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Date	Match Up	Rating	Score	Result	Profit	Lead Time	Analysis
03-09-18	Rockets -120 v. Raptors		105-108	Loss	-120	17 h 39 m	Show
There aren't many teams who can trump the Raptors in Toronto. Just two really. Golden State and Houston. Kudos to the Raptors if they can end the Rockets' 17-game win streak. I don't see it happening, though. The Raptors may be the best team in the Eastern Conference, but they have fattened up their record by dominating weak teams. Toronto has failed to cover seven of the past 10 times, though, when playing opponents with a winning mark. Houston, by contrast, is 9-0 ATS in its last nine road games versus foes with a winning home record. The Rockets also are 14-3 ATS the past 17 times playing above .500 opponents. The Rockets have added motivation for a 129-113 home loss to the Raptors suffered back in mid-November.
03-09-18	Rockets v. Raptors UNDER 220.5	Top	105-108	Win	100	17 h 37 m	Show
It's easy to think offense with all the stars going in this matchup. The linesmaker believes so, too, setting a high total. But Houston and Toronto are two underrated defensive teams. The Rockets rank 10th in defensive efficiency. They are giving up 105.2 points per game on the season, which ranks 12th. They have held three of their last five opponents under 100 points. The Raptors rank No. 2 in defensive efficiency. They play their best defense at home, too. Toronto has held its last three opponents at Air Canada Centre to an average of 94 points. This sets up as an intense showdown battle between arguably the two best teams in each conference. Both teams are in action for the third time in four days. So I'm not expecting an up-tempo attack from either team. This should be a playoff-type game with far more defense than perceived.
03-09-18	Flames v. Senators OVER 5.5		2-1	Loss	-116	3 h 58 m	Show
Since Michael Ferland returned from an injury two games ago, the Flames' scoring has picked up. Calgary is averaging four goals per game in its last two games. The Senators have scored 3 or more goals in 11 of their last 15 games. They've also allowed 3 or more goals in 14 of their last 17 games. That's no surprise since Ottawa has the worst defense in the league. These teams have gone Over in seven of their past eight meetings.
03-08-18	Oregon v. Utah +2.5		68-66	Win	100	12 h 50 m	Show
Utah beat Oregon at Oregon by 10 earlier this season. Now the Utes catch Oregon off an OT win against Washington State yesterday. So a big scheduling edg goes to Utah. The Utes had a first-round bye and are playing better than the Ducks. The Utes are 6-1 SU and 5-2 ATS in their last seven games. Utah has the necessary point guard in Justin Bibbins and big man David Collette can hurt Oregon inside. The Utes are 8-3-1 ATS in their last 12 Pac-12 games.
03-08-18	Celtics v. Wolves +2.5		117-109	Loss	-120	15 h 52 m	Show
Much is being made of the Timberwolves being without Jimmy Buttler. But the Celtics are likely to be missing their best player, too. Kyrie Irving is doubtful with a knee injury. The Celtics are playing their third consecutive road game. The Timberwolves have had five full days of rest after returning from a West Coast trip where they lost to Portland and Utah in their last two games. The Timberwolves should be rested and ready. Minnesota has been dominant at Target Center winning 15 of its last 16 there, including covering 11 of its last 14. Boston has failed to cover during four of its past five visits to Minnesota.
03-08-18	Sabres +145 v. Senators	Top	4-3	Win	145	15 h 56 m	Show
These are the two worst teams in the Eastern Conference. So my natural inclination is to take a plus price. That inclination is heavily increased with the situation. Buffalo is coming off a bad 5-1 home loss to Calgary Wednesday night. Sabres coach Phil Housley was critical of his team's defense. I expect the Sabres to come out motivated and playing much better. They were 3-1 in their prevous four games with the victories coming against the Bruins, Lightning and Maple Leafs. Those three teams are all far superior to the Senators. Goalie Robin Lehner won't lack motivation having used to play for Ottawa. Lehner is expected to get the start for Buffalo. He's 5-0-3 versus the Senators with a .950 save percentage and 1.57 GAA. The Senators are 1-8 in their last nine games versus opponents with a less than .400 winning percentage. They return home fat and happy after capping off their four-game, nine-day long road trip with a 3-2 overtime victory against the Stars on Monday. Buffalo is 4-1 versus Ottawa during the past five meetings.
03-08-18	Golden Knights -125 v. Red Wings		4-0	Win	100	4 h 25 m	Show
The Golden Knights are in stop-the-pain mode and revenge mode. I see them getting back on track against the Red Wings. Goalie Marc-Andre Fleury has been extremely solid on the road with a 10-4-1 mark, 2.12 GAA and .934 save percentage. Las Vegas has been excellent, too, when playing on one day's rest going 20-6. The Golden Knights are proven road warriors going 18-12-2 away from home. The Red Wings have lost the last four times versus opponents with a winning road mark.
03-08-18	Jets -110 v. Devils		3-2	Win	100	4 h 16 m	Show
I'm going to ride with the Jets, which have won three games in a row. Winnipeg has scored three or more goals in each of its last 10 games. The Devils are 1-3 in their last four games. They've allowed three or more goals in their last four games. New Jersy has lost its last six games versus Western Conference opponents. Winnipeg has won five of the last six meetings in this series.
03-08-18	LSU v. Mississippi State UNDER 144.5		77-80	Loss	-110	12 h 33 m	Show
These two teams just met this past Saturday and LSU held Mississippi State to 58 points while scoring 78. Now the teams meet again being very familiar with one another and in a much critical game as this is the second round of the SEC Tournament. The Tigers shot 51.9 percent from the field and hit 47.8 percent of their 3-point shots. I don't see a repeat of that here. Mississippi State ranks among the top 60 teams in the nation in scoring defense and defensive field goal percentage. Note the neutral site, Scottrade Center in St. Louis, being the venue. That's a plus for the Under. This is a big arena where the St. Louis Blues play their home hockey games and is known as an Under arena for basketball teams. The SEC Tournament has never been held there until this year. So it's unfamilar to both teams.
03-08-18	SMU v. Connecticut +2		80-73	Loss	-105	1 h 26 m	Show
SMU couldn't beat Connecticut when it had leading scorer Shake Milton and I don't see it beating the Huskies without him. SMU is 1-8 since Milton suffered a broken hand. The Mustangs are 2-6-1 ATS during this time frame. The Mustangs haven't broken 56 points during three of their last five games.
03-07-18	Magic +7 v. Lakers	Top	107-108	Win	100	16 h 8 m	Show
The Lakers haven't been this high of a favorite since they had Magic Johnson. OK, not true. They were minus 8 hosting the Suns a month ago. But you get the point. This is a very high spread for the rebuilding, youthful Lakers to cover especially against a team that is way below-the-radar in terms of excellent point spread marks and talent. Orlando is a lottery team just like the Lakers. But the Magic have an underrated roster especially now with rookie Jonathan Isaac healthy joining Aaron Gordon, Nikola Vucevic and Evan Fournier. The Magic are much better than other lottery teams such as the Kings, Suns and Hawks. So the Lakers are overpriced here especially without their second-leading scorer Brandon Ingram, who is out with strained groin. The Magic actually hold a winning record - 10-8 - in games Isaac has played in. The rookie power forward, who was the sixth overall draft pick, had missed two months with a sprained ankle. Orlando has some surprising ATS marks such as covering 15 of the last 20 times as an underdog and going 9-2 ATS in its last 11 road contests. The Magic laid an egg against Utah's tough defense in their last game this past Monday at Salt Lake City. Orlando, though, has covered seven of the last eight times following an ATS loss. The Magic have covered 69 percent of their last 23 games and should find scoring a lot easier operating against the soft Lakers rather than the Jazz. LA is giving up an average of 115 points in its last nine games. The teams met in Orlando on Jan. 31 and the Magic blasted the Lakers, 127-105, despite not having Gordon then. Gordon leads Orlando in scoring and is averaging 17.2 points and 8.5 rebounds during his last six games.
03-07-18	Penguins v. Flyers -104		5-2	Loss	-104	13 h 31 m	Show
The Flyers are in stop-the-pain mode and getting back star forward Wayne Simmonds. The Penguins are coming off two straight overtime winners. The situation is ripe for the Flyers to win this home game. Philadelphia has dropped three in a row with the last two coming on the road against the Panthers and Lightning. The Flayers are likely to lose on Thursday when they play on the road against the Bruins. That's followed by tough home games against the Jets on Saturday and Golden Knights on Monday. So this is a crucial spot for the Flyers, who have double revenge motivation, too, going. Getting Simmonds back is huge, too. The Penguins aren't that fearsome on the road at 13-17-1. They aren't likely to have starting goalie Matt Murray back yet from a concussion.
03-07-18	Rockets v. Bucks OVER 215		110-99	Loss	-110	6 h 9 m	Show
The Rockets are the No. 2 scoring team and have far too many weapons for the Bucks to slow them down. Houston has scored 119 or more points in four of its last six games. The Bucks had matchup problems against the Pacers in two of their last three games, but produced 118 points in their last home game. That was against the 76ers, who rank in the top three in defensive field goal percentage and 3-point shooting. Milwaukee has faced only two Western Conference opponents during its past 16 games. The Bucks gave up 134 points at home to the Nuggets and 114 points to the Pelicans in regulation also at home during those two meetings, both losses.
03-07-18	Penguins v. Flyers OVER 6		5-2	Win	100	6 h 42 m	Show
It's difficult to not pull the trigger on the Over in this matchup. I'm not fond of either goalie and the Penguins have been huge offensively. Pittsburgh has scored at least 3 goals in 12 of its last 13 games. The Penguins have netted at least four goals in eight of their last 11 games. The Flyers have given up 15 goals in their last three games. The Flyers get back Wayne Simmonds their third-leading goal scorer and a tremendous player. This series has an Over bias, too, with the Over cashing five of the last six times.
03-07-18	Notre Dame -125 v. Virginia Tech		71-65	Win	100	3 h 44 m	Show
Look for Notre Dame to play much better than it did against Pittsburgh yesterday. The Irish are 4-0 ATS following a non-cover. The return of Bomzie Colson makes Notre Dame a much better team than this spread indicates. The Irish won't lack incentive either needing a victory here to boost their NCAA Tourney hopes. That's not the case with Virginia Tech, which likely is in regardless.
03-07-18	Louisville v. Florida State		82-74	Loss	-110	7 h 56 m	Show
Louisville needs to play great defense to beat Florida State. I don't see that happening. This has been a down season for the Cardinals on the court and a terrible one for them off the court. I The two teams split their two games this season. Louisville won the first meeting in Tallahassee, coming back from a 17-point deficit. Florida State won the remtch, 80-76, early last month. Since that time, the Seminoles have been getting major contributions from sophomore guard Trent Forrest and freshman center Ike Obiagu. Forrest is averaging 14.8 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.6 assists during the last five games. Those two weren't major factors in the previous games between the teams. They give Florida State an added edge. Not only do the Cardinals have to deal with the pressure to win this game with their NCAA Tournament hopes likely hanging in the balance, but their defense slipped during February. They enter this matchup in bad form, too, losers of four of their last five games. Louisville also has failed to cover in its past four neutral site games.
03-06-18	Pelicans v. Clippers -131	Top	121-116	Loss	-131	10 h 17 m	Show
The Pelicans are riding an eight-game win streak. The Clippers have been playing well, too, winning 11 of their last 15 games. The Pelicans have defeated a lot of bad teams in compiling their win streak beating the Nets, Pistons, Lakers, Suns and Mavericks. The Clippers need this game trailing the Pelicans by two games for the last playoff spot in the West. The Clippers have the stronger bench and are playing home. That's huge in this series. The Pelicans have lost in their last eight road games against the Clippers going 2-6 ATS in those matchups. The Clippers are 15-7-1 in their last 23 Western Conference games. They have one of the best rim protectors, DeAndre Jordan, in the NBA to neutralize Anthony Davis. LA has been winning with offense, though, scoring 122 or more points in all but one of its last seven games. New Orleans has the second-worst defense in the league.
03-06-18	Avalanche +123 v. Blackhawks		1-2	Loss	-100	8 h 37 m	Show
There are few teams the Blackhawks should be favored against and the Avalanche aren't one of them. Colorado has won three of its last four games and hold playoff aspirations. Colorado is averaging five goals per game in its last three games and holds a strong goalie edge. The Blackhawks are minus star goalie Corey Crawford forcing them to use either Anton Forsberg or Jean-Francois Berube. Neither of whom is any good. Chicago has surrendered 19 goals in its last four games. This is the Blackhawks' first home game since Feb. 23 and fourth game in six days. The Blackhawks just returned from a four-game road trip so focus could be an issue along with a high fatigue rating. So could motivation. The Blackhawks are 4-12 in their last 16 games and in rebuild mode knowing they are going to miss the playoffs. Chicago has lost eight of its last 11 home games.
03-06-18	Jets v. Rangers OVER 6		3-0	Loss	-107	6 h 5 m	Show
The Jets have gone Over in seven of their last nine games scoring three or more goals in each of those games. Winnipeg's second-ranked power play has really been cooking notching at least one goal in all but one of its past eight games. The Rangers have given up 85 shots in their last two games. The Over has cashed in seven of New York's last 10 home games. The Rangers are averaging four goals per game in their last three games.
03-05-18	BYU +5.5 v. St. Mary's		85-72	Win	100	11 h 58 m	Show
St. Mary's had to exert a lot of energy to get past stubborn 10th-seeded Pepperdine in Saturday's West Coast Conference tournament quarterfinals. The Gaels are going to need to play better to cover this number against BYU. This was the fifth time in their last six conference games that the Gaels have failed to cover the spread. This is the revenge game of the year for the Cougars, who lost 80-51 to St. Mary's in last year's semifinal WCC tournament game. I don't believe St. Mary's is playing well enough right now to cover this spread.
03-05-18	Blazers -118 v. Lakers	Top	108-103	Win	100	22 h 15 m	Show
Portland has owned the Lakers winning 14 consecutive games against them, including the past eight in LA. Both teams are playing well, but the Trail Blazers are the superior team, in a better situational spot and have been strong as road chalk going 10-2 SU, 8-4 ATS the past 12 times in that role. The Trail Blazers are riding a season-best six-game win streak. They are 10-2-1 ATS in their last 13 Western Conference games. Their backcourt is playing at an extremely high level especially Damian Lillard, who ranks sixth in scoring and 12th in assists. The Lakers rank 27th defense. They are giving up an average of 115.8 points per game during their last eight games. Yet the spread is close to pick because the Lakers have won five consecutive games and are home. LA could be flat, though, since it just concluded a four-game road trip with an impressive 116-112 win against the Spurs Saturday night. Notice who the Lakers beat in their other four games during their win streak - Mavericks, Kings, Hawks and Heat. Portland, by contrast, has defeated some very good teams during its win streak knocking off the Warriors, Jazz, Timberwolves and Thunder.
03-05-18	Maple Leafs v. Sabres OVER 5.5		3-5	Win	100	12 h 20 m	Show
I envision at least six goals being scored. The Sabres have gone Over in five of their last seven home games and draw a Toronto defense that is giving up an average of 3.6 goals during its last five games. The Maple Leafs have been held to two goals apiece in their last two games. They are in stop-the-pain mode with three straight losses. Look for the Maple Leafs to accelerate their normal aggressive offensive style against the Sabres. Prior to their last two games, the Maple Leafs had scored three or more goals in 10 of 11 games. Toronto also draws Buffalo backup goalie Chad Johnson. Only three times in the past 17 meetings between these two teams has the Under won.
03-05-18	Pistons +7 v. Cavs		90-112	Loss	-110	11 h 10 m	Show
Detroit is hard to get behind right now. I understand that. But the Cavaliers' record in these type of games is astounding - astoundingly horrific. Cleveland has failed to cover 21 of the past 25 times as favorites. The Cavaliers are 3-23 ATS at home versus opponents with a losing road mark. Cleveland will be dealing with Andre Drummond and Blake Griffin minus front-court starters Kevin Love and Tristan Thompson along with reserve Jeff Green. Thompson was averaging 11 rebounds per game during Cleveland's last four games. Thompson's absence puts unsung rookie Ante Zizic likely into the rotation. The Cavaliers are 4-4 since dealing for George Hill, Jordan Clarkson, Larry Nance Jr. and Rodney Hood. They are better than they were without this infusion of youth and athleticism, but are going through an adjustment period and are not an elite team right now. The Pistons were 19-14 before point guard Reggie Jackson was injured. They are 6-8 since trading for Blake Griffin. They trail the Heat by four games for the final playoff spot in the East and trying to hang in as Jackson could returning to the lineup possibly next week. So the Pistons should play hard here. Griffin and Drummond give them a frontcourt edge on the Cavaliers. Detroit defeated Cleveland in the previous meeting, 125-114, achieving the victory without Griffin and Jackson.
03-04-18	Pacers v. Wizards -3.5		98-95	Loss	-107	11 h 4 m	Show
The Wizards are the better team, are playing home and catch the Pacers at the end of a four-game, seven-day road trip. Indiana opened its road trip losing to the Hawks and Mavericks before beating the Bucks two days ago. The Wizards have lost their last two games. Those matchups, however, were against the Warriors and Raptors. Those teams have the second and third-best records, respectively, in the NBA. Prior to meeting those two powerful foes, the Wizards had won 10 of 13. Now the Wizards are stepping way down in class. Washington remains without point guard John Wall. But the Pacers are without their main point guard, too, with Darren Collison sidelined due to a knee injury. The Wizards are 10-5 minus Wall. The Pacers are below .500 on the road and have lost in their last four visits to Washington. The Wizards won the last get together, 111-102, beating the Pacers at Indiana on Feb. 5.
03-04-18	Pacers v. Wizards UNDER 209.5		98-95	Win	100	11 h 3 m	Show
This has the makings of a sloppy, slow-paced matchup due to the scheduling layout. The Pacers are 9-2-1 to the Under in their last 12 away games. They could be dragging here as this marks the end of their four-game, seven-day road trip. The Pacers gutted out a tough, physical road victory against the Bucks Friday night. They remain without their starting point guard, Darren Collison. Washington also is off a tough Friday night game falling to the Raptors. Turnovers have been plaguing the Wizards lately. They've committed 33 in the last two games. The Under has cashed in the Wizards' last four games.
03-04-18	Golden Knights -115 v. Devils		3-2	Win	100	3 h 3 m	Show
The Golden Knights are in stop the pain mode having lost three straight games. The last two defeats have been in Las Vegas. So the Golden Knights could be better off hitting the road where they should be fully focused. Las Vegas has won 11 of 13 times on one day's rest following a loss, which is the situation here. The Devils' scoring has gone way down. They have managed just 11 goals during their last six games. Las Vegas is 11-5 in its last 16 games against Eastern Conference opponents while New Jersey has lost its last five games versus Western Conference games.
03-04-18	Michigan v. Purdue OVER 137		75-66	Win	100	4 h 30 m	Show
Michigan is playing its best basketball. The Wolverines have been extremely consistent scoring 72 or more points during each of their last eight games. During this span, Michigan is averaging 77.7 points per game. Purdue averages 81.6 points a game, which ranks the Boilermakers 35th in the nation in scoring. The Over has cashed in 22 of Purdue's last 28 neutral site games.
03-03-18	UC-Davis v. Cal-Irvine UNDER 132	Top	90-84	Loss	-115	18 h 10 m	Show
There were just 117 points scored when these teams last met back in January with UC Davis winning, 64-53. The Aggies had their leading scorer and rebounder, Chima Moneke, for that game. He scored 20 points in that game and averages 18.4 points on the season. However, Moneke is suspended and won't play here. At stake in this matchup is the Big West Conference title. So I expect the intensity and defensive pressure to be as strong as it has been all season. UC Davis ranks 64th defensively. Irvine is even better defensively ranking 42nd and and fourth in the nation in defensive field goal percentage. The Anteaters won't have to deal with Moneke either. Cal Irvine plays at a slow pace, too, which is an added plus for the Under. The Under has cashed in 17 of the Anteaters' last 22 games. This series has an Under history, too, with four of the last five going below the total. The Under has cashed six of the past seven times the teams have met at Irvine.
03-03-18	Jazz v. Kings OVER 202		98-91	Loss	-102	6 h 45 m	Show
The teams last met on Jan. 17 and the Jazz won 120-105 for a total of 225 points being scored. Utah is a defensive-minded team, but put up 116 points against Minnesota at home last night. The Jazz play looser on the road. In four of their last five road games they scored 129 points, 120, 133 and 115 points versus the Trail Blazers during their last away matchup. The Kings rank in the bottom-three in defensive field goal percentage and three-point defense. The Kings are 20-7-1 in their last 28 Western Conference games. The Over has cashed in seven of the last 10 meetings between the two teams in Sacramento.
03-03-18	Nevada v. San Diego State -130		74-79	Win	100	10 h 1 m	Show
San Diego State is playing its best basketball. The Aztecs have won five in a row with the winning margin being nearly 16 points per game. The Aztecs have revenge for a loss to Nevada. The Wolf Pack lack the movitation of the Aztecs. They've already won the Mountain West Conference and achieved their Revenge Game of the Year this past Wednesday blitzing UNLV by 26 points. Another key for San Diego State is Malik Pope is back after missing a game.
03-03-18	Senators v. Coyotes -130		1-2	Win	100	15 h 34 m	Show
Arizona is playing its best hockey winning six of its last eight games. The Coyotes are in a great spot here, too. They draw the Senators the night after Ottawa stunned the Golden Knights, 5-4, in Las Vegas. That halted a five-game Ottawa losing streak and probably was cause for a celebration in Sin City. The Senators now have to travel, likely dealing with hangovers, to face Arizona with no rest. Arizona is off an impressive 5-3 home win against Minnesota on Thursday. The Coyotes are 4-0 the past four times when playing on one day's rest. This also is the Coyotes' final game of a seven-game homestand so a full effort should be forthcoming. The Senators have lost 12 of the last 17 times when meeting an opponent with a losing record.
03-03-18	Georgetown +19 v. Villanova		73-97	Loss	-105	6 h 44 m	Show
Villanova has no reason to play especially hard in this lopsided matchup, especially following consecutive overtime games in which their starters logged heavy minutes. The Wildcats don't have a lot of depth and must not burn out their starters with the Big East Tournament approaching. Georgetown usually can be counted on to play hard. The Hoyas have been at their best as Big East underdogs covering seven of eight times in that role with three straight-up victories. The Hoyas also have covered in their last four road games.
03-03-18	Kansas -2.5 v. Oklahoma State		64-82	Loss	-115	5 h 56 m	Show
Never mind that Kansas has already won the Big 12 Conference crown again. The Jayhawks have had this game circled ever since Oklahoma State upset them, 84-79, as 12-point road underdogs. Kansas is a solid money-maker on the road where it usually isn't that overpriced covering 10 of the last 14 times. Oklahoma State is just 3-10 ATS in its last 13 home contests.
03-02-18	Wolves v. Jazz UNDER 208.5		108-116	Loss	-105	7 h 39 m	Show
The Jazz are back to being a premier defensive club with Rudy Gobert back at 100 percent. The Jazz haven't surrendered more than 100 points during any of their last eight games. During this span they are holding foes to an average of 95 points per game. The Timberwolves just lost 108-99 at Portland last night. Their starters played big minutes. So the Timberwolves won't be looking to play up-tempo. They also are without their best offensive player, Jimmy Butler. The Timberwolves are not a good defensive team, but the Jazz are averaging only 87.6 points in their last three games.
03-02-18	Senators v. Golden Knights OVER 6		5-4	Win	100	8 h 48 m	Show
Ottawa has the worst defense in the league and Las Vegas has the No. 2 offense. Ottawa has surrendered an average of four goals per game during its last four games. The Senators, though, have scored at least three goals in 10 of their last 11 games. Las Vegas has scored four or more goals in eight of its last 12 games.
03-02-18	Raptors -3 v. Wizards		102-95	Win	100	11 h 16 m	Show
The Raptors are the best team in the Eastern Conference right now. They are hot with 11 victories in their last 13 games and have revenge motivation for a 122-119 road loss to the Wizards last month. Washington won that despite missing John Wall. The Raptors know first-hand now how the Wizards have adjusted their style minus their star point guard. I'm expecting a much stronger defensive performance. Toronto ranks among the top eight teams defensively while being the third-highest scoring team in the NBA. The Wizards carry a higher fatigue rating playing for the third time in four days and fourth in six days. The spread is low enough to get behind the superior team that has covered in eight of its last 10 games.
03-02-18	Rhode Island +2 v. Davidson		61-63	Push	0	3 h 51 m	Show
I see Rhode Island atoning for an embarrassing 30-point home loss to St. Joe's in its last game. The Rams have defeated Davidson four straight times, including a 13-point winner at home in their last meeting. The Rams have won 18 of their last 20 games and have covered in 17 of their last 24 Atlantic 10 games.
03-02-18	Pistons v. Magic +2.5		106-115	Win	100	11 h 30 m	Show
Fading the Pistons on the road in this spread range is worth a small play. Detroit has lost 19 of its 28 road games. The Pistons' last road victory came against the Nets back on Jan. 10. Detroit is 0-6 SU, 1-5 ATS in its last six away contests. The Pistons have covered just 27 percent of their last 34 games versus sub .500 opponents. Orlando is playing hard. The Magic hung in against the Thunder and Raptors, during their last two games, and are 3-3 ATS in their six home games, including a straight-up victory against the Cavaliers. The Pistons' strength is up front with Andre Drummond and Blake Griffin. They are weak in the backcourt. The Magic can match up to the Pistons up front with a healthy Nikola Vucevic and Aaron Gordon. Rookie power forward Jonathan Isaac could provide a spark and needed defensive help as he's expected to play after missing the last 26 games with an ankle injury. The Magic rolled past the Pistons when they last hosted them winning, 102-89 on Dec. 28.
03-02-18	Pennsylvania v. Yale +1		79-80	Win	100	8 h 7 m	Show
Penn is playing well. But so is Yale. The Bulldogs have won five of their last six. The Bulldogs also are in revenge mode for a 59-50 road loss to Penn in the previous meeting this season. Despite that earlier defeat, Yale has dominated this series from a point spread perspective going 8-3 ATS.
03-01-18	Wolves v. Blazers -4.5	Top	99-108	Win	100	19 h 14 m	Show
The Timberwolves are 2-0 since their on and off court leader Jimmy Butler suffered what likely is a regular season-ending knee injury. Those victories have come against the Bulls and Kings, two of the worst teams in the NBA. Now the Timberwolves face their first real test since Butler went down: a road game against the Trail Blazers, who have won four in a row. I don't see Minnesota passing this test. This isn't a good time to be playing on the road against the Trail Blazers, who are are 7-1 ATS in their last eight home games. Damian Lillard is playing as well as anyone in the NBA averaging 37.1 points in his last six games. Portland is jockeying for playoff position and should encounter little trouble scoring big against the Timberwolves. The Timberwolves rank second-to-last in defensive field goal percentage. Portland is averaging 111.2 points in its last four games. Minnesota is a poor road club, too. The Timberwolves are 14-17 ATS away from Target Center, failing to cover in six of their last eight road matchups. They are 0-3 SU and ATS during their past three visits to Moda Center, including losing 123-114, to Portland on Jan. 24.
03-01-18	Lightning v. Stars OVER 6		5-4	Win	102	5 h 40 m	Show
Tampa Bay is the No. 1 scoring team in the league. The Lightning have scored three or more goals in 12 of their last 14 games. They've scored four or more goals in nine of these 12 games. The Over is 12-3-1 in Tampa Bay's last 16 road games. Dallas has a number of top offensive players and is likely to draw Lightning backup goalie Louis Domingue instead of star goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy. The Over has cashed 13 of the past 16 times these two teams have met.
03-01-18	76ers v. Cavs -155		108-97	Loss	-155	17 h 45 m	Show
Is it time to trust the Cavaliers? I believe so, at least in this spot. As terrible as the Cavaliers were laying points during the first half of the season, they still won and covered their two earlier meetings against the 76ers winning by an average of 14.5 points. The retooled Cavaliers are a better team now having traded for George Hill, Jordan Clarkson, Rodney Hood and Larry Nance Jr., who is coming off his first double-double with Cleveland. Give LeBron James weapons that fit and improve team chemistry and Cleveland is a legitimate threat again to win the Eastern Conference. The 76ers have taken the big step of being a playoff team this season. However, they rank below the elite teams of the Eastern Conference - Raptors, Celtics and Cavaliers. Philadelphia is much better at home. They are 1-6 in their last seven road games. The 76ers still lack the maturity to beat tough foes on the road whether it's shooting poorly, or committing too many turnovers. This marks the 76ers' fourth game in six days, too. Cleveland has dominated this series winning 14 of the last 15, including the past 11. James just doesn't lose to this team.
03-01-18	Lakers v. Heat -3.5		131-113	Loss	-115	16 h 6 m	Show
Miami is a top-four defensive team that is well-coached and has a solid bench. The Lakers are fancy with a lot of youth and questionable maturity. The situation sets up well here for the home Heat. Miami has been home since Saturday. The Lakers are fat and happy winners of three in a row. Note that those victories have come against the tanking Mavericks, Kings and Hawks. The Lakers have had a couple of days to enjoy the distractions of South Beach. LA is 1-4 ATS the past five times when playing on two days rest. The Lakers also have failed to cover during seven of their past nine visits to Miami. The Lakers are nine games below .500 on the road. I see the veteran Heat being the more focused team. They can't afford a loss here holding on to the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Miami's front-court and bench strength just improved with the return of center Kelly Olynyk from a shoulder injury. Dwayne Wade has made his presence known, too, with his savvy play. Miami surrenders 101.6 points per game. Only three teams allow less per game. The Lakers are giving up an average of 117 points during their last six game
02-28-18	Nevada -3 v. UNLV	Top	101-75	Win	100	21 h 1 m	Show
Nevada is much the better team, has a far superior coach and this is the Wolf Pack's Revenge Game of the Year. UNLV handed Nevada its lone home loss of the season, winning 86-78 three weeks ago. That loss came in front of Nevada's eighth-largest crowd in Lawlor Events Center history. The Wolf Pack were missing their top scorer, Caleb Martin. He was out with a foot sprain. Nevada didn't play well, though. and the Rebels shot a blistering 50.8 percent from the floor. Credit to UNLV because it did play extremely well in that game. This is a bitter, bitter rivalry. UNLV, a classless program, did a lot of trash talking during and following that win. The Wolf Pack haven't forgotten. They've been pointing to this matchup ever since. Martin is back and will play. Reno hasn't been swept in a season series by the Rebels since 2012-13, which was its first year in the Mountain West Conference. UNLV has a size advantage on the Wolf Pack. But Nevada can take advantage of UNLV's weak transition defense. Nevada has won the Mountain West Conference title already, but the Wolf Pack will be focused and highly motivated for this game. Nevada coach Eric Musselman said he won't be resting anybody that his team will be going all out. Musselman is a far better coach than UNLV's Marvin Menzies. UNLV has lost and failed to cover its last three games, including losing to Fresno State, 77-64, as a two-point favorite during its last home game. The Rebels don't have the home attendance they used to have because of the decline in their program. They have covered only two of their last 10 home contests.
02-28-18	Rangers v. Canucks UNDER 6		6-5	Loss	-115	13 h 28 m	Show
I'm surprised to see a total this high in this matchup. The Rangers rank in the bottom-10 in scoring. They've managed just four goals in their last three games. The Rangers have many new faces following the trade deadline. It's going to take time for them to get in sync offensively. The Canucks rank 25th in scoring. They haven't broken the three-goal barrier during their past three games. Vancouver's offense figures to be weaker, too, after it dealt second-leading scorer Thomas Vanek to Columbus this past Monday. The Canucks managed just one goal in their first game without Vanek, a 3-1 road loss to the Avalanche.
02-28-18	Pelicans v. Spurs -4.5		121-116	Loss	-105	18 h 21 m	Show
Back from their annual rodeo trip, the Spurs are playing at home for the first time in 25 days. I'm expecting a strong effort. San Antonio last played on Sunday. The Spurs won't play again until Saturday. Focus won't be an issue. San Antonio has covered 63 percent of its home games this season. The Spurs have been far better at home than on the road. New Orleans is playing its best ball of the season. The Pelicans are only 1 1/2 games behind the Spurs for fourth place in the Western Conference. San Antonio definitely is going to perceive a challenge here. I have a lot of faith in Gregg Popovich, who I regard as the best coach in basketball. The Spurs went 2-4 on their road swing. However, their last game was a confidence-inspiring 110-94 victory against the rejuvenated Cavaliers. Kawhi Leonard remains out for San Antonio. But unsung point guard Dejounte Murray is developing into a star. The Spurs have the coaching, depth, right situation and spot to cover this number.
02-28-18	Thunder -4.5 v. Mavs		111-110	Loss	-113	18 h 18 m	Show
The Mavericks upset the Pacers, 109-103, at home this past Monday. That ended a four-game losing streak and makes the Mavericks a bit fat and happy for this matchup. Dallas hasn't not won back-to-back games during their last 18 games. Oklahoma City's superstars have been complaining about not getting enough calls. That could change here. The Thunder hold the star power and rebounding edge to cover this number. They also have revenge motivation. The Mavericks upset the Thunder, 116-113, on New Year's Eve in Oklahoma City. Dallas also whipped the Thunder at home early in the season. The Thunder haven't been good as chalk this season - big chalk that is. As favorites of five points or fewer, the Thunder have covered 10 of the last 13 times.
02-28-18	Ole Miss v. Kentucky -8.5		78-96	Win	100	6 h 4 m	Show
Kentucky has picked a good time to get back untrack. The Wildcats are 3-0 SU and ATS in their last three games. During this span, they have posted double-digit victories against Alabama, Arkansas and Missouri. Mississippi, by constrast, is 1-8 SU and ATS in its last nine games. The Rebels are a horrible 1-9 in their lined road games, including 3-7 ATS. Kentucky also has covered five of the last six in this series.
02-28-18	Illinois v. Iowa		87-96	Loss	-106	8 h 17 m	Show
Iowa is a great fade now that it is tournament time. The Hawkeyes are 2-7 in the Big Ten Tournament under Fran McCaffrey. They have lost in the first round the past four seasons. The Hawkeyes enter tournament play losing six of their last seven games. They've allowed 80 or more points in seven of their last nine games and are giving up the most points per game since 1993-94. Illinois is coming off a 13-point road win against Rutgers and with strong revenge motivation after suffering a 104-97 home overtime loss to the Hawkeyes in their its last meeting. The Hawkeyes overcame a 20-point deficit to pull out that victory.
02-27-18	Kings v. Golden Knights OVER 5.5	Top	4-1	Loss	-120	13 h 45 m	Show
The Kings have scored three or more goals in 10 of their last 12 games. The Kings just got back Jeff Carter after he missed 55 games with an ankle injury. Carter led the Kings in goals and points last season. Their offense is much upgraded with Carter playing for the third time since suffering his injury. The Golden Knights are the No. 2 scoring team in the league averaging 3.5 goals per game. Las Vegas is averaging 5.6 goals during its last five home games if you discount their game against the Ducks. The Golden Knights boosted the offense of their third line trading for Tomas Tatar. Both teams played against each other last night in Los Angeles. The Kings won, 3-2, in overtime. There would have been more goals scored if not for the outstanding goalie work of Marc-Andre Fleury, who made 41 saves, and Jonathan Quick, who made 37 saves several of them of which were sensational. The intense matchup left both goalies gasping. So there's a chance we could see backup goalies - Maxime Legace for Las Vegas and Jack Campbell for LA. The Kings traded their quality second-string goalie, Darcy Kuemper. Campbell has never started an NHL game. Even if Quick and Fleury get the start, it's hard to believe they would have much left in the tank playing without rest. The Golden Knights previously hosted the Kings on Nov. 19 and won, 4-2. Carter didn't play in that game and Kuemper stopped 30 shots in relief of Quick, who surrendered three goals on Las Vegas' first nine shots.
02-27-18	Kings +12 v. Blazers		99-116	Loss	-108	8 h 28 m	Show
I don't see Portland taking Sacramento that serious following the Kings' 118-100 home loss to the Timberwolves last night. The Kings, though, have covered in their last four away matchups. They catch the Trail Blazers in a flat spot. Portland is playing at home for the first time in two weeks. Portland has bigger games on deck, too, hosting the Timberwolves on Thursday and Thunder on Saturday. Sacramento can't match Portland's backcourt star power, but the Kings have some promising youth - DeAaron Fox, Bogdan Bogdanovich and Willie Cauley Stein - to go with veterans Vince Carter and Zach Randolph and decent bench players in Buddy Hield and Skai Labissiere. They've helped the Kings go 8-4 ATS the past 12 times Sacramento has been a 'dog of five or more points.
02-27-18	Oklahoma v. Baylor -3		64-87	Win	100	10 h 60 m	Show
Baylor is playing better since losing 98-96 to Oklahoma during the first meeting between the two teamsd. The Bears are 5-2 SU and ATS since that loss. Trae Young had a monster game for Oklahoma in the victory against Baylor scoring 44 points. Young, though, has tailed off perhaps worn down by the long season. I like Baylor in a revenge spot here. I don't see Young hurting the Bears like he did in the first meeting. The Sooners have failed to cover during their last eight road games.
02-27-18	Blues v. Wild -145		3-8	Win	100	13 h 21 m	Show
Until they prove otherwise, the Blues are fade material unless the lay price gets too insane. Right now it's not especially considering the circumstances and matchup. St. Louis has lost six in a row. The Blues have been outscored, 8-0, in their last two games falling to the Jets and Predators. Morale is at low ebb for the Blues with the losing streak and being sellers at the trade deadline dealing Paul Stastny to the Jets, a division rival. The Blues haven't been getting good goaltending and their defensive depth is down with Robert Bortuzzo doubtful. Minnesota has won four in a row. The Wild are very strong at home winning 16 of their last 22 home games. The Wild have scored three or more goals in 13 of their last 16 games. They shouldn't have a problem getting at least three goals against the Blues, which should be enough to stretch their winning streak to five.
02-27-18	Hurricanes v. Bruins -1.5		3-4	Loss	-100	12 h 47 m	Show
Sometimes a team returning home following a multi-game road trip can be flat. I don't see that happening here with the Bruins. Boston is mad and in stop-the-pain mode having lost two in a row for the first time since mid-November. Both defeats came on the road. The losses were a controversial 4-3 defeat to the Maple Leafs this past Friday following by a flat performance on Saturday in a loss to the last-place Sabres. Now the Bruins are back in action after two full days off. Boston has won 10 of its last 13 home games and fortified itself at the trade deadline picking up Rick Nash and Tommy Wingels while signing Brian Gionta off the U.S. Olympic team. All are expected to play for the first time at home today as members of the Bruins. The Bruins are much the superior team and should be fired-up. So I believe it's worth it to take a plus price with them on the money line rather than lay such heavy juice. Carolina is struggling both record-wise and emotionally. The Hurricanes have lost five in a row, managing only six goals during this span. They've allowed at least three goals in their last six games. This is a very difficult time, too, mentally for the Hurricanes following the death of co-captain Jordan Staal's baby daugther during the weekend. Staal isn't likely to play. The two teams met in Boston last month and the Bruins blasted the Hurricanes, 7-1. Boston goalie Tukka Rask has a strong history versus Carolina with a 7-3-3 record, a 1.89 GAA and .939 save percentage.
02-26-18	Texas Tech v. West Virginia UNDER 141.5		74-84	Loss	-105	11 h 6 m	Show
The Under has won in 10 of Texas Techs last 13 road games. I see that trend continuing in this matchup, which shapes up to be a tight, intense defensive struggle. Only two teams have a better defensive efficiency rating than the Red Raiders. These are the top two teams in the Big 12 in defensive efficiency ratings, too. Neither team plays at a fast tempo either. So Under is the way to go.
02-26-18	Pacers -135 v. Mavs	Top	103-109	Loss	-135	19 h 54 m	Show
Not only are the red-hot Pacers playing their best ball, but they catch the Mavericks reeling from a double body blow of their owner Mark Cuban admitting his team is tanking and sexual misconduct allegation in the Dallas front office. The Mavericks are toxic right now. They aren't a very good home team either with an 11-19 record, 13-17 ATS. The Pacers have their season-best winning percentage. Indiana is 15-6 in its last 21 games. The Pacers have won four in a row and have a strong record of beating poor teams going 21-8 versus sub .500 opponents. They are 6-1 ATS the past seven times laying points on the road. The Mavericks are 2-11 in their last 13 games and 3-14 in their last 17 games. Dallas is last in reboundings. Indiana has improved its rebounding with Myles Turner back to 100 percent. The Pacers rank in the top-five in field goal percentage and 3-point shooting. Dallas is giving up an average of 113.8 points during its last six games.
02-26-18	Suns +7.5 v. Pelicans		116-125	Loss	-105	11 h 40 m	Show
I understand it's difficult to pull the trigger on the Suns especially when they are on the road. But this is a golden spot for Phoenix. The Pelicans are playing for the third time in four days. They defeated the Heat in overtime at home on Friday. New Orleans followed that up by coming back from an 18-point second-half deficit to beat the Bucks in overtime on the road Sunday. Anthony Davis played 43:21 minutes and Jrue Holiday logged 41:31 minutes against the Bucks. It's likley Davis and Holiday, the Pelicans' two best players with DeMarcus Cousins out, are going to see a reduction in minutes. If the Suns aren't competive early, the backdoor should swing wide open during garbage time as the Pelicans are in a huge letdown spot not only because of the situation but also playing the bottom-feeding Suns. The Pelicans are 1-8 ATS the past nine times hosting a foe with a losing road mark. New Orleans takes off for a four-game road trip following this matchup beginning with a tough game against the Spurs on Wednesday. So focus also is an issue for New Orleans and Alvin Gentry isn't one of the better coaches in the league. The Suns nearly upset the Trail Blazers in their last game losing 106-104 this past Saturday. Recently acquired Elfrid Payton continues to play well for Phoenix.
02-26-18	Flyers -125 v. Canadiens		1-0	Win	100	6 h 29 m	Show
The price is low enough to back the red-hot Flyers versus the reeling Canadiens, who have to be distracted with today's trade deadline. Philadelphia is 9-0-2 in its last 11 games. The Flyers have won their last six road games. The Flyers rank 11th in goals scored. Montreal is 28th in goals. Another plus for the Flyers is the Canadiens will be starting third-string goalie Charlie Lindgren with starter Carey Price on the IR. LIndgren was 8-14-1 with 3.18 GAA less than a 90 percent save percentage with Laval in the AHL.
02-26-18	Maple Leafs v. Lightning OVER 6		3-4	Win	100	6 h 10 m	Show
It takes three goals from each team for this total to go Over. The odds of that happening are good considering the quality of these offenses and current form. The Lightning have managed three or more goals in nine straight games. The Maple Leafs have tallied at least three goals in all but one of their last 10 games. The two teams just met on Feb. 12 and the Maple Leafs won, 4-3. The Lightning have a good history, though, against Toronto goalie Frederik Andersen. Tampa Bay is the No. 1 scoring team in the NHL. The Over has cashed in 72 percent of the Lightning's last 26 games.
02-25-18	76ers v. Wizards -125	Top	94-109	Win	100	16 h 57 m	Show
Washington has defeated Philadelphia seven times in a row at home. I expect that streak to continue. The number is short because the 76ers have won a season-high eight games in a row and the Wizards are minus John Wall. Philadelphia, though, won six of those games at home. The 76ers have a losing road record. The 76ers have played weak competition lately. Their last four games have been against the Magic, Bulls, Heat and Knicks. This represents a big step up. Philadelphia also is playing without rest. Joel Embiid has played only twice in his pro career on back-to-back games. Washington is 8-3 without Wall. So the Wizards haven't missed their star point guard as much as perceived. The Wizards won't lack for motivation. Not only are they off an embarrassing 122-105 home loss to the sub .500 Hornets two days ago, but have double revenge against the 76ers. The Wizards had just upset the Cavaliers on the road on Thursday. So the spot was terrible for them against the Hornets. Both of Washington's losses to the 76ers were on the road, including a 115-102 loss on Feb. 6. The 76ers shot a blistering 55.6 percent from the floor in that game. The Wizards are above average in defensive field goal percentage and rank third in 3-point defense.
02-25-18	Rockets v. Nuggets OVER 225		119-114	Win	100	6 h 50 m	Show
The Houston Rockets are the second-highest team in the NBA. The Rockets just put up 130 points on the Nuggets when the teams last played on Feb. 9. Denver is on a scoring tear putting up 117 or more points during its last four games. The Nuggets, though, have allowed an average of 118.8 points per game during their last five games. The Over has cashed in Denver's last six games.
02-25-18	Penn State v. Nebraska -117		64-76	Win	100	4 h 9 m	Show
Nebraska has been a monster money-maker this season. This has been especially so at home where the Cornhuskers have covered 10 of the past 11 times. All together, the Cornhuskers have covered an amazing 14 of their last 16 Big Ten games. Penn State has had a strong season, too, but I see signs of the Nittany Lions fading. They have lost in their last two games. Penn State also will be without forward Mike Watkins, who is out with a knee injury. Watkins leads the Nittany Lions in rebounding and is their third leading scorer.
02-24-18	Arizona v. Oregon -2		93-98	Win	100	19 h 48 m	Show
The Ducks received a huge boost in confidence beating 25th-ranked Arizona State on Thurday. But the major part of this handicap is a fade on Arizona, which is likely to be minus second-leading scorer Allonzo Trier, who was declared ineligible by the NCAA this week for testing positive for a banned substance. The Wildcats have a much bigger problem than this, though. There's the real possibility that their best player, Deandre Ayton, could be suspended along with head coach Sean Miller. The latest news is all about an FBI investigation into the Arizona program with Miller and Ayton at the center of the storm. This obviously is a huge distraction.
02-24-18	Bulls v. Wolves -6	Top	104-122	Win	100	11 h 54 m	Show
I don't expect Jimmy Butler to play after he injured his knee in the Timberwolves' 120-102 road loss to the Rockets last night. Butler's injury has had a drastic affect on this line. Too much in my view. The Timberwolves still have the three best players on the court in Karl-Anthony Towns, Andrew Wiggins and Jeff Teague. Minnesota has been dominant at home going 13-1 SU, 10-4 ATS with the lone loss occurring to the Rockets during this span. The Bulls are a far cry from the Rockets, who I consider the second-best team in the NBA and very close to the Warriors. Chicago has lost 10 of its last 12 games and has failed to cover in nine of its last 11. One of those victories, though, was against the Timberwolves at home, 114-113, on Feb. 9. The Timberwolves want revenge in what has become a grudge matchup because of Butler and Tom Thibodeau's former ties to Chicago. The Bulls are committed to rebuilding, even tanking, benching Robin Lopez and Justin Holiday in favor of Cristiano Felicio and David Nwaba. Cameron Payne also is seeing more time at backup point guard.
02-24-18	Bruins -114 v. Maple Leafs		3-4	Loss	-114	8 h 2 m	Show
Boston is 17-2-2 in its last 21 road games and has been idle since Tuesday. So I'm anticipating a huge effort from the Bruins. Toronto, on the other hand, is playing for the fifth time in eight days. The Maple Leafs also will be without their leading scorer, center Auston Matthews. Toronto is one game above .500 when playing without Matthews, who suffered a shoulder injury in Toronto's last game two days ago.
02-24-18	Massachusetts v. George Mason OVER 147		76-78	Win	100	7 h 30 m	Show
The Over has cashed in 68 percent of George Mason's last 63 home games. I'm going to ride that string. This should be a loosely played game featuring lots of scoring. UMass's defense has gone downhill. That's reflected in the Over cashing during UMass's last eight games. The Minutemen have surrendered 82 or more points in each of their last eight games.
02-24-18	Magic +9.5 v. 76ers		105-116	Loss	-108	7 h 43 m	Show
The Magic's two best players, Nikola Vucevic and Aaron Gordon, are healthy now. Both should be better in sync after getting in a game following the All-Star break. The 76ers are a viable playoff team. But I don't like them in this high of a point spread range. Philadelphia has failed to cover eight of the last 11 times versus opponents with a winning percentage below .400. Philadelphia has three big road games on tap starting with Sunday's matchup against the Wizards. That's followed by a Tuesday game against the Heat and then Thursday versus the Cavaliers. So this isn't an all-out spot for the 76ers. Orlando is well below the radar spread-wise covering its last eight road games while going 13-4 ATS in its last 17 overall games.
02-23-18	Clippers -4.5 v. Suns	Top	128-117	Win	100	16 h 15 m	Show
The Clippers have already played a game following the long All-Star break losing 134-127 to Golden State on the road last night. The Clippers are more experienced, professional and deeper than the Suns, an opponent they have dominated winning 15 of the past 17 times. This includes a 2-0 mark this season with the average victory being by 27 1/2 points. The Suns are in the argument for worst team in the NBA. They are tied for the fewest victories with 18 and have lost 12 of their last 13 games and 15 of 17. Of the Suns' past 13 losses, 10 have come by double-digits. The Clippers have regained legitimate playoff contender status going 13-6 in their last 19 games. They are 5-2 since dealing Blake Griffin to the Pistons for Tobias Harris and Avery Bradley. LA steps way down in class here after just playing the Warriors. There should be no fatigue factor for the Clippers having been idle for so long before playing last night. There will be a rust factor, though, for the Suns. There's also a maturity issue for the youthful Suns to see how they react from being off since Feb. 14.
02-23-18	Spurs +4 v. Nuggets		119-122	Win	100	11 h 18 m	Show
I'll take Gregg Popovich against any coach given extra prep time, which is the case here. The Spurs have had nine days to think about a 117-109 road loss to the Nuggets in their final game before the All-Star break. San Antonio had defeated Denver five straight times before that loss. The Nuggets caught the Spurs playing without rest after having been at Utah the night before. So that marked two consecutive games in high altitude. The Spurs also were minus LaMarcus Aldridge, their best player with Kawhi Leonard out, and Rudy Gay in that game. Aldridge should play for sure here. The Spurs have traditionally fared well in Denver covering in 21 of their last 29 visits.
02-23-18	Sharks +116 v. Blackhawks	Top	1-3	Loss	-100	19 h 51 m	Show
I strongly disagree with the oddsmaker opening the Blackhawks a favorite against the Sharks. Yes, San Jose looked terrible in a 7-1 road loss last night against Nashville. The Sharks had won three straight previous to that and the Predators can make any team look bad in Nashville. The Blackhawks have lost nine of their last 11. They managed to beat the equally horrid Senators, 3-2, in a shootout at home two nights ago. Chicago isn't turning a corner. The Blackhawks are stuck in the reality that they are going to miss the playoffs for the first time since 2008. The Sharks should be on the attack with Tomas Hertl back in the lineup. San Jose has a strong track record when playing bad teams going 40-19 versus sub .500 opponents. Chicago is 10-26 the past 36 times it has played a foe with a winning mark. San Jose holds a huge goalie edge, too, with starter Martin Jones returning to goal after backup Aaron Dell gave up seven goals to the Predators. The Blackhawks' goalie choices are backups Anton Forsberg, or Jean-Francois Berube.
02-23-18	Cavs -5 v. Grizzlies		112-89	Win	100	15 h 6 m	Show
The Cavaliers are much improved since acquiring George Hill, Rodney Hood, Jordan Clarkson and Larry Nance Jr. at the trade deadline. They are better defensively, younger and more athletic. They also have better chemistry. I was surprised when Cleveland lost last night at home to Washington. Memphis, though, isn't nearly as good as the Wizards. The Grizzlies, in fact, are tied for the fewest wins in the league with an 18-38 record. The Grizzlies have dropped seven in a row. They are facing the cold reality of missing the postseason for the first time in eight years. The Cavaliers are not only the better team but have stronger motivation and the edge of already having played a game following the nine-day All-Star break.
02-23-18	Celtics -115 v. Pistons		110-98	Win	100	14 h 7 m	Show
Detroit is 5-3 since acquiring Blake Griffin. The Pistons are tough up front now with Griffin and Andre Drummond. But their backcourt is weaker minus traded Avery Bradley and with Reggie Jackson sidelined. The Celtics can exploit this. Boston gets back defensive ace Marcus Smart from injury and astute Brad Stevens has had more than a week to game plan. I consider Stevens the top coach in the Eastern Conference. Even if the Pistons are improved following the Griffin trade - and that can't be fully determined yet - they still are a borderline playoff team at best and they hold a losing record. Boston is two levels higher than Detroit and is in the discussion for being the best team in the East. The Celtics limped into the All-Star break having lost three straight home games. I expect Stevens to right the ship following the long break. The Pistons are playing in their new Little Caesars Arena, but their homecourt advantage is overrated. They have failed to cover in 11 of their last 13 home contests. Boston has covered in its last four visits to Detroit.
02-23-18	Harvard +1.5 v. Princeton		72-66	Win	100	3 h 2 m	Show
Harvard is on an 8-3-1 against the spread run. The Crimson just rolled past Princeton by 15 points two weeks ago. Now look at the line. So I definitely believe there is value on the Crimson. Princeton has lost and failed to cover in its last six games. The Tigers have a losing ATS home record.
02-23-18	St. Peter's v. Quinnipiac -118		52-43	Loss	-118	9 h 24 m	Show
The Bobcats of Quinnipiac have covered in seven of their last nine games. I like them to beat St. Peter's at home. The Bobcats have strong revenge motivation for an 84-58 road loss to St. Peter's back early last month when they weren't playing as well. St. Peter's is a very weak road team going 2-10 SU, 3-9 ATS. The Peacocks have failed to cover in five of their last six road games.
02-22-18	Avalanche v. Oilers -135		2-3	Win	100	9 h 39 m	Show
This has been a real bad season so far for Edmonton. But the Oilers still have Connor McDavid and are in a good spot to pick up a home win. They draw the Avalanche playing for the fourth time in six days - all at different locations. Colorado has dropped 28 of its last 41 road games. The Avalanche are a big fat and happy after rallying from three goals down to beat the Canucks, 5-4, in overtime this past Tuesday on the road. The teams have split in two meetings this season, but the Oilers have a plus 9 rating against Colorado's three top scorers, Nathan MacKinnon, Mikko Rantanen and Gabriel Landeskog. Edmonton also has a good history versus expected starting Avalanche goalie Semyon Varlamov. He's 1-5 with a 4.44 GAA and .866 save percentage lifetime against the Oilers.
02-22-18	Wizards v. Cavs -5	Top	110-103	Loss	-110	14 h 32 m	Show
Cleveland is 2-0 against Washington this season - and this is when the Cavaliers' roster and chemistry was much worse than it is now. Spread-wise, the Cavaliers were the most disappointing team in the league pre All-Star break. But now the rebuild Cavaliers are much different and much better. They have won four straight games since retooling their roster getting young, more athletic and better defensively. Cleveland's offense hasn't suffered either. The Cavaliers are averaging 126 points during their four-game win streak. This is Cleveland's first home game, too, with its new fully integrated roster. The Wizards couldn't beat the Cavaliers when they had John Wall and I don't see them hanging close without him especially given the circumstances that line up here.
02-22-18	Nets +7.5 v. Hornets		96-111	Loss	-100	12 h 15 m	Show
The Hornets are just 15-15 at home. They are a lottery team just like the Nets and have no business laying this many points. The Nets limped into break losing seven in a row. They should come back rest, refreshed and rejuvenated. Brooklyn also should be at full strength with Rondae-Hollis Jefferson and Caris LeVert expected to play after being out. Jefferson is an especially underrated player for Brooklyn. Brooklyn showed no quit last season winning 11 games after the All-Star break. The Nets have the fifth-best spread mark in the NBA and have covered seven of their last 10 road contests. There's a randomness factor, too, with both teams coming off a long break. Randomness is good when backing an underdog. Charlotte had a distracting bye week with the decision to look for a new general manager. The Hornets also have failed to cover the past six times after being idle for three days or more.
02-21-18	San Diego State v. Air Force +8.5	Top	67-56	Loss	-105	20 h 53 m	Show
In terms of straight-up record, Air Force is a bottom-three Mountain West Conference team. Point spread-wise, though, the Falcons are very strong. They have covered in nine of their last 12 league games and are 7-1 ATS at home this season. This coincides with San Diego State being a bad road team. The Aztecs are a middle-of-the-pack Mountain West team that is strong at home, weak on the road where they are 1-6 in conference play. This includes losses during their past five away matchups. San Diego State enters this matchup fat and happy after burying UNLV, 94-56, at home this past Saturday. That was the Aztecs' most lopsided victory against the Rebels in the 69-game history of the series. Now the Aztecs draw ninth place Air Force and last place San Jose State. So this doesn't shape up as a challenging week for them. The Falcons are going to be the more motivated team. They have revenge for an embarrassing 81-50 road loss to San Diego State from 18 days ago. Air Force only was able to shoot nine free throws in that game. Air Force upset New Mexico, 100-92, in its last home contest. Air Force has been on the road its past two games losing to UNLV and Boise State. Now the Falcons are back home. They are 16-5-1 ATS following a loss. The Falcons have covered four of the last five times against San Diego State at home, including winning straight-up last season, 60-57, as 6 1/2-point home 'dogs. They are 9-2 (82%) ATS the past 11 times versus San Diego State.
02-21-18	Senators v. Blackhawks OVER 6		2-3	Loss	-103	11 h 36 m	Show
Two of the most disappointing teams in the NHL square off here. There's no reason for either team to hold back. That should favor a high-scoring game especially with below average goaltending. Neither team is playing well defensively. Ottawa has permitted three or more goals in eight of its last nine games. The Blackhawks have allowed three or more goals in eight of their last nine games. The Senators have been better offensively notching three or more goals in six of their seven games. The Blackhawks scored eight goals when they beat the Senators, 8-2, on the road during the first meeting on Jan. 9.
02-20-18	Predators -108 v. Red Wings		3-2	Win	100	9 h 6 m	Show
Better team in a short revenge spot and a fair line price puts me on Nashville. Detroit upset the Predators, 3-1, at Nashville this past Saturday. The Predators halted a two-game home losing streak with an impressive 5-2 victory against Ottawa on Monday. This does mark the Predators' third game in four days, but they have won five of the past six times in that spot. They also are 4-1 the past five times when playing without rest. The Red Wings are 2-7 in their last nine home games. Their players could be distracted due to the upcoming trade deadline and seeing goalie Petr Mrazek dealt to the Flyers yesterday. The Red Wings also could be without their top offensive defensiveman, Mike Green. He's missed the last two games due to an upper-body injury.
02-20-18	Rutgers v. Ohio State UNDER 129		52-79	Loss	-110	15 h 1 m	Show
Rutgers is a premier defensive team giving up the 12th fewest points in the country. But the Scarlet Knights are horrendous on offense and going against Ohio State's top-50 defense. Rutgers has scored less than 58 points in regulation during seven of its last nine games. The Scarlet Knights were held to 46 points by Ohio State in the team's first meeting. The Buckeyes are in a kill spot following two straight road losses. So there's no reason for them to play fast if owning a big lead as expected. Ohio State has gone Under in 18 of its last 23 home games. So there is a strong Under pattern.
02-20-18	Illinois +16 v. Michigan State		61-81	Loss	-106	9 h 26 m	Show
Michigan State has covered just one of its last eight games. The Spartans could be distracted by Senior Night and still on Cloud Nine after rallying from 27 points down to beat Northwestern this past Saturday in the greatest comeback in Big Ten history. Illinois lost to Michigan State by 13 points in the first meeting despite the Spartans shooting a record 68.2 percent from the floor. The Illini have played better since that loss and should have their confidence up after snapping a four-game losing skid with a win against Nebraska on Saturday. Illinois is 5-1-1 ATS during its last seven visits to Michigan State, too.
02-19-18	Ducks v. Golden Knights OVER 5.5	Top	2-0	Loss	-110	22 h 35 m	Show
Oddsmakers shouldn't be opening a Golden Knights home game with a total less than 6. Las Vegas is the No. 2 scoring team in the NHL. The Golden Knights are averaging 3.6 goals during their 28 home games. The Golden Knights are getting career years from a number of their forwards and centers. Las Vegas has scored four or more goals in six of its last seven games. The Ducks have scored three or more goals in five of their last seven games. The Golden Knights' defense has slipped lately allowing three or more goals in six of their last eight games. It's an added bonus for the Ducks if two-time All-Star center Ryan Kesler can play. He made the trip to Las Vegas so he could be healthy after missing Anaheim's last game with a lower-body injury.
02-19-18	Youngstown State v. Northern Kentucky -16.5		51-70	Win	100	14 h 18 m	Show
Northern Kentucky is coming off a loss. I see the Norse being fired up to bury a very bad Youngstown State. The Penguins are giving up more than 87 points per game during their last seven games. Northern Kentucky has the potent offense to take advantage averaging nearly 77 points a game. The teams met earlier at Youngstown State and Northern Kentucky won by double-digits. Now the Norse are home off a loss. They are 4-1 ATS following a loss.
02-19-18	Miami-FL v. Notre Dame UNDER 140	Top	77-74	Loss	-110	14 h 28 m	Show
Minus star guard Bruce Brown Jr., Miiami has averaged only 52.5 points during its last two games. The Hurricanes are going to have to be patient and hit their shots if they want to pull an upset because Notre Dame has committed the fewest fouls in the country and fewest fouls per game. Notre Dame, though, has its own key injury as Bonzie Colson remains out. Matt Ferrell has been playing great, but can't be expected to score a career-high 37 points like he did in Notre Dame's last game, a victory against Boston College. The Irish play at a slow tempo, which is good for the Under, and Miami has the fourth-ranked defense in the ACC giving up 66 points per game. The Hurricanes also rank in the top-30 in the country in 3-point defense.
02-19-18	Bruins -113 v. Flames		2-1	Win	100	5 h 19 m	Show
The teams just met six days ago and Boston won 5-2 at home. Sure Calgary is home now, but the Flames aren't the better team. The price is low enough to back the superior team. Calgary is off a loss. The Flames should be fired-up. But Boston also is off a loss, a bad one, too. The Bruins lost to the Canucks, 6-1, this past Saturday on the road after being being idle for three days. Boston was 11-0-2 in its previous 13 road games before that defeat. The Bruins are 10-1 the past 11 times when playing on one day rest. Calgary is 1-6 in its last seven home games. Simple choice here and the price is right.
02-18-18	Team LeBron v. Team Stephen UNDER 341		148-145	Win	100	10 h 24 m	Show
In each of the last four years the total points in the NBA All-Star Game has been broken. The culmination was last year's game won by the West, 192-182. Those 374 combined points are the record. So why go Under the total this year? Because the league wants this game to become less farcical and more of a competitive matchup. That means intensity and some defense sprinkled in among the dunks and 3-point bombs. The league changed the format to where the All-Star rosters were picked by LeBron James and Stephen Curry. That could increase the pride level. The prize money for the winning team has been doubled, too, from $50,000 to $100,000. Six-figures isn't chump change even for NBA superstar millionaires. Several players have said these changes should increase the quality of play. I'm certainly not expecting playoff-caliber defense and intensity. But I am anticipating more than just what has been a glorified scrimmage. Yes, there still will be a lot of easy baskets scored. But with a total this high just a few minutes of cold shooting, or increased defensive pressure, is all that is needed to make this an Under.
02-18-18	Penn State v. Purdue -7.5		73-76	Loss	-105	12 h 5 m	Show
Purdue is in stop-the-pain mode having lost consecutive close games to Ohio State, Michigan State and Wisconson. The Boilermakers are better than Penn State, highly motivated and at home where they have won 14 of 15 times. Penn State last won at Mackey Arena in 2006, a string of 10 consecutive road losses. The Boilermakers rank seventh in the nation in 3-point accuracy at 41.9 percent yet they have made only 32.1 percent of their beyond the arc shots in their last three games. A correction is due. Penn State is just average in 3-point defense. The Nittany Lions are playing well, but a letdown could be in store following their 79-56 burial of Ohio State at home on Thursday. Purdue has dominated this series winning the past five times.
02-18-18	Maple Leafs -120 v. Red Wings		3-2	Win	100	9 h 3 m	Show
The Maple Leafs had won five in a row until losing to the Penguins at home on Saturday. No shame in that. I see Toronto bouncing back today against a far inferior opponent. Toronto has lost its last two away contests. Those were against the Penguins and Bruins, though. They Maple Leafs had won their previous four road games beating the Rangers, Stars, Blackhawks and Senators. Detroit is coming off an upset road win against the Predators on Saturday. The Red Wings are 1-4 the past five times playing without rest. They also have lost in six of their last eight home games. Toronto has defeated Detroit in five of the past six meetings.
02-18-18	Nebraska -125 v. Illinois		66-72	Loss	-125	7 h 21 m	Show
I have to keep riding Nebraska, which has covered a mind-boggling 16 of its last 17 games, including its last eight games. Usually when the line is at minus 2 or less, I like to protect myself with a money line play. That's the case here especially with Nebraska winning the first meeting between these two teams by just one point. Tim Miles has done a masterful job with the Cornhuskers, who have won seven in a row and eight of their last nine. Illinois, by contrast, has lost four in a row. The Illini has allowed foes to shoot 55.5 percent from the floor during the last three games. The Illini haven't been scoring either averaging only 64 points during their last four games. Nebraska is averaging 80 points in its last five games.
02-17-18	Capitals -105 v. Blackhawks		1-7	Loss	-105	15 h 51 m	Show
The Blackhawks have become an auto-fade for me, losers of eight games in a row. Chicago has fallen down and can't get up. The Blackhawks have a losing record at home. They've dropped seven consecutive games at United Center. The Capitals aren't as dominant as they've been, but still are vastly superior right now to the Blackhawks. The Capitals have taillied three or more goals in nine straight games. They hold a big goalie edge with Braden Holtby against Anton Forsberg, or whatever stiff the Blackhawks want to put in net with Corey Crawford sidelined.
02-17-18	Colorado v. Washington UNDER 142		59-82	Win	100	17 h 1 m	Show
Long-time Syracuse assistant coach Mike Hopkins has brought a tricky zone defense to Washington. So it's not a fluke the defensive-minded Huskies have gone Under the total in 10 of their last 12 games. I don't see any reason to not ride the Under in this game pitting the teams who rank first and second, respectively, in the Pac-12 in defensive efficiency. Colorado struggles on the road and with committing too many turnovers. Washington was held to 40 points three games ago by Oregon and scored only 58 points at home against Utah in its last game.
02-17-18	Maple Leafs v. Penguins -123	Top	3-5	Win	100	14 h 45 m	Show
The Penguins are back playing at their two-time defending Stanley Cup champion level. They have dominated at home winning 76 percent of their 74 home games, including the last 10 at PPG Paints Arena. Pittsburgh has added motivation - revenge. The Maple Leafs beat them in Pittsburgh, 4-3. That was back on Dec. 9, though, when the Penguins weren't playing nearly as well. Since the calendar flipped to 2018, the Penguins are 14-4-1. Matt Murray is playing well in net for Pittsburgh with a 6-0-1 mark in his last seven starts. He has a .924 save percentage in his last 10 games. Toronto has won five in a row. All of those vicories, however, came at home. This is the Maple Leafs' first road game in two weeks. They lost to the Bruins, 4-1, in their last away matchup.
02-17-18	Maple Leafs v. Penguins OVER 6		3-5	Win	100	13 h 14 m	Show
Not only is there a lot of skating speed with both of these teams, but each has an aggressive offensive mentality. So it's not surprising the Maple Leafs and Penguins each rank in the top-five in scoring. Toronto has scored three or more goals in nine of its last 10 games. The Maple Leafs have won five in a row. Those victories have all come at home. I expect the Maple Leafs to carry a strong offensive approach into this matchup. They aren't going to back down by going into a defensive shell. The Penguins have scored at least three goasl in nine of their past 10 games. Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Phil Kessel have all been dynamite during the Penguins' 10-game home win streak. The Maple Leafs just surrendered 54 shots on goal to the Blue Jackets in their last game this past Wednesday.
02-17-18	Canadiens v. Golden Knights -1.5		3-6	Win	130	13 h 8 m	Show
It's not difficult to imagine the Golden Knights winning big here against the Canadiens. Las Vegas has the best home record in the NHL at 21-4-2. The Golden Knights are off a pair of three-goal home wins beating the Blackhawks and Oilers. Those teams are struggling and so are the Candiens. Montral has lost four in a row, three of those defeats by more than one goal. The Canadiens are 1-10 in their last 11 away contests. They have the worst road mark in the NHL and have not played at T-Mobile Arena, or been in the distracting Vegas enviornment. Goalie Carey Price is having an off-season. He's 0-for-8 in his last eight road starts. I don't expect the Golden Knight to let down either. They remember a 3-2 loss to the Canadiens back in early November. The Golden Knights didn't have starting goalie Marc-Andre Fleury for that game and were at the end of a six-game, nine-day road trip.
02-17-18	Loyola Marymount +10.5 v. San Francisco		63-72	Win	100	9 h 53 m	Show
This mainly is a fade on San Francisco. The Dons are coming off a huge upset home victory against St. Mary's two days ago. It's going to be hard for the Dons to get up for this matchup in such a short time span. The Dons are 2-7 ATS following a victory. San Francisco also has failed to cover the spread the past five times it has been more than a four-point favorite. The Lions have done well in this series covering four of the past five times.
02-17-18	Ducks v. Wild -122		3-2	Loss	-122	8 h 20 m	Show
I like Minnesota at home in this bounce back spot. The Wild are 10-1-3 in their last 14 home games, but didn't play well in a 5-2 home loss to the Capitals this past Thursday. Goalie Devan Dubnyk may have had his worst game of the season. He was called out by coach Bruce Boudreau after the game. Dubnyk is a solid goalie. I expect a much stronger performance from him here. The Wild have a history of playing much better following a blowout loss going 7-1 the past eight times after losing by at least three goals. The Ducks had lost three in a row before nipping the free-falling Blackhawks, 3-2, on Thursday. This is a very early start for Anaheim. Minnesota defeated the Ducks earlier this season in Anaheim. Now the Wild are in a good spot to repeat that victory at home.
02-16-18	Islanders v. Hurricanes -1.5	Top	3-0	Loss	-100	15 h 19 m	Show
Carolina has won each of its last three home games by more than one goal. The Hurricanes are in a good spot to cover the puck line again at home with a multiple goal victory against the defensively-challenged Islanders. The Islanders are coming off a hugely satisfying rivalry victory against the Rangers last night. Jaroslav Halak was brilliant in goal for the Islanders stopping 50 shots in a 3-0 victory. Halak isn't expected to start, though, in this game. That means a drop to backup goalie Thomas Greiss. Islanders goalies have it extremely rough as New York gives up the most goals and shots on goal in the league. The Islanders had allowed 25 goals in their last six games prior to Thursday. Opponents have averaged 51 shots on goal during the Islanders' last two games. The Islanders have permitted three or more goals in 13 of their last 15 games. This is the Islanders' third game in four days, too, so there will be a fatigue factor. New York has lost 10 of its last 14 road contests. The Hurricanes also played Thursday night losing 5-2 on the road to New Jersey. Backup goalie Scott Darling was in net for Carolina in that loss. Starter Cam Ward is expected to be back in goal for this game. The Hurricanes are 5-1-1 in Ward's last seven starts. Carolina is 10-2 the past 12 times facing foes with a sub .500 record.
02-15-18	Utah v. Washington UNDER 142		70-58	Win	100	15 h 9 m	Show
Not only is Mike Hopkins a great coach, but he's a great Under the total coach, too, as Washington has gone below the total in nine of its last 11 games. That's because the Huskies play a zone defense similar to what Syracuse runs and what Hopkins learned when he coached at Syracuse before coming to Washington. There is more, though, than just this Under trend. Both teams play at a slow pace and the Huskies are No. 1 in the Pac-12 in defending against 3-pointers, which is what Utah relies on.
02-15-18	Ducks -103 v. Blackhawks		3-2	Win	100	12 h 18 m	Show
The Blackhawks are becoming an auto-fade losers of seven in a row and realistically out of the playoffs. Chicago isn't losing close games either being outscored by 17 goals during its losing streak. I don't see the Blackhawks being helped returning to Chicago. They concluded a three-game road trip with a 5-2 loss to Las Vegas on Tuesday. This will be their fourth game in six days. Chicago has lost its last six games at United Center, its longest home losing streak since 2005. Anaheim already is in the Midwest. The Ducks lost by one goal at home to San Jose and then followed that up with a one-goal defeat to the Red Wings on Tuesday. The Ducks are due and have the superior goalie with John Gibson expected to be in net.