50* (NBA) - Non-Conference TOTAL OF THE MONTH (Over 225.5) 

I love the OVER 225.5 in tonight's NBA matchup between the Pelicans and Hawks. I think we are getting a discount on the total due to the fact that New Orleans could be playing again without Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram. Both are listed as questionable, but there's been no indication that they will play. If they do that's great, but I don't think they need them to eclipse this number. 

In the Pelicans last 4 games they have combined for 124 with the Celtics, 125 with the Magic, 129 with these same Hawks and 137 in their last game with the Rockets. Going back even further, NO has seen a combined score of at least 120 in 7 of their last 8. 

Add that with how the Hawks have been playing and this is a no-brainer. In Atlanta's last 5 games they are scoring 117.8 ppg on 49% shooting and giving up 117.2 ppg on 48% shooting. Give me the OVER 225.5! 

40* (MLB) - Over/Under Total NO-BRAINER (Under 9.5) 

I like the value with the UNDER 9.5 in Monday's AL East showdown between the Rays and Red Sox. The biggest factor here is the conditions, as it's expected to be around just 50 degrees at game-time with the wind blowing in from right field at close to 15 mph. 

Another factor is the Red Sox offense. Boston was only able to manage to score 5 runs total in their 3 games at home against the Orioles to start the season. Rays have a much better starting staff than Baltimore and I got high hopes for Tampa Bay starter Michael Wacha, who posted a 0.60 ERA and 0.73 WHIP over 15 innings in Spring Training. 

Little more concern with Nick Pivetta, but given the conditions, I think he can keep the Rays in check enough to keep us well below the mark. Give me the UNDER 9.5!

50* (MLB) Sunday *MAX UNIT* Top Play (Over 11.5) 

Not a lot I can say that I haven't said the last 3 days, as we take the OVER for a fourth straight day in the Rockies/Dodgers series. We cashed the OVER in each of the first two and ended with a push in Game 3. 

Each of these teams have scored a minimum of 5 runs in each of the 3 games they have played and with temps expected in the low 80s for this one, the ball figures to be flying out of the park. The Dodgers are capable of eclipsing this total on their own and with Austin Gomber on the mound for the Rockies they just might. I know Julio Urias has been solid, but he's got a 6.25 ERA and 1.426 WHIP in 7 career starts against Colorado. Give me the OVER 11.5! 

40* (MLB) - Over/Under Total NO-BRAINER (Over 11) 

We have played and cashed the OVER in each of the first two games of this series. We go again with the OVER on Saturday. These two went for 13 combined runs in the series opener Thursday and have 14 combined runs in the bottom of the 7th in Friday's game as I write up this analysis. The Rockies didn't even have a hit in the first 6 innings of that game. 

The play is every bit on the way the ball flies out of Coors Field and the ridiculous offense that the Dodgers have. They can hit this total on their own, but I don't think they will have to. Both starters that will go on Saturday performed poorly in Spring Training. 

The Rockies Jon Gray had a 9.90 ERA with a 1.80 WHIP, giving up 11 runs in 10 innings of work. Dodgers will counter with Walker Buehler, who had a 7.94 ERA, 1.65 WHIP and allowed 16 runs in 17 innings. Give me the OVER 11! 

50* (NBA) - Friday *MAX UNIT* Top Play (UNDER 224) 

I absolutely love the UNDER 224 in Friday's game between the Pelicans and Hawks. I just don't see these two coming anywhere close to this total given the circumstances. 

For Atlanta, they will be in the 2nd game of a back-to-back after a grueling 134-129 OT win at San Antonio last night. A game in which 4 different Hawks' players logged 35 or more minutes. On top of that, this is Atlanta's 8th and final game of a brutal 8-game road trip. 

As for the Pelicans, they might be extremely short-handed here, as Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram and Lonza Ball are all questionable. Given that the line for this game is right around a pick'em that tells me there's a good chance at least two of these guys aren't suiting up and maybe all 3. Give me the UNDER 224! 

40* (MLB) - Over/Under Total NO-BRAINER (Over 11.5) 

We cashed in the OVER 11 in Thursday's season opener between the Rockies and Dodgers, as the two combined for 13 in Colorado's 8-5 win. With the fire-power that LA has on offense and the game being played at one of the most hitter-friendly parks in the league in Coors Field, chances are there are going to be a number of runs scored. 

The key here for me is I think the Rockies can keep pace and even outscore the Dodgers again on Friday. Trevor Bauer was a great pickup for LA, but he didn't have the best spring with a 4.24 ERA and 1.07 WHIP. Coors just isn't the place to work out those kinks. 

Colorado will send out Antonio Senzatela, who has a 5.80 ERA and 1.563 WHIP in 8 starts against the Dodgers. In those 8 starts, the fewest combined runs in a game has been 9. Give me the OVER 11.5! 

40* (MLB) - Opening Day TOTAL NO-BRAINER (Over 11) 

I won't be playing a lot of OVERs early in the season, but I do think the OVER 11 is worth a look in Thursday's Opening Day matchup between the Rockies and Dodgers. Even though the ball isn't going to jump off the bat like it will here soon, it's still going to carry well in the thin air of Coors Field. 

It's not crazy to think the Dodgers can eclipse this total on their own. LA's going to have one of the best offenses, if not the best, in baseball. I think it could be a short day of work for Rockies starter German Marquez, who had an ugly 5.68 ERA and 1.84 WHIP, while allowing opponents to hit .338 against him in 19 innings of Spring Training ball. 

The key here is I think the Rockies are going to do their part and put up some runs. Dodgers will be sending out Clayton Kershaw, who looked to be a bit out of form in Spring Training with a 10.22 ERA and 1.95 WHIP in 12 1/3 innings of work. Give me the OVER 11! 

30* (MLB) - Opening Day EARLY BIRD SHARP PLAY (Under 7.5) 

I will take my chances with the UNDER 7.5 in Thursday's Opening Day matchup between the Tigers and Indians. I know the wind is going to be blowing out to center at close to 15 mph, but the game time temp is expected to be a mere 31 degrees. The ball just isn't going to carry in these conditions. 

You als have what I think is going to be two of the worst offensive teams in the majors facing off against two really good starters. Detroit's Matt Boyd posted a 2.45 ERA and 1.15 WHIP over 18 1/3 innings in spring training. He's flashed some potential in the past and I think he's more than capable of keeping this Indians offense in check. 

Cleveland will counter with Shane Bieber, who also had an impressive spring with a 3.12 ERA. Bieber also had 24 K's in 17 1/3 innings of work. He's owned the Tigers in his career with a 2.13 ERA and 0.779 WHIP in 6 starts. Give me the UNDER 7.5! 

40* (CBB) - NCAA Tournament 'Elite 8' SHARP PLAY (UNDER 153.5) 

I'm going to take the UNDER 153.5 in Tuesday's Elite 8 matchup between USC and Gonzaga. This will be the fourth straight game featuring the Bulldogs with a total north of 150. Only one has gone over and that was their second round game with Oklahoma and it barely got there (total 156, finished at 158). 

I just think the OVER is inflated in Gonzaga games because of how good they are offensively. I don't know that you can stop them, but I think USC can at least make it difficult. Based on KenPom's numbers, USC is No. 4 in the country in defensive efficiency and No. 6 in effective FG%. They counter Gonzaga's No. 1 rated 2P% offense with the No. 1 2P% defense. Trojans also do a really good job of not fouling and limiting their opponents free throw attempts. 

I also think Gonzaga's offense is so good that people fail to realize how good this team is defensively. Gonzaga is No. 7 in defensive efficiency and one thing they do really well that counters a USC strength is keep their opponents off the offensive glass. I think USC's awful free throw shooting (No. 327 at 64.6%) could really hurt them in this game. Give me the UNDER 153.5! 

40* (NBA) - Over/Under Total NO-BRAINER (Over 224.5) 

I really like the OVER 224.5 in Monday's game between the Bulls and Warriors. Chicago added Nikola Vucevic at the deadline and he really gives the Bulls a legit second option to pair with Zach LaVine. It no doubt makes the bulls a better offensive team. The problem is they got worse defensively and weren't a good defensive team to start with. Not to mention there's going to be a drop in their defense adding in new players, as the chemistry just isn't there. 

It's why I'm not concerned with the Warriors offensive struggles of late. There's also a chance here that Golden State could be getting Steph Curry back from injury, which would definitely make this an even stronger play if he suits up. Either way I look for this game to easily get into the 230's. Give me the OVER 224.5! 

50* (CBB) - NCAA Tournament 'Sweet 16' MAX UNIT Top Play (UNDER 143) 

I love the UNDER 143 in Sunday's Sweet 16 clash between Florida State and Michigan. I know the Wolverines put up 82 in their first game against Texas Southern and 86 in the Round of 32 against LSU, but that was to be expected. Texas Southern ranked 211th in defensive efficiency and LSU ranked 124th. 

It won't be nearly that easy against Florida State. The Seminoles ranked 31st in defensive efficiency and were one of the toughest teams in the country to score inside on (No. 10 in 2P % defense). Just look what they did to Colorado in the Round of 32. The Buffaloes scored 96 points against Georgetown in the 1st round and then were only able to manage 53 against FSU. 

Factor in Michigan is also an elite defensive team and one that likes to play the game in the halfcourt, I don't see these two teams reaching 140. Give me the UNDER 143! 

40* (CBB) - NCAA Tournament 'Sweet 16' TOTAL KNOCKOUT (Over 139) 

I'm going to take the OVER 139 in Saturday's Sweet 16 matchup out of the South Region between No. 1 seed Baylor and No. 5 seed Villanova. I just think the total here should be pushing 150. Baylor is lethal on the offensive side of the ball. 

They shot lights out from deep in the first two games, hitting 11 of 33 against Harford and 8 of 17 against Baylor. They didn't play close to their best against Wisconsin and still put up 76 points. That game with the Badgers saw a combined 139 points, which again is why I think the total here should be much higher. Vilanova is a much better offensive team than the Badgers and probably a little worse. I think people see that the Wildcats rank near the bottom in the country in pace, but they just haven't seen an offense like Baylor. 

I know it was over a year ago, but these two played last season on a neutral court in late November. Baylor won that game 87-78 for a combined score of 165. That game's total was 139. 

OVER has cashed in 11 of Baylor's last 14 road games vs a team that averages 8 or more made 3-pointers/game and 11 of their last 14 after 15+ games when facing a good team that is outscoring opponents by 4+ points/game. Give me the OVER 139! 

40* (NBA) - Over/Under Total NO-BRAINER (Under 219.5) 

I really like the UNDER 219.5 in Friday's matchup between the Blazers and Magic. I know Portland is coming off a 125-122 win over Miami that flew past the total of 215.5, but I just don't see them wanting or needing to push the pace in the 2nd of a back-to-back. 

A big reason for that is this could get really ugly for Orlando. The Magic were big time sellers at the trade deadline, parting ways with three of their best players in Vucevic, Gordon and Fournier. Cole Anthony is still out with an injury and they have lost Fultz and Isaac for the season. They added Otto Porter Jr, Wendell Carter Jr, and Gary Harris, but unlikely they play this game. Simply put the Magic are going to be playing a bunch of scrubs in this one and might struggle to score 90. Give me the UNDER 219.5! 

40* (NBA) Over/Under Total MASSACRE (Over 229) 

I like the OVER 229 in Wednesday's NBA matchup that has the Mavs visiting the Timberwolves. Dallas is in a groove offensively right now. The Mavs just scored 132 points on 56% shooting from the field in a 132-92 win over the Blazers. That's 3 straight games now where the Mavs have shot 50% or better from the field. 

Unless they don't show up at all, you can pretty much bank on them extending that to 4 straight against the Timberwolves. Opponents are shooting 48% against the Timberwolves on the season. Key here is Minnesota has got their offense going. In the 7 games since they returned from the All-Star break they are averaging 116.9 ppg. Mavs defense has been better, but it's still not great and this feels like a game they won't put forth a big effort on that side of the ball. Give me the OVER 229! 

40* (CBB) - March Madness 1st Round TOTAL MASSACRE (Under 138) 

I like the UNDER 138 in Friday's South matchup between No. 8 North Carolina and No. 9 Wisconsin. This game to me has a defensive battle written all over it. Both of these teams are very good defensively. Wisconsin ranks 12th in the country in defensive efficiency and North Carolina is right on their heels at 14th. 

The Tar Heels do like to push the pace offensively, but few are better at slowing down the tempo than Wisconsin. The Badgers finished 326th in adjusted tempo. One reason they can control it, is they don't turn it over often. Wisconsin ranked 2nd in the country in TO %. 

In the Badgers last game they lost to Iowa, but were able to make it their style with the Hawks winning by a final of just 62-57. I just don't think these two will sniff 140. Give me the UNDER 138! 

40* (CBB) - March Madness 1st Round TOTAL NO-BRAINER (Under 131.5)

I will take my chances with UNDER 131.5 in Friday's First Round action out of the South Region that has No. 6 seed Texas Tech taking on No. 11 seed Utah State. I just think the UNDER is worth a look at anything over 130, as you have two outstanding defensive teams that just don't give up a lot of easy looks. 

Texas Tech's identity is to grind opponents down with a stingy defense and methodical pace. The Red Raiders ranked 24th in the country in defensive efficiency and 316th in adjusted tempo. Utah State is a little higher up there in tempo at 153rd, but are 8th in the country in defensive efficiency. They are 4th best in 2-Pt % defense. I think that spell trouble for a Texas Tech offense that only averages 6 made 3-pointers a game. This game to me feels like it's going to be a race to 60 and I wouldn't be shocked if neither team got there. Give me the UNDER 131.5! 

40* (NBA) - Over/Under Total NO-BRAINER (Over 230) 

I think we are getting a great price with the OVER at just 230 in Thursday's NBA game between the Wolves and Suns. It's tempting to take the big number with Minnesota in this game, but after how they burned me on Tuesday against the Lakers, I'm gonna pass. 

Thing is, while there's likely value with the Timberwolves right now, I think there's more value on the OVER. Minnesota is playing better right now because they are scoring points. A team that only averages 109.4 ppg on the season is scoring 118.6 ppg on 49% shooting in their last 5. 

The other key here is that while the offense is improved, the defense has remained a weakness. Minnesota is giving up 120.0 ppg on the road this year and 122.8 ppg in their last 5. Suns have shot worse than 47% from the field once in their last 18 games and will have fresh legs here having been off the last 2 days. Give me the OVER 230! 

50* BLAZERS/WOLVES NBA *BEST BET* TOP PLAY (Over 233.5) 

I really considered take the Timberwolves as a home dog here, but I think the real value in this game is the OVER 233.5. Minnesota looked like a different team out of the break, as they went on the road and crushed the Pelicans 135-105. Timberwolves shot 53.7% from the field in that game and while some of that was New Orleans subpar defense, it's not like the Blazers are a good defensive team. Portland just allowed the Suns to shoot 59% from the field in a crushing 121-127 loss at home on Thursday. 

I think there's a good chance that Minnesota carries over that strong offensive showing and I definitely don't trust this Timberwolves defense to slow down a potent Blazers offense. This is one of those games where it feels like both teams could easily get into the 120s and it wouldn't shock me if it got way up there with both in the 230s. Give me the OVER 233.5! 

40* RAPTORS/HORNETS NBA TOTAL DESTROYER (Over 230.5) 

I like the OVER 230.5 in Saturday's NBA matchup that has the Raptors visiting the Hornets. Toronto has a bunch of guys out right now in Quarantine and I think it has them a bit undervalued on the offensive side. Toronto has not slowed down at all offensively, they played short-handed at Boston right before the break and put up 125 and then came out of the break with 120 at home against the Hawks. 

Thing is, they have to score like that because all those guys out is really hurting them defensively. Raptors are giving up 121.8 ppg on 49% shooting in their last 5. I just feel like with the current form of Toronto and the Hornets being a very capable offensive team with a sub-par defense, this game will easily get into the 230's. Give me the OVER 230.5! 

40* CAVS/PELICANS NBA TOTAL NO-BRAINER (OVER 228.5) 

I'll take my chances with the OVER 228.5 in Friday's NBA game that has the Pelicans hosting the Cavs. I'm expecting a big bounce back game offensively for New Orleans after they stunk it up last night against the Timberwolves, scoring just 105 points on 43% shooting. This is just too good of an offensive team to play that poorly and the Cavs are definitely a team that can be exposed on the defensive side. 

The big key here is the Pelicans just aren't a good defensive team at all. They just let a depleted Minnesota team put up 135 points on 54% shooting. Clearly some of that is effort, but more of it is just they don't have the pieces to be any good on that side of the ball. Give me the OVER 228.5! 

40* CELTICS/NETS NBA TOTAL NO-BRAINER (OVER 234.5) 

I'm going to take the OVER 234.5 in Thursday's game that has the Boston Celtics visiting the Brooklyn Nets. I know 234.5 might seem like a big number for a total, but it feels like a discount to me given the teams involved. 

The Nets are simply the ideal team to back the OVER with and the books have had a hard time setting the bar high enough. The OVER has cashed in 24 of Brooklyn's last 31 games. 

Even though they aren't the offensive juggernaut they would be if Kevin Durant was healthy, they got more than enough offensive fire-power with the duo of Kyrie Irving and James Harden. Nets have scored 124 or more points in 7 of their last 10 games and Durant only played in 1 of those games. 

Boston in years past has been known for their defense, but they have had their struggles on that side of the ball this season. They are giving up on average 110.8 ppg and allowing opponents to shoot 47% from the field. They are expected to get back one of their top defenders in Marcus Smart, but he hasn't played since the end of Jan. I just think given the rust and lack of conditioning, he's not likely to have a huge impact in slowing down this Nets offense. 

This is just one of those games where I think both teams have a really good shot at reaching 120 points. Give me the OVER 234.5! 

40* SPURS/MAVS NBA OVER/UNDER DESTROYER (Over 222.5)

I'll take my chances with the OVER 222.5 in Wednesday's NBA showdown between the Mavs and Spurs. I just think this total should be closer to 230 than 220. Dallas has really come alive of late. They won 9 of their last 11 games before the All-Star break. A big reason they surged is they got healthy and their offense starting producing close to the level it did last year when it was one of the best the league has ever seen. 

This is a team that can score 120 points and not even play well. Thing is they almost have to score that much because of how bad they are defensively. San Antonio is healthy and got most of their guys back after playing short-handed for most of February because of Covid. I think this a better offense than they are getting credit for right now. Give me the OVER 222.5! 

40* NEBRASKA/IOWA NCAAB STEAMROLLER (Over 152.5) 

I really like the OVER 152.5 in Thursday's Big Ten matchup that has Nebraska visiting Iowa. The Hawkeyes haven't had an offensive outburst for a while now. After scoring 88 at Michigan State on Feb. 13th, they have gone 4 straight games failing to reach the 80-point mark. I know 80 is a lot of points, but were talking about an Iowa team that averages 84.7 ppg (88.4 ppg at home). 

There is reason to explain their recent scoring slump, as 3 of their last 4 were on the road against Wisconsin, Michigan and Ohio State. It's going to feel like a breeze for the Hawkeyes offense against the Cornhuskers defense. Not only is Nebraska giving up 76.7 ppg on the road, but the Cornhuskers have no answer for Luka Garza down low, which is going to open up everything. 

The key here is I don't think it will just be Iowa's offense that has a big game. Nebraska has really come alive offensively, scoring 70 or more in each of their last 4 games. Keep in mind they hadn't scored 70 or more in more than 2 straight games all season prior to this stretch. Hawkeyes defense has been better, but I don't think Iowa will be as invested as they have been given the opponent and the fact that they are fresh off that huge road win over Ohio State on Sunday. Give me the OVER 152.5! 

40* BUCKS/GRIZZLIES NBA TOTAL NO-BRAINER (Over 234.5) 

I know the UNDER has hit in each of the Grizzlies last 5 games and the last 2 for the Bucks, but I can't help myself with the OVER when these two face off tonight. I know it's been better here of late, but the Grizzlies are not a good defensive team. They have allowed 9 of their last 14 opponents to shoot 50% or better from the field. 

After scoring a mere 97 points on 40.5% shooting in Tuesday's ugly 31-point loss to the Nuggets at home, I feel really good about the Bucks offense showing up in a big way in this one. I could easily see Milwaukee scoring 130 in this one. 

I also think the Grizzlies could put up a big number here. Memphis has scored 120+ in 3 of their last 5 and are as healthy as they have been all season. Bucks are also not a great defensive team. They have given up 110 or more in 10 of their last 12 and are allowing 115.1 ppg on 47% shooting in road games this season. Give me the OVER 234.5! 

40* HORNETS/WOLVES NBA TOTAL MASSACRE (Over 232)

I will gladly take my chances here with the OVER 232 in tonight's game between the Hornets and Timberwolves. The OVER has been free money during Charlotte's current 6-game road trip. Each of the first 5 games on this trip have gone OVER the total and all 5 have seen a combined score of at least 234 points with 4 of the 5 going for more than 240. 

I think the only reason this total isn't closer to 240 is because the Timberwolves are coming off a game against the Suns at home where they only scored 99 points. That's just not a big concern for me when you factor in how bad the Hornets have been defensively of late. Charlotte has allowed at least 121 points in all 5 games on this trip and all 5 teams have shot 51% or better from the field. Minnesota also plays no defense, having allowed 118 or more in 4 straight with 3 of those teams going for 128 or more. Give me the OVER 232! 

40* JAZZ/76ERS NBA TOTAL MONEYMAKER (Over 227.5) 

I just can't help myself here with the OVER with a total of just 227.5 in Wednesday's game between the Jazz and 76ers. These two teams just played on Feb. 15 at Utah and combined for 157 points in a 134-123 win for the Jazz. Neither team had an answer for the opposing offense, as both teams shot 50% or better from the field. Philadelphia also got to 123 points despite only making 8 of 23 from long-distance (avg 12 made 3's at home). 

I just don't think it's asking a lot for these two teams to each hit 114 points in this game, as that would be enough to cash the OVER right there. Utah hasn't scored fewer than 112 in 11 straight games and the 76ers are averaging 117.7 ppg at home. Give me the OVER 227.5! 

40* HORNETS/BLAZERS NBA LATE NIGHT BAILOUT (Over 233) 

I like the OVER 233 in tonight's NBA matchup between the Blazers and Hornets. The OVER has been cash money in games with Charlotte as the road team. The Hornets have played 16 games away from home and 12 have gone OVER the total. Charlotte is averaging 114.1 ppg on the road and giving up 117.3 ppg. In just the last 5 games the Hornets are scoring 116.8 ppg and giving up 121.8 ppg. 

Key here is the Blazers figure to get back on track offensively after really struggling on that side in their 4-game skid. Portland just ran out of gas playing short-handed. They should have their legs back under them in this one, as they have had the last 2 days off. Prior to losing 4 straight, Blazers had scored at least 115 in 5 straight and I think they easily get there in this one. In fact, I see both teams reaching 120. Give me the OVER 233! 

40* CLIPPERS/BUCKS NBA VEGAS INSIDER (Under 237)

There's no denying that these are two of the better offensive teams in the league, but the total here suggests that neither of these two teams will play any defense. I know the defensive numbers aren't great at times for either of these teams, but I think a lot of that is these two teams have a tendency to play defense when they want. I think both can be elite on that side of the ball if they so choose. 

I think both of these teams are going to treat this game a little different. I see it more as a final statement for each team before the All-Star break. I also think the unusual 3:30 EST start time will have both teams a little bit out of their comfort zone on the offensive side of the ball. Give me the UNDER 237! 

40* MAVS/NETS NBA TOTAL STEAMROLLER (OVER 238.5)

I know we have had hit a bit of a rough stretch here with the OVERs in Brooklyn games, as the UNDER has cashed in 3 of their last 4, but I'm not ready to jump off the ship just yet. I think we are actually getting some decent value here, as my numbers suggest that this total should be closer to 245. 

I just think the fact that Dallas is coming off a game where they score just 97 points at Philly and the Nets off a game where they held the Magic to 92, has this total much lower than it should be. Brooklyn is still scoring at an elite level and the Mavs when right are one of the best offensive teams in the league. Key here for me is I think Porzingis will be back for Dallas, as he practiced on Friday. I also think Doncic should be able to expose Harding and Irving, as neither of those like to play defense. I see both teams in the 120s. Give me the OVER 238.5! 

50* MAGIC/NETS NBA *BEST BET* TOP PLAY (Over 228) 

If you have been following my NBA picks this year, you knew that the OVER in tonight's Brooklyn/Orland game was going to be on the board. I just don't know the books can make the numbers high enough for these Nets games.

I definitely will be a little more cautious with the OVER going forward when Brooklyn plays a top tier team, as we did just see the UNDER cash in their two games with the Lakers and Clippers, but no way am I not taking the OVER when they are playing a sub-par team like Orlando. 

The Nets are so good offensively, even without Durant, that they know they don't have to play all that hard on the defensive end to win games. I definitely don't see them being interested in giving that extra effort against the Magic and it's not like we need 240 in this one, we just need to get to 230. These two combined for 137 in a recent meeting on Jan. 16 and that was with them only reaching 102 at the half. Give me the OVER 228! 

40* KINGS/NETS NBA TOTAL STEAMROLLER (Over 242)

We have lost with the OVER in each of the Nets last two games against the Lakers and Clippers and looking back it probably wasn't the best move to take the OVER in those two games given just how badly the Nets wanted to beat those two teams. We are still way in the profit with the OVER in Brooklyn games this season and will take another shot with the OVER here against the Kings. 

I got a good feeling that the Nets are going to revert right back to their sluggish defensive ways now that they are facing a bad team in the Kings. You also have to factor in that these two teams just played roughly a week ago and combined for 261 points in a 136-125 Brooklyn win. I wouldn't be shocked if we saw a very similar score in the rematch. Give me the OVER 242! 

50* HORNETS/JAZZ NBA *BEST BET* TOP PLAY (Over 229) 

I love the OVER 229 in today's game between the Jazz and Hornets. These two teams played earlier this month (Feb. 5) and combined for a ridiculous 259 points as the Jazz won 138-121 on the road. Now I'm not expecting them to approach to 260 again, but I don't think getting to 230 is asking a lot. I wouldn't be shocked at all if Utah score 130 on their own in this one. 

The big key here being how good a 3-point shooting team Utah is and how bad the Hornets are at defending it. Jazz are shooting 39% and averaging 16 made 3-pointers on the season. Charlotte is allowing opponents to shoot 40% from deep with an average of 16 made 3-pointers on the road. 

The other thing here is because the Jazz figure to have such an easy time scoring, are fresh off two grueling games against the Clippers and have a big home game on deck against LeBron and the Lakers, I don't see them really investing a lot of energy on defense in this one. Give me the OVER 229! 

40* GRIZZLIES/MAVS NBA TOTAL NO-BRAINER (Over 231.5) 

I will take my chances here with the OVER 231.5 in Monday's NBA matchup between the Mavs and Grizzlies. Dallas might not be on the same level as the Nets in terms of an OVER team, but they aren't far off. Mavericks are exceptional on the offensive side of the ball and really have no choice but to try and outscore their opponents with how much they struggle defensively. 

The OVER has cashed in each of the last 7 games for the Mavs and 12 of their last 15 overall. Every game during this 7 game OVER streak has seen at least 235 combined points. This play becomes even easier to make when you look at how Memphis has been playing. Grizzlies consistently have been in high-scoring games as they too are clicking offensively and struggling defensively. OVER is 7-1 in their last 8 and 10-2-1 in their last 13. Give me the OVER 231.5! 

40* NETS/CLIPPERS NBA TOTAL NO-BRAINER (Over 237) 

We didn't get there with the OVER in Brooklyn's last game against the Lakers, but I'm confident we will see a shootout here in LA against the Clippers. I think both of these teams are going to have a hard time bringing their "A" game on the defensive side of the ball. The Nets just played as good a defense as they could in their last game against LeBron and the Lakers. Same thing for the Clippers, who laid it all on the line in their revenge game against Utah. 

With Leonard and George back in the mix for the Clippers, they should really score at will against this Nets defense. Same thing for Brooklyn's offense with Harden and Irving. I got both teams hitting 120 in this one. Play the OVER 237! 

40* PISTONS/GRIZZLIES NBA TOTAL NO-BRAINER (OVER 220.5) 

I will gladly take my chances here with the OVER 220.5 in tonight's NBA game between the Pistons and Grizzlies. Memphis is just one of those teams that you almost have to take the OVER blindly right now. The OVER has cashed in 6 straight and is 9-1-1 in the Grizzlies' last 11 games. The average combined score in Memphis' last 5 games is 238 and all we need here is 221. 

I think the only reason the total here isn't more is because the Pistons aren't a great offensive team, but they are going to score against this Memphis defense. Grizzlies have allowed 7 of their last 9 opponents to shoot 50% or better and given up 110 or more in 9 straight. Give me the OVER 220.5! 

40* SUNS/PELICANS NBA TOTAL MASSACRE (Over 231)

I got no problem taking a shot with the OVER 231 in tonight's matchup between the Suns and Pelicans. The OVER has cashed in each of New Orleans' last 6 games. The Pelicans have scored 124 or more in 4 of their last 6 and at least 110 in 9 straight and 14 of their last 15. Hard to see them not scoring 120+ in this one, as the Suns are slipping on defense right now, having allowed 4 of their last 5 opponents to shoot 50% or better from the field. 

Thing is the Pelicans have to score a lot because they are not a good defensive team. New Orleans is giving up 114.5 ppg on 47% shooting on the season and in their last 5 games are allowing 126.8 ppg on 54% shooting. That defense will have to work tonight without big man Steven Adams, so don't expect this to be the game they turn it around. Give me the OVER 231! 

50* BULLS/76ERS NBA *BEST BET* TOP PLAY (Over 230.5)

I really like the OVER 230.5 in tonight's game between the Bulls and 76ers. The OVER had cashed in 3 straight games for Chicago before Wednesday's low-scoring game with Detroit, where both teams had an awful quarter that kept it UNDER. With the way Chicago can score and their limitations on defense, this is team that should be in a lot of high-scoring games. 

I definitely think that's the case here. The 76ers are really clicking on offense. Philadelphia has scored at least 111 points in 6 straight and 9 of 10 overall. They also have allowed 110 or more in 8 of their last 9. With the uptempo style the Bulls like to play and their lack of defense, I could see this flying past the number here. Give me the OVER 230.5! 

40* NETS/LAKERS NBA TOTAL ANNIHILATOR (Over 235.5)

We are back at it again with another OVER in a game involving the Nets. After flying past their total of 226.5 in their last game at Phoenix (won 128-124) the OVER is now 21-3 in the Nets last 24 games. 

While Durant is out for Brooklyn, they still figure to score at will in this game with the duo of Kyrie Irving and James Harden. As for the Lakers, they won't have AD. I think his loss hurts them a lot more defensively in this matchup. Offensively the Lakers should be just fine here, as Brooklyn has no one that can defend James. I think both teams have a very good shot at getting to 120 in this game. Give me the OVER 235.5! 

50* PISTONS/BULLS NBA *BEST BET* TOP PLAY (Over 220)

I love the value here with the OVER 220 in Wednesday's game between the Bulls and Pistons. This is a late addition to the slate, as the league threw this game together last minute after both teams had their original schedule opponents unavailable to play. 

I believe it's going to lead to a more high-scoring game than what me night normally see between these two division rivals. Detroit went from suppose to playing the Spurs at home last night and the Mavs in Dallas tonight to traveling to Chicago. I just don't see them being locked in, especially on the defensive side of the ball. 

Chicago is scoring 114.8 ppg over their last 5 games and really matchup well here. Bulls are a great 3-point shooting team, hitting 38.3% as a team and will be facing a Detroit defense that is allowing opponents to shoot 39% from deep. 

As for the Bulls defense, it's one of the worst in the league. Chicago is giving up 116.0 ppg on 48% shooting. Pistons aren't known for their offense and are only averaging 108.9 ppg on the season, but are averaging 115.4 ppg in their last 5. A stretch that has seen them eclipse 120 on 3 different occasions. If either team hits 120 (both are more than capable) this should fly past the mark. Give me the OVER 220! 

40* NETS/SUNS NBA TOTAL NO-BRAINER (Over 231.5)

If you have been following me of late, you shouldn't be the least bit surprised that I'm taking the OVER 231.5 in Tuesday's game between the Suns and Nets. At this point, it's going to take quite a bit for me to get off the OVER bandwagon in Brooklyn games. The OVER has cashed in 20 of the Nets last 23 games. To no surprise, given how good Brooklyn is offensively and how bad they are defensively. 

I don't have many concerns with the Nets offense, as long as they got at least 2 of their big 3 in action. As for their defense, I think they could be in for a long night here against a red-hot Suns team, especially given Brooklyn is playing in the 2nd game of a back-to-back and have massive road games against the Lakers and Clippers looming. I think at least one of these teams will hit 130 points and could see both eclipsing 120. Give me the OVER 231.5! 

40* PELICANS/GRIZZLIES NBA TOTAL MASSACRE (Over 231.5)

I will gladly take my chances here with the OVER 231.5 between the Pelicans and Grizzlies. You will be hard pressed to find two teams playing worse on the defensive side of the ball going into a matchup than what we have here. 

In the Pelicans last 3 games they have allowed 129 to the Bulls, 143 to the Mavs and 123 to the Pistons. All 3 of those teams shot at least 54% from the field and all 3 games saw at least 235 points. Note that that while the defense has been sloppy, New Orleans is playing great offensively, averaging 121.2 ppg in their last 5. They have scored 109 or more in 13 straight games. 

As for Grizzlies, they have allowed 5 straight opponents and 6 of their last 7 to shoot 50% or better from the field. Memphis has allowed 110 or more points in 7 straight games. Give me the OVER 231.5! 

50* MISSOURI/GEORGIA NCAAB *BEST BET* TOP PLAY (Over 153.5) 

I love the OVER 153.5 in Tuesday's SEC showdown between Georgia and Missouri. The Bulldogs are exactly the kind of team you want to take an OVER with. Georgia is potent offensively and like to play at a face pace. The Bulldogs rank 5th in the SEC in tempo and are scoring 76.4 ppg in SEC play (79.6 ppg last 5 games). They also play little to no defense, giving up 84.8 ppg in conference play this season. 

Missouri like to play at a little slower tempo, but given how easy it figures to be on the offensive end for them, I look for them to speed it up a little tonight. In the Tigers last 12 games they have faced two teams who rank outside the Top 90 at KenPom in defensive efficiency. In those games they scored 88 against Auburn (No. 93) and 102 against TCU (No. 148). Georgia ranks 140th. 

It's also worth noting that Missouri will be without big man Jeremiah Tilmon, who is their best defensive presence inside. He missed their last game against Arkansas and the Tigers gave up 86 in a game that saw a combined score of 167. Give me the OVER 153.5! 

40* NETS/KINGS NBA TOTAL NO-BRAINER (Over 241.5)

I feel like a broken record with the OVER in Nets games, but it's been one of the best bets in the NBA for well over a month now. The OVER is 19-3 in their last 22 games. It's also 6-0 in their last 6 and 7-1 on the season in games with a total of 238 or more. 

Even with Durant out for this game, I still feel great about the Nets and Kings eclipsing the mark here of 241.5. Brooklyn is still elite offensively with the duo of Irving and Harden and will be up against a Sacramento defense that has allowed 110 or more in 6 straight. 

As for the Kings offense, they have scored 110 or more in 7 straight and 9 of 10 overall. Brooklyn has allowed 115 or more in 13 of their last 15 with 11 of those teams scoring 120 or more. I think both teams hit 120 in this one. Give me the OVER 241.5! 

50* WIZARDS/ROCKETS NON-CONF TOTAL OF THE MONTH (Under 228.5)

I love the value here with the UNDER 228.5 in Monday's NBA matchup between the Rockets and Wizards. A lot of people just see the fact that Washington is giving up 119.1 ppg and just immediately look to play the OVER. 

Thing is the Wizards have had a bit of bad luck on the defensive end this year. They advanced stats suggest they should be allowing a lot less than they have been and those stats are starting to show as the UNDER has hit in 6 of the last 7 games for the Wizards. 

Not only is it their defense, but it's also their struggles offensively, as Washington has shot 42% or worse from the field in 6 of 7. Houston is in a major offensive funk right now as well, as they are really missing Christian Wood and will also be without Oladipo. Rockets have shot 43% or worse in 5 straight and are scoring just 98.8 ppg during this stretch. Give me the UNDER 228.5! 

40* BLAZERS/MAVS NBA TOTAL NO-BRAINER (Over 235.5) 

I just think the OVER is a really strong play right now in games involving the Mavs. Dallas has finally gotten healthy and we are starting to see them regain that elite offensive form they showed last year. The Mavs are averaging 127.6 ppg on 49.4% shooting in their last 5. 

As good as they have been offensively, they have been just as bad, if not worse, on the defensive side. Dallas is giving up 129.6 ppg over this same 5-game stretch. Blazers are down two starters in Nurkic and McCollum, which I think has people thinking they aren't as strong offensively. Thing is, as long as they got Lillard running the point they are going to be an offensive juggernaut and they got plenty of other guys who can score. Blazers are scoring 117.0 ppg and giving up 115.9 ppg in road games this year. Play the OVER 235.5! 

50* SPURS/HORNETS NBA *BEST BET* TOP PLAY (Over 228.5) 

I love the OVER 228.5 in Sunday's matchup between San Antonio and Charlotte. I see these two teams easily getting to 230 points. That's basically been every game here of late for the Hornets. In Charlotte's last 5 games they are scoring 118.6 ppg and giving up 114.6 ppg. 

Spurs aren't exactly viewed as a great offensive team, but they are quietly averaging 110.7 ppg and that jumps up to 113.2 ppg on the road. In their last road game at Atlanta on Friday they scored 125 points on 53% shooting and were better than that as they had 110 points thru 3 quarters before throwing in the scrubs in the 4th. 

Spurs are also not a great defensive team. They are giving up 111.5 ppg on 47% shooting from the field and 39% from behind the 3-point line on the season. That poor 3-point defense figures to be a major problem against the Hornets. Charlotte is averaging 14 made 3's and shooting 38% from deep on the season. Give me the OVER 228.5! 

40* NETS/WARRIORS NBA STEAMROLLER (Over 242.5) 

I'm not about to give up with the OVER in Brooklyn games after one low-scoring game. The Nets are off a 104-94 win at home against the Pacers. That was the first time in 8 games they held a team under 120 points. I just think it was more of Indiana not being able to buy a shot in the 1st half. Pacers had 30 points at intermission and then scored 64 in the 2nd half. 

I don't see the Nets slowing down the Warriors, especially with how well Curry is playing right now. At the same time, Brooklyn could go off in this one. They will be getting back Durant and you know he's going to be excited for this one. Nets scored 60+ points on the Warriors in each half when these two met on opening night. Brooklyn has gotten even strong on offense since that game with the addition of Harden and worse defensively. Warriors are also a completely different offensive team now compared to then. Give me the OVER 242.5! 

50* KNICKS/WIZARDS NBA *BEST BET* TOP PLAY (Under 218.5) 

I really like the UNDER 218.5 in Friday's slate between the Knicks and Wizards. Washington's defensive numbers don't look great, as they are giving up 120.9 ppg on the season and 126.4 ppg at home. I'm not saying this is a great defensive team, but the advance stats strongly suggest they are a better defensive team than what it shows. Teams have just shot lights out against them. 

That's where the Knicks come into play. New York is one of the few, if not the only, team that wants to win games strictly on their defense. New York is only scoring 101.7 ppg on the road this season. 101.7 ppg would be decent 10 years ago. It's awful in this day an age. With Bradley Beal sitting out this game for rest, the Knicks should be able to turn this into more of a half-court game and keep it well below the number. Give me the UNDER 218.5! 

40* RAPTORS/CELTICS NBA SHARP STAKE (Under 223) 

Most will be quick to take the OVER in Thursday's game between Toronto and Boston, as the OVER has gone a perfect 7-0 in the Raptors' last 7 games. While Toronto has clearly got some things figured out on offense, they have played a bunch of bad defensive teams during this stretch. 

I believe there's reason to believe that this game will be lower-scoring than expected. The Raptors will be playing their 6th straight road game and will be playing this game on no rest. It's also their 5th game in the last 7 days. 

While Toronto figures to be playing at a slower pace than they have been, they also figure to be up against a very motivated Celtics team that will be looking to snap a 2 game skid. Boston did give up 122 at Utah in their last game, but had allowed just 106.8 ppg over their previous 5. They also only give up 107.4 ppg at home. 

UNDER is 8-1 in Toronto's last 9 vs a team with a winning record and 5-1 in their last 6 after a game where they scored 125 or more (had 137 last night). UNDER has also cashed 7 straight times when they are playing their 5th road game in 7 days and is 5-0 this season after allowing 110 or more in 4 straight games. Give me the UNDER 223! 

40* PELICANS/BULLS NBA TOTAL NO-BRAINER (Over 231)

I like the OVER quite a bit with the Pelicans at the Bulls. New Orleans has scored at least 109 points in 10 straight games and have failed to reach that mark only 3 times all season. The Bulls are giving up 114.8 ppg on 48% shooting at home this season. 

I believe the only reason the total here isn't higher, is the fact that Chicago has been in a bunch of low scoring games here of late. However, that's more a result of who they have played, as their last 5 have come against the Knicks (twice), Magic (twice) and Wizards. 

I'm confident the Pelicans will get to at least 120 in this game, but the real key here is that we should get a big output from Chicago as well with New Orleans playing the second of a back-to-back on the road. OVER is 6-1 in the Pelicans last 7 on no rest and 8-1 in their last 9 as a favorite. Give me the OVER 231! 

40* PACERS/NETS NBA OVER/UNDER STEAMROLLER (Over 235)

I'm going to keep playing the OVER in Brooklyn games until they quit going OVER the total at this ridiculous rate. The OVER is 18-2 in the Nets last 20 games. You really can't ask for a better over team. The Nets are one of the best offensive teams in the league and play absolutely no defense. Even without Durant they got more than enough fire-power with Irving and Harden to keep cashing these overs. 

Nets defensively are as bad as I have seen. They have given up 120 or more points in each of their last 7 games and several of those have come against bad offensive teams. With the way Indiana can score and Brooklyn playing here on no rest, I wouldn't be shocked at all if the Pacers eclipsed 130 in this game. Nets are going to score at least 110 and more than likely will be in the 120s. Give me the OVER 235!

50* RAPTORS/WIZARDS NBA *BEST BET* TOP PLAY (OVER 232)

I love the OVER 232 in today's game between the Raptors and Wizards. Washington has seen the UNDER cash in 4 straight, but all of those were on the road and against some subpar offensive teams in the Heat (twice), Hornets and Bulls. Prior to this recent stretch the OVER had cashed in 11 of 16 games involving the Wizards. OVER is also a dominant 7-2 in the 9 home games Washington has played. Not a big surprise that the Wizards are an OVER team at home. They play at one of the fastest tempos in the league, are scoring 121.3 ppg at home and giving up 125.2 ppg. 

As for the Raptors, they are red-hot offensively right now. Toronto is averaging 122.0 ppg over their last 5 and are scoring 116.5 and giving up 115.7 ppg on the road this season. OVER has cashed in each of the Raptors last 6 games and is 9-4 in their 13 road games. Give me the OVER 232! 

50* NETS/PISTONS NBA *BEST BET* TOP PLAY (OVER 230)

I love the OVER between Brooklyn and Detroit tonight. Even with Kevin Durant sidelined, the Nets are still an offensive juggernaut with Irving and Harden. Those two can more than carry the load and I expect both to be on point here to make sure the Nets don't lose a 3rd straight game. 

Thing is those two are also a big liability on the defensive side of the ball and we have seen the Nets consistently give up a ton of points to bad offensive teams like Detroit. Brooklyn has allowed 120 or more points in 10 of their last 11 games. There's a good chance both teams hit 120 points in this game. The total here should be closer to 240. Give me the OVER 230! 

40* NOTRE DAME/DUKE NCAAB STEAMROLLER (Over 146.5) 

I like the OVER 146.5 in today's ACC clash between Duke and Notre Dame. Both of these offenses are capable of putting up 80 points in this game. Notre Dame is absolutely on fire right now on the offensive side of the ball. Irish have shot 51% or better from the field in each of their last 3 games and scored at least 79 in all 3. They will be going up against a Duke defense that has allowed each of their last two opponents to shoot 50% or better from the field. 

The Blue Devils have scored 75 or more in 4 straight and are averaging 77.4 ppg at home on the season. Duke scored 75 points on 52% shooting in an earlier meeting this season. That was the first time 5 meetings the Blue Devils didn't score at least 83 on the Irish. 

OVER is 8-2 in Duke's 10 conference games this season, 20-6 in their last 26 at home and a perfect 6-0 in their last 6 at home off a conference loss. OVER is also a perfect 6-0 in Notre Dame's last 6 off a road loss by 3-points or less. Give me the OVER 146.5! 

40* RAPTORS/NETS NBA STEAMROLLER (OVER 241.5) 

I know a total in the 240's is extremely high for an NBA game, but I don't think it's that big of a challenge in a game involving this Nets team. Brooklyn has turned into an offensive juggernaut with their big 3 of Durant, Harden and Irving. Because it's so easy for them on offense, they don't really invest a lot on the defensive end. The Nets have allowed at least 115 in points in 12 of their last 14 games. They have scored 120+ in 8 of their last 10. 

The Raptors are giving up 114.2 ppg on the road this season and 116 ppg over their last 5. I just don't see Toronto being able to slow down this Nets offense. On the flip side, I don't think it's asking much for the Raptors to hit the 120 mark, especially when you factor in Brooklyn likely not playing much defense here with a big game on deck tomorrow at Philadelphia. Give me the OVER 241.5! 

40* WARRIORS/MAVS NBA STEAMROLLER (OVER 227) 

We cashed the OVER last night in the Mavs 122-116 win at Atlanta, which easily surpassed the total of 224. I will fire right back with the OVER in tonight's home game for Dallas against the Warriors. I just don't see a lot of defense being played in this one. 

For the Mavs, they just aren't going to have the legs to give the kind of effort needed on the defensive end. Not only is Dallas playing in the 2nd game of a back-to-back, but this will be their 5th game in the last 7 days. 

For the Warriors, they got no choice but to play small-ball as their top 3 centers are all out with injuries after Kevin Looney went down in their last game against the Celtics. They are really forced to try and win with their offense. If Porzingis plays (he could sit due to rest), he will have a field day inside, but even if he doesn't the Mavs should score with relative ease. Give me the OVER 227! 

40* MAVERICKS/HAWKS NBA ANNIHILATOR (Over 222.5) 

I like the OVER 222.5 between the Mavs and Hawks. Both of these teams are far from dominant on the defensive side of the ball. Atlanta is giving up 110.0 ppg and Dallas is giving up 110.7 ppg. I don't see either team being all that invested defensively in this one. The Mavs have been running on fumes for weeks and while they are as healthy as they have been, a lot of those guys are still working their way back into shape. 

Hawks are clearly a team built around their offense and after a big defensive effort on Monday against the defending champs, I don't see them being all that invested on that side of the ball, especially with another game on deck tomorrow against the red-hot Jazz. I really think the total here should be closer to 230 and not 220. Give me the OVER 222.5! 

40* CLIPPERS/NETS NBA TOTAL NO-BRAINER (Over 242.5) 

I just can't help myself here with the OVER in Tuesday's big matchup between the Nets and Clippers. I know 242.5 looks like a big number and it is, but not so much when you look at how Brooklyn's games have been playing out. 

The Nets might be the best offensive team we have seen. They are scoring at will and are expected to have their big 3 of Durant, Irving and Harden for this game. One of the big reasons they are scoring so much is they aren't playing any defense. They have been letting mediocre offenses score 120+ points at will. The Clippers are far from mediocre.

In the Nets last 9 games they have seen a combined score of 237 points or more with each of their last 3 games going for at least 160. All we need here is for both teams to score in the 120's to cash this ticket and I think that's about as low as these two could go. Give me the OVER 242.5!  

40* GEORGIA/AUBURN NCAAB STEAMROLLER (Over 159)

I got no problem playing OVER the big number of 159 in tonight's SEC showdown between Auburn and Georgia. Auburn was already a top tier offense in the SEC but the addition of freshmen sensation Sharife Cooper has taken them to another level. The Tigers are averaging 81.6 ppg in their last 5. 

I look for them to have no problem getting to 80 points in this game. Georgia is giving up a staggering 82.6 ppg in conference play and a staggering 87.5 ppg in road games this season. When ever they have faced a decent offense their defense has been exposed. 

Now add in the fact that Auburn doesn't play much defense of their own and these two teams love to push the pace and you got the makings of a game that will easily get into the 160s. Give me the OVER 159! 

50* ROCKETS/THUNDER NBA *BEST BET* TOP PLAY (OVER 222.5) 

I love the OVER 222.5 in Monday's matchup between the Thunder and Rockets. I really think this Rockets team is better than they get credit for and could end up being quite the juggernaut offensively. They come into this game off 126 point outburst in a 14-point win at New Orleans and I look for the offense to have another big game on the road against OKC tonight. 

Thunder just gave up 147 points in regulation to the Nets and have allowed 112 or more in 8 of their last 10 games. OVER is 6-2 in OKC's last 8 games and in their last 5 they are scoring 111.6 ppg and giving up 118.8 ppg. They also are allowing a staggering 121.9 ppg at home this season. I just think the total here should be closer to 230. Give me the OVER 222.5!  

40* WASH ST/WASHINGTON NCAAB STEAMROLLER (OVER 140) 

I like the OVER quite a bit in Sunday's Pac-12 matchup between in-state rivals Washington and Washington State. You got two teams here that have been playing absolutely no defense. The Huskies are giving up 77.3 ppg on the season and a ridiculous 83.2 ppg in conference play. I know Washington State's offense isn't great, but they can easily get 70 here. As for the Cougars defense, they are allowing 76.2 ppg on the road and 77.4 ppg over their last 5 conference games. Hard to see them slowing down a Washington offense that is averaging 77.8 ppg in their last 5. Give me the OVER 140! 

40* MAGIC/RAPTORS NBA SHARP STAKE (Under 220.5)

The books have missed the mark in Sunday's NBA total between the Raptors and Magic. Orlando is one of the worst offensive teams in the league. The only teams worse than the Magic in offensive efficiency this season are the Cavs and Timberwolves and keep in mind this is a Orlando team that has lost one of their best offensive playmakers in Markelle Fultz. Toronto has a decent offense with a bad defense, which I believe is why the total is in the 220s, but the Raptors will be playing here without two of their top offensive options in Norman Powell and OG Anunoby. On top of all that, the UNDER has cashed in 10 of the last 13 meetings and each of the last 9 meetings have seen fewer points than the total posted here. Give me the UNDER 220.5! 

40* RICHMOND/ST. JOE'S NCAAB STEAMROLLER (OVER 152.5) 

I look for Richmond and St. Joe's to fly past the total of 152.5 today. Richmond is averaging 76.2 ppg in A-10 play and have scored at least 77 in all but one game. The lone exception being 66 points against St. Bonaventure, who has the No. 1 defense in the conference. 

The Spiders will have to have their worst shooting performance of the season to not hit 80 points against the Hawks. St. Joseph's is giving up 84.7 ppg on the season and 82.3 ppg for the year. A big reason for that is not only are they not good defensively, but they combine that by playing at one of the fastest paces in the country. They have allowed 80 or more in 6 of their 7 league games. 

Key here is that Richmond loves to play fast and aren't very good defensively . They are 13th out of 14 teams in effective FG% defense in the A-10. They are letting opponents shoot 57% on 2-point attempts, which is huge here as the Hawks are not a good 3-point shooting team. I think this one easily gets into the 160s. Give me the OVER 152.5! 

40* BULLS/HORNETS NBA SHARP STAKE (OVER 227) 

I really like the OVER 227 in Friday's NBA matchup between Chicago and Charlotte. The Bulls have really been playing well here of late and almost all of their games during this stretch have been high-scoring. The OVER is 5-1 in their last 6. Not a huge surprise given that Chicago is playing at the second fastest pace in the league and are also one of the worst defensive teams in the league. 

Charlotte games this season have seen an average of 115.7 ppg, but when you factor in the pace that this one will be played at, it's easy to see them getting to 230. Note that both teams are going to have fresh legs. Bulls are playing on 3 days of rest and the Hornets are playing on 5 days of rest. Give me the OVER 227! 

40* DUKE/PITTSBURGH NCAAB STEAMROLLER (OVER 141.5) 

I like the OVER 141.5 in tonight's ACC matchup between Pittsburgh and Duke. The Blue Devils are as healthy as they have been in a while and I'm expecting them to really come out locked in offensively after a mere 67-points last time out against Va Tech. That game was last Tuesday, so Duke has had plenty of practice time to get things figured out. 

Pitts defense is currently the best in the ACC, but I'm not buying it. I just don't see them being able to slow down Duke in this one. Key here is I do think the Panthers got some offensive fire-power and the Blue Devils are not a good defensive team. I think both teams easily score 70 in this one. Give me the OVER 141.5! 

40* THUNDER/NUGGETS NBA SLAUGHTER (Over 220.5) 

I look for the Nuggets and Thunder to easily eclipse the total of 220.5 tonight. Denver is kind of built for high-scoring games, as they rely on their offense to win them games. The Nuggets are 4th in the NBA in offensive efficiency and 25th in defensive efficiency.

Denver has played 13 gams this season. They have scored at least 103 points in every game and only once have they held their opponents under 100 points and that was the Knicks. In the Nuggets last 10 games they have allowed their opponent to shoot 46% or better 8 times. The Knicks game and a game against a depleted 76ers team because of Covid are the only two teams they held under that mark during this stretch. 

In the Thunders' last 5 games they are averaging 111.6 ppg and giving up 114.0 ppg. To me this total should be closer to 230 than 220. Give me the OVER 220.5! 

50* KANSAS/BAYLOR NCAAB *BEST BET* TOP PLAY (Under 141)

I will gladly take the UNDER 141 in Monday's huge Big 12 matchup between No. 2 Baylor and No. 6 Kansas. The Bears are elite on the defensive side of the ball and while Kansas isn't as good defensively as they have been in recent years, they are still more than capable of holding their own on that side of the ball. 

Baylor just played a similar team to Kansas in Texas Tech on Saturday and they won that game by a final of 168 to 160 for a combined score of just 128. Kansas is certainly going to be motivated for this game and should be locked in defensively here off a loss and playing on a week of rest. UNDER has cashed in 10 of the last 13 meetings between these two teams when they play at Baylor. In both meetings last year they combined for 122 and 125 points. Give me the UNDER 141! 

40* BROWNS/CHIEFS NFL TOTAL KNOCKOUT (Over 57)

This game has shootout written all over it. The Chiefs are going to score. Since Mahomes took over as the starter Kansas City is averaging 38 ppg when coming off a bye. Last year in their Divisional game off a bye they put up 51 points against the Texans in a game that saw a combined 82 points score. While turnovers plagued the Steelers offense last week against the Browns, Big Ben threw all over that defense. Expect Mahomes to have a field day in this one. Key here is Cleveland has the fire-power offensively to go score-for-score with the Chiefs, at least early on. The only thing that keeps this from going over is both teams having to settle for field goals instead of TDs because they are going to move the ball between the 20s. Give me the OVER 57! 

40* BULLS/MAVERICKS NBA VEGAS INSIDER (Over 227) 

I don't expect a whole lot of defense to be played in Sunday's NBA matchup between the Bulls and Mavericks. Chicago's not a great defensive team to start with, but more than anything the Bulls just can't have much gas left in the tank. This will be their 6th straight road game and 9th road game in their last 10 overall. Their spirits also have to be a bit crushed coming off that horrific collapse at OKC on Friday. They have allowed 117 or more in each of the last 4. Dallas can definitely score, but with them coming off a massive game at Milwaukee on Friday and them leaving for a 3-game road trip that starts tomorrow in Toronto, I don't see them being all that invested on the defensive side either. Give me the OVER 227! 

40* BAYLOR/TEXAS TECH NCAAB NO-BRAINER (Under 139)

I just can't help myself here with the UNDER 139 in Saturday's Big 12 showdown between Texas Tech and Baylor. These are just two of the best defensive teams in the Big 12, they are two of the best in the entire country. The Bears are 3rd nationally in defensive efficiency and Texas Tech is 5th. I know Baylor is great offensively, but this is by far the best defense they have faced this year and it's unlikely they go offensively on the road. I just don't see either team getting to 70 points. Play the UNDER 139! 

40* KENTUCKY/AUBURN NCAAB STEAMROLLER (Under 146) 

I think we are getting a great price here with the UNDER in Saturday's SEC matchup between Kentucky and Auburn. Neither of these teams are great offensively. Kentucky is 9th in the SEC in offensive efficiency and Auburn is 10th. The Wildcats are 3rd in the SEC in 3P% compared to 12th in 2P%. That plays right into the Tigers strength defensively. Auburn is just 9th in 2P% defense and 4th in 3P% defense. It's the same thing on the other side. The Tigers are 1st in 2P% offense and 7th in 3P%. Kentucky's defense is 1st in 2P% defense and 13th in 3P% defense. Both teams are built to take away what the other does the best. Give me the UNDER 146! 

40* OLD DOMINION/RICE NCAAB STEAMROLLER (OVER 146) 

I love the value here with the OVER 146 in Friday's C-USA clash between Old Dominion and Rice. For starters, the Owls are your ideal OVER team. Rice is not only efficient offensively, they like to play fast. The Owls are No. 1 in C-USA in offensive efficiency and No. 2 in tempo. They need all the scoring they can get because they don't play much defense. They are 13th in conference play in defensive efficiency. Old Dominion is mediocre offensively and average defensively, but more than anything will be forced to play at Rice's fast pace. Give me the OVER 146! 

40* RAVENS/TITANS NFL STEAMROLLER (OVER 54) 

I got no problem taking the OVER 54 in Sunday's Wild Card matchup between the Titans and Ravens. These were two of the hottest offenses in the league down the stretch. Baltimore averaged 37.2 ppg in their 5-game winning streak to close out the regular-season. Some will argue that came against a bunch of bad teams. While the Titans are not a bad team, they do field one of the worst defenses in the league. 

Fighting for their playoff lives, Tennessee allowed 34.3 ppg and 445 ypg in their last 3 games of the regular-season, giving up a ridiculous 7.3 yards/play in the process. 

What you can say about the Ravens late season surge is they didn't play many good offenses in that stretch. However, the only decent one they faced was the Browns and Cleveland put up 42 points and nearly 500 yards against them. Titans scored 30 or more in 6 of their last 7 games. Give me the OVER 54! 

40* MINNESOTA/MICHIGAN NCAAB STEAMROLLER (Under 152) 

I'm going to take the UNDER 152 in today's Big Ten matchup between Michigan and Minnesota. I just feel the number here is inflated quite a bit due to the Wolverines coming into this game averaging 77.7 ppg in their 4 Big Ten games. What people will overlook is those 4 games have come against the 4 worst defensive teams in the conference. 

Minnesota isn't elite defensively, but they are 5th in the Big Ten in adjusted defensive efficiency and 1st in opponents effective field goal percentage. As for Michigan's defense, they rank 1st in defensive efficiency and 2nd in effective field goal defense. Gophers offense has also not traveled well. In Minnesota two road games this season they scored 65 vs Illinois and 59 against Wisconsin. Give me the UNDER 152! 

40* VCU/GEORGE MASON NCAAB SLAUGHTER (Over 136.5) 

I see a ton of value here with the OVER 136.5. VCU can flat out score the basketball. In the Rams last 5 games they are averaging 85.4 ppg. After giving up 74 to a depleted Dayton team in their last game, I'm confident that VCU will score at least 80 in this one. 

That means we need roughly 60 from George Mason to eclipse this total and I think they hit that mark with relative ease on their home floor. VCU is giving up 68.4 ppg on the road and a lot of that is due to the pace they play at. The Patriots will have ample opportunities. As long as they don't shoot like 35% or something, this thing is going to fly over the total. Give me the OVER 136.5! 

40* PITT/SYRACUSE NCAAB NO-BRAINER (Under 141) 

These two teams have both been off for almost 3 weeks. Syracuse hasn't played a game since Dec. 19th and Pitt has been off since Dec. 22nd. Both are going to have to shake off a lot of rust on the offensive side of the ball. I also think we are going to see both teams bring it defensively with fresh legs. 

Syracuse is definitely playing faster than they have in recent years, but they have also played a pretty easy schedule, which I believe is aiding those numbers. It also has people looking over the defense of these two teams. Both have the ability to really lock down the opposition. 

Another thing is that these are two of the worst 3-point shooting teams in the country. Pitt ranks 224th in KenPom's 3P% and Syracuse 216th. Pitt is also offensively challenged and are without one of their best players in sophomore guard Justin Champagnie. 

In the two meetings last year these two combined for 130 and 121 points. Give me the UNDER 141!  

40* MIZZU/MISS ST NCAAB SHARP STAKE (UNDER 138.5)

I'm going to take the UNDER 138.5 in Tuesday's SEC matchup between Missouri and Mississippi State. The Bulldogs are a team that want to slow the game down as much as possible. Mississippi State comes into this game ranked 340th out of 357 D-I teams in adjusted tempo. 

The definitely are going to want to slow it down in this one, as they are coming off a double-overtime game against Kentucky on Saturday which saw 5 different players log 34 or more minutes with two guys playing 44 or more. That game with the Wildcats ended up with 151 combined points, but they only combined for 122 (61-61) in regulation. 

Missouri just played a game against Arkansas that saw a combined 149 points, but note that the Razorbacks like to play fast, ranking 29th in adjusted tempo. In the game before against Tennessee, which ranks 300th in pace, they saw just 126 combined points. The game before that against Bradley, which ranks 305th in tempo only saw 107 points. Give me the UNDER 138.5! 

40* OKLAHOMA ST/W VIRGINIA NCAAB STEAMROLLER (Under 142.5) 

I like the UNDER 142.5 in Monday's Big 12 matchup that has No. 9 West Virginia going on the road against Oklahoma State. The Mountaineers aren't playing at the same pace as we have seen over the last few years, as they are currently way back at 243rd in adjusted tempo. They kind need to slow it down with their offense, as they are just 254th in effective FG% and 271st in 2P%.

They also make up for their offense with a strong defense, which comes in ranked 13th in the country in adjusted efficiency. On top of that, they just recently had one of their top scorers Oscar Tshiebwe leave the team. 

Oklahoma State does prefer to play at a faster pace, but I don't think they will be looking to push the pace as much in this one. That's because the Cowboys have had just 1 day off after playing an OT game at Texas Tech on Saturday. A game that saw 4 different players log at least 33 minutes. Cowboys can also defense, as they are 27th in adjusted defensive efficiency. Give me the UNDER 142.5! 

40* INDIANA/MARYLAND NCAAB SHARP STAKE (Under 136.5)

I think this is a great price and spot to take a shot on the UNDER 136.5 in Monday's Big Ten showdown between Indiana and Maryland. These are two teams that aren't exactly looking to push the pace. The Hoosiers rank 299th in adjusted tempo and are playing at the 12th slowest pace of the 14 Big Ten teams. Maryland is even slower, ranking 305th in adjusted tempo and 13th in the conference. 

On of the slow pace, you have two teams that are very strong defensively. Maryland is also down a starter with Darryl Morsell sidelined, which really hurts their rotation, as they were basically playing just 7 guys. 

UNDER has cashed in 18 of Indiana's last 26 games vs a team with a winning record and the average score in these games is just 133.1 ppg. UNDER is also 10-2 in their last 12 after giving up 80+ in their last game and 12-3 in their last 15 at home after losing 2 of their last 3. Give me the UNDER 136.5! 

50* OLE MISS/INDIANA NCAAF *BEST BET* TOP PLAY (Over 65) 

Whenever Ole Miss is involved it's almost always going to end up being a high-scoring game and I don't see any reason why this will be any different. I know Indiana lost starting quarterback Michael Penix Jr., but backup Jack Tuttle has had more than enough time to prepare for this game, as Indiana hasn't played since Dec. 5. 

More importantly, Tuttle won't have to do it all against this awful Ole Miss defense. Indiana has a big time running back to carry the load in Stevie Scott III, who will be up against a Rebels defense that allows 211 rushing yards/game and 5.4 yards/carry. 

As for the Ole Miss offense, few teams have been able to slow down Lane Kiffin's attack. The Rebels averaged 40.7 ppg (allowed 40.3 ppg). They did so with a very balanced attack, as they averaged 218 rushing yards/game and 345 passing yards/game. 

The only two offense that the Hoosiers faced that are close to this Ole Miss attack is Penn State and Ohio State and they couldn't really stop either. The Nittany Lions put up 35 points on 488 yards, while the Buckeyes scored 42 and had over 600 yards of total offense. Give me the OVER 65! 

40* GRIZZLIES/CELTICS NBA SHARP STAKE (Under 221) 

I just don't see tonight's game between the Grizzlies and Celtics getting into the 220s. On one side you have a Memphis team that is going to be without their best player in star point guard Ja Morant. Not to mention they are still missing two other key pieces in Justice Winslow and Jaren Jackson Jr. I know they scored 116 in their last game against the Nets after Morant went down early, but Brooklyn sat their two stars in Durant and Irving. 

As for Boston, the Celtics just played a massive a huge game at Indiana last night. A game Boston desperately wanted after losing their last two, including the game before at Indiana by 1-point. Celtics had to use a ton of energy up to rally for that win last night as they trailed by double-digits going into the 4th quarter. I just don't see the energy being there for Boston on no rest. They certainly aren't going to be looking to push the tempo. Give me the UNDER 221.5! 

40* BULLS/WIZARDS NBA SHARP STAKE (Over 234) 

I got no problem playing the OVER with the high total in Tuesday's NBA matchup between the Wizards and Bulls. This is the ideal matchup for a high-scoring game, as we have two teams that like to push the pace and are not good defensively. Both are on a day of rest, so their legs should be fresh. They also both turn it over a decent amount, so both offenses should get a lot of quick easy scores in transition. 

Bulls are 23rd in the league in defensive efficiency, while the Wizards are sitting at 26th. Chicago is 2nd in the league in pace behind only the Warriors and Washington is 3rd. Bulls have allowed 124 or more points in each of their 3 games so far, including 129 to the Warriors who are dead last right now in offensive efficiency. Wizards aren't much better, giving up 121 ppg. Give me the OVER 234! 

40* TEXAS A&M/LSU NCAAB STEAMROLLER (Over 141) 

I look for LSU and Texas A&M to easily eclipse the total of 141 in tonight's SEC matchup. This LSU team is an offensive juggernaut. The Tigers rank in the Top 10 in both adjusted offensive efficiency (6th) and effective FG% (10). They also are Top 50 in the country in pace. LSU has scored at least 81 points in each of their 6 games. 

I feel the value stems here from the fact that Texas A&M comes in allowing just 60.7 ppg, but I'm not buying that as a sign that this Aggies team is elite defensively. I think it's just more of who they have played and that's a bunch of bad teams. Texas A&M's strength of schedule ranks 315th, as the only team they have played in the Top 140 is TCU and they gave up 73 to the Horned Frogs. 

I know the Aggies scored just 55 in that loss to TCU, but LSU is not a great defensive team and tend to give up quite a bit of points. They have given up 81 to SIU Edwardsville and 80 to Nicholls State. They also allowed 85 to St. Louis. I just think there's a high probability here that both teams surpass 70 points. Give me the OVER 141! 

40* BILLS/PATRIOTS NFL SHARP STAKE (Under 47) 

I like the UNDER 47 between the Bills and Patriots on Monday Night Football. These two teams only combined for 45 in the first meeting and that was with 17 points being scored in the 4th quarter. It was a 14-6 game with less than 5 minutes to play in the 3rd quarter. 

I know the Patriots are completely out of it, but I don't see them laying down at home on MNF against a division rival. On top of that, Belichick's defensive mastermind has been a thorn for Buffalo's Josh Allen. In Allen's 4 starts against the Pats the Bills have only averaged 15.8 ppg and that dips down to 14.5 ppg in two games at New England. He's only completed 50.4% of his attempts with an average of 183.0 ypg (3-6 TD-INT ratio). 

On the flip side of this, you have an anemic New England offense led by Cam Newton. The Pats really don't offer much in the passing game. I expect them to try and ugly up this game by running it a lot and keeping Allen and the Bills offense off the field. Either way, hard to expect a lot out of this offense, which has scored just 15 points in their last two games combined. Give me the UNDER 47! 

40* MICHIGAN ST/MINNESOTA NCAAB NO-BRAINER (Under 157.5) 

While I would have loved to get the opening number of 160, I still see a ton of value here with the UNDER at 157.5. Really I think anything over 150 is worth a play. With the spread right around 2.5 points this total is calling for a final score of like 80-77. That's a ton of points for two teams playing on just two days of rest. 

Not only should the lack of time off lead to a slower tempo, you also got to think Michigan State is going to really come out fired up on the defensive side after starting out 0-2 in Big Ten play. As for Minnesota this feels like a bit of a flat spot coming off a huge upset win at home against No. 4 Iowa in overtime. Their star player Marcus Carr played 43 minutes in that game with 3 others logging 30+ minutes. 

In last year's two meetings between these two teams they combined for 132 and 122 total points and you have to go back to the 2014-15 campaign to find the last time these two teams combined for more than 150 points. Give me the UNDER 157.5! 

40* FALCONS/CHIEFS NFL STEAMROLLER (Over 52.5) 

I see quite a bit of value here with the OVER 52.5 between the Chiefs and Falcons. Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City offense are really clicking in the 2nd half of the season and should be in for a big day here against an Atlanta defense that is giving up 6.3 yards/play on the season.

The even bigger key is that the Falcons aren't a team that's going to try to run the ball and play keep away from the Chiefs offense. Matt Ryan and company will take the challenge head on and try to go score-for-score with KC. Something they are very capable of doing, as this is far from a dominant Chiefs defense. KC also does a really poor job of putting pressure on opposing QBs so Ryan is going to have time to attack the Chiefs secondary down the field. 

OVER is 11-3 in the Chiefs last 14 games in the 2nd half of the season vs a team that is giving up 5.65 or more yards/play (average combined score in these games is 63.5 points) and a perfect 7-0 in their last 7 at home vs teams who average 235 or more passing yards/game (average score in this situation is 61.3 points). Give me the OVER 52.5! 

40* VIKINGS/SAINTS NFL SHARP STAKE (Over 50.5)

I'm going to take the OVER 50.5 in Friday's NFL matchup on Christmas Day. I just think we are going to see quite a bit of scoring from both teams. Minnesota has a laundry list of injuries on the defensive side of the ball. That front 7 they are going to send out will look nothing like what they had hoped to start the year. 

I think that's a big edge for Drew Brees and the Saints. While New Orleans is down some receivers, they are going to want to get this offense going before the playoffs. They should be able to run at will, plus Brees should be able to dink and dunk with those backs against a bunch of inexperienced linebackers. 

Not to mention we could see absolutely no effort from Minnesota on defense, as they just had their playoff hopes all but crashed in last week's loss to the Bears. 

As for the Vikings offense, they got some weapons to work with and few are better a meaningless stats than Kirk Cousins. They could also catch a big break here with NO's best pass rusher Trey Hendrickson questionable, as well as free safety Marcus Williams (really no reason for Saints to rush either guy back). Give me the OVER 50.5! 

50* HAWAII/HOUSTON NEW MEXICO BOWL TOP PLAY (Over 59.5) 

I'm going to take the OVER 59.5 between Hawaii and Houston on Christmas Eve. I just don't see either team putting up of a fight on the defensive end. That's because I don't see either defense being able to slow down the run game.

Hawaii hasn't been able to stop the run all season. The Rainbow Warriors go into this game allowing 231 rushing yards/game and 5.4 yards/carry. Houston is slightly better, allowing only 173 yards/game and 4.3 yards/carry, but they will be without two of their best players in linebacker Grant Stuard and defensive end Payton Turner. Stuard is a massive loss as he's the one guy that you can always count on being around the ball. His 61 tacklers are 32 more than the next best player on this team. 

I know wind could be a bit of a factor, but I don't think it will be enough to keep these offenses from putting up points. When you can run the ball, your chances of finishing drives with TDs and not FGs goes up dramatically. I also think both teams are going to have to sell out on the run, which should leave some big opportunities in the pass game. Give me the OVER 59.5! 

40* NORTHWESTERN/INDIANA NCAAB SHARP STAKE (Under 140.5) 

I think we are getting some big time value with the UNDER at the total of 140.5.  Indiana is a team that's built on their defense. They had 5 quality opponents in non-conference in Providence, Texas, Stanford, FSU and Butler. The most they allowed in any of those game in regulation was 63. They also failed to score 70 in 3 of the 5. They don't shoot great from deep, are a bad free throw shooting team and don't love to push the pace. 

Northwestern is a team that is coming off a shocking 79-65 win against Michigan State at home, but if you watched that game you could see the Spartans weren't ready to play. You can't knock the Wildcats for playing harder, I just don't think it will be as easy offensively for them in their first game away from home against the likes of Indiana. 

Defensively I think Northwestern is for real. They are 45th in adjusted efficiency, 3rd in effective field goal% defense and rank in the Top 25 defending both the 2-Pt (11th) and 3-Pt (22nd). They got the guys inside to make it tough on the Hoosiers. Give me the UNDER 140.5! 

50* PELICANS/RAPTORS NBA *BEST BET* TOP PLAY (Over 228.5) 

I will gladly take the OVER 228.5 in Wednesday's NBA season opener between the Pelicans and Raptors. I feel like these are going to be two of the highest scoring teams in the league this year. Toronto is a team that shot and made a lot of 3's last year and from the looks of it will be shooting it even more. That's pretty evident with them replacing their two big men of Ibaka and Gasol with Aron Baynes. They were jacking up 40+ 3's in the preseason. 

As for the Pelicans, the minutes restrictions are off for Zion and this team is built to get up and down the floor with all their youth and athleticism. They also got plenty of guys who shoot from deep. I look for Zion to feast against the small-ball Raptors lineup and for this game to fly past the total. Give me the OVER 228.5! 

50* WARRIORS/NETS NBA *BEST BET* TOP PLAY (Over 231.5) 

I think we are going to see the Warriors and Nets fly past the total of 231.5 tonight. Golden State won't have Draymond Green for this game and lost Klay Thompson for the year. The loss of Thompson is big, but his absence will be more felt on defense than offense. I don't see the offense having any trouble to score with the trio of Steph Curry, Andrew Wiggins and Kelly Oubre Jr. These 3 are going to shoot and make a ton of 3-pointers this year. 

As for the Nets, we finally get to see the dynamic duo of Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. These are two of the most skilled offensive players in the league. While Durant is a solid defender, Irving is a major liability on that side of the ball. 

You also have to factor in all the new pieces both teams are working in compared to last year. The lack of chemistry usually impacts the defense a lot more than the offense. I wouldn't be surprised if both teams scored 120+ points. Give me the OVER 231.5! 

40* N TEXAS/APP ST MYRTLE BEACH BOWL VEGAS INSIDER (Under 68)

I think the total has climbed up enough that the value is now on the UNDER at 68. North TExas has been a team that has found themselves in a lot of high-scoring games, but I just don't think this game will be one of them. The Mean Green lost their biggest offensive threat in wide out Jaelon Darden, who had 74 catches for 1,190 yards and 19 TDs. No other player had more than 25 receptions and the rest of the team accounted for a mere 6 receiving scores. 

Appalachian State is also a team that wants to run the ball and dominate the time of possession. While their figures to be some big holes and long runs for the Mountaineers against this North Texas defense, I still think we stay below the number. Keep in mind App State has a good defense, so it may just be the Mountaineers who are scoring and you need both teams to hit a total like this. Give me the UNDER 68! 

40* STANFORD/UCLA NCAAF STEAMROLLER (Over 59) 

I look for UCLA and Stanford to have little to no problem hitting the 60-point mark on Saturday, which makes the OVER 59 an easy play for me. Chip Kelly finally has the Bruins offense performing up to what we would expect, as they come in averaging 33.5 ppg behind a very balanced attack. UCLA is averaging 220 yards/game and 4.9 yards/carry on the ground and 230 yards/game with a 64% completion rate in the passing game. 

That high-powered offense will be up against a Stanford defense that has really struggled. While they have held each of their last 3 opponents under 30 points, those 3 were all bad offensive teams in Cal, Washington and Oregon State. The Cardinal gave up 35 in each of their first two games against Oregon and and Colorado and I'm confident they give up at least that in this one. 

UCLA just allowed 43 in their last game to USC and have also given up 38 to Oregon and 48 to Colorado, so it's not like the Bruins are much better on the defensive end. Stanford's offense has been able to move the ball with Mills at quarterback and he should have a big game here against a soft UCLA secondary. Give me the OVER 59! 

40* BOISE ST/SAN JOSE ST NCAAF SHARP STAKE (Over 55.5) 

I really wanted to take the touchdown here with San Jose State, but I think the much safer play is on the OVER 55.5. For starters, when these two played last year, they combined for 94 points in a 52-42 win for Boise State. Both teams racked up over 460 yards of total offense. 

San Jose State comes in having scored at least 28 points in each of their last 5 games and all we need here is for both teams to hit 28 points to cash the over. Boise State has scored 40 or more in 4 of their last 6 and are averaging 36.2 ppg on the season, scoring almost 11 points/game more than what their opponents give up. So while the Spartans only give up 17.5 ppg, I don't think they are slowing this Broncos offense down. Give me the OVER 55.5!

50* RAVENS/BROWNS NFL *BEST BET* TOP PLAY (Under 46.5) 

I love the UNDER in tonight's Monday Night Football matchup between AFC North rivals Browns and Ravens. I think we are getting value here with the UNDER after Cleveland's game last week against the Titans, which saw a combined 76 points in the Browns 41-35 win. 

I know Baker Mayfield has looked great here of late, but let's not overlook the fact that his last two games have come against two of the worst pass defenses in the league in the Jags and Titans. I mean he was throwing to wide open guys against Tennessee. Baltimore isn't going to give them those easy looks and most importantly the Ravens have the front 7 that can contain the Browns ground game. 

The other big thing to note is that these two combined for 44 back in Week 1 with Baltimore scoring 38. With much colder conditions, a lot more tape on each team and winds expected to be blowing at close to 15 mph, I wouldn't be shocked if both teams failed to score 20 points. Give me the UNDER 46.5! 

40* MARYLAND/RUTGERS NCAAB VEGAS INSIDER (Under 137.5) 

I think we are getting a great price with the UNDER between Rutgers and Maryland. This will be the Big Ten opener for both teams and I'm expecting a big time effort from both sides. Maryland comes in off an ugly 67-51 loss at Clemson. While their stingy defense did their part, the offense really struggled in their first game against a quality defense. 

It doesn't get any easier for the Terps against the Scarlet Knights, who are one of the best defensive teams in the country. Just look at Rutgers last game against Syracuse. They held the Orange to 69 points. The very next game for Syracuse they put up 101 on BC. 

Both teams have scored a lot in non-conference, but it's just a different beast in Big Ten play. Big thing to keep in mind With Rutgers strong offensive numbers is they have played every game at home. Keep in mind the Scarlet Knights won just 2 road games all of last year and one of those was an OT win against Purdue in the final game of the season. Give me the UNDER 137.5! 

50* GEORGIA/MIZZU NCAAF *BEST BET* TOP PLAY (Over 54) 

I'm a bit shocked the total here is this low, as I think both of these teams can and will be able to put points on the board this Saturday. This is not the same Georgia offense that we saw early in the year now that J.T. Daniels is at quarterback. 

Daniels made his first start two games ago against a good Mississippi State defense and completed 28 of 38 for 401 yards and 4 scores. While he only threw for 139 yards in last weeks game against South Carolina, he only had to attempt 16 passes. They still put up 471 yards, as they racked up 332 rushing yards. In his two games as a starter they are averaging 440 yards, well above their season average of 397. 

I see no reason why Georgia won't be able to put up a big number against Missouri's defense. The Tigers just allowed Arkansas to score 48 with 292 rushing yards and 274 passing yards. Really any time this Tigers defense has faced a capable offense they have struggled. They allowed 41 to Florida, 41 to LSU, 38 to Alabama and also 35 to a bad Tennessee offense. 

Georgia's defense is good but not elite like it has been or was expected to be this year. Their biggest weakness is stopping the pass and Missouri has racked up 380 passing yards in each of their last two games. I really think both teams will score in the 30s and all we really need is for one to hit this total. Give me the OVER 54! 

40* FLORIDA/FLORIDA ST NCAAB SHARP STAKE (Under 140) 

I just think there's a ton a value here with a total of 140 in Saturday's big in-state showdown between Florida and Florida State. If you watched any of the FSU/Indiana game you can see the struggles that this Seminoles team is going to have scoring against teams who can protect the rim and not let them get easy looks down low. They went from scoring 86 in their opener against North Florida to just 62 in regulation against Indiana. 

Florida is every bit as good defensively as the Hoosiers, if not better. The Gators come in 17th in the country in adjusted defensive efficiency and are 11th in the nation in 2-Pt % defense. 

Florida has put up some solid offensive numbers to this point, but they have played two teams outside the top 200 in Kenpom in Army and Stetson. They did score 80 against BC, who is currently No. 85, but the Eagles are not a strong defensive team. They gave up 97 to St. John's, 76 to Villanova and 85 to Minnesota. 

FSU always seems to have big long and athletic players and this year is no different. Seminoles also are 17th in adjusted defensive efficiency and 12th in 2-Pt % defense. 

Last year these two teams combined for just 114 points and the books completely missed the mark in that one with a total of 135. Give me the UNDER 140! 

40* NEVADA/SAN JOSE ST NCAAF LATE NIGHT BAILOUT (Over 58.5) 

I like the over quite a bit in Friday's late night action out of the Mountain West that has two of the league's best facing off in San Jose State and Nevada. This number might seem high to some given the defensive numbers these two teams boast, but so much of those great defensive numbers are a result of a lot of bad offenses they have faced. 

I think both offenses are going to be able to have success in this game. Nevada comes in averaging 31.3 ppg and 442 yards/game with a healthy 6.6 yards/play. San Jose State is averaging 30.4 ppg, 419 ypg and 6.5 yards/play. 

Both of these teams can really light up teams with their passing attacks and last year both teams threw all over each other. San Jose State racked up 405 passing yards against Nevada and the Wolf Pack weren't far behind with 352 passing yards. The two teams combined for 79 points with a very similar total (61) to what we see in this meeting. Give me the OVER 58.5! 

40* NCAAB OVER/UNDER TOTAL NO-BRAINER (OVER 150.5) 

This game has a frantic up and down pace written all over it. Both Nebraska and Creighton want to push the tempo and waste no time getting a shot up. Both teams rank in the Top 25 in terms of average possession length. Creighton ranks 23rd at 14.6 and Nebraska is 9th at 14.1. 

I really think this favors the Bluejays, who not only like to play fast, but are extremely efficient on the offensive end. Creighton is 7th in adjusted offensive efficiency, 17th in effective FG% and 4th in 2-PT%. Nebraska isn't quite on that level, but with number of possessions that each team figures to have, we should have no problem here eclipsing 150 points. Give me the OVER 150.5.