Virginia Tech (9) vs Wisconsin (8) 9:40 ET

Badgers (-) over Hokies- The selection committee once again is under scrutiny and it's understandable why. I'm not going to go through it all as a number of 'lower' seeds end up the favorite but, that is not the case here. Wisconsin is making their 19th straight NCAA appearance while Virginia Tech is 'here' for the first time in 12 years. The Hokies have fared well against the Big Ten going 5-2-1 ATS in eight games and are 34-16-1 ATS in their last 51 games. (That's pretty damn good!) But, the Badgers have big game experience and a defense that can shut down Delay and Allen and that will be enough. Note that tourney teams that lost their conference Championship game by more then 15 points are 23-7 ATS in the opening round. Take WISCONSIN!

Brooklyn at New York 7:35 ET

Nets (+) over Knicks- After putting forth their best defensive effort of the season in a win over Indiana when the allowed only 81 points Knicks coach Jeff Hornacek said the team at 27-41 was out of the playoffs. New York's young budding star Kristaps Porzingis is ailing and with no chance for the playoffs will most likely sit this one out. There are number of different trends that I could use but I like tis one; the Nets are 5-1 Ats in their last six games following a loss. Brooklyn is look for their first win in Manhattan after three straight losses. Take BROOKLYN!

Texas Arlington at Brigham Young 9:00 ET

Mavericks (+) over Cougars- These type of match-ups are difficult to handicap because of the drastic differences in their conference play. When going over the schedules I find that Texas-Arlington have defeated three NCAA tournament teams and defeated Texas for haha's 72-61 in Austin. BYU of course plays in a weak conference as well and were just pounded by St. Mary's 81-50 a team the Mavericks beat St. Mary's 65-51. Add that the Cougars have lost three players to injury during the course of the season and are 3-8-1 ATS in their last 12 games overall. TAKE TEXAS-ARLINGTON!

Southern California vs Providence 9:10 ET

Friars (+) over Trojans- An oddity about this match-up is that they played each other in the first round game last season and the Friars took down the Trojans 70-69 on a buzzer beater to advance. USC has made the tourney for the 2nd straight year and for Providence this is their 4th straight appearance. The Trojans come to Dayton with losses in five of the their last eight while the Friars had won six straight before bowing to Creighton. Providence who is a money maker at 20-12 ATS for the season and are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games. Playing well and with confidence take...PROVIDENCE  

Dallas at Washington 7:00 ET

Mavericks (+) over Wizards- The Wizards fell in their final game of their 5-game west coast road trip as they were taken down by Minnesota 119-104 on Monday. Washington finds themselves just a half-game behind Boston for the 2nd spot in the East but have still won eight of their last nine. Dallas meanwhile was blown-out by Toronto on Monday and have dropped their last two but have a home 113-105 win over the Wizards and are 3½ games out of the payoffs right now. With a huge effort the Mavericks get it done. Take DALLAS!

Indiana at New York 7:30 ET

Knicks (+) over Pacers- The Knicks are one of those dysfunctional teams that can only win or 'cover' after you have given up on them. You know, you see them here or there and think this is 'the' spot and then they go out an make a mess of everything. Right now Carmelo Anthony is not shooting and I don't just mean not shooting well I mean he's not shooting the ball at all. In Detroit Saturday night he took a total of nine shots from the field and last night he 'missed' 16 shots. You know this is the perfect time and spot for the Knicks to rebound with a win. Take NEW YORK! 

Dallas at Toronto 7:30 ET

Mavericks (+) over Raptors- The Raptors who are off a 2-3 five game road trip are really feeling the affects of Kyle Lowry's absence as was evidenced by their loss to Miami Saturday night when the accumulated but seven assists. This is the first meeting of the season between these two and Toronto swept both meetings last season as Dallas tries to rebound from only their second loss in their last eight contests. After a terrible start without Dirk Nowitski in the line-up are just two-games out of the final playoff spot. Toronto has lost 15 of their last 25 and are about to lose any home court advantage in the playoffs. Take DALLAS!

New York at Brooklyn 6:00 ET

Nets (+) over Knicks- There was once a time when New York City was considered the hotbed of basketball both on the professional and college level. But, there has been a dramatic change in what we get from basketball out of the 'City' now-a-days. Got are the college power houses CCNY, LIU and St. Johns along with the New York Knicks and the Russian owned Brooklyn Nets. New York who lost last night at Detroit are just 3-9 in the second of back-to-back contests and are 11-23 straight-up on the road. Brooklyn meanwhile is just 7-24 straight—up at home but are 29-32 ATS on the year. Take the NETS!

Cincinnati vs SMU 3:15 ET

Bearcats (+) over Mustangs- The 'hottest' team entering the play-downs is Southern Methodist who has won 15 straight and 25 of their last 26 after a 4-3 start and are 21-6-1 ATS in their last 28 games overall. Cincinnati who has had many great teams in the past has already set a school record with 29 wins and is seeking their first conference title since they won the Conference USA tournament in 2004 where Bob Huggins was coaching. The Bearcats clear the hurdle here. Take CINCINNATI!

Duke vs. Notre Dame 9:00 ET

Fighting Irish (+) over Blue Devils- 'We' missed out on the Irish last time out but cashed-in huge with Duke as our 6th straight 'Highest-Rated' Megabucks winner and now more of the same tonight. This should be a great basketball game as both teams are fundamentally sound with the Blue Devils winning the only meeting 84-74 at Notre Dame. Despite that win, Duke is just 2-6 ATS in the last eight meetings but they are BACK. Take DUKE!

Minnesota at Milwaukee 8:00 ET

Timberwolves (+) over Bucks- Two of the 'hottest' teams in the NBA go at it in Milwaukee where the Bucks winners of their last five host the Timberwolves who have won six of their last eight including a win over Golden State last night 103-102. These two have met once this season with Minnesota taking a 116-99 win breaking a four-game losing streak to the Bucks. The Timberwolves young squad has matured as the season progresses and they are good enough to win here. Take MINNESOTA!

Colorado State vs Nevada-Reno 6:00 ET

Rams (+) over Wolfpack- There is not doubt in my mind that The Wolfpack are the 'class' of a very weak Mountain West Conference. Both these clubs enter this Championship contest on winning streak not only straight up but ATS as well. Nevada is 37-15-2 ATS in their last 54 games (that's two season's worth) and Colorado State is 15-5-1 ATS in their last 21 this season. A thought to remember is that even though this game is being played in Nevada, Las Vegas does not welcome their rivals from the north. Home court dis-advantage. Take COLORADO STATE!

Utah at Oklahoma City 3:00 ET

Jazz (+) over Thunder- Being buried in theWestern Conference the under-rated Utah Jazz come to Oklahoma City 17-games over 500 and with four straight wins. The flash which is the Thunder are off a huge 102-92 win over San Antonio breaking a 4-game losing streak. Of course every game that OKC is playing gets the Russell Westbrook treatment and it's getting kind of boring because they really don't have much else. The Thunder have won 2-of-3 meetings and tonight the Jazz will even the slate! Take UTAH! 

Houston at Chicago 8:05 ET

Bulls (+) over Rockets- The Bulls are in need of a victory soon as they have lost their last three and four of its last five while Houston is off losses to Utah and San Antonio. Chicago will most likely have the services of Dwayne Wade tonight along with Rajon Rondo and have had the best of it against the Rockets. The Bulls are 5-1 ATS in the last six meetings and this trend will continue here. Take CHICAGO!

Duke vs. North Carolina 7:00 ET

Blue Devils (+) over Tar Heels- Oh boy, I mean, Oh Boy I get to root for the biggest asshole in college basketball. Ya know I don't mind rooting for Duke but I can't stand them now because of Grayson Allen's antics. He just lost me completely with that flagrant elbow he threw out for no absolute reason. These two met just six-days ago as North Carolina won along with a dominating revenge win over Miami on Thursday. This time it's the Blue Devils revenge as the enter this contest with two Barclays Center wins under their belt. Take DUKE!

Kansas State at Baylor 9:00 ET

Wildcats (+) over Bears- This one is tough for me because on a 'personal' level I like this Baylor team because they play defense but, this match-up and situation has forced me to move to the 'dark side.' To start with the underdog in this series is 18-7-1 in the last 26 meetings including a series split this season. Kansas State is pretty much in the position that they have to make a good showing in the Big-12 Playoffs in order in insure an NCAA bid. Oh by the way the Wildcats play some pretty good defense themselves. Take KANSAS STATE!  

San Antonio at Oklahoma City 8:00 ET

Thunder (+) over Spurs- A pair of Western Conference foes are streaking in opposite directions as San Antonio has won nine in-a-row while Oklahoma City has lost four straight. In head-to-head match-ups the Spurs have struggled against the Thunder as they are 3-13 ATS in the last 16 meetings in Oklahoma City and are believe it or not despite their winning streak are 0-5 ATS in their last five games. San Antonio is now just 1.5 games behind Golden State for the best overall record after a 28-point come-back win over the Kings. But, not this time. Take OKLAHOMA CITY!

L.A. Clippers at Minnesota 8:00 ET

Timberwolves (+) over Clippers- This is one of those one-sided series that has got to stop (at least if I'm playing against it). The Clippers have won 16 of the last 17 meetings between their two clubs and nine straight at the Target Center and are 12-3-1 ATS in the last 16 meetings. But, Los Angeles is off a huge win over ht eCeltics while the Timberwolves were postponed on Monday which was supposed to be the first of a 3-game home stand, instead they will be growling and it is the Clippers that will pay the price. Minnesota is 6-0 ATS in their last six games overall. Take the WOLVES!

Georgetown vs Saint John's 7:00 ET

Red Storm (+) over Hoyas- There was a day I remember when this two would be fighting it out to play Villanova in the national champions game but long gone in the Big East and what we have left is a pair of Jesuit schools doing their best going a combined 12-24 in league play with the Hoyas posting only five wins in 18 tries. Georgetown has lost five straight entering this contest and one of those losses was against the Red Storm in Queens 10 days ago. More of the same. Take ST. JOHN'S!  

Washington at Phoenix 9:00 ET

Suns (+) over Wizards- What is happening 'Up is down, left is right' and George has the Phoenix Suns winners of three straight. But, winning in something the Wizards are becoming accustomed to as they had won 18-of-21 before splitting their last six. The Suns have actually had their way against Washington going 1-5 ATS in the last six meetings. I'll stay with the hot hand and hope I don't get burnt by the Suns...Take PHOENIX!

Pittsburgh vs Georgia Tech 7:00 ET

Panthers over Yellow Jackets- I usually don't get too excited about these early round conference championship games but as a 'handicapper' I like what I see here. I see Pittsburgh who has lost their last four games open the favorite even though they are not even a .500 club. The Panthers have already lost to Georgia Tech in Atlanta and they bring an incredible 9-25 ATS in their last 34 games on Tuesdays. (Really ? Yep) The Yellow Jackets are 11-4 ATS in their last 15 games overall but are going down here. The Panthers have played more Top-25 opponents (11) then any other team in the nation. Take PITTSBURGH!

Miami at Cleveland 7:00 ET

Heat (+) over Cavaliers- I know, the knee-jerk reaction is to tale the Cavaliers who are looking for revenge for the 120-92 beat-down in Miami. That game ended with some words and had bad-blood developing during the contest. In that Friday encounter both LeBron James and Kyrie Irving were 'resting' and didn't even dress for the meeting. A few trends will clash here as the Heat have won 18 of their last 22 and have their sites on the Pistons whole they are 0-5 ATS in their last five meetings in Cleveland. Miami is still 'hot' over the closing minutes of Friday's brawl...take MIAMI! 

Minnesota at Wisconsin 6:00 ET

Badgers (-) over Gophers- Something that looked like a given 10-days ago is now the focal point of Sunday's season ended match-up between the Badgers and Gopher as the No. 2 seed and 'double-bye' are at steak here. This situation exists because Wisconsin could not take care of business losing five of their last six games while Minnesota is riding an eight game winning streak. The Badgers are 14-2 at home and have won 20-of-22 as hosts and have won the last six meetings. In a reversal the Badgers come up with the performance they need today. Take WISCONSIN! 

Golden State at New York 3:30 ET

Knicks (+) over Warriors- Golden State has dropped two consecutive regular season games for the first time in two years and every body is freaking out. But, I would venture to say that all those that think the Warriors are in 'trouble' will be betting on them today. After all, they are playing the New York Knicks who run that stop-and-shoot offense centered around Carmelo Anthony. Although Golden State is 5-1 in there last six meetings in New York they still are reeling from the obvious. Take NEW YORK! 

Toronto at Milwaukee 8:00 ET

Bucks (+) over Raptors- The Raptors got the revenge win last night defeating the Wizards who had beaten Toronto just two nights earlier. DeMar DeRozan has picked up most of the slack left by the injury to Kyle Lowry. Milwaukee broke out of a mini slum with a win over the L.A. Clippers last night as the Bucks evened their home record to 16-16. Toronto has won seven meetings and are 5-0 ATS in the last five meetings. That will all change tonight. Take MILWAUKEE!    

Kansas at Oklahoma State 6:00 ET

Cowboys over Jayhawks- With the Jayhawks already clinching their 13th consecutive Big-12 regular season title their sites will be set of the conference tournament ahead. Nothing changes for them win or lose. Oklahoma State on the other hand start Big-12 play 0-6 and have gone 10-2 since including a loss at Iowa state last time out. Looking at the trends Kansas is 3-7-1 ATS in their last 11 Big-12 games while the Cowboys are 10-2 in their last 12 overall and 8-1 ATS on the past nine Saturdays. Take OKLAHOMA STATE!

Oklahoma City at Portland 10:30 ET

Trailblazers (+) over Thunder- Russell Westbrook is on a four-game triple-double streak and the Thunder have won all four games which were all played at home going 4-0 ATS. Portland has had a day to recover from their 1-3 road trip which ended with an overtime loss at Detroit. There are some trends that points out that OKC is 6-2 ATS in the last eight meetings but the Blazers have won the last five contests in Portland. Take the TRAILBLAZERS!

Iowa at Wisconsin 9:00 ET

Badgers (-) over Hawkeyes- Wisconsin was leading the Big Ten two weeks ago but has fallen a game-an-a-half behind Purdue after dropping four of their last five contests losing three straight road games. I look for the Badgers to bounce-back here as they are 14-1 straight-up at home while Iowa is just 3-9 both straight-up and ATS on the road this season while going 4-12 ATS in their last 16 road games. Wisconsin has won the last six meetings and 12 of 13 at home against the Hawkeyes. The Badgers will do it with defense here and dominate...take WISCONSIN!

Louisville at Wake Forest 9:00 ET

Demon Deacons (+) over Cardinals- The quite surprise in the ACC this season has been the emergence of Wake Forest who have played tough against the upper tier in the conference scoring 81.6 points per game. Louisville is off a beat down of Syracuse 88-68 Sunday as their poor shooting didn't factor in this contest. The Cardinals have been doing it with defense as their offensive woes show up much to often as they have failed to 'cover' in four of their last six. Louisville has a major problem at the free throw line where they are just 20-of-43 in their last two road games and 45-of-81 overall in their past four games overall. Take WAKE FOREST!

Dallas at Atlanta 7:30 ET

Mavericks (+) over Hawks- Like so many other NBA teams the Mavericks struggle on the road while playing so very well at home. Dallas is off two straight home wins but is just 7-21 straight-up on the road and are 1-4 ATS in their last five games in Atlanta. The Hawks can counter that trend by going 0-5 ATS after a 10-point victory. As a matter of fact Dallas has lost six straight to the Hawks but Atlanta has the Cavaliers up next and might get caught 'looking ahead' to playing the conference leader. Take DALLAS!

Golden State at Washington 7:00 ET

Wizards (+) over Warriors- Just when we were told the Wizards were a threat to Cleveland in the East they go out and lose their first two game after the All-Star break. Golden State has had their was with Washington winning 10 of the last 11 meetings including the last six visits to the nation's capitol. The Wizards won 18 of 21 before the break and look to regain that confidence tonight. The Warriors are 2-9 ATS in their last 11 contests. Take WASHINGTON!  

Maryland at Rutgers 6:30 ET

Scarlet Knights (+) over Terrapins- The best thing for the Big Ten about this game is that somebody is actually going to get a win. Between the two of them 'they' have lost eight straight with Maryland on a three-game slide and the Knights taking it on the chin in their last five contests. It is hard for me to comprehend why this line is so low when you figure Rutgers has only two conference wins and they are by a total of three points and they are 19-41 ATS in their last 60 vs. the Big Ten. I know it is asking a lot but the play is RUTGERS!

Miami-Fl at Virginia Tech 9:00 ET

Hurricanes (+) over Hokies- Both clubs picking-up the pace with Miami on a 4-game win streak and Virginia Tech winners of their last two with both squads at 20-8 over all. The Hurricanes are off two upset wins of ranked clubs defeating Virginia and Duke while the Hokies had a party against Boston College Saturday. Defense has been the key for Miami who held Virginia and Duke to a combined 31.6% shooting. The 'Gobblers' are coming off their best shooting (67.4%) game in ACC history and will find it more difficult to find good shots tonight. Take HURRICANES!  

Atlanta at Boston 7:00 ET

Hawks (+) over Celtics- Just when people were starting to take notice of their move on the playoffs the Atlanta Hawks have dropped their last three games. Boston just bounced-back from a pair of losses with a win at Detroit with Isaiah Thomas scoring over 20 points for the 43rd straight time. The Celtics are one of the worst rebounding teams in the NBA and are hosting one of the best at cleaning the boards. Boston is 20-8 straight-up at home but have are 0-5 ATS in their last five home games and just 11-17 ATS as hosts. Tale ATLANTA!

Toronto at New York 7:00 ET

Knicks (+) over Raptors- Now that the Raptors have won three straight games we once again are hearing how they will catch the Cavaliers. With Kyle Lowry sidelined DeMar De Rozan has picked up the slack scoring 76 points in the last two games and with the addition of Serge Ibaka these imposters are playing with confidence. New York has been the same old story for over a decade and has dropped six of their last eight and are just four games out of a playoff spot. (They won't get there!) The Raptors have won the last five in the series but are just 1-4 ATS in their last five meetings in New York. This 'line' is ridiculously low and the odds-makers give the Knicks a fighting chance. Take NEW YORK! 

North Carolina at Virginia 7:00 ET

Cavaliers (+) over Tar Heels- North Carolina enters this contest having won their last four and with the ACC No. 1 seed in the already clinched with this game and Duke on Saturday remaining. Virginia just ended a 4-game losing streak with a win at N.C. State 70-55 as the continue to lead the nation in scoring defense. The Tar Heels who lead the nation in rebounding margin (+13.6), rebounds (44.2) and offensive rebounds (16.1) defeated the Cavaliers 65-41 in Chapel Hill eight days ago. With their confidence restored and revenge over their embarrassing performance in the first meeting likes the fact that the home team is 9-2 ATS in the series. Take VIRGINIA! 

Boston at Detroit 6:00 ET

Pistons (+) over Celtics- The Celtics have been very consistent this season and have lost two consecutive games only twice this season as the enter the Palace of Auburn Hills off a pair of losses. The Pistons meanwhile have won their last two and are 4-0 both straight-up and ATS on their last four Sundays and 9-2 ATS in their last 11 weekenders. Detroit has won five of their last six at home with their lone loss coming at the hands of the Spurs. Take DETROIT!

Utah at Washington 5:00 ET

Jazz (+) over Wizards- These two enter this contest with very similar records and are racing to improve their playoff seeds. Washington returns home where they have won 19 of their last 20 home games off a loss at Philadelphia but have still won 15 of 18 overall. So, with all those impressive numbers siding with the Wizards why are they less then a 3-point shot favorite. Utah is 16-11 straight-up on the road and can win here. Take UTAH!

Butler at Xavier 3:30 ET

Musketeers (+) over Bulldogs- A pair of streaking clubs face-off at Cintas Center in Cincinnati where Xavier who has lost their last four hosts Butler who has won their last three, including their second win this season over Villanova last time out. Without point guard Edmond Summer, Xavier is falling out of the 'Big Dance' picture and has gone 1-8 ATS in their last nine contests. Although the Bulldogs have played well of late going 25-12-1 ATS in their last 38 they are just 2-10-1 ATS in the last 13 meetings against the Musketeers. Take XAVIER!

UCLA At Arizona 8:15 ET

Bruins (+) over Wildcats- Well, this is how it should be, the bream of the Pac-12 facing off on a Saturday afternoon as No. 4 Arizona hosts No. 5 UCLA. In the first meeting the Wildcats took apart the Bruins at Pauley Pavillon in January and now they host at McKale Center where they are 16-0 on the season. Even though UCLA is just 4-12 ATS in their last 16 games overall and 8-20 ATS in their last 28 in Pac-12 play they lead the nation in assists a game with 22 per and the underdog is 11-1 ATS in the last 12 meetings between these competitors while the Wildcats have 'covered' just once in their last eight home games. Take UCLA!

Duke at Miami-Fl 4:00 ET

Blue Devils (-) over Hurricanes- Boy, I wish I was at this one. I have an 'interest' in both sides as these two combined are 20-32 ATS this season. Duke is 3-9-1 ATS in their last 13 road games and Miami-Fl is 7-15 ATS in their last 22 games overall and 3-11 ATS in their last 14 home games. The Blue Devils posted a 70-58 victory over the Canes in January so Miami has a revenge mode to working for them and the Devils have North Carolina on senior day coming up. Duke is off a loss at Syracuse Wednesday while Miami has won their last three coming off an overtime win at Virginia 54-48. Duke is struggling and the Canes can win here. Take MIAMI-FL.  

Dallas at Minnesota 8:00 ET

Mavericks (+) over Timberwolves- These two exchanged home wins against each other within a week in mid-January but Dallas has won five of six and seven of the last nine while going 5-1 ATS in the past six meetings. The Mavericks who dropped four of their last six games before the All-Star break made a major move trading away Andrew Bogut to Philadelphia for Nerlens Noel as both clubs were looking to jettison point guards with the Mavericks looking to unload Deron Williams (who the released) and Minnesota tried to trade Ricky Rubio who remains with the team. Dallas has fought their way back into contention after a terrible start and pick it up here. Take DALLAS!

Wisconsin at Ohio State 9:00 ET

Buckeyes (+) over Badgers- Ohio State who is 5-10 in conference play will finish the season below .500 in Big Ten action for the first time in Thad Matta's 13 years in Columbus. These two clubs met in Madison last month and the Badgers who have won the last three games in the series crushed the Buckeyes 89-66 who have dropped three straight and 10 of their last 15 are under coach Matta Ohio State is an astounding 37-9 straight-up and 33-13 ATS in home games when avenging a loss in the same season. Take OHIO STATE!   

Portland at Orlando 7:00 ET

Magic (+) over Trailblazers- Talk about clubs that needed the All-star break, these two were stumbling badly before the break. Portland has dropped three straight and five of their last six while Orlando has dropped seven of their last nine and 17 of their last 22 games. Things are so bad for these two squads that Portland is 0-6 ATS in their last six games overall and they are 0-4 ATS in their last four meetings in Orlando. Not that means as much when you see that Orlando is 1-7-1 ATS in their last nine home games. Still, there have got to be a 'winner' and it's the MAGIC! 

Minnesota at Maryland 8:30 ET

Golden Gophers (+) over Terrapins- I remember the first encounter between these two this season, as I posted the Gophers (-4) at home on a Saturday and the Terps won outright 85-78. Minnesota has won five in-a-row since and now play as an underdog on the road where they are 6-4 straight-up and 7-3 ATS. Maryland who is 12-3-1 ATS in their last 16 games overall has dominated this series winning six of the seven meetings all-time. The young coach Richard Pitino preaches defense and has the Gophers' who lead the Big Ten and rank second nationally in blocks per game lead by Reggie Lynch at 3.1 per game. In a revenge spot and because this line is way-low according to the power ratings...take MINNESOTA!

Duke at Syracuse 7:00 ET

Orange (+) over Blue Devils- Talk about a roller coaster season but Duke has now won seven straight after losing three-of-four without coach Mike Krzyzewski who was out with back issues. Grayson Allen had to be disciplined and the Devils struggled. Syracuse meanwhile is on a 3-game slide as coach Jim Boeheim meeting for just the eighth time with Duke holding a 4-3 series lead with the Orange winning 64-62 in Durham last season. A number of trends that can not be ignored are that the Blue Devils are just 5-11 ATS in their last 16 games overall and 3-8-1 ATS in their last 12 road games while Syracuse is 7-1 ATS in their last eight home games. Take the ORANGE! 

N.C. State at Georgia Tech 8:00 ET

Wolfpack (+) over Yellow Jackets- Since defeating Duke in Durham 84-82 the Wolfpack have dropped seven straight both straight-up and ATS with those losses by an average of 17 points. Georgia Tech who was expected to be on the low end of the ACC race has won six of seven ACC home games and are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 games overall. Coach Mike Gottfried will be replaced at the end of the season as State is 1-8 ATS in their last nine on the road and already lost at home 86-76 to Tech but the road team is 13-3-2 ATS in the last 18 meetings. Take N.C. STATE!

Miami-FL at Virginia 7:00 ET

Cavaliers (-) over Hurricanes- Come-on, what gives with these Cavaliers? Not only are they getting beat in big games but they are getting killed night after night. Virginia has dropped their last three and four-of-five both straight-up and ATS but that doesn't look as bad as the Hurricanes going 6-15 ATS in their last 21 games overall. As a matter of fact except for this current bad run the Cavaliers are 14-6-1 ATS in their last 21 home games. Miami comes win winning their last two and they have won four-of-five and yet they opened a double-digit dog. It seems too easy...We could be 'caught chasing' as the Cavs are the play again. Take VIRGINIA! 

Virginia at North Carolina 8:15 ET

Cavaliers (+) over Tar Heels- Virginia enters this contest in-need as they have dropped their last three and a 3-game fall would be disastrous after losing to Virginia Tech in overtime and to Duke 65-55. The Cavaliers are still No. 1 in the nation in scoring defense 56 points per but they have to win somewhere and this is a big opportunity for them. I understand North Carolina is 20-8 ATS in their last 28 home games and the home team is 8-2 ATS in the last 10 meetings but I believe I have better stuff on the other side. Here it is; Virginia is 23-7 in their last 30 games as a road underdog including 11-1 ATS in the ACC and the Cavs are 8-1 ATS as a conference road dog with revenge. The closer is that the Heels have Louisville up next and sandwiched after NC State they are 5-15 ATS. Take VIRGINIA!  

Villanova at Seton Hall 12:30 ET

Pirates (+) over Wildcats- There is no question in my mind that Villanova is the best team in the Big East but, that doesn't mean that they are unbeatable as the Pirates know. In last season's Big East conference final they defeated the Wildcats 69-79 but the Cats have won 31-of-33 including a January victory over Seton Hall (shooting 29%) by 30 winning 76-46. The Pirates posted an impressive 87-81 win over Creighton on Wednesday (A-Play Megabucks winner) and are looking forward to avenge their earlier beating at home where they are 10-1. It seems that they like 'getting-up' for their Saturday TV games as they are 23-8-1 ATS. Cats on a 1-8 ATS bummer run. Take SETON HALL!   

Duke at Virginia 9:00 ET

Cavaliers (+) over Blue Devils- Stat wise these two are about as even as you can get as they are both 8-4 in ACC action and ranked No. 15 and No. 14 with Duke getting the edge. The Blue Devils have won their last five with the return of Coach K while Virginia has dropped three of their last five including blowing a 14-point lead in their double-overtime loss to Virginia Tech on Sunday. The Cavaliers don't have huge offensive numbers but the lead the nation in scoring defense allowing just 55.1 points per game and are 14-5-1 ATS in their last 20 home games. Take VIRGINIA!  

Creighton at Seton Hall 8:00 ET

Pirates (+) over Bluejays- No. 22 Creighton has managed to go 3-3 since their leader point guard Maurice Watson Jr. went down for the season including a 93-58 road win at DePaul the largest road margin in Big East history. Seton Hall returned four starters from last year's Big East tournament champions and leads the all-time series 10-5 including 6-3 as hosts. The Pirates are 9-1 straight-up at home and were caught looking ahead at St. Johns Saturday in a 78-70 setback. In a bounce-back here it's...SETON HALL!

Cleveland at Indiana 7:00 ET

Pacers (+) over Cavaliers- With or without Kevin Love as long as the Cavaliers have LeBron James they will be a force. Cleveland won their second straight without their high-scoring power forward last night while Indiana has dropped their last four including a 132-117 loss to the champs a week ago. The Cavs have won the last five home meetings against the Pacers but Indiana is 7-1-1 ATS in the last nine meetings (Go figure). The Pacers are also 4-0 ATS in their last four road games while Cleveland is 0-5 ATS in their last five back-to-back games. Take INDIANA!

Boise State at New Mexico 10:00 ET

Broncos (+) over Lobos- New Mexico is known for their strong home court (The Pit) but although they are 9-3 straight-up as hosts they are just 2-7 ATS. Boise State is 7-5 straight-up on the road and 7-4-1 ATS. The MWC plays most weekday games on Tuesday and here where the problems start for the Lobos as they are 4-12 ATS in their last 16 Tuesday games while the Broncos are 7-2 ATS on the same day. New Mexico has held a series advantage (8-3-1 ATS in last 11) but are not the same quality as previous seasons. Take BOISE STATE!

Colorado State at Wyoming 9:00 ET

Rams (+) over Cowboys- Colorado State has won their last three and trails Mountain West leader Boise State by only a game in the loss column as they meetings Wyoming for the first time this season. The Cowboys have won the last five meetings both straight-up and ATS including an 84-66 pounding the last time they played here. The home team is 10-3 the last 13 meetings and the favorite (if there is one here) is 8-2 ATS in the last 10 meetings. To counter this the Rams are 8-1 ATS in their last nine home games and get the cash here. Take COLORADO STATE! 

Cleveland at Minnesota 8:00 ET

Timberwolves (+) over Cavaliers- Since LeBron James voiced a need for more back court help the Cavaliers have won seven of nine including a 125-97 home win over the Timberwolves. Kevin Love wasn't available for that encounter and he won't be available tonight either for Cleveland who have won eight of the last 11 ATS in Minnesota. The Wolves will be without Zach Lavine but his replacement Shabazz Muhammad has hit double figures in four of his last five games since Lavine went down. Take MINNESOTA! 

West Virginia at Kansas 9:00 ET

Mountaineers (+) over Jayhawks- The Jayhawks who are ranked No. 3 were given a No.1 seed and No. 2 overall seed by the first ever NCAA Championship Selection Committee preliminary release of March Madness bracket on Saturday although they are just 7-15 -1 ATS on the season. Meanwhile, West Virginia who posted an 85-69 win over Kansas in Morgantown looks to close the conference gap (2-games). The Mountaineers are 7-3 straight-up and 6-4 ATS on the road and will come up big here once again. Take WEST VIRGINIA! 

San Antonio at Indiana 7:00 ET

Pacers (+) over Spurs- The Spurs may have lost to the Knicks on yesterday but the Pacers have lost their last three and are 0-3 ATS in their last three at home. With one more win before the year ends San Antonio will set a league record with 20 straight winning seasons. Indiana despite their current woes are 6-1 ATS after a double-digit loss as they had a day off after playing six games in nine days. I like the Pacers to play well tonight. Take INDIANA!

Baylor at Texas Tech 7:00 ET

Red Raiders (+) over Bears- The Baylor Bears win with tough defense and are 16-0 when scoring 70 points of more as they bring their 15-5-1 ATS in their last 21 road games into Lubbock. Texas Tech is having one of their better seasons but have lost their last two contests including a one-point 80-79 loss to Kansas on Saturday. The Bears faithful were chanting 'We want Kansas' as they crushed TCU at home Saturday and that could be a problem. The Red Raiders opened the season 11-0 but have dropped five of their last six Big-12 games are 14-2 straight-up at home. With the Bears 'looking ahead' to Kansas on Saturday they get caught here. Take TEXAS TECH!

Virginia at Virginia Tech 6:30 ET

Cavaliers (-) over Hokies- The Cavaliers are in a tough spot here coming off a huge win over Louisville and a match-up with Duke up next. This would be a place for a letdown but their opponent here is in-state rival Virginia Tech. Virginia has dominated the series of late winning nine of the last 10 meetings including a home win 71-48 10 days ago. Although the Gobblers are 16-6 ATS in their last 22 home games and the home team is 7-1 ATS in the last eight meetings Virginia is 25-10-1 ATS in their last 36 games overall and Tech is just 54-90 all-time against the Cavs who rank first nationally in scoring defense allowing just 54 points per contest. Take VIRGINIA!  

Detroit at Toronto 6:00 ET

Pistons (+) over Raptors- The Raptors vacation is over. Toronto is off their first three-day break of the season after losing nine of their last 13. Detroit on the other hand despite losing to San Antonio on Wednesday have won four of their last five and are 5-1 ATS in their last six games playing on 1 days rest. The Pistons were out rebounded 39-22 by the Spurs who had 20 second-chance points and coach Stan Van Gundy said effort on the glass must improve. It will here. Take DETROIT!

Oregon at USC 10:30 ET

Trojans (+) over Ducks- I can't tell you how impressed I was with the Ducks when watching the first half of their game against UCLA on Thursday a game they blew after holding a 19-point lead. Oregon defeated the Trojans by 23 points in their first meetings in December but USC has added 6-11 power forward Bennie Boatwright who is back in the fold after missing eight weeks of the season. Since his return the Trojans have won their last five and are playing with confidence. Play the hot club...take USC!  

Boston at Utah 10:05 ET

Jazz (-) over Celtics- Boston has won four of the last five in the series with the lone Utah win coming in Salt Lake City last season 111-93. As a matter of fact the Celtics are 8-2-2 ATS in the last 12 meetings. While both teams have improved themselves it is the Jazz who have made the larger leap. Boston has the NBA's biggest 4th quarter threat in Isaiah Thomas who will up against the league's top scoring defense allowing just 95.7 points per. Only a late cold snap kept the Jazz from sweeping their three-game road trip as the fell to Dallas in overtime their last time out. This time they play a full 48-minutes and het the win. Take UTAH!

Gonzaga at St. Mary's 8:15 ET

Gaels (+) over Bulldogs- This is most likely to final hurdle for No. 1 Gonzaga if it intends to finish the regular season undefeated as their competition is meager at best after this encounter. The Bulldogs have won 10 of the past 12 meetings going 10-1 ATS in the last 11 meetings including a 79-56 home win a month ago. St. Mary's has won their last seven and is ranked second nationally in scoring defense (54.6) and are 13-1 straight-up at home. Take ST. MARY'S!  

Miami at Philadelphia 7:30 ET

76ers (+) over Heat- Break-up the Heat! After an 11-30 start the Heat have put together an improbable 13-game winning streak going 12-0-1 ATS. Miami has moved to within one-game of Detroit for the final playoff spot in the East. Philadelphia has lost seven of their last nine but have 'covered' their last two and are 6-4 ATS in their last 10 as well as 9-0 ATS in their last nine at home. Even without Embiid the Sixers are playing hard and are a play here. Take PHILADELPHIA!

Atlanta at Sacramento 10:30 ET

Kings (+) over Hawks- The Kings have one of the most dominate players in the NBA with DeMarcus Cousins but have trouble posting victories as they are just 21-32 straight-up. Cousins is back after a one-game suspension (a game the Kings won without him in the line-up and is looking to play with his usual passion. Other then the fact that the Hawks are 0-5 ATS after winning a game by 10 points they have had their way against the Kings going 6-1 ATS in Sacramento and 14-3 ATS in the last 17 meetings. With all that noted I still see the Kings with the return of Cousins get it done here. Take SACRAMENTO! 

San Antonio at Detroit 7:30 ET

Pistons (+) over Spurs- The Spurs will again be a thorn in any teams side once the playoffs start as their consistency under 'Pop' has been just amazing over the years. Posting a 40-12 record they have defeated Detroit the last four times that they have met going 4-0 ATS while the Pistons are struggling to get to the break-even mark. Three games under .500, Detroit has won seven of its last eight at home and managed to go 4-0 ATS in their last four as hosts and are 5-0 ATS in their last five playing on one days rest. Take the PISTONS!

Utah at Dallas 8:30 ET

Mavericks (+) over Jazz- Utah has already pull a 'hat-trick' against Dallas this season and goes for the season sweep tonight. The Jazz have won their last four while the Mavericks have dropped their last two. Despite the Jazz winning their last two in Dallas their history here is not good as they had lost the previous 10 match-ups and 24 of the last 27 played here as well as going 3-9-1 ATS in the last 13 meetings. Dallas is 7-0 ATS in their last seven home games and get it done once again tonight. Take the MAVERICKS!

California at Arizona State 11:00 ET

Sun Devils (+) over Golden Bears- California enters this game with a four-game winning streak but has been a money 'burner' for their backers as they are just 9-14 ATS. Arizona State is second in the Pac-12 in scoring (behind UCLA) and has three of the conferences top 10 scorers. Cal has won the last three meetings to even the all-time series at 40 but they are just 2-6 ATS in the last eight meetings. The Sun Devils also lead the league in fewest turnovers at 10.6 per game and make 10 3-pointers a game. Take ARIZONA STATE!

L.A. Clippers at New York 8:00 ET

Knicks (+) over Clippers- We see that the Clippers are 10-games over .500 while the Knicks are 10-game under .500 but according the 'Vegas' New York is a better bet as they are 29-26 ATS while Los Angeles is 25-27 ATS. The problems in New York seem to be escalating as they implode over the Carmelo Anthony trade rumors. The lowly Lakers just crushed the Knicks at the 'Garden' and they were belted with a full game chorus of boos. I expect New York to rebound here with a compete game effort and win this game comfortably. Take the KNICKS!

Maryland at Penn State 6:00 ET

Nittany Lions (+) over Terrapins- Maryland is off a home loss to Purdue 73-72 on Saturday which dropped them to one-game behind Wisconsin for the Big-Ten top spot. The Terrapins have won the last four meetings and they are 10-1-1 ATS in their last 12 contests while Penn State has lost five of their last six including a home loss Saturday 70-68 to lowly Rutgers. Maryland is 6-0 in true road games but will be tested here by the Lions. Take PENN STATE!

Utah at Atlanta 7:30 ET

Jazz over Hawks- This one for some reason doesn't pass the eye-test as the Jazz opened a small favorite at Atlanta. Both these clubs are playing at their best as Utah has won 14 of their last 20 while the Hawks have won 15 of their last 20. What seems strange to me is that the Jazz are 0-7 straight-up in their last seven road games and 1-9 ATS in their last 10 and yet the line says something different. Atlanta who was pasted by the Jazz last November 95-68 in Utah is just 2-6 ATS after a straight-up win and will fall tonight. Take UTAH!

Louisville at Virginia 7:00 ET

Cavaliers (+) over Cardinals- Both these clubs are 7-3 in Atlantic Coast action and are tied for third in conference with the Cardinals winning their last three by an average margin of 34 points while the Cavaliers have dropped two of their last three. Both clubs have been money makers as Louisville is 15-5-1 ATS in their last 16 contests and Virginia is 13-5-1 ATS in their last 19 home games and 6-2 ATS in their last eight games overall. The Cavaliers have won four of the five meetings since Louisville joined the ACC. Take VIRGINIA!

New England vs. Atlanta 6:30 ET

Patriots (-) over Falcons- 1/24/17-My first thoughts on this matchup were that the Patriots with all their post-season and Super Bowl experience would have a decided advantage over Atlanta. The Falcons could will be over-whelmed by the constant pressure and scrutiny of every movement or thought. New England has done it before and has a coach that has been their before and won’t allow distractions to become part of the preparation. A number of players and even a Falcons player has freaked-out during Super Bowl week and missed the game. Now, I'm not thinking that is will happen here but the pressure will be huge as 'new' experience. I think the knee jerk reaction here is to take Atlanta because of their offense although the Pats have received early money. Still wondering what story-line the media will come up with...I'll wait.

02-02-17- Okay, I've waited long enough and I'm saying with my original instinct. I know they money is heavy on the Pats but I am hearing more Atlanta talk everyday. I expect the New England 'hate' money to surface enough to help out the 'books.' I can give you a million stats but they won't matter once the ball is kicked-off. Take the PATRIOTS!

Memphis at Minnesota 9:00 ET

Timberwolves (+) over Grizzlies- Memphis who just had their three game road winning streak ended are playing their sixth straight road game and the wear and travel issues are taking their toll. Minnesota who is playing their first back-to-back game since early January and have had their way at home against the Pacers. The Timberwolves are not only 4-0 ATS against teams with a plus .500 record and they are 5-1 ATS in their last six against Memphis. Take MINNESOTA! 

Purdue at Maryland 12:00 ET

Boilermakers (-) over Terrapins- Now, you see what I mean? Here is No. 17 Maryland (20-2) playing at home and hosting No. 24 Purdue (18-5)and they are an underdog. Now, really, doesn't that make any sense? Let me look closer and I find that the Boilermakers are just 2-3 in true road games while the Terrapins have won seven straight and are 11-2 straight-up at home. Add that Maryland is 10-1 ATS in their last 11 games overall and last 11 in the Big Ten. These 'number' are so one sided for the Terps and they are getting points at home. There is something fishy going on here. If this game was in prime time it would be the 'Play of the Day.' The fact that is starts so early keeps me from going ALL-IN! Take PURDUE. 

Milwaukee at Denver 9:05 ET

Bucks (+) over Nuggets- The Bucks may have the most 'exciting' player in the NBA in Giannis Antetokounmpo but they have fallen on difficult times losing four straight and nine of their last 10. Denver is also off losses in their last two games but have won the last six home meetings and are 37-8 all-time against Milwaukee including 4-12-1 ATS in Denver. So, why are the Nuggets favored by less then a bucket at home...Take the BUCKS! 

Gonzaga at Brigham Young 11:00 ET

Cougars (+) over Bulldogs- No. 1 Gonzaga has won a school record 22 straight and have won by an average margin of 23.8 points and have won by 30 or more eight times. BYU meanwhile is hosting a No.1 team for the first time in school history and are 12-1 at home. The Bulldogs lead the series 10-5, are 2-1 in Provo and are 7-1 ATS in their last eight road games while the Cougars are 12-5 ATS in their last 17 Thursday games. A tough spot for the Bulldogs as BYU will be ready. Take the COUGARS! 

Atlanta at Houston 8:00 ET

Rockets (-) over Hawks- Yeah, this is one game I'm looking forward to seeing. Dwight Howard after three seasons in Houston returns with Atlanta to face his former mates. It was well known that James Harden didn't like playing along side of Howard and the Rockets are much improved without him. The Hawks have won six straight in the series including a 112-97 home win the first week of the season. I expect a huge reversal here as the Rockets blast off with their high-powered attack. Take HOUSTON!

Northwestern at Purdue 7:30 ET

Boilermakers (-) over Wildcats- Here comes Northwestern into West Lafayette with six straight wins and the best start (18-4) in school history. To find them a double-digit underdog is a telling tell. You see Purdue has won seven of the past 10 meetings and they are 39-5 lifetime at Mackey Area against the Wildcats. Despite their recent loss and inferior record Purdue is 11-4-1 ATS in Big Ten action and 8-1 ATS in their last nine at home. Lay-it...take PURDUE!

Iowa at Rutgers 7:00 ET

Scarlet Knights (+) over Hawkeyes- Two of the Big Ten basketball bottom feeders meet in Piscataway as cellar dwelling Rugters (1-8 in Big-10) host Iowa. The Scarlet Knights opened the season 11-1 but have dropped nine of 10 since conference play began. Iowa ended a tree-game losing streak with an impressive 85-72 home win over Ohio State Saturday and are 4-0 lifetime over Rutgers. But, the Hawkeyes are 0-5 in true road games this year and are just 4-13 ATS in their last 17 Big Ten contests. Take RUTGERS!

Cleveland at Dallas 8:30 ET

Mavericks (+) over Cavaliers- It looks like the Cavaliers have regained control winning their last two after losing six of their previous eight. Cleveland who have won four straight in the series including a 128-90 win in November also defeated the Mavs at Dallas in overtime last season. Dallas started the season 4-17 (without Nowitzki) have won six of their last nine and have been at .500 since their horrible start. Also Dallas is 4-0ATS in their last four home games while Cleveland is 0-4 ATS in their last fur games following a win and Dallas is 7-2 ATS in the last nine meetings. Take the MAVERICKS!

Detroit at Miami 7:30 ET

Pistons (-) over Heat- There one seems a little strange to me as the 'red hot' Heat (how ya like that) who have won a season high six straight and now shows up as an underdog at home to a sub .500 team. Detroit is just 9-15 straight-up on the road and here they are favored. As far as this match-up goes the Pistons are 5-2 ATS in their last seven meetings in Miami. Hassan Whiteside will most likely be sidelined and the Pistons are already 2-0 versus Miami this year and will make it three wins here. Take DETROIT!

Milwaukee at Toronto 7:30 ET

Bucks (+) over Raptors- Ten days ago Toronto was considered a possible threat to the Cavaliers rein in the East but a five game slide has them dropping is the seeding race. Milwaukee has been much better of late losing six of their last seven including a 114-109 loss to the 76ers last time out. The Raptors have won both meetings this season and destroyed the Bucks in their last meeting 122-100 in mid-December on Toronto. The Bucks turn the tide here. Take MILWAUKEE!  

Oregon at Utah 10:30 ET

Utes (+) over Ducks- No. 10 Oregon comes into Salt Lake City riding a 16-game winning streak winning their last six games by an average of 24.3 points. The Ducks lead the nation in blocked shots (7.7 per game) and are undefeated (7-0) in Pac-12 action. Yet the Ducks are underdogs here. One reason may be that the home team is 6-1-1 ATS in the last eight meetings. The Duck's best player Dillon Brooks missed Saturday's win over Cal and his effectiveness is in question even if he plays. Take UTAH! 

Phoenix at Denver 9:00 ET

Suns (+) over Nuggets- Although the Suns are winning at a 33% pace (15-30 straight-up) they are a winner for their backers going 25-20-1 ATS. Denver who currently holds the No. 8 spot in the Western Conference playoff hunt and have won five of their last seven with the emergence of Nikola Jokic who is averaging 25.1 points and 11 rebounds in his last 10 games. The Nuggets have posted two wins and 'covers' over the Suns this season scoring 120 points in both contests. This time out the Suns will rise and shine tonight. Take PHOENIX! 

UCLA at USC 11:00 ET

Trojans (+) over Bruins- UCLA may be ranked No. 7 in the nation but they just lost at home to Arizona and are just 2-11 ATS in their last 13 games in the Pac-12. This trend in counter-balanced by the fact the USC is 1-7 ATS in their last eight home games. As far as head-to-head action is concerned the Trojans swept all three meetings last season. Steve Alford the coaches son has been beaten off the dribble by quicker point guards and USC has enough of that to bring this one down to the final buzzer. Take SOUTHERN CAL! 

Houston at Boston 7:30 ET

Celtics (+) over Rockets- Both these playoff contenders are off losses with the Celtics dropping their last three. Houston who has alternated wins and losses in their last seven games have won three straight at Boston, six of the past seven meetings overall and are 11-4 ATS in their last 15 meetings in Bean Town. The Celtics will be with guard Avery Bradley and have lost four of six games without him but they are 6-1 in the second of their last seven back-to-backs. Take BOSTON!

Virginia at Notre Dame 8:00 ET

Cavaliers over Fighting Irish- So, here is No. 15 Notre Dame undefeated at home (12-0) where they are 14-5 ATS in their last 19 games and here they are a 1-point favorite. Now, Virginia No. 16 is no slouch ranking #1 in team defense allowing just 53.4 points per, while the Irish lead the nation in free-throw percentage (82.8%) and assist-TO ratio at 1.85. Even though Notre Dame is 14-5 ATS in their last 19 home games the Cavaliers are 21-9-1 ATS in their last 31 games overall. A pair of excellent coaches in Mike Brey and Tony Bennett but, the 'numbers' tell the tale. Take VIRGINIA!

San Antonio at Toronto 7:00 ET

Raptors (+) over Spurs- I love this spot! San Antonio comes off our 'Best Bet winner over Cleveland while Toronto has dropped their last three. The Spurs clocked the Raptors at home just after New Years 110-82 and the Raptors will be ready for a contest tonight. The last time the Spurs were in Toronto they were a six-point favorite and lost outright 97-94 bring their record in their last five here to 1-3-1 ATS. I expect the same kind of fight out of Toronto tonight that saw the last time San Antonio was here. Take the RAPTORS!

Houston at Milwaukee 8:00 ET

Bucks (+) over Rockets- The 'numbers' come from this match-up are one sided and they are backing Houston who crushed the Bucks 111-92 last Wednesday night. Milwaukee has lost their last five including last weeks loss to the Rockets and have now dropped under .500. going 0-5 ATS in those five. The Bucks had an internal problem on their road trip as Jabari Parker was benched because of actions detrimental to the team. At home with the 'Greek Freak' leading the way the Bucks get it done. Take MILWAUKEE!

Green Bay at Atlanta 3:05 ET

Falcons (-) over Packers- No question the NFC Championship game has the conference's two top quarterbacks facing off as MVP candidate Matt Ryan will be up against former Super Bowl MVL Aaron Rogers who has been 'incredible' according to coach Mile McCarthy. Rogers has a 117.9 passer rating with 21 touchdowns and one interception during the Packers current eight-game win streak while Ryan has thrown for a franchise record 4,944 yards and has 14 TD passes and no interceptions during their current five-game winning streak. Atlanta scored an NFL best 540 points and has scored a touchdowns on its first possession in each of its last seven games. The Packers are 4-1 ATS in their last five meetings in Atlanta and the road team is 5-0 ATS in the last five meetings. Take ATLANTA!

San Antonio at Cleveland 8:30 ET

Spurs (+) over Cavaliers- The Spurs will be without center Paul Gasol who was injured in warm-ups prior to Thursday's game and Tony Parker is day-to-day with a foot sprain. These two split their two games in each of the last two seasons and the Spurs are 5-2 ATS in the last seven meetings in Cleveland. The Cavs who are the only team with two All-Stars starters with Kylie Irving and LeBron James, but will be without power forward Kevin Love. This time it's the Spurs. Take SAN ANTONIO! 

Baylor at Texas Christian 8:00 ET

Horned Frogs (+) over Bears- This is a hard call, not because its a tough decision but because I know just how good these Baylor Bear really are. But, under first year coach Jamie Dixon the Horned Frogs have made a major turn around this season and are 11-1 (8-2 ATS) at home with their only loss to No. 1 Kansas and look to end a nine-game losing streak to Baylor. TCU has already passed last season's win total (14-12) and have Vladimir Brodziansky to deal with the Bear's 7'0” Jo Lual-Acull jr who leads the Big-12 in blocks. Take TCU! 

Golden State at Houston 8:00 ET

Rockets (+) over Warriors- The Warriors are not quite as powerful as last season's record setting year but they are still an NBA leading 36-6 at the half way point and have won their last five. Houston has had a great turn-around from last season's disappointment and are geared-up for this meeting with Golden State. Houston still has a sour taste losing to the Warriors in five games in the first round of the playoffs last year and looks to grade up to a club that they have lost to six of the last eight time at home. Not tonight. Take HOUSTON!

Toronto at Charlotte 7:00 ET

Hornets (+) over Raptors- The Toronto Raptors are destined to be a brides maid once again with a club that is just good enough to create some interest but not good enough to bring home the championship ring. The Raptors were on a four-game win streak before they were stopped by Philadelphia last time out while Charlotte ended a five-game losing streak with a win over Portland. The Hornets are 4-1 ATS in their last five home games and are 8-3 ATS against the Raptors in their last 11 home meetings and 20-8 ATS over the Raptors in the last 28 meetings. Take CHARLOTTE!

Arizona at USC 9:00 ET

Trojans (+) over Wildcats- No.13 Arizona is on a 10-game winning streak as they travel to LA to engage Southern California. The Wildcats are 5-0 in Pac-12 play while USC who is 16-3 with all three losses coming from conference opponents. The last time these two met the game went four-overtimes as USC pulled out a 103-101 victory. Even though the Trojans are 4-10 ATS in their last 14 Pac-12 games the home team is 8-3 ATS in the last 11 meetings. Take SOUTHERN CAL!  

Dallas at Miami 7:30 ET

Mavericks (+) over Heat- It was wonderful to be able to post the Heat as an A-Play Best Bet over Houston Tuesday night but now we find them in the favorites roll. Maybe that doesn't make that much of a difference but they are 0-4 ATS after a straight-up win and Dallas is 16-5-1 ATS in their last 22 meetings in Miami. With their win over the Rockets the Heat are now 3-13 straight-up in their last 16. They shouldn't be laying points to any one. Take the MAVERICKS!

Kansas State at Oklahoma State 9:00 ET

Cowboys (-) over Wildcats-This game caught my attention when I saw a 10-7 team (Oklahoma State) that is 0-5 in conference play and has lost five in-a-row come up the favorite against a 13-4 team in Kansas State. Checking on the history of these two opponents I find that although the Wildcats hold a 78-52 all-time series advantage the Cowboys have won 15 of the last 16 played in Gallagher-Iba Arena. New Oklahoma State coach Brad Underwood a former player and assistant coach at K. State will be facing his alma mater for the first time and will have his troupe ready to post their first Big-12 win. Take OKLAHOMA STATE! 

Atlanta at Detroit 8:00 ET

Pistons (+) over Hawks- It may seem a bit strange (it does to me) that once the Atlanta brass decided to make player changes after they had lost 10 of 11 that they have put it together somewhat with wins in 14 of their last 19 games. After trading sharp-shooter Kyle Korver to Cleveland they seem hell bent on trading A—Star Paul Milsap. These two have spilt two contests this season each winning at home. I expect the pattern to continue. Take the PISTONS!