9* NBA No Doubt ATS BLOWOUT 

PLAY ON CHICAGO BULLS -4:

I cashed on Chicago as a mere 2-point home favorite against Brooklyn on Friday in their first game back from the All-Star break. Bulls won that game with ease, crushing the Nets 131-87. They shot 56.8% from the field and allowed 37%. I think the Pat Beverly addition was a sneaky good pickup by Chicago, as he just brings a different level of energy on a nightly basis and this team desperately needed a spark like him to get them going. The talent is definitely there for Chicago. 

I just think given what we saw in that game against Brooklyn, the Bulls have to be a team worth targeting until the market adjusts. I don't think 4-points is near enough for Washington to get the cover, especially with Porzingis out of the lineup now with a knee injury. Give me Chicago -4! 

9* NBA Public Money ATS MASSACRE

PLAY ON NEW ORLEANS PELICANS +3:

I will gladly take my chances with the Pelicans as a 3-point road dog against the Knicks. I think this Pelicans team is a bit undervalued coming out of the All-Star break. New Orleans has fallen off significantly since the beginning of the year and are still waiting on Zion to make his return. Thing is, Brandon Ingram was also out a good stretch of that. In fact, Ingram has played 3 fewer games than Zion this year. Ingram has only played in 10 games since late November. They have looked better with him and I think they could be a team ready to go on a run. 

This is also an ideal spot to bet against the Knicks. New York will be playing in the 2nd of a back-to-back and had to use a lot of energy in their game on Friday, rallying from 19-points down to beat the Wizards 115-109. It took a career-high 46 from Julius Randle to win that game. I know the Knicks have won a bunch of games of late. I'm just not a buyer in this team and given the spot I think the Pelicans win this outright. Give me New Orleans +3! 

9* NCAAB No Doubt ATS SLAUGHTER

PLAY ON KENTUCKY WILDCATS -4:

I don't have any problem laying 4-points with Kentucky at home against Auburn. I cashed a winning ticket on the Wildcats as a mere 2-point favorite at Florida on Wednesday. As I mentioned in my analysis of that game, I just feel that Kentucky is one of those teams surging to the finish line. Something they tend to do quite a bit with these underclassmen loaded teams under John Calipari. The game before beating the Gators, they won by 12 at home against Tennessee. 

Auburn to me is just getting too much respect here. The Tigers are a solid team, but their only road win this entire season vs a team ranked inside the Top 100 at KenPom is a win over No. 98 ranked Washington. As much as Kentucky gets the juices flowing, there's a much bigger game looming on deck Wednesday against rival Alabama. I just think Kentucky dominates this game from start to finish. Give me the Wildcats -4! 

9* NCAAB Situational ATS NO-BRAINER

PLAY ON BAYLOR BEARS -3.5:

Absolutely love this spot for Baylor as a slim 3.5-point home favorite against Texas. This might now feel like the time to jump on the Bears after losing by double-digits on the road in back-to-back games vs Kansas and Kansas State. The thing is, this is just one of those teams that struggle to play well on the road and look like a Final Four team at home. Bears are 13-2 at home this season with the two losses coming by a combined 3-points with 1 of those coming in OT. 

Texas is kinda of the same way. The Longhorns are 3-1 in their last 4, but all 3 wins came at home. The lone loss was by 7 on the road against Texas Tech. I also feel that despite the recent results, Baylor is a better team now than they were early in the year. People are quick to forget that they had won 10 of 11 before losing their last two. Give me the Bears -3.5! 

8* NCAAB Oddsmakers LINE MISTAKE

PLAY ON ARKANSAS RAZORBACKS +8.5:

This is just too many points to pass up on the Razorbacks in this spot. Talent wise, Alabama is the far superior team, but basketball is not the biggest focal point surrounding this team right now. All anyone is talking about is Brandon Miller and his involvement in a murder. Lot of people don't think he should be playing.

Give Miller some props he played great despite all the negative publicity around him in their last game, scoring 41 with 7 rebounds, 2 blocks and 3 steals. Thing is, Alabama needed OT to sneak out a 78-76 win on the road against a bad South Carolina team. 

I don't think they can be less than 100% locked into playing and expect to beat this Arkansas team by more than 8 points. The Razorbacks are no joke and you know they are going to be all-in for this one. Give me Arkansas +8.5! 

10* NCAAB Sharp Money VEGAS INSIDER

PLAY ON OKLAHOMA STATE COWBOYS -2:

I will gladly lay 2-points at home with Oklahoma State as they get ready to host Kansas State. Great buy-low spot on the Cowboys, who come in having lost 3 straight. A lot of teams would be on a 3-game skid given this slate. It started with a loss at home to Kansas, then two difficult road games vs TCU and West Virginia (had to play the Mountaineers on just 1-day of rest).

They have been off since Monday and I look for them to bounce back with a great performance here at home. Keep in mind that prior to losing 3 in a row, they had won 7 of 8, including 5 straight at home. 

K-State is off back-to-back big wins at home vs ISU and Baylor, but those are two teams that have really struggled away from home. Wildcats have lost 5 straight Big 12 road games, which includes a 8-point loss at Texas Tech and 14-point setback at Oklahoma. Give me the Cowboys -2! 

10* NBA Sharp Money VEGAS INSIDER 

PLAY ON CHICAGO BULLS -1.5: I'll take my chances with Chicago as a slim 1.5-point home favorite against the Nets. I just feel this is a good spot to buy-low on the Bulls in the first game back from the All-Star break. They have to be itching to get back on the floor after losing 6 straight going into the break. 

Brooklyn has played well since the big trades depleting them of their two best players in Durant and Irving, but I don't think it's sustainable. The guys left behind and brought in felt like they had something to prove. Not saying they won't fight, I just think they are a better bet at home than basically being priced to win outright on the road to cover.

Bulls have done well as a home favorite. Chicago is 30-16 (65%) ATS as a home favorite over the last 2 seasons. Give me Chicago -1.5! 

10* NCAAB PAC-12 PLAY OF THE MONTH

PLAY ON COLORADO BUFFALOES -2.5: This to me is just too good a price to pass up on Colorado at home. The Buffaloes are just one of those teams who look like an NCAA Tournament team on their home floor and then a team that doesn't even deserve the NIT on the road. Colorado is 11-2 at CU Events Center and just 4-11 on the road. This to me is also a Buffaloes team that is sneaky good. People forget they beat Tennessee by 12 (78-66) and destroyed Texas A&M by 28 (103-75). They got a lot of close losses. Of their 13 losses, their largest defeat is just 14 points and that was on the road vs UCLA. 

USC comes into this game with some momentum, as they have won 6 of their last 8. I think it has them overvalued on the road. Trojans have just 1 road win since the start of January. Buffs have a solid defense. They are No. 2 in the Pac-12 in Offensive Efficiency. They are No. 2 in TO%, No. 1 in offensive rebound rate. 

USC's got a good defense, but are No. 334 in the country in giving up offensive rebounds, which is an area the Buffs do well in, ranking No. 78 overall. Colorado's offense is just different at home. They are shooting 47.1% from the field and getting to the foul line 20 times a game at home. They shoot 43.7% on the season. That tells you how night and day it is with this team. Give me the Buffaloes -2.5! 

9* NBA Over/Under TOTAL NO-BRAINER 

PLAY ON PISTONS/MAGIC OVER 226.5: I'm a little surprised this total is south of 230. These two teams aren't very good on defense to begin with. I don't see either of these non-playoff contending teams being all that locked in defensively in the first game back from the All-Star break. I think a talented Magic team is going to be eager to push the pace and attack this Pistons defense. Both teams should be willing to push the tempo given how fresh their legs are going to feel after the long break. 

OVER is 8-1 in Orlando's 9 home games this season when facing a bad defensive team that is allowing 116 or more ppg. Average combined score in these games was 242.4. Give me the OVER 226.5! 

10* NCAAB Big East PLAY OF THE MONTH

PLAY ON UCONN HUSKIES -7: I got no problem laying the 7 with UConn at home against Providence. The Huskies looked elite during a 14-0 start to the season. They then hit a wall and lost 5 of 6. They are no longer viewed in the same way. I think they are still that team and are on the right track to close out the season. UConn has won 5 of their last 7. The two losses coming by 3-points a piece. They had a 1-pt loss at Seton Hall at the tail end of that 1-5 stretch. 

Last time out they beat Seton Hall at home by 9, revenging that earlier loss to the Pirates. Their previous home game they beat Marquette by 15 after the Golden Flashes had beat them by 6 earlier in the season. Now it's time for them to get their revenge on the Friars. Providence won the first meeting 73-61. 

Friars aren't exactly playing bad coming in, which is why the betting public is all over them and the points. I just think the Huskies are a different animal at home and will easily cover this number. Give me UConn -7

10* NCAAB Smart Money PLAY OF THE WEEK

PLAY ON KANSAS STATE WILDCATS -2: I'll take my chances with K-State as a 2-point home dog against Baylor. I get the Bears have been playing much better of late, but this is not an ideal spot for them. They just played one of their biggest games of the season to date at Kansas. A loss they could have a hard time getting over, as they watched a 40-23 1st half lead turn into a 71-87 loss. Could be hard to bounce back playing another road game with a mere 1-day break between games. 

K-State is the exact opposite. They are now just 8-6 in Big 12 play after a 6-1 start. Big thing to note with that, is 4 of their 5 losses during their slide have come on the road. Their only home loss all season is a 3-point setback against Texas. This feels like a bit of a statement game for them. Remind everyone they are one of the Big 12's best. Give me the Wildcats +2!

10* NCAAB Sharp Money VEGAS INSIDER 

PLAY ON TCU HORNED FROGS -1.5: I'll take my chances with TCU as a slim 1.5-point home favorite against Kansas in Monday's Big 12 matchup. I cashed an easy winner on TCU Saturday, as they crushed Oklahoma State 100-75. No surprise they played their best game in weeks in the first game they got back Mike Miles Jr.. He sat out the previous 5 games and played just 4 minutes in the game he was injured. TCU is now 17-4 with him on the floor with 3 of the 4 losses by 4 or fewer points. They were 1-5 in those 6 games he didn't start and finish. 

So while Kansas is a very good team and off an impressive come from behind win over Baylor (won by 16 after trailing by as many as 17), I think TCU is the right side in this one. It takes a lot out of you overcoming a deficit like KU did on Saturday. Also not an ideal spot playing on just 1 day of rest in what will be their 3rd road game in the last 10 days. Give me TCU -1.5! 

10* NCAAB Sharp Money VEGAS INSIDER

PLAY ON NORTHWESTERN WILDCATS +1.5: I'll gladly take my chances with Northwestern as a 1.5-point home dog against Iowa. I just feel that the Hawkeyes are getting way too much respect in this one. The home/away splits for Iowa is pretty significant. They are 13-2 at home compared to just 4-7 on the road. They have lost 3 of their last 4 on the road in Big Ten play, with the only win being a 68-56 win over Minnesota (didn't play great, Gophers are just bad). 

Northwestern is 12-4 on their home floor, having won 4 of their last 5 at home in Big Ten play. The last two being some big time wins. They knocked off Purdue last Sunday and then snuck out a win over Indiana on Wednesday. 

Wildcats will be out for revenge in this one, as they watched an early 9-point 1st half lead turn into a 16-point road loss when these two teams played in Iowa City back on Jan. 31. Iowa simply couldn't miss in that game. They shot 61.3% on 2-pt attempts and 47.6% on 3-pt attempts. They are shooting 51.9% (105th) on 2-pt shots for the season and 35.1% on 3-pt attempts (126th). Worth noting they are only shooting 29.7% from 3 on the road this year. 

Keep in mind that was a tired Northwestern team when these two last played. Wildcats were playing their 4th game in a span of 9 days. I think that had a lot to do with Iowa's great shooting, as this is a team that on the season ranks 23rd, allowing a mere 45.4% on 2-pt attempts. Give me Northwestern +1.5! 

9* NCAAB Situational ATS SLAUGHTER

PLAY ON MICHIGAN WOLVERINES -2: 

I'm going to take another shot with Michigan. This time as a slim 2-point home favorite against in-state rival Michigan State. Wolverines come in having lost their last two games, but could have easily won both. They suffered a heartbreaking 61-62 loss at home to Indiana last Saturday after leading by double-digits in the 1st half. They followed that up with a 5-point loss at Wisconsin.

I like the Wolverines to respond here with a huge effort and get their revenge on Sparty, who only won by 6 at home in the previous meeting this season. Michigan State is just 6-15 ATS last 3 seasons in road games 15+ games into the season vs team with a winning record, losing in this spot by close to 8 ppg. Too much value to pass up with the Wolverines. Give me Michigan -2

10* NCAAB SEC PLAY OF THE MONTH 

PLAY ON MISSOURI TIGERS -2: 

I love the value and spot for Missouri as a slim 2-point home favorite against Texas A&M. The Tigers got embarrassed on the road Tuesday in a 56-89 loss at Auburn. Missouri trailed in that game by as many as 49 points. Whenever a team has an awful performance like Missouri did, they end up showing some decent value in the next game. Expect a complete 180 in terms of effort and shots should fall at home, where Missouri is 14-2 on the season with their only 2 losses coming at the hands of Kansas and Alabama. 

Texas A&M has really taken the SEC by storm, as no one saw this team jumping out to a 11-2 start in conference play after their 6-5 start to the season. They are 13-2 over their last 15 games, but 9 of those 15 games have come at home. Simply too good a price to pas up on the Tigers. Give me Missouri -2! 

9* NCAAB No Doubt ATS BLOWOUT

PLAY ON TCU HORNED FROGS -5.5:

I'll lay the 5.5 with TCU at home against Oklahoma State on Saturday. Perfect buy-low spot on the Horned Frogs. TCU comes into this game having lost 4 straight. A streak that started with a 73-79 loss on the road to the Cowboys. 

The big thing to note is that TCU has had to play each of their last 4 games without one of the best players in the conference in Mike Miles Jr (Preseason Big 12 Player of the Year). Horned Frogs are 15-5 with him on the floor and just 2-5 without him. 

Oklahoma State had been rolling, but had their 5-game winning streak snapped in a 76-87 loss at home to Kansas. I think they struggle to pick themselves up on the road against a very underrated, motivated and desperate Horned Frogs team. Give me TCU -5.5! 

9* NCAAB Sharp Money VEGAS INSIDER

PLAY ON KANSAS STATE WILDCATS -3:

I'll lay the 3-points with K-State at home against Iowa State. I'll be the first to admit, I've not had great luck betting against the Cyclones this year, but this is just too good a spot and price to pass up with the Wildcats. 

We know we are going to get a huge effort here from K-State, as they enter this matchup having lost their last 2 and 4 of their last 5. Thing is, 3 of those losses came on the road, where wins are extremely hard to come by for Big 12 teams. The lone loss at home was by just 3-points to Texas in a game they led by as many as 14 in the 1st half. That's the only home loss on the resume for the Wildcats this season. ISU is a great home team (I've backed them a lot at Hilton), but aren't as formidable on the road. After winning their first two road games in Big 12 play, ISU has lost 5 straight away from Ames. That streak extends to 6 today. Give me Kansas State -3! 

10* NCAAB Sharp Money VEGAS INSIDER

PLAY ON OHIO STATE/IOWA OVER 152.5: I wanted to bet Iowa in this game, but I feel like the number here has been inflated to where there's just not enough value. I like the Hawkeyes largely because of how good they have been at home. Thing is, not only have they been great (11-3 ATS), the OVER has been great (10-4). 

That makes sense. Iowa likes to play super fast. While they have some good offensive players and are very efficiency (5th in the country), they aren't a great 3-PT shooting team (134th). Teams tend to shoot better at home. That's definitely the case for Iowa. Hawkeyes are scoring 89.0 ppg and shooting 38.5% at home this season (80.6 ppg and 35.1% on the season). 

Overs are also great at home with Iowa, because they aren't a very good defensive team. Opposing teams are shooting 48.6% from the field and 38% from 3 against them in conference play. Buckeyes are a shocking 1-11 over their last 12 games, but are 25th in offensive efficiency. They scored 93 points on 56.3% shooting. I think both teams easily eclipse the 70 point mark and this thing flies past the number. Give me the OVER 152.5! 

10* NBA Over/Under PLAY OF THE WEEK

PLAY ON MAVS/NUGGETS OVER 231.5: I'll take my chances with the OVER 231.5 in Wednesday's matchup between the Mavs and Nuggets. I mentioned this when I took the OVER in the Mavs' last game, I just don't think the books have properly adjusted for how much better the Mavs got offensively when they adding in Kyrie Irving. Teaming two of the NBA's most skilled offensive players together. We are just in the baby stages of this and it looks great. At least offensively. The defense is a different story. It's been bad and that was to be expected. The had to give up some good depth pieces in that trade and Irving's not exactly known for his defense. 

All of it adds up the total just not being high-enough. I think on a below-average night this Mavs offense will put up close to 120. With Dallas' defensive struggles and how good the Nuggets are offensively, they too should easily hit 120. This total should be closer to 240. Give me the OVER 231.5! 

9* NCAAB No Doubt ATS SLAUGHTER

PLAY ON IOWA STATE CYCLONES -3.5: I will gladly take my chances with Iowa State as a mere 3.5-point home favorite against TCU. Both of these teams come in desperate for a win. Horned Frogs have lost 3 straight and the Cyclones have dropped 4 of their last 5. I still feel this is too low a price for ISU to be laying at home. Yes, they just lost at home to Oklahoma State 56-64 on Saturday. That was their first home loss of the season. In their previous 5 conference home games they had bat Kansas by 15, K-State by 4, Texas by 11, Texas Tech by 34 and Baylor by 15. 

Let's also not ignore just how bad they shot in that loss to TCU. The Cyclones were 13 of 35 (37.1%) on 2-PT attempts. They shoot 51.4% on 2-PT attempts for the season. Those kind of nights happen against elite defenses like Oklahoma State. Now TCU's defense is pretty darn good, but it's not on the same level as the Cowboys. It's also a defense that comes in having not played well. They have allowed 70+ points in 5 straight games. Give me the Cyclones -3.5! 

9* NCAAB Sharp Money VEGAS INSIDER

PLAY ON MISSISSIPPI STATE BULLDOGS -3: I'll take my chances with Mississippi State as a slim 3-point home favorite against Kentucky. The Bulldogs are hot. Mississippi State has won 5 straight. A win streak that started after they opened up 1-7 in SEC play. People overlook how many close games this team lost earlier in the year. They two losses to Alabama by a combined 14 points. They have 4 other losses by 8 or fewer. 

They are special defensively. Bulldogs are No. 4 in the country in defensive efficiency and No. 15 in both effective FG% defense and Turnover%. Kentucky got talent, but are not as good as they have been in the past. They come in poor form having lost by 15 at home to Arkansas and by 7 on the road to Georgia in their last two games. Give me the Bulldogs -3! 

9* NBA No Doubt ATS BLOWOUT

PLAY ON LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS -8: I think LA win tonight in a blowout. This is a huge letdown spot for the Warriors. Golden State is in the 2nd of a back-to-back and just days away from the All-Star break. Got to think they are going to rest guys like Klay Thompson and Draymond Green, maybe even Andrew Wiggins. Last time they were in the 2nd of a back-to-back they lost by 17 at Denver (Green and Thompson didn't play, also still had Steph Curry). 

Clippers are at the other end of the rest spectrum, having not played since last Friday. They also are one of the healthiest teams in the league right now. Got to think they are going to be excited to showcase their new look after adding a couple sneaky pieces at the deadline in Bones Hyland and Eric Gordon. Not to mention they have lost their last two games. It would take an incredible shooting night and an awful shooting night by the Clippers for this to even be respectable. Give me the Clippers -8! 

10* NCAAB Big 12 PLAY OF THE WEEK

PLAY ON OKLAHOMA STATE COWBOYS +2.5: No way I'm passing up on Oklahoma State as a home dog. The Cowboys should not be a dog at home to any team in the Big 12 with how they are playing. After starting just 9-8 and 1-4 in Big 12 play, Oklahoma State has gone 7-1 over their last 8 games. They are on a 5-game winning streak, most recently knocking off a very good ISU team 64-56 on the road (Cyclones first home loss of the season). 

Kansas is good, but they feel a bit overpriced to me, which is what you would expect. People just bet Kansas because it's Kansas and the books will take advantage of that and put a tax on the Jayhawks. Kansas has been vulnerable on the road, especially on conference games. They have lost 3 of their last 4 conference road games with the only win against a mediocre Oklahoma team. Not saying Jayhawks can't win this game, but they should not be favored. Give me Oklahoma State +2.5!

9* NBA Oddsmakers LINE MISTAKE

Play on Los Angeles Lakers +2: The only reason this isn't a bigger bet, is there is a minor concern that LeBron could miss this game. He's sat out the last two, essentially giving him a week off (hasn't played since setting scoring record last Tuesday). There are just two more games left on the schedule until the All-Star break, so maybe LA just doesn't play him until after the break. 

Thing is, I don't know that they can, given how big every game is to them in terms of making the playoffs. They are 2-games back of the Thunder for the final play-in spot and have two teams to jump before getting to OKC. This is a game they can easily win and I just have to believe he plays. 

With that said, I think LA is good enough to win this game without him. I love what this team did at the trade deadline and really think they could go on a HUGE run down the stretch to get into the playoffs. I got to take them in this spot at this price against a Blazers team that isn't close to full strength and not playing great basketball. Give me the Lakers +2! 

10* NBA Sharp Money VEGAS INSIDER 

Play on Timberwolves/Mavericks OVER 231.5: I just think there's tremendous value with the OVER in Mavs games right now. Dallas, who already had one of the best offensive players in the NBA in Doncic, added one of the best offensive players in the NBA in Kyrie Irving. Everything so far, looks like its going to work. Kyrie is playing amazing and in their first game with Irving/Doncic, the Mavs shot 52% from the field, with 20 made 3-pointers. Key here to the OVER, is while Irving is a nightmare on offense, he's not the best defendender. In that same game, Dallas allowed the Kings to shoot 51% from the field, as they lost 128-133 in OT. 

First game they will be together at home and they are facing a Timberwolves team that is giving up 116.8 ppg on the road this season and have allowed 123.4 ppg on 53% shooting over their last 5 games. Feels like a game where the Mavs can easily hit 130 points. That alone should have this total in the 240s. Give me the OVER 231.5! 

9* NCAAB No Doubt ATS BLOWOUT

Play on North Carolina Tar Heels -4.5: I think this is a fair price and even better spot to lay it with North Carolina at home against Miami. It just feels to me like the Tar Heels have went through the motions for the first 3+ months of the season. Which is why they have been so inconsistent. It could plague them all season, but teams can flip a switch. Prime example of that would be Baylor in the Big 12. 

It's do or die time for the Tar Heels and I think the 3-game losing streak to start February will end up being the turning point of their season. All 3 of those games could have went their way. Had they, this team would be on a 9-game winning streak and 14-2 run over their last 16. They bounced back with a 20-point thrashing of Clemson on Saturday. 

I just like them to stay hot, especially at home. Miami is a good team, but they really haven't been tested on the road. This will be just their 2nd true road game vs a team ranked in the Top 60 at KenPom since playing at UCF (No. 57) back around Thanksgiving. Give me North Carolina -4.5! 

9* NBA Over/UNDER Total NO-BRAINER 

PLAY ON BULLS/CAVS UNDER 224: I'll take my chances with the UNDER 224 in Saturday's division matchup between the Bulls and Cavaliers. Last time these two teams played it was an all-out shootout with Donovan Mitchell scoring 71 points in a 145-134 Cavs win. That was an outlier in this series. The two teams had played each 2 days prior and combined for just 205 points. The previous 6 meetings in the series had all saw 124 or fewer points. 

Cleveland definitely won't be looking to push the pace in this one, as they will be in the 2nd of a back-to-back after a late tip-off (10:00 EST) at New Orleans on Friday. It will also be the Cavs 5th game in 7 days. You have to think Cleveland will be looking to play this game at a snails pace. Which is saying something for the team that ranks dead last in pace.

I also don't like this matchup for Chicago's offense. The Bulls do the majority of their scoring inside the 3-point line. That plays right into the strength of this Cleveland defense. Chicago also hasn't looked in sync offensively of late, scoring just 89 in a blowout loss at Memphis on Tuesday and then 105 at Brooklyn on Thursday. Give me the UNDER 224! 

10* NCAAB Sharp Money PLAY OF THE MONTH

PLAY ON MICHIGAN WOLVERINES -2.5: I love the Wolverines as a mere 2.5-point home favorite against Indiana on Saturday. Perfect time to sell-high on the Hoosiers, who are coming off two huge home wins over Purdue and Rutgers. They are also 7-1 over their last 8 games. Thing is, most of that success came at home (5 of the 7 wins) and one of the road wins was against Minnesota. Last time they played on the road, they lost by 11 at Maryland. This is also a team that has lost on the road by 19 at Penn State, 22 at Kansas and by 15 at Rutgers. 

This might not be a top tier Michigan team, but one that I think is better than it gets credit for. Wolverines are 8-5 in Big 10 play. They come in having won 3 straight. Of their 5 conference losses, three have come by 6 or fewer and one was a 9-point loss at Iowa in OT (should have won in regulation). Their only loss at home in Big Ten play is a 5-point loss to Purdue. This is simply way too good a price to pass up with Michigan. Give me the Wolverines -2.5! 

9* NCAAB Situational ATS SLAUGHTER

PLAY ON AUBURN TIGERS +2.5: I really like this spot for Auburn and believe they are going to win this game outright. Neville Arena is not an easy place to win at and I expect the home crowd to be electric with the No. 3 ranked Crimson Tide coming to town. Yes, Auburn has lost 4 of their last 5, but 3 of those losses came on the road by 5 or fewer points. People forget this team was 16-3 to start the year. 

Nothing against Alabama, who is a very good basketball team, but they haven't looked nearly as good on the road as they have at home. Might sound crazy for a team that is 5-0 in SEC road games this year, but the numbers back it up. In their last 2 road games they got annihilated 93-69 by Oklahoma and only beat a bad LSU team by 10. Never led by more than 12 the entire game. I like the Tigers to step up and get a signature win to solidify their Tournament status. Give me Auburn +2.5! 

9* NBA Vegas Oddsmakers LINE MISTAKE

PLAY ON DALLAS MAVERICKS +2: I want to bet the Mavs right now. I think people are really sleeping on the Kyrie Irving addition, especially after the Durant deal stole the headlines. Irving is a headcase and could derail this thing at any point, but right now it's all good. Irving is an ELITE basketball player and was outstanding in his Dallas debut Wednesday, scoring 24 points in a 110-104 road win against the Clippers, who had their big two of Kawhi and George. 

That was without Luka, who has missed the last 3 games. However, it feels optimistic that Luka could return for this game. If it clicks between Irving and Doncic, this offense is going to be hard to stop. 

Kings have established themselves as a legit playoff team in the west, but it's not been their best stretch of basketball coming into this game. Yes, they have won their last two, but both of those were against a tanking Rockets team. They are just 4-4 in their last 8 with those 2 wins and the other two were against the T-Wolves and another tanking team in the Spurs. Kings are also in a bit of a flat spot. They just finished up a 7-game road trip on Wednesday and will be playing their 4th game in 6 days. Give me the Mavs +2!

10* NBA Vegas Insider PLAY OF THE MONTH

PLAY ON THE INDIANA PACERS -1.5: The Suns were the big winners of the trade deadline, landing Durant from the Nets. They are now the favorites to make the Finals out of the West. I think it has them overvalued in the betting market tonight. Durant isn't playing until after the All-Star break, Booker is expected back after sitting the first of a back-to-back, but he's still being eased back from a groin injury that cost him more than a month. They gave away two huge rotation pieces in Cam Johnson and Mikal Bridges. Of the 9 guys that saw minutes last night, 5 played more than 30 minutes. It's a getaway game with it being the last of a long 5-game road trip east. 

The big reason there's value here, is because of how bad Indiana looks on paper right now. The Pacers are just 2-13 over their last 15 games. That's just two wins in more than a months time. A lot of that losing came without their best player in Haliburton. He's back and should be back close to 100%. Indiana as a team should also be real fresh here. This is just their 2nd game in 5 days. They should be extremely motivated here and that should be enough to get them the win. Give me the Pacers -1.5! 

10* NCAAB Sharp Money VEGAS INSIDER

PLAY ON PURDUE BOILERMAKERS -8: This might seem like a steep price to lay on Purdue against an Iowa team that comes in having won 3 straight and are 7-2 in their last 9 games. Big thing to note about this 7-2 stretch, is 6 of the 7 wins came at home, where Iowa is just a different team. 

Iowa is shooting 45.8% from the field and 35.2% from deep in all games this season, yet are only connecting on 40.7% from the field and 29.3% from deep away from home. They just aren't a great 3-point shooting team and aren't going to get any easy looks inside against Purdue and 7-4 big man Zach Edey. 

I also love this spot for the Boilermakers. Not only is Purdue going to be motivated coming off a loss at Indiana, but I got to think there's some want back against the Hawkeyes after losing to them in last year's Big 10 Tournament Championship Game. 

Boilermakers really dominated both meetings in the regular-season last year. They won by 10 at Iowa in a game they led by 20 in the 2nd half. They did win by just 7 at home, but in that game by 19 with under 10 minutes to go. They should have no problem winning here by 10 or more. Give me Purdue -8! 

9* NBA Situational ATS SLAUGHTER

PLAY ON UTAH JAZZ -5: I'll take my chances with the Jazz as a slim 5-point home favorite against the Timberwolves. Minnesota is in a brutal back-to-back, having played at Denver last night and now at Utah. I also think the Timberwolves are a bit overvalued on the road right now. Minnesota comes into this game having won 13 of their last 20, but 11 of those wins came at home and the two road wins were against an awful Rockets team and a depleted Pelicans team. 

I also feel like this is a good spot to buy low on the Jazz, who are coming off home losses to Atlanta and Dallas. Utah is still a very strong 18-11 at home this season. Jazz are 12-4 ATS when they come in having lost 2 of their last 3. Utah should be able to play this game at their tempo and really push the pace. I don't see Minnesota being able to keep pace offensively. Give me the Jazz -5! 

10* NCAAB Sharp Money VEGAS INSIDER

PLAY ON PENN STATE NITTANY LIONS -4: I'll gladly take my chances with Penn State laying 4 at home against the Badgers. Good time to buy low on the Nittany Lions. Penn State is just 5-7 in Big 10 play and have lost 6 of their last 9 overall. Thing is, none of those losses came on their home floor. The 3 wins they did have, all came at home and all were relatively easy wins. They beat Indiana 85-66, Nebraska 76-65 and Michigan 83-61. 

Wisconsin is also trending in the wrong direction. Badgers are just 2-7 in their last 9. Thing is, it hasn't just been a downfall due to playing a bunch of games on the road. They have 3 home losses during this stretch. I have a hard time seeing Wisconsin figure it out on the road against a talented and hungry Penn State squad. Give me the Nittany Lions -4!

9* NCAAB No Doubt ATS BLOWOUT

PLAY ON KANSAS STATE WILDCATS -4.5: I'll gladly take my chances with K-State covering the 4.5 at home against a TCU team that continues to play without their best player, Mike Miles Jr. There will be no overlooking the Horned Frogs for the Wildcats, who I expect to be extremely motivated to take the floor after losing their last 2. They are now just 6-4 in Big 12 play after starting 6-1. Thing is, the 3 losses came against arguably the 3 best teams in the league in ISU, Kansas and Texas. 

Both teams will be playing this game on short rest, as each will have had just 2 days off following their game on Saturday. I just think it's a much tougher spot for TCU, especially with them missing Miles Jr. Horned Frogs are also playing their 2nd road game in 4 days, where K-State had zero travel with Saturday's game also being at home. Wildcats 11-0 at home before losing by 3 at home to Texas last time out. I don't see them dropping back-to-back games on their home floor. Give me K-State -4.5! 

10* NCAAB Sharp Money VEGAS INSIDER

PLAY ON MICHIGAN STATE SPARTANS -3: I'll gladly take my chances with Michigan State as a mere 3-point home favorite against the Terrapins. It's been a tough go for the Spartans of late. Michigan State is just 2-5 SU over their last 7 games, which I believe has them undervalued in this spot. The Spartans' recent struggles have a lot to do with their schedule. Only 1 of the 5 losses during this stretch came on their home floor and that was a 1-point loss to No. 1 ranked Purdue. 

Maryland on the other hand comes in way overvalued. Terps are riding a 4-game winning streak. Thing is, 3 of the 4 wins came at home and the lone road win was against a Minnesota team that is 1-11 in Big 10 play. Prior to that win over the Gophers, Maryland 0-5 in Big Ten road games. Give me Michigan State -3! 

9* NBA Situational ATS NO-BRAINER

PLAY ON ORLANDO MAGIC +1.5: I'll take my chances with the Magic as a 1.5-point home dog against the Knicks on Tuesday. Great spot here to bet against New York. Knicks will be playing in the 2nd of a back-to-back and 3rd game in 4 nights after using up a ton of energy rallying from 21-points down to beat the 76ers 108-97 at home last night. 

The Magic are also a team I'm looking to back in certain spots, as I feel this is a team that is much better than their 22-32 record would suggest. Books have clearly been undervaluing this team of late, as Orlando comes into this game 10-3 ATS in their last 13 games. 

Last time out the Magic won 119-113 on the road against the Hornets as a 2-point dog. Orlando is 12-4 ATS last 16 off an upset win as a dog and 8-8 ATS last 8 off a win by 6 points or less. Give me the Magic +1.5! 

9* NBA Situational ATS NO-BRAINER

PLAY ON WASHINGTON WIZARDS +3: I'll take my chances with Washington as a slim 3-point home dog against the Cavs. Cleveland was impressive in Sunday's 122-103 win at Indiana. I was on the Pacers in that matchup. Indiana didn't play great, but Cavs also shot the ball extremely well.

It wasn't enough for me to look to chase my money on Cleveland. I think this is a bad spot for them in the second on the road in a back-to-back. Let's not forget this a team that is just 11-16 in road games this season. Cleveland is just 1-9 ATS this season in road games when they come in having won 4/5 of their last 6. 

Wizards come in having lost their last 2, but were very competitive in both losses. They had won 6 straight before losing those last two. This is a team I'm going to be looking to back a lot in the coming weeks, at least until the market catches up on them. Give me Washington +3! 

10* NBA Central Division PLAY OF THE MONTH

PLAY ON INDIANA PACERS +5: This to me is the time to buy big on the Pacers. Indiana is off a win and cover, but are just 2-11 SU over their last 13 games. They also didn't dominate in their win, sneaking out a 107-104 victory against the Kings, so I'm not expecting the public to be crazy about backing them just yet. I think it all adds up to their being some great value here with the Pacers. 

Most of the losing during their 2-11 stretch, came with star point guard Tyrese Haliburton sidelined. He returned in Thursday's 111-112 loss at home to the Lakers. He was great, scoring 26 points with 12 assists on 46% shooting. He didn't play great offensively in their win over the Kings and yet they still be a good Sacramento team playing on 0 days rest.

Keep in mind, prior to Haliburtons injury, Indiana was playing great basketball. This is not going to be an easy game for the Cavs, who are just 10-16 SU on the road this season. Just too much value to pass up. Give me the Pacers +5! 

9* NBA Situational ATS NO-BRAINER

PLAY ON CHICAGO BULLS -5.5: The Blazers did me dirty on Friday. I had the Wizards -4 at home and they lost 116-124 to Portland, blowing a 20-point lead in the process. Washington scored 69 points in the 1st half and then just 47 in the 2nd half. I'm not going to let that bad beat keep me from fading the Blazers again on Saturday. 

This is a massive flat spot for Portland, as they will face the tall task of playing the second of a back-to-back road game (3rd road game in 4 nights). Keep in mind those were some taxing minutes they played last night. It takes an enormous effort to come back from a 20-point deficit. Lillard played a team-high 40 minutes, three other starters played 36 or more, while Watford played 30 off the bench. You got to think they will be looking to rest some guys or at the very least limit the minutes of their top guys. 

Bulls are playing just their second game in 4 days and have had zero travel to deal with. This will be Chicago's third straight game at home. Bulls are 5-2 in their last 7 home games and are 14-3 ATS last 17 at home vs marginal losing teams (WP% between 40% and 49%). Give me Chicago -5.5! 

9* NCAAB No Doubt ATS SLAUGHTER

PLAY ON SYRACUSE ORANGE -2: I really like the value we are getting with Syracuse at basically a pick'em on the road against Boston College. Homecourt isn't as big a factor in the ACC like it is in the Big 10 and Big 12. It's really all about finding good matchups and spots to back a team. 

It's why I really like Syracuse in this one. The Orange are just 6-6 in ACC play and have lost 3 straight. All 3 came against teams in the Top 60 with two of those being narrow home losses to UNC and Virginia. BC ranks 168th overall at KenPom. The Eagles have won 3 of their last 4, but only one of those was a somewhat decent win. That being a 62-54 home win over No. 70 Clemson last time out. The other two were wins over No. 157 Notre Dame and No. 293 Louisville. THeir only other win this season over a Top 100 team was a 70-65 OT win at home vs Va Tech back in December. 

The matchup heavily favors the Orange. To really attack Syracuse's zone, you got to be able to hit from the outside. BC doesn't like to shoot 3's (335th in 3PA/FGA) and don't make many when they do (342nd in 3P%). Eagles have done a nice job generating offense on the break, but Syracuse has one of the top transition defenses in the ACC. I don't think it will be much better for the Eagles defense. Syracuse has won and covered each of the last 5 meetings in this series. Give me the Orange -2! 

10* NCAAB Big 12 PLAY OF THE YEAR

PLAY ON OKLAHOMA STATE COWBOYS -3.5: I took one on the chin betting against Oklahoma State in Tuesday's 71-61 win on the road against in-state rival Oklahoma. Cowboys had complete control of that game from the get go. That's now 4 wins in their last 5 games for Oklahoma State with the only loss coming on the road against Texas. 

TCU comes into this game with the better record and are ranked No. 15 in the country (Oklahoma State not ranked at this time). This might seem like a decent price to back them, even with Mike Miles Jr. out. They won without him in their last game at home against West Virginia. I actually think we are getting a discount here on the Cowboys. 

The Horned Frogs would be nowhere near a Top 25 team without Miles Jr. and they didn't exactly dominate the Mountaineers without him, winning by just 4 points on their home floor. They did so, shooting 58.3% from inside the 2-pt line. They were a dreadful 2-10 (20%) from behind the 3-pt line. Oklahoma State's 2PT% defense is one of the best in the country. I just don't think the Horned Frogs are going to be able to generate enough offense without Miles Jr to keep this game close at all. Give me Oklahoma State -3.5! 

10* NBA Non-Conference PLAY OF THE WEEK

PLAY ON WASHINGTON WIZARDS -4: I really like the value we are getting with the Wizards as a 4-point home favorite against the Blazers on Friday. Washington has been rolling of late. Wizards have won 6 straight and are a perfect 6-0 ATS in those games. This team has finally gotten healthy.  Because they were so bad early on, the public is slow to get on board, which allows the value to linger with them. 

I don't think 4 points is a lot to ask them to cover with how well they are playing, especially with this not being an ideal spot for the Blazers. Portland is coming off a big 122-112 win at Memphis as a 5.5-point dog on Wednesday. Solid win, but the Grizzlies aren't at full strength right now. I think they could be a little flat here, especially with this being the first of a back-to-back. Potential for guys to sit out or have their minutes reduced. 

I also think the Blazers are just a bit overvalued right now. Not only are they off the big upset win, but they have won 4 of their last 5. Those 3 wins were against the Spurs, Jazz and Hawks, all at home. Prior to beating the Grizzlies in Memphis, Portland hadn't won on the road since beating the Rockets in Houston back on Dec. 17! Give me the Wizards -4! 

10* NCAAB Sharp Money VEGAS INSIDER

PLAY ON NORTHWESTERN WILDCATS -3: I'll gladly take my chances with Northwestern as a slim 3-point home favorite against Michigan. Northwestern is coming off what looks to be an ugly 70-86 loss at Iowa, but that game really didn't get away from them until the final 10 minutes. It was 56-57 at the 10 minute mark and then Iowa went on a 29-14 run to end the game.

I think it has the Wildcats a bit undervalued here at home against the Wolvines. Northwestern is 10-3 on their home floor this season. Michigan is just 1-5 in true road games with the only win coming against B10 bottom feeders Minnesota. They just lost by 23 on the road to Penn State last time out. 

Northwestern is also out for revenge from a 78-85 loss at Michigan back on Jan. 15. Wildcats couldn't have started slower in that game, falling behind 20-9 in the first 10 minutes. They would storm back and take the lead by half, but just ran out of gas late, much like they did on the road against Iowa. Look for them to start a lot stronger and maintain that edge at home. Give me the Wildcats -3! 

10* NCAAB Sharp Money VEGAS INSIDER 

PLAY ON OKLAHOMA SOONERS -3.5: I'll take my chances with the Sooners as a slim 3.5-point home favorite against in-state rival Oklahoma State. These two teams played just a couple of weeks ago in Stillwater, with the Cowboys securing an impressive 72-56 win. It was a dreadful 2nd half for Oklahoma in that game, as they led 30-24 at the half. I'm not too concerned about the margin of victory in that one. It really just comes down to home court for me. 

Oklahoma State has really struggled away from home. They are 0-4 in Big 12 road games and 3 of the 4 losses have come by 8 or more points. Oklahoma is just 2-3 at home in Big 12 play, but their losses have come against 3 of the better teams in the league in Texas, Baylor and Iowa State by a combined 6 points. On Saturday they showed just how good they can be at home in a 93-69 thrashing of then No. 2 Alabama. I think there would be some concern of a letdown off a big win like that it if wasn't Oklahoma State as their opponent, especially having already lost to them earlier this season. I think they come out on fire tonight and that letdown probably comes on Saturday in a game at West Virginia. Give me the Sooners -3.5! 

9* NBA No Doubt Doubt ATS BLOWOUT

PLAY ON SACRAMENTO KINGS -7.5: I got no problem laying the big number on the road with Sacramento, as visit the Spurs on Wednesday night. Kings snapped a 2-game skid with a hard fought 118-111 OT win at Minnesota on Monday. I don't see them having any problem here winning by double-digits. 

San Antonio has completely fallen flat on their face over the last month. The Spurs have lost 6 straight 2-14 SU over their last 17 games. They have really struggled to keep games close of late. Their last 5 losses have all come by at least 9 points. Most recently losing 106-127 at home to the Wizards as a 5.5-point favorite on Monday. These two teams played in San Antonio on Jan. 15 and the Kings won that game 132-119, despite trailing 63-64 at the half. They were only a 7-point favorite that time around, so the line has barely been adjusted. Books just aren't adjusting enough with San Antonio and it shows with the Spurs failing to cover in each of their last 5. Give me the Kings -7.5! 

10* NCAAB Sharp Money VEGAS INSIDER

PLAY ON MARYLAND TERRAPINS -2.5: I'll gladly take my chances with Maryland laying just 2.5 at home against the Hoosiers. Even after going against Indiana at home against Ohio State and losing, I still think it's wise to look to fade these Hoosiers right now. Indiana is being way overvalued on a 5-game winning streak. 

It's hard to sustain that kind of success in the Big Ten, especially on the road against a good team. Maryland is 11-1 at home this season. The only loss coming to UCLA. They are 5-0 at home in Big Ten play. Just way too good a price to pass up. Give me the Terps -2.5! 

9* NBA Vegas Oddsmakers LINE MISTAKE

PLAY ON LOS ANGELES LAKERS +3.5: I'll gladly take my chances with the Lakers as a 3.5-point road dog against the Knicks on Tuesday. LA comes into this game off a 104-121 loss at Brooklyn on Monday and it just feels like they are being a bit undervalued here due to playing on no rest. Big thing to note about that, is LeBron James and Anthony Davis both didn't play last night. The reasons given were because of injuries, but it was really just a load management deal. 

I expect both to be back on the floor and I really like what I've seen out of this Lakers team over the last couple of weeks, especially since getting back Davis. I think if they had this roster intact from the get go, there would be zero debate on if this was a playoff team. I also think them losing last night to Brooklyn, really puts an emphasis on them winning this game. 

As for the Knicks, I'm just not a believer in this team. They are just 2-5 SU over their last 7 games. Yes those were two good wins, beating the Cavs at home and Celtics on the road, but could easily have lost both of those games and be on a 7-game skid. 

Lastly, LeBron has been playing out of his mind of late and you know he's going to want to put on a show at MSG. Give me the Lakers +3.5! 

10* NBA Revenge PLAY OF THE MONTH

PLAY ON THE SACRAMENTO KINGS PK: I'm going big on the Kings in Monday's rematch vs the Timberwolves. Love Sacramento in this spot. These two teams played in Minnesota on Saturday with the Timberwolves pulling out a 117-110 win. Minnesota also comes in having won 3 straight and 5 of their last 6. I just feel it has them way overvalued here. Kings are going to be the more motivated side having lost the first meeting and are the better team to begin with. 

I just don't think the line move is justified given the spot. Kings were a 3-point road favorite on Saturday and now are a pick'em in some spots? Kings are 22-10 ATS last 32 on the road when revenging a same season loss over the last 3 seasons (7-3 ATS this season in any revenge spot). They are 6-0 ATS this season when they come in having lost 3 of their last 4 and 5-2 ATS as a road favorite of 6 or less. Give me the Kings PK! 

9* NBA Situational ATS SLAUGHTER

PLAY ON PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS -4.5:

10* NBA - Sharp Money VEGAS INSIDER

PLAY ON LOS ANGELES LAKERS +8.5: I'll gladly take my chances with the Lakers as a 8.5-point road dog against the Celtics. No question that Boston is the better team, but 8.5 is ridiculous given how well the Lakers have been playing and the fact that they got back Anthony Davis from injury and recently added a quality bench player in Rui Hachimura. He 12 points and 6 boards off the bench in just 22 minutes in his Lakers debut, posting a +17 +/-. They could also be getting back guard Lonnie Walker, who hasn't played since late December. Walker is 4th on the team in scoring (14.7 ppg) and arguably their best 3-point shooter (38.4%). 

Celtics will be playing without Marcus Smart, who might be the 3rd or 4th best player on their team, but easily the heart and soul of this team. He brings a different level of energy that I think the rest of the guys feed off of. Boston is also a team that has really solidified itself in terms of being an elite team. They don't got much to prove. Lakers are a team trying to save their season. Just too many points for me to pass up. Give me Los Angeles +8.5! 

9* NBA Over/Under Total NO-BRAINER 

PLAY ON KINGS/WOLVES OVER 237.5:

9* NCAAB - Vegas Oddsmakers LINE MISTAKE

PLAY ON OHIO STATE BUCKEYES +5.5: I will gladly take my chances with the Buckeyes as a slim 5.5-point road favorite against Indiana. I just think this a great spot and price to sell-high on the Hoosiers, who come into this game having won 4 straight. Also a good buy-low spot on Ohio State who has gone just 1-6 over their last 7. 

Buckeyes recent record may suggest they aren't that good, but it's been a bit of bad luck. During this stretch they have a 2-point loss at home to Purdue, 3-point loss at home to Minnesota, 2-point OT loss at Turgers and 3-point loss at Nebraska. You won't find many 11-9 teams that are ranked inside the Top 10 in the country in offensive efficiency (No. 9). Ohio State also is 27th in effective FG% defense. 

Indiana hasn't exactly fared well against top tier offenses. They are 9-0 vs teams that rank outside the Top 150. That makes them 5-6 vs teams in the Top 150 and 2-4 vs teams in the Top 50. They are also just 3-5 vs teams in the Top 100 in defensive effective FG%. Just a few too many points for the Hoosiers to be laying. Give me Ohio State +5.5! 

10* NCAAB Non-Conference PLAY OF THE MONTH

PLAY ON KANSAS STATE -4.5: I absolutely love the value and price with K-State as a mere 4.5-point home favorite against Florida. Wildcats should be pretty motivated for this one after losing at Iowa State on Tuesday. Just the third time all season K-State has failed to come out with a victory. The other two also coming in true road games. Wildcats are a perfect 10-0 at home. 

I also think it's a great spot here to sell-high on Florida. Gators come in having won 5 of their last 6, but all 5 wins came against teams ranked outside the Top 50 at KenPom. Florida is 0-7 this season against Top 50 teams. Of those 7 losses, 5 came out of conference, including losses by 9 on a neutral to Oklahoma and by 29 on a neutral to West Virginia, who are both 2-6 in Big 12 play this year (K-State is 6-2). Simply put, the Wildcats should be a much bigger favorite here. Give me K-State -4.5! 

8* NCAAB Public Money ATS MASSACRE

PLAY ON WISCONSIN BADGERS +2: I got no problem backing the Badgers as a 2-point home dog against Illinois. I honestly don't think the Fighting Illini should be favored on the road here. Wisconsin has lost 5 of their last 6, which looks bad, but 4 of those 5 losses were on the road. That includes a 69-79 loss at Illinois, where the Badgers were missing their best player in Tyler Wahl. 

Illinois appears to have gotten things on track with wins in 5 of their last 6, but I'm not so sure. Outside of their win against a Wahl-less Wisconsin, they beat Mich St and Ohio St at home, while also winning at Minnesota and Nebraska. I just think it has them way overvalued on the road against a team like Wisconsin. Note those are the only two true road wins on Illinois' resume. Their other two Big 10 road games resulted in a 5-point loss at Maryland and a 13 point loss at Northwestern. Simply too much value on the Badgers at home. Give me Wisconsin +2! 

8* NCAAB No Doubt ATS BLOWOUT

PLAY ON TEXAS TECH RED RAIDERS -2.5: I will gladly take my chances with Texas Tech as a slim 2.5-point road favorite against LSU. The Red Raiders couldn't have drawn up a worse start to Big 12 play. After going 10-2 in non-conference play with their only two losses coming to Creighton and Ohio State, Texas Tech sits winless at 0-8 in Big 12 play. 

I just think it speaks volumes to how good the Big 12 is this year and if you are off just the slightest bit, you are going to lose. It's not like the Red Raiders haven't been competitive. Of their 8 conference losses, 5 have come by 7 or fewer. If they just win 4 of those and are 4-4 in Big 12 play, the narrative on this team is completely different. 

I just think their record and the 8-game losing streak they bring into this game has them way undervalued against a bad LSU team. Tigers were 11-1 in non-conference play, but played the 347th toughest out of conference slate. They are 1-7 in SEC play and really have been competitive of late. Their last 6 losses have come by at least 11 points. I just think Texas Tech is a much better team from top to bottom. Give me the Red Raiders -2.5! 

10* NBA Sharp Money VEGAS INSIDER

PLAY ON OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER PICK'EM: I'll gladly take my chances with OKC at a pick'em on their home floor against the Cavaliers. This is the ideal spot to play against Cleveland. Cavs are at a big rest disadvantage in this one. Cleveland will be playing on no rest after a game last night in Houston. It's also their 3rd road game in a 4 day stretch.

Cavs could also be without two key contributors with Donovan Mitchell nursing a groin injury and Kevin Love questionable with a back injury. You also have to think Cleveland could monitor minutes or give their stars the night off given how much they have already had to play in the last 3 days. 

As for the Thunder, good bounce back spot for them coming off Monday's hard fought 132-137 loss at home to the Hawks. The defensive effort wasn't very good in that game, though some of it was just unrealistic shooting by Atlanta, who shot 60% from the field. 

I just feel that OKC will be able to get what they want offensively at home against a worn down Cavs defense and I don't see Cleveland being able to keep pace, especially if Mitchell doesn't play. Give me the Thunder PK!

10* NCAAB Big Ten PLAY OF THE MONTH

PLAY ON MICHIGAN STATE -2.5: I'll take my chances with the Spartans as a mere 2.5-point home favorite against Iowa on Thursday. Iowa is one of several Big Ten teams that I'm looking to back at home and fade on the road. Since Big Ten play resumed in late December, Iowa has gone 3-0 at home and just 1-3 on the road. Two of those road losses weren't close, as they fell by 15 at Nebraska and by 16 last time out at Ohio State. They also trailed by as many as 18 on the road in a 4-point loss at Penn State. 

One of the biggest reasons I believe Iowa has such big home/away splits, is they aren't a good defensive team and can't rely on their shooting to bail them out on the road. I also think there's value here due to the fact that Michigan State comes in having lost 3 of their last 4. Most recently losing by 13 on the road to Indiana. Nothing shocking about their 1-3 stretch. The other two losses were at Illinois and at home by 1 to Purdue. Their only other home loss besides the defeat to the Boilermakers was a loss to Northwestern back in the first week of December. Simply too good a price and spot to pass up. Give me the Spartans -2.5! 

9* NBA Vegas Oddsmakers LINE MISTAKE

PLAY ON GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS -2.5: I'll take my chances with Golden State as a slim 2.5-point home favorite against the Grizzlies. It's been an up and down first half of the season for the Warriors, which was to be expected. Golden State doesn't care about regular-season accolades. It's a big part of why they are just 6-18 on the road. They are 17-6 SU and 15-8 ATS at home this year. They are 4-0 ATS at home with a line of +3 to -3 and are 18-5 ATS in this spot over the last 3 years. 

This team gets up for big games, especially at home. I expect their best with Ja Morant coming to town. Big concern I have with Memphis is the injury to big man Steven Adams, who looks to be sidelined at least a couple weeks. Adams has started 42 of 44 games. He doesn't offer much offensively, but leads the team with 11.5 rpg. 

Warriors on the other hand are as close to full strength as I can remember. Kevon Looney just returned to action and James Wiseman is expected to return after missing close to a month. The only guy they are missing is veteran reserve Andre Iguodala, who has played in just 3 games. 

Golden State also has a decent edge here in scheduling. Warriors will be playing on a full 2 days of rest and have not played a back-to-back in over a week. Memphis is playing the 4th of a 5-game road trip and while they were off yesterday, this will be their 3rd road game in 4 days. Give me the Warriors -2.5! 

10* NBA Over/Under PLAY OF THE WEEK

PLAY ON RAPTORS/KINGS OVER 237: I will gladly take my chances with the OVER 237 in Wednesday's non-conference clash between the Raptors and Kings. 

I think the spread can sometimes give you a good feel for how the books see the game playing out. The fact that Toronto was just a 4.5-point dog when the line opened and has dropped to 3.5, tells me the books like the Raptors in this spot. Given that the Raptors have are 6-games under .500 and losers of 3 of their last 4, the books know everyone is going to be on Sacramento, given the Kings come in having won 7 of their last 8 and fresh off a 133-100 blowout win over the Grizzlies. 

I'm not quite ready to bet against the Kings as a small home favorite, but I do think there's big time value with the OVER. Given how good the Kings offense is, especially at home (124.7 ppg), you have to think the only way for Toronto to cover is for them to win in a shootout. I agree and I think I'm with the books in that we aren't going to get a huge effort defensively from Sacramento in this game. 

On the flip side, the Raptors just played a 3-game road trip at New York, Milwaukee and Minnesota, where they gave up 121 to the Knicks, 130 to the Bucks and 128 to the T-Wolves. This is one of those games where I will be shocked if both teams don't hit at least 120 points. Give me the OVER 237! 

9* NCAAB Sharp Money VEGAS INSIDER

PLAY ON TEXAS A&M AGGIES +4.5: Give me the Aggies as a 4.5-point road dog against Auburn. Even after Saturday's 67-76 loss at Kentucky as a 5-point dog, Texas A&M is a team I want to be looking to back right now. Aggies had started out a perfect 5-0 in SEC play prior to the loss to the Wildcats, which included road wins over Florida and South Carolina. This team also won by 16 at DePaul and lost by just 4 at Memphis. 

They are not going to be intimidated by playing on the road at Auburn. I'm also not so sure the Tigers are as good as their 16-3 record would lead you to believe. Auburn has played 4 Top 100 teams on their home floor and only dominated in one. They won by just 5 over St. Louis, by 3 vs Florida and by 6 against Miss St. 

I do not like the matchup either for Auburn. I really question where the offense is going to come from for the Tigers. Auburn is one of the worst 3-pt shooting teams in the country, ranking 332nd in 3P%. Aggies will let you shoot 3's. They aren't going to give up anything easy inside. Texas A&M is 18th in the country in 2P% defense. If Auburn struggles like they have from deep all season in this game, they won't just not cover, they will lose outright. Give me Texas A&M +4.5! 

8* NBA Public Money ATS SLAUGHTER

PLAY ON INDIANA PACERS +5.5: I nailed the Pacers (+2) in last night's 116-110 win at home against the Bulls. Big reason I liked Indiana in that game, is I fell they were being undervalued due to their 7-game losing streak. Because the losing streak started the same time Tyrese Haliburton got hurt, most just assume that's why they aren't playing well. It's a big loss, but the schedule also played a big role in their struggles. I just think this team is still being undervalued and too much is being made here of them being on no rest. Keep in mind Indiana had 2 days off before their game against Chicago. 

Simply put, I just feel that 5.5 is too many points to pass up here. The Magic are improved this season and have covered 5 of their last 6. However, all but one of those came as a dog. Not sure I trust this team in the opposite role, especially at this price. Orlando is a mere 4-15 ATS last 3 seasons in home games vs teams with a losing record in the 2nd half of the season. Give me the Pacers +5.5!

8* NCAAB - Situational ATS ANNIHILATOR

PLAY ON NEBRASKA CORNHUSKERS +3: I will gladly take my chances with Nebraska as a home dog against the Wildcats. The Cornhuskers are a team that I'm looking to back at home, especially as an underdog. Like a lot of these Big Ten teams, Nebraska is a different animal at home. They are just 10-10 overall, yet come in with a 7-2 record at home. One of those losses coming in OT vs Purdue. 

So while Northwestern has the much better record at 13-5 (4-3 in Big Ten play), I'm not so sure they should be favored in this game. Wildcats could have quite the hole at shooting guard in this game. Their top two options at the position, Ty Berry and Julian Roper, are both listed as questionable with ankle injuries suffered in Monday's win over Wisconsin. I got a hard time believing either plays given they have had just 1 day off. It really makes it tough for Northwestern to take Boo Buie or Chase Audige off the floor and both of those guys played a ton of minutes in the win over the Badgers. I just don't think the Wildcats will have the legs or depth to compete at a high level on the road tonight. Give me the Cornhuskers +3! 

10* NBA Smart Money VEGAS INSIDER

PLAY ON WASHINGTON WIZARDS +7.5: I love the Wizards as a 7.5-point road dog against the Mavs on Tuesday. This is a Washington team that I'm looking to back right now and no way I'm passing up on them at this price. Wizards are as healthy as they have been all season and it's shown in their recent performances. Washington went on the road and beat the Knicks 116-105 on Wednesday and then crushed the Magic 138-118 at home on Saturday. They are very well rested team, playing just their 3rd game in the last 7 days.

This will be the Mavs 4th game in the last 7 days and they have not been playing well. Dallas is just 2-6 SU in their last 8. They are a mere 3-9 ATS in their last 12. Doncic is incredible, but they really miss Christian Wood, who is out with a thumb injury. Keep in mind they also are playing right now without Maxi Kleber, who would be the guy that normally would be asked to pick up the slack with Wood out. Just too many points for Dallas to be laying in this spot. Give me the Wizards +7.5! 

8* NBA Vegas Oddsmakers LINE MISTAKE

PLAY ON INDIANA PACERS +2: Easy play for me on the Pacers as a small 2-point home dog against the Bulls. Indiana has really fallen off of late. Pacers come in having lost 7 straight. A losing streak that has coincided with the loss of point guard Tyrese Haliburton. Not having him in the lineup is a big deal, but the schedule has also played a big role in their recent struggles. 

Mavs just finished up a 4-game road rip that saw them play the Bucks, Thunder, Nuggets and Suns. The previous two were home games against the Hawks and Grizzlies. I just think it has them way undervalued here at home against a Bulls team that is in a really bad spot. Chicago played a game in Paris last Thursday. They got just 3-days off to deal with the jet lag before last night's game against the Hawks. I think it's going to be really tough for them to bounce back with a big effort here in the second of a back-to-back. Give me the Pacers +2! 

9* NCAAB No Doubt ATS BLOWOUT

PLAY ON ILLINOIS FIGHTING ILLINI -3.5: I'll gladly take my chances with the Fighting Illini as a mere 3.5-point home favorite against Ohio State. Really an easy play for me on Illinois after that embarrassing 65-80 loss at home to Indiana last time out. 

It was just an all-around bad showing and this team has had performances like that. The key to me is they have showed the ability to bounce back. Let's also not ignore the fact that in the loss to the Hoosiers, they had no answer for Indiana star big man Trayce Jackson-Davis. He had 35 points on 15 of 19 shooting. 

Ohio State doesn't have a guy like that inside. In fact, there's a good chance they are going to have play this game without one of their better big guys in Zed Key, who injured his knee in their last game against Iowa and is listed as questionable. Either way, I like Illinois to roll in this one. Give me the Fighting Illini -3.5! 

10* NBA Sharp Money VEGAS INSIDER

PLAY ON UNDER 239.5: The total here is simply too high given the tough scheduling spots we find both of these teams. I got to think both of these teams are going to be looking to slow the tempo down. 

The Hawks are playing their 3rd game in 4 nights after a 139-124 blowout win over the Knicks on Friday and then a 118-122 loss at home to the Hornets on Saturday. Worth noting it's just not a bad short-term stretch for rest with the Hawks. This will also be their 7th game in the last 11 days. As for the Bulls, they are playing on a full 3 days of rest, but their last game was played in Paris. 

For this game to go over the number, both teams are likely going to have to score in the 120's. I wouldn't be shocked if neither team got to 120. Give me the UNDER 238.5! 

8* NBA Situational ATS NO-BRAINER

PLAY ON OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER +6.5: I will gladly take the 6.5 with Oklahoma City as they go to Denver to take on the Nuggets. Denver comes into this game off an impressive 134-111 blowout win over the Pacers to extend their winning streak to 9. I just feel it has them overvalued here in this one. Denver could be down two of their best players, as Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic are both questionable. Backup point guard Bones Hyland is also questionable. 

As for the Thunder, they come in off a 113-118 loss at the Kings. OKC is still a strong 7-2 SU in their last 9 games and are a perfect 9-0 ATS during this run. I just don't think the public has caught on to how talented this Thunder team is and until they do, there's going to be value on them. Give me the Thunder +6.5! 

10* NCAAB Sharp Money VEGAS INSIDER

PLAY ON INDIANA HOOSIERS -4: I will gladly lay the 4-points with Indiana at home against Michigan State. The Hoosiers come into this game off impressive back-to-back wins. First it was a 63-45 win at home over Wisconsin. Then it was a shocking 80-65 win at Illinois against an Illini team that had been rolling. Indiana is 9-1 at home this season with the lone loss coming by just 1-point to Northwestern. 

Michigan State snapped a two game skid with a 70-57 win at home over Rutgers in their last game, but have lost 2 of their last 3. Spartans are just 3-11 ATS in their last 14 road games vs good defensive teams that are allowing 42% or worse from the field 15+ games into the season. Hoosiers are 24-10 ATS last 34 at home after 2 straight wins by 15+ points. Give me Indiana -4! 

9* NBA Late Night ATS SLAUGHTER

PLAY ON SACRAMENTO KINGS +2: I don't think the Kings should be getting points at home against the 76ers. The lack of respect this Sacramento team gets is surprising. Everyone I think is aware that they are much improved, but no one is talking about them as a team that could win the Western Conference. Despite the fact that they sit 3rd in the West standings with a 26-18 record and come into this game having won 6 in a row. 

The big reason they aren't getting a ton of love from the books in this game is they will be playing in the 2nd game of a back-to-back. I just don't think it's a big enough of a factor that they should be a dog at home. It would be one thing if they were playing a bottom feeder or middle of the pack team. Philly is tied for the 2nd best record in the East at 29-16. Kings will be ready to go. It's also just the 3rd game overall in the last 6 days. Philly is the team that could be sleepwalking in this one, as they will be playing their 5th and final game on a 5-game road trip. Give me the Kings +2! 

8* NBA Vegas Oddsmakers LINE MISTAKE

PLAY ORLANDO MAGIC +7.5: I will gladly take 7.5 with the Magic against the Wizards. This line feels a bit inflated due to the fact that Orlando will be playing in the 2nd of a back-to-back. Thing is, Orlando had a whopping 4-days off before last night's game against the Pelicans. The quick turnaround shouldn't be a big deal for them in this game. 

Washington is as healthy as they have been all season, but even at full strength this team would be lucky to make the playoffs in the Eastern Conference. I also got to wonder just how excited are they about facing the Magic. Orlando doesn't exactly get the juices flowing. 

The other big thing is that Orlando comes in playing well. While they are just 4-4 in their last 8 games, they are 6-2 ATS during this run, with three outright wins as a dog. The Magic are not a pushover any more. I really like them to stay within this number and would not be shocked if they won this game outright. Give me the Magic +7.5! 

10* NCAAB Sharp Money VEGAS INSIDER

PLAY VIRGINIA TECH HOKIES +1.5: Love me Virginia Tech as a short road dog against Clemson. No better time to buy-low on the Hokies, who come into this game having lost 6 straight. They did lose by 10 in each of their last two games against Syracuse and Virginia, but the previous 4 losses were by 5 or fewer points. It's do or die for Virginia Tech at 1-6 in ACC play and this team has a lot of the same feels of the team from last year that started slow and caught fire. 

I also think you got to look at the health situation for these two teams. Hokies just got healthier with the return of Hunter Cattoor, while Clemson could be down starting point guard Chase Hunter (questionable) and shooting guard Alex Hemenway (out). I also just don't think the Tigers are as good as their 15-4 record would lead you to believe. Lot of things have went their way early on that I don't see being sustained. Give me the Hokies +1.5! 

9* NCAAB Underdog ATS ANNIHILATOR

PLAY TCU Horned Frogs +7.5: This to me is just too many points to pass up with TCU, as this just feels like some unwarranted inflation on Kansas because they are playing at home. There's not the talent gap on the floor that this line would suggest. 

Both of these teams like to attack in transition, which would lead you to believe this game is going to be played in the open court. Most times that would favor KU, but Mike Miles Jr and this TCU team thrive in this type of game. I don't see a whole lot of separation on the scoreboard late in this one. I really think TCU has a legit shot here to pull off the upset. Give me the Horned Frogs +7.5! 

10* NBA Sharp Money VEGAS INSIDER: Miami Heat -1

I'll take my chances with the Heat as a slim 1-point road favorite against the Mavs on Friday. Miami is starting to look more and more like the team we expected to see to start the season. Heat have won 4 of their last 5 and 10 of their last 16 to improve to 25-21. They were just a 3.5-point road favorite against a short-handed Pelicans team and won the game 124-98. 

Now they get a Mavs team that has been struggling of late. Dallas has lost 3 straight and 5 of their last 6. They are also just 2-8 ATS over their last 10 games. Mavs will have to try and get back on track without one of their best players in Christian Wood, who is second on the team in scoring (18.4 ppg) and rebounding (8.4 rpg). It's not just his offense and rebounding, Wood leads the team and T-12th in the league with 1.3 blocks/game. Not exactly what Dallas needed, given how they have struggled on the defensive side of the ball. 

Don't be surprised if Luka puts up some crazy numbers in this one. He's going to have to shoulder a heavy load just for the Mavs to keep this respectable. In the end, I don't see them doing enough to get a win at home against Miami. Give me the Heat -1! 

9* NBA Situational ATS NO-BRAINER: Boston Celtics -5.5

I'll take my chances with the Celtics as a 5.5-point home favorite against the Warriors. This will be the first game of a double-header on TNT and I think Boston will be out to send a message in this game. The Celtics have to be chomping at the bit for this matchup. After losing to the Warriors in the NBA Finals last year, Boston went to Golden State and got it handed to them in a 107-123 loss. 

This is their last chance to face the Warriors this season. I just don't think the Warriors at their current state or going to be able to keep this close. Golden State just got Curry back from a lengthy absence are ravished inside right now. Their 3 backup big men to Kevon Looney are all out (JaMychal Green, Jonathan Kuminga and James Wiseman). Keep in mind Looney isn't a guy that give you a ton of minutes. He only averages 23.4 minutes/game. Unless Draymond plays the whole game, there is going to be stretches where they have to go extremely small. 

There's a chance Curry and Thompson can go off and it won't matter who is on the floor, but I just don't think that's likely against this Celtics team. Boston is rolling into this matchup. Celtics have won 7 straight and 5 of those have come by double-digits. Warriors did win last time out at Washington, but had gone just 1-4 in their previous 5 games with the only win coming against the Spurs. 

Jaylen Brown is showing up on the injury report, but I feel good about him playing. He was back at practice and when he got hurt in their Jan. 11th game, they believed he would only miss a week. This is the first game since we hit the week mark. Give me the Celtics -5.5! 

9* NCAAB No Doubt ATS SLAUGHTER: Maryland Terrapins -2.5

I'll take my chances with the Terps as a slim 2.5-point home favorite against the Wolverines. It's been a rough go for Maryland of late. After starting 8-0 they have gone just 3-6 over their last 9 games and are just 2-4 in Big Ten play. 

The losses have not been pretty of late. Each of their last 4 defeats have come by at least 14 points. One of those an embarrassing 46-81 loss at Michigan. One thing you have to note with Maryland's poor play of late, is the schedule. During this 3-6 stretch, only 1 of those 6 losses came at home and that was to a very good UCLA team. 

Michigan is not even close to being on the same level as the Bruins. Wolverines come in off a big win at home over Northwestern, but are just 1-5 in their last 6 games away from home with the only win coming against a bad Minnesota team. It's just not easy winning on the road in the Big Ten and we can all but guarantee we get a max effort here from Maryland. Give me the Terps -2.5! 

10* NCAAB Sharp Money VEGAS INSIDER: Michigan State Spartans -2.5

I will gladly take my chances with the Spartans as a mere 2.5-point home favorite against Rutgers. It's just so hard to win on the road in Big Ten play and while Rutgers has a win at Purdue, they are just 2-3 in true road games with the other win by just 3-points at Northwestern. Simply put, I think Rutgers is getting way too much respect on the road. 

It would be one thing if Michigan State came into this game on some long winning streak and might not give this game their full attention off a tough loss to Purdue. I don't think that will be an issue. Spartans will be extremely motivated to snap a 2-game losing streak. 

I just don't see a bad Rutgers offense playing on the road, scoring enough to have a legit shot to win this game late. Give me Michigan State -2.5! 

8* NBA Over/Under TOTAL MASSACRE: Kings/Lakers OVER 245.5

It's crazy to think totals have got to this point in the regular season. This looks more like a total you would see back in the day at an NBA All-Star game. With that said, I don't know how you don't take a stab at the OVER 245.5 in Wednesday's game between the Lakers and Kings. 

Sacramento games have been ridiculous of late. Kings have seen a combined score of 247 or more points in 5 straight games. Only once in their last 10 games have they played in a game that finished with fewer than 230 points. 

It's not quite that extreme for the Lakers, but they are another team that is all offense and no defense. It's why LA is 2-3 in their last 5 games, despite averaging 122.4 ppg during this stretch. It's because their defense has given up 124.0 ppg in those 5 games. 

These two teams played back on Jan. 7th and it was a shootout. The two combined for 270 points in the Lakers 136-134 win. Kings have scored at least 132 points in their last 5. If they hit 130 in this one, we need just 115 from LA to cash. I think both teams could once again get into the 230s. Give me the OVER 245.5! 

10* NCAAB SEC PLAY OF THE MONTH: Missouri Tigers -1.5

I love Missouri as a slim 1.5-point home favorite against Arkansas. The hype around this Tigers team has taken a significant hit the last couple weeks. After securing impressive double-digit wins in back-to-back games against Illinois and Kentucky, Missouri has lost 3 of their last 4 with the only win being a mere 3-point victory at home vs Vanderbilt. They also weren't exactly competitive in the last two on the road vs Texas A&M (64-82) and Florida (64-73). 

Tigers have had a full 3 days off since the loss to the Gators and I got to think they are chomping at the bit to play this game. Missouri is 10-0 on their home floor and have one of the better home court advantages not just in the SEC but the country. I think it's disrespectful that they are basically a pick'em at home in this game. 

A big reason for that is this Arkansas team has been in the spotlight early on this season. Razorbacks went into their SEC opener 11-1 and ranked No. 9 in the country. One thing to note about their fast start, they didn't secure a single win over a Top 25 team (based on KenPom's current rankings). Their best win a 78-74 OT win over San Diego St. on a neutral site. Arkansas also didn't play a single true road game before conference play. So far they have played 3 road games in the SEC and lost all 3, the last two coming by 13 at Vandy and by 13 at Auburn. Give me Missouri -1.5! 

8* NBA No Doubt ATS BLOWOUT: Oklahoma City Thunder -4

I got no problem laying the 4-points at home with Oklahoma City against the Pacers. Indiana really had something going there in late December and early January. Pacers at one point had won 8 of 10. They have lost 4 straight since and the biggest reason for that is the absence of point guard Tyrese Haliburton. He's the one guy this team couldn't afford to lose. 

I just think it's asking a lot for the Pacers to keep this one close without Haliburton against a scorching hot Thunder team. OKC appears to have thrown the tank option out the window. Thunder have won 5 of their last 6 with wins over the Mavs, 76ers, Bulls and Nets (last 3 on the road). They didn't just beat those teams, they dominated those games. OKC beat the Mavs 120-109, 76ers 133-114, Bulls 124-110 and the Nets 112-102. 

Thunder are operating at an extremely high level offensive during this run. That offense will be up against a bad Indiana defense. One that comes in giving up 117.8 ppg in road games this season. Pacers just don't have the offensive firepower to keep it close. Give me the Thunder -4! 

9* NBA Situational ATS NO-BRAINER: Washington Wizards +6.5

I will gladly take my chances with the Wizards as a 6.5-point road dog against the Knicks. Couple of things I like here. One, I think Washington is going to welcome back their best player, Bradley Beal, to the lineup. Beal has been upgraded to questionable and was reportedly practicing on Sunday. He's been out since Jan. 3 and two weeks is about what it takes for a mild hamstring strain to heal. If Beal returns, this is as healthy the Wizards have been all season and this is a team that is much more talented than it's 18-26 record would suggest. 

As for the Knicks, I just think they are being overpriced right now. New York has won 7 of their last 9 games, but most of those wins have come against either the bottom tier of the league or teams missing key players. One of those was a mere 4-point win at Washington last week. Wizards had a chance to win that game, despite shooting just 38.7% from the field. Beal gives the offense a massive boost. I like the Wizards to keep this closer than the number and maybe even win outright. Give me Washington +6.5!

10* NBA Non-Conference PLAY OF THE MONTH: Dallas Mavericks -3.5

I'll take my chances on the Mavs as a slim 3.5-point home favorite against the Hawks. I think it's time to buy-low on Dallas right now. Mavs just lost back-to-back games to a struggling Blazers team and are just 1-4 SU over their last 5. They have also gone just 2-7 ATS over their previous 9. I also think it's a good time to sell-high on the Hawks. Atlanta has won 3 straight, most recently beating a hot Heat team 121-113 as a mere 1-point favorite. It all adds up to a very cheap price to back Dallas, especially given the circumstances. 

Mavs are going to be fresh, as they have been off since Sunday. Star Luka Doncic will be on 3-days rest, as he sat out the second of a back-to-back (He's listed as questionable, but expected to play). Any injury concerns with Christian Wood were put to rest with him returning to play on Sunday after sitting Saturday. Tim Hardaway Jr. will miss this game, but there's a chance Dallas gets back Dorian Finney-Smith and Josh Green. Finney-Smith has started 31 games, while Green has flashed potential off the bench. 

Hawks will be on just 1 day of rest after playing Monday. Atlanta's got to be sick and tired of traveling. Outside of playing two straight games in LA vs the Lakers and Clippers, Hawks haven't played back to back games on the same floor since a short two game homestand in late Dec. This is also a Hawks team that is just 10-13 on the road, getting outscored by 2.4 ppg. Mavs are 16-6 at home, outscoring opponents by 5.4 ppg. 

Dallas is 17-7 ATS last 24 as a home favorite of 6 or less. Hawks are 4-13 ATS last 17 off a cover, 14-27 last 41 as a road dog and 2-11 ATS last 13 on the road after leading in their previous game by 15+ points at the half. Give me the Mavs -3.5! 

9* NCAAB Vegas Oddsmakers LINE MISTAKE: Texas A&M Aggies -3.5

Easy play for me on the Aggies as a mere 3.5-point home favorite against Florida. Texas A&M is playing some of their best basketball of the season coming into this game. Aggies have won 6 straight. A winning streak that stems back to an ugly 62-67 home loss to Wofford in late December. 

It seems like that poor showing has lit a fire under this team. Texas A&M has started out 4-0 in SEC play. They got it started with a 66-63 win at Florida. They then crushed LSU 69-56 and Missouri 82-64 at home, before going on the road an annihilating South Carolina 94-53. 

Some of the value here stems from the Gators coming in on their own 3-game win streak. Florida was very impressive last week, beating LSU 67-56 on the road and Missouri 73-64 at home. No question this Florida team is better than their 10-7 record would lead you to believe. 

With that said, they are getting way too much respect on the road in this one. Texas A&M has a strong homecourt edge, especially when the fans have a team they believe in. The only home loss this season is that shocking defeat to Wofford. 

I also look at the first meeting between these two teams. Aggies had a double-digit lead in the 2nd half of that game, shot just 2 for 16 from behind the 3-point line, dominated the offensive boards and forced 20 turnovers. Gators were lucky to only lose by 3. I think it will be tough for Florida to keep this within single-digits. Give me Texas A&M -3.5! 

8* NCAAB Sharp Money PLAY OF THE DAY: UConn -4.5

I'll take my chances with UConn laying just 4.5 on the road against Seton Hall. This has all the making of a get right game for the Huskies, who have lost 4 of 5 after their perfect 14-0 start to the season. The first 3 losses were to good teams (Xavier, Providence and Marquette) on the road. The most recent was an ugly 74-85 loss at home to St. John's. 

Dan Hurley should have his guys 100% locked in for this showdown with the Pirates. Seton Hall comes in having won 3 straight, but it's came against the 3 worst teams in the Big East in Butler, DePaul and Georgetown. Pirates were 1-4 in conference play before the win streak. 

For me this really comes down to the fact that I don't think the Pirates can score enough to keep this game close. Seton Hall is 229th in the country in effective FG% and are 303rd in TO%. UConn is 11th in defensive efficiency, 12th in defensive effective FG% and 56th in TO%. Huskies make you earn it on defense. They are elite at defending the 3-point shot. They do foul a lot and give up a bunch of free throws. Seton Hall does a good job at drawing fouls, but shoot just 67.1% from the line. 

Seton Hall's defense isn't bad, but they are up against a very good UConn offense that ranks 14th in the country in offensive efficiency and 42nd in effective FG%. They are also 25th in Off. Reb.%. Pirates are 231st in the rate in which they give up offensive rebounds. I expect a comfortable win for UConn in this one. Give me the Huskies -4.5! 

9* NBA Situational ATS SLAUGHTER: Portland Trail Blazers +7

I'll take my chances with the Blazers catching 7-points on the road against the Nuggets. Portland comes into this game off back-to-back home wins over the Mavs. First time since mid December they were able to string together consecutive wins. I believe it's a sign of the Blazers finally getting back to full strength. The only guy out right now is Justice Winslow. 

Portland beat the Nuggets 135-110 at home in the first meeting this season before losing by 1 at home in the rematch 120-121 and then 107-120 at Denver in the 3rd meeting. I think it's worth noting that the Blazers were only a 4.5-point dog in the previous game at Denver. Since that game the Blazers have gotten back a huge bench piece in Gary Payton II. I think he can be a difference maker for this team and he doesn't have to score to impact the game in a big way. 

Nuggets come into this game having shots light out of late, hitting 50% or better from the field in each of their last 3 games. Historically this has been a good sign that some regression is coming, as Denver is just 1-9 ATS over the last 2 seasons after 3 straight games shooting 50% or better from the field. Give me the Blazers +7! 

8* NCAAB Public Money ATS MASSACRE: Texas Tech Red Raiders -2

I'll take my chances with Texas Tech laying a mere 2-points at home against Baylor. This line isn't going to make a ton of sense. The Bears come into this game off back-to-back wins are ranked No. 21 in the country. Red Raiders have went from a Top 25 team to a team firmly on the bubble in early January, as they come in having lost 5 straight to open up Big 12 play. 

Losing streaks like this can happen in a conference like the Big 12, even for good teams. The schedule wasn't exactly kind to them during this stretch. Of the 5 games, 3 were on the road and one of the home games was against Kansas. They lost the other home game vs Oklahoma in OT. They also lost by just 3-points at home to the Jayhawks and last time out they lost by just 2 at home to Texas. 

We should be able to bank on an extremely motivated Texas Tech team taking the floor on Tuesday. You also have to factor in one of the best homecourt edges in the country (KenPom has the No. 1 in home court advantage). 

I also look at Baylor and just think they are down a notch from what they have been in previous years. Bears are just 2-3 in Big 12 play and their wins are against W Virginia and Oklahoma State. We saw Baylor lose by 15 in a true road game at Iowa State. They also lost by 26 at Marquette in non-conference play. Give me Texas Tech -2! 

10* NCAAB Big 12 PLAY OF THE MONTH: Iowa State Cyclones -2

I love the Cyclones as a mere 2-point home favorite against Texas on Tuesday. This isn't just another game on the schedule for Iowa State. The Cyclones have had this one circled for a while. Not just cause they hate Texas, but that hatred got a lot stronger when the Longhorns landed stud ISU transfer point guard Tyrese Hunter. 

Cyclones have been a big surprise so far this season. Not many expected them to be this good, but Saturday's mere 2-point loss at Kansas was further proof that this team is for real. ISU's only other losses are to UConn and a road game at in-state rival Iowa. Cyclones are a perfect 9-0 at home and have dominated at home in Big 12 play, beating Baylor 77-62 and Texas Tech 84-50. 

Texas is a very talented team and gotten off to a 15-2 record with a 4-1 mark in Big 12 play, but the loss of head coach Chris Beard is a big one. Longhorns have also been very fortunate in close games in Big 12 play. They could just as easily be 1-4 in league play, as they have a 1-point win at Oklahoma, 4-point win at home vs TCU and a 2-point win at home vs Texas Tech. I just don't think Iowa State is getting near enough respect. Give me the Cyclones -2! 

9* NBA Over/Under Total ANNIHILATOR: Heat/Hawks UNDER 224.5

I'll take my chances with the UNDER 224.5 in Monday's NBA matchup between the Hawks and Heat. I'm expecting a much more defensive battle than what the books are anticipating between these two Southeast rivals. 

Miami is one of the few UNDER teams left in the NBA. Heat are Top 5 in the NBA in defensive efficiency, bottom 10 in offensive efficiency and bottom 10 in Pace. UNDER has cashed in 6 of their last 7 games and is 14-7 (67%) in road games this year. 

Atlanta does like to push the pace with their dynamic backcourt of Murray and Young, but it doesn't always result in great shots. Hawks are bottom 10 in the league in offensive efficiency. What people don't realize with Atlanta is they are a pretty good defensive team. Hawks are12th in the NBA in defensive efficiency. They come in having seen the UNDER cash in each of their last 4 games. 

They only combined for 204 points in the Heat's 106-98 win at Atlanta earlier this season and if you back over their last 8 meetings the UNDER is 7-0-1. Give me the UNDER 224.5! 

9* NCAAB Situational ATS SLAUGHTER: Michigan State +4

I'll take my chances with the Spartans as 4-point home dog against the Boilermakers in Monday's Big Ten play. Michigan State comes into this one off a 9-point loss at Illinois on Friday. It wasn't as bad a showing as the final score would indicate. If anything the Spartans gave that game away, as they led 50-41 with just under 14 minutes to play. Prior to that loss Michigan State had won 7 straight overall and 4 in a row in Big 10 play.

Purdue is a great team and most just assume they are in a class of their own in the Big Ten hierarchy. I just don't think people realize how tough it is to win on the road in this conference. Purdue played just 3 true road games this season. They are 3-0 in those games, but they only won by 10 at Florida State, needed OT to win at Nebraska and most recently snuck out a 2-point win at Ohio State. I like the Spartans to win this game outright but I'll gladly take the points as insurance. Give me Michigan State +4! 

9* NBA Situational ATS NO-BRAINER: Oklahoma City Thunder +5.5

I'll take my chances with OKC catching 5.5 on the road against the Nets. I'll definitely be looking to fade Brooklyn as much as I can with Kevin Durant out. I don't think enough is being made of how big a loss this is. Everyone knows how good Durant is, I just don't think people realize how well he was playing. Not a lot is going to be made of them losing at home to the Celtics without Durant, which is certainly playing into the favorable number in this matchup. 

Oklahoma City comes into this game playing some of their best basketball of the season. The Thunder are 4-1 over their last 5 games with the only loss being by 1-point at Miami, where they gave the game away late. They have a 120-109 win at home over the Mavs, 133-114 win at the 76ers and a 124-110 win at Chicago playing on no rest in this 5-game stretch. 

Their offense has been outstanding during this run, scoring an average of 123.0 ppg on 50.1% shooting. It's not just all offense. Their defense is only giving up 43.8% shooting during this stretch. I like them to win this game outright, but I'll take the points as an added insurance. Give me the Thunder +5.5! 

9* NCAAB Vegas Oddsmakers LINE MISTAKE: Iowa Hawkeyes -5

I'll take my chances with the Hawkeyes as a 5-point home favorite against Maryland on the college hardwood Sunday. After starting 0-3 in Big Ten play, Iowa has responded with 3 straight wins to pull even at 3-3. Most recently pulling off an improbable 93-84 OT win at home over Michigan in a game that they trailed 70-77 with 2 minutes to play. 

Iowa continues to be without starting forward Patrick McCaffrey, but his loss is not as big a deal as some make it out to be. It's really opened the door for sophomore Payton Sandfort to take on a bigger role. In the 3 games McCaffrey has missed, Sandfort is averaging 19.7 ppg and if you go back over the last 5 games that Sandfort has played at least 22 minutes, he's averaging 20.2 ppg. 

Iowa is also a different team at home than they are on the road. Hawkeyes are 8-2 at home this year with both losses coming in games where their best player, Kris Murray, wasn't on the floor. Maryland is just 1-3 in true road games with the only win coming against an awful Louisville team back in late November. In their last two road games they lost by 14 at Rutgers and by 35 at Michigan. Give me Iowa -5! 

9* NBA Situational ATS NO-BRAINER: Portland Trail Blazers -1.5

I'll take my chances with the Trail Blazers as a small 1.5-point home favorite against the Mavs. I just think this is the perfect spot to jump on a Portland team that is desperately trying to get back in the win column. Blazers couldn't be catching the Mavs in a better spot. Dallas has to be running on fumes right now. They are playing the 4th game of a 5-game road trip and just two days removed from Thursday's exhausting 119-115 2OT win over the Lakers. I could see some guys sitting for Dallas, most notably Christian Wood, who is listed as questionable. Wood hurt his ankle late vs LA. He was able to come back, but those ankle injuries have a way of getting worse the next day. This is also the front end of a back-to-back, which I think it makes it that much more unlikely he plays. Too much value with the Blazers at this price. Give me Portland -1.5!

8* NBA Over/UNDER Total ANNIHILATOR: 76ers/Jazz OVER 235

I'll take my chances with the OVER 235 in Saturday's NBA non-conference matchup between the 76ers and Jazz. Philadelphia is an offensive juggernaut and I don't see this Utah defense putting up much of a fight in this one, especially not in the second game of a back-to-back after last night's hard fought 112-108 win over the Magic. 76ers should also be motivated after Thursday's 114-133 embarrassing loss at home to the Thunder. It was a rare off night shooting. This team had scored 120 or more in 4 of their previous 5 games. Jazz are giving up 117 ppg over their last 5 and don't have anyone to stop Embiid from doing as he pleases. Philly should do whatever they want offensively in this one and I'll count on Utah's offense to do enough to get us over the mark. Give me the OVER 235! 

9* NCAAB No Doubt ATS BLOWOUT: Kansas Jayhawks -7

I'll take my chances with Kansas as a 7-point home favorite against Iowa State. I think most would look at this game and be drawn to back Iowa State and grab the points. Cyclones are 13-2, have won 6 straight, are 4-0 in Big 12 Play and fresh off a 34-point (84-50) beatdown of Texas Tech at home on Tuesday. 

Thing with Iowa State is they rely so much defensively on creating turnovers. I don't think they are going to disrupt the offensive flow of this Jayhawks team. Kansas is one of the best in the country at moving the ball, as they rank 20th in assists/FG made. If you can break the pressure of ISU, there defense tends to give up a lot of wide open 3's. Some of that is them being okay with letting teams shoot from deep. They are 355th on defense in opponents 3PT FG attempts per FG attempt. 

I don't think that's going to work on the road vs this Kansas team. Jayhawks are 23rd in the country in 3PT% shooting. If Kansas shoots to their ability, I don't see the Cyclones being able to keep pace offensively. Give me Kansas -7! 

9* NCAAB Vegas Oddsmakers LINE MISTAKE: Providence Friars +7

I'll take my chances with the Friars catching 7-points on the road against Creighton Saturday. Providence is being way undervalued in this one. Friars come into this game having won 9 straight. They have wins over both Marquette and UConn during this run. 

Creighton is going in the opposite direction. Bluejays have lost their last two games and are just 3-8 since starting the season 6-0. So while Creighton is a tough team to beat on the road, I just feel that's being baked into this number way too much. 

I think it's going to take everything the Bluejays have just to win this game outright. It's not a good matchup for them. They are a team that likes to shoot a lot of 3's. Friars don't let teams get going from the outside. They rank 28th in opponents % of field goal attempts coming from behind the 3-point line. Providence also makes teams work for a good shot. They are 27th in opponents assists/FG made. Give me the Friars +7! 

9* NBA Situational ATS NO-BRAINER: Houston Rockets +9.5

I'll take my chances with the Rockets catching 9.5-points on the road against the Kings Friday. This will be a rematch as these just played each other in Sacramento on Wednesday. The Kings would win that game 135-115 and cover as a 9.5-point favorite. Most will just assume looking at the final score that it was a blowout the whole way, but that wasn't the case at all. Houston actually had the lead entering the 4th quarter, but were then outscored 41-20 in the final period. 

Collapsing like they did should have the Rockets motivated for the rematch. I'm not so sure Sacramento will have as easy a time getting up for this game. It's not easy to blowout any team in the NBA in consecutive games. I like the Rockets to hang around and possibly even win this game outright. Give me Houston +9.5! 

10* NBA Sharp Money VEGAS INSIDER: Chicago Bulls -4

I'll take my chances with the Bulls as a 4-point home favorite against the Thunder. I like this spot for Chicago, who I feel will be extra motivated to get a win here after losing their last two games. This is a team that was really playing well before this latest hiccup. Chicago is still 8-5 SU and 8-4-1 ATS in their last 13 games. Yes, the Bulls figure to be without Demar DeRozan, but this is a really bad scheduling spot for OKC. 

Thunder were in action last night at Philly, a game they shockingly won 133-114 as a 10.5-point underdog. Not easy bouncing back this late in the season on no rest, especially on the road. This will be the Thunder's 3rd road game in 4 nights, which only makes this spot that much worse. Who knows if OKC even plays all their guys on the 2nd of a back-to-back. Either way the price is too good to pass up with Chicago. Give me the Bulls -4! 

8* NBA Over/Under Total MASSACRE: Pelicans/Pistons OVER 233.5

I'll take my chances with the OVER 233.5 in Friday's NBA matchup between the Pelicans and Pistons. These two teams should have no problem eclipsing this number. Detroit's limited defensively and just aren't giving much effort at all on that side of the ball of late. In their last 6 games they have allowed at least 119 points in each game. The lowest combined score in this 6-game stretch is 230, with 4 of the 6 eclipsing 240 points. 

New Orleans has scored 117, 132 and 114 in the first 3 games of their 5-game road trip. Even without Zion and Ingram, there's a lot of guys on this team that can put the ball in the basket. I think at the very least they score 115, more than likely getting into the 120s. 

Pelicans aren't exactly playing great defense without Zion and Ingram and are giving up 117.8 ppg on 48% shooting in road games year. OVER is 14-5-1 in their 20 road games to date. In their current 3-game road trip they have allowed 127 on 57% shooting to the Mavs, 112 on 51% shooting to the Wizards and 125 on 48% shooting at Boston. Pistons just put up 135 points on 60% shooting in their last game at home vs the Timberwolves. Detroit is scoring 114.6 ppg on 47% shooting at home and come in averaging 118.6 ppg on 49% shooting in their last 5. Give me the OVER 233.5! 

9* NCAAB Vegas Oddsmakers LINE MISTAKE: Nebraska Cornhuskers +15.5

I'll take my chances with Nebraska catching 15.5-points on the road against No. 3 ranked Purdue. The Cornhuskers aren't exactly a team that I want to back a lot on the road in Big Ten play, but this is just way too many points. Some of that value with Nebraska stems from their last game, which they got destroyed 76-50 at home by Illinois. They have also lost by 18 at Michigan State and by 16 at Indiana in their two true road games in conference play. 

I just think it's going to be hard for Purdue to get excited about playing this game, as they have to feel like they just need to show up to win this game. Nebraska isn't just coming into this game thinking they can keep it close. They took the Boilermakers to OT in a 62-65 loss at home back on Dec. 10th. With that said, I think Purdue would have to play pretty bad for Nebraska to win, but we saw the upset happen in a similar spot last night with Minnesota going on the road and beating Ohio State 70-67 as a 14.5-point dog. Give me the Cornhuskers +15.5! 

9* NBA - Vegas Oddsmakers LINE MISTAKE: Lakers +3.5

I'll take my chances with the Lakers as a 3.5-point home dog against the Mavs on Thursday. Th market has been way off on both of these teams of late. Los Angeles is 5-1 SU and 5-0-1 ATS in their last 6 games. Dallas has lost 3 of their last 4 and are just 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games. Lakers are also in the much better scheduling spot, as they come in on a full 2 days of rest and will be playing just their 2nd game in 5 days. Mavs are playing on just 1-day of rest, playing their 3rd straight game on the road and their 4th game in the last 6 days. Give me the Lakers +3.5!