I'm laying the points with the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday, my Slam Dunk.  The Mavs have enjoyed their recent meetings with the Lakers, winning 12 straight and doing so by an average margin of 12.3 ppg.  And while this Dallas team isn't one of their better versions, they still beat the Lakers by 12 points in each of their first two meetings this season.  I expect more of the same on Sunday. The Lakers beat Indiana last time out, snapping a 5-game skid where they allowed 117 ppg. They're 30th in the league allowing teams to make 48% of their FGA.  In other words, I do believe this is "just what the doctor ordered," as Dallas looks to get back in the win column after close losses to Utah and Miami in their last two games. Los Angeles has dropped seven straight road games, while losing five in a row ATS and they're a little banged-up for this one.  Meanwhile, Dallas has not only won 12 straight meetings as mentioned above, but have covered nine times. I'm laying the points with the Mavericks, my Sunday Slam Dunk.  Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

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

I'm laying the points with the Utah Utes, my Saturday Knockout.  These two teams both score points and play uptempo basketball.  But only one of the two plays defense and that's the Utah Utes.  While Washington allows 78.5 ppg and gives up high percentage shooting, the Utes hold teams to 39.7% shooting and 65.9 ppg.  Six Utes average between 14.9 ppg & 9.5 ppg. They also have four solid dishers, score over 81 ppg on 51.2% shooting, and own a +11 rebound margin per game. Utah enters on a 6-1-1 ATS run and they're 6-0 ATS when laying less than seven points. Meanwhile, the defenseless Huskies are on a 1-7-1 ATS slide against teams with a winning record and they have dropped four in a row ATS as a home dog.  I'm laying the points with Utah, my KO release. Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with the Vanderbilt Commodores, my Shocker on Saturday.  Florida is laying double digits and I certainly don't mind taking big points when my dog is facing a team that's mediocre when it comes to shooting accuracy and on the glass. Also, six of the Gators' top eight players in minutes played per game are upside down in the assists-turnover category.  Vandy is outstanding from behind the arc and make 77% of their FTA. Four players average between 16.3 ppg & 10.3 ppg, and Riley LaChance is strong at creating open looks for others.  Vandy enters on a 5-1 ATS run against teams playing better than .600 basketball on the season and they have covered four of the last five in the series.  I'm backing Vanderbilt plus the points, my Shocker.  Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

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

I'm taking the points with Portland, my Shocker on Thursday night.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

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

I'm backing the Colorado Buffaloes on Wednesday, my Road Warrior.  Both teams are off to tough starts in the Pac-12, but CU is in better shape from our point of view.  CU has dropped five straight games, the longest losing streak under Tad Boyle, but he'll still be calling the shots in Boulder next season.  I doubt the same can be said for Lorenzo Romar, whose program has underwhelmed and disappointed again. Romar is firmly on the hot-seat.  Colorado actually plays some defense, while UW has been horrible, ranked 211th in FG percentage allowed and 331st defending the trey.  I'm betting Washington will be "just what the doctor ordered," for the Buffs, who're off much tougher opposition, having just played USC, UCLA, and Arizona. The Huskies enter on a 1-7 ATS slide against teams with a winning record and we'll back the Buffs here.  I'm playing Colorado, my Road Warrior on Wednesday. Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

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

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

I'm taking the points with the Vanderbilt Commodores on Tuesday.  Vandy has dropped three straight games, but they're 5-1 ATS in their last six. The loss as chalk to Tennessee is a tough pill for the Commodores to swallow, but the fact is, they're undervalued in this one, according to our power ratings.  Vanderbilt puts four players in double figures in scoring per game and are one of the better 3-point shooting teams in the nation, making about 40% of their attempts.  Georgia is pathetic from the deep perimeter, to say the least. And if they can't get the basketball inside, they are beatable.  They have just two players averaging in double figures in scoring and no one outside of J.J. Frazier is too hot at creating shots for others.  We also have a Vanderbilt team that's 8-0 ATS off a double digit home loss, which is the situation they're in tonight.  I'm grabbing the points with Vanderbilt, my Shocker on Tuesday.  Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

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

I'm laying the short points with Ohio State, my Sunday Shocker.  It's been a tough run for the Buckeyes, especially when they lost the latest of their current 4-game losing streak by 23 points at Wisconsin.  But Thad Matta's troops are back home today where they're 9-2 SU on the season. The Buckeyes have bounced back well off a loss by more than 20 points, covering five straight in this spot.  They've played a decent brand of defensive basketball for most of the season and I expect a return to form here against a Michigan State squad that's struggled on the offensive end in road/neutral games this season, averaging just 64.6 ppg.  Ohio State is holding opponents to 39.5% shooting this season and I expect a badly needed win here.  I'm backing Ohio State, my Sunday Shocker. Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

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

I'm taking the points with Columbia on Saturday, my Top Shocker.  The Columbia Lions have a couple of things Cornell doesn't, including a hard-to-match forward in Luke Petrasek, who averages 14.6 ppg & 6.9 rpg.  Petrasek is extra tough to defend because he can take an opposing big man outside away from the basket on the offensive end.  Columbia also has the two best dishers in this game with Mike Smith & Quinton Adlesh combining for 80 assists and just 40 turnovers on the season.  Cornell's top two assists men also have 80 assists combined, but have also turned the ball over 76 times.  Also, the Big Red will play up to Columbia's tempo, another Lions' advantage. Columbia enters on a 4-1-1 ATS run against teams with a losing record and a 4-0 ATS run at Cornell.  Meanwhile, the Big Red are 3-10 ATS as a favorite of less than seven points and they're on a 0-3-1 ATS slide off a SU win.  I'm grabbing the points with Columbia, my Top Shocker.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with the UConn Huskies, my DogPound Crusher.  The Huskies couldn't get out of neutral for the first month-plus of the season. But the squad looks to have finally found their shot on the offensive end.  UConn made 55 of 110 shots, 50% shooting with 33 assists and just 20 turnovers in their last two games combined, double-digit wins over Temple & UCF.  We believe they've turned the corner and will now take Georgetown right to the wire, if not winning outright. UConn has played well on the defensive end all season, ranked 17th in the nation, holding teams to 38.7% shooting, including 31.9% from behind the arc. The Huskies, a one-time member of the Big East are on a 19-7-1 ATS run against their former conference. Meanwhile, the Hoyas are 4-10 ATS at home and have covered just one of their last nine off a win by more than 20 points.  We're not big fans of John Thompson-III's coaching abilities and we'll grab the value here.  I'm taking the points with the UConn Huskies, my DogPound on Saturday.  Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm backing Yale on Friday night.  How much is revenge worth?  Well, Penn is in 8-times revenge tonight, which shows that teams don't always avenge a season sweep.  The Quakers don't shoot well, make less than 64% of their FTA, and leave a lot to be desired on the boards.  Meanwhile, Yale defends the perimeter well and are in good shape on the offensive end.  They have six players averaging between 13.3 ppg and 9.2 ppg.  Anthony Dallier is one of the better dishers in the Ivy League and Myie Oni & Jordan Bruner are beasts on the glass, combining for more than 14 rpg. Yale is 6-1 SU in their last seven games, losing only to Temple by six points.  They're on a 9-3-1 ATS run in the league and they're on an 8-0 SU & 7-1 ATS run against Penn, including a 4-game SU/ATS win streak at Penn, winning by 16 ppg.  I expect more of the same and I'm backing Yale on Friday.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Valparaiso, my Thursday night Smash.  The Crusaders have had no trouble at all with Youngstown State, sweeping the last two season's meetings, going 4-0 SU/ATS with an average win margin of more than 22 ppg.  Good news for Valpo fans tonight is that YSU has yet to learn to play with urgency on the defensive end. The Penguins allow 81.6 ppg on 45.8% shooting and own a negative rebound margin.  They don't shoot well at the other end and that includes Cameron Morse, who averages over 21 ppg, but makes just 39.7% of his FGA.  The Penguins are 1-7 ATS in their last eight games and have covered just seven of their last 24 at home (0-4 ATS streak) allowing 84 ppg.  Valpo's Alec Peters should dominate.  Peters leads the team in scoring and rebounding, averaging 24.3 ppg & 10.4 rpg. Valpo won last year's meetings by scores of 97-68 and 96-65.  I expect another win and cover tonight.  I'm laying the points with Valparaiso, my Thursday Smash.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

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

I'm laying the points with Creighton on Wednesday.  We have backed the Blue Jays in each of their last two games with success.  They won and covered on the road against St. John's and Providence, and now return home where their only loss of the season came against Villanova. Butler is just 2-2 SU on the road, with the losses coming to St. John's and Indiana State.  The problem for the Bulldogs in this one is that they'll likely oblige with Creighton's fast-paced tempo, not a good idea more often than not.  The Jays average 87.5 ppg on a nation's best, 53.7% shooting, including 42.2% from behind the arc.  And no one has a matchup for 7-foot RS frosh Justin Patton, who takes opposing big-men outside just as easily as he operates underneath the basket.  Patton also forces opposing bigs to hustle down the floor for the entire 40 and he's become the perfect compliment to Maurice Watson, Jr., who leads the nation averaging 9 apg. Creighton is on a 22-7 ATS run as a favorite and they're a perfect 4-0, 100% ATS when laying less than seven points.  Butler may get payback at home on January 31, but we'll back the Blue Jays in Omaha. I'm laying the points with Creighton on Wednesday.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

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

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

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

I'm taking the points with Duquesne, my A-10 DogPound Game of the Week.  The Dukes remain undervalued away from home in the matchup with La Salle.  Duquesne has won four of their last five, while covering four straight games.  Jim Ferry has plenty of depth with 10 players averaging over 9 minutes of playing time per game even with Josh Steel sidelined by suspension for all but two games this season.  La Salle can score points, no doubt about it, but they play very little defense.  Not only do they allow 79 ppg, but they rank 330th and 338th in FG percentage and 3-point percentage allowed, respectively.  The Explorers also struggle on the glass and we believe the line has been priced too high for a team that doesn't put a lot into the fundamentals.  Besides the 4-0 ATS run mentioned above, the Dukes are also on a 9-1 ATS run on the regular season road, going back to last season, while La Salle is just 5-12-2 ATS as chalk. I'm grabbing the points with Duquesne, my Atlantic-10 DogPound GOW.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

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

I'm laying the points with Creighton, my Road Warrior.  The Blue Jays were quite impressive last time out, beating St. John's, 85-72 on the road and the game wasn't as close as that.  What made it so impressive is that the Jays were off their first loss of the season, falling late to top-ranked Villanova in their previous game.  But there was no hangover, no flat effort and the Jays rolled. We expect more today as they attempt to avenge a sweep by the Friars a season ago.  In fact, CU is in 5x revenge, for what it's worth. There's a difference this season though.  Greg McDermott has four returning starters and his best team he's had, even better than those led by his son Doug in my opinion.  Meanwhile, Ed Cooley lost three starters from last year's squad and while he has a good program, it is rebuilding and the Friars have been knocked around in step-up games this season. The Jays are a perfect 5-0 SU/ATS as a single digit favorite this season, while Providence is on a 1-4 ATS slide.  I'm laying the points with Creighton, my Road Warrior.  Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

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

I'm laying the points with Michigan State, my Slam Dunk on Saturday when they hook-up with Penn State at the Palestra.  The Spartans are beginning to hit their stride, winning four straight, while covering all four.  They've been outstanding on the offensive end, averaging 19 assists and just 11 turnovers in their last three games, while out-rebounding three of their last four opponents. The Spartans have shot well all season, nailing 48% of their FGA, while also playing typical Izzo style defense, holding opponents to a 29th best 39% shooting.  This is bad news for a PSU squad that's made just 42% of their FGA this season.  The Nittany Lions also struggle in another strong MSU category, rebounding.  The Spartans' recent win over Minnesota at Williams Arena is looking more impressive, especially when you consider MSU was out-scored 31-10 at the FT line.  The Spartans head into this one on a 4-0 spread run.  They're 17-5 ATS in their last 22 Big-10 games, and they've covered four of the last five meetings with Penn State. I'm laying the points with Michigan State, my Slam Dunk.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Golden State, my Situational KO on Friday.  The last time these teams met, GSW couldn't hit the broadside of a barn and Memphis won 110-89 as a 13-point underdog. The Warriors have been money in this spot, currently on a 15-4 ATS run at home in revenge of a SU loss as a favorite.  GSW averaged 116 ppg in those 19 contests.  They're also a perfect 3-0 SU/ATS hosting Memphis since May, 2015, winning by an average score of 114-84!  After playing so poorly in the December 10 meeting, I expect the Warriors to have little trouble canning treys and that's an issue for the Grizzlies.  Memphis enters on a 3-13 ATS slide on the road against teams that make at least 36% of their 3-pointers.  The matchups and motivation are both in place for a wide margin win and cover.  I'm laying the points with the Warriors, my Situational Knockout on Friday.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

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

I'm backing Middle Tennessee State, my Thursday night Slam Dunk.  MTSU ran off eight straight wins before recently dropping two in a row.  But they bounced back in the win column last time out, defeating UAB, 60-49.  The Blue Raiders did it with defense, which is their calling card.  I expect that stingy defensive play to throw a wrench into a Rice squad that wants to run and run some more.  MTSU isn't void of talent on the offensive end with three players averaging more than 15 ppg. They also own three strong rebounders and a couple of decent dishers.  MTSU enters on a 7-1 ATS run and they've covered four straight on the road. Meanwhile, Rice is a bankroll burner at home, currently on a 1-7-1 ATS slide in front of the friendlies. I'm backing Middle Tennessee State, my Slam Dunk on Thursday.  Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

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

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

I'm taking the points with Ole Miss, my DogPound Crusher on Tuesday.  This will mark Florida's second home game of the season and while they will be jazzed to play in front of the home folks, we believe they're laying too many points. Ole Miss represented themselves well on the road, taking Va Tech to the wire already this season.  The Rebels had a horrible first half against Kentucky last time out, but caught the Wildcats in an angry mood off a loss to in-state rival Louisville.  Andy Kennedy has been able to refocus his squad off bad losses, currently on an 8-1 ATS run off a loss by more than 20 points.  Ole Miss owns strong backcourt play on the offensive end, led by Deandre Burnett and should give the Gators a game.  The Rebels are on a 15-5-1 ATS run off a double-digit home loss and they're on a 6-0 spread run at Florida.  I'm grabbing the points with Ole Miss, my DogPound Crusher.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

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

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

I'm taking the points with Florida State on Saturday afternoon, my Shocker. The Cavaliers are off a big road win over Louisville last time out and HC Tony Bennett is working his magic again.  But the Cavs are beatable at home.  They lost by nine at home to West Virginia, and barely held on for a 2-point win over Ohio State.  Both teams slammed the door on Virginia on the offensive end, something we believe Florida State will do, also.  The Seminoles rank 23rd in the nation, allowing opponents to make just 38.1% of their FGA, including just 30% of their 3-pointers.  At the same time, they nail over 51% of their own FGA.  FSU owns a strong inside-outside game with seven players averaging between 17.4 ppg & 7.2 ppg.  Jonathan Isaac is a beast on the glass and Xavier Rathan-Mayes is one of the better dishers in the league.  I do believe FSU will be too strong for Virginia to cover the big spread.  I'm grabbing the points with Florida State, my Top Shocker on Saturday.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

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

I'm taking the points with Duquesne on Friday, my CBB Shocker.  Neither team is outstanding on the offensive end, but there's a big difference on the defensive end where the Dukes have played a decent brand of basketball and Fordham has struggled.  The Rams are allowing teams to make over 48% of their FGA, ranked 331st in the nation. I also don't like the fact that two of Fordham's key backcourt players, JaVontae Hawkins and Will Tavares, have combined for just 19 assists, while committing 48 turnovers on the season. Duquesne, meanwhile, will make them work on the defensive end and while the Dukes don't have a superstar on the offensive end, they do have five players averaging in double figures in scoring.  Duquesne enters on a 10-2 ATS road run, while the Rams have dropped five straight lined games.  We also note the road team in this series is on a 6-1-1 ATS run.  I'm grabbing the points with Duquesne, my Friday Shocker. Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with San Diego, my DogPound Crusher.  We played the Toreros and won on these pages on December 22.  San Diego enjoys an uptempo game and will take advantage of San Francisco's mutually desired quick pace. The Toreros are decent from behind the arc and make about 75% of their FTA, something we like when we're grabbing points (SFO is making just 64% of their FTA).  San Diego also has five players averaging between 18.6 ppg & 7.6 ppg.  In fact, Brett Bailey & Olin Carter-III combine for more than 36 ppg.  San Francisco has a few scoring options, but I don't like the way they handle the basketball.  Their guards all have mediocre at-best assist-turnover ratios, and the guard who handles it the most, Ronnie Boyce-III, has more turnovers than assists on the season.  San Diego enters on a 4-0-1 ATS run as road dogs, while the Dons have covered just 4 of their last 14 as chalk.  I'm grabbing the points with San Diego, my DogPound Crusher.

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

I'm taking the points with Evansville, my Road Warrior on Thursday.  The Purple Aces roll into town riding a 6-game winning streak, playing a strong brand of defensive basketball.  Evansville ranks in the top-50 in the nation holding the opposition to 62.7 ppg on 39.3% shooting.  They're also excellent defending the deep perimeter. Illinois State also plays at a slower paced tempo, doing their best work on the defensive end.  This one could very well end up being a case of the first team to 65 wins.  And we don't mind grabbing more than 4 buckets in a game like that.  We also note that the chalk in this game is poor at the charity stripe.  Evansville enters on an 18-5 ATS run as a dog of 7 to 12.5 points. They're on a 7-1 ATS run in Normal, Illinois.  And they're catching the Redbirds fresh off a tourney in Hawaii. We'll grab the points with Evansville, our TKO.

I'm laying the short points with UCLA, my Wednesday Slam Dunk.  The Bruins head into Eugene with a 13-0 record and double-revenge on their mind.  They catch an Oregon team that will play to UCLA's desired pace and obviously, that's a huge deal considering the Bruins average 95.8 ppg on a nation's best 55% shooting (42.8% 3-point shooting).  They also hit the glass well and we believe even if Ducks' forward Chris Boucher returns tonight, he won't slow down the Bruin attack on either end.  And virtually everyone who matters on this team shares the rock. UCLA averages nearly two-dozen assists per game.  Steve Alford's troops head into this one on a 6-0 ATS run against teams that hold their opponents to 39% or less shooting.  They're 6-0 ATS against teams that outscore their opponents by at least 8 ppg.  And while the Ducks are 0-4 ATS at home against teams playing better than .600 road basketball, the favorite in this series is on a 5-0 ATS run. UCLA had no issues with a big game in Lexington, beating Kentucky earlier this season and I don't believe they'll have any issues in this road game.  I'm laying the points with UCLA, my Slam Dunk on Wednesday.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with the Utah Jazz, my KO release on Tuesday.  The Jazz are getting a little healthier in the backcourt with Rodney Hood expected back after suffering from an illness. It's not a case of all hands on deck yet, but I do believe we'll get a squad ready to land back in the win column after blowing a couple of leads of late.  Utah gets "just what the doctor ordered," facing a Laker team that's off a big win over the Clippers, but playing inconsistent basketball.  We not that NBA home teams off a SU home win as an underdog are just 12-35 ATS against teams off a home loss.  We also have a Utah squad that's on a 7-0 ATS run as a road favorite, outscoring those opponents by an average of 11 ppg.  And finally, Utah has covered four of the last five at Staples. I'm laying the points with the Utah Jazz, my KO release.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

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

I'm taking the points with San Diego, my DogPound Crusher on Thursday night.  In order to cover point-spreads of 3 buckets or more, you need to be able to score a few points.  North Texas may be 6-5 SU, but they are a horrible shooting team and don't put a lot of points on the scoreboard. The Eagles' roster is getting deeper, but they rank 296th in the nation, making less than 42% of their FGA and rank 319th in 3-point accuracy, making just 30.6% of their treys.  San Diego will force a quicker tempo.  They're solid from behind the arc and make about 75% of their FTA, something we like when we're grabbing points.  The Toreros also have five players averaging between 18.5 ppg & 7.5 ppg.  In fact, Brett Bailey & Olin Carter-III combine for 36 ppg.  I also don't like the way North Texas takes care of the basketball, or doesn't take care of it for that matter.  Outside of J-Mychal Reese, the Eagles are a little shaky in the assist-turnover category. And we should note even Reese has a less than 2:1 ratio.  San Diego enters on an 8-2-1 ATS run as a dog of less than 7 points, while North Texas is 4-17 ATS against teams with a winning record and they've dropped four straight ATS off a SU win.  I'm grabbing the points with San Diego, my DogPound Crusher. Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

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

I'm grabbing the points with Portland State on Tuesday, my Slam Dunk.  These teams played right to the wire last season before Portland won 78-72.  PSU actually led by a point with about five minutes to go, and trailed by just a trey with less than a minute left in the game.  Portland State may or may not have the services of Braxton Tucker, but he's missed four of nine games this season and they're used to picking up the slack.  The Vikings are also the deeper team with five other players averaging in double digits in scoring and a sixth player averaging 9 ppg.  Depth is not something Portland owns.  Gabe Taylor and Alec Wintering continue to get worked hard.  The Pilots are basically a 7-man team and Taylor & Wintering were forced to play all 40 minutes in Sunday's win over Oregon State.  It marked the second straight game that Wintering played the full 40, while Taylor played 37 minutes in the previous game.  Tonight's contest will be Portland's third in five nights.  They have just two players with more than six assists on the season and their leading assist man, Wintering has 52 turnovers to go with his 62 assists.  The Pilots enter on a 5-13-1 ATS slide off a SU win, while PSU is on a 5-1 ATS run on the road against teams with a winning home record.  I'm grabbing the points with Portland State, my Slam Dunk release on Tuesday.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with the Knicks on Tuesday, my Mismatch release.  Tough spot for the Pacers. Not only did they play last night, a game that went to the final buzzer, but this marks their 5th game in 7 nights.  The Pacers have covered just 8 of their last 28 when playing without rest and they're on a 4-10 ATS slide on the road.  New York is a legit playoff contender this season and are home with two nights off since their recent road trip ended on a 3-game losing streak.  They'll also look to atone for their most recent home performance, an ugly loss to the Cavaliers.  The Knicks are on an 8-2 SU/ATS run at MSG, overall, and they're on a 5-0 SU/ATS run as home chalk. We'll back New York to bounce back tonight.  I'm laying the points with the Knicks, my Mismatch release. Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with the Bulls on Monday night.  Both teams could use a win tonight, but I expect a big effort from Chicago after losing three straight and six of their last eight. The Bulls are still averaging over 101 ppg, despite scoring just 69, 97, and 94 points in their last three.  The 26-point home loss to Milwaukee has the team pretty fired-up to get back on track and back in the win column.  Jimmy Butler was not a happy dude following the 95-69 loss to the Bucks and expressed his displeasure after the game.  Chicago hasn't lost three in row at home this season and we don't believe they'll start something new tonight.  They're 7-3 ATS off a double digit home loss.  And NBA home teams playing with revenge for a double digit road loss are 74-36 ATS against teams off a loss of 15 or more as a favorite.  I'm laying the points with the Bulls, my Monday Mismatch. Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

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

I'm taking the points with Indiana State, my Top Shocker release.  This is the fourth time we have taken points with the Sycamores and we cashed the first three, including covers over Utah State, Iowa State, and Butler.  ISU has been "money" outside of Mo-Valley action, currently on a 14-4-1 ATS run, and they're a perfect 6-0, 100% as an underdog this season.  ISU plays outstanding defense and the Sycamores also have a fantastic backcourt tandem of Brenton Scott and Everett Clemons. Scott is averaging 19.5 ppg and 5.5 rpg, while Clemons has dished out 53 assists with just 16 turnovers on the season.  They also have quality depth with 10 players averaging more than 9 minutes played per game.  ISU apparently read the press clippings after their upset win over Butler and proceeded to lose outright to Western Kentucky as a 9-point favorite last time out.  But they're back to getting a lot of points and should be refocused off the loss.  Valpo is off to a strong start and we cashed with them last time out.  But the Crusaders don't shoot well, ranked 276th in FG percentage and 346th from behind the arc, making just 27% of their 3-pointers.  Alec Peters is the key cog, but ISU owns the players capable of frustrating the 6'8 forward on the offensive end.  The Crusaders are on a 0-4 ATS slide at home and I'm going against them here. I'm taking the points with Indiana State, my Top Shocker.  Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with Davidson, my DogPound Crusher.  It's a pseudo home game for the Kansas Jayhawks tonight, and while they'll have a ton of support at Sprint Center in KC, Mo., it's not quite the same advantage as playing at Phog Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence.  Having said that, this number is close to where it would be if they were playing on their true home floor.  Davidson was a 16-point dog at Chapel Hill last time out and played well, before losing 83-74, covering against the home standing Tar Heels.  Jack Gibbs and Peyton Aldridge are the real deal, averaging 24.3 ppg & 20 ppg, respectively.  The two combined for 52 points against North Carolina and I expect a big game from both again tonight.  Bob McKillop runs a tough-to-defend motion offense and his Wildcats get after it on the defensive end, where they have held their opponents to 37.9% shooting.  And if the spread comes down to free throws, we have an 80% FT shooting underdog, while KU makes a horrendous 58.8% from the stripe.  Kansas has covered just 2 of their last 8 as chalk, while the 'Cats are on a 6-1 ATS run off a SU loss and they're 7-0-1 ATS in their last eight against the Big-12.  I'm grabbing the points with Davidson, my DogPound Crusher.  Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm backing the Portland Trail Blazers, my Slam Dunk on Thursday.  The Blazers have been "money" on the road against teams with a losing home record, cashing 10 of their last 14.  They most recently snapped a 4-game skid with an easy blowout win over OKC on Tuesday, a night when they were able to virtually take the fourth quarter off.  Tonight, they'll face a Nuggets' squad that has been struggling on the defensive end of the floor.  Denver is also off a 6-game, 10-day road trip and have dropped 11 straight ATS following a road trip of at least seven days.  While Denver is worried with shoring up defensive woes, the Blazers will only be concerned with beating Denver for the 6th straight time.  I'm betting they will.  I'm grabbing the short points with the Blazers, my Slam Dunk. Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with Incarnate Word on Wednesday night.  UNLV is a mess.  We've already won a couple of times going against them, including wins with South Alabama and this past weekend with Duke, a 94-45, 25-point cover.  The Runnin' Rebels are not only short on talent when all hands are on deck, but will likely be without two important players tonight with both Dwayne Morgan (9.4 ppg & 7.2 rpg) and Christian Jones (10.5 ppg & 6.5 rpg) listed as doubtful. Morgan and Jones are the top two rebounders on the team and the 3rd and 4th leading scorers. Incarnate Word entered this season 55-29 (.655) through their first three seasons at the Div.-1 level, and are 5-3 this season.  They also have one CIT appearances along the way.  The Cardinals own road wins over St. John's, Rice, and Nebraska, over the past couple of seasons and have faced road games at Oklahoma & Purdue. They also gave Texas a run for their money earlier this season in Austin before losing 78-73.  IW will not be intimidated by the small crowd in Las Vegas tonight. They also have four players averaging between 19.2 & 11.8 ppg and Shawn Johnson not only leads the team in scoring, but pulls down 9.4 rpg.  Finally, UNLV hosts this "unknown" foe between games against Duke and Oregon.  Tough spot for the Rebels.  We're grabbing the points with Incarnate Word on Wednesday.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with Illinois-Chicago on Wednesday, my DogPound Crusher.  The Flames main weakness is deep perimeter defense, but DePaul is hardly the team to expose this issue. The Blue Demons are making less than 27% of their 3-point attempts this season (347th).  Only four players have actually made a 3-pointer for DePaul on the season and their leading scorer, Eli Cain has made just 11% of his treys over the last four games.  DePaul is a poor shooting team in general and they have covered just 7 of their last 25 home games.  UIC leading scorer, forward Dikembe Dixon (22.7 ppg & 6.7 rpg) should have little trouble creating havoc inside.  And we note that the Flames are among the best in the nation at drawing fouls, scoring over 22 ppg from the FT line.  UIC enters on a 9-4-1 ATS run when getting points and we'll back them tonight.  I'm taking the points with UIC, my DogPound Crusher.  Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

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

I'm laying the points with St. Joseph's, my Mismatch on Sunday.  The record may not look too pretty at first glance, but the Hawks opened the season with three straight wins, then took on a very difficult stretch of opponents.  St. Joe's hung tough before losing to Temple, NC State, and Ole Miss, then ran out of steam against top-ranked Villanova.  Nothing to be ashamed of in any of those defeats.  The level of competition drops off dramatically when they face inner-city rivals Drexel on Sunday.  The Dragons have struggled and mostly against lesser competition than the slate St. Joe's have faced.  Another big problem for Drexel has been turnovers.  The Dragons have committed 53 turnovers in their last three games against High Point, Lafayette, and LaSalle.  In fact, they averaged just 10 assists and 18 turnovers in those three outings.  Drexel enters on a 2-10-1 ATS slide as a home dog of less than 7 points, while the Hawks are on a 5-0-1 ATS run off a loss by more than 20.  They're also on a 6-1 ATS run in the last seven meetings at Drexel.  I'm laying the points with St. Joe's, my Sunday Mismatch.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

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

I'm laying the points with Duke on Saturday, my Daytime Dominator. We have already played against the rebuilding Runnin' Rebels twice this season and we'll look for another win doing so here.  UNLV's weaknesses were on display against a so-so Arizona State squad in the Sun Devils 97-73 win last Saturday.  ASU nailed 49% of their FGA, including 50% of their treys. Besides the fact they're short-handed and coached by the administration's 4th or 5th choice as the person to succeed Dave Rice, UNLV will likely attempt to play a faster pace than they should, playing right into Duke's desired tempo.  The Blue Devils have put five players in double-digits in seven games already this season.  UNLV has covered just one of their last seven as an underdog, while Duke is 4-0 ATS against MWC competition.  We saw the Blue Devils crush Appalachian State by 35 points a couple of weeks ago.  UNLV and App State rate close to the same level in our power rankings.  We expect a similar margin in this one.  I'm laying the points with Duke, my Daytime Dominator. Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm backing the NY Knicks, my Slam Dunk on Friday night.  Derrick Rose is listed as day-to-day heading into Friday night, nursing a back injury, but the Knicks are a play for us whether he suits-up or not.  Brandon Jennings is actually the assist per game leader on the team and can play extended minutes on a short term basis if needed.  NY took one on the chin against Cleveland last time out, but they handled the Kings in a 106-98 victory this past weekend.  I don't believe Sacto will avenge the loss. The Knicks have won nine of their last 13 games SU and they're on a 10-2 ATS run.  The Kings are home for the first time since November 25, having just played five road games since November 27.  They book-ended the trip with a pair of high scoring wins, but I expect the Kings to have a hard time with NY at the other end of the floor tonight. Prior to the loss to the Cavaliers, the Knicks scored 104 points or more in nine of 11 games, scoring in triple figures in all 11.  They're on a 4-0, 100% ATS run on one day rest and 4-1-1 ATS in the last six meetings. We'll back the Knicks, my Friday night Slam Dunk.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with the Wizards, my Thursday night Slam Dunk.  Washington hasn't played up to their potential for most of the season, and they're off a 124-116 loss to Orlando (we won with the Magic).  But tonight they're getting "just what the doctor ordered," when Denver pays a visit.  The Nuggets are playing in the second of back-to-back nights (2-5 ATS in this spot) and in their fourth game in six nights, overall.  Making matters tougher, the Nuggets played their tails off in the fourth quarter in Brooklyn last night, pulling within two points inside 20 seconds left in the game before losing 116-111.  We expect Denver to wear down in the fourth quarter tonight.  As mentioned above, the Wizards lost last time out as a favorite and we note that Scott Brooks' coached teams are 69-39 ATS off a loss as a favorite.  We expect a bounce back for his troops tonight.  I'm laying the points with the Wizards, my Thursday Slam Dunk.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

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

I'm taking the points with Indiana State on Wednesday, my Value Beatdown.  This isn't the first time we have taken big points with the Sycamores, having taken 13 when they took Iowa State to the wire in a 73-71 loss, easily covering the spread.  ISU has been "money" outside of Mo-Valley action, currently on a 13-3-1 ATS run, and they're a perfect 5-0, 100% as an underdog this season.  ISU plays outstanding defense, ranked 37th in FG percentage allowed and 35th defending the trey.  The Sycamores also have a fantastic backcourt tandem of Brenton Scott and Everett Clemons.  Scott is averaging 19.1 ppg and 5.4 rpg, while Clemsons has dished out 47 assists with just 14 turnovers on the season and 10 players average more than 10 minutes played per game. Butler won last year's battle, 85-71, falling short of a 17-point spread.  The final score was a tad misleading as ISU was within six with 7 1/2 minutes to go.  BU outscored ISU 24-13 at the FT line, afforded 15 more attempts.  Butler heads into this one on a 6-16-1 ATS slide as a 7 to 12 1/2-point road favorite.  We'll back Indiana State, our Value Beatdown.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with UC-Irvine on Tuesday night, my Slam Dunk.  Arizona is off the loss to Gonzaga, getting knocked around throughout the course of the game.  The final score of 69-62 didn't tell the story and was misleading.  Arizona trailed by double-digits less than four minutes into the game, at halftime, and by 14 with less than eight minutes to go in the game.  And now, not only is Arizona still missing Allonzo Trier (eligibility), but the backcourt was further depleted with the high ankle injury to starting point-guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright who is expected to miss eight weeks.  UCI has big-time size on the interior and they play a deliberate, slow tempo game. I doubt they'll allow U of A to get into a track meet meaning this game stays inside the hefty number.  The Wildcats are just 1-4 ATS in their last five home games, while the Anteaters are on a 6-1 ATS run, overall.  I'm taking the points with UC-Irvine, my Slam Dunk on Tuesday.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm grabbing the points with the Magic, my TKO.  Orlando has a chance to wrap-up a very good road trip with a win tonight.  They have already beaten Detroit and San Antonio during the 3-1 road stretch.  The Magic have been slamming the door on the defensive end and we expect them to throw a wrench into the Wizards' system tonight. Washington is off a nice win on Monday, beating the Nets in Brooklyn, thanks to a 67-point second half.  We doubt they'll find the same open looks against the Magic.  Washington is also just 3-9 ATS when playing in the second of back-to-back nights and they have covered just one of their last five off a SU win.  Meanwhile, the Magic are on a 4-1 ATS road run.  I'm grabbing the points with the Magic, my TKO.  Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

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

I'm taking the points with Indiana State, my DogPound Crusher.  Greg Lansing took his first four Sycamore teams to postseason tourneys, but his last two have fallen short.  However, we believe this season will mark a return to postseason play.  Indiana State's 3-4 SU record is misleading. The Sycamores are eight points from a 6-0 SU run, including a 73-71 hard-fought loss to a very good Iowa State team. None of ISU's four losses have come by more than three points and they're outstanding on the defensive end of the floor.  Utah State began the season with wins over UC-Irvine, NJIT, and Idaho State.  But when the competition stepped-up, the losses started coming and by margin.  The Aggies have lost three in a row by 21, 24, and 14 points.  And while Indiana State may not be at the level of those teams, Purdue, Texas Tech, and BYU, they will force USU out of the offensive comfort zone.  ISU has covered four straight as a dog and they're on a 12-3-1 ATS run in non-conference action.  Once again, we feel they're undervalued.  I'm grabbing the points with Indiana State, my DogPound Crusher.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with Vanderbilt, my Knockout Shocker on Saturday.  The Commodores lost a couple of key players from last season's squad, but Bryce Drew is not without talent in his first year in Nashville.  Vandy will still burn teams from the deep perimeter and they're making 41% of their 3-pointers, good enough to rank 22nd in the nation. Richard Pitino is off to a good start in a season when he needs to impress the administration.  But Minnesota is overvalued in this one.  In fact, according to my power ratings, the wrong team has been installed the favorite in this neutral court affair (Sioux Falls, SD).  Vandy put it all together in their most recent game, handing Tennessee State (6-1) their first loss of the season with an 83-59 thrashing. And if it comes down to it, we also have the nation's 30th best FT shooting team on our side.  Vandy enters on a 39-17 ATS run following a win by 20 or more, while the Gophers are on a 5-15-1 ATS neutral site slide. We'll take the points with Vanderbilt, our Knockout Shocker.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

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

I'm taking the points with Washington, my DogPound release.  These teams met just four days ago in Las Vegas with TCU coming away with a 93-80 victory. The final score is a bit misleading because it was a four-point game midway through the second half.  In fact, TCU didn't truly put it away until Washington phenom Markelle Fultz (23 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 6.7 apg) fouled-out with roughly seven minutes to go.  At the time, Fultz had 27 points and 5 steals. U-Dub gave up too many layups on Saturday and we expect more attention to the defensive end tonight.  Add in their work on the offensive end where they average 91 ppg on 50% shooting and we expect a close, tight contest to the very end. We note that Washington is on a 32-21 ATS run in revenge under Lorenzo Romar, while the Horned Frogs are on a 2-9 ATS slide off a SU win.  I'm taking the points with Washington, my DogPound release on Wednesday.  Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

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

I'm laying the points with Villanova, my Matchup Mismatch.  The Wildcats look primed to make a legitimate run at their second straight national title. They're off-and-running and face a completely out-manned Penn Quakers' squad that's been all over the eastern seaboard, except in their home city of Philadelphia.  Penn lost their leading scorer and rebounder from last season, center Darien Nelson-Henry.  Their biggest problem last year was that they couldn't shoot the basketball. This season's numbers are better, but misleading because they have played just one step-up opponent (Miami-Fla) and shot less than 40%, while committing 20 turnovers.  Meanwhile, despite having to replace two key parts to last year's championship team, Jay Wright's Wildcats are once again loaded with five players averaging from 18 ppg to 11 ppg.  Penn loves to use a 3-guard attack, but so does Nova and they obviously do so at an entirely different level.  Tonight's line opened shorter than any of the previous three meetings and we'll look to take advantage.  I'm laying the points with Villanova, my Matchup Mismatch.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with the Grizzlies, my Mismatch release. Memphis won the first meeting 105-90 on Nov. 21 at Charlotte as Mike Conley poured in 31 points for the Grizzlies, who have won seven of their last eight games (6-2 ATS).  Memphis won at Miami 110-107 on Saturday shooting 50.7 percent from the field as Marc Gasol scored a team-leading 28 points and Conley added 18 points. The Hornets snapped a four-game losing streak with a 107-102 win over New York after blowing a 16-point first quarter lead.  Kemba Walker led the Hornets with 28 points and Jeremy Lamb had a spectacular night on the boards grabbing 17 rebounds and scoring 18 points while starting in place of the injured Marvin Williams, who is out for about a week.  Memphis has a huge edge on defense allowing 96.9 points per game while Charlotte has given up an average of 112.0 its last five games, which includes two overtime losses. I'm backing the Memphis Grizzlies, minus the points, my Mismatch release. Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with the Pelicans, my Slam Dunk on Sunday.  Dallas has lost eight games in a row (1-7 ATS) and comes off a 38-point loss at Cleveland on Friday in a game when the Mavericks trailed 72-38 at the half.  Dirk Nowitzki has returned to the lineup and was the leading scorer with 15 points but his team shot just 40.7 percent and was 8-for-35 from three-point range.  Dallas is last in the NBA averaging 91.5 points per game and 29th in field goal percentage (.410).  New Orleans snapped a four-game winning streak with a 109-104 loss at Portland, but the Pelicans have been much improved since Jrue Holiday returned to the team giving them more depth at the guard position.  Holiday scored 16 points off the bench against the Trail Blazers and Anthony Davis scored a team-leading 31 points with 13 rebounds.  New Orleans is 6-1 ATS its last seven games and the Mavericks are 1-7 ATS their last eight home games. I'm laying the points with the Pelicans, my Slam Dunk.  Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with LaSalle, my Mismatch on Sunday.  The Explorers were hamstrung last season due to a lack of talent, but as some put it, their best three players were all sitting out a transfer season.  Those three players (B.J. Johnson, Pookie Powell, and Demetrius Henry) are all playing well through three games in 2016.  Forward B.J. Johnson leads the team in scoring (18.7 ppg) & PG Pookie Powell has 15 assists and just 3 turnovers, while averaging 13 ppg.  In fact, Powell and backcourt mates Jordan Price & Amar Stukes have combined for 34 assists and just 11 turnovers in LaSalle's 1-2 start.  The Drexel Dragons won't be able to match up in our opinion. New coach Zach Spiker has to replace four of Drexel's top six scorers from a season ago and the Dragons are likely going to have to battle to stay out of the CAA cellar this season.  They're on a 17-37-3 ATS slide at home, including 4-15 ATS at home against teams that make at least 8 3-pointers per game.  LaSalle has made 9 in each of their first three contests.  LaSalle owns the talent advantage in this meeting as Drexel is in rebuilding mode with a new coach. I'm laying the points with LaSalle, my Mismatch on Sunday.  Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with Charlotte on Saturday, my Shocker.  Davidson is being overvalued in our opinion on Saturday. We like a live underdog that knows how to shoot from all spots on the floor. And while the Wildcats are leaving a lot to be desired with their shots, Charlotte is one of the most accurate teams in CBB.  The 49ers not only average 95 ppg, but they're nailing 49% of their FGA and 48.4% of their 3-points, good enough to rank 2nd in the nation behind the arc.  Charlotte has covered 8 of their last 10 off a SU loss, so they normally bounce back well, and they're on a 5-0 ATS non-conf run.  The Wildcats have covered just 4 of their last 16 non-conf games.  Again, we like a double digit dog that can shoot the rock and we'll grab the points today with Charlotte, our Shocker on Saturday. Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Utah, my Blockbuster Blowout on Friday.  We haven't backed too many big favorites this season, but this one certainly warrants doing so.  UC-Riverside is one of the worst offensive teams in college basketball.  Remove a game against Fresno-Pacific from the schedule and you'll see UCR made just 33.8% of their FGA, including 18.4% of their 3-pointers in their two games against division-1 opposition.  They lost both by double digits.  Utah may not be quite at the level of last year's 27-9 squad, but they're much better than UNLV and Portland, the two teams who have already pounded the Highlanders. Utah has played a soft slate thus far, but UCR qualifies as another softy. The Utes are averaging over 90 ppg and they have been outstanding on the defensive end, holding teams to 24.6% shooting, including 20.3% from behind the arc. Those numbers will go up as the opposition gets better, but the Utes were focused on playing better 3-point defense this season and we doubt UCR will put a dent in their strong numbers so far this season.  10 Utes are averaging at least 12 minutes played per game and five average in double digits in scoring.  Utah beat UCR 88-42 just two seasons ago.  Many faces have changed, but we expect another spread covering mismatch. I'm laying the points with Utah, my Blockbuster Blowout.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm backing the NY Knicks, my Friday Slam Dunk.  New York has won and covered five home games in a row as Kristaps Porzingis is becoming a dominant force for the Knicks, who beat Portland on Wednesday with Porzingis scoring 31 points and pulling down nine rebounds.  Derrick Rose scored 18 points and Carmelo Anthony added 17 points and six boards in the 107-103 win. New York won without Joakim Noah, who was out with an illness, but he's expected to play tonight.  Charlotte center Cody Zeller has missed the last three games with a shoulder injury and the Hornets lost all three, including their last two home games against Memphis and San Antonio. Zeller is questionable for tonight's game.  The Hornets had eight players score in double figures against the Spurs and still lost the game and they have allowed an average of 115 points their last three contests.  This is a near pick 'em game and we'll back the Knicks, my Slam Dunk on Friday. Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with Indiana State on Thursday, my Shocker release. Simply put -- the Sycamores have been undervalued here and we expect them to give the Cyclones their toughest test of the young season.  ISU has been a bankroll burner as a double digit favorite under HC Prohm, covering just 12 of 40.  We're betting this game plays much closer than the line would indicate throughout the course of the contest.  I'm grabbing the points with Indiana State, my Shocker on Thursday. Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with the Rockets on Wednesday, my Wipeout release. These are two teams that are going in different directions as Houston has won three in a row and covered five straight and Toronto has lost four of its last five games.  The Rockets won at Detroit 99-96 on Monday when James Harden scored 28 points with eight rebounds and seven assists.  Patrick Beverley is back in the lineup after missing the first 11 games of the season and contributed nine points. The Rockets are 10-4 ATS and 4-1 straight up at home. The Raptors are playing their fourth road game in six days and come off a 123-115 loss at the Clippers on Monday.  Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan combined for 52 points but the Clippers shot 52.7 percent from the field as Toronto continued to struggle defensively.  Houston has covered the number seven straight on one day of rest and the Raptors are just 2-6-1 ATS their last  nine games in Houston. I'm laying the points with the Rockets, my Wipeout release.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with North Texas, my Wednesday Shocker.  The Mean Green return four of their five starters from last year's team and are looking to take a step or two in the right direction in C-USA.  Their biggest problem last season was hanging onto the basketball, committing too many turnovers.  But Rutgers isn't a squad that forces teams into committing a lot of miscues, even in their 4-0 start to the season.  In fact, toss out a meaningless game against Molloy and the Scarlet Knights have forced just 34 turnovers in three games.  I do like the hire of Steve Pikiell, who did a fantastic job at Stony Brook.  I do believe he'll turn this cellar-dwelling program around relatively soon. However, I don't believe they should be laying this many points quite yet, to this opponent. I'm grabbing the points with North Texas, my Wednesday Shocker.  Please check back for possible additional plays on Wednesday on these pages.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

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

I'm laying the points with Middle Tennessee State, my Beatdown play on Tuesday.  The Blue Raiders return two key cogs from last year's 25-10 season, including Reggie Upshaw and Giddy Potts.  Potts led the nation in 3-point shooting percentage last season.  But as good as these two players are, neither is leading the team in scoring. That distinction belongs to yet another talented baller in JaCorey Williams. The 6'8 forward, an Arkansas transfer is lighting it up after sitting out last season.  Williams is averaging 20.3 ppg on 55% shooting.  Toledo doesn't have the defenders to matchup with these three players mentioned above.  And the Rockets' leading scorer, Jonathan Williams is throwing down 21.7 ppg, but making just 40% of his FGA.  I expect Williams' scoring to drop-off in this one.  Both teams are 2-1 SU, but Toledo can get a little careless with the basketball as we have seen in their loss to St. Joe's and somewhat against Wright State.  I expect MTSU to get after it and force Toledo miscues.  Both teams like to get up and down the floor in a hurry, but this plays into MTSU's advantage. Toledo is allowing 84 ppg and the Raiders are on a 14-3 ATS run against teams that allow at least 77 ppg. Meanwhile, the Rockets are on a 2-10 ATS slide against teams that score at least 77 ppg.  MTSU won last year's meeting, 78-70.  We expect another win and cover in this meeting.  I'm laying the points with Middle Tennessee, my Beatdown on Tuesday.  Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer. (Be sure to check back throughout the day for possible additional CBB releases).

I'm taking the points with Valparaiso on Monday night, my CBB Shocker.  When Bryce Drew left Valpo for the Vanderbilt job, the administration took little time turning to Drew's top assistant, Matt Lottich to take over the reigns.  Lottich was an assistant the last three seasons when the Crusaders piled-up 78 wins.  Valpo lost a few players from last year's team, but Lottich received great news when Alec Peters decided to return rather than head to the NBA.  Peters averaged 18.4 ppg and 8.4 rpg a season ago and the forward is off to an even better start this season, averaging 25.8 ppg and 8.5 rpg.  Valpo is 3-1 with the lone loss coming in a near impossible spot, facing Oregon off the Ducks' embarrassing loss to Baylor.  Valpo hung tough until the final 12 minutes of the game.  They'll face a middle of the pack SEC squad tonight, a Tide team that doesn't shoot well, making less than 42% of their shots this season. The wrong team is favored in my opinion.  Valpo enters on a 27-7 ATS run off a SU road loss, while the Tide are on a 1-6 ATS slide against teams with a winning record.  I'm taking the points with Valparaiso, my Monday Shocker.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night.  Memphis has won and covered four in a row while playing tremendous defense allowing an average of 84.5 points during the streak.  The Grizzlies shot just 38.2 percent themselves and still beat Minnesota by 22 points on Saturday. JaMychal Green had a team-leading 19 points and Zach Randolph came off the bench to score 18 points.  And that sets up Memphis in a nice, play-on spot.  The Grizzlies are 27-8 ATS off an upset win by 15 or more points.  The Grizzlies held Dallas to just 64 points in their previous game.  Charlotte has one day of rest after losing 121-116 in overtime at New Orleans as Anthony Davis exploded for 38 points with 16 rebounds for the Pelicans.  Kemba Walker led the Hornets with 25 points and Marco Belinelli added 22 points and 10 rebounds.  Memphis is looking to avenge a season sweep by Charlotte last season and the Hornets have lost three of their last five games and laying too many points in this matchup, as far as we're concerned.  I'm backing the Grizzlies plus the points, my DogPound release.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with Eastern Illinois.  We have a rare early revenge opportunity for EIU, a team many, including myself have in the running for an Ohio Valley West Division title.  The Panthers fell 70-67 when these teams met on November 14, thanks in part to a horrible first half led to a 38-27 halftime deficit.  EIU came storming back in the final 20 minutes, cutting the lead to 2 points late in the game before falling short.  Troy barely hung on despite being afforded 17 more FT attempts.  Look for the Panthers to exact a little early season revenge.  I'm laying the points with Eastern Illinois, my Daytime Dominator.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

I'm backing the St. Mary's Gaels, my Daytime Dominator on Saturday.  SMC is off to a tremendous start to the season. While the win over Prairie View means little, the punishing double-digit win over Nevada is eye-opening.  SMC is deep and getting outstanding play in the paint and on the perimeter.  They have 47 assists and just 11 turnovers in their first two games, combined.  Five players average between 9.5 ppg and 23 ppg, led by 7-foot center Jock Landale.  They're facing a hamstrung Dayton team.  The Flyers are banged-up on the front-line, missing Kendall Pollard and Josh Cunningham, who're both out indefinitely.  Cunningham was having a big game in the Flyers 77-72 win over Alabama, before injuring his ankle.  It adds up when you consider they already lost Dyshawn Pierre from last year's roster and had to deal with the tragic death this summer of center Steve McElvene.  The Flyers enter on a 2-7 ATS slide in their last nine home games, while the Gaels are on a 9-2 ATS non-conference run and they're on an 8-0 ATS run off a home win by more than 20 points.  I'm backing the St. Mary's Gaels, my Daytime Dominator on Saturday.  Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

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

I'm laying the points with UConn on Thursday night, my Bailout Blowout. The Huskies came into the season ranked in the top-20, only to start 0-2 for the first time since the LBJ administration was coming to a close.  Kevin Ollie's troops have not shot well through two games, but we believe they're getting "just what the doctor ordered" tonight. LMU coach Mike Dunlap wants his team to focus on rebounding, but they fell six boards short in their 15-point loss to Nevada last time out, while watching the Wolf Pack nail over 56% of their FGA.  Offensively, Dunlap has had a tough time keeping his top scorers in the program.  2014-15 leading scorer Evan Payne left for Long Beach State after that season, while last year's leading scorer Adom Jacko left early for the NBA. Buay Tuach is the only Lion averaging in double-digits in scoring through the first two games. The Lions have covered just 2 of 13 at home off at least one loss, while cashing just 8 of 25 at home since Dunlap took over the program.  Look for UConn to get in the win column by a spread covering margin.  I'm laying the points with Connecticut, my Bailout Blowout. Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

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

I'm taking the points with the Pacers, my DogPound Crusher.  Cleveland is 9-1 straight up but a money burner with a 1-6-1 ATS record its last eight games, including last night's 121-117 won over Toronto as a six-point favorite.  JR Smith has missed the last two games and is questionable for this one and Indiana is 6-0-1 ATS the last seven meetings with the Cavaliers and the push was a five-point loss in overtime.  Paul George returned to the lineup and scored 13 points with six rebounds in the Pacers' 88-69 win over Orlando on Monday while holding the Magic to 32.1 percent from the field.  George says his ankle isn't 100%, but he has no trouble playing the way it is.  C.J. Miles came off the bench to score a team-leading 16 points and Kevin Seraphin grabbed 10 rebounds.  LeBron James finished with 28 points, nine rebounds and 14 assists against the Raptors and Kyrie Irving added 24 points.  Cleveland is playing a back-to-back and the Cavaliers are 1-5 ATS their last six games in this situation.  I'm taking the points with the Pacers my DogPound Crusher.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

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

I'm laying the points with Charlotte, my Slam Dunk on Tuesday.  Andrew Wiggins went on a tear and scored 47 points in Minnesota's win over the Lakers on Sunday, however, the Timberwolves haven't won two in a row since last season and they're just 3-6 straight up and ATS this season. Charlotte had won four straight before losing to Toronto and Cleveland but the Hornets have the clear defensive edge in this matchup with an opponent field goal percentage of 43.0 percent compared to 47.5 for the Timberwolves, who are allowing 105.1 points per game as opposed to 98.9 for the Hornets.  Charlotte has covered the number four of the last five meetings and Minnesota is 0-4 SU and ATS following a win.  Charlotte kept it close against the Cavaliers on Sunday even while shooting only 37.9 percent and Kemba Walker scored a team-leading 21 points. Finally, road teams are on a 56-25 ATS run if the line is in a +3/-3 range, are off a road loss, and the home team is off a SU win as a dog.  I'm backing the Charlotte Hornets, my Tuesday night Slam Dunk.  Thanks & GL!  Scott Spreitzer.

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

I'm laying the points with SMU on Sunday, my Daytime Dominator.  We took the points with EMU on Friday night and the Eagles cashed the ticket, covering as a dog in a 93-90 2-OT SU loss to Pittsburgh.  But while we do believe EMU will contend in the MAC, that play was as much against the new-look Pitt Panthers as anything else.  Pitt led 40-31 at the half, but doesn't have the perimeter shooters to handle EMU's 2-3 matchup zone.  SMU owns the type of perimeter plays to shoot over the Eagles, Syracuse-like defensive schemes.  And once Tim Jankovich's troops got rolling, the Mustangs outscored Gardner-Webb 45-16 in the second half en route to a 72-44 victory.  I expect another strong perimeter performance on Sunday.  The Eagles are just 9-19 ATS in their last 28 road games and we'll lay the points with SMU, our Daytime Dominator. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with South Alabama, my Friday Shocker.  New UNLV coach Marvin Menzies performed well on the recruiting trail and on the floor in his nine seasons in Las Cruces.  His New Mexico State Aggies won 64% of the games he coached.  Menzies takes over a Runnin' Rebel program that doesn't even qualify to be called a shell of its former self.  The program returns only three players who saw more than one minute of playing time last season and the top seven scorers are no longer on the roster.  Menzies himself wasn't one of the program's top three choices to replace David Rice.  But when Chris Beard left for Texas Tech just one week after accepting the coaching job in Las Vegas, the Rebels' administration was left scrambling. Menzies' team of newcomers will face a South Alabama team returning four of its top five scorers and a lot of upperclassmen.  There are also some new faces on this roster, but coach Matthew Graves said this summer's tour of Europe got everyone on the same page.  UNLV enters as the inexperienced team tonight and will likely land near the bottom of the MWC when the season comes to a close. They dropped their final five games of last season ATS and have failed to cover 10 of their last 12 games.  Meanwhile, the Jags closed on an 11-6 ATS run.  And finally, the once impossible venue for visitors, the Thomas & Mack Center, no longer holds a big advantage for the Rebels.  In fact, I won't be surprised if the arena is less than half full for the opener.  I also won't be surprised if USA leaves Vegas with a SU win, but we'll grab the points for insurance.  I'm taking the points with South Alabama, my DogPound release. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

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

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

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