CBB Thursday 10* Top Play Maryland Terrapins +6 @ Rutgers Scarlet Knights @ 6:30 ET - Rutgers just knocked off the #1 ranked team in the country when they beat Purdue in a big upset a few days ago. That has led to them being over-valued here in what is a definite flat spot. Keep in mind they did the same thing last season in terms of knocking off the Boilermakers when Purdue was ranked #1 at the time also. What followed was a 14 point loss for the Scarlet Knights in their next game. Now, I am not saying that is what happens here exactly but I am saying this is a tricky spot for Rutgers and they are likely to end up in a dogfight just to win this game let alone cover the spread. The Terrapins just got hammered at Michigan so the set-up could not be much better than this! Yes the Terps also lost big to a ranked UCLA team but they did beat a ranked Illinois team and only lost by 3 to a #7 ranked Tennessee team. So the Terps can play when motivated and ready and they are catching the Scarlet Knights at the perfect time for an upset. We'll grab the points as added insurance here. 10* MARYLAND +6

CBB Wednesday 10* Top Play Belmont Bruins -4 or -4.5 @ Illinois-Chicago Flames @ 8 ET - The Bruins just lost to a solid Southern Illinois team but, prior to that, had won 8 of 10 games and one of those two losses was in overtime! Belmont is vastly superior to this Flames team. Illinois-Chicago has an identical 9-6 record but that is where the similarities stop! UIC has had almost all their victories come against very bad teams and/or weak foes. The Flames have been blasted in recent losses to Bradley and Northwestern. In fact, each of their last 5 losses have been my MORE than a DOZEN points and, on the season, their average margin of defeat in their 6 losses is 20 points per game. Look for another blowout here! 10* BELMONT -4 or -4.5

NBA Wednesday 10* Top Play Indiana Pacers +7 @ Philadelphia 76ers @ 7:10 ET - The Pacers are playing well with 4 straight wins and victories in 6 of last 7. The Sixers may not have Embiid tonight. First off I will be clear here that I like Indiana here even if Embiid does play for Philly. But I do find it interesting that he was a late add to the injury report this time AND it is different reason (left foot) than the prior one (lower back). The Sixers have been playing well too but this is a lot of points to be laying to quality Pacers team that is getting its confidence back and that also has revenge from losing here in Philly in October. In fact, the Pacers last FIFTEEN games have seen them lose by more than 6 points only ONCE! Give us the points here! 10* INDIANA +7

CBB Tuesday 10* Top Play Texas Tech Red Raiders +2.5 vs Kansas Jayhawks @ 9 ET - Home court means a lot in this match-up. Texas Tech beat the Jayhawks in Lubbock last season but then lost the regular season match-up and Big Tournament match-up in Kansas. That means double revenge on order here for the Red Raiders and they are a dangerous home dog in this spot. Texas Tech is coming off a loss here and should respond and there is a reason that a highly-ranked one-loss Kansas team is laying such a short number here. Don't let the line fool you here. The home dog is the play. The Red Raiders are 8-0 SU at home this season and I look for another win here as they bounce back off a loss and are catching the Jayhawks off a tight 2-point hard-fought win versus Oklahoma State. 10* TEXAS TECH +2.5

NBA Tuesday 10* Top Play Boston Celtics -8.5 @ Oklahoma City Thunder @ 8:10 ET - Normally I do not like to lay big points in the NBA and this is particularly true with road teams. However, the key word there is "normally" and this is not a normal situation. The Celtics are angry off a loss and will be in blowout mode here. They are vastly superior to this Thunder team even if OKC was healthy. But therein lies another key in this one. Oklahoma City is not healthy and they have been ravaged by injuries particularly at the forward position. The Celtics are going to dominate the frontcourt in this game and they will ultimately pull away and win this game comfortably by a double digit margin. 10* BOSTON -8.5

NBA Monday 10* Top Philadelphia 76ers -3.5 vs New Orleans Pelicans @ 7:10 ET - We are getting line value here because Embiid is listed as questionable for the 76ers due to lower back soreness. I do expect him to play here but, even if he did not, keep in mind that the 76ers actually have had some hot streaks even when he misses. What I like here is the revenge angle with Philly. They just lost at New Orleans last week but that is one of just two losses the Sixers have in their current 9-2 run. This is their only shot at revenge against the Pelicans this season. Philly only has one win by less than 4 points in that 9-2 run and the average margin of victory was 13 points. New Orleans is facing a Philly team that is 9-0 SU in last 9 home games. Pelicans have lost 8 of last 12 road games. Blowout time here. 10* PHILADELPHIA -3.5

CBB Monday 10* Top Play West Virginia Mountaineers +3 @ Oklahoma State Cowboys @ 7 ET - Yes, Oklahoma State is at home for this game but if you look at this one closely you have to ask yourself why are they even favored here. You can not find a win over a truly impressive opponent when you look at their 8-5 record on the season. Yes, both teams off losses but I like the fact this ranked West Virginia team is off an OT loss and they are 10-3 this season and ready to respond here after letting one slip away in overtime. The Mountaineers are the better team yet we are getting line value here because they are on the road. Catching points with the better team when both teams are off losses is a situation that always has me take a deeper look and I like what I am seeing here. The Cowboys do not have a signature win yet this season and this does not look like the spot to get it either. 10* WEST VIRGINIA +3

NBA Sunday 10* Top Play Washington Wizards +6.5 @ Milwaukee Bucks @ 8:10 ET - The Wizards are hot with 4 straight wins and could even get Beal back for this game. While he is listed as questionable for Washington, the Bucks have a pair of key guys out with both Middleton and Holiday out for this game. That sets this one up well for a potential upset so I certainly like having the half-dozen points on our side as well. The Wizards have won 4 in a row. The Bucks are off a win but, prior to that, Milwaukee had lost 4 straight games. Excellent underdog line value here. 10* WASHINGTON +6.5

NBA Saturday 10* Top Play Miami Heat +4.5 @ Utah Jazz @ 9:10 ET - Both teams in a back to back but like the fact the Heat, a strong defensive team, are off a loss in which the Nuggets shot lights out. Note that Miami is 5-0 SU the last 5 times they were off a loss in which they scored 107 or more points. The Jazz were 12-6 earlier this season and were a big surprise. However, reality is setting in now and they have lost 13 of 20 and I am happy to fade them here plus to be getting more points, 4.5, than the opener of 3.5 in this one. Utah has lost 3 straight and I see no reason for that to change here. 10* MIAMI +4.5

CBB Saturday 10* Top Play Kansas State Wildcats Pick'em vs West Virginia Mountaineers @ 7 ET - The home team opened up as the favorite here but the ranked road team getting plenty of attention as I expected. That said, this game was priced this way for a reason and I love the Wildcats at home here. The home team won both games in regular season last year and then the kicker is what happened in the Big 12 tourney as that is where the Mountaineers eliminated the Cats. So I love the revenge factor here plus the line and market reaction. The home team gets it done big time in this one and gets their payback. 10* KANSAS STATE WILDCATS Pick'em

CBB Friday 10* Top Play Washington Huskies +2 vs USC Trojans @ 10 ET - This is a fantastic spot for the Huskies. They just got rocked in a loss to Auburn by more than 20 points and will be ready to respond here. They have not lost B2B games this season! They also have struggled against USC in recent years including getting knocked out of the Pac-12 Tourney by the Trojans last season. So that makes this a revenge spot as payback is on order here for the Huskies and neither meeting with Southern Cal last season was in Washington but this one is at American Airlines Arena in Seattle! USC has been red hot but why do you think a team on a 6-game winning streak that has owned the other team resulted in an opening line in the pick'em range for this one? Exactly! Don't be fooled by the opening number. Grab the value now too as Huskies are a small dog in this one and I see them getting revenge! 10* WASHINGTON +2

CBB Thursday 10* Top Play Providence Friars +2.5 @ Butler Bulldogs @ 6:30 ET - This line jumped off the page at me because Butler is known for being strong at home yet this line is down near a pick'em. So, how to interpret this? Do not let the line fool you! Yes the Bulldogs have a great history at home but they are not as strong this season and, so far this season, the Friars are the better rebounding team and higher-scoring team. Providence enters having won 5 straight and Butler enters having lost two straight including one at home. Granted, the one home loss was to a red hot Connecticut team but note the Bulldogs lost that one by 22 and this followed up by again losing by 22 at Creighton. So things are not going well for Butler right now and confidence is running high for Providence. Remember the Friars were 3-0 against the Bulldogs last season and also were a Sweet 16 team in the tourney. Butler was just 14-19 last season including 6-14 in Big East action and the Bulldogs are already 0-2 in Big East action this season as well. 10* PROVIDENCE +2.5

Wednesday NBA 10* Phoenix Suns -2 @ Washington Wizards @ 7 ET - Because the Suns have some injury issues we are getting some line value here on the road against a rather weak team. I know the Wizards have won 2 straight but they have only had one winning streak this season that lasted more than 2 games. Also, both teams in a B2B but that Washington win over a red hot Philly team likely meant more emotionally. As for the Suns, no one had to play more than 27 minutes in last night's win at Memphis so that shows the depth of this Phoenix team and that will pay dividends again tonight. 10* PHOENIX -2

NBA Tuesday 10* Top Play Philadelphia 76ers -4 or -4.5 @ Washington Wizards @ 7:10 ET - Philly has won 8 straight games and is one of the hottest teams in the NBA right now. Washington is off a win but had lost 14 of 16 games coming into that one. Just simply do not see them winning another game here against one of the hottest teams around and the 76ers last 8 wins featured only one by less than a 5 point margin. 6 of Wizards last 7 games have been losses by at least a 7 point margin. Lay the points with red hot Philly here. 10* PHILADELPHIA -4 or -4.5

NBA Sunday 10* Top Play Memphis Grizzlies -6.5 @ Golden State Warriors @ 8:10 ET - Big time revenge factors here as the Grizzlies want payback for getting knocked out of the playoffs by Golden State in the spring. Right now the Warriors are "wounded warriors" and also have been struggling overall. That makes this a great spot to lay the points and 6.5 is a very fair line here. Memphis has won 8 of 10 games and all 8 of them by at least points. Golden State has lost 7 of 9 and 5 of the 7 losses by at least 8 points! Each of the Warriors last two losses by at least 30 points. Another blowout happening here. This will be a double digits loss for GSW as they are just missing too many guys here and the Grizzlies will avenge the post-season series loss. 10* MEMPHIS -6.5

NCAAB Sunday 10* Top Play Utah State Aggies -3.5 vs Washington State Cougars @ 6:30 ET - The Aggies are off a loss but that was just their 2nd defeat of the season. Both losses by just a 3 point margin. Of their 10 wins this season, all were by a margin of at least 5 points expect for one of them. As for the Cougars, they certainly have an interesting pattern going. Washington State is off a loss and so far this season they have not had a single stand alone loss. Indeed, the Cougars have three 2-game losing streaks already. Look for this to make it four 2-game losing streaks and drop Washington State to 5-8 on the season. The Cougars are not the confident and hot-shooting team that Utah State is. The Aggies are averaging 85 points per game this season while Washington State is averaging only 68 ppg on the season and just 62 ppg in regulation time of their last 7 games. 10* UTAH STATE -3.5

CBB Wednesday 10* Top Play St John's Red Storm +5.5 @ Villanova Wildcats @ 6:30 ET - The Wildcats enter this game on a winning streak but they still are not the same team they use to be under coach Jay Wright. That is a big reason they are only 6-5 this season. As for St John's, they are now in 4th season under coach Mike Anderson and the improvement year over year continues. He is building this program the way he has wanted it and they are now 11-1 this season. With this line moving higher on Villanova, we get extra line value here. Blocks, steals, rebounds, field goal percentage on offense, etc. all these factors go in favor of the underdog here. Grab the Red Storm as they continue to develop strongly under Anderson. This is their chance after blowing a 17 point lead in the Big East tournament last season versus Nova and losing the game by a single point. 10* ST JOHN'S +5.5

CBB Tuesday 10* Top Play Northwestern Wildcats -14 vs Illinois-Chicago Flames @ 9 ET - Normally I do not lay big points but this line has ticked down from a higher opener and I see Northwestern, with their stifling defense, winning this one by 20+ points against a Flames team that does not have the level of defensive play to hang around in this game on the road. Northwestern allowed 87 points in a loss to Pittsburgh but, in the other 9 games they have allowed only 52 points per game. The Flames have allowed 68 points per game last 11 games. UIC has won 3 straight but they have played a weak schedule this season and so their 8-4 record is not as impressive as you would think. UIC is a huge dog here for a reason and they have allowed 73 ppg in their 4 losses this season. Northwestern has allowed 54 points or less in 7 of 10 games this season. I am looking for a 75 to 50 type game in this one. 10* NORTHWESTERN -14

CBB Monday 10* Top Play UT Arlington Mavericks +15.5 @ San Francisco Dons @ 10 ET - When universities are on Christmas break for the holidays how much does home court even matter? Exactly! That said, this is just too many points. San Francisco is off a tight win at UNLV plus they are hosting Arizona State, a Pac-12 foe, on Wednesday! That said, the Dons might look right past UT Arlington and that could prove ot be dangerous. The Mavericks have lost 3 straight but all 3 games by 6 or less points! In 11 games this season the Mavs only have 2 losses by more than 14 points. San Francisco's only wins by a bigger margin than this are 3 out of 12 games this season and 2 of those were against Merced College and Merrimack! Considering that the Mavericks play solid defense in most games and are competitive in most games and the fact the Dons have a huge game on deck, this one is a great value. 10* UT ARLINGTON +15.5

NBA Monday 10* Top Play Philadelphia 76ers -7.5 vs Toronto Raptors @ 7:10 ET - The Sixers off a win versus Warriors FRIDAY. The Raptors off a loss versus those same Warriors SUNDAY! So Toronto is in a back to back and has lost 5 straight. Philadelphia is at home and well-rested and has won 4 straight. Philly has won 10 of last 11 home games. The Raptors have lost 9 of last 10 road games. Yes we must cover a fairly large spread here but you can see why a 76ers win is likely. The Raptors continue to deal with injury issues and a back to back spot does not help in that regard. Lay the points with confidence here. 10* PHILADELPHIA -7.5

NCAAB Saturday 10* Top Play Tennessee Volunteers +4 @ Arizona Wildcats @ 10:30 ET - This line opened up around a 2 and now is up in the 4 range as of mid-day Saturday. This is a lot of value to give a solid team like the Vols. I know everyone will be looking at the Cats since this game is in Arizona but I love grabbing the road dogs in games like this. The Volunteers are allowing only 51.4 ppg this season. The Wildcats are allowing 75.7 ppg. Look for Tennessee to do a good job in controlling the tempo here and the Vols will frustrate Arizona. A pair of 9-1 teams and value with the underdog as I am fully expecting the solid defensive play of the Volunteers to win this game in crunch time. 10* TENNESSEE +4

NBA Friday 10* Top Play Philadelphia 76ers -8 vs Golden State Warriors @ 7:40 ET - The Sixers will take advantage of a wounded Warriors team here. Curry is out. Even if Green and/or Wiggins play, neither one of them is 100 percent. Of course the loss of Curry - expected out one month - is a big one. Golden State just won't have the firepower to keep up with a surging Philly team in this one. The Warriors are 2-13 on the road this season. Philly is 10-5 at home this season. The 76ers have won 10 of 15 overall and 3 straight and all 3 of the wins by a double digit margin. Golden State has lost 4 of last 5 games. 10* PHILADELPHIA -8

NBA Thursday 10* Top Play Memphis Grizzlies -1.5 or -2 vs Milwaukee Bucks @ 8:10 ET - Two strong teams but the key here is home court for Memphis plus the fact Milwaukee is still without starting point guard Jrue Holiday for this one. The Grizzlies have won 12 of 14 home games. Memphis has won 8 of last 9 games and 6 straight home games. Milwaukee has won only 5 of last 9 road games. Bucks really going to miss Holiday when going up against Ja Morant and the Grizzlies. Morant is just such a back court start and will be too much at home for Milwaukee in this one. 10* MEMPHIS -1.5 or -2

NBA Wednesday 10* Top Play Orlando Magic +2.5 or +3 vs Atlanta Hawks @ 7:10 ET - The Hawks are so banged up dealing with recent injuries. Even if Trae Young plays, he has been struggling badly. As for Orlando, they have also had a few guys out but they have been out for awhile and, right now, the Magic have been hot even without those guys. Orlando has won 3 straight games and they catch a Hawks team that has just 3 wins last 10 games. The Magic saw Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner come up with big games in the B2B versus the Raptors. Also, Orlando's bench came up big with Bamba, Anthony, and Ross all having strong games versus Toronto. That said, at home and playing with confidence and catching an Atlanta team that is short-handed and struggling, the Magic are the play again here. The kicker is that Orlando lost the first two meetings with the Hawks, each by double digits. Double payback here! 10* ORLANDO +2.5 or +3

#306581 CBB Tuesday 10* Top Play Prairie View A & M Panthers +4.5 @ Illinois-Chicago Flames @ 8 ET - This line looks funny at first glance. A team, UIC, at home that most bettors are familiar with but they are laying only 4.5 points against a Prairie View team that is from one of the weakest conferences (SWAC) in the nation. However, the Panthers are better than people realize. They only have one loss by more than 10 points this season. They can compete and certainly that holds true against a Flames team that is not that strong so far this season. Note that Prairie View already defeated Washington State by a dozen points plus beat Arkansas State. Now take a look at the 6-4 Flames. The fact is that UIC has wins over only Trinity (Ill), Jacksonville State, Stonehill, Holy Cross, Green Bay, and now Western Michigan. The win over the Broncos would be their "signature win" so far this season but even they are just 3-7 this season and none of the teams the Flames have beaten have a winning record this season. Look for the Panthers to get the upset win here but we'll grab the points just in case they fall short as I would expect any defeat for the visitors to be by the slimmest of margins. 10* PRAIRIE VIEW A & M +4.5

NBA Tuesday 10* Top Play Sacramento Kings +5.5 @ Philadelphia 76ers @ 7:10 ET - I lost with the Hornets going against the Sixers on Sunday but Charlotte actually had the same number of free throws made (26) as Philly but managed to lose the game by 18 despite having 10 MORE field goal attempts. So, what happened? As you would guess it was hot shooting for the 76ers and there is no way they will repeat those ridiculous numbers here against a scrappy Kings team. Philly made 55% of their shots from the field plus 48% from 3-point land. The 76ers have won B2B games but 2 of the 3 prior to the win over the Hornets were OT games and I look for Philly to finally wear down here. The Kings are off a loss to the Knicks but had won 4 of 5 before that. Also, Sacramento still has won 14 of last 21 games and 3 of those 7 losses were by 5 or less points. So if you had Kings +5.5 in last 21 games you would have gone 17-4 ATS! Love the value here with the scrappy Kings catching a nearly half dozen points for this one. 10* SACRAMENTO +5.5

NBA Monday 10* Top Play Memphis Grizzlies -6.5 vs Atlanta Hawks @ 8:10 ET - I am generally not a big fan of laying many points in the NBA but this looks like a great spot for a huge home win. The Hawks are off an OT win versus Chicago last night. Atlanta was already a banged up team so playing the 2nd night of a B2B after going to overtime the night before is not going to do them any favors. Also, Trae Young's shooting slump has continued and the Hawks are expected to still be without Dejounte Murray tonight and he is their 2nd leading scorer. The Grizzlies have the rest edge and are at home where they are 11-2 this season. The Hawks had lost 6 of 8 before getting the win over the Bulls yesterday. Memphis has won 5 straight home games. The Grizzlies won all 5 of those by at least 8 points and by an average margin of 14 points. Another big win likely here. 10* MEMPHIS

NCAAB Sunday 10* Top Play Wisconsin Badgers +4.5 @ Iowa Hawkeyes @ 6:30 ET - Hawkeyes still without Kris Murray and he is their leading scorer and leading rebounder. Iowa did just beat rival Iowa State without him but it was in large part due to the Hawkeyes knocking down 12 of 23 three pointers while the Cyclones were just 3 of 22 from downtown. Iowa won the game by 19 but outscored Iowa State by 27 from three point land so that says a lot. It has been a tough recent slate of games and tough schedule for the Hawkeyes and coming off that huge win I could see them falling flat here and coming up short against the Badgers. If they hang on for a win here look for it be by just a single possession. Dog should be in this one all the way and I am expecting an upset. 10* WISCONSIN +4.5

NBA Sunday 10* Top Play Charlotte Hornets +10.5 @ Philadelphia 76ers @ 6:10 ET - The 76ers are off a very fortunate cover versus the Lakers in their most recent game. They won big in OT after blowing a big fourth quarter lead late. The Sixers were a comedy of errors in their late game sequence versus the Lakers and ended up very fortunate to win that game let alone cover the spread. That being said, the Sixers just can not be justified in laying double digits against anyone right now. I know they have revenge against the Hornets from losing at Charlotte earlier this season but this Philly team just can not be trusted right now. They also certainly were much more motivated to face LeBron James and Anthony Davis and the Lakers in most recent game and they will not be as excited about facing the Hornets in this one. A hungry road dog that is on a losing streak is absolutely the play in this one as they will bring plenty of energy. Philadelphia knows they have a tough game with a surging Sacramento team on deck and I expect a bit of a listless performance from Philly in this one. 10* CHARLOTTE

NBA Saturday 10* Top Play Utah Jazz +8 @ Denver Nuggets @ 9:10 ET - The Jazz are in 2nd game of B2B and even if Markkanen is still unavailable I do like Utah here. They lost last night simply because the Wolves shot better than they did. That was the key to the final outcome. Now a Utah team that is hungry off a loss is catching too many points because of the situational perspective this has presented to the marketplace. Note that Denver is actually just 2-3 last 5 home games. Also, the Nuggets had lost 3 straight before the 1-point win at Portland Thursday. Denver should find a way to win this game but I don't seem them covering. They hammered the Jazz when they last faced them here in Denver by 16 points in late October. Utah has not forgotten and coming off a loss last night insures proper focus from them here. 10* UTAH +8

NBA Friday 10* Top Play Philadelphia 76ers -4.5 vs Los Angeles Lakers @ 7:40 ET - The Lakers should have Davis and James back tonight. However, the 76ers now have Harden back. Keep in mind Harris and Embiid had also missed time recently and those guys will be on the floor too. Coming off multiple days off but also off multiple consecutive defeats, the 76ers are rested and ready to turn things around. The line here is short enough that it is well worthy of investment here. The Lakers are 4-8 on the road this season and all 8 losses were by at least 9 points! LA is now on their 3rd losing streak of the season. The first two lasted 5 games apiece. This one is only 2 games into it but you get my point. Philly is on a 3-game losing streak but has not lost 4 in a row yet this season. The 76ers are 6-1 in home games this season! So if you like Philly to win here and you know the Lakers have a knack for losing big on the road with all 8 defeats by at least 9 points, you can see why we have bargain line here. I will take it. 10* PHILADELPHIA -4.5

CBB Thursday 10* Top Play Iowa Hawkeyes -3.5 vs Iowa State Cyclones @ 8 ET - This is another game where I am fading line movement. The Hawkeyes opened up as a bigger favorite versus the Cyclones but Iowa State is a ranked 1-loss team and Iowa has lost 2 of 3. Of course this has Iowa State getting a lot of attention and the line is now down to as low as a 3.5 and I am happy to fade the line movement. The Cyclones one loss was ugly by 18 points to Connecticut. Also, their win over Villanova game in OT and is less impressive given the Wildcats are not the same team they were under coach Jay Wright and with key personnel now gone. Also, some will point to the Cyclones win over North Carolina but the struggling Tar Heels have now suffered a 4-game losing streak. I also like the fact that the Hawkeyes are off a loss by a double digit margin to Duke at MSG. Coming off a loss they will bounce back here and note that both their losses this season were on a neutral floor but they are a solid team when at home. There is a good reason the unranked team with the lesser record is the favorite here. 10* IOWA -3.5

NBA Monday 10* Top Play Philadelphia 76ers -8 @ Houston Rockets @ 8:10 ET - Harden likely to come back tonight for this game and will be facing a former team in their city. Not only that, the Rockets just got back from a long road trip out west. Not only that, the 76ers are angry off B2B losses. Philly lost 3 straight games to open the season but that has not happened since. The Rockets 10 of last 13 defeats have been by 8 or more points. Their last 10 losses by an average margin of 12.6 points and they also have a winnable game against the rival Spurs on deck. Bad spot for Houston and great spot for a rejuvenated Sixers team to rally around the return of Harden tonight. If for some reason he did not play I still like Philly tonight given all the other variables here. 10* PHILADELPHIA -8

NBA Sunday 10* Top Play Chicago Bulls +3 @ Sacramento Kings @ 6:10 ET - The Kings are off huge win versus a short-handed Clippers team. That game was in LA yesterday. So it is not a big travel spot but it is still a travel situation and it is a back to back. Now they face a rested Bulls team that is angry off B2B losses. Chicago is the play here. Kings have been playing better but had lost 3 straight before B2B wins and the Bulls come into this one hungry. Chicago only has had one losing streak go longer than 2 games. The other 3 were all 2-game losing streaks that ended on that 3rd game. That is what I expect here. There is a reason this is a road game and yet Bulls are only a 3 point dog even though Sacramento has such a solid record. Don't let the line fool you. 10* CHICAGO +3

NBA Saturday 10* Top Play Milwaukee Bucks -6 @ Charlotte Hornets @ 6:10 ET - Even though this is a back to back spot for the Bucks it is also a back to back spot for the Hornets. The key here is Milwaukee off loss and Charlotte off a win. The Hornets are 1-5 SU when off a win this season and 4 of those 5 losses were by at least 7 points. The Bucks are 4-1 SU when off a loss this season and 3 of the 4 wins by at least 8 points. More of the same on tap here. This road team will be very hungry off the loss as that was just their 6th loss of the season and it was the first game that Middleton came back. The Bucks will want to redeem themselves here and facing a Charlotte team that loses about 2/3 of their games will certainly help in that regard. 10* MILWAUKEE -6

NCAAB Saturday 10* Top Play Drake Bulldogs -16.5 vs Illinois-Chicago Flames @ 6 ET - The Flames just got hammered by Missouri State. The lost that game by 15 and face a much tougher test here. Not only that but when they lost to the Bears, they allowed 20 more shots from the field. In other words, the final margin could have easily been much more than 15 points. Today it will be as the Bulldogs are angry off their first loss of the season. Drake lost at Indiana State by 2 points but it was because they did not shoot well at all from downtown. The Bulldogs were outscored by 21 points from 3-point land. Now at home Drake will shoot much better and will also show no mercy against a Flames team whose last two losses have been by at least 14 points. UIC faces a Bulldogs team that had allowed only 63 points per game in first 6 games this season. Flames most recent road game was against a winless Green Bay team and they rolled but now they face a Bulldogs team that was undefeated prior to the loss to the Sycamores. 10* DRAKE -16.5

CBB Friday 10* Top Play Illinois Illini +2 @ Maryland @ 9 ET - Maryland is 7-0 at home and this line is practically a pick'em even though they are hosting a 1-loss Illinois team. Looks easy to take the undefeated home team. You know what it means usually when something looks too easy. It is NOT! The fact the Illini already have a loss this season actually helps them here in this match-up. They have tasted defeat and don't want to taste it again in this huge Big Ten match-up and their last game against the Terrapins was here in College Park, MD as well and they lost by 16 points. So the road team has payback on their minds here and I expect them to get it. 10* ILLINOIS +2

NBA Friday 10* Top Play Philadelphia 76ers +5.5 @ Memphis Grizzlies @ 8:10 ET - This is just too many points. I will be surprised if Tobias Harris does not play here as he has been dealing with his illness since the prior game. Also, though he will not play tonight of course, James Harden's return is now imminent and is an emotional booster for this team too. Additionally, the Sixers have been playing surprisingly well dealing with injury issues including the absence of Joel Embiid. The fact he has been back for a bit now but Philly is off an ugly 113 to 85 loss has set this up beautifully. The 76ers are 6-0 SU the last 6 times they are off a loss in which they scored less than 110 points. That said, they do not even have to get the outright win for us to get the cash here. Grab the points here and look for that situation to improve to 7-0 and, even if they fall short of outright win, the points should prove enough for the all-important cover. Of last 11 games for Memphis, the Grizzlies only have 3 victories by more than 4 points. 10* PHILADELPHIA +5.5

CBB Wednesday 10* Top Play Missouri State Bears -4.5 @ Illinois-Chicago Flames @ 8 ET - So here you have a 3-3 Bears team ON THE ROAD and facing a 5-2 Flames team and yet it is Missouri State that is favored! Big mistake, right? Not all. This Bears team has played a tougher early season schedule and was the better team last season and even though they lost a lot of starters they have a solid looking roster thanks to transfers of incoming talent. Missouri State is jelling now at the right time as conference action is getting underway in the Missouri Valley and this is the opener for these teams. Even though Illinois-Chicago has the better record, they have played the weaker schedule plus have allowed an average of 68.3 points per game last 6 games. The Bears are allowing 60.5 ppg this season and they faced tougher schedule including losing by just 2 points at BYU as a double digit underdog! Lay the points with the road team as UIC gets a rude awakening going from facing a struggling UWGB team to facing a Bears team that it is hitting its stride plus saw newcomer James Graham see his first significant action in most recent game and he played great and shot lights out. Confidence of this road team is high right now and they are well-coached and off a 23-win season. 10* MISSOURI STATE -4.5

NBA Wednesday 10* Top Play Philadelphia 76ers +3.5 or +4 @ Cleveland Cavaliers @ 7:10 ET - The 76ers had Embiid on Monday and he was strong in his return. the Cavaliers are still without Love and Allen. Also, Mitchell is coming off a game in which he scored only 8 points so that is concerning for Cleveland too. Overall, the Cavs have lost 7 of 12 games since that red hot 8-1 start to the season they had! The 76ers have been dealing with injury issues of their own but they have now won 7 of 9 games! Also, one of those two losses was by just 3 points. One of the just 5 wins that Cleveland has since their slump started in early November was a double OT win. So the point is that, even if this game is tight, we still have a shot to get the cash with the plus points but an outright upset would not surprise me at all. The Sixers are playing with more confidence of late and the same can not be said of the Cavaliers over the past few weeks. Grab the points. 10* PHILADELPHIA +3.5 or +4

CBB Tuesday 10* Top Play Penn State Nittany Lions +2 @ Clemson Tigers @ 7 ET - Clemson was in Florida for a tournament while Penn State was in their home state of Pennsylvania and facing Lafayette this past weekend. The situation here favors the Nittany Lions here even though they are on the road. I love taking small road dogs too as a lot of time people are so enticed to grab those home teams with a small line but oftentimes the line is just that...an enticement. When the situational factors are right, these road teams can be pure gold. Clemson is 5-2 this season but the 5 teams they have beaten have a combined record of 11-23. Penn State has only one loss this season and it was to a Hokies team that is now 7-1 on the season. Nittany Lions allowing only 62.5 points per game this season and I sense a road upset here but will grab the added insurance of having the points on our side in this one. 10* PENN STATE +2

CBB Monday 10* Top Play Sam Houston State Bearkats +2.5/+3/+3.5 @ Nevada Wolf Pack @ 10 PM ET - This one jumped off the page at me because, of course, most people are going to look and see the bigger school at home and laying a small number and think this is easy money. Not so fast my friend. This one should belong to the surprising Bearkats. They were already expected to be very good in the WAC this season but now are getting extra production from unexpected sources and it has made them even better. In a nutshell, this team is not only good, there are VERY good and deep! They are 6-0 SU on the season and 4-0 ATS in lined games. They play great defense and get a lot of steals and already have wins over Oklahoma and Utah! Those are two Power 5 conference teams and yes the wins were AT Norman, OK and AT Salt Lake City, UT. So going into Reno, NV to knock off Nevada is not asking too much. Now the fact is the Wolf Pack are a quality team and they have a great coach too in Steve Alford, but the Sam Houston State coach Jason Hooten has been with the Bearkats for 12 years and this is a great team he has assembled this season. These guys really believe in themselves and in each other and I do expect an outright win here but, at the very least, we should see a cover if it comes down to a tight finish. Nevada's leading scorer Lucas is struggling with his shooting percentage early this season and their 4th leading scorer Hymes has missed the last few games with back issues and may miss again. Either way, I like this hungry Bearkats team here. 10* SAM HOUSTON STATE +2.5/+3/+3.5

NBA Monday 10* Top Play Philadelphia 76ers +1.5 vs Atlanta Hawks @ 7:10 ET - The 76ers have won 6 of last 8 games. They have been without Embiid lately but might even get him back tonight. Even if they don't the way they are playing now they are loaded with confidence and here they are back at home and facing a Hawks team that is also in a back to back spot for this one. Atlanta has lost B2B games and also is an ugly 2-5 last 7 road games including even losing to the Rockets in Houston! The Sixers are 5-1 last 6 home games and I have a feeling that Embiid was waiting for this home game to return. That would just be an added bonus for us here. Either way, I like Philly and the home team is 2-0 in the two meetings between these teams this season and Trae Young off a rough shooting game last night and now he is on the road after last night's game was at home. 10* PHILADELPHIA +1.5

NCAAB Saturday 10* Top Play Illinois-Chicago Flames -5 @ Wisconsin-Green Bay Phoenix @ 7 ET - The Phoenix are not only 0-5 this season, they were in Jamaica for a tournament. So even though Wisconsin Green Bay is back home and now playing their home opener, this is not exactly an ideal spot for them after the tournament in Jamaica. They have played some tough teams this season but also UWGB has lost to teams like Queens and Utah Valley by a combined 39 points in last 2 games. Overall the Phoenix have been blown out in every game this season. Granted, UIC is no powerhouse but, unlike UWGB, they are at least scoring well this season. Illinois-Chicago is averaging 74 ppg this season and Green Bay averaging just 55 ppg this season. Look for the Flames to get the win here as they ride the momentum of B2B wins and with the downward line move here we have solid line value also. 10* ILLINOIS-CHICAGO -5

CBB Friday 10* Top Play Villanova Wildcats -7 vs Portland Pilots @ 2:30 ET - This game being played in a tournament at Portland and so the location certainly favors the Pilots. However, they still could be without one of their starting guards for this one plus I expect them to fall flat after having a shot to upset #1 North Carolina yesterday but falling just short. I know Villanova is off an OT loss but the Wildcats have enough depth to be just fine here and this Wildcats team will have resolve in this one after falling just short by a single bucket in back to back games. Villanova lost by 2 to Michigan State and then by 2 in OT to Iowa State. In fact, the Cats are just 2-3 this season but the 3 losses by a combined total of only 8 points. Nova has also played a much tougher schedule than the Pilots. Prior to facing UNC last night, the Portland schedule had been quite soft and the stronger team from the stronger conference and off B2B losses gets a statement win here against a Pilots team that will be flat after last night's result. 10* VILLANOVA -7

NCAAB Thursday 10* Top Play Oregon Ducks +3.5 vs Connecticut Huskies @ 8 ET in Portland, OR - This is a neutral site game in the Phil Knight Invitational but certainly the location favors the Ducks. What I love about this play the most is this an early season situation that tends to work very well. You have a ranked team laying a small number and they are already 5-0 on the season and that small number is so enticing when you consider they are facing a 2-2 team. Now here's the early season key with this. Yes Connecticut is 5-0 but they have faced a very weak schedule so far. Now I know the Ducks did lose to Cal Irvine which is unacceptable but they were outscored by a margin of 24 points from the 3-point arc in the 13 point loss. Simply put, Oregon shot horribly and the Anteaters were solid from outside. That is not an excuse though it is just a fact that even good basketball teams have off-games at times, overlook teams they should not, etc. The Ducks other loss was to a highly ranked Houston team. I feel both these losses help them here. You can bet Oregon, definitely having played the tougher schedule, is also motivated to put the first blemish on the Huskies record this season. Look for them to do just that but we'll grab the points as added insurance too. 10* OREGON +3.5

CBB Wednesday 10* Top Play Marquette Golden Eagles -5.5 vs Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets @ 6 ET - The Golden Eagles lost yesterday despite holding Mississippi State to 13 of 39 shooting from inside the arc. Marquette actually made 13 of 23 shots from inside the arc. The problem was, as you guessed it, the Golden Eagles took a lot of threes but did not knock them down at the same high rate as the Bulldogs. Now I know the Yellow Jackets forced a lot of turnovers yesterday and that kept them in the game as they lost a tight one to Utah. However, they will not be so successful here in that regard as I expect a focused Golden Eagles team to be much tougher to beat than Utah was yesterday. The Utes practically gave the game away yesterday but the Eagles come into this one hungry off a loss as they are 3-2 this season with two tight losses and 3 wins by double digit margins. Keep in mind, the Bulldogs team that Marquette just lost to is now 5-0 on the season. With Georgia Tech suffering their first loss of the season, they could be in for a letdown here and you are seeing the Golden Eagles favored by about a half-dozen here with good reason. Yellow Jackets went about 7 minutes without scoring a field goal after scoring one with 7:22 left in the game. That kind of offensive ineptitude in late-game situations can get in a team's head. Now they face a tough Golden Eagles team the very next day. Tough spot. 10* MARQUETTE -5.5

#306575 Tuesday 10* Top Play Penn Quakers -3/3.5/4 @ Lafayette Leopards @ 8:30 ET - I am aware of the Jordan Dingle injury as he missed the game at West Virginia after leaving the prior game with an injury. However, even if he does not play tonight, the Quakers are just too much for the Leopards and the situation is perfect. While Penn is off a bloodbath loss to the Mountaineers 92 to 58 and fully ready to respond here, Lafayette is off an ugly low-scoring win over Central Connecticut State. That was first win of the season for the Leopards and they could struggle here after an ugly tight win like that. Penn, on the other hand, is coming off the type of ugly defeat that is going to bring an inspired effort here. I don't see the Quakers being denied here even if Dingle ends up missing this game. However, there is a chance he will be back for this one but either way the depth of their roster has more talent than this Leopards team from the Patriot League. Not only is that one of the weakest conferences in the nation but also Lafayette is projected to be one of the worst teams in the Patriot League. Take advantage of the small number here and look for the Quakers to bounce back off the embarrassing loss. 10* PENN -3/3.5/4

NBA Tuesday 10* Top Play Philadelphia 76ers +7 or +7.5 vs Brooklyn Nets @ 7:30 ET - Yes the Sixers have injury issues as Harden and Maxey were already out and now Embiid is going to miss a couple games. However, there is an expression about "wounded dog bites the hardest" and this hungry 76ers team will put up a dogfight here at home. They do get back Harris and Korkmaz for this one or at least that is expected. I know the latter has not done a whole lot this season but Harris is one of Philly's top players and both guys will carry, and are happy to have, a bigger share of the production tonight on the floor. The Nets have had team chemistry issues all season long and though they should find a way to win this game I do not expect the margin to be enough. Brooklyn has played 17 games and only have 4 wins by more than 7 points this season! The 76ers already have 3 losses by 3 or less points on their home floor this season. They will put up a fight here and the 76ers are 2-2 in games Embiid has missed and one of those two losses was by just 2 points. 10* PHILADELPHIA +7 or +7.5

NBA Monday 10* Top Play Cleveland Cavaliers -2.5 vs Atlanta Hawks @ 7:10 ET - The last time the Hawks visited Cleveland, they knocked the Cavaliers out of the post-season race as they knocked them out of the play-in round with a 107 to 101 win last spring. The Cavs have not forgotten and Trae Young was waving to the fans after the game and slammed the ball on the court as the Hawks got it done that night. That was not just any loss for Cleveland as it was a defeat that made sure their playoff drought - dating back to 2018 - continued. The Cavaliers will want some payback tonight and I like their chances on their home floor. These teams have identical 10-6 records on the season but the Cavs are 6-1 at home and the Hawks are just 2-3 last 5 road games. Also, Atlanta is coming off an OT win over Toronto. The Hawks were at home for that one and have a home game on deck Wednesday so this is a one-off road trip and those generally are tough on a team especially when off an OT win too. I just don't think Atlanta is going to be able to match the intensity of the Cavaliers here. Cleveland is off a big home win over Miami and Garland is playing unbelievably well right now plus they have Mitchell, Allen, Mobley plus Osman is coming off a huge game. That 26-point win over the Heat will really get this team going. Look for the Cavaliers to get their revenge in convincing style tonight even if LeVert and or Love do not play. The other guys mentioned above are the bigger factors in this one and the home side rides a ton of emotion in this game. 10* CLEVELAND -2.5

NBA Sunday 10* Top Play Golden State Warriors -9.5 @ Houston Rockets @ 7:10 ET - Finally, the streak will end. Yes, I am calling my shot as they say. Golden State is 0-8 on the road this season and they are sick and tired of hearing about it. Now they take on a Rockets team with injury issues and Houston is one of the worst teams in the NBA with a 3-13 record. They lost 2 starters early this season and then two of their best current players that are starters might be out for this game. The Rockets Porter is doubtful and Sengun is questionable. Either way, the Warriors will take advantage of facing one of the worst teams in the NBA and roll to a win by a double digit margin here. Yes they lost at Detroit, another bad team, earlier this season but that was a tough B2B spot and off an OT loss. This situation sets up much better for the Warriors and there is a reason a team with a winless road record is favored by double digits here. Don't let the big line scare you away here. The Warriors will not want any doubt to creep in late in this game and I look for a win by a 15 to 20 point margin as GS wants no part of a comeback attempt for the injury-depleted Rockets here. 10* GOLDEN STATE -9.5

NBA Saturday 10* Top Play Minnesota Timberwolves +2.5 @ Philadelphia 76ers @ 7:40 ET - Horrible spot for Philly. 2nd night of a B2B and off a hard-fought win versus Bucks last night. Already without Harden, Harris missed last night's game plus Maxey got hurt during the game. Embiid has been red hot for the Sixers but how will he be handled in the 2nd night of a B2B? The fact is that, all the way around, this is a tough spot for the 76ers and Minnesota has a big rest edge. The Timberwolves have disappointed so far this season as they have had some issues adjusting to the new roster they have after the big off-season changes. But this is still a solid Wolves team and they have the talent and the situational edges to get a big road win here. 10* MINNESOTA +2.5

NBA Friday 10* Top Play Philadelphia 76ers -1.5 -115 or money line -125 vs Milwaukee Bucks @ 7:40 ET - The Bucks have lost 3 of 5 and one of the two wins was in double-OT versus OKC. To say the least, Milwaukee has not been overly impressive. For sure the Bucks have had the Sixers number often in recent meetings but this Milwaukee team is still missing key guys and this looks like the perfect spot for the 76ers to finally exact some revenge. Embiid is back for Philly and they have won 3 of last 4 including all 3 home games. Also, he has averaged 40 points and 11 rebounds per game during this stretch and the Sixers are well rested heading into this one. Embiid also had 7 blocks in most recent game as he was dominant. He and the 76ers want this game badly because, as noted above, the Bucks have had their number. It is time for some payback here. The Bucks are in a shorter rest situation too in comparison with the Sixers. Home team should pull away and get revenge for the 2 point home loss to the Bucks that began Milwaukee's season. 10* PHILADELPHIA -1.5 -115 or -125

CBB Thursday 10* Top Play Furman Paladins +3 or +3.5 vs Penn State Nittany Lions @ 11:30 AM ET - This is the beauty of College Hoops. To Joe Public, everyone knows about Penn State as they have had a great football program through the years and are well-known in College sports. Conversely, few people know about Furman. But the Paladins are a solid College Hoops program. This line opened up nearly in a pick'em range but has shot up to as high as 3.5 on Penn State. I love fading line moves like this. Yes the Nittany Lions just beat Butler but the Bulldogs lost the game by 6 but were outscored by 15 points from deep. Poor 3-point shooting for Butler was the difference in the game. The Bulldogs had more shots from the field and more than twice as many free throw attempts yet the Nittany Lions got the win. Penn State was a little fortunate is my point. In this match-up the Paladins will find a way in their home state of South Carolina for this tournament in Charleston. Mike Bothwell continues to be a star for Furman and they just beat a solid Belmont team. Last year the Paladins looked like they were going to the Big Dance when they had a 2 point lead with under 4 seconds to go in the game but then lost on a desperation moon-shot 3-pointer miracle shot. Furman is on a mission this season. They have won both their games to start this season and are a very determined team. Penn State is solid but the Paladins are the better team in this match-up and so the fact we get a hungry underdog in their home state (yes they are 200 miles away but this is still their home state) is a value I will not pass up on. 10* FURMAN +3 or +3.5

NBA Tuesday 10* Top Play Chicago Bulls +4 @ New Orleans Pelicans @ 8:10 ET - The Bulls are off back to back losses for the 4th time already this season. The good news for Chicago fans - and for us tonight - is that the Bulls are a PERFECT 3-0 this season when they enter a game off consecutive losses. As for the Pelicans, they are off B2B wins for just the 2nd time this season. They have yet to win 3 straight and I don't see that changing here. They managed to pull away from the Grizzlies in the 4th quarter last night. However, the Bulls will prove to be more determined tonight plus this is second night of back to back for New Orleans plus Zach Williamson missed last night's game and is hurting right now. The Bulls were up by 4 with about 5 minutes to go when these teams met in Chicago last week but the Pelicans rallied and ended up winning the game by 4. This is a revenge spot for the Bulls and I look for them to get it. Grab the points for the added insurance. 10* CHICAGO +4

NBA Tuesday 10* Top Play Memphis Grizzlies +1.5 @ New Orleans Pelicans @ 7:30 ET - Ja Morant is expected back for Memphis tonight. Not only are the Grizzlies 9-3 this season in games in which he has played, they are also 3-0 this season when off a loss in which they scored less than 107 points! The Pelicans are off a win versus Houston but are 0-5 this season when off a win in which they scored less than 125 points! That sets this up as a double perfect year to date spot and I really like having this strong Grizzlies team hungry off a loss and catching a New Orleans team off a win but against one of the worst teams in the league this season as they hosted Houston. 10* MEMPHIS +1.5

CBB Tuesday 10* Top Play Appalachian State Mountaineers +6.5 @ Louisville Cardinals @ 6 ET - The Cardinals are 0-2 this season. Both losses were by a single point but Louisville was favored in each game by about the same amount they are for this one. I don't expect this one to end well for them either. They have a new coach this season and are a program that use to be so strong but now has won just 13 games each of the past two seasons. Like the Mountaineers, they lost a lot of starters from last season and had to reload the roster. The difference though is I really like the additions Appalachian State made in the transfer department entering this season. Also, the Mountaineers are already 2-0 this season and they just won a game in OT in which they had to hit a late 3 just to force OT. App St is feeling it right now as a result. Confidence is building. Granted they did not play tough teams, especially in their season opening blowout win but the Cards played two game they were supposed to win also and yet lost them both. Louisville will be in a dogfight just to win this game let alone cover the spread. 10* APPALACHIAN STATE +6.5

NBA Monday 10* Top Play San Antonio Spurs +8 @ Golden State Warriors @ 10:10 ET - Spurs off upset win over Bucks and Warriors off upset loss at Sacramento last night. Looks easy to just play GS, right? Not in today's NBA. These guys are paid so many millions and are athletes in elite shape but they can't dare play in a B2B situation, right? At least according to Golden State head coach Steve Kerr, that seems to be the case. Hard to say who will be on the floor for the Warriors tonight and I am sure at least some of the key pieces will be sitting because of how Kerr has handled these B2B spots recently. One thing I do know is the pesky Spurs will come into this one hungry and playing with confidence after knocking off the Bucks. San Antonio should field their normal roster and though they are still rebuilding and are young, they are well-coached and the Spurs have given Warriors good games in recent meetings. Look for this to be another tight one. 10* SAN ANTONIO +8

NBA Sunday 10* Top Play Oklahoma City Thunder +5.5 @ New York Knicks @ 12:10 ET - The Thunder and Knicks each off big wins Friday. The thing is that Oklahoma City knows they need to get their road game going better. They have struggled away from home this season. Sometimes these early starts on a Sunday can be tough on teams and they can be sluggish. That makes it harder for a favorite to pull away and cover the spread and this one is in the half-dozen range. Plus I like the motivation factor for OKC wanting to improve their road play. Look for them to be the more focused club in this one and the Knicks have not won B2B games in two weeks so I am going to challenge them here and I like having the points on our side with a team I feel has a great shot to win outright given the intangibles of this one. Thunder have been scrappy early this season and just took the Bucks to double OT recently too. 10* OKLAHOMA CITY +5.5

NBA Friday 10* Top Play Phoenix Suns -7 @ Orlando Magic @ 7 ET - The Suns recently lost Cameron Johnson to injury but then, even without Chris Paul, they knocked off the Timberwolves at Minnesota by a double digit margin. Not only have the Suns won 7 of 9, all 7 of the victories have been by at least 9 points. That said, and especially with Paul likely coming back tonight, I am not going to hesitate to lay the 7 points here with one of the best teams in the NBA against one of the worst. Even if Paul is not back, note that Payne had a huge game filling in for him against the T-wolves. Also, Orlando is off a rare win as Mavericks shot horrific in that game and the Magic stole it even though they were without Banchero. He has an ankle injury so he could miss again here. Ankle sprains are not easy to come back from and he already missed one game and would not surprise me if they hold him out since next game not until Monday. So he can rest up some more this would be the logical thing to do. Even the Magic must know this is not likely to be a winnable game but Monday they host a bad Charlotte team. Will see how smart Orlando management is on this one but Banchero should not play. Either way I look for the better team to win and to continue their trend of winning games by at least 9 points. Note that the Magic were 2-9 this season before they got the shocking upset over Dallas. Lightning will not strike twice. 10* PHOENIX -7

CBB Thursday 10* Top Play Oklahoma State Cowboys -8 vs Southern Illinois Salukis @ 8 ET - Both teams off wins but OSU was rather unimpressive in theirs while S Ill rolled on the scoreboard in theirs. I love spots like this because it creates solid line value. The Salukis actually won by 31 points but had 9 less shot attempts from the field than Little Rock did. How is that possible? Well Southern Illinois shot lights out while struggled badly including 3 of 18 from 3 point land and 8 of 18 from the free throw line! Southern Illinois was great from the field in this game and also were able to dominate the glass against Little Rock. So the key here is that none of those things are likely to be repeated here. Now the Salukis are on the road and facing a Big 12 program and Stillwater is not an easy place to play. Look for the Cowboys, with a talented backcourt and strong team depth, to roll to a win by double digits at home in this one. OSU is off a disappointing campaign so they are hungry to make amends this season. The fact the Cowboys only won their opener by 11 against UT Arlington even though they were favored by 21 only strengthens this spot. Oklahoma State should shoot much better than 6 of 25 from 3-point land in this one! 10* OKLAHOMA STATE -8

NBA Thursday 10* Top Play Dallas Mavericks -3.5 @ Washington Wizards @ 7:10 ET - Yes this is a back to back for Dallas and we did lose with them last night. However, the Mavericks had a simply awful shooting night and that was the difference in the game. I certainly do not expect a repeat of that here. That said, some perfect trends in play here too. Dallas is 3-0 this season when off a SU loss and all 3 wins have been by at least 4 points. The line on this game is 3 or 3.5 and I feel we can lay it with confidence. That's because Washington is off a win and they are 0-3 last 3 times they were off a SU victory this season. All 3 losses were by a double digit margin including the most recent one coming by 42 points in a blowout defeat. Double perfect trends here favoring the Mavs. Lay it. 10* DALLAS -3.5

CBB Wednesday 10* Top Play Davidson Wildcats -3.5 @ Wright State Raiders @ 7 ET - The Wildcats have the stronger backcourt in this match-up. That is important early in the season. I like the Raiders frontcourt but have some concerns about their guard play and feel they could struggle a bit early on this season. Yes Davidson has a new coach but he has been the assistant there for years under his father and he himself was a strong scorer for this program about two decades ago. The point is that he is experienced in the program and had been working with his Dad here for about two decades and I think Davidson is going to be rock solid yet again this season. Yes they lost some of their playing rotation from last season but so too did Wright State. The Wildcats are a fantastic program and remember that the Raiders did start off slow out of the gates last season in non-conference action too. Look for that to be the case again this season as they go through some early-season growing pains in the backcourt in particular. 10* DAVIDSON -3.5

NBA Wednesday 10* Top Play Dallas Mavericks -6 @ Orlando Magic @ 5:30 ET - The Magic are tied with Rockets for worst record in the NBA and just let Houston score a ton of points against them and shoot lights out from the field. The point is that Orlando, other than rookie forward Paolo Banchero, is really having a rough start to this season. Making matters even worse here is that if Banchero even plays in this game he could be limited by an ankle sprain. I am away that Hardaway could miss this game for Mavericks but his injury seems less serious and is not an ankle. Don't be surprised if he plays and is very effective. Even if he does not play, the other guys who would get a lot of minutes in his absence are Finney-Smith and Josh Green and they are coming off huge games as is Luka Doncic as he continues to dominate. The Magic have one OT loss in last 8 defeats but the other 7 were are all by at least 6 points. Dallas has a lot of tight wins this season but they have won 4 straight games and that includes 9 point win over Orlando. I really believe Banchero could miss this game but, even if he plays, he will not be himself 100% and that is a key detriment for the Magic. By the way, Mavs have allowed just 102 ppg last 4 games while Orlando, not including OT points, has allowed 120.4 points last 5 games. Big difference in terms of level of defense when comparing these two teams. 10* DALLAS -6

CBB Monday 10* Top Play La Salle Explorers +15 @ Villanova Wildcats @ 6:30 ET - This is an intriguing match-up because it is an all-Philly game and, as always, the little brother wants to prove they can compete with the big brother. What has added to the intrigue here is La Salle has Fran Duphy (a 1970 Explorers graduate) and his 30 years of head coaching experience patrolling the sideline. At the same time, Villanova no longer has Jay Wright on the sideline and it will be strange to see the Wildcats without Wright patrolling the sideline. Kyle Neptune has only one year of head coaching experience. To his credit, Neptune has experience within the Wildcats program and helped recruit a lot of this current roster. Still I like the head coaching edge of Dunphy over Neptune and also note that guard play is so key early in the season in particular. It helps teams get comfortable in the early going of the season when teams are still trying to work out the kinks. That said, I like the depth of the Explorers in terms of their backcourt and will note that Villanova lost a lot from last year's backcourt. Of course Nova still the better team and should win this by a range of 7 to 9 points but I would not be surprised to see the Explorers, led by Dunphy, to hang around in this Philly battle much longer than many expect and it should not be a blowout as a result. 10* LA SALLE +15

NBA Friday 10* Top Play New Orleans Pelicans -4 vs Golden State Warriors @ 8:40 ET - The Pelicans are off an unbelieve, inexcusable OT loss at Los Angeles when they missed 2 free throws with under 2 seconds to go in the game. That then allowed the Lakers get off a 3 at the buzzer which did go in to force OT. After LA won the game in OT you know New Orleans is going to be extremely fired up here. Not only that, the Pelicans are getting back Brandon Ingram and Herbert Jones for this game. Those reinforcements will help and what also helps is they are catching the Warriors in a back to back. Golden State has been getting good production from their starting five. But the Warriors bench has struggled and that means if the Warriors starters are worn out from the B2B than this one sets up to be very tough sledding for GS. Look for NO to take advantage. the Pelicans will run them right out of the arena and Golden State has been struggling defensively so this sets up for a big-time home blowout here. 10* NEW ORLEANS -4 

NBA Wednesday 10* Top Play Philadelphia 76ers -7.5 vs Washington Wizards @ 6:10 ET - The Wizards have not been traveling far but still they are bouncing around quite a bit right now. Washington was at home than on the road at Boston then at home versus 76ers and now on the road at Philly to face the Sixers again. This is also a 4 games in 6 days situation for Washington so this is all part of their toughest test so far this season in terms of scheduling. I like the fact that the Sixers, even without Embiid, were able to win by 7 on the road at Washington Monday. This is a Philly team that is finally starting to find its footing. The 76ers have won 3 straight games on the road and also won their last home game by 14 points. I look for them to build their run to 4 straight wins even if Embiid is not back tonight.  But I do expect him back and also want to note that even though they are not stars, Kispert and Wright being out for the Wizards is still taking away a couple guys that average about 24 minutes a game. They are rotation players that Washington wants to use as part of the core group for the team! As for the Sixers, the only current "injury" situation was Embiid's illness and I would be surprised if he misses tonight's game. Look for the Wizards to run out of gas as this game goes on and the deeper Sixers again take advantage just like they did Monday with their big 3rd quarter in DC leading to solid win. 10* PHILADELPHIA -7.5

NBA Tuesday 10* Top Play Minnesota Timberwolves +5 or +5.5 @ Phoenix Suns @ 10 ET - When something looks too good to be true it usually is. Keep in mind, Phoenix is 4-0 at home this season and the Suns enter this game on a 4-game winning streak in which all 4 wins were by a double digit margin. That said, how can the Suns have opened up as only a 4-point favorite at home? Exactly! Sure enough this line is already up to as high as a 5.5 in some spots and I love being a contrarian in situations like this. Minnesota went out and made the big move for Gobert in the off-season because they want to be a force to be reckoned with. To prove they have indeed arrived in the Western Conference, the Wolves must prove they can compete with one of the best teams in the West (and in all of NBA) in the form of the Suns. I feel Minny is going to be extra hungry here as a result and I love having the handful of points being offered here too as an outright upset would not surprise me in the least. If the Wolves do fall short, look for it to be by the slimmest of margins. 10* MINNESOTA +5 or +5.5

NBA Monday 10* Top Play Philadelphia 76ers -4 @ Washington Wizards @ 7:10 ET - The Wizards are playing in a B2B for the first time this season and yesterday's game was on the road at Boston. This is also a 3 games in 4 days situation for Washington so it is their toughest test so far this season in terms of scheduling. Yes, the Wizards get the benefit of being at home for this one but that is also helping to keep this line very manageable on a Philly team that is finally starting to find its footing. The 76ers have won B2B games on the road and will be hosting the Wizards on Wednesday so they are fully focused on Washington here and I look for them to build their run to 3 straight wins! Look for the Wizards to run out of gas as this game goes on and the rested Sixers take advantage. 10* PHILADELPHIA -4

NBA Sunday 10* Top Play Detroit Pistons +8 vs Golden State Warriors @ 6 ET - Back to back spot for Warriors who are winless on the road this season and they went into overtime at Charlotte last night so not a good situation here. Not only could Steph Curry and company need a little extra rest tonight, Jordan Poole is dealing with an ankle injury. The Pistons are off to a rough start to this season but they will take advantage of facing Golden State in a tough situation for the Warriors. You also know the home team will be up about having Curry and Company in town for this one. 10* DETROIT +8

NBA Thursday 10* Top Play Brooklyn Nets +2.5 vs Dallas Mavericks @ 7:40 ET - I know the Nets are in a back to back spot here so many are jumping on the Mavericks. I get it. But this Brooklyn team from top to bottom is very angry and fired up and I am expecting a huge effort from them tonight as result. Last night frustrations boiled over in the loss at Milwaukee and head coach Steve Nash was dealt his first ever ejection as a head coach! That is how intense the situation was for the Nets last night. Now they are back home and ready to put the frustration to work for them in a positive way here and I fully expect a positive result to follow! Keep in mind that Dallas, just like Brooklyn, is off to a slow start. The Mavericks also have just 1 win on the season. By the way the home team is a perfect 3-0 in Dallas games this season and the home team is a perfect 3-0 in the Nets last 3 games. Look for this double perfect trending to continue here with another home win but I will grab the generous points being offered here as added insurance. I do expect the outright win though. 10* BROOKLYN +2.5

NBA Wednesday 10* Top Play Philadelphia 76ers PICK (-110) @ Toronto Raptors @ 7:40 ET - I know Toronto wants revenge for the post-season exit at the hands of the Sixers in the spring. However, I look at the Philly starters and bench and compare to the Raptors starters and bench and to me it sure seems the 76ers are the much stronger and deeper team. This is currently even a magnified issues because Philadelphia is the healthier team. For Toronto, Otto Porter has yet to suit up this season and is doubtful for this game and the Raptors were hoping the new acquisition could be a solid contributor for them. Also, Scottie Barnes is listed as questionable for this contest. Even if he does play his ankle is unlikely to be 100% and he may not be able to play up to his full potential in this one. Again, if he even sees the floor! Yes, Toronto is off a big win at Miami but the Raptors rallied in the 4th quarter for the victory as they trailed heading to final stanza. Also, the Heat shot horribly from distance in that game. The fact the Raptors outscored the Heat by six 3-pointers (18 points) from beyond the arc was absolutely the difference in that win. As for the Sixers, they just got their first win of the season against Indiana. Getting that win over the Pacers is just what the doctor ordered! Philly will finally have some confidence back after a frustrating 0-3 start to the season. Look for the Sixers to look like a different team tonight and they have the better shooters in this match-up too and I just don't see the Raptors as being able to keep up in this one. 10* PHILADELPHIA PICK (-110)

NBA Tuesday 10* Top Play Phoenix Suns -2.5 vs Golden State Warriors @ 10 ET - The Suns have played the tougher schedule so far with a pair of a road games and their only home game was against at tough Mavericks team. Now Phoenix is at home facing the Warriors in a huge match-up. For Golden State, this is their first road trip of the new season. I feel this is a significant edge for the Suns in this spot and we are getting a bargain price with this line at -2.5 for Phoenix at home. The Warriors were great at home last season but only 22-19 on the road. The Suns were 32-9 both home and away last season! Amazingly only ONE of their 64 victories had a margin of victory under 3 points! Even in the post-season all 7 of their wins were by at least 3 points. So I have no hesitation in laying the points here considering that 70 of the 71 wins that Phoenix had last season were by at least 3 points! Also, the Suns are very hungry entering this season after losing in the 2nd round of the post-season to the Mavericks in 7 games. 10* PHOENIX -2.5

NBA Monday 10* Top Play Chicago Bulls +4.5 or +5 vs Boston Celtics @ 8:10 ET - This is a great spot for the Bulls. They are off an embarrassing home loss to the Cavaliers in which they actually were about equal in shot attempts from the field plus had more free throw attempts yet lost the game by 32 points! So what happened? The Cavaliers shot a ridiculous percentage from 3-point land and had a hot shooting night overall. After getting embarrassed like this on their home floor I am sure Chicago is going to respond here. Remember the Bulls prior game was a road loss but just by 2 points and they opened the season on the road with a solid win at Miami also. Yes the Celtics are 3-0 this season but the teams they beat are a combined 1-8 so far. So maybe Boston caught the right teams at the right time but that is not the case here. I look for an angry Bulls team to be relentless at both ends of the floor tonight. 10* CHICAGO +4.5 or +5

NBA Thursday 8* Philadelphia 76ers -4 vs Milwaukee Bucks @ 7:30 ET - 76ers lost their season opener at Boston because the Celtics shot a robust 56% from the field! Look for Philly to be much better on the defensive end here at home and off a loss and plus they catch the Bucks playing their first game of the season. Milwaukee could be a little slow out of the gate this season and adding to the slowness is the fact that Middleton and Connaughton both going to miss some time early this season. The Sixers will take advantage here and are in bounce back mode here. Also, though Milwaukee has mostly still had the 76ers number, Philly has not forgotten when Giannis Antetokounmpo sat down in the middle of the Philadelphia court after knocking down a clutch basket in OT. Yes that was the season before last but Philly does not forget. The Bucks have mostly still had Philly's number since then but with Giannis Antetokounmpo playing this one without a couple of key Milwaukee teammates! He and the Bucks will get no mercy from the Sixers here that is for sure and that is why I am not hesitating in laying the points here. 8* PHILADELPHIA -4

NBA Tuesday 8* Philadelphia 76ers +2.5 @ Boston Celtics @ 7:30 ET - This rivalry goes way back and, in fact, these teams have met 457 times heading into this season opener. Why I am mentioning the 457? Because that 457th meeting was the biggest margin of victory ever for the Celtics over the Sixers and it happened in Philly. The 76ers got embarrassed on their home court by a score of 135 to 87. This game today will mean a little something extra as a result as that was actually also one of the worst losses for the Sixers in their entire franchise history. That said, they will be seeking payback here and the last time these teams met in the post-season, Boston delivered a 4-game sweep. The Sixers have been trying to work their way back to being one of the NBA's best teams and they have been getting there for sure. I like the way this roster has been built and the chemistry this team has now. Look for Philly to step up big in this one. 8* PHILADELPHIA +2.5

NBA Friday 10* Top Play Golden State Warriors +4 @ Boston Celtics @ 9 ET - The Warriors are 6-0 the last 6 times when off a loss. That is 6-0 SU / 100% PERFECT! That said, the fact we get an added 4 points here with underdog Golden State is simply a bonus! I do expect GS to win outright but will grab the points as added insurance. The Warriors led the first game by 12 after 3 quarters and the second game by 21 after 3 quarters and they only trailed the third game by 4 after 3 quarters. The point is that the Warriors could just as easy be up 3-0 in this series rather than down 2-1. Give credit to the Celtics for their resilience and their ability to come up strong in 4th quarters. However, I look for the Warriors - with their backs against the wall - to absolutely come up big in this one. They should improve to 7-0 SU / 100% PERFECT last 7 times when off a loss but I will grab the points here as I feel this is an excellent line value that could prove well worth it in the event Boston prevails by a very slim margin. 10* GOLDEN STATE +4 

NBA Sunday 10* Top Play Boston Celtics +4.5 @ Golden State Warriors Sunday @ 8 PM ET - The whole world will likely line up on Golden State here. In fact this line could drive up even higher but I am getting the early jump here with a solid 4.5 soon after Game 1 of this series finished. I know the expectation is that the Warriors bounce back but that is hard to trust. They just outscored 40-16 in the 4th quarter of a game on their home floor in which they also were the more rested team. The news gets even worse for Golden State. Steph Curry had a huge Game 1 with 34 points and nailing 7 of 14 threes while Celtics start Jayson Tatum had just 12 points on 3 for 17 shooting. Stop and think about that for a minute. Should be easy GS win given those numbers. Yet the Celtics won the game by double digits. Not only that, the two days off in between games also means that Boston can hit the reset button and comfortably relax. All the pressure here is on the Warriors and they wish they could take the floor right away on Friday to make up for the debacle. This situation is perfect for a rested and relaxed Celtics team to steal Game 2 as well but will grab the points this time just in case the Warriors find a way to steal it late. Took the money line in Game 1 but more points are available in Game 2 and given the situation that is the best value as I will gladly challenge a Golden State team questioning itself to win this game by at least 5 points. The road dogs loaded with confidence now. 10* BOSTON +4.5

NBA Thursday 10* Top Play Dallas Mavericks +7 @ Golden State Warriors @ 9 ET - Amazingly, the Mavericks have not had a standalone win in 4 months. You have to go all the way back to January 24th to find the last time that the Mavericks were off a loss, had a win, and then lost their very next game. Since that time, the Mavs are 12-0 / 100% perfect in this situation. That is a SU record. 12 straight times the Mavericks have managed to avoid the dreaded standalone win. That said, I definitely like our chances here of getting at least a cover as the Mavericks look to keep their season alive with one big upset. Once again, when off a win that was preceded by a loss, the Mavericks are 12-0 / 100% perfect SU. Give me the points here. 10* DALLAS +7

NBA Wednesday 10* Top Play Miami Heat +1.5 @ Boston Celtics @ 8:30 ET - The Heat are off a loss and have been so strong off a defeat. The Celtics got the key Game 4 win to even this series up but now are over-valued on the road. Boston has been alternating wins and losses frequently in this post-season in the last two series and I look for that trend to continue here. The Celtics will have their hands full here with a Heat team that had won 10 straight home games prior to losing to 25 points as a host versus Boston in Game 2 of this series. Not only payback for that but Miami enters this game off a 20 point road loss in Game 4 at Boston. The Heat take back series lead with a key revenging win over the Celtics in this one. 10* MIAMI +1.5 

NBA Monday 10* Top Play Miami Heat +6.5 @ Boston Celtics @ 8:30 ET - The Heat could get Butler back for this game and I do expect that plus they are loaded with confidence after the big Game 3 win on the road. Miami does not have to win this game to get the money for us either. A loss by 6 or less points also cashes our ticket and 5 of Boston's 9 post-season wins have been by a margin of 4.8 points. All the pressure on Boston here to avoid a 3-1 series hole before heading to Miami for Game 5. As for the Heat, they already have accomplished the success of insuring they have home court edge for this series no matter what happens in Game 4. That said, they can play loose and relaxed basketball. With all the pressure on the Celtics, the Heat are going to be tough to put away in this one. Huge value with the points. 10* MIAMI +6.5

NBA Friday 10* Top Play Dallas Mavericks Money Line +220 @ Golden State Warriors @ 9 ET - If you think this series is over already think again. Ton of value here with Dallas and we don't need any points. Yes the Mavericks got blown out in Game One of this series but that was only the 2nd time they have been blown out by Golden State in the last 7 meetings. The two defeats were blowout losses but the Mavs won each of the other 5 games and ALL were straight-up outright wins. That is why I am advising NOT to take the points here. We will not need them. Dallas, overall, is 16-3 SU the last 19 times when off a loss. These teams knows how to bounce back and that is why losing streaks have been rare. That has played a key role in why the Mavericks finished up the regular season on a 36-12 SU run last 48 games. As for post-season, the Mavs are already 4-1 when off a loss and I am looking for a big-time bounce back here. The Mavericks had 4 more shots from the field and 5 more shots from the free throw line in Wednesday's 25-point loss. We have value here as a result because I am expecting much better shooting from the Mavs in this one. 10* DALLAS +220

NBA Sunday 10* Top Play Milwaukee Bucks +5.5 @ Boston Celtics @ 3:30 ET - Boston has home court here for Game 7. Critical, right? Hardly! The home team has only gotten the money ONCE in the first SIX games of this series. These are two very evenly matched teams and I like the value of having the 5.5 points on our side here. We'll grab the points in what should be a tight battle in Game 7. There has been only one blowout win for a home team so far in this series. Also, the same team has not won B2B games in this series yet and I do not expect that to change here. I am expecting the Bucks to get the outright upset win as they have the champion pedigree. But I am also grabbing the points should this be a tight finish decided by just a bucket or two. 10* MILWAUKEE +5.5

NBA Thursday 10* Philadelphia 76ers -2 vs Miami Heat @ 7 ET - We have seen the zig zag theory working quite well in the NBA of late and I expect more of the same here. Philly just got blasted by the Heat in most recent game so watch them bounce right back here. The home team is a perfect 5-0 in this series and the host has actually won 7 straight meetings dating back to regular season action in March. More of the same expected here and another solid home win projected in this one. 10* PHILADELPHIA -2

NBA Wednesday 10* Top Play Milwaukee Bucks +5.5 @ Boston Celtics @ 7 ET - The Bucks fell short in Game 4 as the Celtics rallied. However, Milwaukee is 4-0 SU the last 4 times when off a loss. Whether or not the Bucks get the outright upset here, I definitely like the fact that Milwaukee is getting a handful of points and I expect this game could go down to the wire! The Bucks had won 4 of 5 SU against the Celtics prior to Monday's loss and I feel strongly they will bounce back big here. At worst it will be a loss by a bucket or two in my opinion. Boston a bit over-rated here after the huge fourth quarter rally in Game 4. I do not expect a repeat of that here but yet we get line value as a result of that game 4 finish. 10* MILWAUKEE

NBA 2nd Rd Game of the Year Friday 10* Top Play Philadelphia 76ers +3.5 vs Miami Heat @ 7 ET - The Sixers will still be without Joel Embiid. However, even on the road in Game 2, the only difference in the game was really the 3-point shooting of Miami. The Heat outscored Philly by 18 points from 3 point land and won the game by 16 points. The 76ers had just 8 turnovers while Miami had 14 and Philadelphia did have 6 more FG attempts in the game. Philly is going to bring a huge effort here and are going to shoot much better than the combined 14 of 64 they shot from distance in the first two games of this series in Miami. At the same time, I do not expect the Heat to make a ridiculous 14 of 29 from outside the arc like they did in Game 2. The Sixers can get back into this series with a win here and Embiid possible returning for Game 4. That said, this is Philly's season here and I expect a huge amount of fight in this dog at home! The Sixers have won 5 of last 6 home games and the Heat have lost 2 of last 3 road games. The home team has won 10 of last 13 meetings between these teams and I expect that trend to continue here. 10* PHILADELPHIA +3.5

NBA Early Dominator Wednesday 10* Top Play Philadelphia 76ers +8.5 @ Miami Heat @ 7:30 ET - The 76ers off a double digit loss in Game 1 but should respond here even without Joel Embiid. Philly just getting no respect here and, with backs against the wall, will get back on track in Game 2. The Sixers had won 9 of 12 before the ugly loss in Game 1. The Heat are 1-3 ATS last 4 times when off an ATS win. The 76ers are going to battle all the way to end in this one and remember they were only down 4 with 4 minutes to go in the 3rd quarter Monday. 10* PHILADELPHIA +8.5

NBA Situational Slaughter Monday 10* Top Play Philadelphia 76ers +7.5 @ Miami Heat @ 7:30 ET - How many times have we seen a key player out for a team and then the line jumps the other way of course but it is the wounded team that actually gets the cover? Plenty! This has been a strong regular season trend and it has continued into the post-season. That said, with Joel Embiid out for at least the first two games of this series, this line on the Heat has gotten out of hand. Keep in mind, Miami is currently dealing with some nagging injury issues as well. Too much value to pass up here. 10* PHILADELPHIA +7.5

NBA 10* Top Play New Orleans Pelicans +2.5 - It is the Pelicans turn here. No team has won B2B games yet in this see-saw series and New Orleans is a home dog and will take advantage of Booker still being out for the Suns and I look for the home team to get it done here. I know there is speculation he might return tonight but I doubt he will. Even if he does, I like the fact that the Pelicans have been the much stronger rebounding team in this series and I expect them to shoot better from long-distance after a 5 for 25 at Phoenix in Game 5. The home dog gets it done here and extends the series. 10* NEW ORLEANS +2.5

NBA Double Perfect Play Wednesday 10* Top Play Chicago Bulls +12.5 @ Milwaukee Bucks @ 7:30 ET - The road team is a perfect 4-0 ATS in this series and on a 5-0 ATS run dating back to the regular season. Once this one is in the books, I am predicting that streak to reach 6 in a row. I do expect Milwaukee to close this series out with a home win tonight but look for Chicago to rally the troops, with Zach Lavine out, and battle hard all the way in this one to lose by just a single digit margin and get us the all-important ATS cover. By the way, the Bucks are on an 0-5 ATS run in home games dating back to the regular season as well. Hence, the double perfect situation here and I understand the line move but love fading line moves too and this is the perfect spot (literally) - filled with high value in my opinion. 10* CHICAGO +12.5

NBA Earliest Cash Tuesday 10* Top Play Atlanta Hawks +7.5 @ Miami Heat @ 7 ET - The Hawks just got embarrassed on their home floor in a 24 point loss on Sunday. This is now their season right here. I am not saying they will win this game outright but I do like the odds of at least a cover here. Since mid-February, Atlanta has gone 10-1 SU when entering a game off a non-OT loss! The only time they lost back to back was in Games 1 and 2 of that series and in that one that Game 2 loss they were down by just 3 points with 2 and 1/2 minutes to go and missed a game-tying 3 at that juncture in the game. The point is that the eventual 10 point loss was a closer finish than you think and that game was here in Miami too. Big value with the big points here given the situation and the 10-1 / 91% angle. 10* ATLANTA HAWKS +7.5

NBA Eastern Conference Game of the Month Monday 10* Top Play Philadelphia 76ers -7.5 vs Toronto Raptors @ 8 ET - Look for the Sixers to respond off the Game 4 loss at Toronto. Even though the 76ers are still very much in control of this series they last thing they want to do is let this series go back to Toronto for Game 6. That is for two key reasons. Not only would that then give the Raptors a chance to tie the series up on their home floor and force an "anything can happen" Game 7, it also would lead to more tired legs for Philly if they do advance. Philadelphia wants this series to end right here right now and to let guys like Joel Embiid get some rest for the next round. Similar to the huge energy and motivation we saw from the Sixers in the opening game of the series, I am expecting a similar effort here. Philadelphia in a big home rout is my expectation here. The 76ers are on a 5-0 run in home games and the average margin of victory was 18 points in those 5 games. More of the same expected here. 10* PHILADELPHIA -7.5

NBA Payback Special Friday 10* Top Play Atlanta Hawks +1.5 vs Miami Heat @ 7 ET - After 3 straight games for us all slipping away in the 4th quarter in the NBA after cashing 8 in a row in NBA - most all of them easy no doubt winners without drama - I have no doubt we are getting back on track starting today. One thing is for sure, if a break is involved it most certainly should go our way here! The home team has won 6 of the last 7 meetings between these teams and the Heat won each of the first two games of this series at home. The home team dominance in this series continues here. The Hawks have won 28 of 42 home games this season and the Heat are 21-16 SU last 37 road games. You can see why, given those numbers, we have some line value here with the desperate and hungrier team available as a home underdog. 10* ATLANTA +1.5

NBA Game of the Month Thursday 10* Top Play Minnesota Timberwolves +2 vs Memphis Grizzlies @ 7:30 ET - The Wolves had turnover problems in the two games at Memphis but look for them to clean that up now that the series has shifted home to Minneapolis for them. As disappointing as the 124-96 annihilation was for the T-wolves in Game 2, they are still feeling very good about their situation in this series as they earned the all-important split at Memphis. Ja Morant suffered a quad injury in Game 2 and though it is not serious at all could it get sore on him as Game 3 marches on into the later stages and effect him a little bit? Certainly is not impossible but either way I love the Wolves here in a key game for them to respond after a 28-point drubbing. Keep in mind, before that big win, Memphis had lost 4 of 5 games and Minnesota had won 5 of 7 games before the blowout defeat. Hungry home team will get it done here in my opinion as they are buoyed by the confidence they gained by getting the big Game 1 win at Memphis and they draw on that here to take a 2-1 lead in this series. We'll grab the bucket being offered in case this one ends up decided by the slimmest of margins but I do sense a big home team win here! 10* MINNESOTA +2

NBA Earliest Cash Wednesday 10* Top Play Brooklyn Nets +3.5 @ Boston Celtics @ 7 ET - The Nets fell just short on a last second buzzer beater in Game 1. I actually expect a bounce back win here for Brooklyn after falling just short but I am still going to grab the points here just in case the visitors again fall just short. We can get 3.5 points with the road dog here and I will take it as the Nets showed me a lot in Game 1 and the fact they fell short on a last second shot only serves to give us even more line value here in Game 2. You know Brooklyn is going to be extremely hungry here in Game 2. The Nets have great shot at outright win which also means superb extra value with getting more than a 3-pointer's worth as the dog in this one again in Game 2. I'll take it as the impact of Boston not having Robert Williams available showed up already as they Celtics barely survived Game 1 and I feel they will not be so fortunate here. 10* BROOKLYN +3.5

NBA TNT Annihilation Tuesday 10* Top Play Atlanta Hawks +7.5 @ Miami Heat @ 7:30 ET - The Hawks and Heat nearly the exact same number of 3-point attempts in Game 1 of this series. The difference in Sunday's game? Miami made 8 more of theirs than Atlanta did. The Heat won the game by exactly a 24 point margin. You see my point? Even with Trae Young having the horrible game he did that was the difference in the final margin of the game was just 3-pointers. Of course Miami's Duncan Robinson is not going 8 of 9 again from downtown just like Young is not going 0 for 7 from beyond the arc. In fact, now that I mentioned that, note that this is your 24 point margin right there! The fact is Atlanta got to the line for 50% more free throw attempts in the game. Essentially the Heat won the game from the outside not the inside. Possible impact to that inside game is the fact that Bam Adebayo is dealing with a quad injury entering this one. I know the Hawks struggled on the road in the regular season but they were 5-2 SU last 7 road games that were NOT the second game of a B2B before that loss at Miami Sunday. They get back on track here as Young and Company are out for payback. The visitors may fall short of the outright upset but they will do enough for the all-important cover here. 10* ATLANTA +7.5

NBA TNT Annihilation Monday 10* Top Play Philadelphia 76ers -7 vs Toronto Raptors @ 7:30 ET - The Raptors lost by 20 in the first game and Tyrese Maxey had a ridiculous game for the Sixers scoring 38 points. So now everyone is saying Toronto will bounce back because no way Maxey plays like that again. This might be true about Maxey but it is not necessarily true about the Raptors bouncing back. The 76ers have a pair of stars you might have heard about before...guys by the names of Joel Embiid and James Harden. Those two guys combined for 11 of 32 shooting in the game Saturday and yet Philly still won the game by 20 points! Now you understand why Toronto is absolutely in trouble here. They may get a boost when the series shifts to north of the border and the Sixers Matisse Thybulle can not travel with the team due to his covid status. However, until then Raptors still in trouble and this is particularly true with injuries piling up for them. Scottie Barnes, Gary Trent Jr. and Thaddeus Young all listed as doubtful for this game! 76ers roll again in this one! 10* PHILADELPHIA -7

NBA TNT Annihilation Sunday 10* Top Play Chicago Bulls +11 @ Milwaukee Bucks @ 6:30 ET - With the Bulls late season fade, we are getting extra line value here. Chicago is fully capable of turning things up a notch now that the post-season has arrived. Of course, the same can be said for the Bucks and that would absolutely be a true statement. However, lets not forget that Milwaukee is the defending NBA champion. Everyone is gunning for them in this post-season and this is particularly true of a nearby rival (Chicago only about 90 miles away). Additionally, the hunger factor is a question. Sure the Bucks want to win but will they be as hungry as other teams in this post-season? Honestly I doubt that. I am not saying the Bucks will not win this series nor am I saying that will not win Game 1. However, I am quite confident this Game 1 match-up will be decided by only a single digit margin. That said, big value with the big points here! Milwaukee won all 4 regular season meetings but the Bulls had at least 10 more field goal attempts in each of the last two defeats even though they were blowout losses. The problem was that the Bucks shot lights out. We are getting line value because of this here. The Grayson Allen with Alex Caruso further adds spice to this match-up and you are going to see a hungry underdog giving its strongest effort in a long time in this one and I just do not see them getting blown out here and an outright upset in Game 1 would not surprise me but a loss by a range of 5 to 9 points is the more likely result and that gets us the cash here! 10* CHICAGO +11

NBA ESPN Blowout Saturday 10* Top Play Philadelphia 76ers -4.5 vs Toronto Raptors @ 6 ET - The 76ers are undervalued here because of past playoff disappointments. In my opinion the Sixers will keep things up a notch now that the post-season is here and they have a guy by the name of James Harden to help lift them rather than a guy named Ben Simmons that was weighing them down. I know that the Raptors won the regular season series between these teams but this is playoff time and the Wells Fargo Center will be rocking for this one. Each of the last 7 meetings between these teams was decided by at least 5 points and I expect that that trend to continue here. Philly get gets it done on their home floor and opens the series with a big win and cover as Raptors drop to 1-3 SU/ATS last 4 road games (only win was against bad Magic team at Orlando). The hosts roll here. 10* PHILADELPHIA -4.5

NBA Earliest Dominator Wednesday 10* Top Play Atlanta Hawks -5 vs Charlotte Hornets @ 7 ET - The home team went 52-30 SU in Hawks games this season. Atlanta was 27-14 at home this season. Of all the teams that either made the post-season or play-in tournament, the Hawks are the team with the worst road record. That said, home court carried them. It is the reason they are here today and it is the reason they will advance to play Cleveland. Note that Charlotte lost 2 of its last 3 road games this season and the two defeats were each by at least 29 points. The Hawks have won 19 of last 22 home games and only 2 of those 19 wins were by less than a 6 point margin. You can see why I am backing the hosts for the win and cover in this one! 10* ATLANTA -5