Miami at Cleveland 7:00 ET

Heat (+) over Cavaliers- Miami comes into Cleveland for the first of two matchups between the teams this week, they play again Sunday in Miami sitting eighth in the East. Back-to-back wins over Detroit last Friday and Sunday snapped a four-game losing streak for the Heat, but they dropped a 98-91 decision Monday in Philadelphia. Despite their recent struggles, the Heat trail Philadelphia by only one game for sixth in the East, a coveted spot to avoid the play-in. Miami is a half-game behind Indiana. Cleveland trailed Milwaukee by a game entering Tuesday, with New York and Orlando looming two and three games back, respectively, of the Cavaliers. Take MIAMI!

Denver at Minnesota 9:00 ET

Nuggets (-) over Timberwolves- The Nuggets are off of buzzer beating a loss at Dallas as Kyrie Irving once again amazes on lookers with a left-handed runner. Minnesota posted a win and cover at Utah coming back from an early 16-point deficit and of course this was done with out Karl-Anthony Townes. Anthony Edwards picked up the slack scoring 32 points with eight assists despite making just 2-of-8 from downtown. This is just the second meeting of the season between these two and Minnesota took the first encounter 111-89 as a 2-point dog back on November.1. The Wolves have covered the last three meetings and their past three games as well but the Nuggets had won five of the previous six meetings. This time around the NBA Champions are a strong road favorite and even the series. Take DENVER!

South Florida at Central Florida 9:00 ET

Panthers (-) over Bulls- The Bulls (24-7) will travel to play their biggest rival, fourth-seeded UCF (17-15), in a first-round NIT game on Tuesday night in Orlando, Fla. South Florida, coming off the first regular-season conference title in the program's 53-year history, is ready for its next challenge. The Bulls won the College Basketball Invitational in 2019, but this is their first time making the NCAA Tournament or NIT since 2012. The Bulls have never won an NIT game away from home, going 4-8 overall. UCF is in the NIT for the second straight year. While the Knights have won seven fewer games than the Bulls. UCF, in its first season in the Big 12 Conference, defeated three teams that were in the Top 25 at the time: No. 3 Kansas, No. 23 Oklahoma and No. 23 Texas Tech. UCF made it to the second round of last season's NIT, beating Florida and losing to Oregon. UCF coach Johnny Dawkins has won the NIT twice. The Bulls beat the Knights twice in 2022-23 but this time the cream rises. Take CENTRAL FLORIDA!.

Kansas State vs Iowa 9:00 ET

Hawkeyes (-) over Wildcats- With thoughts of making the NCAA Tournament gone, Kansas State and Iowa return to the hard court Tuesday night for a first-round game in the NIT in Iowa City, Iowa. The Hawkeyes (18-14) had a chance to make the big dance. They played six games against teams that ended up with top-3 seeds in the NCAA Tournament: Creighton, Purdue (twice), Iowa State and Illinois (twice). Iowa went a combined 0-6 in those games. Iowa is 10-8 all-time in the NIT, including finishing as the runner-up in 2013 while the Wildcats, who are 6-8 in the NIT. With the Wildcats winning against ranked competition and the Hawkeyes going 0-6 one would think Kansas State should be the favorite but, the odds makers thinks differently and and I believe them. Take IOWA!

Dallas at San Antonio 8:00 ET

Spurs (+) over Mavericks- If everything goes according to ‘Hoyle’ the Mavericks should stumble here after their trilling buzzer beating win over Denver. This is the final of four meetings this season between the Lone Star State rivals, with the Mavericks having won the first three by an average of 18.3 points per game. Dallas (39-29) is in a virtual tie with Sacramento and Phoenix for the sixth spot in the Western Conference. The San Antonio Spurs (15-53) are the worst team in the West and clashes with the Mavericks after beating Brooklyn 122-115 on Sunday in overtime in Austin, Texas. Victor Wembanyama was again the catalyst for San Antonio, racking up 33 points, 15 rebounds, seven assists and seven blocked shots. The No. 1 overall pick is maturing day-by-day and the 7’4” 20 year-old is averaging 20.8 points, 10.4 rebounds and 3.5 blocks per game in just 30 minutes. The improving Spurs have gone 9-4 ATS i their last 13 games overall and would like to give their cocky intrastate rivals a run for their money. Take SAN ANTONIO!

New Orleans at Brooklyn 7:30 ET

Pelicans (-) over Net- After winning just 15 of their 41 games away from home last season, the Pelicans open a four-game trip with a 21-13 road record. Of the top six teams in the West, only Minnesota's 23-13 mark is better. Since dropping three straight Jan. 26-29, New Orleans is 15-5 in its past 20 contests, with nine of those wins on the road. Zion Williamson, who has shed 20 pounds since December, added 26 and 10 rebounds and has scored at least 20 in five consecutive games and in 10 of his past 13. The Pelicans are starting to click and cruised to a 112-85 win in the first meeting on Jan. 2, holding the Nets to 34 points in the first half. The Nets (26-42) return home after a 1-5 trip that saw them fall 4 1/2 games behind the 10th-place Atlanta Hawks for the East's final play-in spot. Take BROOKLYN!

North Texas at LSU 7:00 ET

Mean Green (+) over Tigers- LSU is returning to postseason play.

It's not the NCAA Tournament, but the No. 4 seed Tigers' game against unseeded North Texas in the first round of the NIT on Tuesday night in Baton Rouge, La., is a notable step in the rebuilding of the program. LSU (17-15) went 9-9 in the Southeastern Conference after winning just two league games in 2022-23 in coach Matt McMahon's first season after he was hired to guide the program in the wake of NCAA sanctions. The Tigers, who defeated the Mean Green 66-62 on Nov. 17 in the Shriners Children's Charleston (S.C.) Classic, won three of their last four regular-season games to earn a first-round bye in the SEC tournament. They lost to Mississippi State 70-60 in their conference tournament opener. North Texas (18-14) is very familiar with the NIT. The Mean Green are in the tournament for the third consecutive season and they won it last season, defeating UAB in the final. North Texas won three of its last four regular-season games, then defeated Tulane 81-71 in the first round of the American Athletic Conference tournament before losing to Florida Atlantic 77-71. Take NORTH TEXAS!

Cleveland at Indiana 700 ET

Cavaliers (+) over Pacers- Cleveland Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell is expected to sit out when the visiting Cavaliers (42-25) face the Indiana Pacers (38-30) on Monday. His knee bruise was clearly an issue on Saturday as his playing time was limited. Mitchell's knee bruise was clearly an issue on Saturday. The Cavs are 20-12 SU on the road a better record than the Pacers have at home. Tale CLEVELAND!

Denver at Dallas 3:30 ET

Mavericks (+) over Nuggets- Denver (47-20) has won five straight heading into a road matchup against the Dallas Mavericks (38-29) on Sunday. The Nuggets are 11-1 since the All-Star break and hold the top seed in the Western Conference with 15 games to play. Dallas saw its four-game win streak come to an end with Thursday's 126-119 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Mavericks are in eighth place in the West and hoping to climb out of the play-in tournament bracket. Dallas has dropped its last three meetings against Denver, including a 130-104 road loss on Dec. 18. The Mavs Luka Doncic (sore left hamstring) and Josh Green (right ankle sprain) missed Thursday's game against Oklahoma City, but an MRI came back clean and he could return. The Mavericks are 3-6 in games this season without Doncic. The line tells me he will be ready. Take DALLAS!

Wisconsin vs Illinois 3:30 ET

Badgers (+) over Fighting Illini- One thing I can say about the Badgers is that they are a difficult club when playing a true road game where they are 3-9 SU and a game at a neutral site as they are now 4-0 on the year. Illinois has won seven straight in the series and has covered the number in the last eight meetings including a 91-83 win in Madison two weeks ago. Both clubs on three game win streaks with the Badgers on a five-game AST streak. Take WISCONSIN!

Miami at Detroit 3:00 ET

Pistons (+) over Heat- The Miami Heat used their defensive Friday in a much needed win and will seek back-to-back road wins over the Detroit Pistons on Sunday afternoon. The Heat used a 15-0 run in the third quarter to take control of Friday's matchup and snapped a four-game losing streak. The Pistons committed 18 turnovers, which the Heat turned into 33 points. That's the second-most points the Heat have scored off turnovers in a game this season. Pistons winner of two in-a-row knew the giveaways were too much to overcome. Motor Boys will clean -up thier act and get the money. Take DETROIT! 

Phoenix at Milwaukee 1:00 ET

Suns (+) over Bucks- Milwaukee, which is 2-3 since March 6, seeks consecutive wins for the first time since it won its sixth straight game on March 4. Forward Khris Middleton is set to return from a left ankle sprain as the Bucks try to get back on track. Milwaukee heads into Sunday's matinee and rematch of the 2021 NBA Finals ranked in the lower-third for scoring defense at 117.1 points allowed per game. Phoenix (39-28) comes in scoring 116.8 points per game while the Suns' defense allows 114.2 points. Phoenix heads into Milwaukee seventh in the Western Conference and looking to move up one spot to avoid the play-in round for the postseason. Bradley Beal did not downplay the significance that a win over the East's second-place Bucks would carry. Take PHOENIX!

Florida vs Auburn 1:00 ET

Tigers (-) over Gators- The Gators are 8-2 ATS in the past 10 meetings with Auburn including an 81-65 February win in Gainesville. Florida is off of a huge come-from behind and and ‘cover’ over the nagging Texas A&M Aggies while the Tigers enter with five straight wins and off of a non-cover victory over Mississippi State. Better coaching and better overall talent as cream rises...take AUBURN!

Duquesne vs VCU 1:00 ET

Dukes (+) over Rams- It’s been a long time since Willie Summerset burned the twines for the Dukes but busting out with 23 wins brings back days of Duquesne glory. Sunday, the upstart Dukes are up against one of the conference bullies in VCU. The Dukes man-up against the Rams and have won the last three meetings and have covered the number in the last four meetings. On a current seven game win streak Dukes not to he butted by Rams. Take DUQUESNE!

 Minnesota at Utah 9:30 ET

Jazz (+) over Timberwolves- Utah has had a surprisingly better season than more expected as they were hit hard with off season defections. They are 20-13 straight up at home and an even better 22-11 ATS as hosts. Minnesota has won the last three meetings SU with the Jazz getting a half-point cover as a 10.5 under dog in Minny last November. This is fifth straight away contest for the road weary wolves. Take UTAH!

Golden State at LA Lakers 8:30 ET

Warriors (+) over Lakers- The Warriors (34-31) have dropped three of their last four games while sitting in 10th place and holding the conference's final play-in tournament spot. The Lakers have split their last four games and sit one spot and one full game ahead of the Warriors in the conference standings. Golden State enters the game after Stephen Curry missed his third consecutive game with a right ankle sprain. Draymond Green also was out with back soreness. Golden State has won just once in six games without Curry on the court this season, with that victory taking place Monday on the road against the San Antonio Spurs. The Lakers (36-31) enter off a 120-107 loss on the road to the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday. Though the Lakers went 0-4 against the Kings this season, they are 1-1 against the Warriors. Curry’s back...Take GOLDEN STATE!

Iowa State vs Houston 6:00 ET

Cyclones (+) over Cougars- Top-ranked Houston and seventh-ranked Iowa State, the two best defensive teams in the Big 12 Conference and two of the top five in Division I, will meet Saturday evening in the conference's tournament final. Houston, which has won 11 straight games while Iowa State is the only school to have played in the tournament title game and never lost. The Cyclones are 5-0 all-time in that situation. They do it again. Take IOWA STATE!

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Cleveland at Houston 5:00 ET

Rockets (+) over Cavaliers- Cleveland welcomed five-time All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell back to its lineup on Wednesday in New Orleans (Megabucks winner). For the Cavaliers (42-24) in their 116-95 victory over the Pelicans was yet another stifling defensive performance, one that came with Cleveland still playing without starters Evan Mobley (ankle) and Max Strus (knee), and reserve Dean Wade (personal). The Cavaliers entered Friday third in the NBA with a 110.8 defensive rating. The Rockets (31-35) won for the sixth time in seven games on Thursday for their fourth consecutive victory. Take HOUSTON!

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Texas A&M vs Florida 3:30 ET

Aggies (+) over Gators- The Aggies have won five in a row and might be on the right side of the bubble even if they don't beat Florida in the second semifinal of the Southeastern Conference tournament on Saturday afternoon in Nashville, Tenn. While Texas A&M could use one more win to bolster its chances of an at-large NCAA bid, the sixth-seeded Gators (23-10) are considered a near lock. Their 102-88 win over No. 19-ranked and third-seeded Alabama late Friday night figures to enhance their seeding. Florida owns a top-10 scoring offense at 85.4 points per game, thanks to Clayton (17.3 ppg), Pullin (15.6 ppg, 5.0 assists) and Samuel (14 ppg). The Gators also lead Division I in rebounding at 43.1 per game. Their ability on the boards will be tested by the Aggies, who rank third in the nation at 42.7 rebounds per game. The Aggies eked out a 67-66 win over Florida on Feb. 3 in College Station, Texas, in the teams' only meeting this season behind a game-high 26 points from Radford. They di it again. Take FLORIDA!

Wisconsin vs Purdue 1:00 ET

Badgers (+) over Boilermakers- Purdue (29-3) has won 30 games just once previously, hitting the mark with a 30-7 campaign in the 2017-18 season. That version of Boilermakers had their season end in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. No. 3 Purdue is one victory away from matching the school's single-season record of 30. Purdue had a chance to reach 30 last season, but that bid ended when it became the second No. 1 seed to lose to a No. 16 seed as Fairleigh Dickinson produced a 63-58 upset. The Badgers lost 78-70 at Purdue on Sunday when Edey had 25 points and 14 rebounds for the Boilermakers. Wisconsin fell 75-69 at home on Feb. 4 in the first matchup. The Badgers get the money again. Take WISCONSIN!

Baylor vs Iowa State 9:30 ET

Bears (+) over Cyclones- The Baylor Bears and Iowa State Cyclones will battle for the second and final spot in the Big 12 Tournament bracket final when they clash Friday night at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City.  Ranked sixth nationally, the contender Cyclones are just slight 1.5-point favorites against the Bears in the conference tournament odds. Iowa State’s marquee defense  second only to Houston in defensive efficiency helped force 20 Wildcats turnovers, converting them to 23 points. put away Kansas State, winning 76-57 and advancing to the semis. Baylor is the second highest-scoring team in the Big 12, but after an uneven offensive effort against Cincinnati. Take BAYLOR

LA Clippers at New Orleans 7:30 ET

Pelicans (-) over Clippers- The Los Angeles Clippers and the New Orleans Pelicans are both trying to avoid the play-in tournament. The Clippers (42-23) are in fourth place in the tightly bunched Western Conference, three games ahead of the fifth-place Pelicans (39-26) as the two prepare to meet Friday night in New Orleans. The Pelicans can move closer to the Clippers and win the season series with a victory Friday. New Orleans holds a 2-1 lead after the road team won each of the previous meetings. Both teams will have 16 games remaining after Friday night. The Pelicans saw their four-game winning streak end in a 116-95 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday night. Each remaining game figures to have a sense of urgency for both New Orleans and Los Angeles as they jockey for home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs. Take NEW ORLEANS!

Texas A&M vs Kentucky 7:00 ET

Aggies (+) over Wildcats- These teams faced off against each other once this season with the Texas A&M Aggies winning 97-92 in College Station. They totaled a whopping 178 points in regulation in that contest which is wild when you consider that neither shot the ball well. The Aggies prefer a methodical pace but aren't able to slow down opponents which has resulted in some high-possession games in the run-and-gun SEC. The Aggies aren't bad on defense but while they clog up the paint, they allow a ton of shots from deep, sitting 352nd in the country in opponent 3-point rate (44.8%). With their blistering tempo and sizzling shooting, the Wildcats can hang points on any team in the country. The Aggies don't shoot particularly well but take care of the ball (28th in turnover rate) and lead the country in offensive rebounding rate (41.7%). Take TEXAS A&M!  

Texas Tech vs Houston 7:00 ET

Red Raiders (+) over Cougars- No. 1 Houston, which remains the odds on favorite to win overall, opened at -8.5 against fourth seeded Texas Tech. Houston finished the Big 12 regular season with both the best conference record and overall record. All three of their losses came on the road to Kansas, TCU, and Iowa State. The No. 1 seed Cougars entered the tourney as the odds-on favorites, following a 15-3 conference record in their inaugural Big 12 season and they are big favorites tonight. A little too big in a game this size. Take TEXAS TECH!  

New Mexico vs Boise State 11:30 ET

Lobos (+) over Broncos- Boise State has dominated this series winning nine of the past 10 while going 8-1-1 ATS including an 89-79 win at home two weeks ago. Max Price the coach’s son scored a career high 35 points an increase of his previous high of 30 also against the Lobos. New Mexico who won their first 11 home games and are a much improved club and will make the proper adjustments here. The line is very shallow and says the Lobos can play ride the Broncos tonight. Take NEW MEXICO!

New York at Portland 10:00 ET

Trailblazers (+ )over Knicks- The Knicks are doing a great of hanging on with the guts of the team sidelined and their best player hobbled but still preforming at a high level. Jaylon Brunson is the difference maker as New York now is starting three player that were not with the club at season’s tip-off Tibbs has done a fabulous job as they take pride in their defense. But, defense wanes on the road and the Blazers are off an outright win over Atlanta. Take PORTLAND!

Philadelphia at Milwaukee 8:00 ET

Bucks (-) over 76ers- The Bucks just finished a 1-3 west coast road trip and could wait to depart Northern California after their 129-94 beating by Sacramento. The Bucks head was never in the game as coach Rivers mentioned that the players we're talking about what time their plane leaves to return home. Tonight against a depleted 76ers squad that just can not compete without Embiid. Beware of Greeks...take MILWAUKEE!

Phoenix at Boston 7:30 ET

Suns (+) over Celtics- The Boston Celtics earned a 117-107 road victory against the Phoenix Suns last Saturday, but the Suns will have a much different look for the rematch Thursday in Boston. Guard Devin Booker didn't play in the loss to Boston because of an ankle injury. Boston has been dealing with injury issues as well. Jaylen Brown (sacroiliac strain), Al Horford (toe sprain) and Kristaps Porzingis (hamstring strain) all sat out Tuesday's 123-107 win at Utah. Porzingis has missed the last three games. Boston, an NBA-best 29-3 at home this season, will look to extend its winning streak to four after a 3-2 road trip. The Suns are 17-13 on the road while the Celtics are 18-14 ATS at home. Take PHOENIX!

Mississippi vs Texas A&M 7:00 ET

Rebels (+) over Aggies- The teams met last Saturday in Oxford, Miss., with the Rebels suffering a stinging 86-60 trouncing by the Aggies on Senior Day. Desperate for a couple of wins, the teams meet and both need a deep run in the Southeastern Conference tournament if they hold any March Madness aspirations. Winners of three straight games, the Aggies have done it before. In the first meeting at College Station, Texas, on Jan. 27, the Rebels won 71-68, a victory that moved them to 17-3 (Started 13-0). They have won just three times since 86-82 at home against rival Mississippi State after beating Texas A&M, then Missouri which went 0-18 in the conference twice by single digits. The teams met last Saturday in Oxford, Miss., with the Rebels suffering a stinging 86-60 trouncing by the Aggies on Senior Day. The Rebels respond. Take MISSISSIPPI!

Ohio State vs Iowa 6:30 ET

Hawkeyes over Buckeyes- Iowa is coming off a 73-61 loss to then-No. 12 Illinois on Sunday in the regular season finale, but it has won four of its past six games after dropping its first three Big Ten games. In the first meeting between the teams this season on Feb. 2, Iowa held off visiting Ohio State 79-77 as Tony Perkins' 20 points led a balanced attack. Jamison Battle posted 17 points for the Buckeyes. The Buckeyes have won four in a row and five of six since he replaced the fired Chris Holtmann on Feb. 14, including beating then No. 2 Purdue in his debut. The loser of the second-round matchup between the Buckeyes (19-12) and the Hawkeyes (18-13) can likely start making plans for the NIT instead of keeping their hopes alive of making the NCAA Tournament. Take IOWA!

Kansas vs Cincinnati 9:30 ET

Bearcats (+) over Jayhawks- Cincinnati overcame a 16-point, second-half deficit in its first-ever appearance in the Big 12 Conference tournament to claim a thrilling 90-85 victory over West Virginia on Tuesday. The Bearcats will face 16th-ranked Kansas, the 12-time conference tournament champion sixth-seeded Kansas (22-9) who will be without its top two scorers due to injury. Kansas has gotten used to playing without leading scorer Kevin McCullar Jr., who has missed five full games and parts of several others with a bone bruise on his left knee. The Jayhawks, who have lost three of their past four games. Take CINCINNATI!

Cleveland at New Orleans 8:00 ET

Cavaliers (+) over Pelicans- New Orleans' past three opponents were missing at least one key player due to injury. Toronto was missing Scottie Barnes, Philadelphia was without Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey and Atlanta didn't have Trae Young and Jalen Johnson. The Cavaliers, who lost 117-111 to the Phoenix Suns on Monday to complete a three-game homestand, also have had injury issues. The Cavaliers alternated wins and losses in the eight games before the Phoenix matchup, when they took a second consecutive setback. Included in that stretch are victories against two of the best teams in the NBA the Boston Celtics and Minnesota Timberwolves and losses to teams with losing records the Chicago Bulls, Brooklyn Nets and Hawks. The Cavs suck it up and get the money here. Take CLEVELAND!

Chicago at Indiana 7:00 ET

Bulls (+) over Pacers- Indiana opened a back-to-back set on Tuesday with a 121-111 road win over one of the Western Conference co-leaders, the Oklahoma City Thunder. Coupled with the Philadelphia 76ers' 106-79 defeat at New York, the Pacers moved to sixth place in the East -- the last guaranteed playoff spot. The Pacers were dealt a significant blow for their late-season push when sparkplug scorer Bennedict Mathurin, averaging 14.5 points per game, sustained a season-ending right shoulder injury last week. He will require surgery. Chicago, pulled within a game of .500 last week after winning four of five games, including the first three of a four-game Western Conference road trip. Chicago comes into the Wednesday contest in ninth place in the Eastern Conference, five games in the loss column behind seventh-place Philadelphia and the eighth-place Miami Heat. The teams split the previous two meetings. The Bulls posted a 112-105 win when they visited Indiana on Oct. 30, and the Pacers responded with a 120-104 victory in Chicago on Dec. 28. The visitor does it again. Take CHICAGO!

Denver at Miami 7:00 ET

Heat (+) over Nuggets- It will be a rematch of last year's NBA Finals on Wednesday. The reigning-champion Denver Nuggets, led by two-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic, are set to visit the Miami Heat. Denver has won three straight games and nine of 10. Miami is going in the opposite direction with three straight losses, including an embarrassing 110-108 home defeat to the lowly Washington Wizards on Sunday. Miami will lean on leading scorer Jimmy Butler (21.7 points) and top rebounder Bam Adebayo (19.9 points, 10.4 boards). Butler missed practice Tuesday with an illness but is expected to play Wednesday. The Heat have already played the Nuggets once this season, losing in Denver 103-97 on Feb. 29. Michael Porter Jr. led Denver with 30 points in that game. They even the series here. Take MIAMI!

NC State vs Syracuse 7:00 ET

Wolfpack (+) over Orange- North Carolina State is still alive in the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament after beating Louisville on Tuesday. NC State (18-14) trailed 15th-seeded Louisville by as many as 12 points. But the Wolfpack opened the second half with a 12-4 run to take a seven-point advantage. NC State will likely need everyone to play well and on both ends of the floor if it wants to beat Syracuse (20-11). The Orange are motivated to boost their resume for the NCAA Tournament. The Orange beat the Wolfpack twice this season, 77-65 at home on Jan. 27 and 87-83 in Raleigh, N.C., on Feb. 20. This time out the Wolfpack get it done. Take NC STATE!

Kansas State at Texas 7:00 ET

Wildcats (+) over Longhorns- Kansas State (18-13) comes into the tournament as the 10th seed, with the memory of a much-needed victory over then-No. 6 Iowa State in its last game. The Wildcats play seventh-seeded Texas (20-11), which is comfortably in the NCAA Tournament after defeating archrival Oklahoma in its last game. The Wildcats may need to win the conference tournament to feel secure on Selection Sunday, but avenging a 62-56 loss to Texas in Austin in February would be a good place to start. While the Longhorns look like a lock to get into the NCAA Tournament either way, they're focused on eliminating all doubt. They've won two of the past three Big 12 tournament titles but that ends here. Take KANSAS STATE!

Gonzaga vs. St. Mary’s 9:00 ET

Gaels (_) over Bulldogs- St. Mary’s entered their regular season final on a 16-game winning streak and had a chance to go undefeated in WCC play. They were 17-0 in conference play but the perennial WCC champion Gonzaga pulled off a 70-57 upset to tarnish the Gaels final regular conference record. These two clubs are the only clubs worthy of an invite to the Big Dance and both will get seeded in the upper half of brackets formed. Take ST. MARY’S!

Houston at San Antonio 8:00 ET

Spurs (+) over Rockets- Houston is on a season long road winning streak and are in a postseason position as of now. The Rockets will will be without leading scorer Alperen Sengun, who will be out an extended period of time after sustaining right knee and ankle injuries early in the fourth quarter of a win over the Sacramento Kings on Saturday. The game is the second of a home back-to-back for the Spurs, who lost 112-103 to the Golden State Warriors on Monday. That contest was the opener of a season-high eight-game homestand for San Antonio al though two of those games will be played in Austin, Texas. The Rockets head to San Antonio five games behind Golden State for 10th place and the final spot in the Western Conference play-in tournament. The Spurs, who are last in the conference, are already eliminated from postseason contention and feel no pressure as they continue to improve. Take SAN ANTONIO!

Philadelphia at New York 7:30 ET

76ers (+) over Knicks- These two clubs just met on Sunday a 79-73 76ers victory which was the lowest winning total points scored in the NBA this season. Both of these clubs are hurting with numerous players sidelined with injuries and the toll is greater in New York despite the 76ers being without MVP Joel Embiid. Take PHILADELPHIA!

Dallas at Chicago 8:00 ET

Bulls (+) over Mavericks- Dallas has won consecutive games for the first time since rattling off seven straight victories from Feb. 5-22. Four teammates followed Doncic in double figures, led by Kyrie Irving with 21 points. The Mavericks remain in firm position in the Western Conference playoff picture, moving within one game of the sixth seed and the opportunity to remain out of the conference play-in tournament. Doncic makes that statement even after setting an NBA record with his sixth consecutive 30-point triple-double. His 39-point, 10-rebound, 10-assist effort to key a 142-124 victory at Detroit on Saturday also was the league-best fifth straight time Doncic scored at least 35 points to spark a triple-double. Chicago has won six of the past eight meetings with Dallas overall. When a team has your number they have your number. Take CHICAGO!

Minnesota at LA Lakers 6:30 ET

Timberwolves over Lkaers- The Timberwolves will enter off a 113-104 overtime loss at Cleveland on Friday, their second overtime defeat in their last five games. Minnesota is 2-3 over that five-game stretch after winning seven of eight. It was the Timberwolves' second game without Karl-Anthony Towns, who is expected to miss extended time with a knee injury. Replacement Naz Reid scored a career-high 34 points off the bench. The Wolves are still just a half-game behind the Oklahoma City Thunder for the top spot in the Western Conference heading into Saturday's NBA play. The Lakers fended off the Milwaukee Bucks 123-122 at home Friday without the services of LeBron James, who was experiencing soreness in a nagging left ankle injury. Letdown for LA..Take MINNESOTA!

Maryland at Penn State 7;30 ET

Terrapins (+) over Nittany Lions- Two teams lingering near the bottom of the Big Ten standings conclude their regular season Sunday when Maryland visits Penn State at University Park, Pa. The Nittany Lions (14-16, 8-11 Big Ten) enter the weekend tied for 10th place in the 14-team conference. The Terrapins (15-15, 7-12) are tied for 12th with only Michigan looking up at them in the league standings. Both teams come into the matchup having lost two games in a row. Maryland allowed Indiana to shoot 56.4 percent from the field and 7 of 16 (43.8 percent) from 3-point range in an 83-78 defeat on March 3. Penn State dropped road games at Iowa and Minnesota in their two most recent contests, although it has not played since last weekend. Take MARYLAND!  

Illinois at Iowa 7:00 ET

Hawkeyes (+) over Fighting Illini- Iowa has won four of their last five games entering this weekend at No. 48 in the Ken Pom rankings and No. 57 in the NET which are two key metrics monitored by the NCAA Tournament committee. For No. 12 Illinois, there's little at stake in the regular-season finale at Iowa on Sunday afternoon. The Big Ten title is out of reach, the No. 2 seed in next week's Big Ten tournament is clinched, and a No. 4 or 5 NCAA Tournament seed seems virtually assured. But for Iowa, there's so much more than Senior Night on the agenda. When the teams met in Champaign two weekends ago, Iowa built a seven-point second-half lead only for its offense to go quiet late in a 95-85 Illinois victory. This time they close the deal. Take IOWA!  

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Houston at Sacramento 4:00 ET

Rockets (+) over Kings- Sacramento has been unable to replicate their offensive might from last season, sliding to 12th in offensive rating. Defensively, the Kings are ranked 22nd, and their struggles against the Wembanyama-less Spurs were the latest example of a team not quite clicking on all cylinders. The Kings have been unable to recapture the magic from last season when they snapped a lengthy postseason drought by riding the top-ranked offense in the NBA to the third seed in the Western Conference. The Rockets have enjoyed similar moments this season, with their athleticism fueling easy transition baskets. And while Houston has struggled to consistently produce in such a manner, for one night at least everything clicked, and the results were particularly favorable.

Take HOUSTON!

Indiana at Orlando 5:00 ET

Magic over Pacers- Two teams battling for Eastern Conference playoff position meet when the Orlando Magic face the visiting Indiana Pacers on Sunday. Orlando was held to the lowest points total in the NBA this season in the loss to the Knicks, who limited the Magic to 34.2 percent shooting from the field and 23.1 percent from 3-point range. Both teams are looking to bounce back from disappointing losses. Orlando had its five-game winning streak snapped in a 98-74 road defeat to the New York Knicks on Friday, while Indiana fell 113-111 at home Thursday to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Orlando has won its two previous meetings against Indiana this season, including a 117-110 victory in Indianapolis on Dec. 23. Pacers get back... Take INDIANA!

Michigan State at Indiana 4:30 ET

Spartans (-) over Hoosiers- Michigan State was ranked No. 4 in the country in the preseason, but inconsistency and underperforming veteran players have left the Spartans simply hoping to keep alive their streak of making the NCAA Tournament. The Spartans (18-12, 10-9 Big Ten) enter after posting a 53-49 win over Northwestern on Wednesday that snapped a three-game losing streak, but their strong strength of schedule and NET ranking (No. 23 going into Friday) have them still in listed in most NCAA Tournament field projections. A road win at Indiana would go a long way to solidifying an NCAA bid, with the subsequent hope being that they can use the postseason to fulfill preseason projections. Indiana (17-13, 9-10) has struggled all season, but enters on a three-game winning streak and playing its best basketball. The Hoosiers have beaten Wisconsin at home and won on the road at Maryland and Minnesota during the stretch. The success has coincided with the return of senior point guard Xavier Johnson, who missed six games with an elbow injury. Not enough here. Take MICHIGAN STATE!  

Boston at Phoenix 6:30 ET

Suns (+) over Celtics- Boston's 11-game winning streak came to an end when the Celtics squandered a 22-point fourth-quarter lead in a 105-104 loss at Cleveland on Tuesday. After that, the Celtics suffered a 115-109 loss at Denver on Thursday. The Phoenix Suns will attempt to hand the visiting Boston Celtics their third consecutive loss when the teams meet Saturday night. The Suns are hoping to have guard Devin Booker in the lineup Saturday. Booker has missed three games since he sprained his right ankle during a 118-109 loss to Houston on March 2 but was listed as questionable on Friday's injury report. Saturday's contest will be the first of two meetings between Boston and Phoenix during the regular season. The teams will also play Thursday in Boston. This one goes to the home team. Take PHOENIX!

Marquette at Xavier 5:00 ET

Musketeers (+) over Golden Eagles- Xavier (15-15, 9-10) is looking to finish its regular season with a break-even mark in conference play on Senior Day at Cintas Center. The Musketeers had their modest two-game winning streak snapped with a 72-66 loss to Butler on Wednesday night in Indianapolis. Also on the line for the Musketeers is Big East tournament seeding. They are seeking a win, combined with a UConn win over Providence and a Creighton victory over Villanova, to avoid playing in the 8-9 seed matchup in the tourney opener on Wednesday. Eighth-ranked Marquette will look to head into the Big East tournament with some momentum and avoid its first three-game skid of the season when it visits Xavier on Saturday in Cincinnati. Marquette (22-8, 13-6) enters the regular-season finale for both teams coming off a 74-67 loss Wednesday to No. 2 UConn in Milwaukee. Musketeers defeated the Eagles the last time they hosted them last January. Thy do it again! Take XAVIER!

Kentucky at Tennessee 4:00 ET

Volunteers (-) over Wildcats- The Volunteers (24-6, 14-3) clinched their first outright Southeastern Conference regular-season title since 2008 with a 66-59 win Wednesday night at No. 17 South Carolina. No matter what happens in Saturday's regular-season finale in Knoxville against No. 15 Kentucky, the Vols are the top seed for the SEC Tournament in Nashville next week. There is something at stake for the Wildcats (22-8, 12-5) too. They are playing for a double bye into the quarterfinals of the SEC tourney and to possibly improve their seeding for the NCAA tournament. And they would love to spoil Tennessee's senior day. We had the Volunteers in the first meeting a 103-92 win at Kentucky and they’ll do it again Take TENNESSEE!

Creighton at Villanova 2:30 ET

Wildcats (+) over Bluejays- Creighton, with its NCAA Tournament bid all but wrapped up, will look to build on an impressive 89-75 victory over then-No. 5 Marquette last Saturday on an emotional Senior Day. The Bluejays (22-8, 13-6) have won at least 20 games for the ninth season in a row. They still have a chance to secure the No. 2 seed in the conference tournament. A home victory by Villanova over No. 10 Creighton on Saturday in Philadelphia undoubtedly would impress the NCAA Tournament selection committee. A victory is much needed after the Wildcats (17-13, 10-9 Big East) fell 66-56 on the road against Seton Hall on Wednesday. While a win over the Bluejays won't guarantee an NCAA bid for the Wildcats, it certainly would improve their chances heading into the Big East Conference tournament. Wildcats won earlier December meeting 68-66 in overtime. I expect them to do it again. Take VILLANOVA!

Iowa State at Kansas State 2:00 ET

Wildcats (+) over Cyclones- Iowa State (26-6, 13-4) is locked into the second spot in the Big-12 trailing Houston who took the conference title from Kansas the first time they have displaced in 15 years. After a great start in conference play and defeating Kansas and other ranked teams Kansas State has played themselves onto the NCAA Big Dance bubble. The Wildcats dropped a 78-67 decision after one of their upset wins. This time they are in need and the Cyclones know win or lose remain the same entering the Big-12 Tourney. Take KANSAS STATE!    

Milwaukee at LA Lakers 10:00 ET

Lakers (+) over Bucks- The Milwaukee Bucks saw their six-game win streak come crashing down Wednesday in a 125-90 setback to the Golden State Warriors. Playing with a renewed energy undr Doc Rivers of late on the defensive end, the Bucks did not allow an opponent to score more than 107 points in their winning run and held four foes below 100. The Lakers also were thumped Wednesday, taking a 19-point lead in the first quarter against the Sacramento Kings before giving all of it back before halftime and losing 130-120 after trailing by as many as 22. Team defense was off kilter with Anthony Davis in foul trouble. Los Angeles is still much improved with a 10-5 record since the start of February but have lost two of their past three. The victory was over one of the top teams in the Western Conference, the Oklahoma City Thunder, on Monday. They rise to meet the Bucks tonight. Take LAKERS!

California at Stanford 11:00 ET

Golden Bears (+) over Cardinal- The California Golden Bears (13-17, 9-10 Pac-12) will be shooting for an improbable .500 finish in conference play while the Cardinal (12-17, 7-12) hope to end a six-game skid when the San Francisco Bay Area teams duel in a Pac-12 regular-season game for a final time. Both Cal and Stanford have agreed to join the Atlantic Coast Conference next season. Leave it educators to try to rewrite history an believes that California and Stanford are now located on the East coast. Cl may be the most improved team in college basketball after going 3-29 last season. Take CALIFORNIA!

Colorado at Oregon 9:00 ET

Buffaloes (+) over Ducks- The Colorado-Oregon men's basketball game on Thursday in Eugene, Ore., has important implications for both teams. The Buffaloes (20-9, 11-7 Pac-12) can clinch third place in the conference regular-season standings and the No. 3 seed in the Pac-12 tournament next week. The Ducks need at least a win Thursday to take the No. 3 seed. Oregon (19-10, 11-7) hosts Utah on Saturday, and it lost to both the Buffaloes and Utes on the road earlier this season. One more win for either team will guarantee a first-round bye in the conference tournament. Colorado comes in hot, having won four straight overall. However, the Buffs are 2-6 on the road in conference play. Oregon has been up and down since a 5-0 start to conference play. Along the way, health problems have contributed to the Ducks' inconsistency, with three players out due to season-ending injuries and another with an undisclosed illness. Take COLORADO!

Miami at Dallas 8:30 ET

Mavericks () over Heat- Miami comes into Dallas 9-2 over its last 11 games since Feb. 6, the Mavericks dropped their third straight and fifth in the last six games on Tuesday in a 137-120 loss at home to the Indiana Pacers. The Mavericks' recent woes on the defensive end have resulted in a 1-5 record over a stretch in which Luca Doncic has been on fire offensively. Over the last six games while the Mavericks have struggled to earn wins, Doncic is averaging 37 points per game - pushing his league-leading season average to 34.6 per game. Meanwhile,  Miami scored its fifth win in six games since returning from the All-Star break on Feb. 23 with a 118-110 victory over the Detroit Pistons. Look for a reversal of fortunes tonight. Take DALLAS!

Milwaukee at Golden State 10:00 ET

Bucks (+) over Warriors- Milwaukee has gone 3-1 against Pacific competition so far, including a 129-118 home win over the Warriors in January. Stephen Curry and Draymond Green did not play in that game. While the Warriors have won 11 of their past 14 games, the Bucks have been the hotter of the two teams as of late. They'll take a six-game winning streak onto the Golden State court. The Bucks were without Giannis Antetokounmpo on Monday, as he has been bothered by left Achilles soreness in recent weeks. He was declared out after experiencing some pain during warmups. He will play tonight. Take MILWAUKEE!

Mississippi State at Texas A&M 9:00 ET

Bulldogs (+) over Aggies- Mississippi State (19-10, 8-8 SEC) is coming off Saturday's 78-63 loss at then No. 11 Auburn in which it trailed for all but 21 seconds before cobbling together a response. Mississippi State looks like a safe bet for an NCAA Tournament at-large bid. But two losses last week to ranked opponents mean the Bulldogs could use one more win to stop any thoughts of sliding back on the bubble. The Aggies (16-13, 7-9) snapped a five-game losing streak on Saturday night with a 70-56 SEC win at Georgia. But Texas A&M appears to have played itself off the NCAA Tournament bubble with its recent skid. It may have to win the SEC tournament next week in Nashville to earn a bid, a disappointment for a team expected to contend for a league title. Take MISSISSIPPI STATE!

Boston College at Miami 7:00 ET

*Eagles (+) over Hurricanes- Host Miami will try to end their seven-game losing streak Wednesday night in an Atlantic Coast Conference matchup against Boston College. The teams have identical records of 15-14 and 6-12 in ACC play. Miami, which went to the Final Four last year, was 15-7 when their losing skid started with an embarrassing 60-38 loss at Virginia on Feb. 5 it was the Hurricanes' lowest-scoring game in 39 years. Miami also lost at Boston College 85-77 during the current skid. The Hurricanes, who lack quality depth, play a regular rotation of just six players, with even minor injuries creating the ability to wreak havoc. Take BOSTON COLLEGE!

Northwestern at Michigan State 7:00 ET

Spartans (-) over Wildcats- Michigan State's three-game losing streak has left the Spartans in a precarious position. They no longer can feel entirely comfortable that they'll receive an NCAA Tournament bid. The Spartans (17-12 overall, 9-9 Big Ten) gave No. 2 Purdue a tough battle before falling on the road, 80-74, on Saturday. Northwestern (20-9, 11-7) had a three-game winning streak snapped by Iowa on Saturday, 87-80. In their first game against the Spartans, the Wildcats shot 54.2 percent from the field and claimed an 88-74 victory on Jan. 7. Take MICHIGAN STATE!

Indiana at Dallas 8:00 ET

Paces (+) over Mavericks- Dallas will look to exact some revenge and even the season series with the Pacers, as it fell to Indiana 133-111 on Feb. 25. The Mavericks are also aiming to flip the page on an ugly stretch that has seen them drop four of five games. Their inefficient defense reared its ugly head during the five-game stretch, as the Mavericks have given up 127.4 points per game in the span. Indiana comes in losers of two straight, most recently on the wrong side of a 117-105 defeat to the lowly San Antonio Spurs Sunday. Hoping to emerge from an offensive slump is Pacers All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton, who is averaging just 9.5 points per game and shooting 26.5 percent from the field over the last four games. In his fourth year in the league, Haliburton is having a breakout season, tallying a career-high 20.8 points per game and a league-leading 11.3 assists per contest. Take INDIANA!  

Cincinnati at Oklahoma 8:00 ET

Bearcats (+) over Sooners- Oklahoma (19-10, 7-9 Big 12) is looking to continue to build on their NCAA Tournament resume entering the final week of the regular season. Oklahoma is coming off an 87-85 loss to the Cougars, where it hit 12 3-pointers and scored more than anyone had scored on Houston all season. Oklahoma has lost four of its last five, though all four losses have come to teams ranked in the top 12. Tuesday's meeting will be the second between the teams this season. Oklahoma won at Cincinnati, 69-65, on Jan. 20, holding the Bearcats to 38.6 percent from the floor. Cincinnati (17-12, 6-10) is hoping to build some momentum from Saturday's 74-72 home win over Kansas State after dropping five of its previous six. Cincinnati holds a 4-3 series edge against the Sooners. Take CINCINNATI!  

Texas Tech at Oklahoma State 8:00 ET

Cowboys (+) over Red Raiders- A win in Stillwater would represent a major step toward Texas Tech (20-9, 9-7 Big 12) securing a first-day bye at the league tournament in Kansas City next week. Oklahoma State faded late in an 81-65 loss to Texas on Saturday. The Cowboys (12-17, 4-12) were even, 52-52, with 12:21 left in the game before the Longhorns reeled off a 14-0 run to charge to the double-digit win. The Red Raiders routed the visiting Cowboys 90-73 on Jan. 9 but this time around the Cowboys ambush the Red Raiders. Take OKLAHOMA STATE!  

Philadelphia at Brooklyn 7:30 ET

Nets (+) over 76ers- The 76ers have produced consecutive victories for the second time since losing Embiid and will seek a third straight victory when they face the Brooklyn Nets in New York. The Sixers are 6-8, though since the injury and they are 5-4 since dropping four straight from Feb. 3-9. The Sixers are 12-4 in the past 16 meetings with the Nets, including six straight wins in Brooklyn. The Nets are hoping to see Mikal Bridges resemble the player who scored 38 points on Saturday and take down the hurting 76ers! Take BROOKLYN!  

Atlanta at New York 8:00 ET

Hawks (+) over Knicks- New York Knicks All-Star guard Jalen Brunson has ravaged the Atlanta Hawks on two occasions this season. The undermanned Knicks, however, may be without their floor general on Tuesday when they bid for a season sweep of the Hawks in New York. Brunson is listed as questionable with a left knee contusion. He has served as the Knicks' all-everything this season. He entered Sunday's game averaging career highs in points (27.2) and assists (6.6) while shooting a robust 47.7 percent from the floor and 40.7 percent from 3-point range. The Knicks are playing without OG Anunoby (right elbow surgery), Julius Randle (right shoulder) and Mitchell Robinson (ankle surgery), all of whom are out indefinitely. The Hawks are in the midst of playing without Trae Young for at least four weeks after the star guard underwent surgery to repair a pinkie injury. The Hawks fell to 2-2 without Young after dropping consecutive contests to the Brooklyn Nets to begin their three-game road trip. They win this one...take ATLANTA!

Alabama at Florida 9:00 ET

Crimson Tide (+) over Gators- The Crimson Tide (20-9, 12-4) are looking to bounce back from an 81-74 loss at home against No. 4 Tennessee on Saturday. They now sit one game behind the Volunteers in the SEC standings with two games to play. No. 16 Alabama will go for a regular-season sweep against Florida when the teams tip off Tuesday evening in a Southeastern Conference contest in Gainesville, Fla. Florida (20-9, 10-6) hopes to rebound from an 82-76 loss on the road against then-No. 18 South Carolina on Saturday. The Gators sit in sixth place in the SEC, but only one game separates them from No. 11 Auburn and No. 16 Kentucky. Alabama held on for a 98-93 overtime win against Florida in the teams' first matchup of the season Feb. 21 in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Take ALABAMA!  

Chicago at Sacramento 10:00 ET

Bulls (+) over Kings- Two teams trying to avoid play-in status in the rapidly approaching NBA playoffs go head-to-head on Monday night when the Chicago Bulls visit the Sacramento Kings. Both teams enter the finale of their two-game regular-season series occupying a play-in spot in their respective conferences following lackluster play as of late, with the Bulls having lost four of six and the Kings dropping six of their past 11. The Kings outscored the Bulls 45-33 from beyond the arc in the earlier meeting, but Sacramento as a team has lost its way offensively as of late. De’Aaron Fox missed a second straight game with a bruised left knee. Take CHICAGO!

LA Clippers at Milwaukee 8:00 ET

Clippers (+) over Bucks- The Bucks have strung together five straight wins heading into Monday's meeting with the visiting Los Angeles Clippers led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is averaging 31.4 points, 11.8 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game since the All-Star break. Currently, they sit a half-game ahead of the Cleveland Cavaliers for the Eastern Conference's No. 2 seed. the Clippers, who look to extend a winning streak of their own they are jockeying for position in the jam-packed Western Conference. entering Monday fourth in the standings. Bucks won both meetings last season but this time around the Clippers get their win. Take LA CLIPPERS!

Duke at NC State 7:00 ET

Wolfpack (+) over Blue Devils- NC State (17-12, 9-9) has lost three of its past four games. The Wolfpack were unable to protect a 10-point lead early in the second half in Saturday's 79-70 loss at No. 9 North Carolina. NC State was outscored 42-25 in the half. The Wolfpack are 0-3 against ranked teams this season. Duke (23-6, 14-4 ACC) convincingly won two home games in the past week as they were able to rest many of its starters for stretches in the second half. The Wolfpack are 0-3 against ranked teams this season but, they had a big upset victory last season at home against the Blue Devils, winning 84-60. Duke could get caught in a look-ahead situation as they host North Carolina in their ACC regular season final game on Saturday. Take NC STATE!

New York at Cleveland 7:00 ET

Knicks (+) over Cavaliers- The Cleveland Cavaliers and New York Knicks played a home-and-home set on consecutive nights in the first week of the season. The Cavaliers will look to continue their post-New Year's Day surge Sunday night when they host the reeling Knicks in the final game of the regular season between the rivals. The Cavaliers are returning to Ohio for a pivotal two-game homestand after winning without All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell as well as Caris LeVert on Friday night. Being without multiple starters is nothing new for the Knicks, who appeared ready to build off last spring's five-game first-round win over the Cavaliers when they went 14-2 in January. The Knicks and Cavaliers split the home-and-home set Oct. 31 and Nov. 1, when visiting New York earned a 109-91 win on Halloween before Cleveland returned the favor with a 95-89 victory. Take NEW YORK!

Michigan at Ohio State 4:00 ET

Wolverines (+) over Buckeyes- Michigan is 1-11 and has lost six straight, including an 82-52 rout at Rutgers on Thursday. Their 73-65 win against the Buckeyes on Jan. 15 ended a five-game losing streak and was their last victory. They are guaranteed to finish in last place in the Big Ten for the first time since the 1966-67 season. Ohio State (17-12, 7-11 Big Ten) posted a 78-69 win over Nebraska on Thursday for their third victory in four games under interim coach Jake Diebler. Diebler took over for Chris Holtmann on February 14. The Wolverines haven't won on the road since Dec. 10 until today. Take MICHIGAN!

TCU at BYU 9:00 ET

Horned Frogs (+) over Cougars- BYU has dominated this series winning the past 10 meetings although going just 5-4-1 ATS and the once conference rivals haven’t met in three years. The Cougars were a big winner for us when they up set Kansas last time out and I expect a drop off after an emotional win. The Horned Frogs who had won four straight ATS was a beaten favorite at home to Baylor Monday and have had five days to re-coop. Take TEXAS CHRISTIAN!

Denver at LA Lakers 8:30 ET

Lakers (+) over Nuggets- Denver Nuggets will put a five-game winning streak on the line when they visit the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday. Lakers star LeBron James and his pursuit of 40,000 career points. He is nine away in a game that game is a rematch of the 2023 NBA Western Finals that Denver won in five games. The Nuggets have won both games against the Lakers this season and have taken three consecutive going back to last campaign. James now will get his shot at what has previously been an unreachable milestone, and the opportunity will come in a nationally televised game. Take LA LAKERS!

Tennessee at Alabama 8:00 ET

Volunteers (+) over Crimson Tide- Oh these one should be better than the last...a Tennessee blow-out win where is was never close and the Vols held a 27-point lead at one point in the second half. So, won’t Alabama be looking to even the score and they are capable as the Nation’s highest scoring team averaging 91.5 PPG. The Tide have scored triple-digits nine times this season but, defense travels well and Rock Barnes club’s can slow the tempo down enough to frustrate the ebbing tide. Take TENNESSEE!  

New Mexico at Boise State 8:00 ET

Lobos (+) over Broncos- These two met four weeks ago in Albuquerque and the result was one these two have been used to as Boise State was never headed as a 10-point dog winning outright 86-78. The Broncos lead the series winning six of the past seven meetings going 5-1-1 ATS. New Mexico has been under-rated all season and is 17-10 ATS despite falling in a look-ahead game to Air Force 78-77 Saturday and have had a week to prepare. The Broncos also played the Falcons last time out and won 79-48 on Tuesday. Take NEW MEXICO!

Pitt at Boston College 6:30 ET

Eagles (+) over Panthers- The Eagles enter this contest having lost three straight even with their 7-foot center Quinten Post having a stellar night with 24 points and 10 rebound and a perfect 11-11 for the game. Pitt held Post seven points in their first meetings a 77-58 Panthers victory their sixth in the last eight meetings. Eagles 10-5 SU at home and should improve on that here. Take BOSTON COLLEGE!  

Mississippi State at Auburn 4:00 ET

Bulldogs (+) over Tigers-  Mississippi State and Auburn will try to bounce back from close losses to ranked teams when they meet Saturday in Southeastern Conference action at Auburn. The Bulldogs (19-9, 8-7 SEC) saw their five-game winning streak come to an end when No. 16 Kentucky made a tie-breaking field goal with less than a second left in a 91-89 victory Tuesday night. The Bulldogs' loss to Kentucky was their first defeat since Feb. 3 at then-No. 24 Alabama. The No. 11 Tigers (21-7, 10-5) led No. 4 Tennessee by eight points midway through the second half before losing 92-84 in a road game that featured 12 lead changes on Wednesday night. Auburn had won eight straight meetings until the Bulldogs 64-58 upset win in late January. Look for more of the same! Take MISSISSIPPI STATE!  

Milwaukee at Chicago 10:00 ET

Bulls (+) over Bucks- Milwaukee will look to match its second-longest winning streak of the season when it visits the Chicago Bulls and under Doc Rivers they have won four consecutive games for the first time since the calendar turned to 2024. The Bulls are finishing a three-game homestand after 132-123 double-overtime victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday. The Bucks have won two of three meetings with the Bulls this season but Chicago prevailed 120-113 in overtime at home on Nov. 30 and do it again. Take CHICAGO!

Dayton at Loyola-Chicago 9:00 ET

Ramblers (+) over Flyers- Loyola's season-best, seven-game winning streak ended with Tuesday's 79-64 loss at St. Bonaventure. The loss at St. Bonaventure put the Ramblers behind league-leading Richmond while Dayton (22-5, 12-3) had six scorers in double figures during Tuesday's 80-66 home victory against Davidson. The Flyers moved into a second-place tie with the Ramblers (20-8, 12-3) in the conference standings. Take LOYOLA-CHICAGO!

Dallas at Boston 7:30 ET

Celtics (-) over Mavericks- Boston extended its winning streak to nine games with a 117-99 victory over Philadelphia on Tuesday. The Celtics did most of their damage on the interior, where they had a 64-42 advantage in points in the paint. Boston also outrebounded Philadelphia 56-28. Friday's game will be the second meeting between Dallas and Boston this season. The Celtics earned a 119-110 road victory on Jan. 22. Luka Doncic and the visiting Dallas Mavericks will attempt to end the Boston Celtics' nine-game winning streak. Luka Doncic, the NBA's leading scorer, celebrated his 25th birthday by collecting 30 points, 16, assists and 11 rebounds during Wednesday's 136-125 victory over the Toronto Raptors. But, Doncic is listed as questionable for Friday's game with a sprained left ankle. Take BOSTON!

Golden State at Toronto 7:30 ET

Raptors (+) over Warriors- Toronto who has been playing their best basketball of the season of late and are coming off a 136-125 loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday in the opener of a four-game homestand. The defeat ended Toronto's first three-game winning streak of the season. The rebuilding Raptors have been coming together recently but could not cope with Dallas. Toronto won the first meeting of the season between the teams, 133-118 on Jan. 7 in San Francisco behind 37 points from RJ Barrett. Golden State has also picked up the pace with the return of Traymond Green to action but the Warriors off a win in New York last night should be a half-step slower tonight. Take TORONTO!

Gonzaga at San Francisco 11:00 ET

Don’s (+) over Bulldogs- Gonzaga is back in the Top-25 but they are a shade off teams in most recent past. The Bulldogs who have already defeated San Francisco 77-72 as host but are just 4-4 on the road. The Dons are 14-1 SU at home and are 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings. SF is well balanced with five players averaging double figures and pull off the surprise tonight. Take SAN FRANCISCO!

Miami at Denver 10:00 ET

Heat (+) over Nuggets- After losing seven in a row late last month, Miami has returned to form in recent weeks. The Heat has won nine of 11 and the past five in a row, including a 106-96 road victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday. When the Miami Heat and Denver Nuggets last met eight months ago, Denver clinched the league championship with a 4-1 victory in the NBA Finals. The Nuggets lost three straight heading into the All-Star break, but the team has regained its focus on the top seed in the Western Conference with four straight dominant victories. The Heat are 18-12 SU on the road and can use the points here. Take MIAMI!

Atlanta at Brooklyn 7:30 ET

Nets (+) over Hawks- Unlike the 76ers, Atlanta has been able to win without their superstar in the lineup. The Hawks are 4-3 this season without Trae Young who is out at least four weeks with a torn ligament in his lefty pinky. With Young missing from play the Hawks destroyed Utah 124-97 which was just the third time this season that they held an opponent under 100 points. Brooklyn is 1-3 since Kevin Ollie took over the reins for the Nets but he will have head case Ben Simmons back in the lineup and he can make a difference if he is able to play. Take BROOKLYN!

Golden State at New York 7:30 ET

Knicks (+) over Warriors- New York appeared to be a legitimate contender after the moves they had made at the trade deadline but injuries have decimated their lineup

and their play has suffered. The Knicks are 4-7 since their line-up was depleted after going 14-2 straight-up in January. Golden State who is in the opposite position has had players return from injury and their play of late reflects their positive additions as they were 5-7 in January and are 10-3 in February. Knicks are 20-10 SU at home and the points tonight are a bonus. Take NEW YORK!

Alabama at Mississippi 9:00 ET

Rebels (+) over Crimson Tide- Sometimes the ranking of NCAA schools seems to be more political then based on performances or results. Here are two schools playing in the same conference the SEC with the same overall record of 19-8 and yet the visitor (Alabama) is a strong favorite. The difference is the Crimson Tide is tied for the conference lead (11-3) and the Rebels have struggled of late losing five of six including last time out a 72-59 loss to South Carolina. The Tide ebb here...take MISSISSIPPI!

South Carolina at Texas A&M 8:00 ET

Aggies (-) over Gamecocks- Once again we have a situation where an un-ranked club is favored against a Top-25 squad. This has been a formula for success and there is no reason to believe that this trend will end. I am sure that there will be spots that it  does not work but for the most part it have been money. No. 18 South Carolina was on top of the SEC before a pair of losses one a 40-point loss to Auburn and the other a 1-point loss at LSU before rebound last time out with a Megabucks win at Mississippi. The Aggies have lost four straight both SU and ATS but did manage to break a six game series losing streak to the Gamecocks last season winning 94-53 a year ago January. The odds-maker believes the Aggies do it again. Take TEXAS A&M!

Cleveland at Chicago 8:00 ET

Bulls (+) over Cavaliers-

Cleveland is coming off one of the season’s most dramatic wins as Max Strus made his seventh 3-pointer of the night a 59-foot buzzer beater to give them a 121-119 victory. Chicago is off a terrible 105-95 loss to Detroit their second of the year to a team that has won just nine games this season with a pair of those victories came  against the Bulls. The Cavs have won the past seven meetings including three this season while the Bulls had won the previous three. Bulls man up. Take CHICAGO!

Central Florida at Oklahoma State 8:00 ET

Panthers (+) over Cowboys- Oklahoma State (12-15, 4-10) saw a modest two-game winning streak come to an end courtesy of a buzzer-beating 3-pointer in an 84-82 overtime loss to Oklahoma on Saturday. The loss is not going to change anything for the Cowboys who unless they pull off an outright upset by winning the Big-12 tournament there will be no post-season games. As for Central Florida who recorded a 75-61 victory vs. then-No. 23 Texas Tech on Saturday ending a four-game skid in its most recent outing is out to end a five-game road losing streak in Stillwater, Okla. UCF posted a 60-56 overtime victory vs. Oklahoma State last season as part of the Baha Mar Hoops Bahamas Championship. This year they do it again. Take CENTRAL FLORIDA!

BYU at Kansas 8:00 ET

Cougars (+) over Jayhawks- We have sort of had our way with and against the Cougars and this game presents us with a pair of trends that will come to an end. Kansas is 14-0 SU at home and BYU is 2-6 SU on the road and just 1-7 ATS. The Jayhawks are off an emotional revenge win over in-state rival Kansas State who defeated them earlier this season. This Kansas club is not as deep as previous editions. Take BRIGHAM YOUNG!

Dallas at Cleveland 7:00 ET

Cavaliers (-) over Mavericks- Dallas really thought that they had something going winning seven straight (6-1 ATS) heading to Indiana who was a Megabucks winner running the Mavericks out 133-111. Cleveland after dropping two straight posted a much needed win over lowly Washington Sunday but are 0-5 ATS in their past five games overall. The Cavaliers have won the last three meetings including one this season in December 113-110 as a 6-point underdog. The beat goes on...take CLEVELAND!

Kentucky at Mississippi State 7:00 ET

Bulldogs (-) over Wildcats- These guys (bookmakers) are making me crazy with the number of games that have ranked teams like Kentucky here an underdog against the team that is not even considered one of the Top-25 like Mississippi State. Now, I am not saying that the Bulldogs are not capable but it is more like Kentucky who just scored their highest point total game against a ranked opponent pounding Alabama 117-95. The Wildcats have won the pst four meetings nine of ten, but the Bulldogs have won their last five outings and the steak continues. Take MISSISSIPPI STATE!

Virginia Tech at Syracuse 7:00 ET

Hokies (+) over Orange- Yeah, now that the Orange are thinking NCAA Big Dance after a pair of wins over Notre Dame and NC State we should expect good things But, I don’t think the book-maker things so...I mean they are less than a field goal favorite at home where they are 13-2. Their opponent Virginia Teach has lost five of their last seven games and are just 1-8 both SU and ATS on the road. Syracuse has a better record by 2-games over the Hokies and it ain’t enough. Take VIRGINIA TECH!

Baylor at TCU 9:00 ET

Horned Frogs (-) over Bears- Baylor is off an overtime home loss against conference leader Houston who led by 17 at the half before the Bears huge second half surge forced he game into the OT. TCU meanwhile was winning their contest over Cincinnati making it 3-of-4 inBig-12 action. Defense is the key for the Frogs as they forced 17 turnovers and held the Bearcats to 41.1% shooting from the field. Bears have lost their last two and fall for the Hat-trick tonight. Take TCU!

Brooklyn at Memphis 8:00 ET

Nets (-) over Grizzlies- Kevin Ollie has taken over the reins of the Nets and so far there has not been any change in Brooklyn’s performances. Memphis has not been the sae since the troubled Ja when down and they are 2-10 in their last 12 games overall and the Nets under Ollie are just 2-8. The fact that te Nets are favored on the road where they are 8-18 SU on the road. Take BROOKLYN!

Milwaukee at Philadelphia 1:10 ET

76ers (+) over Bucks- There is no question that Philadelphia is a totally different team without MVP Joel Embiid in the line-up. The 76ers even without their superstar who was leading the league in scoring when he went down will be ready to greet their former mentor and last season’s coach Doc Rivers return to the ‘City of Brotherly Love.’ I do not believe he will be welcomed back and he should hear it from the Philly faithful who are known to extremely rude. Milwaukee is 4-7 since Doc took the reins.Te PHILADELPHIA!

Creighton at St. John’s 12:00 ET

Red Storm (+) over Blue Jays- Don’t let the Red and Blue lead you astray this is not a political battle. It is a meeting between a streaking Blue Jay squad that has won four in-a-row including a rout of No. 1 Connecticut securing their ninth straight season with 20 wins or more. St. John’s is falling short of expectations and have lost eight of 11 after starting 4-1 in Big East play, St. John’s coach Rick Pitino was so critical of his cue that he apologized to each player individually. The Jays have won seven straight including a 66-65 win when the crew from Queens blew a nine-point second half lead. Not this time...take ST. JOHN’S!

Boston at New York 8:30 ET

Knicks (+) over Celtics- The NBA’s best team the Boston Celtics (record wise) has won a season high seven games in-a-row and look to win their fourth game this season over the Knicks. New York is a legitimate threat when they are healthy but right now the are missing key personnel. The Knicks just ended a 4-game losing streak as their deep bench provided the points needed with Julius Randle, Mitchell Robinson ad OG Anunoby all sidelined. New York is led by Jalen Brunson and they are 19-8 SU at home and with NYK’s injuries it is just too much to overcome. Take BOSTON!

Oklahoma at Oklahoma State 4:00 ET

Cowboys (+) over Sooners- Oklahoma State started 0-6 in Big-12 play but have won four of their last seven with one of those losses at Norman to the Sooners 66-62. Oklahoma now missing from the ranked teams have dropped their past two and seven of their last 12 after a 13-1 start. Sooners fade is not unexpected as they have failed to reach the Big Dance since 2021. Oklahoma’s struggles should continue as a pair of starters will not be available and they play as Bedlam foe for a final time in the Big-12 (excepting possible tourney meeting). Cowboys have the momentum and are 7-2 SU in the last nine meetings and 8-0-1 ATS. Take OKLAHOMA STATE!

North Carolina at Virginia 4:00 ET

Cavaliers (+) over Tar Heels- Oh Lordy! I can’t truly explain the sensation that went through my body when I first gazed upon this match-up. No. 10 North Carolina is off their longest break in action (six days) in two months and enter Charlottesville looking for their first win there in 12 years Virginia is off their worst loss of the season falling at Virginia Tech 75-41 (that is not a typo). With only one player scoring double figures the Cavaliers shot 33% and were outscored 62-29 from mid-first half and were already thinking of the Tar Heels. Founder Thomas Jefferson would be proud of his ‘Public Ivy’ who had won 8-of-9 before their debacle. Huge bounce back...take VIRGINIA!   

South Carolina at Mississippi 2:00 ET

Gamecocks (+) over Rebels- South Carolina rose as high as No. 11 in the AP poll but back-to-back losses for the first time this season dropping them nine spots to No. 20. The Gamecocks had won seven straight and then were routed by Auburn and came up flat at home against lowly LSU and fell 64-63 after holding a 16-point in the second half lead. Mississippi has lost four of five and had their bench get outscored 49-11 by Mississippi State last time out who had 18 more free throws in their 83-71 win over the Rebels. Ole Miss 14-1 SU at home scares me but the Gamecocks allow just65.2 PPG. Take SOUTH CAROLINA!