40* (CBB) - Situational ATS SLAUGHTER (Drake -24) 

This is a situation that I think you have to play no matter what and that's fading a team like Chicago State in this spot. The Cougars find themselves playing on no rest after taking on No. 9 ranked Iowa State last night. A game they lost by 31 points. 4 different guys played 30+ minutes for Chicago State in that game. 

You see teams play on no rest early in the season in some of these tournaments, but it's always both teams playing on no rest. I get there's not much travel from Ames to Des Moines, but it's still back-to-back road games in two really tough venues. KenPom has Iowa State's Hilton Coliseum ranked as the 18th toughest place to play and Drake's Knapp Center is 21st. 

This is also a Drake team that is starting to find themselves after a slow start. Bulldogs have won 5 of 6 since their 3-3 start and the only loss during this is a OT setback against Clemson on a neutral floor. This is a hungry team that should feast. Give me Drake -24! 

50* (NBA) - Sharp Money MAX UNIT Top Play (Pacers -2.5) 

Indiana is one of the few teams in the NBA that haven't been hit hard with Covid, outside of T.J. Warren, who has yet to play this year, Indiana is at full strength. While it's not Covid that has depleted Miami's roster, the Heat have been hit hard with injuries. Miami we know will be without Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, P.J. Tucker, Markieff Morris and Caleb Martin. Tyler Herro is also questionable. 

I also like how the Pacers come into this game. Indiana is 4-2 in their last 6 games with their only two losses coming by 2 at home to the Warriors and by 15 on the road to the Bucks, where they let Milwaukee go on a 21-0 run in the 4th quarter. Give me the Pacers -2.5! 

40* (CBB) - Vegas Oddsmakers LINE MISTAKE (OVER 148) 

I see Alabama and Davidson having no problem going OVER the total of 148. The Wildcats haven't seen an offense anywhere close to what they will be up against tonight in Alabama. The Crimson Tide rank 9th in the country in offensive efficiency and are 10th in average possession length.

The best team Davidson has played so far in terms of offensive efficiency is San Francisco, who is 73rd, but the Dons are just 205th in possession length. ECU is the fastest team they have played in possession length and they rank 98th. 

On the flip side, Alabama has faced 4 teams this season that rank in the Top 50 in offensive efficiency and all 4 of those teams scored at least 78 points. Davidson ranks 29th in the country in offensive efficiency. They are also 4th in 3-PT% at 41.6%. Crimson Tide faced a very similar team in South Dakota State, who ranked 19th in offensive efficiency and 2nd in 3-PT% and that game was won 104-88 by Alabama. Give me the OVER 148! 

40* (NBA) - Vegas Oddsmakers LINE MISTAKE (Rockets +7.5) 

We will take the 7.5 with the Rockets on the road against the Bulls. This is a tough spot for Chicago. The Bulls played for the first time in over a week yesterday in a 115-10 win over LeBron and the Lakers. Now they got to play another game shorthanded against a Rockets team that has been playing much better of late. 

Bulls only used 8 guys last night and are still missing a bunch of players, including Zach LaVine and several key reserves like Ayo Dosunmu, Alize Johnson and Troy Brown Jr. I not only think Chicago will have a tough time covering this number, I think they could win outright. Give me the Rockets +7.5! 

40* (CBB) - Smart Money VEGAS INSIDER (New Mexico +5)

I'm going to take my chances here with the Lobos as a 5-point home dog against the Mustangs. KenPom says this line should be around 8, yet it opened at 6.5 and is moving hard in favor of the Lobos. Some books are already down to 4.5. That's a pretty clear indicator of where the big money is. It's certainly not the public driving this line move. 

New Mexico is a difficult place to play. KenPom ranks their home court edge at 4.2, which is the 6th best mark of any team in the country. The environment could be a problem for a SMU team that has played a true road game since losing by 23 on the road to Oregon back in early November.

I also think this SMU team could be a little rusty in this game, as they haven't taken the floor since they hosted Dayton way back on Dec. 8th. Give me the Lobos +5! 

40* (CBB) - Vegas Oddsmakers LINE MISTAKE (Iowa -6) 

This feels like a great buy low spot with Iowa laying only 6 at home against Utah State. Some might think the 7-0 start wasn't all it was made out ot be after watching the Hawkeyes lose 3 in a row, but all 3 of those were against NCAA Tournament teams in Purdue, Illinois and Iowa State. I still think this Iowa team will be in the Big Dance when it's all said and done. 

Utah State is a good team, but they don't have the the defense to slow down this Iowa offense like the last 3 teams the Hawks have faced. After a bad showing against ISU, I look for one of the nation's best scorers, Keegan Murray, to have a monster game, as this Iowa team feeds off one of the best home court advantages. Give me the Hawkeyes -6! 

40* (NBA) - Over/Under Total NO-BRAINER (Under 211.5) 

This game will look like an exhibition game with all the guys that won't play for both teams. The biggest story here being what the Nets will have to work with. Kevin Durant, James Harden, LeMarcus Aldridge, DeAndre Bembry, Bruce Brown, Paul Milsap, Joe Harris and James Johnson are all out. Kyrie also won't play with it being a home game and Nicolas Claxton is questionable. 

It's not much better for the Magic, who have 11 guys ruled out and Cole Anthony questionable. I just think there's not going to be enough offensive talent on the floor for this game to get into the 200's and we got a total north of 210. Give me the UNDER 211.5! 

40* (NBA) - Over/Under Total KNOCKOUT (Under 208) 

I really like the UNDER in tonight's game between the Raptors and Warriors. Golden State will be without Steph Curry, Draymond Green, Jordan Poole and Andre Iguodala. Not having Curry on the floor alone is huge for the UNDER. 

Key here is that this Warriors team has shown they will come out to win regardless of who is on the floor and this feels like a game where some of those young guys show out. It's not all good for the Raptors either, as they got a number of guys on the injury report. Give me the UNDER 208! 

40* (NBA) - No Doubt ATS BLOWOUT (Heat -5) 

I got to lay the -5 with the Heat at the Magic. I just think Miami is a bit undervalued in the market right now because of the injuries. Adebayo is out until at least mid-January, Butler won't be back, Herro is questionable.

Some teams that would be a huge deal, but the Heat are a very deep and well coached team. They just won at Philly against Embiid and the 76ers without any of those guys. Unless they are a complete no show here, they should cover this number. 

Magic are 2-8 ATS at home this season and they got 3 starters who may or may not play in Cole Anthony, Mo Bamba and Garry Harris. They are already without Suggs, Fultz, Isaac, Moore and Carter-Williams. If Anthony doesn't go, this could get ugly. Give me the Heat -5! 

50* (CBB) - Sharp Money MAX UNIT Top Play (E Carolina +3.5) 

I'll gladly take the 3.5-points with the Pirates as they take on Liberty in the Hall of Fame Shootout in Charlotte. KenPom has Liberty rated No. 126 and ECU ranked No. 157, but I'm not buying into the Flames. Keep in mind they started out ranked No. 92, so they are the decline and may not be properly rated just yet. 

The biggest thing I look at is the Flames haven't beat anybody. Out of their 6 wins, 3 have come against teams ranked No. 342 or worse, two have been against Non-DI opponents and the other is to an awful Missouri team. 

ECU is 8-2 with their only two losses coming on a neutral floor to No. 35 ranked Oklahoma (lost by just 5) and No. 62 Davidson (lost by 9). Give me the Pirates +3.5! 

40* (NBA) - Situational ATS MASSACRE (Nets -1.5) 

Covid has hit Brooklyn really hard and it will have a lot of people thinking is a game that Philly can steal. We have seen it quite a bit here of late in the NBA, where these shorthanded teams cash at the window. 

Last I checked the Nets will still have the best player on the court with Kevin Durant. If he's on offensively, he can carry a team on his own. He will have some help with Patty Mills, Cam Thomas, Nic Claxton, Kessler Edwards and Blake Griffin all available.

The other big thing here is the Nets are catching the 76ers in a pretty tough scheduling spot. Philly was at Memphis on Monday, flew home to take on Miami last night and had to instantly fly right back home for this game.

You also have to to look at how that game against the Heat played out. Miami jumped all over them and led by as many as 23 before Philly rallied to tie the game at 96-96 with 1:24 remaining. Only to lose 96-101. It takes a lot of energy playing from behind and it can mess with you mentally pulling off a comeback like that and still not winning. 

The 76ers are also not at full strength. They got multiple guys out with Covid. I also wouldn't be shocked if Embiid doesn't play. He played 37 mins and is probably not 100% just yet (missed Monday's game with a rib injury). Give me the Nets -1.5! 

50* (NBA) - Non-Conference TOTAL OF THE MONTH (Over 225) 

I love the OVER 225 in tonight's NBA matchup between the Kings and Wizards. These are two teams that are really struggling to get stops right now and I don't see that changing tonight. 

Washington has allowed 113 or more in each of their last 4 games and teams are shooting 48.6% from the field against them over their last 5. 

It's not any better for Sacramento, who has allowed 117 or more in 4 straight and 115 or more in 9 of their last 10. They have allowed their opponent to shoot 50% or better in 3 of their last 4 and 47 or better in 9 of their last 10. Give me the OVER 225! 

40* (NBA) - No Doubt ATS BLOWOUT (Pacers -1.5) 

No need to overthink this one. Milwaukee will be without Giannis Antetokounmpo and their other All-Star, Khris Middleton is listed as questionable. Having just played 3 games in 4 nights on the road to close out a 4-game road trip, I also wonder just how much energy the Bucks will have in this spot. I also think with a back-to-back on deck Friday/Saturday, it would make sense for them to hold out Middleton. 

On the flip side, this is a Pacers team that is playing well coming into this game. Indiana is 3-1 SU and 3-0-1 ATS over their last 4 games with the only loss being a mere 2-point setback to the Warriors at home. There is the possibility that the Pacers don't show up with the right mindset against a depleted opponent, but I think it being Milwaukee will have them ready to go. Give me the Pacers -1.5! 

40* (CBB) - Smart Money ATS SLAUGHTER (Chattanooga +5.5) 

I will gladly take my chances here with the Mocs as a 5.5-point dog against rival Belmont. These are two in-state rivals from the state of Tennessee and with how good both teams have been early, this game is going to be a big deal. I just think you got to take the points with Chattanooga in this spot. 

The Mocs only loss this season is a 2-point setback at home against Charleston. A team they should beat, but you can't win them all. I think we really learned a lot about this team when they went on the road and beat VCU. They also won on the road against a decent Loyola Marymount team. 

Belmont's resume is equally impressive, but what I think gets overlooked is 4 of the Bruins 8 wins have come by 7 or fewer points. Give me the Mocs +5.5! 

50* (CBB) - Sharp Money MAX UNIT Top Play (Memphis +4) 

I think we are getting an exceptional price here with Memphis as a 4-point home dog against Alabama. It's the perfect buy low spot on the Tigers. Everyone is jumping off the Tigers' bandwagon after their 72-74 home loss to Murray State as a 4-point favorite for their fourth straight loss. 

Yes. The Tigers are not the elite team we thought they were going to be, but there's no denying the talent and we know we are going to get their best here against a team like Alabama. On the flip side, I think this is a really tough spot for the Crimson Tide, who are coming off two massive games against  No. 3 Gonzaga and No. 14 Houston. Give me Memphis +4! 

40* (NBA) - Smart Money ATS SLAUGHTER (Raptors +8.5) 

I will gladly take my chances with the Raptors as a 8.5-point dog against the Nets. I took Toronto last night as a 4-point home favorite against the Kings and it was never in doubt. The Raptors won that game 124-101. 

I like Toronto in this game for a lot of the same reasons. The biggest being this is a team that is playing really good basketball and are underpriced because of how poorly they played in a long stretch before this hot streak. 

I also love that last night was a blowout, as that negates the poor scheduling spot for Toronto playing on the road with no rest. 

You also got to love fading a team like the Nets off back-to-back covers. They are such a public team that the books really inflate the numbers after a couple good showings. Give me the Raptors +8.5! 

40* (CBB) - Public Money ATS BLOODBATH (Furman +10.5) 

I will follow the money and back Furman as a 10.5-point dog against North Carolina. The betting public is all over North Carolina in this game, yet this line has dropped from the opening number of 12 to as low as 10 in some spots. Big money is on the Paladins and it's easy to see why. 

This is a talented Furman team and we know they are going to give it all they got here against a program like North Carolina. I don't know that the Tar Heels are going to be anywhere close to as invested in this game. UNC is feeling really good about themselves after 4 straight wins and have a massive game against UCLA in Saturday's neutral site showdown in Las Vegas. Give me the Paladins +10.5! 

50* (NBA) - Eastern Conference PLAY OF THE MONTH (Celtics PK) 

I love the Celtics at a pick at home against the Bucks tonight. The betting public is going to be all over Milwaukee with how well the Bucks have been playing. Milwaukee has won 12 of their last 14. They have gone 7-3-1 ATS over their last 11 and are off a blowout win and cover against the Knicks last time out. 

The key here is the spot. The Bucks win over New York came on Sunday and now have to go to Boston on no rest. It's also their 3rd road game in 4 nights. 

On the flip side, this Boston team is undervalued coming into this game off 3 straight losses. Reason to believe the Celtics will be better here coming off 2 days of rest and are expected to get back a big piece to their offense in Jaylen Brown. Give me the Celtics PK! 

40* (NBA) - Smart Money ATS KNOCKOUT (Magic +11.5)

I will roll the dice with the Magic as a double-digit road dog against the Lakers on Sunday. The Lakers come in off a dominating 116-95 win at OKC on Friday, which was quite the turnaround from the night before when LA lost 95-108 at Memphis. I just don't think one good showing doesn't mean this Lakers team is anything to write home about. 

This is a team that has struggled to bring the intensity against bad teams and this is one of those spots where I think they let a bad Magic team hang around and make a game of it. It will certainly help if LA is without one of their best players in Anthony Davis, who is questionable with a knee injury. 

The big problem with the Lakers not treating every game the same, is the fact that they almost always get the best out of whoever they play. So while it's not the most ideal scheduling spot for the Magic, I expect them to give it all they got.

Lakers are just 6-14 ATS as a favorite this season and 16-30 ATS in their last 46 at home dating back to last year. LA is also a mere 2-15 ATS last 17 after allowing 95 or fewer points and 6-21 ATS in their last 27 off a win by 10 or more. Give me Orlando +11.5! 

40* (CBB) - Situational ATS ANNIHILATOR (Stanford +1) 

I will back the Cardinal at basically a pick'em on their home floor against the Ducks. This Oregon team has been one of the most overvalued teams in the country early on. The Ducks have been a favorite in every game but one (+5 on neutral vs Houston) and yet are just 5-4. They have gone just 2-7 ATS and are 0-4 ATS away from home. 

Stanford is a perfect 4-0 SU at home this season and that's not a big surprise, as they have one of the best home court advantages. Eventually the books are going to price the Ducks based on the talent they have this year and not what they have done in the past, but until they do they have to be a team you look to fade. Give me the Cardinal +1! 

40* (NBA) - Public Money ATS SLAUGHTER (Rockets +8) 

We took a brutal beat on the Rockets Friday, as Houston was outscored 33-19 in the 4th quarter to lose by 9 when we had them at +8. As tough as that is to swallow, I got to go right back with Houston as a similarly priced dog at Memphis on Saturday. 

Not only are we getting a great price on a Rockets team that is playing way above their current record, but this a huge flat spot for Memphis. The Grizzlies just pulled off a big upset on Thursday, as they defeated the Lakers without both Morant and Brooks. 

You could see how much that game meant to Memphis. It's going to be near impossible for them to play with that same energy against a team like Houston that no one is getting up to play. Not to mention this will be the Grizzlies 3rd game in 4 nights. The legs just aren't going to be there. Give me the Rockets +8! 

40* (NBA) - Situational ATS NO-BRAINER (Wizards +5) 

I'll roll the dice with the Wizards as a 5-point home dog against the Jazz on Saturday. Most will look to lay the short number with Utah, as the Jazz come into this game having won 6 in a row and last time we saw Utah they destroyed the 76ers 118-96 as a mere 3-point road favorite. 

I just think it's a bad spot for the Jazz, who will be playing their 4th straight on the road and this will be their 3rd game in 4 nights. It's also the last time they will play on the road until after Christmas, so there's reason to be excited about getting this one over and getting on a plane back home. 

I know the Wizards have slowed down some from their great start to the season, but they snapped a 3-game losing streak last time out and are as healthy as they have been this season. I actually think they win this game outright. Give me Washington +5! 

40* (CBB) - No Doubt ATS BLOWOUT (UConn -3.5) 

I will gladly lay the 3.5-points with UConn on a neutral floor against St. Bonaventure. I really like this Huskies team and I think we are getting them in a good buy low spot after a loss last time out at West Virginia. Morgantown is one of the toughest places in the country for opposing teams to play, so I'm not worried about that result, especially since they only lost by 3. The only other loss for UConn is a 4-point loss to Michigan State on a neutral floor. 

No disrespect to St Bonaventure, who has been impressive in their 7-1 start, but this is by far the best team they will have played this season and I just think the talent gap will be too much for them to overcome. Give me UConn -3.5! 

50* (CBB) - Sharp Money MAX UNIT Top Play (Drake +2.5) 

I love Drake as a 2.5-point dog against Clemson on Saturday. This game will be played on a neutral site at State Farm Arena in Atlanta. My numbers actually have the Bulldogs as the team that should be favored in this matchup. 

Drake came into the season as a legit NCAA Tournament caliber team and while it's not a sure thing after their slow start, this is still one of the best teams in the Missouri Valley Conference. The Bulldogs could easily be 7-1 and even 8-0. They had a 5-point loss to Belmont, 9-point loss to Alabama and a 3-point loss to North Texas. 

Clemson started out the season 4-0 behind a soft schedule and as the competition has picked up they have faded. The Tigers have lost 4 of 5. Clemson's struggles continue. Give me Drake +2.5! 

40* (CBB) Vegas Oddsmakers LINE MISTAKE (Oklahoma -1.5) 

I will roll the dice with the Sooners as a slim 1.5-point against Arkansas. This is all about the line, as we got an unranked Oklahoma team listed as the favorite against the undefeated and No. 12 ranked Razorbacks. 

I'm not dissing Arkansas and their 9-0 start, but you can't look at their strong start without looking at the fact that they have played the 316th easiest schedule in the country so far. The only two teams they have played that are ranked in the Top 100 are No. 66 K-State and No. 69 Cincinnati. They won both but didn't dominate either game.

Oklahoma comes in at No. 43 and could easily be 9-0 themselves, as they have a 3-point loss to Utah State and a 4-point OT loss to Butler. Give me Oklahoma -1.5! 

40* (CBB) Early Bird ATS MASSACRE (Ohio State -4.5) 

I will gladly lay the 4.5-point at home with Ohio State at home against Wisconsin. I love to back home teams as a short favorite or dog in the Big Ten, as I think there's just a massive home court edge in that conference. 

Ohio State didn't get off to the best of starts, but it feels like that big come from behind win over Duke a couple weeks back really sparked this team. The Buckeyes opened up Big Ten play last Sunday with an impressive 12-point road win over Penn State. 

I like this Wisconsin team, but I don't love the spot at all. Badgers played a big game last Saturday at home against Marquette and then opened up Big Ten play at home against Indian a on Wednesday. Wisconsin won and covered against the Hoosiers in a 64-59 win as a 4.5-point favorite, but really should have lost that game outright. I think they struggle here on the road on just 2 days of rest. Give me the Buckeyes -4.5! 

40* (NBA) - Late Night ATS SLAUGHTER (Celtics +5.5) 

I will gladly roll the dice with Boston catching 5.5 on the road against the Suns in Friday's last NBA game on the board. It's not so much that I want to bet the Celtics right now, as it is I want to bet against Phoenix. 

The Suns instantly became one of the bigger public plays when they went on that ridiculous 18-game win streak. While that streak was snapped in a loss at the Warriors, they did get right back in the win column the next game, beating the Spurs 108-104 at home. However, they didn't cover in that spot as a 7.5-point favorite and despite being 11-1 SU in their last 12 games, they are just 4-8 ATS during this run. 

The other big thing is this is not the same Suns team that went on that big win streak with their best player, Devin Booker, out with a hamstring injury. I feel good about the Celtics showing up here and wouldn't be shocked at all if they won outright. Give me Boston +5.5! 

50* (NBA) Sharp Money MAX UNIT Top Play (Rockets +8)

I love the Rockets catching 8 at home against the Bucks on Friday. I just think this is a tough spot for Milwaukee. Even with Houston coming into this game on a 7-game win streak, it's going to be hard for the Bucks to get up for this game. I think even more so with a game against the Knicks on deck at Madison Square Garden (Sunday). 

On the flip side of this, I think you got to ride out the hot streak with the Rockets until they give us a reason not to, especially if they keep getting priced like they are one of the worst teams in the league. They just beat the Nets 114-104 as a 3.5-point home dog in their last game. 

Milwaukee is just 3-7 ATS last 10 games vs a team that's got a winning percentage under 40%. Rockets have covered 5 in a row as a dog and are 4-0 last 4 at home when catching points. Give me Houston +8! 

40* (NBA) - Situational ATS MASSACRE (Kings PK) 

I like the Kings quite a bit as a pick'em on the road against the Hornets. Sacramento's not a team you want to be backing a lot on the road at this kind of price, but it's just too good a spot to pass up. 

Charlotte is decimated right now because of Covid. They got 5 guys out, including 3 starters in point guard LaMelo Ball, shooting guard Terry Rozier and center Mason Plumlee. They are also out back-up point guard Ish Smith and Rozier is the guy listed third on the PG depth chart. 

I just think because they were able to cover back-to-back games at home against the 76ers without those guys has created some false hope. Philly's playing better with Embiid back, but they are far from playing their best basketball. 

Sacramento has been up and down this season and the important thing right now is they are on the upswing. Kings have won and covered each of their last 3 games and a big part of that is they are healthy. Give me Sacramento PK! 

40* (CBB) - No Doubt ATS BLOWOUT (Iowa -3.5) 

It's one thing to see an unranked team laying points against a ranked opponent when they are at home. It's another when it's on the road. The betting public is flocking to back undefeated an No. 17 ranked Iowa State in this game, yet Iowa is the favorite at -3.5. 

I will gladly fade the public in this spot and lay it with the Hawkeyes. No question this Cyclones team is WAY better than expected. This is more about the matchup and the fact that I think this Iowa team is also WAY better than everyone expected. 

As far as the matchup. The Cyclones have lived off of their defense to their 8-0 start. They have been outstanding at forcing turnovers (at least 14 in every game, 20+ 4x). Couple things with that. Out of the 8 teams ISU has played, 7 hace come against teams who rank outside the Top 25 in offensive TO%. The Iowa Hawkeyes rank No. 1 in that department. 

ISU's defense has also not been tested by even a good 3-point shooting team. Prior to this game the best 3P% offense they have faced is Grambling St at No. 119. The Hawkeyes come in at No. 44. 

Iowa also by far has the best player on the floor in Keegan Bradley. This guy has done the near impossible and filled the massive shoes left by Luka Garza. 

One weakness Iowa has is post defense, which we saw in the Illinois game. ISU doesn't have a guy like Kofi Cockburn. Give me the Hawkeyes -3.5! 

40* (NBA) - Situational ATS NO-BRAINER (Lakers -3) 

I'll gladly take my chances with the Lakers as a slim 3-point road favorite against a Grizzlies team that is still playing without Ja Morant and will be in the second leg of a back-to-back. Not only are they on no rest, it's their third game in 4 nights. 

Lakers were off on Wednesday and their only game since last Friday is a home game against the Celtics on Tuesday. It will be just LA's 2nd game in 6 days. That's a huge rest edge this time of a year. 

This also feels like a rare time the public perception is down with this team.  Lakers are still a big public play when they are bad, there's just not the hype we normally would see that would result in this line being a lot more. 

LA is not only rested, but they are also as healthy as they have been all year and have been playing better, winning 3 of their last 4. Offensively this team is rolling, shooting 50% or better in 5 straight. Give me the Lakers -3! 

40* (CBB) - Situational ATS SLAUGHTER (Kansas St -1) 

I like the value here with Kansas State as a slim 1-point home favorite against Marquette. The Golden Eagles got off to that great start with wins over Illinois, Ole Miss and West Virginia, but they have since lost by 16 on a neutral site to St Bonaventure and by 13 at Wisconsin. 

K-State is coming off an impressive win over Wichita State on the road and their only two blemishes came to Arkansas and Illinois, who are both ranked in the Top 25. Neither of those were at home, where the Wildcats have one of the bigger home court edges in the country. I like the Wildcats to win this one. Give me K-State -1! 

40* (NBA) - No Doubt ATS BLOWOUT (Grizzlies -3.5) 

I'll take my chances with Memphis laying 3.5 at home against the Mavs. The Grizzlies aren't a better team long-term without Ja Morant, but there's no denying they have played some of their best basketball since he was lost to a knee injury. Memphis comes in having won and cover 5 in a row. 

Hard to not like the Grizzlies in this spot, as they couldn't be catching the Mavs at a better team. Dallas is in a major shooting slump, having scored fewer than 100 points in 3 straight and not shot better than 41% from the field in any of those games.

Mavs will be playing on no rest after laying it all on the line in a 99-102 loss at Brooklyn last night. It will be the second back-to-back for Dallas in the last 6 days and they have to deal with the travel to Memphis after playing at home last night. Give me the Grizzlies -3.5! 

40* (NBA) - Sharp Money VEGAS INSIDER (Cavs -2.5) 

I'll take my chances with Cleveland as a slim 2.5-point home favorite against the Bulls. Chicago was able to win and cover shorthanded at home against the Nuggets, but I don't think they are going to be able to replicate that on the road against what has arguably been the most underrated teams in the Cavs. 

The main guy the Bulls won't have is DeMar DeRozan, but they also are without 3 key reserves in Alex Caruso, Javonte Green and Coby White. They also continue to play without starter Patrick Williams. 

Cavs are 17-6 ATS on the season, which tells you just how little respect this team has been getting. Cleveland has covered 7 of their last 8 and are a perfect 2-0 ATS this season when they do get that respect and are listed as a favorite. Give me the Cavs -2.5! 

40* (CBB) Vegas Oddsmakers LINE MISTAKE (W Virginia -2.5) 

I will gladly lay the short number with West Virginia at home against UConn. The books are telling you all you need to know with this one. You have the No. 15 ranked Huskies as a dog agaisnt an unranked Mountaineers team. 

This is all about home court for me, as well as the fact that the Huskies are not at full strength. West Virginia's only blemish on the record is a neutral site loss to Marquette in a game where they played with no ret. Give me the Mountaineers -2.5! 

50* (CBB) - Big Ten PLAY OF THE MONTH (Wisconsin -4.5) 

I'll take the Badgers as a slim 4.5-point home favorite against the Hoosiers. Home court is huge in the Big Ten and I just think the Hoosiers are getting a little too much love after their 7-1 start. Indiana's only road game was at Syracuse, which they lost in 2OT. The Badgers are a much better team than the Orange and are going to be extremely motivated here in their Big Ten opener. I just don't trust that Indiana offense on the road against a top tier team like Wisconsin. Give me the Badgers -4.5! 

40* (CBB) - Situational ATS NO-BRAINER (Villanova -8.5) 

I'm going to lay it with Villanova against Syracuse at Madison Square Garden. The betting public is all over Syracuse in this game and I'm more than willing to fade a public dog, especially in a big game like this that we know is getting a lot of action. 

I get Syracuse comes in off back-to-back wins over Florida State and Indiana, but I'm not so sure either of those teams are as good as what we thought and they were lucky to win both.I just think the Orange are really limited on the defensive end. THis team has given up 80 or more in 4 of their last 6. Now they face a Villanova offense that ranks No. 4 in the country in offensive efficiency. Syracuse can score, but not enough to keep it close. Give me Villanova -8.5! 

40* (NBA) - Vegas Oddsmakers LINE MISTAKE (Spurs +2.5) 

I'll take my chances with the Spurs as a 2.5-point home dog against the Knicks. Public will be all over New York at this price, which definitely makes San Antonio that much more enticing. This just feels like a flat spot for New York in their schedule. They just played a bunch of big games and have to go play the Spurs, Pacers, and Raptors on a 3 game road trip before returning home to host the Bucks and Warriors in consecutive games. 

As for San Antonio, the Spurs have finally put together an extended stretch of strong play. SA has gone 4-1 SU and 5-0 ATS over their last 5 games. I like them to find a way to win this game outright. Give me the Spurs +2.5!

50* (CBB) Sharp Money MAX UNIT Top Play (Tennessee -3.5) 

I will gladly take my chances with the Vols as a slim 3.5-point favorite against Texas Tech, as the two face off in New York at Madison Square Garden. I really like what I've seen out of this Tennessee team early on. They had a bad showing against Villanova, but have since beat up on the likes of UNC (89-72) and Colorado (69-54). I think this team is the real deal. 

I don't think the same of the Red Raiders, who had started out 6-0 before losing at Providence last time out. I just think this team is a bit overvalued based on what they did under former head coach Chris Beard, who is now calling the shots at rival Texas. Prior to losing to Providence, Tech's 6-0 start was aided by playing 6 teams ranked outside the Top 240. Give me the Vols -3.5! 

50* (NBA) - Big Money MAX UNIT Top Play (Nuggets +4.5) 

I like the value we are getting with the Nuggets as  4.5-point road dog against the Bulls tonight. This is a bad spot for Chicago coming off that big win at Brooklyn, where they outscored the Nets 32-25 in the 4th to win 111-107. 

Not only is this a big flat spot for the Bulls, they won't have one of their top bench players in Alex Caruso. He can really be the spark that gets this team through these bad scheduling spots. 

I also think it's a good time to buy low on Denver. Nuggets are just 2-7 SU and 2-7 ATS in their last 9 games, but have won 2 of 3 on their current 7-game road trip. Both times winning outright as dogs at Miami and most recently at the Knicks 113-99 as a 2.5-point dog. Give me Denver +4.5! 

40* (CBB) No Doubt ATS BLOWOUT (Iowa -2.5) 

This is too good a price to pass up with the Hawkeyes at home. This Iowa team is way better than expected after not only losing the player of the year in Garza (NBA), but also second and fourth leading scorers in Wieskamp (NBA) and Fredrick (transferred to Kentucky). 

They had started out 7-0 before losing Friday at Purdue 70-77. While a loss is a loss, that was without their best player in Keegan Murray, who has been one of the most productive players in the entire country. That's also against a Purdue team that is a legit Final Four caliber team. The game before they put up 75 on the road against Virginia in a win. 

The key here is Murray is expected to play and with him I think they are going to have no problem winning this game at home against an Illinois team that I don't think is as good as what people thought they would be. Give me the Hawkeyes -2.5! 

40* (CBB) - Situational ATS ANNIHILATOR (Oregon State +12) 

I'll take my chances with the Beavers as a 12-point home dog against Arizona. I just think we are getting too good a price to pass up with Oregon State as they are being way undervalued due to the fact that they are 1-7 and have lost 7 straight since opening their season with a win over Portland State. 

Big thing is most of these losses for the Beavers have come against quality teams and several of those games could have went their way. This team is due for a breakout win and while I don't if they get it here, I think they are going to give Arizona all they can handle. 

Wildcats are sitting at 6-0 and have looked impressive to this point, but they will be playing their first true road game of the season. Not only that, but I think we could see a bit of a sloppy showing here from Arizona. The Wildcats only game in the last two weeks was a cupcake game against No. 311 ranked Sacramento State last Saturday. Give me the Beavers +12! 

40* (NBA) - Sharp Money ATS SLAUGHTER (Cavs +4.5) 

I'll take my chances with the Cavs as a 4.5-point home dog against the Jazz on Sunday. Cleveland continues to be way undervalued by the books. Cavs come into this one having won 4 straight and covered 6 in a row, improving their overall ATS record to 16-5 on the season. They have covered 7 of 10 at home. I not only think they cover here against Utah, but I like them to win the game outright. 

Jazz have looked great in their last 3 games, especially offensively, but all 3 of those games came at home against teams who are not exactly playing great defense. Cavs have been out to prove something against the better teams and are 10-2 ATS when facing a team with a winning record. Give me Cleveland +4.5! 

40* (NBA) - Late Night ATS KNOCKOUT (Kings PK) 

I will gladly take my chances with the Kings as a pick'em at home against the Clippers. Not only do I love that this line is begging the public to take LA, but we are also getting the Clippers in a great fade spot. 

This is a huge letdown spot for Los Angeles after last night's thrilling 119-115 win over the Lakers. There's not a team the Clippers want to beat more than their cross-town rivals and it meant that much more with James playing for the Lakers. 

I expect to see a very flat Clippers team on no rest against a very hungry Kings team that is trying to get their season on track. Sacramento just won 124-115 at the Clippers on Wednesday. LA is 0-3 ATS this season in the second game of a back-to-back and 1-6 ATS when revenging a loss this season. Give me the Kings PK! 

40* (CBB) - Late Night ATS ANNIHILATOR (Creighton -4.5)

Not a lot to think about with this one. Iowa State comes into this game 7-0 and ranked No. 19 in the country and are a 4.5-point dog on the road against an unranked Creighton team. You got to lay it with the Bluejays in this spot. 

It's been an impressive start to the season for the Cyclones, who caught everyone's attention in the NIT Tip-Off with their two big upset wins over Xavier and Memphis. Clearly this team is better than expected, but I wonder if some of that wasn't those teams overlooking the Cyclones. 

You can bet those two wins and national ranking will have the attention of Creighton and I just think it's a tough spot for ISU. They play really hard defensively, but the offense is not great and this Bluejays team knows how to put the ball in the hoop. This is also the first true road game for the Cyclones, which is never easy. Give me Creighton -4.5! 

40* (NBA) - Prime Time ATS SLAUGHTER (Bulls +3.5) 

Got to take a shot with the Bulls in this one. As good as Chicago has been, the betting public can't help themselves when they see Brooklyn as a short favorite, especially at home. I know we are just outside the parameters, but I think it speaks to the play. Nets are 3-5 ATS this season with a line of +3.5 to -3.5 and 0-3 ATS at home in this spot. 

What the public overlooks with Brooklyn in this spot is the fact that they are playing this game on no rest after a hard fought 110-105 win at home against the Timberwolves last night. Chicago was off Friday and are playing just their second game in the last 5 days. Also, while the Bulls are playing their second straight on the road, there's basically no travel involved with New York to Brooklyn. 

I just think with the poor bench that the Nets have to work with, it's going to be hard for them to match the intensity of this Bulls team, who feels like they got something to prove every time they face one of the perceived top teams in the league. Give me Chicago +3.5! 

40* (CBB) - Sharp Money ATS MASSACRE (Wash St -1) 

What more do you need to know that the Cougars are the smart bet here than the books have an unranked Washington State team listed as the favorite against undefeated No. 20 USC.

Winning on the road is not easy in CBB and the Pac-12 always seems to have a strong home court edge. I also like what I've seen out of this Washington team, who has went from starting out the season ranked No. 63 at KenPom to currently sitting at No. 48. The Cougars are a great defensive team that can really make it tough to score inside. While they don't shoot it great all the time, they are Top 15 in the country in offensive rebounding and are very good at getting to the free throw line. 

USC has a lot of strengths, but they are one of the worst in the country at forcing turnovers and dreadful at free throws. As a team they are shooting 56.4%! Cougars in comparison shot 75% from the charity line. Give me Washington State -1! 

40* (CBB) - Vegas Oddsmakers LINE MISTAKE (Colorado +5.5) 

I will gladly take my chances with Colorado as a 5.5-point home dog against the Vols today. I just think we are getting great line value with Buffalo because of the fact that Tennessee comes in ranked #13 and the Buffaloes are not in the Top 25. 

I think Colorado has a very underrated team this year and we saw some flashes of that in their last game when they went on the road and only lost by 12 to a really good UCLA team.

The big difference with this game, is they get a good Tennessee at home. Colorado has one of the best home court advantages in the country and this will be the Vols first true road game of the season. Would not surprise me at all if the Buffaloes won this game outright. Give me Colorado +5.5! 

40* (CBB) - Early Bird ATS BLOWOUT (Ole Miss +1) 

This line is screaming to the public to take No. 18 Memphis as a mere 1-point road favorite against an unranked Ole Miss team. I'll gladly go the other way and back this Rebels team at home. 

This is a good Rebels team under head coach Kermit Davis. They are off to a 6-2 to start with their only two losses coming on the road against Marquette and Boise State, who are two teams ranked inside the Top 80. 

Memphis came into the season with a lot of hype, but they have lost their last two, falling 59-78 to ISU and 79-82 to Georgia. The Tigers like to play fast, but they also play sloppy. They rank 349th in TO%. Ole Miss in comparison ranks 48th. Hard to win on the road when you lose the turnover battle. 

The other big thing is the Rebels have a great interior defense, as they are 24th in the country in 2P% defense. Memphis isn't a big 3-pt shooting team. If the Rebels can get back and not let the Tigers run, they should make it really tough on Memphis to score. Give me Ole Miss +1! 

40* (CBB) - Over/Under Total NO-BRAINER (Over 158.5) 

This might be a little bit of a square play taking a public OVER with a high total, but I just don't think 158.5 is anywhere close to enough for this matchup. Everyone knows that Purdue is good. They were expected to be coming in and they are not only scoring 92.4 ppg, they are ranked No. 1 in the country in offensive efficiency. 

Iowa wasn't suppose to be this good. Not after losing two guys to the NBA, including the player of the year in Garza. They are and it's because they got another NBA caliber guy shouldering the load in sophomore Keegan Murray, who is averaging 24.6 ppg, 8.9 rpg and 2.3 bpg. 

The Hawkeyes offense is averaging 94.0 ppg and are No.3  in the country in offensive efficiency. I did have some concern whether the offense was just beating up on bad teams, but to go on the road and put up 75 points on 54% shooting against a defensive minded Virginia team (Cavs hadn't given up 70 in a game prior to that) tells me their offense is the real deal. 

The other big thing is Iowa's defense let a bad Virginia offense score 74 and shoot 53%. That's concerning given that was the first offense they had faced this year that ranked inside the Top 220 in offensive efficiency (Virginia is No. 78). Purdue is going to score at will. Give me the OVER 158.5! 

40* (NBA) - Smart Money ATS SLAUGHTER (Pelicans +7.5) 

We cashed an ugly play on the Pistons +13 last night, as we faded the Suns off that big win over the Warriors. It's not quite the same with this play, but I like the Pelicans catching 7.5 in this one. These two teams just played at New Orleans on Wednesday and the Mavs won that game in a blowout 139-107. Not only did they win big, they set a franchise record for shooting, connecting on 68.7% of their shot attempts. 

That's absurd good and any time a team has a record-setting performance like that, it's really hard to live up that hype in that next game out. I also think them playing the same team they just annihilated takes away some competitive fight, while it gives a little more motivation to the Pelicans with revenge on the table. 

Mavs are just 3-12 ATS the last 2 seasons priced as home favorite of 6.5 to 12 points and 7-20 ATS last 27 at home off a road win. Give me the Pelicans +7.5! 

40* (NBA) - Sharp Money Vegas Insider (Pistons +13)

This is a plug your nose play, as this Pistons team is awful, but I just have to bet against the Suns at this price in this spot. Phoenix is in a MASSIVE letdown spot. In their last two games they have went on the road and beat the Nets and then returned home to beat the Warriors. 

The most impressive in the win over Golden State is they did it with their star, Devin Booker, leaving the game early. Booker won't play in this game and I just think it's going to be really tough for the Suns to get up for this game against this Detroit team. 

As bad as the Pistons are, they have covered 4 of their last 5 when catching double-digits and I think they will be up here with that Suns win streak in play. Give me the Pistons +13! 

40* (CBB) - Sharp Money ATS MASSACRE (Utah St +1.5) 

We cashed a couple of home dogs last night on the college hardwood and I think we are going to do the same here with the Aggies as a small home dog against St. Mary's. I just think this Gaels team is bit overvalued after their 7-1 start. 

The Gaels got what looks like a couple of impressive wins on a neutral floor against Notre Dame and Oregon, but neither of those teams have looked that great to start the year. This will also be their first true road game of the season, which I think is a tricky spot, especially when it's against a quality team. 

I believe Utah State is that. The Aggies had a bad loss at home to UC Davis to open the year, but have won 6 straight since and two of those wins are against Richmond and Oklahoma. I think the wrong team is favored. Give me Utah State +1.5! 

40* (CBB) - No Doubt ATS BLOWOUT (UNC +2.5) 

I'll take my chances with the Tar Heels as a slim 2.5-point home dog against the Wolverines. I'm just not so sure the Wolverines should be favored on the road here. I just think Michigan was viewed so highly coming in, that they still are the team trust more. 

I see them as equals. UNC's only two losses are to Purdue and Tennessee on a neutral floor. The Boilermakers look like one of the best teams in the country and the Vols only loss is to Villanova. Michigan's also 4-2, but their two losses aren't nearly as good. They lost at home to Seton Hall and got destroyed on a neutral site by Arizona. Give me the Tar Heels +2.5! 

40* (CBB) - Vegas Oddsmakers LINE MISTAKE (Oklahoma +1) 

I will take my chances with the Sooners as a short home dog against the Gators. I think home court has proven to be a big thing in these bigger non-conference games and I'm not so sure Oklahoma isn't the better team. 

I know they lost on a neutral site to Utah State, but it was by just 3 points and that's a good Aggies team. Florida is 6-0 and have what looks like two big wins over FSU and Ohio State. I'm not sold on either of those teams being as good as what people think and that's with the Buckeyes big win over Duke last night. This will be there first true road game of the season in one of the tougher places to play. Give me Oklahoma +1! 

50* (CBB) - Missouri Valley PLAY OF THE MONTH (UNI -4.5) 

I love the Panthers laying a mere 4.5 points on the road against Bradley. It couldn't have been a much worse start to the season for UNI, wh lost 3 of their first 4. We knew this team was better than that and they showed some of that in their 13-point loss to Arkansas (led 75-72 with 4:25 left in the 2nd half). They then went on the road in a true road game and beat a really good St. Bonaventure team 90-80. I just feel like now is the time you want to be on this team. 

Bradley is definitely a team they can not just beat, but handle pretty easily. The Braves are 2-5 with their two wins coming against a non D-I school in Missouri S&T and No. 349 ranked Maine. They got no business making a game of it. Give me UNI -4.5! 

40* (NBA) - Smart Money SHARP STAKE (Cavs +6.5) 

I'll take my chances with the Cavs as a 6.5-point road dog against the Heat. When Cleveland has been at or close to full strength, they have really played well. They have been one of the biggest moneymakers of the season going 14-5-2 ATS. They are 7-2-1 ATS in their 10 road games and just won 114-96 as a 6.5-point dog at Dallas. 

This is a hungry young team that wants to show they belong and I see them really being up for this game against Miami. As for the Heat, they all kinds of injury problems. Both Adebayo and Butler are questionable and it just feels like Miami is going thru a stretch where they are just going through the motions. They are just 1-4 ATS in their last 5 after starting out 12-4 ATS in their first 16 games. Give me the Nuggets +6.5! 

40* (NBA) Situational ATS ANNIHILATOR (Magic +7.5)

I'm going to take the 7.5 with the Magic at home against the Nuggets. This just feels like too many for a Nuggets team that isn't playing great to be laying on the road. Denver did just beat the Heat 120-111 on the road, but Miami didn't have Butler or Herro. Prior to that win the Nuggets had gone 0-6 SU and 0-6 ATS. 

Denver won't have Austin Rivers, have lost Michael Porter Jr and PJ Dozier for the season and are still waiting on Jamaal Murray to make his season debut. As bad as the Magic have been, they did show some fight in their last game, only losing by 5 at Philly and they are getting back one of their best players in Cole Anthony from injury. Give me the Magic +7.5! 

40* (NBA) Situational ATS NO-Brainer (Warriors +2.5) 

This was going to be a big game when these two played no matter what. It was going to be the Warriors first crack at the defending Western Conference Champs. It's just been taken to another level with how well these two teams are playing. The Suns haven't lost since losing to the Kings on Oct. 27th. They have won 16 in a row. The Warriors are 14-1 over their last 15 games. 

I like this Suns team, but I like the Warriors a lot more. I think Golden State will be the team to beat come the playoffs, assuming Klay Thompson makes a healthy return. I'll take the points with what I feel is the better team, especially knowing we are going to get the Warriors' best. Other big key here is that it's not a horrible scheduling spot. Warriors did play at LA on Sunday, but they were home for the previous three and this is just their second game in four days. Give me the Warriors +2.5! 

40* (CBB) - No Doubt ATS BLOWOUT (Wake Forest -1) 

I'll take my chances with the Demon Deacons as a slim 1-point home favorite against Northwestern. I just think when you dissect this Wildcats team, they are probably a little overvalued right now. 

Northwestern is 5-1 and ranked No. 40 in KenPom, but what have they done. They started out 4-0 against a bunch of bad teams (all ranked 266th or worse), lost 72-77 to Providence (trailed 37-55 11:22 left in 2nd half) on a neutral floor and beat a bad Georgia team. 

Wake Forest is 6-1 and only ranked No. 90. They too started off with an easy schedule, but they did get a neutral site win against Oregon State and lost to a really good LSU team. I also think Wake has one of the best home court advantages in not just the ACC but the country. Give me the Demon Deacons -1! 

50* (NBA) - Sharp Money MAX UNIT Top Play (Knicks +6.5) 

I'll take the 6.5 with the Knicks against the Nets. I just think the number is a little high. Brooklyn being such a public team plays a part. So does the fact that the Knicks are just 4-5 over their last 9 and the news with this team is centered around how Kemba Walker is all but done in the Big Apple. 

Thibs benched Walker in place of Alec Burks in their last game and they went on the road and beat the Hawks 97-90. Keep in mind Atlanta was arguably playing their best ball coming in, as they had won 7 straight. They also hadn't scored fewer than 110 in any game during that stretch. 

I don't know about taking him out of the rotation completely, unless they feel pretty good about trading him and they might, but I do think it makes the Knicks better in the short-term. Walker only averaging 11.7 ppg and 3.1 apg. Burks is also a big upgrade defensively and I think we saw that against the Hawks. 

The Nets are a good team, but they just seem to come up short in the big games against the better teams in this league. We just saw it in their last game at home against the Suns. Not saying they won't win, but I think this a game the entire way. Give me the Knicks +6.5! 

40* (CBB) - Sharp Money VEGAS INSIDER (Oregon -13) 

I think this is the perfect spot to buy low on the Ducks as a mere 13-point home favorite against Montana. Oregon has lost 3 of their last 4 and failed to cover in all 4 games, making them a very difficult team for the public to trust right now. 

Thing is, it's not like they have been losing to bad teams. The losses have come against BYU, St Mary's and Houston. All of which rank in the Top 40 in the country. I get they weren't exactly competitive in those games, but that doesn't mean they can't have their way with a team like Montana. 

You know the Ducks are going to give everything they got to get back in the win column and this is not a good Montana team. The Grizzlies are 4-2, but all 4 wins have come against a Non Div. I team or a team ranked outside the Top 225. They lost to No. 330 ranked North Dakota and lost by 37 at Mississippi St, who is ranked just 10 spots better than the Ducks. Give me Oregon -13! 

40* (NBA) - Vegas Oddsmakers LINE MISTAKE (Blazers +8)

I think this is just too good a price to pass up with the Blazers as a 8-point dog against the Jazz. While Portland does come in off two straight losses, where they failed to cover the spread, they weren't far off in either game and one of those losses was to the Warriors, who are winning and covering on everyone. 

Prior to these two games the Blazers had won and covered 4 in a row. The biggest thing for me in buying into this Portland team right now, is Damian Lillard is finally starting to play up to his potential after really playing poorly to start the year. 

I also think Utah's kind of going through the motions right now. The Jazz had failed to cover 3 straight prior to blowing out the Pelicans on Saturday, but keep in mind that was after they lost outright to New Orleans the night before as a 13-point favorite. In the two games prior they only won by 6 as a 12.5 pt favorite vs OKC and lost outright to Memphis as a 11-point favorite. Give me the Blazers +8! 

40* (NBA) - Over/Under Total NO-BRAINER (Under 225.5) 

I really like the value we are getting with the UNDER 225.5 in Sunday's NBA matchup between the Kings and Grizzlies. On the season these aren't exactly UNDER teams, as both of these teams have been putting up a lot of points and giving up a lot at the same time. 

I just think that Memphis' offense is going to take a hit without Ja Morant on the floor. Not only he is he their best player, he's their point guard. He makes everything so much easier for everyone else. 

As for the Kings, I got a hard time seeing them wanting to turn this into a track meet after Friday's 3OT thriller that saw them beat the Lakers 141-137. Note that final score makes it look like it was track meet, but that was far from the case as the two teams ended regulation tied 100-100. Kings' point guard De'Aaron Fox played 53 out of 63 minutes in that game. Haliburton played 47 and Hield played 40. 

I just think this total is priced as if both teams were healthy and in good situational spots. Give me the UNDER 225.5! 

40* (NBA) - Sharp Money ATS MASSACRE (Pacers +2.5) 

I'm going to take the Pacers as a 2.5-point home dog against the Bucks. The betting public will be all over Milwaukee at this price. I'll gladly fade the public and side with the books in this one. Yes, the Bucks have been playing better. They have won 6 straight, but they are just 6-10 ATS over their last 16 and are just going to be a team all season that is overvalued as the defending champs. 

It hasn't exactly been the toughest stretch for Milwaukee and they still aren't fully healthy with Lopez and DiVincenzo still out. Pacers are as healthy as they have been all season and are 3-1 SU and 3-1 ATS in their last 4 games with the only loss coming in OT. Indiana has also gone 6-3 SU and 6-3 ATS at home this year. Give me the Pacers +2.5! 

40* (CBB) - No Doubt ATS BLOWOUT (Evansville -6.5) 

I think we are getting big time value with the Purple Aces laying single digits against this awful Eastern Illinois team. Evansville comes into this game having lost 4 straight and are just 2-6 to start the season. 

A lot of that is the schedule. They have 3 losses against teams ranked in the Top 80 at KenPom (Cincinnati, Belmont, UCF). The other 3 are all against quality teams who are ranked between 100 and 160. 

The Panthers from Charleston are ranked No. 345 out of the 358 teams that are ranked. Eastern Illinois is 1-5 with their only win coming against a smaller division opponent in Rockford. The only time they haven't lost by more than 20 is when they have faced an opponent that is also ranked outside the Top 300. 

Evansville is currently sitting at No. 232, but I believe are better than that. I still think their closer to their preseason rank of No. 170. Either way, they should win here by at least 10 points. Give me the Purple Aces -6.5! 

40* (NBA) - Vegas Oddsmakers LINE MISTAKE (Nets -1)

I will gladly take Brooklyn at basically a pick'em at home against the Suns. The Nets have been playing much more like the team we expected to see right from the start, as James Harden is finally playing up to his potential. After how bad this team lost at home to Golden State recently, I see the Nets being at their best for this matchup against a Suns team that hasn't lost since October. 

Not to say Phoenix isn't playing well, but the schedule has set up nicely for them during this win streak. There's also no question it has them overvalued right now by the oddsmakers. I also don't love the spot for the Suns, who are playing the final game of a 4 game road trip, they got the Warriors on deck and this will be their 5th game in the last 7 days. Give me the Nets -1!  

40* (CBB) - Public Money ATS SLAUGHTER (UNLV +10.5) 

I'll take my chances with the Runnin' Rebels catching 10.5 at home against UCLA. There's been so much hype around this Bruins team and rightfully so, that loss to Gonzaga isn't going to keep the public from laying big numbers with this team. I just think we are getting value with an inflated number. 

I also like what I've seen out of this UNLV team. While they are just 4-2, two of those losses came against NCAA Tournament caliber teams in Michigan and Wichita State. They were competitive in both. They lost by 13 to the Wolverines and by just 1 to the Shockers. I don't know if they can win this game outright, but keeping it within the number shouldn't be a problem. Give me the Runnin' Rebels +10.5! 

40* (NBA) - Late Night ATS ANNIHILATOR (Kings +7.5) 

I cashed on the Kings as a short home dog in Wednesday's 125-121 win over the Blazers and I will gladly take a shot on Sacramento as a 7.5-point dog against a Lakers team that is still trying to figure things out. 

Betting public loves to bet LeBron and the Lakers, especially off a win and cover. Books know this and will inflate the numbers. We see this in the fact that LA is a mere 19-35 ATS last 2 seasons off a win. Lakers are also just 15-27 ATS last 42 as a home favorite. Give me the Kings +7.5! 

40* (CBB) - Over/Under Total KNOCKOUT (Under 140) 

Based on the spread, the books are projecting a score here with a total of 140 in the lines of something like Memphis 76-64 and I just don't see it. I think as good as the Cyclones looked in their upset win over Xavier, they are going to have a miserable time trying to score against this Memphis defense.

The Tigers are No. 1 in the country in defensive efficiency right now. They are No. 4 in 2pt% defense and No. 3 in block%. Iowa State simply doesn't have the shooting to get a lot of easy looks in this one. The key here is I think the Cyclones can hold their own defensively and make it tough on Memphis to get to 70 points. Give me the UNDER 140! 

40* (NBA) - No Doubt ATS BLOWOUT (Pacers -3.5) 

I'll take my chances with the Pacers laying just 3.5-points at home against the Raptors. Toronto had a great comeback win on the road against Memphis on Wednesday, as they went from trailing 59-71 at the half to winning the game 126-113. 

It always takes a little more out of you playing from behind and I just don't trust this Raptors team to play well in this spot against what should be a hungry Pacers team that just lost in OT at home to Lakers. I really think Indiana is on the upswing right now and if it wasn't for LeBron going off, they would have beat LA. 

Even with that win at Memphis, the Raptors are just 3-7 SU and 3-7 ATS over their last 10 games and are in a bit of a flat/tired spot playing their 6th and final road game of a road trip that started with 4 games on the west coast. Give me the Pacers -3.5! 

40* (CBB) - Sharp Money ATS DESTROYER (Va Tech -2.5) 

I'll lay it with the Hokies as they take on Xavier in a matchup between two teams that lost their first games of the NIT Season Tip-Off special. It was just much different showings from these two teams. The Musketeers lost by double-digits to a very mediocre ISU team as a near double-digit favorite. Va Tech more than held their own in a 71-77 loss to a really good Memphis team. 

It really looked like the Cyclones defense got to Xavier, which is really bad news for them because Va Tech is a much better defensive team than ISU. I just think the number here is too low. Give me the Hokies -2.5! 

40* (NBA) - Situational Late Night MASSACRE (Kings +3.5) 

This is a bit of a plug your nose bet, but I'm going to take my chances with Sacramento catching points at home against the Blazers. I know the Kings have been bad of late, going just 1-8 SU and 1-8 ATS over their last 9 games. A stretch that recently resulted in head coach Luke Walton getting fired. 

While they lost their first game after Walton was fired 94-102 at home to a depleted 76ers team on Monday, they did show me something in that game. Sacramento held Philly to just 42.4% from the field and were up 9 in the 4th quarter. They just couldn't buy a basket in the final 10 minutes. 

I think we see this team come out inspired here and I really think it's a good spot to fade the Blazers. Not only is Portland playing the second of a back-to-back on the road, they got a showdown with Steph Curry and the Warriors on deck Friday. You also got to look at how different Portland has been at home compared to on the road, which I think is big here after the Blazers just played 4 straight at home. Portland is 9-1 SU and 8-2 ATS at home compared to just 1-7 SU and 1-7 ATS on the road this season. Give me the Kings +3.5! 

40* (NBA) - No Doubt ATS BLOWOUT (Grizzlies -3.5) 

I will lay the 3.5 at home with Memphis against the Raptors tonight. I think this Grizzlies team is on the upswing right now and are certainly going to be coming into this game with a lot of confidence after going on the road and beating the Jazz 119-118 as a 11-point dog in their last game. Memphis has won and covered 3 of their last 4 and are 6-3 SU and 6-3 ATS at home, compared to just 3-5 SU and 4-4 ATS on the road. 

The other big key here is this is not a great spot for the Raptors. While Toronto is playing on 2 days of rest, this team has really been playing some bad basketball over the last few weeks. Raptors are just 2-7 SU and 2-7 ATS in their last 9 games. They are playing their 5th straight on the road (10th road game in their last 13 overall). They are not shooting the ball well and are really playing poorly on the defensive side (allowed 4 of their last 5 opponents to shoot 49% or better). Give me Grizzlies -3.5!

50* (NBA) - Bounce Back PLAY OF THE MONTH (Bulls -8.5) 

I love the Bulls to go on the road and easily cover the 8.5-point spread against an awful Rockets team. I think the biggest thing you got to make sure of when playing against Houston is that the team you are backing is motivated to play well, because this is definitely a team that is so bad that it can be really easy for teams to overlook. 

I'm confident the Bulls will be motivated, as Chicago is coming off easily their worst performance of the season in Monday's 77-109 loss at home to the Pacers. It was simply a massive letdown spot for the Bulls. Chicago had just played a 5-game west coast trip and in their first game back had a big revenge game against the Knicks. Not a surprise they didn't have it against Indiana in the second leg of a back-to-back. 

Houston hasn't won a game since beating OKC back on Oct. 22nd and are losing on average by 11.2 ppg. Give me the Bulls -8.5! 

40* (CBB) - Sharp Money ATS SLAUGHTER (Xavier -8) 

I will gladly lay the 8-points with the Musketeers as they take on Iowa State in the NIT Season Tip-Off in Brooklyn. I just think this is a much bigger mismatch than what the books are suggesting. 

Xavier comes in ranked 33rd in the KenPom rankings and have started out 4-0. They didn't play great in their opener against Niagara, but have looked really good in 3 games following. They rolled a quality Kent St team 73-59, beat Ohio State at home 71-65 and crushed Norfolk St 88-48. 

Iowa State is also 4-0 and I believe that record is what really has the number lower than it should be. The Cyclones have played 3 teams who rank outside the Top 290 and the one impressive win came at home against Oregon State, who had to travel quite a ways to play in a very tough environment at Hilton Coliseum. That's also an Oregon State team that has started just 1-4 with their only win against Portland State and have lost to the likes of Samford at home. 

I still think this is an ISU team that is closer to the team that went 2-22 last year than what their 4-0 start would lead you to believe. Give me Xavier -8! 

40* (CBB) - Over/Under Total NO-BRAINER (UNDER 143) 

I think we are getting some big time value with the UNDER at 143 in Wednesday's early matchup between No. 22 UConn and No. 19 Auburn in the Battle 4 Atlantis in the Bahamas. I think we are seeing an inflated total due to the big numbers that these two teams have put up early against some much weaker defenses. 

UConn is one of the highest scoring teams in the country right now, as they are averaging 92.0 ppg on 50.2% shooting. That's going to happen when you are as talented as the Huskies against the schedule they have faced. UConn's highest ranked team they have played in KenPom's rankings is LIU at No. 275. The other 3 teams all ranked outside the Top 315. All of those teams rank outside the Top 200 in defensive efficiency. 

Now they face an Auburn team that is 34th in the country in defensive efficiency and 31st in effective field goal defense. Tigers also rank 7th in the country in block%. 

Auburn is averaging 76.0 ppg, but we saw how their offense looked against a good defense in their last game, as they managed just 58 points against a USF team that ranks 91st in defensive efficiency and 32nd in effective FG%. UConn is a big step up for them as well, as they are 19th in defensive efficiency and 5th in EFG%. Give me the UNDER 143! 

40* (NBA) - Sharp Money VEGAS INSIDER (Mavs +5.5) 

I will take a shot here with the Mavs catching 5.5 on the road against the Clippers, as these two teams will face off in a rematch from Sunday in LA, which the Clippers won 97-91. LA only won that matchup by 6, despite them shooting 48% from the field and the Mavs only shooting 41%. 

Dallas also played that first game with their best player in Luka Doncic. While Doncic is listed as questionable, there figures to be a good chance he plays. He was close to coming back on Sunday and was seen taking part in scrimmages during Monday's practice. Even if the Mavs decide to sit him a 4th straight game, I still think Dallas is the play here. 

Mavs are 37-18-1 ATS last 56 on the road vs a team with a winning home record and 9-4 ATS last 13 off a SU loss. Clippers are just 3-7 ATS last 10 off a game where they covered the spread. Give me Dallas +5.5! 

50* (CBB) Situational MAX UNIT Top Play (Oakland -1.5) 

I'm a little surprised that we are getting such a great number here with Oakland. Both of these teams won their first game in the Gulf Coast Showcase that's taking place in Estero, FL on Monday. Might seem like an even handicap in terms of rest, but that's not the case. 

While Oakland had a battle in a 63-61 win over a good Vermont team, the Owls played 15 extra minutes in a 109-104 3OT win against Evansville. Rice had 4 of their 5 starters log at least 40 minutes, with senior guard Carl Pierre logging 51 minutes. While 5 guys played off the bench for the Owls, three of the 5 logged fewer than 10 minutes, as Rice essentially used a 7-man rotation. 

I also think you got look at what these two teams have done early. Rice is 4-1, but all 4 wins have come against teams ranked outside of the Top 200 at KenPom. Oakland is just 3-2, but all 5 of their games have come against teams ranked in the Top 120, with 3 of the 5 coming vs teams in the Top 50 (W Virginia, Oklahoma St and Alabama). Give me the Grizzlies -1.5! 

40* (CBB) - Vegas Oddsmakers LINE MISTAKE (Providence +2.5) 

I think the wrong team is favored in this neutral site matchup between the Big Ten's Northwestern and the Big East's Providence. Both of these teams come into this game 4-0, but only one of these two teams has been tested. 

The Friars went on the road and beat a very good Wisconsin team 63-58. Northwestern on the other hand has just feasted on bad teams. All 4 of the Wildcats' wins have come against teams ranked outside the top 240 in KenPom's rankings and 3 of the 4 have come outside the Top 315! The Friars worst team they have faced is ranked 290. 

I think it's going top be tough for Northwestern to travel out to Newark, NJ and play well in a big step up game like this. I also think there's going to be a lot more Providence fans in attendance, which will make it feel more like a road game. It's a 2 hour flight for Evanston and less than a 4 hour drive from Providence. Give me the Friars +2.5! 

50* (NBA) - Sharp Money MAX UNIT Top Play (Wizards -3.5) 

I love the Wizards as a slim 3.5-point home favorite against the Hornets. Washington is going to come into this game feeling really good about themselves after they pulled out a 103-100 win at home over the Heat in a game they trailed by 16 in the 3rd quarter and by 10 with just 4:42 left to play. 

I also think any kind of letdown from that big come from behind win is negated by the fact that Washington had a day off on Sunday to recoup and there being no travel between games. 

It's a much different story for the Hornets, who just had their 5-game SU and ATS win streak snapped in a 105-115 loss at Atlanta on Saturday. While Charlotte also had Sunday off, they had to travel from Atlanta to Washington and will be playing their 3rd game in 4 nights. 

You also have to look at how well the Wizards have played at home. Washington is 7-1 SU and 7-1 ATS at Capital One Arena this season. Hornets are just 13-24 ATS last two seasons as a road dog, where they are losing by an average of 8.6 ppg. Give me the Wizards -3.5! 

40* (CBB) Late Night Total KNOCKOUT (UNDER 145) 

I think we are getting some great value with the UNDER at 145. These are two of the best defensive teams in the country according to KenPom. Arizona ranks 19th in defensive efficiency and are No.1 in the country in defending the 2-point shot. There will be no easy baskets for the Wolverines in this one and they aren't exactly a great 3-point shooting team. Michigan is shooting just 32.1% from deep and only average 6 made 3-pointers a game. 

We saw a good Seton Hall defense that ranks No. 1 in defensive efficiency and No. 25 in 2-point defense hold the Wolverines to just 65 points on 41.9% shooting in their big upset loss earlier this week. 

Arizona comes in averaging an impressive 91.0 ppg on 48% shooting, but a lot of that is because they played 3 cup cakes to start the year. They only had 69 points at the end of regulation against Wichita State and shot just 40.7% from the field and were 5 for 27 (18.5%) from deep. Give me the UNDER 145! 

40* (NBA) Sharp Money VEGAS INSIDER (Bulls -5) 

I'll take my chances with Chicago cashing as 5-point home favorite against the Knicks. Bulls are in a bit of a tricky spot playing their first game back after a length west coast trip, but I don't see them having any problem getting up for this game. These two teams don't like each other and the Bulls certainly haven't forgot about a 103-104 loss to New York at home back on Oct. 28th. 

The good news is the Knicks come into this game not playing well and are in a tough scheduling spot of their own. New York is just 1-4 ATS in their last 5 and 3-8 ATS over their last 11. They were trailing in the 2nd half of last night's game at home against the Rockets, a team that has no business even being within single digits. Look for Chicago to make a statement at the United Center tonight. Give me the Bulls -5! 

40* (NBA) - No Doubt ATS BLOWOUT (Pacers -7) 

I'll take my chances here with Indiana laying it on the Pelicans and covering here as a 7-point home favorite. Both of these teams are going to be playing in the second game of a back-to-back and coming off very different results. New Orleans knocked off the Clippers 94-81 as a 4.5-point dog, while the Pacers lost 118-121 as a 1-point road favorite at Charlotte. 

In a game where fatigue figures to be a big factor, playing at home will be a huge edge for Indiana. You also got to look at how bad the Pelicans have been away from home. New Orleans is just 1-8 SU and 2-7 ATS away from home, where they are losing on average by 12.9 ppg. 

I also think this is a big bounce back spot for the Pacers, who have lost 3 straight. Each of the last two losses have come as favorites. Indiana is 6-1 ATS last 3 seasons after losing back-to-back games as a favorite. Pelicans are 0-8 ATS last 8 on the road against teams who are allowing 108 or fewer points/game. Give me the Pacers -7! 

40* (CBB) - Early Bird ATS ANNIHILATOR (Drake -4) 

I think we are getting a great price here with the Bulldogs as a slim 4-point home favorite against the Spiders. Drake is absolutely loaded this year. The Bulldogs return all 5 starters from last year's NCAA Tournament team. They have all the pieces in place to be even better this year. 

Richmond returns 4 starters, but I just haven't been impressed with what I've seen out of the Spiders early on. They beat a bad NC Central team by just 10 in their opener and lost outright 74-85 as a 6.5-point favorite to Utah State. Drake is simply the better offensive and defensive team in this matchup and just aren't getting enough respect at home. Give me the Bulldogs -4! 

50* (NBA) - Sharp Money MAX UNIT Top Play (Kings -3.5) 

I really like the price and the spot for the Kings, who are just 3.5-point home favorites against a struggling Raptors team. Sacramento is coming off a very disappointing 1-3 road trip against the Spurs, Thunder, Pistons and T-Wolves. 

Veteran big man Tristan Thompson voiced his frustration with the lack of intensity his team showed in this trip and I just think we are going to see an inspired effort from the Kings here at home. I know Sacramento is just 2-4 at home, but 3 of the 4 losses have come against 3 of the best teams in the West in the Warriors, Jazz and Suns and all 3 of those were by 8 or fewer. 

Toronto has not been playing well for a couple weeks now. The Raptors are 1-6 SU and 1-6 ATS over their last 7 games. They are shooting the ball poorly and not playing together on defense. They have allowed each of their last 3 opponents to shoot 50% or better from the field and one of those teams was the Pistons. I just don't see them snapping out of this in what will be their 3rd road game on a west coast trip, especially in the 2nd of a back-to-back after a game last night in Utah. Give me the Kings -3.5! 

40* (CBB) - Vegas Oddsmakers LINE MISTAKE (Oakland +16.5) 

I'll take a shot here with Oakland catching 16.5 points on the road against the Crimson Tide. I just think this is a classic case where you have a ranked Alabama team (No. 14) being overvalued against an unranked opponent. 

This is far from a pushover for the Crimson Tide. This Oakland team is legit. They have already played two teams ranked in the Top 50 of KenPom's rankings in West Virginia and Oklahoma State. They lost by just 7 as a 17.5-point dog on the road to the Mountaineers and beat Oklahoma State 56-55 as a 17-point dog on the road. They also covered their other game with ease, knocking off Toledo 80-59 as a mere 2-point favorite. 

I also think this could be a bit of a tricky spot for Alabama, as it's their last game before they get ready to go to Orlando for a Thanksgiving Tournament that will likely end up with a showdown against Kansas. Give me the Golden Grizzlies +16.5! 

40* (CBB) - Situational ATS SLAUGHTER (Wyoming +1.5) 

I'll take my chances with the Cowboys cashing as a slim 1.5-point road dog against the Huskies. Wyoming is talented team that I think is flying a bit under the radar to start the year. The Cowboys went just 14-11 last year in the first year under new head coach Jeff Linder, but this guy has a great track record. He had a 15-win jump from year one to year two in his last sting at Northern Colorado. 

What I think has them ready to take that next step is the emergence of 6'9 sophomore Graham Ike. He was limited to just 12 games last year and averaged just 11.2 ppg. He's put up 20+ in each of Wyoming's first two games this year. He gives them a potent 1-2 punch with senior point guard Hunter Maldonado, who many considered one of the top returning players in the MWC. 

The other big thing for me, is I think Washington isn't very good. The Huskies have started 2-1, but lost outright in their opener to Northern Illinois 64-71 and that's a Huskies team that is ranked outside the top 310 in the country at KenPom. They only beat Northern Arizona 73-62 and Texas Southern 72-65. Both of those teams are outside the Top 220 with Northern Arizona ranked even lower than Northern Illinois. Give me Wyoming +1.5! 

50* (NBA) - Vegas Insider MAX UNIT Top Play (Grizzlies +1.5) 

I really like Memphis as a small home dog against the Clippers tonight. Memphis has finally gotten healthy with the return of Dillon Brooks. He's that second scoring option this team has been lacking behind Morant. In the 3 games (2 starts) Brooks has made, he's averaged 19.7 ppg. With the Grizzlies coming into this game on a full two days of rest with no travel between games, I really like them to play well. 

On the flip side of this, I think this is a great sell high spot with Los Angeles. The Clippers come into this game having gone 8-1 SU and 6-2 ATS over their last 8 games. Thing is, LA has played their last 6 at home and the only two on the road during this stretch were against a bad Timberwolves team. Lot of people forget the Clippers were just 1-4 SU prior to this recent run. Give me the Grizzlies +1.5! 

40* (CBB) - No Doubt ATS BLOWOUT (Ole Miss -3.5) 

I will gladly take my chances with Ole Miss as a slim 3.5-point favorite against Marquette. This game will be played on a neutral site at TD Arena in Charleston, South Carolina. I really like what Kermit Davis is doing in Oxford and I think he's got a very underrated team coming into the year. This is a team that a lot of people have closer to the bottom than the top in the SEC in their predicted standings and I think they got the goods to compete. 

On the flip side of this, I think Marquette is getting way too much respect from their last game, where they upset No. 10 ranked Illinois 67-66 as a 8-point dog. Keep in mind that's an Illini team that hasn't exactly looked great early and were without one of the best players in the country in Kofi Cockburn. That game was also played on Monday, so just a two day turnaround sets up a possible letdown. Ole Miss on the other hand has been off since whooping Charleston last Friday. Give me the Rebels -3.5! 

40* (CBB) - Smart Money ATS MASSACRE (Ohio St -2) 

I will gladly take a shot here with Ohio State as a slim 2-point road favorite against the Musketeers. I think we are getting a great price with the Buckeyes do their lackluster ATS start. Ohio State barely beat Akron 67-66 as a 16.5-pt favorite and then only beat Niagara 84-74 as a 20-pt favorite. They did bounce back in a big way in their next game, beating Bowling Green 89-58 as a mere 16-pt favorite. 

I just think because the game is being played at Xavier and the Musketeers are 2-0 to start the year, we are getting a great price with the Buckeyes in this matchup. Very similar to last night, when Michigan State was laying such a short number against Butler and wound up winning 73-52. 

Other big thing with the Musketeers is they are still without big man Zach Freemantle, who was one of the top big men in the Big East last year, averaging 16.1 ppg and 8.9 rpg on 51% shooting. I think they are going to really miss him against a big, strong and athletic front of Ohio State, especially with how Xavier has struggled from deep (shooting 25% from behind the 3-pt line). Give me the Buckeyes -2! 

40* (CBB) - No Doubt ATS BLOWOUT (Indiana -4.5) 

I just think this is too good a price to pass up with the Hoosiers at home. Not to take anything away from St. John's, who figures to finish in the top half of the Big East this year, but I think there's a pretty big gap in the Big East after the top teams of Villanova and UConn. 

So while Indiana is picked by many to finish middle of the pack in the Big Ten, I think they are clearly the better team and there's not enough being factor into this line for how tough it is to win at Assembly Hall. I think the atmosphere could really prove to be a problem for a St. John's team that endured a lot of turnover from last year. Give me the Hoosiers -4.5! 

50* (CBB) - Vegas Insider PLAY OF THE MONTH (Mississippi St -15.5) 

I love Mississippi State as a mere 15.5-point home favorite. I really like what Ben Howland is doing in Starkville and I've been impressed with how good the Bulldogs have looked to start the year. This is a team that added in some big time talent to already talented roster in the transfer portal. They brought in Rocket Watts from Michigan State, D.J. Jeffries from Memphis, Garrison Brooks from North Carolina and Shakeel Moore from NC State. 

They are scoring 80.5 ppg on 50.4% shooting from the field and 46% from behind the 3-point line. They absolutely destroyed North Alabama and Montana in their first two games and have another cupcake here in Detroit, who is giving up 83 ppg on 52% shooting and that's against the likes of Wyoming and Toledo. Give me the Bulldogs -15.5! 

40* (NBA) - Blockbuster ATS NO-BRAINER (Hawks -4)

I will gladly take my chances with the Hawks as a mere 4-point home favorite against the Celtics. Atlanta has really been a Jekyll and Hyde team this year when it comes to where they are playing. The Hawks are 1-8 SU and 0-9 ATS on the road compared to 5-1 SU and 5-1 ATS at home. Their only home loss came against the Jazz in the 2nd of a back-to-back after they played at Brooklyn against the Nets the night before. 

Boston has been hit or miss all year and are just not a team I can trust on the road against a quality team without one of their best players in Jaylen Brown. They also could be without talented big man Robert Williams, who is questionable to play after leaving their last game with a knee injury. Give me the Hawks -4! 

40* (NBA) - Situational ATS MASSACRE (Hornets PK) 

I will gladly take a shot with the Hornets as a pick'em at home against the Wizards. I just feel like now is the time to sell high on Washington. The Wizards have shocked everyone by jumping out to the best record in the Eastern Conference at 10-3 and with all the big media outlets starting to talk about them, I think we are seeing the books finally make an adjustment on them. 

Now I'm not saying the Wizards aren't greatly improved and a playoff contender in the East, but there is reason to be pessimistic with their strong start. While they do have some decent wins over the likes of the Bucks, Celtics, Hawks and Raptors, their only win against a team who currently has a winning record is a 3-point win at Cleveland, a game they had no business winning. 

Hornets come in having won and covered 3 straight and have been a much stronger team at home than on the road. Charlotte is definitely going to be up for this one and I think they could win this going away. Give me the Hornets PK! 

40* (NBA) - Sharp Money ATS ANNIHILATOR (Pacers -6.5) 

This definitely falls into the category of a so-called "square play," but I don't care. This Pistons team is awful. Detroit is just 3-10 SU and have gone 0-4 SU and 0-4 ATS in their 4 division games this year. In those 4 games they have been outscored by almost 20 ppg, losing on average by a final score of 84.2 to 101.5. Making matters even worse for Detroit is they just recently lost one of their best players in Kelly Olynyk. Not that he's great, but he's the only player with a PER (individual player rating) better than 16 at 19.06. 

I also love the spot for the Pacers, who you have to think are itching to get back on the floor after what took place in Monday's 84-92 loss at the Knicks. Indiana got outscored 23-10 in the 4th quarter of that game. They shockingly only made 2 FGs in the 4th quarter. Prior to that poor showing the Pacers had covered 6 of their previous 7 games. Give me Indiana -6.5! 

40* (CBB) - Vegas Oddsmakers LINE MISTAKE (Michigan St -2.5) 

I just think the books have made a big mistake here with making the Spartans a mere 2.5-point road favorite against the Bulldogs. Butler has fallen off quite a bit since LaVall Jordan took over. They haven't made the NCAA Tournament in 3 years and even with 5 starters back, they have the looks of the middle of the pack team in the Big East this year. 

Butler has started out 3-0, which I think is definitely playing into the number being lower than it should be. Thing is, the 3-0 start is nothing to write home about. They have beat IUPUI, Central Arkansas and Troy. All 3 of those rank outside the Top 200 teams in KenPom's ranking with two of those outside the Top 325. Michigan State is a big step up in competition and the Bulldogs just don't have the coaching or talent to win this game. Give me the Spartans -2.5! 

40* (CBB) - Situational ATS ANNIHILATOR (Seton Hall +8.5)

This is just too good a price to pass up with the Pirates as a 8.5-point road dog against No. 4 ranked Michigan. The Wolverines are a good team, but them being ranked in the Top 5 and Seton Hall not being ranked in the Top 25 has this line inflated. 

Pirates did lose some big pieces from last year, but they have looked outstanding in their first two games. They won 93-49 over Farleigh Dickinson as a 27-point favorite and 80-44 as a 11.5 point home dog to Yale. They are getting scoring from just about every player who steps on the floor. We saw Michigan struggle with a good Buffalo team at home in their opener and I think we could potentially see the Wolverines go down in this one. Give me Seton Hall +8.5! 

40* (CBB) - Vegas Oddsmakers LINE MISTAKE (St Louis +10.5) 

This is just too many points to pass up with St Louis, as they are catching double-digits on the road against No. 11 Memphis. The Tigers are a big public team and are simply being overvalued here. 

The Billikens are off to a strong 3-0 start and are a team that I think can not only contend in the A-10 but has a legit shot at making the NCAA Tournament. In their two lined games they have covered with ease, beating Central Arkansas 96-61 as a 22 point favorite and Eastern Illinois 86-44 as a 21-point favorite. With how they play defense, it's not out of the question they could win this game outright. Give me the Billikens +10.5! 

50* (NBA) - Sharp Money MAX UNIT Top Play (OVER 221.5) 

I love the OVER 221.5 in tonight's big NBA game between the Nets and Warriors. I know the UNDERS have been cashing left and right to start the 2021-22 season, but I actually think it's playing into our favor with this number. 

These are two exceptional offensive teams. The Nets had their struggles early on offense, but that has changed here of late and a big reason for that is James Harden is finally starting to play up to his potential. As for the Warriors, they have been a force offensively, averaging 115.1 ppg. I think both teams could get into the 120's, but we really just need something like a 115-110 final to cash this easy. Give me the OVER 221.5!