9* NBA Lakers/Grizzlies SHARP STAKE 

PLAY ON MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES -105

9* NBA Knicks/Cavs SHARP STAKE

PLAY ON CLEVELAND CAVALIERS -5.5

10* NBA Hawks/Celtics VEGAS INSIDER

PLAY ON ATLANTA HAWKS +10.5

10* NBA Warriors/Kings VEGAS INSIDER 

PLAY ON GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS PK

10* NBA - Heat/Bucks VEGAS INSIDER 

PLAY ON MILWAUKEE BUCKS -9

10* NBA Warriors/Kings VEGAS INSIDER 

PLAY ON GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS +100 (ML)

9* NBA Knicks/Cavs SHARP STAKE 

PLAY ON CLEVELAND CAVALIERS -5

10* NBA Bull/Heat VEGAS INSIDER on Bulls +6

10* NBA Thunder/Pelicans PLAYOFF INSIDER

PLAY ON THUNDER/PELICANS UNDER 227

10* NBA Wolves/Lakers PLAYOFF INSIDER

PLAY ON LOS ANGELES LAKERS -8

10* NBA Raptors/Celtics VEGAS INSIDER 

PLAY ON TORONTO RAPTORS +2.5

9* NBA Pacers/Pistons SHARP STAKE

PLAY ON PISTONS/PACERS OVER 229

10* NBA Heat/76ers VEGAS INSIDER

PLAY ON MIAMI HEAT +3.5

10* NBA Lakers/Clippers VEGAS INSIDER 

PLAY ON LAKERS/CLIPPERS UNDER 230

9* NBA - Kings/Pelicans SHARP STAKE 

PLAY ON NEW ORLEANS PELICANS -3.5

10* NBA - Celtics/76ers VEGAS INSIDER

PLAY ON BOSTON CELTICS +120

9* NBA - Cavs/Magic SHARP STAKE 

PLAY ON ORLANDO MAGIC +5

10* NCAAB SD State/UConn VEGAS INSIDER 

PLAY ON UCONN HUSKIES -7

10* NBA 76ers/Bucks VEGAS INSIDER 

PLAY ON MILWAUKEE BUCKS -5.5

9* NCAAB Miami/UConn SHARP STAKE 

PLAY ON UCONN HUSKIES -5.5

10* NBA Mavs/Heat VEGAS INSIDER

PLAY ON MIAMI HEAT -1

10* NCAAB San Diego St/FAU VEGAS INSIDER 

PLAY ON FAU OWLS +2.5

9* NBA Lakers/Wolves SHARP STAKE 

PLAY ON LAKERS/WOLVES OVER 232

9* NBA Jazz/Celtics SHARP STAKE 

PLAY ON UTAH JAZZ +13.5

10* NBA Hawks/Nets VEGAS INSIDER 

PLAY ON BROOKLYN NETS +103

9* NBA Jazz/Celtics SHARP STAKE 

PLAY ON TORONTO RAPTORS +5.5

10* NBA Sharp Money VEGAS INSIDER

PLAY ON LOS ANGELES LAKERS -2:

I'll gladly take my chances with the Lakers as a slim 2-point road favorite against the Bulls. Los Angeles will be out for revenge from Sunday's 108-118 home loss to Chicago. There was a bit of trash talk at the end of that game with Beverly doing the "too small" after he scored on LeBron. I expect the best that the Lakers have to offer in this one and let's not forget this is a team that had won and covered in 5 of their previous 6 games. LA also has a slight rest edge, as they have had the last two days off, while Chicago had to turn right back around and play the Clippers in LA on Monday. Give me the Lakers -2! 

10* NBA Situational VEGAS INSIDER

PLAY ON ORLANDO MAGIC +7.5: 

I'll take my chances with the Magic as a 7.5-point road dog against the Grizzlies. This feels like a bit of a flat spot for Memphis, who will is not expected to have Morant for this game. Grizzlies are also still without Ziare Williams, Brandon Clarke and Steven Adams. Memphis is a comfortable 2.5 games ahead of No. 3 Sacramento and 3.5 back of the Nuggets for the No. 1 seed with just 8 games to play. Not a lot of incentive for them to go all out, especially against a bad team like Orlando. They also got a game on deck tomorrow night against the Clippers. 

Orlando is out of it, but this is a young and talented team. One that I think is motivated to finish strong to take a positive into next year. Magic have won 3 straight and are 6-1-1 ATS over their last 8 games. Give me the Magic +7.5! 

10* NBA Sharp Money VEGAS INSIDER

PLAY ON MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES +5: 

I'll take my chances with the Timberwolves as a 5-point road dog against the Kings. Minnesota has gotten healthy with the return of Karl Anthony Towns. Wolves have won 3 straight. Most recently winning on the road at the Warriors 99-96 as a 6.5-point dog. I like Minnesota to keep this within the number and potentially win outright. Kings could be without Fox (Questionable). Home favorites of 3.5 to 9.5 points off 2 or more home wins are just 7-29 (19.4%) ATS in the month of March over the last 5 seasons. Give me the Timberwolves +5! 

10* NCAAB Elite 8 VEGAS INSIDER 

PLAY ON TEXAS LONGHORNS -4:

I will gladly lay the 4-points with the Longhorns in their Elite 8 matchup with the Hurricanes. Miami was really impressive in their win over Houston, but I also think that was about as bad as the Cougars could play. I know the Cougars offense went into that game rated highly, but like Miami's previous opponent (Indiana), I think they had their limitations. I still think this Miami defense isn't all that. I see them really struggling to contain this Texas offense. I also think the Longhorns have the size/speed/athleticism to keep Miami from getting out and generating their offense in transition. Give me the Longhorns -4!

9* NBA Situational ATS SLAUGHTER

PLAY ON LOS ANGELES LAKERS -3.5:

I'll take my chances with the Lakers as a slim 3.5-point home favorite against the Bulls. Chances are LeBron won't return for this game, but I still think LA is the obvious choice at this price. Lakers have won 11 of their last 15 games. They are currently sitting in the No. 8 spot in the west standings, but the work is far from done. Lakers are just 1-game ahead of the Mavs and 2 in front of Utah, who currently sit out of the playoffs at 11th and 12th. Lakers have won 3 straight and I just feel they should be a bigger favorite at home against a very average Bulls team. Chicago is just 8-19 ATS over the last 2 seasons in road games vs teams from the west. Give me the Lakers -3.5!

10* NCAAB Elite 8 VEGAS INSIDER:

PLAY ON CONNECTICUT HUSKIES -2.5:

I'll take my chances with UConn as a slim 2.5-point favorite against Gonzaga in Saturday's Elite 8 matchup. The Huskies imposed their will in Thursday's 88-65 win over Arkansas, while the Bulldogs found themselves in a dogfight in their 79-76 win over UCLA. So far Gonzaga's offense has been able to get the job done, but I just don't think they are going to be able to rely on their offense against this UConn team. Huskies have looked like the best team in the field thru the first 3 rounds. UConn has the fire-power on offense to take advantage of a soft Gonzaga defense and the size and length to make things tough on the Bulldogs offense. Give me UConn -2.5! 

10* NCAAB - Sharp Money VEGAS INSIDER

PLAY ON ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE -7:

I got not problem laying the 7-points with Alabama in their Sweet 16 matchup with San Diego State. The two most impressive teams so far, at least to me, have been UConn and Alabama. The Crimson Tide were locked in from the start. They Texas A&M CC 96-75 and rolled Maryland 73-51 in the Round of 32. All that Brandon Miller drama that this team had to deal with a few weeks ago is gone. I don't think the Aztecs will be able to keep this close. San Diego State is a good team that plays good defense. They had to ideal matchups in the first two rounds against Charleston and Furman. Two teams they could impose their will on and out-physical them. Alabama is arguably the best defensive team in the country. A physical game is what they want. Big difference is the Crimson Tide are also a very good offensive team. San Diego State's offense is slight above average at best. I think Alabama is the only team that's able to consistently generate offense. Give me the Crimson Tide -7! 

10* Sweet 16 Sharp Money VEGAS INSIDER

PLAY ON TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS -5.5: I will gladly lay the 5.5 with the Vols against Florida Atlantic. It's been a great run for FAU to the Sweet 16, but let's not ignore how fortunate they were to get here. The Owls hit a shot with 2.5 seconds left to upset Memphis 66-65 in the 1st round. Tigers had the ball with under 20 seconds to play and the lead and lost possession on a jump ball. They then faced No. 16 seed FDU instead of No. 1 seed Purdue in the Round of 32. 

Tennessee had a little tougher time than expected in a 58-55 win over Louisiana in the 1st round, but came back and looked like a legit Final Four contender with a 65-52 win over Duke. Keep in mind many advanced metrics had Duke playing some of the best basketball of any team entering the tournament. The Vols physicality and pressure on defense really made things miserable for the flashy high-scoring Duke offense. I think they will do the same here against a FAU team that wants to play in space. Give me the Vols -5.5! 

10* NBA Sharp Money VEGAS INSIDER

PLAY ON MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES -3.5:

I'll take my chances with Minnesota as a mere 3.5-point home favorite against the Hawks. The Timberwolves are without Anthony Edwards, but Karl Anthony Towns has been upgraded from out to questionable. I think there's a good chance he plays. I'm not expecting a ton from him either way in his first game back. Minnesota won without both Edwards and Towns in their last game at New York and put up 140 points in the process. Hawks aren't a great road team and are in an awful scheduling spot playing the second of a back-to-back. Also 3rd game in 4 days. Give me the Timberwolves -3.5! 

10* NBA Sharp Money VEGAS INSIDER

PLAY ON OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER +6.5

I'm betting Oklahoma City as a 6.5-point road dog against the Clippers. I just feel like LA is getting a little too much respect in this spot. Clippers come in having won 5 of their last 6. They did blowout the Blazers by 15-points in their last game, but the other 4 wins were all by single-digits. This will be LA's 3rd game in 4 nights and these two teams will turn around and play each other again on Thursday. OKC is the more rested team, as this will be just their 2nd game in 4 days. Thunder have consistently been undervalued. They are 7-2 SU and 7-2 ATS over their last 7 games. Give me OKC +6.5! 

10* NBA Over/Under PLAY OF THE MONTH

PLAY ON MAVS/GRIZZLIES OVER 229.5:

These two teams should have no problem eclipsing 230 points. I believe there's some value with this total due to the questionable tags on both Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic. I think both play. Irving returned from a 3-game absence on Friday and played 39 minutes. Doncic didn't play in that game, but he did practice fully on Thursday. Dallas has had the last two days off. That's quite a boost to their offense, which is averaging just 110.0 ppg over their last 5. 

Key is that Doncic and Irving are not good defenders. You don't got much shot containing this Memphis offense, even without Morant, if you aren't fully connected on the defensive end. Grizzlies defense hasn't been great of late, giving up 119+ in each of their last 3. Give me the OVER 229.5! 

10* NCAAB Sharp Money VEGAS INSIDER

PLAY ON TCU HORNED FROGS +4.5:

Give me TCU +4.5 against the Zags on Sunday. I just don't think Gonzaga is as good as what people think. Yes, the offense is really good, but to me they lack physicality and aren't nearly good enough on the defensive end. Zags are 244th in the country in effective FG% defense, ranking 251st in defending the 3-pointer and 220th against 2-pt shots.They were far from dominant in their 1st round game against Grand Canyon. They were down 7 with 5:57 left to play in the 1st half. 

On the flip side, I think TCU is one of the more underrated teams in this tournament. TCU didn't have their best player, Mike Miles for 5 games in Big 12 play. They were 1-4 in those games. They did lose both games to Texas and split with KU, but their two losses to the Longhorns were by a combined 10 points and their loss to KU was by 5. 

I thought they showed a lot about themselves in their first round game against Arizona State, jumping out to a 15-4 lead only to find themselves down 11 at the 16 minute mark of the 2nd half. Most teams don't recover in that spot and yet they found a way to win that game. I look for Miles to have a field day against this poor Gonzaga defense and for TCU's defense to make things uncomfortable for the Bulldogs offense. Give me TCU +4.5! 

9* NCAAB Vegas Oddsmakers LINE MISTAKE

PLAY ON UCONN HUSKIES -4:

Lay the points with UConn against St Mary's. The Huskies are the far superior team in this matchup. I'm just not a big believer in this Gaels team. SMU's resume to me just isn't anything to get excited about. The mopped up along with Gonzaga in the WCC, going 14-2 in league play. They were 11-4 in non-conference games. Only one of those was against a team ranked in the Top 65. They do have a win over San Diego State. Their next best win is against North Texas. They have played two games against a team from the Big 12, Big 10, SEC, Big East and Pac-12. Those being Vanderbilt and Washington. Neither of those teams sniffed an at-large bid. 

St Mary's wants to slow the game down, but I don't think UConn will be thrown out of whack by a slower paced game. They ranked 214th in adjusted tempo. The Huskies know how to put the ball in the basket against any team. They ranked No. 3 in the country in adjusted offensive efficiency. It's not all offense for UConn. Huskies were 17th in adjusted defensive efficiency and No. 11 in effective FG%. I think St Mary's only hope is if they get hot from deep and that's going to be hard to do. UConn ranks 19th in defending the 3-pt shot. Give me UConn -4! 

9* NCAAB Situational ATS SLAUGHTER

PLAY ON MARQUETTE GOLDEN FLASHES -2.5:

I will gladly take my chances with Marquette as a mere 2.5-point favorite against Michigan State. Shaka Smart's done a tremendous job with this Golden Eagles team and I just don't think a lot of people realize how good they are. They aren't great on defense, but they do force teams out of their comfort zone. They rank 18th in TO% and opponents on average use up 18.7 seconds of the shot clock. That's the 7th best mark in the country. 

Marquette is also an offensive force. Ranking 6th in adjusted offensive efficiency and 7th in effective FG%. Michigan State is solid on both sides of the ball, but not really great at anything. They are one of the better 3-point shooting teams in the country, but they rank 301st out of 360 teams in 3PA/FGA. I just don't think the Spartans will have enough offensive firepower to keep it close. Give me Marquette -2.5! 

9* NBA No Doubt ATS MASSACRE

PLAY ON THE OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER PICK'EM:

I got no problem playing OKC at home against Phoenix on Sunday. Thunder are coming off a win, but have won 6 of their last 8 games. They should be highly motivated from an ugly loss back on March 8th at Phoenix, where the Suns won in a blowout 132-101. You might remember that was the game that Durant got hurt in warmups. They have lost 3 of 4 without Durant since and the lone win was by just 3-points at Orlando as a 8-point favorite. Simply put the market is still way too high on this team without Durant. They also are playing without Ayton. Give me the Thunder PK! 

9* NCAAB LATE NITE ATS MASSACRE

PLAY ON PENN STATE NITTANY LIONS +5.5:

I will take my chances with Penn State as a 5.5-point dog against Texas. I backed both of these teams and cashed a winning ticket in the 1st round. I backed Texas because of how overrated I thought Colgate was. The Raiders dominated in the Patriot League, but were just 6-7 in non-conference games. Not to take anything away from Texas, but this Penn State team is no joke. I thought the Nittany Lions were one of the most underrated teams coming into this tournament. Penn State won 5 of 6 to close out the regular-season. They then won 3 games in 3 day in the Big Ten Tournament before losing to Purdue by 2-points in the title game. Few teams in this field shoot the 3-ball better than Penn State and it's not just 1 guy the Longhorns have to worry about. Nittany Lions can go score for score with Texas and I give them a real shot here of winning outright. Give me Penn State +5.5! 

9* NCAAB Situational ATS SLAUGHTER

PLAY ON HOUSTON COUGARS -5:

I will gladly take my chances with Houston as a 5-point favorite against Auburn. I'm just not buying into the Tigers win over Iowa in the first round. The Hawkeyes couldn't have shot the ball worse and Iowa has no chance when they don't make shots given how bad they are on defense. I don't see Auburn's offense having near the success here against this Houston defense. The Tigers go from facing an Iowa defense that ranked 308th in effective FG% defense to facing a Cougars team that was No. 2 in the country in that category. There are no easy looks. Houston was No. 2 in defending the 3-pt shot and No. 4 against 2-pt attempts. Give me Houston -5! 

9* NCAAB No Doubt ATS BLOWOUT

PLAY ON KANSAS JAYHAWKS -3.5:

I don't typically like to be on the same side as a big public play, but I just can't help myself with Kansas only laying 3.5 against the Razorbacks. Kansas is without question one of the most talented teams in the country and they put their ugly loss to Texas in the Big 12 title game behind them with a convincing 96-68 win over Howard on Thursday. Arkansas was able to beat Illinois 73-63, but that's not really saying a lot. Fighting Illini were way overrated if you ask me. Razorbacks had lost 4 of their last 5 games to close out the regular-season and in the SEC Tournament. They were a mere 8-11 over their final 19 games of the regular season (started the year 11-1). It's going to take a really bad game by Kansas just for Arkansas to keep this close. Give me the Jayhawks -3.5! 

10* NCAAB Rdd of 32 PLAY OF THE WEEKEND

PLAY ON DUKE BLUE DEVILS -3:

I will gladly take my chances with Duke as a slim 3-point favorite against the Volunteers. Duke was my pick to make it out of the East and that has not changed. If anything, I like it even more, as No. 1 seed Purdue was knocked out in the 1st round by No. 16 Fairleigh Dickinson.

Blue Devils didn't get off to their typical start. They were just 17-8 overall and 8-6 in ACC play after a loss at Virginia on Feb. 11. That was to be expected. This is a young team that was transitioning away from Coach K. Duke hasn't lost since. They won 6 straight to close out the regular-season, 3 more in route to a ACC Tournament title and then cruised to a 74-51 win over Oral Roberts. 

Books were way off on that line in their first round matchup with the Golden Eagles. Duke was only a 5.5-point favorite. While Tennessee is certainly a more challenging opponent, I don't think 3 is near enough. Vols got off to a great start. They were 18-3 going into February. They were 7-1 in SEC play and fresh off a big win over Texas. They went just 4-6 over their final 10 and then got bounced early by Missouri in the SEC Tournament. Give me Duke -3! 

9* NCAA Tournament Situational ATS SLAUGHTER

PLAY ON INDIANA HOOSIERS -4.5:

I'll gladly take my chances with Indiana as a slim 4.5-point favorite against Kent State. I think the Hoosiers are flying a bit under the radar coming into the NCAA Tournament. Indiana got off to a dismal start. They were just 10-6 overall and 1-4 in Big Ten play back on Jan. 11th. They proceeded to win 12 of their next 17. They had a nice 10-point win over Maryland in their first game of the Big Ten tournament before losing the next day to another very underrated team in Penn State. They did not shoot the ball well at all vs the Nittany Lions and still only lost that game by 4 points. 

The one thing Kent State does well is force opponents into mistakes, but that's not going to be easy to do against a more talented and athletic Indiana team. I also just don't think that the Golden Flashes have the size inside to contain one of the best big men in the country in Trayce Jackson-Davis. Give me the Hoosiers -4.5! 

10* NCAA Tournament Sharp Money VEGAS INSIDER

PLAY ON KANSAS STATE WILDCATS -7.5:

I love K-State as a 7.5-point favorite against Montana State. The Wildcats to me are coming into the tournament a bit undervalued after losing their regular-season finale and then having a poor showing in a 13-point loss to TCU in the Big 12 Tournament. This is a K-State team they swept their 2 games vs Baylor and split their two meetings with Kansas and Texas. 

I just don't think Montana State is anywhere close to being on the same playing level as the Wildcats. The Bobcats won the Big Sky Tournament, but it is worth noting they needed 2OT to get by Weber State in the semis and benefited from top seed Eastern Washington getting upset in their first game. 

The biggest thing for me when I look at Montana State is their non-conference. They were just 7-6 in games outside of the Big Sky. Their best non-conference win being a 3-point victory against Southern Utah, who finished ranked 112th at KenPom. They also played two Pac-12 teams and were not competitive in either, losing by 30 to Oregon and by 21 to Arizona. Give me K-State -7.5! 

9* NCAA Tournament No Doubt ATS MASSACRE

PLAY ON MEMPHIS TIGERS -1.5:

I got not problem laying the 1.5 with Memphis against FAU. The Owls have one of the best records of any team in the tournament at 31-3, but they also played the 246th toughest non-conference slate. I just feel that their record has them getting way too much respect against a Tigers team that feels like they are flying under the radar. 

Memphis won the AAC Tournament, defeating Houston by 10 in the title game. They were 15-4 over their last 19 games. Two of those losses came in OT and the other two were close losses to Houston. They also had a 3-point loss on the road to Alabama. They too me at the very least should be a No. 5 seed and I think there's a case to be made they are one of the Top 15 best teams in the country. Give me Memphis -1.5! 

9* NCAA Tournament Vegas LINE MISTAKE

PLAY ON IONA GAELS +9.5:

I will take my chances with Iona covering the 9.5 against UConn. This is not so much a play against the Huskies, as it is too good a price to pass up with the Gaels. Iona comes into this game on the nations 2nd longest winning streak at 14 games. They absolutely steamrolled their way to a MAAC regular-season and tournament title. They are coached by non other than the legendary Rick Pitino.

Iona plays outstanding defense. They finished No. 16 in the country in effective FG% defense. They were 8th best at defending the 3-PT shot and 4th in block%. You just don't get a lot of easy looks against this team. Gaels are also decent at forcing turnovers, ranking 43rd in TO%. Protecting the ball is one of the Huskies biggest weakness (236th in Off. TO%). I believe those turnovers will negate the edge UConn figures to have on the board. If the Gaels can get hot from the outside, they just might pull off the upset. Give me Iona +9.5! 

9* NCAA Tournament Late Night BAILOUT BLOWOUT

PLAY ON PENN STATE NITTANY LIONS +2.5:

I will gladly take the Nittany Lions as a 2.5-point dog against Texas A&M. I think Penn State is one of the most underrated teams going into the Tournament, especially of teams with a double-digit seed or worse. Nittany Lions went 5-1 over their final 6 regular-season games and then won 3 games in 3 days vs Illinois, Northwestern and Indiana (all tournament teams), before losing a heartbreaker 65-67 to Purdue in the title game. 

I think the Nittany Lions are playing with all the confidence in the world right now and they don't rely on just one guy to do all their scoring. They got 3-4 guys who can get hot and carry that offense. 

Texas A&M is a good team, but how good I'm not so sure. Aggies had an impressive 15-3 mark in SEC play and made it to the SEC Tournament title game. However, they were just 8-5 in non-conference. Their best win coming against a Depaul team that ended up ranked No. 142 at KenPom (went 3-17 in Big East play). I just don't think the Aggies have the offense to keep up with Penn State. Give me the Nittany Lions +2.5!

9* NCAA Tournament No Doubt ATS SLAUGHTER

PLAY ON TEXAS LONGHORNS -13:

I don't typically play many big favorites in the 1st round of the NCAA Tournament, but this is one I just can't help myself on. You have a Texas team that is good enough to win it all. They were 2nd in the Big 12 regular-season race and won the Big 12 Tournament (destroyed KU in the title game 76-56). 

As for Colgate, I think they are frauds. The Raiders were 20-1 (17-1 regular-season, 3-0 Patriot League Tournament) against conference opponents this year. They were 6-7 against every body else. Their only non-conference game vs a team ranked inside the Top 120 on KenPom as a road game at Auburn, which they lost 66-93. If Auburn (No. 223 in effective FG% offense) can score 90+, the Longhorns got a shot at 100 in this one. Give me Texas -13! 

10* NCAA Tournament Sharp Money VEGAS INSIDER

PLAY ON IOWA HAWKEYES +1.5:

I really like the Hawkeyes as a 1.5-point dog against Auburn. Iowa should not be a dog in this matchup. Yes, Iowa is a very vulnerable team, largely do to the fact that they are all offense and no defense. If the shots aren't falling, they can lose to anybody. At the same time, if they make their 3-PT shots, there's not a team they can beat. They are extremely efficient on offense. They were No. 3 in the country in offensive efficiency. 

Auburn is a team that relies on their defense and effort to carry them, because scoring the basketball is a problem. Tigers were 223rd in effective FG%. They were also 315th in 3P%. I just don't think they will be able to capitalize on Iowa's poor defense and this Hawkeyes team is going to put up points. 

Another thing, is how these teams started compared to how they finished. Auburn opened up 16-3 (were 6-1 in SEC play), only to finish up 20-12 with a 10-8 conference mark. Iowa was 8-6 and 0-3 in Big Ten play to start out and ended up a win away from being the No. 2 seed in the Big Ten Tournament. Speaking of, I think the Hawkeyes upset loss to Ohio State in that tournament has them greatly undervalued coming into this game. Give me the Hawkeyes +1.5! 

9* NCAA Tournament Over/Under Total NO-BRAINER

PLAY ON ILLINOIS/ARKANSAS UNDER 145:

I have to take my chances with the UNDER 145 in Thursday's matchup between No. 8 seed Arkansas and No. 9 seed Illinois. I think the fact that both of these teams like to play at a decent tempo (Arkansas 55th, Illinois 71st) has created value on the UNDER. 

Neither of these teams shoot the ball well from deep and both struggle at the foul line. Arkansas ranks 304th in 3PT% and 287th in FT%. Illinois is even worse, ranking 330th in 3PT% and 308th in FT%. There's going to be a lot of 2PT shots in this one and you have an Illinois team that ranks 16th in the country in defending the 2PT shot. Arkansas isn't that good, but are a respectable 47th. Give me the UNDER 145! 

9* NCAA Tournament Early Bird ATS MASSACRE

PLAY ON UTAH STATE AGGIES -1:

I got no problem backing No. 10 seed Utah State as a slim 1-point favorite against No. 7 seed Missouri on Thursday. The fact that the Aggies are favored as the worse seed says a lot and I agree with the oddsmakers on this one. The Tigers are a talented team, but they rely too much on their offense, as they are very poor on the defensive side of the ball. Missouri ranked 274th in effective FG% defense and 266th in 3PT % defense. 

Utah State finished the year 13th in offensive efficiency, 11th in effective FG% and 10th in 3PT %. While they are from an elite defensive team, the Aggies were a respective 58th in effective FG% defense and 29th in 2PT% defense. Missouri isn't a bad 3-PT shooting team (75th), but most of their points come inside. Tigers also foul a lot (Utah State 29th in FT%) and give up a bunch of offensive rebounds, while failing to grab many of their own. Give me Utah State -1!  

9* NBA Situational ATS SLAUGHTER

PLAY ON LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS -1.5: I will gladly take my chances with the Clippers as a slim 1.5-point home favorite against the Warriors on Wednesday. Golden State comes in off a couple of nice wins, beating the Bucks 125-116 and the Suns 123-112, but both of those games were at home. Warriors are just 7-26 SU and 9-24 ATS in road games this season. 

Clippers got off to a slow start after adding Westbrook to the mix, but have won 3 straight at home coming into this game. The defense has been outstanding in the last two games, holding the Raptors to 38.5% shooting and the Knicks to 35.6% from the field. 

The home team has won and covered each of the last 5 in the series. In all 5 of those games, the home team won by double-digits. Give me the Clippers -1.5! 

10* NCAAB NIT PLAY OF THE WEEK

PLAY ON OKLAHOMA STATE COWBOYS -5.5: I'll take my chances with Oklahoma State laying 5.5 against Youngstown State in the first round of the NIT. Yes, the Cowboys played themselves out of the NCAA Tournament by going just 2-6 over their final 8 games. A lot of that has to do with just how good the Big 12 is, because this is one of the Top 40-50 teams in the country. They went 18-15 and 12 of the 15 losses were to teams that finished the year ranked inside the Top 30 at KenPom. 

On the flip side of this, you have a Youngstown State team that went 24-9. The Penguins won the Horizon League regular-season title, but lost in the semis of the Horizon League Tournament. That's a bad Horizon conference. They are the only team that ranked inside the Top 150 (No. 129) at KenPom. Out of the 11 teams that makeup the conference, 6 rank outside the Top 225. Youngstown State's best win all season was a win against Northern Kentucky, who is No. 162. The best team they played all season by KenPom standards was No. 131 Ohio. 

I just don't think the Penguins are going to be ready for this massive step up in competition. Give me Oklahoma State -5.5! 

10* NCAAB First Four VEGAS INSIDER

PLAY ON MISSISSIPPI STATE BULLDOGS -2:

I'll take my chances with Mississippi State as a slim 2-point favorite against Pitt in Tuesday's First Four matchup. Defense has a way of reigning supreme in the NCAA Tournament and there's no debate who the better defensive team is in this one. Mississippi State finished the season No. 6 in the country in defensive efficiency and No. 19 in defensive effective FG%. Pitt ranked 142nd in efficiency and 108th in effective FG%. That's also a Panthers defense that has really struggled down the stretch. They gave up 81 to Georgia Tech in their first game of the ACC Tournament. That's a Yellow Jackets offense that ranks 192nd in offensive efficiency and 285th in effective FG%. It's why I'm not overly concerned here about the bad offensive numbers for the Bulldogs. Give me Mississippi State -2! 

Tuesday's Free NCAAB Pick

PLAY ON VANDERBILT COMMODORES -3:

I'll take my chances with Vandy laying just 3 against Yale in Tuesday's NIT action. The Commodores resume wasn't quite good enough to make the NCAA Tournament, but this was a team that certainly was playing like one of the 64 best teams over the final month of the season. Commodores closed out the regular-season winning 8 of their last 9, which included wins over Tennessee, Auburn, Kentucky and Miss St. They followed that up by winning their first 2 games in the SEC Tournament, which included another win over the Wildcats before eventually bowing out to Texas A&M. If this team comes to play, it would not surprise me at all if they won the NIT. Either way, I like them to get the job done tonight. GIve me Vanderbilt -3! 

9* NBA Vegas Oddsmakers LINE MISTAKE

PLAY ON LOS ANGELES LAKERS +1.5: LA continues to be a team that I'm looking to back, as I just the market is undervaluing them because of LeBron's absence. The Lakers are a much more talented and deeper team than they were prior to the trade deadline. They are hard set on getting to the playoffs and every game to them is massive. I also think they are playing with a bit of a chip on their shoulder, as these other guys want to show it's not just LeBron that makes this team. 

As for the Pelicans, they come in off an impressive 17-point win at home over the Blazers, but Portland is a mess right now. New Orleans is just 3-7 over their last 10 games. They continue to be without Zion and Ingram is questionable. Even if he plays, I still like LA to get the win. Give me the Lakers +1.5! 

9* NCAAB Situational ATS SLAUGHTER

PLAY ON TOLEDO ROCKETS +6.5:

I always like to look for which team is going to be more motivated to show up and play in the first round of the NIT. Both teams will be dealing with some disappointment. Toledo won the MAC regular-season title, but were left out of the Big Dance after losing to Kent State in the championship game of the MAC Tournament. 

As for the Wolverines, Michigan has to be wondering how they got to this point. Most viewed the Wolverines as a Top 25 team coming into this season, but they could just never get on track. Back-to-back OT losses to close out the regular-season coupled with a one-and-done showing in the Big Ten Tournament (lost 50-62 to Rutgers), was enough to keep them out of the NCAA Tournament. I think they are going to have a hard time getting up for this game. 

One thing that I think is working in Toledo's favor is that while these two teams are from different states, it's just a 55 minute drive from Toledo to Ann Arbor. I think this is the perfect opponent for the Rockets to put that loss to Kent State behind them. Would not be surprised if Toledo won outright. Give me the Rockets +6.5! 

10* NBA Sharp Money VEGAS INSIDER

PLAY ON UTAH JAZZ +8: I'll gladly take my chances with Utah as a 8-point road dog against the Heat on Monday. I don't get why Miami is getting so much respect in this one. The Heat are simply not playing great basketball and frankly haven't played up to expectations all season. They just on the road to the Magic 114-126 on Saturday, falling to 4-8 over their last 12. Utah comes in off back to back road wins and have covered 3 straight. Collin Sexton should be returning from his hamstring injury any day and there figures to be a good chance Jordan Clarkson returns from a finger injury that has kept him out of their last 3 games. Either way, I like Utah to keep this within the number. Give me the Jazz +8! 

9* NBA Situational ATS SLAUGHTER

PLAY ON LOS ANGELES LAKERS -2.5: I feel like a broken record, but the books just aren't giving this Lakers team they respect they deserve. Big part of the that lack of respect is the injury to LeBron James. If this was two months ago and we were talking about the Lakers roster before the trade deadline, I would understand. Thing is, LA greatly improved at the deadline and are just a better team from top to bottom. 

Some teams hanging on the Playoff/Play-In bubble I don't think they really care if they make the playoffs or not. LA cares and every game is crucial to them down the stretch. Lakers have won 6 of 8 to move from the outside looking in to the No. 9 seed. They are only 2-games back of the Warriors at No. 6 and 2.5 back of the Clippers at No. 5. 

Knicks had a great stretch of basketball in the month of February and early March, but come in having lost 3 straight. They will be on no rest after playing the Clippers in LA last night. Jalen Brunson is also unsure to go with a foot injury. Give me the Lakers -2.5! 

10* NCAAB Sharp Money VEGAS INSIDER

PLAY ON MEMPHIS TIGERS +6:

I'll take the points with Memphis in Sunday's American Athletic showdown against No. 1 ranked Houston. These two teams played twice in the regular-season. The Cougars won both matchups, but both games were closely contested. Houston won 72-64 at home in the first meeting and 67-65 at Memphis in the rematch. 

The Tigers have to be ecstatic that will be getting another crack at the Cougars. It's not easy beating the same team 3 times in the same season and the best part is we don't even need Memphis to win the game. I certainly think they can, but there's also a great chance if they lose that they keep it close. 

Memphis just doesn't get the credit they deserve. They were 10-3 in non-conference play with their 3 losses coming by 6 to St Louis, 1 to Seton Hall and by 3 on the road against Alabama. They were 13-5 in AAC play. Outside of their two losses to the Cougars their 3 other losses came by a combined 11 points. Two of those losses came in OT. Give me Memphis +6! 

10* NCAAB ACC PLAY OF THE MONTH

PLAY ON DUKE BLUE DEVILS -2.5: What a matchup we have here. Both Duke and Virginia have looked great in their first two games of the ACC Tournament. Virginia beat UNC 68-59 on Thursday and Clemson 76-56 on Friday. Duke has a 96-69 win over Pitt and a 85-78 victory against Miami. 

Virginia did win at Duke in the only meeting in the regular-season, but needed OT to do it. I just think this EXTREMELY young Blue Devils team has grown up a lot since they played back on Feb. 11. In fact, Duke hasn't loss since that game. This teams reminds me a lot of the Kentucky teams that were so freshman loaded. They always seemed to peak at this time. 

I also think it's huge that these freshman have seen this Virginia defense before. In the end, I just feel the Duke offense will be too much. Give me the Blue Devils -2.5! 

9* NBA Sharp Money VEGAS INSIDER

PLAY ON ATLANTA HAWKS +5: 

I will grab the points with Atlanta at home in Saturday's game against the Celtics. Hawks are basically at full strength coming into this game and being the more healthy team this time of year can go a long way. I also feel like this is a flat spot for Boston, as they are off a big 22-point win and have two days off looming before a lengthy 6-game road trip. Hawks are 5-3 since coming back from the All-Star break, with all 3 losses coming by 8 or fewer. Celtics had lost 3 straight prior to blowing out the Blazers at home. Also feels like the books are begging you to take Boston in this one. Give me the Hawks +5

9* NCAAB Situational ATS SLAUGHTER

PLAY ON INDIANA HOOSIERS -3:

I really like to back teams that I feel have a significant rest advantage in these conference tournaments. Indiana certainly has the edge in that department. Hoosiers had a double-bye. Yesterday's 70-60 win over Maryland was their first game of the tournament. 

Penn State will be playing their 3rd game in 3 days. Both of their first two games came right down to the wire. They scraped by Illinois 79-76 on Thursday and then won an absolute dog fight against Northwestern 67-65 in OT on Friday. As good as the Nittany Lions are playing down the stretch, I got to roll with Indiana in this one. Give me the Hoosiers -3!

9* NCAAB No Doubt ATS SLAUGHTER

PLAY ON INDIANA HOOSIERS PK:

I got not problem backing Indiana at a Pick'em against the Terps. Let's not get carried away with Maryland's 16-point win over Minnesota. The Gophers were a 13-point dog in that game and are easily the worst team in the conference. That's the only team Maryland has beaten away from their home floor since the beginning of December. Their only other true road win outside of Minnesota was against a bad Louisville team. Indiana had road wins over the likes of Illinois, Michigan and Purdue in Big 10 play. Hoosiers will also have the rest edge with a double-bye to start this tournament. Give me Indiana PK! 

9* NBA Situational ATS MASSACRE

PLAY ON MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES -4.5: 

I will gladly take my chances with the Timberwolves as a 4.5-point home favorite against the Nets. Really tough spot for Brooklyn, playing on no rest in what will be their 3rd road game in a span of just 4 nights. Minnesota on the other hand has had two days off and should be motivated to get back on the floor after an ugly 94-117 home loss (3-point favorite) to the 76ers. Wolves had won and covered 3 straight prior to the bad showing against Philly. Give me the Timberwolves -4.5! 

10* NCAAB Sharp Money VEGAS INSIDER

PLAY ON TEXAS A&M AGGIES PK:

I got no problem backing Texas A&M at a pick'em against Arkansas in Friday's SEC Tournament action. Aggies are a team I'm thinking could surprise some people with a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. A lot of people wrote this team off after a home loss to Wofford dropped them to 6-5 overall. After that loss to Wofford, Texas A&M has gone 17-3. They were 15-3 in SEC play, second in the SEC behind only Alabama, who went 16-2. They should be a bigger favorite here. Arkansa pulled out a narrow 3-point win over Auburn yesterday. Davonte Davis played the full 40 minutes and Anthony Black logged 37 minutes. Tigers had lost 3 straight prior to that win. Give me Texas A&M PK! 

9* NBA Situational ATS NO-BRAINER

PLAY ON SACRAMENTO KINGS -2.5: I got no problem laying the 2.5-points with the Kings at home against the Knicks on Thursday. New York to me is way overvalued in the market right now. Even after Tuesday's surprising 95-112 loss at home to the Hornets as a 9-point favorite, there's a lot of hype with this team right now. Knicks had won 9 straight before that. 

Most just assume a team that has a long winning streak snapped are going to rebound and win the next time out, but more times than not a loss after a long win streak is the start of a stretch of poor play, especially in the betting market. 

At the same time, the Kings come into this game playing some really good basketball. Sacramento has gone 6-1 SU and 4-2 ATS in the 6 games since returning from the All-Star break. They have been shooting the absolute cover off of the basketball during this run. All 6 games they have shot at least 52.4% from the field. Kings should be a bigger favorite than this. Give me Sacramento -2.5!

9* NCAAB No Doubt ATS SLAUGHTER

PLAY ON IOWA HAWKEYES -3: This to me is just too good a price to pass up on the Hawkeyes. Iowa has to be kicking themselves for not beating Nebraska at home on Sunday, as that loss prevented them from being a Top 4 seed and getting a double-bye. I just think it was a tough spot for them. They had that crazy come back late to stun Michigan State at home 112-106 on 2/25 and then went on the road and laid it on Indiana 90-68. That's also a rivalry game and I just think Nebraska put everything they had into winning that game. Certainly feels that way after watching them lose to an awful Minnesota in the opening round yesterday. 

Simply put, I expect the Hawkeyes to bounce back in a big way in this one. Ohio State had a nice win over Wisconsin on Wednesday, but that's a Badgers team that was all over the place in Big Ten play. Now they are at a big rest disadvantage playing on no rest. They are almost certainly going to get Iowa's best effort in this one. Give me the Hawkeyes -3! 

10* NCAAB Sharp Money VEGAS INSIDER

PLAY ON BAYLOR BEARS -3.5: 

I love Baylor in this spot and at this price. These two teams just played each other on Saturday and ISU pulled off a shocking upset, embarrassing the Bears on Senior Night 73-58. Cyclones also had a 15-point (77-62) win at Baylor earlier this season. 

It was a great win by ISU, as they had an emotional response to Caleb Grill being kicked off the team. I just don't trust this Cyclones team going forward. They had lost 4 straight and were 4-9 over their previous 13 games. The offense can disappear in a heartbeat and I don't know that they can bank on outworking the Bears in this one. If these Baylor kids have any pride, they are going to be extremely motivated for this rematch with ISU. They get the job done here. Give me Baylor -3.5! 

10* NBA Non-Conf TOTAL OF THE WEEK

PLAY ON RAPTORS/CLIPPERS OVER 229: 

I don't see these two teams having any problem eclipsing 230 points in this game. Clippers have been in a lot of high-scoring games of late. OVER is 6-2 in LA's last 8 games. In 4 of their last 6, they have scored and allowed 120+ points in the same game. OVER is 3-0 in the last 3 for the Raptors. Toronto should be able to take advantage of the Clippers lackluster defense. I also don't see them slowing down LA's offense, especially on the road. Give me the OVER 229! 

9* NCAAB No Doubt ATS SLAUGHTER 

PLAY ON NEBRASKA CORNHUSKERS -6:

I got no problem laying 6-points with Nebraska as they take on Minnesota in the opening round of the Big Ten tournament. The Cornhuskers really came on strong down the stretch. They were 6-2 over their last 8 Big Ten games, capping it all off with a 81-77 win at Iowa in the finale, preventing the Hawkeyes from a top 4 seed in this tournament. This team has to be coming into this thing with a ton of confidence. On the flip side, this Minnesota team is bad and I got to think there's at least a few guys on that roster that just want this thing to be over with. Give me the Cornhuskers -6! 

9* NCAAB Sharp Money VEGAS INSIDER

PLAY ON PITTSBURGH PANTHERS -7:

I have no problem laying the 7 with Pitt as they take on Georgia Tech in the 2nd Round of the ACC Tournament. Not only are the Panthers the much better team (they went 14-6 in ACC play, while the Yellow Jackets were 6-14), they have a big rest advantage in this one. Georgia Tech had to play in the 1st round against FSU on Tuesday in a game that went right down to the wire (won 61-60). Pitt won both regular season meetings by more than this number, winning by 11 on the road and by 8 at home. Give me the Panthers -7! 

10* NBA Sharp Money VEGAS INSIDER

PLAY ON LOS ANGELES LAKERS -1.5: I'll take my chances with the Lakers as a 1.5-point home favorite against the Grizzlies on Tuesday. I've backed this LA team quite a bit since the trade deadline and will continue to look to do so until I feel the books have properly adjusted for how much better this team is. Even without LeBron, this team is still improved than what they were. There's so much more quality depth throughout the lineup and there's a good chance they will be getting back D'Angelo Russell, who has missed the last 5 games with an ankle injury. 

On the flip side of this, Memphis is down several key players right now. Morant is away from the team indefinitely, Brandon Clarke was lost for the season just a few days ago to an Achilles injury and steven Adams is still out with a back injury. Also a tough scheduling spot for the Grizzlies, who are finishing up a 4-game road trip that started last Tuesday in Houston. Give me the Lakers -1.5! 

10* NBA Over/Under VEGAS INSIDER

PLAY ON PELICANS/KINGS OVER 236.5:

Until the Kings cool off or start trying on the defensive end, the OVER has to be in serious consideration whenever they play. Since returning from the All-Star break, Sacramento has played 6 games and scored at least 123 in every game (over 130 points 3 times). They have shot better than 50% from the field in all of these games. 

During this run the Kings have allowed at least 115 points in every game. If we just take the two low marks during this run (123 and 115) that puts us at 238 points. The total should at least be that and even then I think there's value with the OVER. Give me the OVER 236.5! 

10* NCAAB Situational PLAY OF THE WEEK

PLAY ON INDIANA HOOSIERS -4:

I love the spot and price with Indiana as a mere 4-point home favorite against Michigan. Big bounce back spot for the Hoosiers after Tuesday's ugly 68-90 loss at home to Iowa. Hawkeyes shot 13 of 23 (56.5%) from behind the 3-point line in that game. Iowa is just too good offensively that they are almost impossible to beat when they shoot it that well from the outside. Indiana had won their previous 6 games at home in Big Ten play. 

As for Michigan. The Wolverines have showed some life here down the stretch, winning 6 of their last 9 games, but this is a brutal spot for them coming off of Thursday's 2OT loss at Illinois. Michigan had 4 different guys play at least 44 of a possible 50 minutes in that game. Note that the Wolverines are playing here on just 2 days of rest, while Indiana is playing on 4 days rest. Give me the Hoosiers -4! 

9* NBA No Doubt ATS BLOWOUT

PLAY ON LOS ANGELES LAKERS +5.5:

Even with Steph Curry expected to be returning from injury for this game, I still think there's some great value here with the Lakers as a 5.5-point home dog. Yes, Golden State comes in having won and covered in 5 straight, but all 5 of those games were played on the road. Warriors are just 7-23 on the season in road games. 

It's also worth pointing out that while Curry is expected to be back, Golden State is still missing a key piece in Andrew Wiggins. Lakers will be without LeBron, but have shown they can compete without him in the lineup. Too many points to pass up with the home team in this one. Give me the Lakers +5.5! 

9* NBA Over/Under Total NO-BRAINER

PLAY ON MAVS/SUNS OVER 232.5:

I'll take my chances with the OVER 232.5 in Sunday's big Western Conference showdown between the Mavs and Suns. No two teams got better offensively than Dallas and Phoenix at the trade deadline. The Mavs added in Kyrie Irving to give them maybe the best 1-2 punch in the league with him and Luka. Suns added in Kevin Durant, giving them quite a 1-2 punch of their own with him and Booker. Phoenix also has some other really good players. Both these teams can score 120 points in their sleep. Give me the OVER 232.5! 

9* NCAAB Smart Money VEGAS INSIDER

PLAY ON PENN STATE NITTANY LIONS -3:

I will gladly take my chances with Penn State as a slim 3-point home favorite against Maryland. Nittany Lions have won 4 of 5 with 3 of those wins coming on the road. This team is one of the best in the country on the offensive side of the ball. They are No. 12 in effective FG%, No. 2 in TO%, No. 7 in 3-PT%. 

Maryland on the other hand, is just not the same team on the road as they are at home. Terps only road win in Big 10 play this season was against bottom feeder Minnesota. Last time out they scored just 62-points in a 11-point loss at Ohio State. That game against the Gophers is the only time they have scored more than 67 in a road game. I just don't see the Terps being able to keep pace offensively in this one. Give me Penn State -3! 

9* NBA Sharp Money VEGAS INSIDER

PLAY ON SACRAMENTO KINGS -5:

I got no problem laying the 5-points with Sacramento at home against the Timberwolves. Both of these teams will be in similar spots to some regards. Both will be on no rest and both are coming off hard fought wins on Friday. Minnesota held off LA in a 110-102 road win, while the Kings sneaked out a 128-127 win at home vs the Clippers. Big thing to keep in mind is that win over the Lakers did come without LA having the services of LeBron. 

I also think it's a huge edge here for the Kings having no travel on no rest. While it is a short trip from LA to Sacramento, you got to remember that Minnesota is now playing their 4th and final game of a west coast trip that started with big games against the Warriors and Clippers. Got to think the gas tank is running on empty. I have a hard time seeing them keep up with this surging Kings offense. Sacramento has won 5 straight out of the All-Star break. They are averaging 136.8 ppg and shooting 54.4% from the field during this win streak. Give me the Kings -5! 

10* NCAAB ACC PLAY OF THE WEEK

PLAY ON NORTH CAROLINA -3.5:

I will gladly lay 3.5-points at home with North Carolina as they get ready to host rival Duke in prime time. We have been waiting and waiting for this Tar Heels team to wake up and play up to their potential.

They come in having won 3 straight and will be out for some serious revenge after blowing the first meeting between these two teams in Durham. Tar Heels ended up losing that game 57-63. They only lost by 6, despite shooting just 39.5% on 2-pt shots and going just 2-3 at the free throw line. 

Duke comes in having won 5 straight, but 4 of those 5 wins were at home. The lone road win coming at Syracuse, who is not very good this season. Even with that win, the Blue Devils are just 3-6 in ACC road games with the two other wins coming against BC (by just 1-pt) and Georgia Tech. Give me the Tar Heels -3.5! 

9* NCAAB Big Money ATS MASSACRE

PLAY ON TEXAS LONGHORNS -3: 

I love the value and spot with Texas as a slim 3-point home favorite against Kansas. Longhorns should be highly motivated here to take their crack at the Big 12 regular-season champs, especially with it being senior day and them looking to snap a 2-game skid after dropping back-to-back games at Baylor and TCU. Winning at home is something this team is pretty good at. They are 16-1 on their home floor this season. 

Kansas has looked like a legit No. 1 seed and maybe the team to beat if the tournament started today, but there's not much incentive for them in this game. They locked up that Big 12 regular-season title with Tuesday's win at home vs Texas Tech. I think they struggle to match the intensity of Texas and let's not forget the Longhorns showed they can play with KU in their previous meeting this season. Give me Texas -3! 

9* NCAAB No Doubt ATS BLOWOUT 

PLAY ON TCU HORNED FROGS -1.5:

I've been all over TCU down the stretch. Largely due to the market not making a big enough adjustment to Mike Miles returning from injury. K-State is 3-6 in games where Miles doesn't play (including game vs Miss St he played just 4 minutes). They are just 1-4 in Big 12 games without him. They are 17-4 with him on the floor. This to me is just too good a discount to pass up as we basically are getting them at a pick'em. 

Winning games in the Big 12 has been a struggle for Oklahoma, home and away. The Sooners are just 4-13 in conference play. When they went to TCU earlier this season, the Horned Frogs went on to win that game by 27 points (79-52). Give me TCU -1.5! 

9* NCAAB Situational ATS SLAUGHTER

PLAY ON WEST VIRGINIA MOUNTAINEERS -4.5:

I got no problem laying the 4.5 at home with West Virginia as they host Kansas State. The Mountaineers are one of the more underrated teams in the country. They come into this game no where close to being ranked in the Top 25 and yet they are the No. 19 ranked team overall at KenPom. 

West Virginia has one of the best home court advantages in the country. (KenPom has it No. 2 overall). K-State comes in ranked No. 11 in both the AP and Coaches Polls and are riding a 4-game win streak. Thing is, 3 of the 4 wins came at home. The lone road win was against a reeling Oklahoma State team by just 5 points. Prior to that win over the Cowboys, K-State had lost 5 straight on the road in league play. Give me West Virginia -4.5! 

10* NBA Sharp Money VEGAS INSIDER

PLAY ON NEW YORK KNICKS -2.5: I love the Knicks as a mere 2.5-point road favorite against the Heat. New York is playing well above their market value right now. Knicks have won 7 straight. They were 5-1 in their last 6 before the All-Star break and have won 4 straight since coming back. NY is 9-1 ATS during this run.

Miami is a team going in the complete opposite direction. Heat have lost 4 of their last 5 and are just 3-11 ATS in their last 14. Clearly playing below their market value. Miami continues to be without point guard Kyle Lowry and Jimmy Butler figures to sit either tonight or tomorrow (listed as questionable). Even with Butler, I like New York to win and cover. GIve me the Knicks -2.5! 

10* NCAAB Pac-12 PLAY OF THE WEEK

PLAY ON USC TROJANS +1.5: Really like USC as a 1.5-point home dog against Arizona. The Trojans come into this game having won 4 straight and 8 of 10 overall. They just won at Colorado and at Utah in a span of just 3 days. They dominated in both games, beating the Buffaloes by 19 and the Utes by 13. 

I got to think they will be very excited about this game. They did not play well in a 66-81 loss at Arizona back in mid-January. The biggest different in that game was 3-point shooting. USC was 4-17 (23.5%) from deep, while the Wildcats were 12 of 24 (50%). The Trojans should shoot better at home, while Arizona should see some regression. 

One other thing to keep in mind, is that these two are pretty much destined to meet in the semis of the Pac-12 Tournament. They are tied for 2nd in the Pac-12 standings, 3-games back of UCLA with two to play and 2 in front of Arizona St. If UCLA wins at home over the Sun Devils, these will be your No. 2 and No. 3 seeds in the tournament. Having already beat USC and knowing they might face them again, maybe Arizona holds a little back in this one. Either way, I like the Trojans to win this game outright. Give me USC +1.5! 

10* NCAAB Vegas Insider PLAY OF THE WEEK

PLAY ON NORTHWESTERN WILDCATS -3.5:

I'll take my chances with Northwestern as a 3.5-point home favorite against Penn State. This to me is the perfect spot to back the Wildcats. Northwestern has lost their last two games. Both were on the road. One they gave up a massive lead at Illinois and the other was against a red-hot Maryland team. Prior to those losses they had won 5 straight, which included a 3-game home win streak against Purdue, Iowa and Indiana.

I got to think they are going to be fired up for this one. Not only to get back on track, but it's senior night and they got two good ones in Boo Buie and Chase Audige. Nittany Lions have won their last two on the road, but they came against Minnesota and Ohio State. Prior to that they had lost 6 in a row on the road. Give me Northwestern -3.5! 

10* NBA Underdog PLAY OF THE WEEK

PLAY ON LOS ANGELES LAKERS +1.5:

I'll gladly take my chances with the Lakers as a 1.5-point dog in this game. I get LA is playing without LeBron and are on no rest after a game last night in Memphis. I just think the Lakers are not only playing desperate, they are a better team after the all-star break. 

Yes, OKC and them are both neck and neck in the standings. I just think the Lakers are the more motivated of the two to actually get in the playoffs. I also don't think near enough is being made of the Thunder playing without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He might be the most underrated player in the game. Guy is averaging 31.0 ppg, 5.7 apg, 4.7 rpb. 1.6 steals/game and 1.1 blocks/game. On top of that, this is not a team that plays much defense. They have allowed 120+ in 4 straight. Give me the Lakers +1.5! 

9* NBA - No Doubt ATS BLOWOUT

PLAY ON CHICAGO BULLS -5.5

Easy play for me on Chicago as a 5.5-point road dog against the Pistons. I think we are getting some value here with the Bulls, due to them coming off a loss and playing on no rest after a game last night at Toronto. Bulls lost that game 98-104 despite them shooting 52.1% from the field and the Raptors shooting 40.4%. In the 3 games since returning from the All-Star break, they have shot 50% or better and allowed 42% or less in each game. Pat Beverley has given this team a real spark. 

Chicago can't afford to not win this game if they want to make the playoffs and I think that's something they clearly want to do. They are 1.5-games back of the Wizards for the final play-in spot. Detroit is down several starters and simply aren't playing well. What homecourt do they really have right now? Give me the Bulls -5.5! 

9* NCAAB Vegas Oddsmakers LINE MISTAKE

PLAY ON MARYLAND TERRAPINS -1.5:

I don't know how you don't lay the 1.5 with the Terps in this one. This Ohio State team has been one of the most overrated teams all country. Sure they just beat Illinois by 12 at home in their last game. Who cares. They were 1-14 over their previous 15 games. 

Maryland is the exact opposite. This team doesn't get near the hype it should. The Terps are ranked No. 21, but have been playing more like a Top 15 team. They are 8-2 over their last 10 games with the two losses being by 5 at Mich St and by 4 in OT at Nebraska. Their only two losses outside of the Big Ten are to Tennessee and UCLA. It's not easy winning on the road in the Big Ten, but this feels like a big enough mismatch. Give me the Terps -1.5! 

9* NCAAB Situational ATS SLAUGHTER 

PLAY ON PROVIDENCE FRIARS -3.5:

I'll take my chances with Providence as a 3.5-point home favorite. Friars are a perfect 15-0 on their home floor this season. Having already knocked off all the Big Elites at home (Marquette, UConn, Creighton and Villanova. 

Xavier is a solid team, but they struggled to put away Providence at home in the first meeting. Musketeers won that game 85-83 in OT. Friars are 21-8. They have just two loses vs teams outside the Top 40. One of those coming against St Louis on a neutral floor by 3 on no rest. They also lost by 5 at St John's. Xavier did just win at Seton Hall, but had dropped each of their previous 3 on the road. Give me Providence -3.5! 

9* NCAAB No Doubt ATS MASSACRE 

PLAY ON VILLANOVA WILDCATS -1.5:

I'll gladly take my chances with Villanova as a slim 1.5-point road favorite against Seton Hall. This is really as simple as I think we got two teams headed in different directions down the stretch. The Wildcats are surging towards the finish line. Villanova looked dead in the water after a 3-8 stretch early in 2023, but they have since won 5 of 6. The last two being a road win at Xavier and a 12-point win at home over Creighton. Good programs always seem to peak at this time. 

A month ago, Seton Hall was rolling, having won 7 of 8. Things have took a turn, as they are just 1-4 in their last 5. Yes, this came against a tough slate of opponents. The four losses were to Creighton, Villanova, UConn and Xavier. I'm more concerned about how they played in those losses, losing by 13 to Creighton, by 9 to UConn and by 22 most recently at home to Xavier. Give me Villanova -1.5! 

10* NBA Eastern Conf PLAY OF THE WEEK

PLAY ON BROOKLYN NETS +6.5:

Even with Antetokounmpo expected back for the Bucks after he missed their last game against Phoenix, I love the value we are getting with Brooklyn in this spot. Milwaukee is simply being way overvalued right now. The Bucks have won 14 straight and with Boston's loss last night at New York, they have overtaken the Celtics for the top spot in the East. 

Even though Giannis didn't play, that was a big game for this team, given the history those two teams have having met up in the finals two years ago. 

I think they could have a hard time mentally getting up for this game against a Nets team that is no longer a threat with Durant and Irving leaving town. Brooklyn may not have the superstar talent it did a couple weeks ago. That doesn't mean they are just a pushover. Lot of guys trying to prove something on this team. Nets have covered 5 of their last 6 at home (only non-cover was a 3-pt loss as a 2-pt dog). I think there's a really good chance they don't just cover, but win this game outright. Give me Brooklyn +6.5! 

9* NCAAB Situational ATS SLAUGHTER 

PLAY ON INDIANA HOOSIERS -5.5:

Easy play for me on the Hoosiers as a 5.5-point home favorite against Iowa. The Hawkeyes have been awful on the road in Big Ten play. They are 1-5 in their last 6 on the road, with the only win coming against an awful Minnesota team (didn't play great - only scored 68 points). In the 5 losses they have a 16-point loss at Ohio State, 14-point loss at Purdue, 20-point loss at Northwestern and a 12-point loss at Wisconsin. 

In their 5 road losses they are scoring just 64.6 ppg. That's nothing close to their season average. Iowa for the season is putting up 80.4 ppg and rank No. 5 in the country in KenPom's adjusted offensive efficiency rating. 

They needed 91 points to beat Indiana by just 2 at home earlier this season. Hoosiers have also gotten better since these two teams last played. That loss to Iowa came in a 2-5 stretch. They have since gone 10-3 with all 3 of the losses coming on the road. Indiana's only home loss all season is by 1-point to Northwestern back in that 2-5 stretch. Give me the Hoosiers -5.5! 

10* NCAAB Big 12 Total PLAY OF THE MONTH

PLAY ON IOWA STATE/WEST VIRGINIA OVER 134: I'm well aware of how bad the Cyclones offense has been in their last 3 games. Really bad. I like them to get back on track playing on their home floor. West Virginia is not a great defensive team and they have struggled to play well on that side of the ball in road games. They are allowing 46.6% shooting from the field away from home. ISU, who has shot 31% or worse twice in their last 3 games, is shooting 46.5% from the field in home games this season. 

These are also two teams that are really good at playing in chaos. ISU is No. 2 in the country in TO% defense. WV is a solid 50th in that department, they do an amazing job of speeding up their opponents with that press. Mountaineer opponents only average 16.7 seconds per possession, which is the 14th best mark in the country. 

I also look at the recent matchups between these two teams. Going back to the 2013 season, the lowest combined score in a game between ISU/W Virginia is 135 points back in 2020. The OVER is 13-1 in the L14 meetings! They combined for 147 points in a 76-71 Mountaineer win at home back on Feb. 8th. Give me the OVER 134! 

9* NBA Smart Money VEGAS INSIDER 

PLAY ON NEW YORK KNICKS +2.5: I'll gladly take my chances with the Knicks as a 2.5-point home dog against the Celtics. I'm mad at myself I haven't gotten on board with New York. For me, it was the fact that while they were playing better, they were taking advantage of a soft schedule and I focused more on what this team was before. 

The more I looked into it, the more I started to believe that the Knicks might be one of those teams that flip the script around the All-Star break and go on a 2nd half tear. Thibodeau has always been known as a coach that guides teams who are limited offensively but give everything on the defensive side of the ball. This isn't a team that can't score and the Knicks are rolling offensively coming into this game. 

They can get some of that respect they are searching for with a win over Boston. Celtics have won 3 straight and 7 of 8 overall, but they are still playing without Jaylen Brown. They have could have easily lost their first two games back from the All-Star break. They won by 4 at Indiana on Thursday and by 3 at Philly on Saturday. It just feels like it's a great spot for the Knicks to get a big home win. Give me the Knicks +2.5! 

10* NCAAB Situational VEGAS INSIDER

PLAY ON PENN STATE -2.5: 

I will gladly take my chances with the Nittany Lions as a slim 2.5-point home favorite against Rutgers on Sunday. The Scarlet Knights aren't exactly playing their best basketball down the stretch and I just feel this team is getting way too much respect on the road against a Penn State team that is 12-2 SU on their home floor this season. Nittany Lions only home loss since Dec. 7th was in OT against Wisconsin. 

Yes, Rutgers annihilated Penn State 65-45 at home back in late January. You just can't read too much into results in the Big Ten with how drastically different a lot of these teams are playing at home compared to on the road. Rutgers is one of those teams that is much worse on the road. Scarlet Knights are 4-7 SU in road games this season. They are 356th out of 363 teams in Hasalmetrics away from home rating. Rutgers is scoring 63.7 ppg away from home, while Penn State is averaging 79.1 ppg on 49.8% shooting at home. Give me the Nittany Lions -2.5!

9* NBA Over/Under Total NO-BRAINER 

PLAY ON LAKERS/MAVS OVER 235.5

I will gladly take my chances with the OVER 235.5 in Sunday's big Western Conference clash between the Lakers and Mavs. It's Lebron James/Anthony Davis vs Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic. For starters, I don't think either of these teams are equipped to stop the opposing teams stars. Both of which I feel got much better offensively at the trade deadline. Lakers finally got some outside shooting and Dallas has two of the best offensive players in the game. 

When I heard about the Irving trade, the OVER is something I knew I would be leaning heavily towards in Dallas games. Irving makes them drastically better offensively and worse defensively. In the two games so far with Luka and Irving on the floor together, Dallas has scored 133 and 142 points. Both of those games eclipsed the 250 mark. Mavs have allowed each of their last 5 opponents to shoot 52% or better from the field. I think both teams easily get into the 120s. Give me the OVER 235.5!