhawks are 4-0-1 ATS their last five games following a loss dating to last season and coach Bill Self is 44-1 straight up at home after a loss since he became coach at Kansas.  Both teams are shooting better than 52 percent, but the Jayhawks are allowing just a .370 field goal percentage and only .348 at home.  Lagerald Vick scored a team-leading 28 points against the Huskies, but his team had an off-shooting night making just 5 of 20 from 3-point range. Arizona State beat the Red Storm at the foul line making 23 of 27 compared to 13 of 22 for St. John's.  The Sun Devils don't figure to have that kind of advantage at Allen Fieldhouse and Self has concentrated on getting his players to play with a tougher attitude after the Washington loss.  Arizona State has covered just 2 of 11 games as a double digit underdog under Bobby Hurley, losing by an average margin of 22 ppg. We'll lay the points with Kansas, our Sunday Knockout.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with West Virginia on Saturday night.  The Mountaineers are at it again, driving opposing ball handlers crazy and forcing 20 turnovers per contest.  This is bad news for a Pitt Panther squad that's upside down in the assists/turnovers category on their home floor.  Pitt averages 15.6 turnovers per game at Peterson Events Center and they committed another 16 turnovers in their most recent home court win, an 82-78 OT struggle against out-manned Mount St. Mary's.  The Panthers relied on freshmen to score 55 of their 82 points.  Pitt's wins have come against opponents who're a few levels below West Virginia.  The Mountaineers just knocked-off Virginia in their most recent game, but have had a few days to move on and focus on a young Pitt team.  We believe the Panthers underclassmen won't be ready for the heat they'll face for 90 feet tonight.  Bob Huggins told his team the two game set with Virginia and Pittsburgh are of huge importance. The second half of the task at hand takes place tonight.  Pitt enters on a 22-46-1 ATS slide at home.  WVU crashes the glass for more than 40 rpg and Pitt is on a 0-6 ATS slide against teams that average at least 40 per contest.  We're laying the points with WVU on Saturday.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Wichita State on Saturday afternoon.  We earmarked this one in our notes after watching Oklahoma State bust-up the Shockers on their home floor last season.  The Cowboys made over half their FGA, while the Shockers made just 36% of their own shots in a 93-76 loss as a 7-point favorite.  Oklahoma State returned just two starters from a season ago and while the record looks strong, the SOS has not been too difficult.  Oklahoma State's wins came against Pepperdine, Charlotte, Oral Roberts, Pittsburgh, Houston Baptist, Austin Peay, and Mississippi Valley State.  They've played one "step-up" game and lost 72-55 to Texas A&M as a 4 1/2 point underdog.  Oklahoma State doesn't shoot well, especially from the deep perimeter, despite facing a soft slate.  They have covered just one of five at home against teams with a winning road record.  Wichita State returned all five starters from last season, so this spot is not lost on anyone.  The Shockers have four players averaging between 14.6 ppg and 11.5 ppg. The backcourt duo of Landry Shamet and Conner Frankamp have combined for 57 assists and just 18 turnovers this season.  And the Shockers are on a 40-18 ATS run on the road against teams with a winning home record.  This is a spot HC Gregg Marshall will get the best from his squad in my opinion, and I'll back them.  I'm laying the points with Wichita State on Saturday.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with the Wizards on Saturday.  Both teams are missing their star player, but Washington is in much better shape without their's.  The Clippers are 0-4 SU & 1-3 ATS since losing Blake Griffin to injury.  They weren't great on the defensive end beforehand, but are even worse without him, (and without Patrick Beverly), allowing those four opponents an average of 114.8 ppg on 50% shooting.  The Clippers are minus-21 in rebound margin without Griffin.  Washington still has its leading scorer in Bradley Beal and they've won four of their last six games, (5-1 ATS).  Finally, the Clippers are 0-5 ATS at home against teams with a winning road record.  Washington fits the bill.  I'm laying the points with the Wizards, our Slam Dunk. Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with the Toronto Raptors on Friday night.  Memphis remains a mess without Mike Conley on the floor and a coaching change won't matter much until he's able to return. The Grizzlies have dropped 12 of their last 13 SU (2-10-1 ATS).  Marc Gasol is expected to play, but he's nowhere near 100% healthy, nursing a sore foot. Toronto has had a couple days off to ready themselves for the road trip beginning tonight.  They've won eight of their last 10 games, averaging 115 ppg along the way.  The Raptors are the second most accurate FG shooting team in the NBA, while ranked 7th stingiest on the defensive end.  That's a tall task for one of the worst offensive teams in the league.  Toronto is on a 5-0 ATS run on the road against teams with a losing home record, while the Grizzlies enter on a 1-8 ATS slide at home and covering just 5 of their last 21 games, overall. We'll lay the fair price with the Raptors on Friday.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with the Cavaliers on Friday night.  Not only are the Cavs playing a much better brand of basketball than when these teams met on November 1, but they also have revenge on their mind.  Indiana used a 62-46 second half to beat Cleveland 124-107 that particular night.  The Pacers nailed 16 of 26 3-pointers, the equivalent of making 24 of 26 2-point shots, while Cleveland made just 7 of 31 treys, themselves.  Indiana has played well themselves, but had to come from 16 down in the fourth quarter to beat Chicago last time out.  The Cavs have not been good ATS as chalk this season, overall, however, they're on a 6-0 ATS run when laying 4 or less, or as a dog. The road team in this series has covered six in a row and NBA teams are 46-20 ATS if they are in revenge of a SU loss as home chalk, provided their opponent is off a SU win / non-cover, when laying points.  I'm laying the points with the Cavaliers on Friday.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Kansas on Wednesday night.  This game is technically being played at a neutral site, the Sprint Center in KC, but the crowd will be pro-Jayhawk.  Washington owns a 6-2 SU record, but it's a bit misleading.  They turn the ball over quite a bit and Kansas should feed off of Huskies' mistakes.  The top four scorers for UW have a combined 74 assists and 78 turnovers in eight games. The Huskies are horrible from the deep perimeter, and it's not likely they'll get inside too often tonight.  Kansas, in comparison, is all about scorers and dishers.  In fact, Devonte' Graham and Legerald Vick have combined for 86 assists and just 31 turnovers in seven games.  As a team, KU averages 20 assists per game and just 11 turnovers per game, while UW is upside down on offense and allow nearly 19 assists per game.  Kansas is outstanding on the offensive and defensive ends of the floor and will face a team ranked 304th in FG percentage defense and 297th against the trey, while allowing 78 ppg. Washington wants to run and that plays right into the Jayhawks' strength.  UW enters on a 0-4 ATS slide, while KU has covered four in a row.  UW is 0-8 ATS since last season against teams that average at least 16 assists per game, allowing 91 ppg in those outings.  And finally, UW is 0-8 ATS against uptempo teams, those that attempt at least 62 shots per game.  I'm laying the points with Kansas on Wednesday.  Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

Late addition: I'm playing Texas A&M on Tuesday.  Normal analysis returns with Wednesday's card. Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm adding a late play on Utah plus the points.  Normal analysis returns with Wednesday's card. Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Florida on Monday night.  Big step up in level of competition for Florida State after their youthful team had a case of easy street to begin the season.  The problem for the Seminoles is that the young squad is going to feel confident to play uptempo basketball against a team that's better at it than anyone else and has already played at a much higher level of basketball.  Florida beat Gonzaga 111-105 and came within a 3-pointer of upsetting Duke before losing 87-84.  The Gators are loaded and they're the highest scoring team in CBB, averaging 99.5 ppg on 48.8% shooting, including 46% from behind the arc.  Jalen Hudson (21.7 ppg) leads four players averaging more than 13 ppg.  KeVaughn Allen, Chris Chiozza, and Egor Koulechov have combined for 74 assists and just 22 turnovers.  Florida coach Mike White has led the Gators to a 36-18 ATS mark, including 9-2-1 ATS in non-conference action.  Florida will aim to snap a 3-game head-to-head losing streak and we believe they'll get it by a spread covering margin.  I'm laying the points with Florida on Monday.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with the Cavaliers on Saturday.  Last night we had a coach who motivated his team to put an opponent away and Golden State cashed in a 133-112 win at Orlando.  Today we have the league's best player who brings the motivation, or chip on the shoulder mentality to the floor.  LeBron James was ticked off when he heard Memphis coach David Fizdale was fired, reportedly due in part to the fact he didn't see eye-to-eye with Marc Gasol. I expect James to have his team ready to start fast and finish up strong against a team he'd no doubt like to blowout. The Cavs have won 10 straight games and have averaged 115 ppg over their last 14 games.  The difference during the winning streak has been defense where the Cavs have allowed just 102 ppg, while the offensive has clicked as mentioned.  Memphis enters on a 10-game losing streak and the offense has hit the skids, averaging just 89 ppg over their last seven, including scoring just 79 points in a 16-point loss to the Spurs last night.  Memphis has covered just 3 of their last 17 games and they're on a 0-4 ATS slide when playing without rest.  Cleveland has covered 15 of the last 20 meetings.  This one comes down to how badly LeBron wants to beat Memphis.  We believe he'll exact a little revenge for his friend, David Fizdale.  I'm laying the points with the Cavaliers, our KO release.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Marshall on Saturday.  The Thundering Herd want to run -- the understatement of the year. Marshall loves an uptempo pace and under John Groce, Akron will oblige.  That's bad news for the Zips who have a problem keeping a handle on the basketball, already turning the ball over 16 or more times in two of their four games.  The Zips have more turnovers than assists so far this season and don't shoot well.  Akron lost by double digits in their only road game this season, losing by 13 to Dayton.  They've allowed their last two opponents to make 53 of 100, or 53% of their FGA, and rank 293rd in defensive FG percentage.  Marshall should take full advantage at home.  The Herd average over 90 ppg and make half their FGA.  Marshall has four players averaging between 25 and 13 ppg.  Jon Elmore not only leads the team in scoring but he and fellow guard Jarrod West are the top two playmakers on the floor and have combined for 82 assists and just 39 turnovers on the season.  Marshall is on an 18-6 ATS run at home against teams with a losing road record.  We'll lay the points with Marshall as they exact revenge for a loss last December.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with the Warriors on Friday night.  Golden State hasn't been a point-spread covering machine this season, almost looking as though they're coasting, simply waiting for the postseason.  But they're off a couple shaky performances and Steve Kerr mentioned his team has played few complete games all season, even saying (and I'm paraphrasing) that his team is not stepping on any necks thus far.  I expect to see a spirited effort tonight. Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, David West, and Andre Iguodala are all expected to play, while Klay Thompson is questionable.  When these teams met in northern California a couple weeks ago, GSW won 110-100, failing to cover.  But they were up 104-84 with 4 minutes to go in the game, easily distancing themselves from the Magic, while playing the entire game without Curry.  Orlando finally snapped their losing streak against OKC, while making nearly 60% of their FGA.  They've covered just 6 of their last 22 off a SU win as an underdog, allowing 112 ppg (1-7 ATS when they pull off the underdog win at home). Kerr wants a complete game and I'm betting he gets it.  The Magic have covered just 14 of their last 42 against teams that make at least 36% of their 3-pointers, allowing 111 ppg in those 42 outings (two seasons).  And finally, they're 2-8 ATS against teams averaging at least 110 ppg.  It looks as though the Magic are catching GSW at the wrong time.  I'm laying the points with the Warriors on Friday.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with Southern Miss on Wednesday.  One again we have a side that's more than 2 points off our power ratings and the underdog has serious matchup advantages to boot.  Southern Miss goes five guards strong and two of those five, Tyree Griffin and Cortez Edwards make-up the best tandem on the floor tonight.  Not only does Griffin and Edwards average a combined 30.5 ppg, but they both shoot well and have dished out 50 assists with just 26 turnovers between the two of them.  They also force teams into mistakes and we feel South Alabama's backcourt will have trouble.  Guard Rodrick Sikes can score for the Jaguars, but he has a horrible 1-12, assist-turnover ratio so far this season.  In fact, those averaging double figures in minutes played for South Alabama have a combined 81 assists in seven games, while committing 110 turnovers.  The Jags employ a "first team to 60 wins" philosophy, so pulling away by margin would be difficult, even if they're on their "A-game."  We also note USA makes less than 42% of their FGA (284th in the nation).  And while the Jags have covered just five of their last 20 against Conf-USA teams, Southern Miss is on a 20-7-1 ATS run off an ATS loss and they're 6-0-1 off a double digit home loss.  I'm grabbing the points with Southern Miss on Wednesday.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with OKC on Wednesday.  The Thunder are taking their sweet time to get the old and the new on the same page, but catch a break here. While OKC has dropped four of their last five, the schedule hasn't been easy. And they'll face an Orlando squad that's dropped nine in a row (2-7 ATS).  The Magic have played little defense of late and tried Jonathan Simmons in the starting five last time out, but to no avail.  Orlando has allowed over 117 ppg during the skid and rank 23rd in the league in defensive efficiency this season, while OKC owns the second best defensive efficiency marks and allow just 98 ppg, the second stingiest number in the league.  The Thunder's troubles have come on the offensive end, but as we stated, the Magic should be, "just what the doctor ordered."  The Thunder enter on an 11-3 ATS run against Eastern Conference teams and they're on a 20-6 ATS run against teams playing between .250 & .400 basketball.  Final note:  Paul George has been upgraded to probable for the Thunder, but this is a play whether he is available or not.  I'm laying the points with the Thunder, our Mismatch on Wednesday.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm backing UTSA plus the points on Tuesday.  Our power ratings say that Tulsa is priced more than a bucket higher than they should be.  UTSA loves to get up and down the floor and the Golden Hurricane don't play a lot of defense.  The Roadrunners also like to force turnovers and Tulsa can be had by a quick, in your shirt, style of play. UTSA has six players averaging between 15 ppg and 8 ppg and Giovanni De Nicolao should be the best "disher" on the floor.  Sterling Taplin is a decent PG for Tulsa, however, every other player averaging at least 20 minutes per game has poor assist/turnover ratios...something we look to at this point of the season and beyond.  Tulsa has been overvalued quite often and the spread record shows, currently on a 1-7 ATS slide against teams with a winning record.  We feel they're overvalued once again and we'll grab the points with UTSA on Tuesday.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

We're backing Georgia Southern plus the couple of points on Saturday.  Both teams return all five starters from last season, and while Bradley has played a decent brand of basketball so far this season, Georgia Southern owns a true road win over Wake Forest.  Both teams are 5-1, but the Braves have come close to a couple more defeats, escaping against Weber State and UTSA.  Their biggest issue was exposed against both teams and also in their loss to Vermont.  Bradley committed 15, 20, and 19 turnovers in those three games, respectively.  Georgia Southern can get after ball-handlers on the defensive end. Offensively, the Eagles have five players averaging between 17 ppg and 9.7 ppg, and Tookie Brown is a serious disher.  GSU enters on a 3-0-1 ATS run on the road and they're 15-7 ATS in their last 22 against teams with a winning record.  We're grabbing the couple of points with Georgia Southern on Saturday.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday night.  A lot of people might bypass this game with two teams not in the greatest form.  But the wrong team is favored in our opinion and we'll look to take advantage.  The Clippers are an absolute mess in the backcourt and at least Atlanta is showing signs of hard play and getting back in the win column.  Clipper guards are not only struggling on the offensive end but they're giving up a lot of easy looks on defense, allowing 111.6 ppg during the losing streak.  They're also playing their fourth road game in six nights. Atlanta has dropped six of their last eight, but they took red-hot Boston to the brink twice, beat the Cavaliers outright, came within a point of beating New Orleans on the road and were tied in Detroit with a minute to go.  So yes, the Hawks haven't been landing in the win column, but they're playing the better brand of basketball, are the healthier team, and are playing at home against a potentially road weary team. The Hawks are on a 5-1 ATS run at home against teams with a losing record, while the Clippers have covered just one of their last nine games.  LAC is also 7-19 ATS in their last 26 on the road against teams with a losing home record. They're overvalued once again.  I'm grabbing the points with the Hawks on Wednesday.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Fresno State in Tuesday's late game in the Cancun Challenge.  Evansville is out of the gate with a 4-0 SU start, but the schedule has not been difficult and this marks a step-up in level of competition.  We didn't like the look of the Aces in their 66-61 win over Binghamton.  Evansville has a scorer in Ryan Taylor and a disher in Dru Smith, but little else when the competition gets tougher.  We like the program Rodney Terry has built in Fresno.  Even with the loss of a couple of studs, the Bulldogs are still poised to win 20 games for the third straight season.  Terry has four players averaging between 17.7 and 13 ppg and six players averaging over 7 ppg.  Deshon Taylor, Jaron Hopkins, and Ray Bowles, Jr., can all handle the rock and have combined for 31 assists and just 14 turnovers in three games.  At 6'6, Hopkins is a tough matchup for opposing guards, crashing the boards for more than 8 rpg, while scoring over 13 ppg.  Fresno enters on a 23-7 ATS run against teams with a winning record and they're on an 8-1 ATS run in non-conference tilts.  We'll back them here.  We're laying the points with Fresno State on Tuesday.  Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with UCSB on Monday night.  UCSB brings back four starters from last year's squad along with senior PG Gabe Vincent. The Gauchos struggled with their shot last season, but under first year coach Joe Pasternack, they took to an uptempo attack. After a season opening blowout win over North Dakota State, easily covering a 2-point spread, the Gauchos lost at Pitt and to Texas A&M.  They were outclassed against the Aggies, but the 70-62 loss to Pitt is a misleading final score.  UCSB and Pitt were in a 62-60 game with less than 30-seconds left in the contest before the Panthers were able to win by eight.  UCSB out-rebounded Pitt and finished with only 7 turnovers, but made just 10 of 22 FTA's.  Make their normal percentage at the charity stripe (over 71% each of their other two games) and they would've covered the spread with a good shot to win the game outright.  While UCSB returns four starters along with PG Gabe Vincent, the Waves return just one starter and don't have a got-to guy on the offensive end.  Colbey Ross is the only player who can be counted on to consistently dish to an open teammate.  Pepperdine lost to Northern Colorado in their lone lined home game this season and enter tonight having covered just 10 of their last 36 games.  They're also 2-12 ATS against teams that make at least 8 3-pointers per game.  We'll back the high powered UCSB Gauchos on Monday.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with Marshall on Sunday.  These teams should be somewhat familiar with each other, facing common opposition and hanging around in the same early season circles.  The key to covering the double digit spread for us will be Marshall's ball-handling, which is much better than the Illini's thus far.  Marshall has turned the ball over 12, 11, and 11 times with plenty of "dishers" on the offensive end. Illinois' backcourt can be had, turning the ball over 18 times in each of their last two games.  We also note that the Thundering Herd forced their last two opponents to commit 20 and 21 turnovers. Jon Elmore is back for the Herd and leading the way averaging over 28 ppg with 23 assists in three games.  Ajdin Penava (9.3 rpg) and CJ Burks have combined for 36 ppg thus far.  And most importantly, the Herd own the value in this clash.  Marshall enters on a 12-4-1 ATS non-conference run and the high-flying Herd are 14-3 ATS after scoring at least 80 points in three straight games.  When they get the offense in gear under HC Dan D'Antoni, they don't normally let up.  We're grabbing the points with Marshall, our DogPound release.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm playing Oakland on Saturday.  Normal analysis returns with Sunday's card.  Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm backing the Washington Wizards on Friday night as they shoot for a same week sweep of the Miami Heat.  After the loss earlier this week, Miami will enter Friday on a 0-7 ATS slide against teams playing above .600 basketball. Meanwhile, Washington has caught fire on the offensive end, making 47% of their shots on the season.  As I stated the other night in their 9-point win in Miami, Washington will look to push the tempo and once again it should create a problem for a Heat team without the weapons to "keep up." Washington will bring a steady rotation of fresh bodies into this one and we believe it'll prove to be too much for the Heat.  Also, as mentioned on Wednesday, the Wizards are top-5 in offensive efficiency, while the Heat struggle in this key category.  At the same time, the teams are quite close on the defensive end.  Big advantages for the home team tonight and instead of same week revenge for Miami, we are banking on a same week sweep by the Wizards.  We're laying the points with the Washington Wizards on Friday.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with UCSB on Wednesday night.  Life has been a little rough for the Pittsburgh basketball program since the departure of Jamie Dixon to TCU.  This season promises to be a long one and the Panthers are already off to a 0-2 start, losing to Montana and Navy.  Pitt had to replace all five starters from last year's team and they've turned the ball over 32 times in two games.  They've shot poorly and have also had their issues on the defensive end, allowing 45% FG shooting. There was little fan support last time out, so there's a lack of a home court feel for the 11 new additions and three freshmen starters.  UCSB brings back four starters from last year's squad along with senior PG Gabe Vincent. The Gauchos struggled with their shot last season, but under first year coach Joe Pasternack, they took to an uptempo attack in game one.  Vincent is a true disher and finished with 8 assists, while the team shot 51% from the field and an even better rate from the 3-point line.  UCSB finished the game with 21 assists and only 6 turnovers.  As far as the "techs," Pitt is on a 0-7 ATS slide (0-2 this season), and they've covered just 20 of their last 64 home games with two pushes.  We'll grab the points with UCSB on Wednesday. Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with the Spurs on Tuesday night.  San Antone has won and covered 4 of their last 5 games, playing dominant basketball in the process.  I expect that to continue against a badly struggling Dallas squad that's lost 8 of their last 9 games (2-7 ATS).  Dallas has allowed 111 points or more in five of their last eight games and Dirk Nowitzki is no longer capable of bailing his team out.  Dallas is the second worst shooting team in the league and rank 27th in FG percentage allowed.  The Mavs have covered just 1 of their last 9 home games and just 1 of their last 11 when playing on one day rest. The Spurs have a date with the Timberwolves on Wednesday, but we don't believe there will be any distraction here.  I'm laying the points with the Spurs on Tuesday.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with North Texas on Monday night.  Nebraska basketball coach Tim Miles may not be in as much hot water as his football counterpart Mike Riley, but his seat is getting warm.  In fact, fail to make a postseason tourney and new AD Bill Moos might be making coaching changes to the gridiron and hardcourt in the same year.  Nebraska failed to cover as a double digit favorite in their opener, beating Eastern Illinois 72-68 as an 11 1/2 point favorite.  The Huskers have lost nearly twice as many games ATS as they have covered when installed as a 10 point or more home favorite.  They're 4-12 ATS as home chalk of 12 1/2 to 18 points under Miles.  They tend to try to win with defense.  But Nebraska's major issues under Miles of late has been an inability to make 3-pointers and an inability to defend the 3-point line.  New season, same results against EIU, making just 31% of their treys, while allowing the Panthers to make nearly 40% of their's.   Tonight, they'll face a North Texas team that's bringing a change in personality this season.  The Mean Green want to get the ball up and down the floor with speed and it showed in game one, hoisting up nearly 80 FGA, while piling up over 120 points.  Obviously, it came against an out-manned opponent, but while this is a step-up we like the talent 1st year HC Grant McCasland has around him. McCasland made a 10-game improvement in his one season at Arkansas State before being hired away by North Texas.  He has the troops to force Nebraska out of their comfort zone and make this a close contest.  The Huskers are laying too many in our opinion and we'll grab the points with North Texas, our Monday DogPound release.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with UL-Monroe on Sunday afternoon.  The Warhawks played well in an 83-73 loss to TCU, easily covering a 25-point spread.  They kept it close despite being afforded just 11 FTA to 28 for TCU.  I like the way they hung tough on the glass and finished with 18 assists and just 12 turnovers. SMU will have a solid year again, but lost three starters to the NBA, including Semi Ojeleye, last year's AAC Player of the Year.  SMU started badly against UMBC in their season opener and actually trailed at halftime, before turning the corner in the final 20 minutes.  They should win this game, but we're getting a lot of points...too many points, as far as we're concerned. Richard Keith normally gets his team ready for these kind of games, going 51-32 ATS as a double digit road dog.  I'm taking the points with UL-Monroe, our Sunday Shocker.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

We're laying the points with Montana State on Friday.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm backing the OKC Thunder on Thursday night.  The Thunder vets and newbies are trying to find their chemistry and eventually they will, but right now, they need to focus on snapping a three-game losing streak that includes a somewhat embarrassing loss at Sacramento.  Russell Westbrook spoke about the fact he doesn't mind the occasional night like they had against Sacto, noting it'll bring the team together.  Westbrook, George, and Carmelo combined to make just 14 of their 54 FG attempts.  And while they're being patient, I do expect a "chip on their shoulder" effort tonight in Denver.  The Nuggets have covered just one of their last five home games, while OKC enters on a 13-3 ATS run on the road following at least two straight road losses.  They're also 20-6 ATS after having lost three of their previous four games with Billy Donovan as coach, outscoring those 26 opponents by an average margin of 10 ppg.  We're backing the Thunder, our Thursday Slam Dunk. Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with the Pacers on Sunday.  Indiana had their 3-game SU/ATS winning streak snapped last time out when Philadelphia put 121 points on the board in an 11-point Pacer loss.  It was apparent the Pacers were a little less than sharp following their 124-107 win over the Cavaliers.  They head into this one, likely refocused, and they're 4-0 ATS off of their last four SU losses. New York is off a win over Phoenix and have now won four of their last five games.  But they've been a little shaky on defense of late, allowing 107, 119, and 110 points in their last three games.  We believe the permissive defensive play catches up to them here, much like it did in a 119-97 loss to Houston.  Not that Indiana will win by 22, but that the Pacers will take it to the Knicks and gain the SU win.  The Knicks have covered just 5 of their last 18 off a win, while the Pacers are on a 4-0 ATS run on the road against teams with a winning record and 9-2 ATS in their last 11 off a loss by at least 11 points.  I'm backing the Pacers plus the points, our Slam Dunk.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with the Spurs on Friday night.  San Antone is struggling without Kawhi Leonard and Tony Parker, including last night's 112-92 loss to Golden State.  It was a rough final quarter for the Spurs and Gregg Popovich wasn't too pleased with his team's mistakes.  One player who is bringing it nightly is LaMarcus Aldridge, averaging 24 ppg & 9 rpg.  We expect a big night tonight from Aldridge in this matchup. The home team has won four in a row ATS in this series and San Antonio is 3-0 ATS this season when the line is in the +3/-3 range as it is at the time of this release.  Charlotte has won and covered three straight, but we feel they're overvalued at this point.  The Hornets have covered just one of their last six on the road and they're 1-8 ATS after winning two straight games in close fashion, but no more than six points in each win.  Bounce back time for San Antonio.  We're laying the points with the Spurs, our Friday Night Slam Dunk. Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with the LA Clippers on Wednesday night.  Dallas comes to town the perfect foil for a big time LAC bounce back.  The Clippers will be chomping at the bit to get back on the floor after dropping two in a row to Detroit and Golden State, the second a 141-113 crushing.  Both the Pistons and Warriors controlled the flow of the game against the Clips, but that changes tonight in our betting opinion.  We were on Dallas and cashed when they beat Memphis on October 25, still the Mavs' only win of the season.  Dallas is second to last in the NBA in offensive and defensive FG percentage and they allow 107 ppg, while barely cracking 98, themselves.  The Mavs are on a 3-10-1 ATS slide going back to last season and they have covered just one of their last nine on one day of rest.  We'll back the LA Clippers minus the points.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday.  While Dallas struggles through more rebuilding, the Memphis Grizzlies have made a few changes, including their style of play, looking to shoot earlier in the shot clock than the teams we have grown used to over the last few years.  Memphis is off to a great start, including a 98-90 win over Houston.  They have three in a row to start the season, including two straight outright wins as an underdog. Memphis is just 8-19 ATS on the road after at least two straight wins and they're on a 1-5 ATS slide after winning at least two straight as an underdog. Dallas is not only winless in four games, but got crushed 133-103 by Golden State last time out.  Over the last three seasons, the Mavs are 13-4 ATS following a loss by 20 or more and 4-0 ATS after losing by 30.  And we also know that NBA teams are 6-25 ATS if they have won at least three straight games, had a winning season last year, and are facing a team that finished below .500 the previous season.  We like these situations early in the season and we'll follow it here.  I'm grabbing the points with the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday. Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm backing the Denver Nuggets plus the points on Wednesday.  Denver has been a money-maker as a road underdog, cashing 44 of their last 69 in this role.  We also believe Denver has a great shot to make serious improvements under Mike Malone.  In fact, we played Denver Over 45.5 wins on the season.  The team went 29-22 SU with Nikola Jokic at center and he has some help up front and in the backcourt this season.  Paul Millsap will be an excellent fit at power forward, while the guards are solid both in the starting role and off the bench. In fact, we feel the Nuggets have one of the top benches in the entire league. Utah won't fall off the map due to Gordon Hayward's departure, but they aren't the same team and we expect a downtick, while also losing George Hill. Ricky Rubio is one of the better dishers in the league at the point, but we feel he's neutralized by Emmanuel Mudiay. And while Mudiay has strong help from his backups, Rubio won't have teammate Dante Exum, who is out indefinitely (shoulder).  We like the look of the Nuggets and we're taking them out of the blocks, our first NBA release of the season.  I'm taking the points with the Nuggets, our NBA Shocker.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with the Cavaliers in Sunday's Game 2 tilt.  We had Golden State in game 1 and cashed.  As we mentioned, Eastern Conf teams have taken a game to get used to the level of play of the Western Conf champion when starting the Finals on the road (0-10 SU/ATS last 10 times). But the underdog has been the way to go in Game 2 of the Finals, going 16-9-1 ATS the last 26 years, including 7-2 ATS the last nine times.  Of course, the Warriors were a rare Game 2 favorite that covered last postseason, but the Cavs covered in the dog role in this situation in 2015. Cleveland played about as poorly on the defensive end as they possibly can on Thursday and I expect extra focus when it comes to transition defense, while actually playing a little defense on Kevin Durant on Sunday.  Klay Thompson has been a shell of his former self this postseason, including a 3 of 16 night in Game 1 and the Cavs had the goods on Draymond Green, holding him without a basket for nearly three quarters.  On another note, the early line for Game 2 was GSW minus-7 before Game 1 tipped off, so we're getting extra value on the defending champs.  The Cavaliers enter on a 7-1-1 ATS road run and NBA playoff road teams with a winning record are on a 44-18 ATS run if their opponent owns a win percentage of .750 or higher on the season.  These elite level teams are generally overvalued and we mentioned above that Golden State is laying up to a basket higher than for Game 2 than they were before the series began.  We're grabbing the points with the Cavaliers, our Slam Dunk on Sunday.  Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with the Warriors in Game 1 on Thursday.  Golden State has won the last two Game 1 Finals matchups with the Cavaliers by scores of 104-89 last season and 108-100 in 2015. And after falling apart last year after building a 3-1 series lead, we expect the Warriors to attempt to set the tone with a fast-paced, 3-point barrage, type of attack.  We note that Western Conf teams are on a 9-0 SU/ATS run when they open the Finals at home. And we also believe it'll take the Cavs at least a game to catch up to the level of play the Western Conf champ brings to the table after an easy run against mediocre Eastern Conf opponents.  We also note again that the Cavs finished the season ranked 21st in defensive efficiency, ranked far lower than they were a season ago.  Look for Golden State to take advantage, setting the tone in Game 1.  I'm laying the points with the Warriors, our Game 1 Slam Dunk.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with the Celtics on Thursday, our Slam Dunk release.  The injury to Isaiah Thomas and the fact Marcus Smart brings a much bigger body to the mix has added a dimension to the Celtics at both ends of the floor.  Boston is finally not hampered by a 5'9 guard when the Cavaliers possess the basketball.  While I'm an Isaiah Thomas fan, they're simply better against the elite teams in the league when they're not so exposed. Brad Stevens has employed a motion offense and it has worked well; there's just not much you can do when a team sinks nearly three of every four shots over the final 24 minutes of basketball, which is what Cleveland did in the second half of game-4.  Boston is playing with confidence and we feel can and will hang this number. And we note that double digit home dogs are on a 56-26 ATS run if they're off a SU loss where they covered as an underdog. We expect Boston to play well enough to cash the ticket.  I'm taking the points with the Celtics, our Thursday Slam Dunk.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with the Spurs on Tuesday.  The road team has covered four of the last five in this series, including game-1 when the Spurs easily covered the spread.  We had San Antone the last time they played without Kawhi Leonard and won easily when they beat Houston outright. While we don't think SAS will win this one SU, we do believe they'll hang the big number, four points higher with Kawhi sidelined. The Spurs are on an 8-0, 100% ATS run off a road loss by no more than three points, clamping down on the defensive end in this situation.  Meanwhile, the Warriors have lost four straight ATS against teams playing better than .600 basketball.  We're taking the points with the Spurs on Tuesday.  Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with the Celtics, our Monday Slam Dunk.  Boston let one slip away as John Wall nailed a trey in the closing seconds for the win on Friday.  But I like the way Al Horford played again, and I feel the same way about Avery Bradley.  Boston is tossing two game plans at Washington in the same game on the offensive end as we explained in our Friday write-up.  The Wizards have no answer for Horford when he sets up on the perimeter.  And if they come off Isaiah Thomas, the Celtic guard drives or finds openings from the outside.  Washington survived on Friday.  But they're 0-6 ATS on the road against teams playing at last .600 basketball at home. Boston has covered four straight home games and they're on an 8-0, 100% ATS run playing host to Washington.  I expect Boston to win and cover again on Monday. I'm laying the points with the Celtics my Slam Dunk. Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with the Celtics on Friday night.  Brad Stevens and his assistant coaches made a major chess move in the last meeting, posting Al Horford up high above the 3-point line, while having Isaiah Thomas look to Horford and others due to the fact the Wizards had been "swarming" him both with and without the ball.  With Horford up high and Thomas handling the ball, Thomas drew two defenders to himself, including Gortat, leaving Horford open to nail 8 of 9 shots, while Avery Bradley benefited also, scoring 25 first half points.  The Wizards now must be prepared to face two different game plans...and I suspect it won't be easy with just one day between games. Speaking of one day off, the depth-shy Wizards are on a 7-20-1 ATS slide on one day rest. Meanwhile, Boston has won 7 of 9 SU & ATS.  I expect another win, or at least a cover tonight. I'm grabbing the points with the Celtics, our NBA Slam Dunk. Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with the Spurs in game-5 on Tuesday night.  Everything points to a powerful and stingy defensive performance by San Antonio in tonight's contest.  The #1 team in defensive efficiency this past regular season got shredded in game-4 after dominating games-2 & 3.  We note under Gregg Popovich the Spurs are 32-13 ATS when tied in a playoff series, holding the 45 opponents to 91.6 ppg.  They're 21-9 ATS at home off a loss by 20 or more points, holding those 30 teams to an average of 92 ppg, while winning by 12 ppg.  In fact, the Spurs are on a 6-2-1 ATS run off a SU loss in general. Houston couldn't miss last game making 19 3-point shots and fast-breaking their way past the sluggish Spurs. But as Manu Ginobili stated, they'll be treating game-5 like it was game-7. We also note the Rockets have covered just five of their last 18 games and they're on a 0-5 ATS slide off a win of 11 points or more.  No Nene is a big deal here.  And so is the fact the Spurs are off an ugly loss.  We'll lay the points with San Antonio on Tuesday. Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with the Cavaliers as they aim for the series sweep.  As we mentioned when this series began, the changes the Raptors made to their lineup to turn around their series against Milwaukee would have no impact on the Cavaliers. Cleveland is hitting on all cylinders and will look to put the series to bed as soon as possible.  The Raptors may keep it close throughout the first half picking up the slack if Lowry doesn't play, but if they do, we believe the Cavs will pull away over the final 12 minutes just as they did in game-3. We note that LeBron James' teams are 41-22 ATS in the second round of the playoffs.  And they're outstanding as playoff favorites in general. The Cavs are on a 5-0 ATS run and they have covered four in a row in Toronto.  I'm laying the points with the Cavaliers, my Sunday Knockout.  Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with the Warriors on Tuesday, my Slam Dunk.  Golden State is in a "take no prisoners" frame of mind this postseason.  Maybe Utah steals a game in this series, but not tonight in our opinion.  Extra time off will not hurt this team just like it didn't hurt the Cavaliers.  Indeed, the fact Kevin Durant got a chance to shake of the rust towards the end of the Portland series and has now had a chance to practice for a week, only helps.  Meanwhile, the Jazz are here as much for the Clippers' shortcomings as their own strong play.  Utah beat GSW on April 10, a game that meant little to the Warriors.  But in previous home games with Utah, (in games that did matter), the Jazz offered little resistance.  GSW has enjoyed hosting teams that average at least 18 3-point attempts per game over the second half of the last two seasons, posting a +16 ppg advantage the last 54 times. They're 18-6 ATS at home in revenge off a loss as chalk, again winning by an average of 16 ppg.  And under Steve Kerr, the Warriors are 43-20 ATS off a win by at least 20 points, averaging 118 ppg in those 63 contests.  Like the Cavs last night, I expect Golden State to take care of business in game-1 tonight.  I'm laying the points with the Warriors, my Slam Dunk. Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with the LA Clippers on Sunday.  An important change in the Clippers' rotation changed the outcome of game-6 and likely in this series.  The return of Austin Rivers, finally able to play at full health after shaking off the rust in game-5, provided the Clips with big dividends at both ends of the floor. Rivers not only adds to Doc Rivers' arsenal on the offensive end, but his ability to provide one more effective defender on Gordon Hayward at the other end, allowed the Clippers to defend Joe Johnson with Luc Mbah Moute.  And as far as the offensive end was concerned, the Clippers were even more effective in their Paul to Jordan pick-and-rolls.  I don't believe the Jazz will be able to adjust quick enough to capture game-7, SU or ATS.  And while Rudy Gobert is expected to play, his ankle is said to be less than 100% healthy and we've noticed Gobert settling for looks at the basket he didn't normally take during the regular season.  Other members of the Jazz are having trouble making shots, including Joe Ingles and Rodney Hood. Finally, NBA game-7 home teams are on a 62% winning ATS run the last 29 times and we'll stick with the home team here.  I'm laying the points with the Clippers, our Sunday Beatdown.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm backing the Boston Celtics on Friday night, our Beatdown release.  Two things caused the Bulls issues they haven't been able to overcome.  The obvious is the injury to Rajon Rondo, who isn't expected to be able to play again tonight.  The other was Brad Stevens' adjustment, specifically in starting Gerald Green.  Boston has rebounded much better the last couple of games and Green gives the Celtics an added dimension they didn't have in games one and two of this series.  And if Rondo surprises all and is able to give it a go, the Celtics with Green are a different animal than Rondo faced in the first two games of the series. I truly believe if the Bulls couldn't solve the issue in time for game five, they won't be able to overcome these issues tonight.  Boston enters on a 4-1 ATS road run and the favorite in the last 13 meetings is 10-3 ATS. Meanwhile, the Bulls have covered just eight of 25 games this season in double revenge, allowing 106 ppg in those outings. I'm laying the points with Boston, my Beatdown release.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm backing the Milwaukee Bucks minus the points on Thursday night.  Dwayne Casey pulled all the right strings with the adjustments he made in his starting lineup and amount of minutes given to certain players.  Toronto has started Norman Powell the last two games and he has come through with flying colors. Casey moved Serge Ibaka to center and Jonas Valanciunas has been coming off the bench rather than in the starting five.  But the Bucks have now had two games to adjust and I believe Jason Kidd (43-23 ATS off at least two straight losses as Bucks coach) and his staff will be ready for the Raptors "new" look tonight.  Milwaukee is still 4-0 ATS when playing on two days rest and they're on an 8-0 ATS run at home after two straight double digit losses, with an average win margin of 10 ppg in the eight outings.  I believe there will be a game-7 in Toronto and I'm backing the Bucks minus the short number, our Beatdown on Thursday. Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday.  Boston HC Brad Stevens made a wise choice when he inserted Gerald Green into the starting lineup in games three and four. Green's presence really paid off in game four when he made 7 of 13 shots, including 4 of 9 3-pointers when the rest of the Celtics made just 6 of 28 treys.  It's now time for Fred Hoiberg to make the adjustment and we like what he's doing. The Bulls are expected to start Isaiah Canaan for the first time in this series on Wednesday night.  Canaan scored 13 points in game four and brings an added dimension at both ends of the floor.  We also may see Rajon Rondo tonight (questionable) but we don't need Rondo to make this a play. We also saw Jimmy Butler start to get back on track with 33 points last time out, to go along with 9 assists.  I didn't like the inconsistent play of Isaiah Thomas in game four, including his hot-and-cold shooting and decision making, especially when you now have to win by more than four baskets if you're a Boston backer. Boston heads into this one on a 1-8 ATS slide at home, while the Bulls are on a 7-0 ATS road run against teams with a winning home record, and the visitor in this series has covered four straight.  I believe this game will go right to the wire, giving us plenty of value with the underdog.  I'm taking the points with the Bulls, my Wednesday Knockout.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with the Utah Jazz on Tuesday night.  The return of Rudy Gobert certainly changes this series, especially with the absence of Blake Griffin for the Clippers and Joe Johnson's veteran know-how, boosting the Jazz.  Gobert brings lock-down defensive play and also strong board work pulling down 13 rebounds in game four.  With the defensive player of the year candidate sidelined earlier in the series, the Clippers out-rebounded the Jazz in all three games and by a total margin of 120-94.  But with his return, the Jazz finished game four with a 42-31 advantage on the glass.  Add in the fact LAC doesn't have a lot of offensive "outs" with Griffin sidelined and I believe it's going to be tough for the Clips to pull away in this contest.  We also note that under Doc Rivers, the Clippers have covered just 22 of 60 home games against good teams, those that outscore their opponents by an average of at least 3 ppg.  Utah fits the bill.  I'm taking the points with the Jazz, my Slam Dunk on Tuesday. Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with the Warriors on Monday.  Portland posted an outstanding effort in game three yet fell short in the end, losing 119-113. The Blazers led by 13 at the break, but once Golden State started clicking in the second half, they were unstoppable. I expect Portland to get after it again at the opening tip tonight, but I also expect GSW to pull away by an even greater margin down the stretch.  The Warriors fell well short of their season-long shooting percentages last time out and I don't believe they'll fall victim to poor shooting for a second straight game.  The Warriors are on a 6-0 ATS run on the road and they're on a 14-3-1 ATS run in their last 18 games, overall.  They will be without HC Steve Kerr tonight and potentially for the rest of the playoffs, but they're used to taking the court without him after his back problems a season ago.  Portland is expected to be missing Jusuf Nurkic, who gave the Blazers a boost in game three.  They were not the same when Nurkic was sidelined earlier in the series.  Even if he plays tonight, it's not expected to be for long or anywhere near 100%.  I expect the Warriors to wrap-up the series and I'm laying the points with Golden State, our Monday Knockout.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm backing the Houston Rockets plus the short points on Sunday afternoon.  Houston had a horrible night from the deep perimeter in their game-3 loss, making just 10 of 35 3-pointers, while OKC shot 55.4% overall and over 47% from behind the arc.  All that yet OKC only won by a bucket.  Houston still drove the paint and drew more fouls and we expect more of the same tonight. However, OKC shouldn't expect another bad shooting night from the Rockets. Houston finished 2nd in the NBA in offensive efficiency this season.  And while the Thunder are on a 1-5 ATS slide against teams playing better than .600 basketball on the season, the Rockets will aim for their 7th straight cover at OKC.  Houston is a perfect 7-0 ATS on the road in revenge, provided the opponent scored at least 110 points in the previous meeting.  They're also 13-4 ATS on the road this season when the line is in the +3/-3 range.  I'm backing the Rockets plus the short points, my Beatdown on Sunday.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with the Spurs on Saturday.  The Spurs' starters will certainly be fresh for game-4 after none of them played more than 30 minutes in the 105-94 loss in game-3. Gregg Popovich expressed his distaste for their play by sitting the starting five late in the third quarter. Tony Parker didn't make a single FGA after averaging over 16 ppg in their first two games.  Bottom line:  San Antonio didn't bring their A-game.  I suspect they will tonight.  They normally do in this spot, going 36-19 ATS under Pop off a double digit loss as a road favorite, winning by an average score of 101-92.  Memphis made 51% of their FGA in the win as the Spurs failed on the defensive end after leading the entire league in defensive efficiency this regular season.  They normally get it done at both ends, while the Grizzlies rarely play as well on the offensive end as they did last time out.  The Spurs are 5-1 ATS after allowing at least 100 points in a game and despite the win, the Grizzlies enter on 4-11 SU slide.  Spurs bounce back.  I'm laying the points with San Antonio on Saturday, our KO release. Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with the Toronto Raptors on Saturday afternoon.  It can't get much worse if you're a Toronto fan after the way they played in game-3.  I expect an immediate bounce back from Kyle Lowry, DeMar DeRozan and company.  The Raptors scored just 77 points on 33% shooting and we're talking about a team that finished top-10 in scoring averaging 107 ppg on the season.  Lowry has rushed things and looked like he was overthinking things too much in game-1, while the team collectively failed in game-3.  But this is a veteran team that's in the same type of spot OKC and Boston were in last night -- a virtual must win spot.  I believe they'll come through and I'm taking the points with the Raptors, my Daytime Beatdown. Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm backing the Boston Celtics on Friday night.  It's virtually now or never time for Boston.  Rajon Rondo was one of a couple of Bulls' players who wondered out loud if the Celtics simply gave up in game-2.  We suspect Boston will be motivated to right the ship tonight with a little extra motivation on their side.  There was a positive in game-2 when Boston fared much better on the glass, especially on the offensive boards where they finished dead-even with the Bulls with 11 apiece.  But they were sloppy with the basketball and struggled on the defensive end. We mentioned several times on our radio show before this series began that we felt the Celtics were not an automatic to advance.  So far, the Bulls have been the better team.  But the Celtics won two of the final three regular season meetings, including a 100-80 win just one month ago despite attempting just four FTs.  Isaiah Thomas was the catalyst and we expect the guard to lead his team to a win tonight.  Boston is on a 22-10 ATS run on the road in double revenge and they're 19-8 ATS in road revenge off a double digit loss under Brad Stevens.  Chicago has found the going rough off of four-game winning streaks, going 0-3 this season and 1-5 (2-4 ATS) the last two seasons. Defense has been a problem in this spot, allowing 115 ppg.  I expect Boston to get in the win column in this series on Friday.  The Celtics plus the short points.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with the Spurs on Thursday.  Memphis limped into the playoffs, losing nine of their final 12 regular season games.  And while that doesn't always signal a poor playoff performance, their matchup with San Antonio simply exposes their deficiencies.  The Grizzlies finished dead last 30th in the league in FG percentage this season and 29th in scoring, relying heavily on their play on the defensive end.  But as we have seen through the first two games of this series, the Spurs are the better team at what Memphis does best. Indeed, San Antonio finished 1st in the league in defensive efficiency. But while Memphis is a one-trick pony, the Spurs were the 7th best team at the other end of the floor in offensive efficiency. David Fizdale ranted and raved about the officiating in game-2.  While he may have had a point, the bottom line is that while it might fire his team up in the first half of this one, we don't believe Pop and the Spurs will let the opportunity to take a commanding series lead slip through their fingers. Memphis heads into this one on a 1-12 ATS slide on two days rest, losing by an average score of 106-96.  And elite teams, (Spurs), those playing at least .750 basketball on the season are on a 32-10 ATS run if they're laying 3 1/2 to 9 1/2 points and off two straight double-digit home wins.  We're backing the Spurs minus the points, our Thursday Slam Dunk.  Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with the Raptors on Tuesday night.  Toronto looked on their way to capturing game-1, holding a 51-46 lead at the break.  But without taking too much away from Milwaukee, the fact is, the Raptors missed a lot of open looks over the final two quarters and HC Casey stated that his squad played without rhythm in the second half.  Toronto is also known for digging themselves a hole, having dropped nine straight opening round game-1 matchups.  Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan certainly must shoot better and we believe they will when you consider the number of open looks that went awry.  The chalk is on a 6-1 ATS run between these teams and Toronto has covered four straight off a SU loss.  These teams met twice in Toronto during the regular season and the Raptors won by 16 points and 22 points, covering both.  And while Jason Kidd is teaching his team toughness and defense, the fact is, his team has covered just 6 of 24 following a game where they held an opponent to no more than 85 points.  I do expect a bounce back from the Raptors.  They have been here before, including last year when they lost game-1 at home, 100-90 to Indiana as a 7-point favorite, then winning and covering game-2 as 8-point chalk.  I expect more of the same.  I'm laying the points with the Raptors, my Slam Dunk.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

Late release on the Cavaliers minus the points on Monday night.  Thanks & GL!  Scott.  Note: Late releases don't normally contain analysis when time is of the essence. 

I'm laying the points with the Cavaliers in Saturday's game-1 matchup.  The last time the Cavs took a full four quarters seriously, they crushed the Celtics in Boston and it wasn't even close.  The Cavs took the final three games in the regular season series with the Pacers after losing the initial tilt in November, piling up 127 ppg on 51% shooting.  Even when you exclude the two OT periods in the final meeting, the Cavs still averaged over 116 ppg during the three straight wins. I expect Cleveland to continue their offensive success against Indiana in game-1, and I don't believe the Pacers will keep up.  And while Indiana fought tooth-and-nail down the stretch just to be here, the Cavaliers were able to rest bodies.  Indeed, Cleveland is as healthy as they have been in a long time and we expect it to show on the defensive end.  The Pacers have covered just 4 of 17 on the road off a home win and they're on a 1-6 ATS slide on the road against teams with a winning home record.  Meanwhile, the Cavs have covered 17 of their last 25 in this round.  I'm laying the points with the Cavaliers, my NBA Knockout.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm grabbing the points with the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday.  The Bucks have been one of our favorite teams over the last several weeks, knowing when to jump in and when to pass.  We passed their last game and the Bucks were hammered 110-79 at Oklahoma City. The Bucks are 5th in the Eastern Conference standings and while they can't move up, they could land outside the top eight when the postseason begins if they don't take care of business.  Another team looking to win is the Indiana Pacers who're in a three-way fight with Chicago & Miami for the final playoff spot in the East. But Indiana has been no match for the Bucks this season with Milwaukee winning three meetings by an average margin of 16 ppg.  Lance Stephenson is back in a Pacer uniform and brings toughness, but he's not enough to put them over the top in this matchup in my betting opinion.  Also, while the Pacers are on a 0-6 ATS slide off a SU win, the Bucks are on a 4-0 ATS run off a double digit loss and they're on a 5-1 ATS run at Indiana.  I expect Milwaukee to garner the season sweep, at least as far as the spread is concerned.  I'm taking the points with the Bucks, my NBA Shocker.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm grabbing the points with the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday night.  The Hornets have won four straight and thanks to a few losses by the teams in front of them, Charlotte is just one game out of the 8th & final spot in the Eastern Conference playoff standings.  Offense has been a main key in their recent surge, scoring an average of 111.5 ppg during their current 6-2 SU/ATS run. Washington will look to play an uptempo, high scoring game, but the Wizards play little defense, allowing 108 ppg on the season on 47% shooting.  They rank 20th in the league in defensive efficiency.  The Wizards are also off a tough road trip with just a day off between games and we note they're on a 5-15-1 ATS slide when playing with just one day off.  They're also on a 0-7 ATS slide off a SU loss and have been a go-against of late, dropping nine of their last 12 ATS.  We'll grab the points with Charlotte, our DogPound release on Tuesday.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with the Indiana Pacers, my DogPound release.  The Cavaliers broke through with a nice effort and win over Philadelphia last time out.  But the Cavs' issues remain their play on the defensive end, where they have been horrible since the all-star break.  In fact, Cleveland ranks 23rd in the league in defensive efficiency on the season.  That's a far cry from last year's 10th best ranking. I do expect better results from the Cavs once the postseason begins, but right now this is a team more concerned with their health than with overtaking Boston for top spot in the East. Remember, LeBron teams have been the second seed four times in the East and those teams went to the NBA Finals all four times.  The Cavs enter on a 2-6-1 ATS slide in their last nine games and they're on a 7-19 ATS slide against teams that control the ball, turning it over no more than 14 times per game. Meanwhile, the Pacers are 6-2 ATS off a double digit loss and they're 7-2-1 ATS in their last 10 against Cleveland. We'll grab the points with the Pacers, our DogPound on Sunday. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Gonzaga on Saturday.  Sindarius Thornwell and the Gamecocks have set the tone in the second half of their Big Dance tilts, forcing a physical style of play, while playing scramble defense and forcing teams out of their offensive comfort zone.  But it's Gonzaga who I believe will set the tone tonight.  The Bulldogs have great backcourt players, led by Nigel Williams-Goss, but they want every possession to go through the low post and that's something South Carolina hasn't faced at the level they'll see on Saturday.  I do believe it'll take the Gamecocks out of their comfort zone and the last time that happened, SC lost 64-53 to Alabama in the SEC tourney.  Gonzaga heads into this one on a 13-3 ATS run against teams that outscore their opponents by at least four ppg, and they're on a 16-4-2 ATS run against teams playing better than .600 basketball on the season.  I like the evolution of Mark Few's coaching and Gonzaga's style of play over the last few years and I'm betting it pays off here.  I'm laying the points with Gonzaga, my Knockout on Saturday. Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday.  We had the Bucks last night and while Boston was idle, we do note that Milwaukee is on a 6-1 ATS run when playing without rest, while Boston has covered just five of their last 21 with two nights off between games.  The Bucks also didn't have to work too hard, going up by 11 points at the end of the first quarter and never looking back in a 118-108 win.  The Bucks have won 12 of their last 16 games and I mentioned in last night's preview, it's not just about the team buying into Kidd's defensive style of coaching. The Bucks are also tough to defend, ranked 2nd in the NBA in FG percentage and last night they nailed 62% of their shots.  Boston has won four in a row and seven of their last eight, but they have been overvalued at the books where they're just 2-4 ATS in their last six.  While Boston will work hard to attempt to remain in front of the Cavs in the Eastern Conference standings, the Bucks won't take a night off either.  Milwaukee remains in a fight with Atlanta & Indiana for 5th through 7th and with just a two-game lead over the 8-seed.  Slip-up and the Bucks could have to face the Celtics or Cavaliers in the opening round.  These teams went to OT before Boston won 112-108 in their last meeting.  I expect another close one here.  I'm grabbing the points with the Bucks, my DogPound release.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with UCF, my Tuesday Knockout.  The Golden Knights have been shocking opponents with their defensive prowess and we expect more of the same tonight.  UCF ranks 1st in the nation, holding teams to 36.3% shooting, including 22nd defending the trey.  They've stayed true to form in the NIT, holding their three opponents to 36.8% shooting, including 32.2% from behind the arc.  UCF has also owned the glass, averaging nine more rebounds than they allow in the tournament.  UCF enters on a 7-1 ATS run against teams with a winning record and they're on a 14-6 ATS run in non-conference action, while the Horned Frogs are on a 4-10 ATS slide against teams playing better than .600 basketball.  It's been a terrific first season for Jamie Dixon at TCU, but we're betting it comes to an end tonight due to another strong defensive effort from the Knights. We're taking the points with Central Florida, our NIT Knockout.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday night.  Tough loss last time out for Jason Kidd's squad.  After playing well on the defensive end for most of the previous 14 games (11-3 SU) the Bucks looked like they didn't show up on Sunday, especially in the second half. But after allowing Chicago to nail 54% of their FGA and getting clobbered on the glass, I expect a bounce back for the Bucks tonight.  Milwaukee is in a fight with Atlanta & Indiana for the 5 through 7 spots in the East. The difference?  A 7-seed will likely mean a playoff series with the Cavaliers or Celtics.  Milwaukee isn't simply about playing Kidd-style defense, but they're also 2nd in the NBA in offensive FG percentage.  Meanwhile, Charlotte ranks 27th in the league in FG percentage and have covered just five of their last 16 home games.  The road team is on an 11-1 ATS run in this series and the Bucks have covered five straight in Charlotte. More of the same.  I'm taking the points with the Bucks, our Slam Dunk. Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with the Spurs on Monday night, our Slam Dunk.  If you're looking for the Cavaliers to turn things around and atone for their 127-115 loss to Washington last time out, it might not be so automatic.  The Cavs are on a 1-8-1 ATS slide off a double digit home loss.  Their defense has been the second worst in the NBA since the all-star break and they've allowed 120 or more points five times in March. The struggles on defense have come to the forefront in road games against the Western Conference, where they have covered just 3 of 14, while giving up 112 ppg.  The Spurs, meanwhile, own the league's most efficient defense since January 31.  They have dominated high scoring teams, covering 18 of 24 against those that average at least 106 ppg. Most impressive is the fact they have held those 24 teams to less than 99 ppg.  In reality, as ESPN reported, the Cavaliers would rather be healthy than the EC 1-seed when the postseason begins. After all, LeBron has been a 2-seed four times and made it to the finals in all four of those instances. I'm laying the points with the Spurs, our Monday Slam Dunk.  Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Florida on Sunday, my Beatdown.  The Gamecocks ruined our Friday when they whipped Baylor.  But they will now face a championship-caliber Gator squad that will not be surprised by anything Carolina attempts, and won't be pushed around by their physical play. The teams split the regular season tilts with SC winning 57-53 at home and Florida taking the rematch, 81-66 in Gainesville.  While SC won the first meeting, it should be noted the Gators made just 15 of 28 FTA and miss all 17 3-point attempts, yet only lost by four points.  The Gators held SC to 37 of 107, 34.6% shooting, including 7 of 27, 26% 3-pointers in the two games, combined.  UF took an approach of making sure no one outside of Sindarius Thornwell would have a big game.  Take Thornwell's stats out of the two meetings and the rest of the team made just 26 of 84, 30.9% of their FGA.  I expect more of the same in this one and another UF win and cover. I also expect the Gators to force SC into committing turnovers.  They held the Gamecocks to 16 assists with 30 turnovers in this season's meetings. And while the Gators are on a 15-5-1 ATS run as chalk of less than seven points, the Gamecocks finished the regular season and conf tourney on a 1-9 ATS conference slide.  I'm laying the points with Florida, my Sunday Beatdown.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with UMBC in Sunday's CIT action.  This one offers a matchup of opposing styles with UMBC looking to utilize their speed and force an uptempo, high scoring contest, while Liberty wants a deliberate approach and would be quite happy with a "first team to 60" result.  But there are two issues for Liberty.  While they have held their last five opponents to 57 ppg, it's not due to great defensive play, but instead because they slow down the tempo when they are in possession of the basketball.  Liberty has allowed their last five opponents to make 46% of their FGA.  You'll also see their defensive numbers in road action has not been nearly as stingy, allowing hosts to score 70 ppg on the season.  The Flames have taken 50% of their shots from behind the arc over the last five games, making just 31% of their attempts.  Numerous missed treys means a speedy team like UMBC can convert some key buckets off long rebounds.  The Retrievers average about 85 ppg at home.  They already forced Fairfield into playing a faster tempo this postseason and I expect more of the same here.  I'm laying the points with UMBC, my Slam Dunk.  Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

We're laying the points with Furman on Saturday.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Baylor on Friday night.  South Carolina has surprised many by getting this far, but I'm betting the run comes to an end tonight at MSG.  The Gamecocks didn't shoot well all season and in fact, rank 299th in the nation in FG percentage. But USC shot lights-out against Maryland and made 71% of their shots in the second half of the win over Duke, after making just 7 of 35 shots in the opening 20 minutes.  South Carolina scored 63 points over the final 17+ minutes of game time after trailing 35-25 to the Blue Devils early in the second half.  USC was able to knock their first two Big Dance opponents around and I doubt they'll be able to do the same tonight.  Baylor has size.  Al Freeman is a decent-sized guard.  Jake Lindsey is a big guard who'll get 20+ minutes tonight.  The Bears are a team that can take South Carolina's physical style of play and won't back-off in the second half.  The Bears also have three players with more than 100 assists on the season a definite advantage in creating shots at the offensive end.  And as far as USC's sudden hot shooting goes, Baylor ranks 22nd in the nation, holding teams to 40.4% shooting.  The Gamecocks are on a 1-7 ATS slide against teams that allow no more than 42% shooting on the season.  Since Frank Martin took the gig, the Gamecocks are 4-19 ATS when facing a team that out-rebounds their opponents by at least 4 per game during the second half of the season (15 game mark).  And finally, Baylor is on a 7-2 ATS run in non-conference contests. I'm laying the points with Baylor, my KO GOM.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with the Pacers, my Friday Slam Dunk.  Denver's in a tough spot tonight, coming off games against the Clippers, the Cavaliers, and home & home games with the Rockets. They're also taking on an Indiana squad that will look to atone for a 140-112 thrashing at the hands of the Nuggets in January.  Denver nailed 57% of their shots in the win.  Indiana may be alternating wins and losses of late, but the fact is, they're on a 5-0 SU (4-1 ATS) run on their home floor, where they're 25-10 SU on the season. Denver is just 3-8 ATS on the road against teams with a winning home record and Indiana's on a 6-1 ATS run off a SU loss.  We'll back the Pacers, our Friday Slam Dunk.  Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with Purdue on Thursday night.  We feel Bill Self's first real run playing "small ball" has met its match.  Purdue is big and have the bodies to harass the Jayhawks' smaller players. KU's guards want to drive the paint, but Purdue has a pair of 7-footers to deny.  The Boilermakers dominated a small-ish Iowa State team on the glass and we expect more of the same in this one, along with strong looks in the paint on the offensive end.  Purdue enters on a 22-8 ATS run in non-conference action and the Big-10 has certainly represented themselves well.  Meanwhile, the Jayhawks have covered just seven of their last 23 against the physical Big-10 and they're on a 2-6-1 ATS slide as chalk of less than seven points.  We had KU on Sunday and while the final score of 90-70 over Mich State looks like a blowout on paper, it certainly wasn't until the final minutes.  It was a four point game midway through the second half and a six point game with about six minutes left.  Look for Purdue to take advantage of their size.  I'm grabbing the points with the Boilermakers, my Main Event.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday night.  The Suns threw in the towel a while back, have dropped seven of their last eight SU, while failing to cover any of their last five games.  They've shut down Eric Bledsoe and Brandon Knight along with double digit per night rebounder Tyson Chandler.  The Nets expect to have Jeremy Lin back on the floor tonight and when he plays, Brooklyn has much better flow and chemistry.  The Nets have covered seven of their last nine, and won and covered their last game as chalk, a 120-112 SU/ATS victory over New York on March 12.  It also doesn't hurt that Brooke Lopez has been on fire over the last half-dozen games. Phoenix has won just nine of 35 road games this season, have dropped five in a row ATS. They're also 3-8 ATS in their last 11 meetings with Brooklyn.  We'll back the Nets minus the points on Thursday. Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer. 

I'm backing Michigan, my Main Event. The Wolverines are taking care of business by not turning the ball over, shooting nearly 50%, and keeping opponents possessions per game at a minimum. We also feel this is the game and matchup where the Ducks will miss Chris Boucher.  The Wolverines have big bodies who will force guys like Jordan Bell to defend the perimeter, not just in the paint.  And U-M doesn't allow many open looks at the other end on the deep perimeter, denying players the ball.  After stealing a win from the jaws of defeat thanks to URI's inability to close out, I expect the Ducks to bow out here.  Oregon is on a 1-5 ATS slide against teams with a winning record, while the Wolverines are on a 6-1 spread run, overall, and they're 7-1 ATS in their last eight neutral site games.  They're doing everything well and I expect it to continue.  I'm backing Michigan, my Main Event.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

Late release on Ole Miss minus the points.  Thanks & GL!  Scott.

I'm taking the points with Richmond, my NIT KO on Tuesday.  Winning games by margin has not been a common trend for TCU and they're laying around four baskets in this one.  TCU is 10-13 SU in 2017 (including the postseason) and just two of the 10 wins came by more than seven points. In fact, their average margin of victory is just 6.6 ppg.  These two teams, with home/road stats as the measure, are quite close on the defensive end.  However, Richmond is spectacular defending the trey on the road, holding hosts to 29.6% 3-point shooting and both teams average about seven steals per game.  Richmond has been outstanding on the offensive end on the road, making 48% of their shots, while averaging 17 apg.  We also expect TCU to have some trouble with T.J. Cline (18.1 ppg & 7.8 rpg) and ShawnDre' Jones (17 ppg).  The two have also combined for 322 assists on the season.  TCU overcame the loss of Jaylen Fisher against Iowa.  But while they won 94-92 in OT, the difference in the game came at the FT line where Iowa made just 8 of 19 in the close loss.  I do believe TCU will miss Fisher's assists tonight, leaving Alex Robinson to do most of the "dishing" himself. TCU enters on a 4-12 ATS slide against teams with a winning record and they're 1-4 ATS in their last five as home chalk.  Meanwhile, the Spiders are on a 6-2-1 ATS run as a road underdog.  I'm taking the points with Richmond, my KO on Tuesday.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday.  It's nitty-gritty time for the Mavs as they have fallen 3 1/2 games out of 8th place in the Western Conference standings.  But they're in a strong spot today.  In fact, while we're not big ATS situation bettors, today's spots are hard to ignore and we'll list a few.  Dallas is off a rock-bottom, 116-74 loss to the 76ers last time out. Both Rick Carlisle and Dirk Nowitzki spoke about how badly players and coaches performed, with adjectives flying.  I expect a bounce back, refocused effort today.  Dallas is actually 28-11 ATS under Carlisle when they're off a road loss by at least 20 points.  They're also on an 8-2 ATS run off a loss by 11 or more.  The Mavs beat Brooklyn 105-96 just nine days ago, falling short of covering as a 10-point favorite.  While this one is on the road, the line is much cheaper in the rematch and we note the Nets have been horrible ATS at home for the most part.  NBA teams in general have covered just 19 of their last 69 off a cover as a dog in a game they lost outright, provided they're facing an opponent off a double digit loss as a road favorite.  One final note: while Brooklyn has been playing better of late, they have been busy. This marks their 8th game in 14 days and the Nets have covered just nine of their last 36 in this spot, losing by an average score of 111-101.  The Nets have also allowed a hefty 114 ppg in their last 31 in revenge of a road loss. I'm backing Dallas minus the points, my Slam Dunk.  Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday.  It's nitty-gritty time for the Mavs as they have fallen 3 1/2 games out of 8th place in the Western Conference standings.  But they're in a strong spot today.  In fact, while we're not big ATS situation bettors, today's spots are hard to ignore and we'll list a few.  Dallas is off a rock-bottom, 116-74 loss to the 76ers last time out. Both Rick Carlisle and Dirk Nowitzki spoke about how badly players and coaches performed, with adjectives flying.  I expect a bounce back, refocused effort today.  Dallas is actually 28-11 ATS under Carlisle when they're off a road loss by at least 20 points.  They're also on an 8-2 ATS run off a loss by 11 or more.  The Mavs beat Brooklyn 105-96 just nine days ago, falling short of covering as a 10-point favorite.  While this one is on the road, the line is much cheaper in the rematch and we note the Nets have been horrible ATS at home for the most part.  NBA teams in general have covered just 19 of their last 69 off a cover as a dog in a game they lost outright, provided they're facing an opponent off a double digit loss as a road favorite.  One final note: while Brooklyn has been playing better of late, they have been busy. This marks their 8th game in 14 days and the Nets have covered just nine of their last 36 in this spot, losing by an average score of 111-101.  The Nets have also allowed a hefty 114 ppg in their last 31 in revenge of a road loss. I'm backing Dallas minus the points, my Slam Dunk.  Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.