Underrated 11-9 Temple hasn't lost a game by more than 20 points this season. I understand the Owls haven't met a team as good as Houston. But I do see this line as being inflated.

The Owls are playing well with five wins in their last seven games going 6-1 ATS during this time frame. They are 12-3-1 ATS in their past 16 road contests when matched against a foe with a home winning percentage of more than .600.

Houston hasn't looked sharp in two of its last three home games. The Cougars struggled to beat South Florida, 83-77, as a 23 1/2-point favorite and only beat Central Florida, 71-65, as a 15 1/2-point favorite.

Florida Atlantic is a top-50 scoring team averaging 78 points on the season. The Owls have gone Over 68 percent of the time during their last 32 road games.

UTEP also is a good shooting team. The Miners have broken 80 points in two of their last three games.

The Over has cashed 13 of the past 16 times following a UTEP victory. The Miners scored 81 points in a 20-point victory against Florida International in their last game.

The Raptors will be stressing defense after blowing an 18-point lead in a 128-126 loss to the Timberwolves this past Thursday. They catch Boston minus Jayson Tatum, who will sit out because of a sore wrist.

The Celtics rank in the top-seven in defensive efficiency since big man Robert Williams returned. The Celtics won't be playing fast after a tiring, 121-118, come-from-behind overtime win against the Warriors two days ago.

The Raptors play at a slow pace, too. The Under has cashed seven of the last nine times the Raptors have hosted Boston.

The Pelicans should be highly motivated to beat the Magic after an embarrassing, 124-98, home loss to the Heat this past Wednesday. 

The 16-28 Magic are playing their first home game in more than two weeks after concluding a five-game road trip that finished this past Sunday with a 119-116 loss to the Nuggets. Being idle for five days is being off for too long. So I don't expect the Magic to be sharp. 

New Orleans is at its best against bad team teams. The Pelicans are 19-7-1 (73 percent) ATS versus foes with a winning percentage below .400. They have covered the past five times against sub .500 opponents. 

The Pelicans are the superior team even without injured Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram and this spot sets up well for them. 

The 76ers are 3-0 on their five-game Western Conference road swing and playing well. But I see them getting tripped up by the Trail Blazers here. It's Philadelphia's fourth game in six days. The 76ers have failed to cover a spread during their last six games in Portland. 

The Trail Blazers are 8-2 ATS in their past 10 home games. Philadelphia is 2-7 ATS in its last nine road games when facing an opponent that has a winning home record. 

Portland is playing well, too. The Trail Blazers won and covered both of their home games against the Mavericks this past Saturday and Sunday. They then played the Nuggets tough in Denver two days ago in a loss that had a misleading final score. 

Look for Portland to bounce back being home again catching the 76ers fat and happy. 

Rutgers is having a strong season breaking into the Top-25. But the Scarlet Knights have never won at Michigan State. I don't see that changing here.

The Spartans are off tough losses against Illinois and third-ranked Purdue, 64-63. This is a circle-the-wagons game for the Spartans and they are home.

Michigan State has played very strong offenses this season yet rank 36th in defensive efficiency. I see the Scarlet Knights have problems scoring.

Vanderbilt is battle-tested, at home and draws the Crimson Tide being possibly distracted by Darius Miles being kicked off the team after he was arrested and charged with murder in a shooting death of a young mother.

Alabama is playing well, but is in a letdown spot after burying LSU, 106-66, this past Saturday.

Vanderbilt has played three straight ranked teams. The Commodores are better than their 9-8 record. Just ask 15th-ranked Arkansas. Vanderbilt defeated the Razorbacks, 97-84, at home this past Saturday.

Alabama has been at its point spread-worst when playing on Tuesday going 1-10 ATS the past 11 times.

The Nets must prove they can win without Kevin Durant. Or at least beat bottom-feeders. This is their chance.

I see the Nets being highly motivated in this matchup against the Spurs, who are 1-8 in their last nine games, including losing five in a row.

Brooklyn had won 14 of 15 games. But then superstar Durant went down with a knee injury and the Nets lost to the Celtics - no shame in that - and then suffered an upsetting, 112-102, home loss to the Thunder this past Sunday. Ben Simmons didn't play in the loss to the Thunder because of back pain.

Simmons has been cleared to play in this game, which is a boost to the Nets' shrinking rotation. Not only do the Nets want to redeem themselves for losing to the Thunder, but this also is the start of a five-game road trip consisting of games against the Suns, Jazz, Warriors and 76ers. Brooklyn doesn't want to start out with a loss to the 13-31 Spurs. So the Nets should be focused.

The Nets give up 11 fewer points per game than San Antonio, which ranks last in all of the major defensive categories, including scoring, field goal percentage and 3-point percentage. The Spurs' defense has been especially bad lately. The Spurs are surrendering an average of 130.6 points during their last five games.

The Nets have covered five of the last six games in this series.

It shouldn't surprise that Idaho is last in the Big Sky Conference at 0-5. The Vandals are 6-12 overall.

Montana State is second in the Big Sky at 5-1. The Bobcats are 12-7 overall. They have covered the past six times against opponents with a losing record.

Montana State is playing well, winning and covering each of its last four games. Each of the victories was by double-digits.

By contrast, Idaho has lost six in a row with five of those defeats occurring by double-digits.

Look for this pattern to continue here.

UC Riverside is 5-1 in the Big West Conference and 12-6 overall. Cal Poly is 1-4 in the conference and 7-10 overall. The Highlanders have covered the last nine times against sub .500 opponents.

The Highlanders have held their last four foes to an average of 59 points. Cal Poly is one of the worst offensive teams in the nation, averaging 61.3 points. Riverside averages 11 more points per game than Cal Poly.

The Mustangs are averaging only 53.4 points during their past four games.

Princeton had won four in a row until suffering a two-point road loss to Brown this past Saturday. The Tigers have covered six of their last seven road games.

Princeton is much stronger defensively than Penn, giving up eight fewer points per game than the Quakers.

Penn has dropped two of its last three Ivy League games.

Aside from Cleveland being the No. 1 defensive team in the NBA giving up an average of 107 points a game, there are strong situational reasons why I like this game to go Under.

New Orleans is playing its fifth consecutive road game. It's the first and only time this season the Pelicans will be playing a fifth straight away game. Cleveland just concluded a five-game, 10-day road swing this past Saturday night. The Cavaliers had to go through three different time zones during this time.

On top of these fatigue factors is this is an early-start Martin Luther King Day matinee game. So I'm certainly not expecting either team to push pace.

The Pelicans are missing two of their three best offensive players with Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram out with injuries. The Pelicans have relied on 7-foot center Jonas Valanciunas to pick up the scoring. But Valanciunas is going to find it difficult against Cleveland's defensive-minded big men Eric Mobley and Jarrett Allen. Those two have been instrumental in Cleveland ranking No. 1 in defensive rebounding.

Donovan Mitchell easily paces the Cavaliers in scoring at 28.8 points per game. Mitchell, however, has been dealing with illness. He was just 5-for-16 shooting from the floor in the Cavaliers' 110-102 loss to the Timberwolves this past Saturday. The Pelicans are a middle-of-the-road defensive team. Their defensive strength is 3-point defense where they rank No. 2. So I'm not expecting Mitchell to go off. He missed seven of nine 3-point shots against Minnesota.

I'm going to accept this many points with Ohio State in stop-the-pain mode. The Buckeyes have lost three in a row. However, two of those defeats were in the final seconds in a two-point loss to Purdue and a three-point defeat to Minnesota as big favorites. Ohio State is 11-5 ATS following a loss. The Buckeyes also beat Rutgers earlier this season.

Rutgers is a bit fat and happy after pulling out a 65-62 win against Northwestern this past Wednesday.

Look, I like the Grizzlies. But I don't like them enough to lay this many points in a flat spot against a good home team such as the Pacers.

The line is high - inflated in my view - because Indiana is without point guard Tyrese Haliburton and center Myles Turner. There's a chance, though, the Pacers get back forward Aaron Nesmith, who has missed the last two games due to illness. I also like the Pacers' younger players, particularly Bennedict Mathurin. I believe they will step up given the opportunity.

The Grizzlies aren't 100 percent healthy either with Dillon Brooks and Brandon Clarke both questionable.

Memphis has won eight in a row. However, the Grizzlies' last five victories were against the Spurs twice, slumping Jazz, Magic and Hornets. Memphis has failed to cover its last three games and has a bigger game on deck at home in revenge mode against the Suns.

The Pacers are 15-8 at home, including 6-1 SU and ATS in their past seven home contests. They are off a tough, 113-111, home loss last night to the Hawks, who scored the winning basket with less than a second left.

Indiana is 21-8 ATS when playing on zero rest. Memphis is 2-8 ATS the last 10 times on the road when playing an opponent with an above .500 home mark.

This is only the third time the Kings are laying more than 9 points. They are 0-2 ATS the previous two times. 

The Rockets are a bottom feeder, but they shouldn't lack motivation in a rapid revenge spot. The Kings beat Houston, 135-115, two days ago at home. That score was misleading, though. The Rockets led with 8:44 to go before the Kings scored 26 of the final 37 points. The Kings were aided by getting 14 more free throw attempts than the Rockets.

Houston lost point guard Kevin Porter Jr. just 10 minutes into the game with a bruised foot. It's a plus if he can play today. If not, the Rockets won't go in unprepared to not having him. 

Sacramento has failed to cover in six of its last eight home games. 

This is my Game of the Week.

The Pistons are off a 135-118 win against the Timberwolves on Wednesday. Detroit hasn't won consecutive games since Nov. 22-23. I don't see the Pistons doing that here.

Each of the Pistons' last nine losses were by double-digits. 

New Orleans is 7-5 in its last 12 games. However, all five of the losses during this span were to good teams. 

The Pelicans are several tiers better than the Pistons, which makes this point spread too small. Yes, Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram remain out for the Pelicans. However, the Pistons also have injuries and their rotation isn't as talented as New Orleans is. Detroit has been without frontcourt players Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart. 

This is USC's first home game since Dec. 18. I'm expecting a big performance from the Trjoans, who lost the past two games of their three-game Pac-12 road trip.

USC has won seven of its eight home games. Colorado's only road victory came against weak Stanford. The Buffaloes have suffered road defeats to Grambling, Washington and California. Colorado was double-digit favorites against Gambling and California.

This easily is the Buffaloes' toughest road task. I'm not looking for them to pass it. USC is the better defensive team and a much better free throw shooting team.

SIU-Edwardsville is a terrible 3-point shooting team, but a much improved defensive team. The Cougars rank 82nd in defensive field goal percentage. 

The Thunder have been double-digit underdogs four times this season - and covered each time Oklahoma City has the best point spread mark in the NBA at 25-16 for 61 percent.

Oklahoma City has short revenge for a 115-96 home loss suffered to the 76ers on New Year's Eve.

The Thunder have thrived in these spots going 19-8 in their last 27 (70 percent) away games when taking on an opponent with a winning home record.

The 76ers are a bit fat and happy off consecutive easy victories against the Pistons. The Thunder are off a frustrating, 112-111, road loss to the Heat from Tuesday. Miami won by making all 40 of its free throws. It was the third straight game the Thunder have covered and fourth in their last five.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey are playing at high levels. They can keep the Thunder in this game.

I'm going to fade the injury-ravaged Suns following their huge upset win against the Warriors last night at Golden State. 

Phoenix stunned the Warriors despite missing Devin Booker, Chris Paul, Deandre Ayton, Cam Johnson, Landry Shamet and Cameron Payne. Before that game, the Suns had lost nine of 10, including six in a row. 

The Nuggets are rolling, winning their last three games by an average of 19 points with all three victories coming by at least 13 points. 

Denver has held its last three foes to an average of 102.6 points. 

Abilene Christian hasn't lost consecutive games since Nov. 23, a span of 10 games. I like the Wildcats to bounce back in a big way against UT Rio Grande following a tough 74-72 home loss to Southern Utah, the highest scoring team in the nation. The Wildcats held the Thunderbirds 13 points under their season average, but shot 16 fewer free throws than Southern Utah and missed 20 of 25 3-point shots.

The Wildcats like to play a methodical style stressing defense. That should work far better against struggling Rio Grande, which has lost four in a row.

Abilene Christian ranks in the top 90 in scoring defense giving up 65.4 points per game. The Vaqueros rank 351st defensively, allowing 78.8 points. The Wildcats also commit fewer turnovers and are the better 3-point shooting team.

Seton Hall tends to play to the opposition's level. The Pirates are 1-6 ATS the past seven times facing foes that have a winning percentage below .400. 

Georgetown fits that category. The Hoyas are desperate for a victory having lost seven in a row. 

The Hoyas actually average more points per game than Seton Hall although they play far worse defense.

This has been a 'dog series with the underdog covering four of the last five times.

Crunching numbers on this one and find this total to be too high.

If you discount its last game against Tulane, Tulsa would be averaging 63.6 points in its last 10 games. 

Temple is averaging 64.1 points in its last six games taking out its game against Maryland Eastern Shore. 

The Over is 5-1-1 in Tulsa's last seven home games. Temple has been a big Under team on the road with the low side cashing 68 percent of the time during its past 68 away contests. 

The spot is right for the Heat to cover this number. Miami is 5-3 in its last eight games. The only bad loss the Heat have during this span is to the Lakers on the road by three points. The other two defeats were to the 27-13 Nuggets on the road by five points and at home to the sizzling Nets by one point this past Sunday. 

There is no way Miami overlooks Oklahoma City, which is four games below .500. Not only have the Thunder won two in a row, but the Heat's next two games are both against the Bucks. So the Heat can not afford a home defeat to this lowly opponent.  

This is only the Thunder's third road matchup in their last 13 games. Oklahoma City is fat and happy having won its last two games, both at home against the Wizards and Mavericks, who were missing superstar Luka Doncic, two days ago. 

The Thunder have lost their last four road contests - falling to the Magic by 11, Hornets by 8, Cavaliers by 7 and Grizzlies by 21 for an average away loss of 11.7 points. 

Oklahoma City is 13-9 at home, but 5-13 on the road. 

The Knicks are fat and happy, winners of four in a row. Note that two of those four victories were achieved against bottom-feeders San Antonio and Houston.

New York is 1-4 ATS in its last five home games.

The Bucks have had all weekend to reflect about a shocking, 138-109, home loss to the lowly Hornets this past Friday. Giannis Antetokounmpo was held to a season-low nine points.

I see Antetokounmpo and Milwaukee bouncing back here. The Bucks are 4-1-1 ATS in their six visits to Madison Square Garden.

This number came up short, according to my power rankings so I'm on host Morgan State, which is 5-2 ATS in its last seven home games.

The Bears are playing their best ball of the season winning three in a row.

South Carolina State is 3-14. The Bulldogs have been blown out in their last three games, losing by double-digits each time. They could be the worst defensive team in the nation giving up 86.3 points.

I respect the Grizzlies and they are hot with five straight wins. Utah is off a disappointing road loss to the Bulls last night.

However, I see this as too many points for the Grizzlies to be laying. They were on the road for their last two games, having last played this past Thursday. I question their motivation and concentration being fat and happy right now.

Utah is 3-6 in its last nine games. The Jazz, though, haven't lost any of those six games by more than eight points. They are 8-1 ATS the past nine times versus foes with a winning percentage above .600.

Utah also is 6-2-1 ATS in its last nine games against the Grizzlies, including winning and covering both matchups earlier this season. Those games were back in October so this isn't a huge revenge spot for Memphis.

Surprised the spread is so low here? Don't be. The Bulls are in a tough situational spot. Chicago just ended the 76ers' 11-game home win streak, beating Philadelphia, 126-112, on Friday night. The 76ers were minus injured Joel Embiid.

The Bulls also ended the Nets' 12-game win streak with a 121-112 win this past Wednesday.

Back-to-back impressive victories for the Bulls. But now they fly back to Chicago where they'll have the rested Jazz awaiting them.

The Jazz halted a five-game losing streak by rolling past the Rockets, 131-114, on the road this past Thursday. Utah had lost its previous five games by an average of three points with the five defeats occurring by a combined 15 points.

Lauri Markkanen scored a career-high 49 points to lead Utah past Houston. Now Markkanen faces his former team. The Bulls are not only playing without rest, but this is their third game in four days and fourth game in six days.

The Bulls are reliant on their 3-point shooting. Zach LaVine hit 11 of 13 3-pointers against the 76ers. Utah, though, ranks in the top-10 in 3-point defense.

California is beginning to play better going 2-1 in its last three games. The Bears have gotten a boost from transfer guard DeJuan Clayton, who has played in the last two games after missing the first 13 due to a hamstring injury. 

But mainly this is a fade on Stanford. The Cardinal aren't that much better than Cal, certainly not where this point spread is at. 

The Cardinal are 5-9 SU and 6-8 ATS. They haven't played a hard schedule either. 

This has been an underdog series with the 'dog covering 10 of the last 14. That's the way I'm going.

Kudos to the Pistons for upsetting the Warriors, 122-119, on a 3-point buzzer-beater by Saddiq Bey on Wednesday. I don't see the Pistons following that big win with another victory, though. Only once all season have the Pistons won consecutive games and that was back on Nov. 22-23. 

This marks Detroit's fifth road game in eight days. 

The Spurs return home after losing, 117-114, to the Knicks two days ago at Madison Square Garden. The Spurs are 2-1 in their last three home games beating the Jazz and Knicks while losing to the Mavericks by one point.

The Pistons have failed to cover during their last four visits to San Antonio. 

This is too many points for Iona to be laying in this Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference battle. 

Both teams are solid defensively giving up 66 points per game. 

This has been an underdog series with the team getting points covering the past five times. 

It's easy to think offense about the Memphis Grizzlies because of star guard Ja Morant. But the Grizzlies are a strong defensive team. They give up the seventh-fewest points per game in the NBA and rank first in defensive field goal percentage. Memphis has gone Under in seven of its last eight games.

The Grizzlies have allowed just 105.5 points per game during their last four games.

Orlando ranks 27th in scoring. The Magic have had their rotation messed up, too, in their last couple of games because of multiple suspensions stemming from an altercation against the Pistons last Thursday.

Both teams played and won last night with the Grizzlies burying the Hornets by 24 points on the road and the Magic defeating the Thunder by 11 as a one-point home 'dog. So I'm not expecting a fast tempo. The Magic are below average in terms of pace.

The Magic are the best defensive team the Grizzlies have faced during their past couple games. Memphis is off games against the Kings, who rank 28th in defensive field goal percentage, and Hornets, who rank 28th in scoring defense.

Orlando relies heavily on Paolo Banchero, its leading scorer. The Grizzlies have a number of good defenders - Jaren Jackson Jr., Dillon Brooks and Steven Adams - who can bother Banchero.

The Hawks are in stop-the-pain mode. They've lost four in a row. Two of those losses were in heart-breaking fashion. One was a double overtime road loss to the Warriors in their last game played two days ago. The other was a one-point loss to the sizzling Nets. 

The Kings return to Sacramento off a 117-115 road win against the Jazz on Tuesday night, scoring the winning basket with 0.4 seconds to play. 
Sacramento's concentration may be off along with a letdown factor following last night's narrow victory. The Kings haven't been home since Dec. 30. This marks their third game in four days and they are coming from Utah's high altitude. It's also the Kings' sixth game in nine days so there is a fatigue factor against them. 

The Kings have failed to cover in their last four home games. The Hawks have won the last three meetings between the two teams, including scoring a 115-106 home win on Nov. 23. 

Illinois has been up and down this season owning wins against UCLA and Texas while losing by 15 points at home to Penn State and falling to Missouri, 93-71.

But I see the Illini showing up here against Northwestern, a team they have beaten eight straight times.

I don't trust Northwestern once Big Ten Conference play gets going. The Wildcats didn't look good in a 73-57 home loss to Ohio State this past Sunday.

I just see this as too many points for Missouri State to be laying given the spot and series history.

The underdog has covered 69 percent of the last 27 meetings. Missouri State is in a letdown spot after a 52-49 win against Drake on New Year's Day in perhaps its biggest win of the season.

The Purple Aces have yet to win in the Missouri Valley Conference this season. They should play hard here.

Iowa State's defensive pressure should keep the Cyclones in this one - if not pulling the outright upset.

The Cyclones are playing well with a three-game win streak. They rank ninth in scoring defense giving up just 57.3 points per game, while forcing 20.8 turnovers a game. That's the most among major-conference schools.

Oklahoma has a minus 1.9 turnover margin, which is the worst in the Big 12. Iowa State leads the Big 12 and is second in the country with a plus 7.8 turnover margin.

The teams just met this past Friday in Sacramento. The Kings won, 126-125, for a combined total of 251. So why now go Under in the rematch?

The shooting in that Friday game was unbelievable. The Jazz shot 55 percent from the floor and made 25 of 30 free throws. The Kings shot 56 percent from the field while making 12 of 30 3-pointers.

Both defenses are below average. Neither, though, is bottom-six. I expect adjustments to be made following that game five days ago. Kings coach Mike Brown has a respected defensive mind.

The Jazz rank eighth in 3-point defense. So I don't expect the Kings to make 40 percent of their 3-pointers like they did Friday.

The Under has cashed in five of the Kings' last six road games. This is Sacramento's fifth game in eight days and is being played in Utah's high altitude. So I don't believe the Kings will be that up-tempo.

This is a very low total as befitting two elite defenses. Both teams are 11-2. Mississippi State gives up the fourth-fewest points in the nation at 54.5 points. Tennessee surrenders only 53.2 points per game, third-best in the country.

Scoring is going to be at a premium here so I'll gladly accept this many points with the underdog Bulldogs in what shapes up to be a very low-scoring matchup.

Tennessee is 1-4 ATS in its last five games versus above .500 foes.

Other than perhaps Grambling State, the Southwestern Athletic Conference isn't very good at all. So my eyebrows are raised when I see one team favored by so much against another team.

Arkansas Pine Bluff and Alabama A&M are each 4-9. I have them close to even power rating-wise. So I see this as too many points for the Bulldogs to be laying.

Arkansas Pine Bluff is the better defensive team ranking 207th allowing 69.6 points a game. Alabama A&M gives up 76.8 points a game, which ranks the Bulldogs 338th. The Golden Lions are above average in 3-point defense. That's a key because the Bulldogs' strength is 3-point accuracy. 

The Golden Lions are 5-1 ATS the past six times meeting a sub .500 opponent. The Bulldogs are 6-13 ATS the past 19 times when facing a foe with a below 40 percent winning percentage. 

The teams just met this past Saturday night in Chicago. The Bulls were 5-1 in their last six games heading into that matchup while the Cavaliers had lost three in a row. The Cavaliers held off the Bulls, 103-102, despite not having Evan Mobley and Darius Garland. Donovan Mitchell had an off-game shooting 5-of-16 from the floor.

Yet Cleveland still won.

I like the Cavaliers to cover this margin even if they are missing Mobley and Garland again. It's a bonus if either of them plays. Mitchell should shoot a lot better, too.

The difference is defense. The Cavaliers are the No. 1 defensive team in the NBA holding foes to 106.2 points. The Bulls rank 18th giving up 114.8 points a game.

The Cavaliers have been big money-makers at home going 15-6-1 ATS in their last 22 home contests.

The Cavaliers have lost three in a row - just surrendering a season-high 135 points to the Pacers this past Thursday - and aren't likely to have Darius Garland. The Bulls are playing their best ball winning five of their last six games. 

Yet the Bulls are home 'dogs to the Cavaliers? What gives?

It's the NBA where things on the surface don't always make sense. The oddsmaker knows what he's doing. So I'm on the Cavaliers, who are in obvious stop-the-pain mode. 

The Cavaliers' two other losses during their losing streak were against the Raptors and sizzling Nets. They remain the No. 1 defensive team in the NBA. Cleveland is giving up nearly nine fewer points per game than Chicago. 

The Cavaliers buried the Bulls, 128-96, in Chicago without Garland back on Oct. 22. The Bulls are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 home games. They also carry a higher fatigue rating than the Cavaliers being in action for the third time in four days and fourth in six days.

It's not just the playoffs. There is plenty of zig and zag to the regular season, too. I see that playing out in this matchup where the Jazz are in stop-the-pain mode while the Kings are fat and happy after beating the Nuggets, the top team in the Western Conference, at home this past Wednesday. The Kings nipped the Nuggets, 127-126, scoring the winning point with less than a second left.

The Jazz are 0-2 on their current road trip, which concludes with this game. Utah entered this road trip going 4-2 with its only losses during this span coming on the road to the Bucks and Cavaliers.

However, Utah then was upset by the Spurs and Warriors two days ago. The Jazz blew a double-digit lead to the Warriors by scoring just 13 points in the fourth quarter. The Warriors were minus Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Andrew Wiggins.

The Jazz should be motivated and ready for this matchup not wanting to go 0-3 on this road trip. They have covered during their last four visits to Sacramento and also are 6-1-1 ATS in their last eight games versus the Kings.

So what do the Mavericks and Luka Doncic do for an encore after coming from nine points down with 33 seconds left in regulation to beat the Knicks in overtime with Doncic producing 60 points, 21 rebounds and 10 assists?

The answer is they don't have an encore. Instead the Mavericks suffer a massive letdown hosting the Rockets, who have the worst record in the Western Conference.

It's going to be difficult for the Mavericks to come down from the high of that improbable victory against the Knicks on Tuesday and Doncic's historic night. Prior to that game, teams trailing by nine points with under 35 seconds left were 0-13,884 during the last 20 years, according to research compiled by ESPN Stats and Info.

The Mavericks have been terrible as mid-sized-to-big favorites. They are 3-15-1 ATS when laying 5 or more points. They also are 1-8-1 ATS the past 10 times against sub .500 foes.

The Rockets are capable of springing upsets. They have defeated the Bucks, Suns and Bulls during their last nine games. Houston shouldn't lack motivation after getting buried by the Celtics in their last games two days ago.

Houston has covered in four of its last five visits to Dallas.

The Bucks are in stop-the-pain mode losers of three in a row. I see the Bucks ending that losing streak against the Bulls whether they have Khris Middleton back in the lineup or not.

The Bucks dominate the Bulls especially in Chicago where they have covered 14 of the last 17 times.

The Bulls have lost their last three home games falling to the Rockets by 15, Knicks by 23 and Knicks by eight in overtime.

I don't trust Florida to step up in class here. The Gators have lost neutral-court games to West Virginia, Xavier and Oklahoma by nine points in their last game eight days ago.

The Gators' up-tempo style isn't a good fit against Auburn's stubborn defense. The Tigers rank in the top-15 in defensive efficiency, 3-point defense and blocked shots.

The Tigers are 7-0 at home where they've been for the last week after an impressive, 84-61, road win against Washington. 

Expect the Clippers' starters to play much better after their bench rallied them to an overtime victory against the Pistons in Detroit last night. It was an improbable victory for the Clippers. They trailed, 126-112, with 3:34 left when Clippers coach Tyronn Lue pulled his starters. But the Clippers' second-unit rallied them, bailing out the starters.

The Clippers didn't have Kawhi Leonard in that game. Leonard is expected to play here. That should make a big difference, too.

The Raptors could have some holiday rust on them. They completed a tough, three-game road trip by defeating the Cavaliers, 118-107, this past Friday. The Raptors had halted the Knicks' eight-game win streak in their previous game. Toronto has been idle the past three days.

Toronto has failed to cover in four of its last five home games.

Notre Dame has failed to cover its last five games. I see the Irish being overvalued again in this matchup.

The Irish rely on their 3-point shooting. They rank 23rd in the nation in 3-point percentage. But Jacksonville can frustrate Notre Dame with its defense. The Dolphins give up the 13th-fewest points in the nation at 58.9 and rank 27th in 3-point defense.

Notre Dame has a far bigger game on deck than this non-conference matchup against an Atlantic Sun Conference opponent taking on No. 14 and ACC leader Miami on Friday.

The Irish are 2-9 ATS in their last 11 home games. The Dolphins are 11-5 ATS when meeting an above .500 foe.

I don't see Kwahi Leonard and Paul George allowing the Clippers to lose to the Pistons. LA was on a 5-1 SU and ATS run until its last game - a 119-114 loss to the hot 76ers on the road. The Clippers blew a 20-point lead.

Now the Clippers are stepping way down in class. Detroit has the worst record in the NBA. The Pistons have lost five in a row. The Pistons have lost by six or more points in 13 of their last 14 losses. The Clippers should maintain their full intensity after blowing a 20-point lead in their last game.

The Clippers are 11-4 ATS the past 15 times versus opponents with a winning percentage below .400.

The Clippers rank No. 3 on defense. They give up 10 points fewer per game than the Pistons, who rank 29th defensively.

A division early start time Christmas Day matchup should result in less scoring than projected here.

It's tough for the players to play on Christmas Day having been with family and friends the night before. This is especially so when the game is very early in the day like this one is. The 76ers give up the second-fewest points per game and rank No. 1 in 3-point defense. New York ranks No. 3 in defensive field goal percentage.

The teams met in Philadelphia on Nov. 4 and the Knicks won, 106-104. That was the fifth time in the last six meetings the Under won.

The Knicks should be stressing defense at home following losses to the Raptors and Bulls. The Under has cashed in eight of the Knicks' last 11 games.

The 76ers have been an Under machine when going against above .500 opponents. The Under is 14-2 during those past 16 instances.

The Knicks are 2-0 versus the Bulls during the last 10 days. I see New York beating Chicago again.

The Knicks had their eight-game win and covering streak snapped, 113-106, to the Raptors on Wednesday. New York has been playing extremely well and has a far superior defense to the Bulls.

Chicago has won two in a row upsetting the Heat and Hawks on the road this past Tuesday and Wednesday. The Bulls have not won three in a row all season. This marks their fourth road game in six days. They are 8-22-1 ATS when playing on one day's rest and also 1-5 ATS during their last six visits to Madison Square Garden.

The Spurs are playing well going 4-2. The Pelicans are 0-4 SU and ATS in their last four games. New Orleans has been playing terrible defense, surrendering an average of 120.6 points during their last six games. 

The Pelicans will be without their two best players, Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram. 

So at this high of a spread, I'll take a shot on San Antonio. 

There are a lot of highs and lows to the long NBA season. Orlando has been playing well. Houston not. But the timing sets up here for the Rockets.

The Rockets are deep into a seven-game homestand. They have shot poorly in double-digit losses to the Trail Blazers and Spurs in their last two games. The Rockets should be primed for a much better effort, while the Magic are in letdown mode after their highly-surprising six-game win streak was halted in tough fashion by the Hawks two days ago, 126-125, on two free throws with 1.3 seconds left. 

The Magic had upset the Celtics twice on the road before losing to the Hawks, a team they had beaten three games ago. The Magic are dealing with rotation injuries. They also lost to the Rockets at home, 134-127, early last month. 

Orlando hasn't fared as well against sub .500 teams from a point spread perspective going 4-11 ATS the past 15 times they've played them. 

No need to overthink this one. I'm going to ride the Knicks at home in this price range. The Knicks are playing great going 8-0 SU and ATS in their last eight games with six of those victories occurring by double-digits. Toronto, by contrast, has lost six in a row and is 2-8 ATS in its last 10 away games.

The Knicks made short work of the Warriors last night, 132-94. Nobody logged more than 32 minutes for the Knicks in that game so the team should be fresh.

Kent State checks a lot of boxes for me. I was high on the Golden Flashes and the MAC entering the season and I still feel that way. Kent State ranks 88th in scoring at 77.5 points a game and rates 38th in scoring defense holding opponents to 62 points a game.

The Golden Flashes have an excellent all-around player in Sincere Carry, have major experience on New Mexico State and are the superior free throw shooting team.

I make Kent State nearly a double-digit favorite so I'll lay this small number of points.

Middle Tennessee State giving up a season-high in points while being upset at home, 82-73, by Tennessee-Chattanooga in its last game raises a red flag for me.

This is a short road trip for Murray State. I see the Racers keeping this close if not pulling the outright upset. Murray State is 7-3 ATS the last 10 times facing an above .500 foe.

The Racers average more points per game than Middle Tennessee State and are a far better free throw shooting team than the Blue Raiders, who rank 335th in free throw percentage making only 63.8 percent of their free throws.

St. John's has had only one true road game - and the Red Storm lost that one to Iowa State, 71-60, earlier this month. 

I don't trust the Red Storm away from home especially against Villanova, which is coming on. 

The Wildcats are 4-0 since big man Cam Whitmore, their third-leading scorer, returned four games ago. The Wildcats have knocked off Oklahoma, Boston College, Penn and Saint Joseph's during this span. 

Both Pittsburgh and Syracuse have stepped up their games after slow starts. I just see the Orange's defense and home-court being too much for Pittsburgh to overcome.

The Orange are 5-0 this month with two of the wins coming against Notre Dame and Georgetown.

Syracuse ranks No. 1 in the ACC in defensive field goal percentage and blocked shots. The Orange also are averaging nearly eight steals a game.

I don't see the Panthers being efficient enough with the basketball and hitting enough outside shots to loosen up the Orange inside.

It's time to find out about the Jazz. Utah is 17-16, but in danger of dropping to .500 for the first time this season after consecutive blowout losses to the the Bucks on Saturday and Cavaliers last night. 

I see the Jazz getting back on track here, though, dropping way, way down in class.

Detroit is 8-24. That's the second-worst record in the NBA. The Pistons not only can't finish games, but they can't put together four decent quarters. All of Detroit's last 18 defeats have been by more than two points. 

The Jazz have covered four of the last five times when playing a below .400 percentage opponent. Utah also has a strong covering history in Detroit going 13-4 ATS the past 17 times there. 

Charlotte often is underpriced on the road. It's a reason why the Hornets are 23-11-2 (68%) during their last 36 away contests. I find this to be another good spot to back the Hornets on the road.

The Hornets have lost eight in a row. Nobody wants them. The Kings are playing well. This has caused what I see to be overinflation on Sacramento in this matchup. 

The spot is this: The Kings open a six-game homestand. This is their first home contest in 15 days. They just concluded a six-game road trip with a pair of victories. They've been on East Coast time during their entire trip. 

The Kings can be forgiven if their full concentration isn't there against this opponent, who they beat, 115-108, in Charlotte earlier this season. 
The Hornets opened a six-game road swing with a tough, 119-115, loss to the Nuggets last night. The good news for the Hornets was they had LeMelo Ball, Gordon Hayward and Terry Rozier all in the lineup for the first time this season. Ball and Hayward looked good. Rozier, though, suffered a bruised hip. 

I don't see the Hornets losing this game by double-digits. 

The teams open Summit League play here and I see value backing UMKC at home in a pick'em range. The Kangaroos are the better defensive team.

South Dakota is a terrible shooting team and a terrible defensive field goal percentage team. The Coyotes are in bad form, too, giving up an average of 83 points per game during their last three games. They are 1-7 ATS in their last eight lined games and have failed to cover in five of their past six road games.

The Cavaliers are the best defensive team in the NBA. This should be an intense matchup given it's the first game between the two teams since the major off-season trade involving Donovan Mitchell, Lauri Markkanen and Collin Sexton.

The Jazz are off an embarrassing, 123-97, loss to the Bucks, who were minus Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton, two days ago. The Under is 6-1 the past seven times the Jazz have played an above .500 team.

Cleveland has held nine of its last 12 foes to fewer than 103 points. Cleveland is holding opponents to an NBA-low 104.6 points a game. The Under has cashed in 13 of the Cavaliers' last 16 games.

The Under also is 9-2-1 the past dozen times these teams have met.

This should be a wild game with lots of points. Belmont is the 11th-best 3-point shooting team in the nation. Tennessee-Chattanooga ranks 333rd in 3-point defense. The Mocs are terrible in defensive transition. 

The tempo should be fast here, which is the way Belmont likes it. So I'm going to take this many points with the Bruins, who should be live the entire game with their 3-point accuracy. 

After blowing out the Warriors at home this past Tuesday, the Bucks went into Memphis and got embarrassed by the Grizzlies, 142-101, two days ago. Now the Bucks return home highly motivated. Milwaukee goes on the road for five games following this matchup. So I'm convinced the Bucks will have their concentration and focus.

The Bucks are 4-0 ATS after not covering the spread in their previous game.

Utah is off a pair of satisfying home wins against the Pelicans beating them on Tuesday and in overtime on Thursday.

This may be the only time that I lay points with Manhattan all season. But it's justified because the Jaspers are hosting Central Connecticut State.

Manhattan is 3-6, but has a winning ATS mark. The Blue Demons have a losing ATS mark and are 1-10 overall.

Giving home-court edge, I would rate Manhattan as double-digits better than Central Connecticut State.

The Jaspers are much better statistically. The Blue Demons rank 342nd offensively and 336th in defensive field goal percentage.

The Bucks are coming off a highly satisfying, 128-111, home blowout victory against the Warriors two days ago. The Under has cashed nine of the last 10 times the Bucks have covered.

Look for that trend to continue here.

The Bucks are giving up just 104 points per game in their last six games.

Memphis has been playing strong defense, too. The Grizzlies have held their last four opponents to an average of 100.2 points.

The Grizzlies catch the Bucks minus injured point guard Jrue Holiday. Memphis is expected to get back defensive-minded big man Steven Adams. He pairs with Jaren Jackson Jr. to clamp down on Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Too many points for Louisiana Lafayette to be laying in this neighborhood rivalry matchup. McNeese should draw plenty of fan support with tickets specially priced at $5. 

The Ragin Cajuns have a far superior 9-1 record. But the 3-7 Cowboys have played a tough schedule and have a winning point spread mark. During their last five games, McNeese State played Iowa State, Northern Iowa, who they upset as 15 1/2-point road 'dogs, Tennessee, Tennessee-Martin and Baylor. 

Look for the defending world champion Warriors to regain their poise after getting buried by 17 points to the Bucks in Milwaukee in a technical-filled evening last night. 

Prior to that beatdown, the Warriors had been idle for three days. So there should not be a fatigue factor. Golden State won't lack motivation. Indiana ended Golden State's 10-game home win streak, 112-104, four games ago. The Pacers were 12 1/2-point road 'dogs. Now look at the point spread. It's so low, I can back the Warriors on the money line.

The Warriors are the No. 4 scoring team in the NBA. The Pacers are well below average in all the defensive categories. They also commit the second-most fouls. 

If there's a fatigue factor involved it's against the Pacers. They are in action for the fourth time in six days. 

The Lakers are improving, but they are still levels below the Celtics, who are in the argument for best team in the NBA.

Boston concludes its six-game road trip here having lost two in a row getting blown out by the Warriors and Clippers last night. The Celtics should be motivated following those humiliations. They are 17-7 ATS following a loss. The Celtics are a strong road team, too, going 24-11-1 ATS in their past 36 away contests.

The Lakers just finished their own six-game road trip with a victory against the Pistons this past Sunday night. They find the Celtics waiting for them in LA. It's the Lakers' first home game this month. So they might not have their full concentration being away from home for two weeks. 

The Celtics have covered six of the last seven in the series.

I like the Cavaliers to cover against the Spurs even if they remain without Donovan Mitchell and Kevin Love. So I'm going to take an early position on them anticipating the line would climb if Mitchell were to play.

Cleveland blew a 17-point lead to the Thunder, but still won by eight points this past Saturday despite not having Michell and Love.

The Spurs are on a min-winning streak having beat the Rockets and upset the Heat this past Saturday on the road. But the Spurs still are 2-9 ATS in their last 11 games and own the worst home mark in the NBA at 4-10.

San Antonio is a below average rebounding team. The Spurs also give up the most points in the NBA. The Cavaliers should dominate the boards and inside scoring with Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. The Spurs have been without their best rebounder and shot blocker, Jakob Poeltl, who has missed the past five games with a knee injury.

Cleveland has covered during each of its last four visits to San Antonio.

I don't get Cal Poly being favored here even though the Mustangs are home.

Portland State has a winning record, has beaten Oregon State twice and is the 10th-highest scoring team in the country averaging 85.3 points.

The Vikings have covered 10 of their last 14 road games. They are battle tested having played some tough teams, including Gonzaga, and hold a backcourt edge with Jorell Saterfield and Cameron Parker. Those two are combining for nearly 32 points a game.

Cal Poly shoots much worse from the floor than Portland State and ranks 313th in scoring. The Mustangs average 19 fewer points per game than the Vikings.

In the Zig and Zag world of the NBA, this spot sets up for the Jazz. Utah knocked off the Warriors by one point at home on Wednesday, but then the Jazz were beaten by an aroused Timberwolves squad, 118-108, last night. It was emotional for Minnesota because of Rudy Gobert returning back to Utah to face his old teammates.

The Jazz are 10-3-2 ATS following a double-digit home loss.

Denver, on the other hand, stole a victory at Portland last night, 121-120, on Jamal Murray's 3-pointer in the final second. Denver is 8-19 ATS following a victory.

It's a plus if the Jazz get back Lauri Markkanen, who missed last night's game due to illness. But back for Utah is point guard Mike Conley.

The Pacers are a below average defensive and rebounding team. This isn't an ideal spot for them either returning home following a seven-game, 13-day road trip that concluded Wednesday night. Indiana is 0-5 ATS the past five times when playing on one day's rest.

The Magic and Rockets are the only teams the Pacers have been favored against by this many points. It's going to be difficult for the Pacers to have their full concentration having been gone from home since Nov. 26.

The Wizards don't have injured Bradley Beal, but Kristaps Porzingis and Kyle Kuzma are playing well. The Wizards are frustrated having lost four in a row since a 15-point home win against the Timberwolves. Look for Washington to keep this close if not pull the outright upset.

I don't see High Point getting enough respect with this point spread against Queens, which is in its first season of Division I.

High Point averages 86.3 points a game. The Panthers also rank in the top 35 in 3-point defense.

The Panthers held their own against UNLV. They've beaten North Florida, Elon, Tennessee State, Central Michigan and Furman in impressive fashion during their last game, 85-82, as an 11 1/2-point road 'dog.

Queens has played an easier schedule. The Royals' last game, for instance, was against Paine.

This is a big total, but consider who these two teams are and what the situation is.

The Rockets rank 27th defensively giving up 117.2 points per game. They also rank 27th in defensive field goal percentage and 3-point defense. Houston has surrendered at least 120 points in seven of its last eight games.

Pathetic defense, right? Way until you see San Antonio's defensive numbers. They're even worse.

The Spurs allow 121.3 points a game. That's last in the NBA. San Antonio also is last in defensive field goal percentage and 3-point defense. The Spurs have surrendered 117 or more points in 10 of their last 11 games.

Both teams should play loose and fast with nothing to lose being bottom feeders. The Spurs, who have lost 11 in a row, last played on Sunday so they definitely will have plenty of energy. Houston has been idle the past two days. The Rockets catch the Spurs without their injured center Jakob Poeltl, whose absence is a plus for the Over.

This is the first meeting between the two teams. The Over cashed in each of their four games last season.

Normally I don't like to step in against the Celtics, especially when they are playing well like they are now having won seven of their last eight games.

But I feel confident doing it here. Chris Paul is expected to play after missing the last 14 games with an injured heel. That could provide an added spark for Phoenix. But I'm fine with the Suns even if Paul doesn't play.

Phoenix still is very good without Paul. The Suns should be up for this matchup having lost, 130-111, to the Mavericks in Dallas two days ago. Phoenix was 7-1 before that loss to Dallas.

The Suns are 10-3 ATS during the last 13 meetings against the Celtics. They have covered six of their past seven times at home versus Boston.

The Celtics are playing their third road game in four days, flying in from Toronto. This also is Boston's seventh game in 11 days. Phoenix is in action for the third time in five days. The Suns had two easy games, though, playing the Rockets and Spurs before losing to the Mavericks. Plus they are home. So their fatigue factor is much less than Boston's.

I want to fade the Pistons following their 116-96 surprising road beatdown of the Heat last night. That was Detroit's biggest margin of victory all season.

The Pelicans are 8-2 in their last 10 games. Their last three games have all been victories by 15 or more points against the Raptors, Spurs and Nuggets.

New Orleans should be rested and ready, too, having last played on Sunday. The Pelicans won't be taking the Pistons lightly now after what Detroit did to Miami.

The Pistons rank 28th defensively. New Orleans is the fourth-highest scoring team in the league.

The Pacers may be excused if they are a no-show in this matchup against the Timberwolves. This marks the finale of a seven-game, 11-day road trip for Indiana. The Pacers surprised the Warriors with a 112-104 victory as a 12 1/2-point 'dog this past Monday playing without six players, including Tyrese Haliburton, Myles Turner and Chris Durate. Haliburton and Turner are questionable while Durate remains out with an ankle injury. 

Indiana is 0-4 ATS following a cover and 0-4 ATS when playing on one day's rest. 

The Timberwolves won their first game without injured Karl-Anthony Towns beating the Grizzlies by eight points. But then in their second game without him, this past Saturday, they fell 135-128 to the Thunder as 5 1/2-point home favorites. The Timberwolves lost their poise in the game. Rudy Gobert was ejected early and Minnesota was whistled for five technical fouls. That was Minnesota's last game. 

I see the Timberwolves bouncing back having had three full days to rest, recuperate and redeem themselves at home. Minnesota is 5-1 ATS when playing after three or more days of rest.

Minnesota also has defeated Indiana the last three times. This includes a 115-101 road win on Nov. 23. 

Kevin Willard has Maryland off to an 8-0 start in his first year as the Terrapins head coach. But now Maryland has to play at Wisconsin. This should be a defensive dogfight.

Both defenses are strong. Wisconsin held Southern Cal to 59 points, 11 under the Trojans' season average. The Badgers also held Kansas to 63 points in regulation, 14 under the Wildcats' season average. The Terrapins' offensive numbers are padded by having played several weak teams. 

Maryland ranks 14th in 3-point defense. The Badgers have been making 3's at a higher than normal rate for them. 

Cleveland returns home after losing, 92-81, to the Knicks this past Sunday. The Cavaliers are 5-8 on the road, but 10-1 at home. Going back to last season, the Cavaliers are 11-1-1 ATS during their last 13 games at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.

The Cavaliers average eight more points per game at home and shoot 49.3 percent from the field compared to hitting 46 percent of their field goals on the road.

The Lakers are playing well, winners of three in a row. LA is 2-0 on its current road swing upsetting the Bucks this past Friday and defeating the Wizards on Sunday. The Lakers are 1-6 ATS the past seven times when meeting an above .500 opponent, though.

The Cavaliers should be the more motivated team defending home turf plus taking on LeBron James, their former face of the franchise. The teams met in LA on Nov. 6 and the Cavaliers won, 114-100.

The Bucks are in the argument for best team in the NBA. The Magic have the worst record in the league at 5-19. They've lost eight in a row with their last five defeats coming by an average of 15.6 points.

Milwaukee is 9-1-1 ATS during its last 11 visits to Orlando.

So why are the Bucks laying less than double digits?

The answer is they shouldn't be since Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday - their three best players - are rested and expected to play. They sat out during the Bucks' 105-96 road win against the Hornets this past Saturday after Milwaukee had played on Friday night.

It's the Magic who are the banged-up team. Orlando has been without center Wendell Carter Jr., point guard Jalen Suggs along with Gary Harris, Mo Bamba, Jonathan Isaac and Chuma Okeke. This has weakened an already weak player rotation.

The Bucks have one of the deepest benches in the league. So I don't see Milwaukee coughing up a huge lead.

The Trail Blazers return to Portland following a 116-111 road victory against the Jazz last night. They'll find an angry Pacers squad there to greet them.

After nipping the Lakers on the road this past Monday, the Pacers have gotten blown out in their last two games, road defeats to the Kings on Wednesday and Jazz on Friday.

Indiana has a strong recent bounce back record covering four of the last five times following a non-cover. The Pacers have been a money-maker covering 12 of their last 17 games.

Portland has failed to cover in its last four home games.

The Trail Blazers could get back star guard Damian Lillard. If that's the case, though, the line could go up more. Lillard figures to be rusty after missing the past seven games. Lillard's return could impact Anfernee Simons, who has been on fire since Lillard has been out, while also causing a letdown among his teammates.

This total is short considering how bad these two defenses are in what shapes up to be an up-tempo matchup. 

Northern Illinois is stepping way down in defensive class after playing Northwestern, Georgia Tech and Sam Houston. It's a red flag defensively for the Huskies that they surrendered 83 points to Illinois Springfield, a non-division team.

Idaho has gone Over in 10 of its last 13 home games. It's easy to see why given how bad its defense is. The Vandals rank fifth-from-the-bottom in defensive efficiency. They are giving up an average of 81.5 points in their last three games playing Utah Tech, Cal Poly and Pacific.  

It's easy to think offense when handicapping the Nets because of Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. But Brooklyn isn't a good shooting team. The Nets rank 19th in scoring. What the Nets are good at is defensive field goal percentage where they rank first.

Brooklyn has held its last three opponents to an average of 102 points. That puny average is what the Raptors are averaging during their past four games, 102.7.

The Raptors had held their opposition to 112 points or fewer in regulation in six straight games until giving up 126 to the Pelicans two days ago in an 18-point loss. Toronto coach Nick Nurse ripped his team's defensive effort following that game.

So I'm expecting a much better defensive performance from the Raptors in this game.

The team's have met twice this season. There were 214 combined points in the Nets' 109-105 home win against the Raptors on Oct. 21 and 210 combined points produced in the Nets' 112-98 road win against Toronto on Nov. 23.

Spot means a lot in the NBA. This is a good spot for the Pistons. 

Yes those 5-18 rebuilding Pistons, who are minus their top player, Cade Cunningham. He's out with a shin injury.

The Mavericks are off perhaps their most satisfying victory of the season beating the defending world champion Warriors at home on national TV two days ago, 116-113. It was the Warriors who eliminated Dallas in the Western Conference Finals last season. 

After this game, the Mavericks travel to New York to play the Knicks on Saturday. It's a huge revenge spot for the Mavericks. The Knicks embarrassed the Mavericks, beating them by 30 points in Dallas this past March. 

So this game not only is a letdown situation for the Mavericks, but a look-ahead spot, too, for them. I don't expect Dallas to bring its ''A'' game. 
This is the Pistons' third of a four-game homestand. They are 0-2 so far on the homestand with an eight-point loss to the Cavaliers and a 30-point beatdown loss to the Knicks in their last game this past Tuesday. Detroit coach Dwane Casey challenged his team after that loss to the Knicks calling out his players for soft defense and not showing any fight.

Expect the Pistons to go all-out in this one. Detroit has been banged up, but got back underrated Isaiah Stewart against the Knicks. Stewart put up 19 points versus New York. Stewart is the Pistons' top rebounder. 

Still unconvinced? OK, how about this: Despite their 5-18 record, the Pistons have a winning point spread mark. Dallas doesn't. The Mavericks are 5-14-1 (26 percent) ATS. Dallas is 1-10-1 ATS the past 12 times after scoring 100 points or more in its previous game. 

The Mavericks also have lost and failed to cover during their last five road games. They are 1-7 away from home with that lone victory occurring in overtime against the Nets in  October. 

The Mavericks have been pointing to this marquee nationally-televised home matchup for a long time. It was Golden State who ended Dallas' season last year beating the Mavericks in five games during the Western Conference Finals. 

The Mavericks committed fewer turnovers than the Warriors during that series, but were done in by cold shooting. 

The Warriors' 27th-ranked defense has regressed very much since then especially on the road. Golden State is 2-9 SU and ATS away from home this season with its only road victories coming against the Rockets and Timberwolves. 

Dallas is on a four-game losing streak. But those losses have come to good teams losing to the Nuggets and then the last three on the road to the Celtics, Raptors and Bucks. 

Now the Mavericks are back home where they have covered seven of the last 10 times when hosting the Warriors.

VMI isn't a great team by any stretch. But the Keydets average 77.3 points and should not be an underdog to Presbyterian.

Presbyterian, losers of six in a row, could be the worst shooting team in the country. The Blue Hose only average 60.6 points. They are shooting 38.1 percent from the field and 23.1 percent from 3-point range. They lack size, too, and are terrible from the free throw line at 62.7 percent. 

I think the oddsmaker is way off making the Blue Hose a favorite especially in this mid-size price range. 

The Celtics may be in letdown mode after beating the Wizards, 130-121, on Sunday despite not having Jason Tatum, who sat out with an ankle injury. Tatum is day-to-day. Boston might not be as intense playing for the second consecutive day and in action for the fourth time in six days hosting a lowly non-division opponent.

The Hornets have been idle since Friday. Charlotte has been playing well, growing as the season progresses.

The Hornets are 3-3 in their last six games, 4-1-1 ATS. Two of their losses during this span occurred on the road to the Wizards by four points and at the Cavaliers in overtime.

Charlotte has a good long-term road ATS track record. I'll back the Hornets getting double-digits.

I don't get this short number. These teams have met twice already within the last six days. The Lakers blasted the Spurs, 123-9, at home without LeBron James and then beat the Spurs again this time on the road last night, 105-94. 

James played in last night's game and committed a season-high nine turnovers. He'll be less rusty here. 

The Lakers started slow. But they are coming on now, going 4-1 SU and ATS in their last five games. The lone defeat during this span was to the Suns. 

The Spurs are a strong fade right now. They are 1-12 in their last 13 games and have lost seven in a row. San Antonio ranks last in all the major defensive categories. 

Maybe the Spurs get right here. That could be a stretch. The Lakers have proven themselves the superior team. So I'll lay this short number. 

The Lakers are playing better and have a great opportunity to win their first road game here, likely getting back LeBron James and taking on the pathetic Spurs.

San Antonio is young and bad, losers of 11 of its last 12 games. The Spurs rank last in scoring defense, defensive field goal percentage and 3-point defense. The Lakers certainly have the scorers to take advantage.

The Lakers just blasted the Spurs, 123-92, at home this past Sunday. And that was without James.

LA had won three in a row until falling to the Suns, 115-105, on the road three days ago. Time for the Lakers to begin a new win streak. They couldn't ask for an easier opponent.

The Rockets haven't played since Sunday. Not only will be they be rested, but the extra practice time should come in handy for such a young, developing team.

So Atlanta could get ambushed here. The Hawks just ended the Kings' seven-game win streak with a 115-106 home win two days ago. The Hawks are 2-9 ATS after covering in their previous game.

Atlanta is not a good shooting team especially from beyond the arch, ranking 27th in 3-point shooting.

The Rockets rank 11th in 3-point defense. They will make the Hawks earn their points in what should be a back-and-forth closer game than what the oddsmaker thinks.

The Cavaliers come into Milwaukee fat and happy after celebrating Thanksgiving having swept their four-game homestand. They'll find an angry Bucks team awaiting them.

Milwaukee is 9-2 at home this season. However, one of its losses just occurred to the Bulls on Wednesday, 118-113.

The Bucks buried the Cavaliers, 113-98, when the teams last met nine days ago in Milwaukee. That was the seventh time in the last nine tries the Bucks have covered against the Cavaliers at home.

Giannis Antetokounmpo is the best player in the league averaging 30.5 points, 11.6 rebounds and 5.5 assists. The Bucks get back Wesley Matthews, too, to boost their rotation.

T.J. Otzenberger turned Iowa State into one of the best defensive teams in the country last season with the Cyclones giving up 63 points a game and finishing in the top-five in overall adjusted defense, according to KenPom ratings. 

Guess what? The Cyclones are showing definite signs of being even better defensively this season.

Iowa State has held its first three opponents to an average of 45 points a game, best in the nation. 

The combination of Villanova's slow pace, Iowa State's great defense and this game being played in neutral site Portland, Ore., should mean another Under.

The Wildcats are trying to rebuild their offense having lost key playmakers Collin Gillespie and Jermaine Samuels. Villanova is playing at a slow, deliberate pace. The Wildcats don't have to worry too much about Iowa State heating up from 3-point range. The Cyclones rank 339th in 3-point shooting. 

Meeting on a neutral court is another plus for the Under. Iowa State has gone Under in its last five neutral site games. Villanova has gone Under in eight of its last 10 neutral site matchups. 

Michigan barely escaped Ohio at home in its last game, winning in overtime this past Sunday as a 14 1/2-point home favorite. 

Now the Wolverines are laying a big number against Jackson State, who has two very good players and plays in the underrated Southwestern Athletic Conference. I find this number to be too large so I'm on the underdog Tigers. 

Jackson State is 0-3 with losses to Abilene Christian, Tulsa and Little Rock by an average of six points. The Tigers are just two years removed from dominating the SWAC. Now they are rebuilding under first year head coach Mo Williams, a former NBA All-Star. Williams has two excellent players to build around in Ken Evans and Trace Young, who transferred from Wyoming. Jackson State is averaging 75.3 points a game. 

Michigan could have fewer fans than normal for this home contest due to Thanksgiving break. The Wolverines' focus may be off, too. 

Surprised at this line? Don't be this spot sets up well for the Hornets.

The 76ers are without their three best players, Joel Embiid, James Harden and Tyrese Maxey. Yet they still beat the Nets, 115-106, last night in an emotional game. 

Now the 76ers have to turn around and play the Hornets, who are desperate for a victory and have gotten healthier. Charlotte is rested and ready having last played on Sunday. 

The 76ers are 6-15-1 ATS in their last 22 road games and 1-10 ATS versus opponents with a below .400 winning percentage. 

Kudos for Louisiana Lafayette getting off to a 4-0 start. The Ragin' Cajuns, though, have played an easy schedule and all of their games have been either home, or on a neutral court.

I don't see the Ragin' Cajuns pulling a road upset against SMU. The Mustangs have won 40 of 46 games at Moody Coliseum during the past four seasons. They are 20-2 (91 percent) in home non-conference games during this stretch.

SMU is getting scoring from Zhuric Phelps and rebounding from Efe Odigie, who leads the AAC in rebounding.

The oddsmaker has yet to effectively price SMU. They've underestimated the Mustangs in this spot while overrating Lafayette.

These teams went crazy when they met eight days ago. The Thunder won, 145-135. The Knicks hadn't allowed that many points in regulation since 2006.

So you have to believe the Knicks will be much more intense defensively. They also likely will be slowing the ball down carrying a heavy fatigue factor playing their fifth road in seven days. This has taken a toll on the Knicks' scoring. New York's point production has gone down each of the last three games from 106 to 101 to 95 points.

New York has allowed an average of 110.2 points in its last four games following that loss to Oklahoma City. The Knicks rank fifth in the NBA in defensive field goal percentage.

The Thunder enter this matchup having not played at home in 10 days and with their rotation shaken by injuries.

Central Michigan went 7-23 last season under its first-year coach Tony Barbee. The Chippewas aren't going to be very good this year either. A lone victory against Eastern Illinois is not impressive.

High Point has one of the best scorers in the nation, Jaden House. He's averaging 22.8 points. High Point is the ninth-highest scoring team in the nation. The Panthers have too much firepower for Central Michigan.