10* Michigan State (ATS BEATDOWN)

The Butler Bulldogs are 3-0 SU/ATS, while Michigan State is 1-2 SU and 0-3 ATS. The Spartans lost their last game against 9th ranked Duke, but we're expecting them to now take out their frustrations on the Bulldogs. Butler has looked great in its three straight home wins, but now they hit the road for the first time and we're predicting a predictable letdown. The bottom line here though is that Butler hasn't played anyone difficult yet, and the Spartans are already battle-tested and now a little pissed off; look for MSU to run up the score and keep the foot on the gas until the final horn!

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10* MISSOURI (NON-CONF GOM)

Here's a great situational contrarian-based selection. Missouri is 2-1, while Minnesota is 2-0. The Tigers are 0-3 ATS to open the season, but note that Missouri is a near-perfect 4-1 ATS in its last five after three or more ATS losses in a row. And with nearly 65% of the early public money on the Gophers, we naturally will lean to the opposite side no matter the situation. So far Missouri averaged 78.9 PPG, while allowing 74.4 last season, while Minnesota averaged 62.9 PPG, while allowing 71. The Tigers won't be as good as they were last year with plenty of new faces, but their defense will be the difference-maker in this one; lay the points, the play is Missouri!

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10* SEMO (MID-MAJOR MAULING)

Evansville is 2-0, and Southeast Missouri State (SEMO), is 0-2. We think that the Purple Aces will be caught a bit complacent here and get caught looking ahead to their game at home vs. Ball State this weekend. The Redhawks have been blown out in each of their first two games, but they were huge dogs in each. They were 16 points at Grand Canyon, and lost 88-67. Then they were 20-point dogs at Butler and lost 91-56. Now back at home for the first time this year and battle-tested, we're expecting an all out effort from the home side here to "get off the schneid," the play is SEMO!

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8* Ohio State (ROUT)

Merrimack is 2-1 and it's on the road to take on 1-1 Ohio State. The Buckeyes held on for a 79-73 win over Oakland as 19.5-point favorites, before then falling 73-66 at home to Texas A&M as 1.5-point favs. The Warriors have won two straight and are 3-0 ATS, but the level of their competition obviously has to be called into question here, most recently a 71-65 victory over Maine. Ohio State has underperformed and because of that, we are aboslutely expecting the Buckeyes to take this game super seriously and to keep the foot on the gas from start to finish. A great situational play; lay the points with confidence, the play is indeed on Ohio State!

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10* Pelicans (ASSASSIN)

The Pelicans come in desperate to snap a five-game slide, both SU and ATS. Note that New Orleans is 7-3 ATS in its last ten though after five or more SU losses in a row. The Pels also play with the immediate "revenge" factor after falling 136-124 to Dallas here two nights agao, and note that New Orleans is 8-4 ATS in its last 12 in trying to avenge a SU/ATS home loss as an underdog vs. an opponent. Dallas is firing on all cylinders right now, but with a game in the Nation's capital tomorrow night, followed by a contest in Milwaukee, not only is this a "letdown" spot for the Mavs, but also a "look-ahead." And when you add those two factors together you get TRAP GAME. While the outright is possible, the official call is to grab as many points as you can; the play is New Orleans!

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10* Morehead State (MID-MAJOR MAULING)

1-1 Mercer hits the road to take on 1-2 Morhead State and in our opinion, the home court advatage can not be overlooked as a very real deciding factor in the outcome of this one. This is a "trap" game for the Bears, who are off the 66-61 SU/ATS win over Chicago State, and who have a big nationally televised game at Alabama this weekend. Morehead State lost 105-73 at Alabama to open the season, then bounced back with a 96-40 win SHAST, which was then followed by an 87-57 loss at Purdue. Morehead State has played some tough competition and catches Mercer here at the right time; lay the points with confidence, the play is Morehead State!

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10* LIU (BOB)

Are we calling for the outright victory?! We're not obviously! But in a contest that we predict being a lot closer than what the oddsmakers are trying to lead us to believe, we're grabbing the points. Pepperdine is 2-1, while LIU is 0-1. The Sharks fought hard, but eventually fell 82-67 to Air Force as ten-point dogs in their most recent matchup. The Waves are coming off a 76-53 winm over the Leopards. LIU was amazingly just 1-15 ATS on the road last year, but we think the Sharks can comfortably sneak in through the back door this time with Pepperdine caught looking ahead to a series of neutral court tournament contests, starting with UC Irvine. Regardless, no outright upset or anything, but expect a comfortably back door cover down the stretch; grab the points, the play is LIU!

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10* Bucks (CENTRAL DIV. GOW)

After B2B SU road losses, and six straight ATS setbacks, we're liking the Bucks to not only win this game here on Monday night vs. their division rival, but to do so in blowout fashion. Chicago has been trading wins and losses over its last four games, and off a 119-108 home win and cover over the Pistons just last night, we're expecting the Bulls to predictably suffer here in the second game ofthe B2B scenario. Overall this play is a super solid "situational" selection; lay the points, the play is Milwaukee!

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10* Pelicans (SOUTHWEST GOY)

We love the way this one sets up for New Orleans. We really respect the Mavericks and think they are a very dangerous team. This is just a great spot for the hungry home side. The Mavs are 7-2, while the Pels are 4-5. This is the opener of two straight here between the teams. If the Pels lose this one, we'll almost assuredly be on them in the next game, but we just don't see that happening. Dallas is off the big 144-126 home win over the Clippers, but two days previous it fell 127-116 at home to the Raptors. New Orleans and Toronto have similar line-ups that can keep Luka Doncic busy. The Pels won't be messing around here after four straight losses. This is a great situational play and while clearly we believe the outright upset is a very real possibility, in the end we'll recommend to grab as many points as you can; the play is New Orleans!

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10* Northern Arizona (MID-MAJOR MAULING)

Grand Canyon is 1-0, while Northern Arizona is 0-1. The Lumberjacks fell 95-52 to a tough UConn team, but note that they're 7-2 ATS in their last nine off a SU/ATS non-conference road loss. The Antelopes pulled away for the 88-67 win and cover over Southeast Missouri State, but with an upcoming neutral site tourney game vs. San Francisco, we expect the home side to get caught "looking ahead" and to take the foot off the gas in the second half; grab the points, the play is Northern Arizona!

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10* Bucknell (MID-MAJOR MAULING)

Outright victory?! We're not calling for that, but in a contest that we see being a lot more competitive than what the oddsmakers are trying to lead us to believe, we're grabbing the points. Bucknell is 0-2 SU/ATS after an 80-61 loss at Penn. Niagara is off the 70-63 loss at Notre Dame. These teams played last year and Bucknell posted the 68-50 win, and while there's been plenty of turnover for both teams, we still think the Bison will be competitive here vs. what we feel is an over-rated Purple Eagles side. No outright, but closer than expected; grab the points, the play is Bucknell!

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8* Coppin State (SUPER BLOWOUT)

No matter the sport, at the start of the season we're always looking for great situational plays. This one falls into that category. Coppin State is 0-2 SU/ATS, while Mount Saint Mary's is 0-1 SU and 1-0 ATS. The Eagles though have played two tough opponents in Virginia Tech and Towson, both which they were huge dogs. With those two games under their belts, we're expecting this undervalued visiting side to give the Mountaineers everything they can handle. They lost 68-53 to Maryland, and while they'll almost assuredly go on to win this game outright, we just can't see them covering this large spread; so grab the points, the play is Coppin State!

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10* UAB (TOURNEY THROW-DOWN)

We like the hungry underdog to, at the very least, keep this one close eough to comfortably sneak in through the back door down the stretch. Clemson is 1-0, and UAB is 0-1. Clemson is off the 78-56 win over Winthrop, while UAB enters off a tough 73-71 OT home loss to Bradley as a 4.5-point favorite. But note that the Blazers are 4-1 ATS in their last five off a SU/ATS home loss. UAB was competitive even in defeat and while the Blazers may not win this game outright, everything points to another "nail-biter" in our opinion; grab the points, the play is UAB.

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10* Spurs (ASSASSIN)

The Wolves are 5-2 and the Spurs are 3-5. Minnesota though is 0-2 on the road. It's won four straight SU/ATS, but note that it's still just 3-7 ATS in its last ten after three or more SU/ATS victories in a row. With B2B games at Golden State up next, will Minnesota get caught "looking ahead?!" The possibility is there for sure obviously. The Spurs enter off three straight SU/ATS losses in a row, but note that they're 3-1 ATS in their last four after three straight SU/ATS setbacks in a row. The Wolves have looked solid overall in the early going. The Spurs have shown flashes of brilliance. We think this is a great spot for San Antonio to finally bounce back in though. This is a few too many points; we're stopping short in calling for the outright upset, so the official call is to grab as many points as you can with San Antonio!

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8* Morehead State (DESTRUCTION)

Purdue is the No. 3 ranked team in the country right now after beating Samford 98-45 in its opener. Four players scored in double digits, led by 16 points and 11 board from Zach Edley. The Morehead State Eagles are 1-1, most recently destroying Shawnee State 96-40, led by Riley Minix with 18 points and 15 boards (the Eagles lost 105-73 to Alabama in their opener.) The Eagles are experienced, and I think they can comfortably sneak in through the back door down the stretch, with the Boilermakers looking ahead to upcoming games vs. Xavier and Gonzaga. This is too many points, so grab them; the play is indeed on Morehead State!

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10* Northern Kentucky (BLOOD-BATH)

Are we predicting an outright upset? Don't be silly! But we do think there are enough external factors working in UNK's favor here to easily cover with the large spread that it's been afforded in this one. The Norse are off a 74-57 loss to to MTSU, led by Marques Warrick with 18 points in a losing cause. Washington is 1-0 in contrast after pulling away for a comfortable 91-57 victory over Bellarmine. Koren Johnson led the charge with 25 points. Washington only averaged 69.2 PPG last year, hwile Northern Kentucky averaged 67.8. No outright here, but much closer than expected; grab the points the play is Northern Kentucky!

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10* Bucks (CENTRAL DIVISION GOY)

We think this is a great situational spot for Milwaukee. Both teams come in off games just last night. Milwaukee is now 5-2 after a 120-118 win over Detroit, while Indiana is 5-3 after a 134-118 win here last night over Utah. Look for Milwaukee's experience to play a roll here. If this were the end of the season, we'd probably even lean towards Indiana here, but this is an important early season divisional matchup which we absolutely expect Milwaukee to take very seriously; lay the points, the play is indeed on the Bucks!

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8* WESTERN ILLINOIS (SITUATIONAL DESTRUCTION)

Outright victory?! We're not calling for that. But we're definitely expecting much more of a tighter battle, especially as this one comes down the stretch, than what the oddsmakers are trying to lead us to believe. Western Illinois lost 78-68 in OT at UTSA on Monday. SMU beat Southwestern Assemblies of Cod 82-63. Western Illinois was competitive throughout though in its loss, actually tied at half time. SMU welcomes Texas A&M to town this weekend, and with that much more high-profile game on deck, we believe the home side also gets caught looking ahead to that one, leaving the back door open just enough for the Leathernecks to sneak in through down the stretch; grab the points, the play is Western Illinois!

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10* UC Irvine (UNDERDOG OF WEEK)

While the outright win is clearly not out of the question, in the end we'll recommend to grab as many points as you can. San Jose State finished 21-14 last year, including going 12-3 at home; the Spartans only averaged 67.5 PPG though. UC Irvine was 23-12 overall last year, and a highly-respectable 9-7 on the road. The Anteaters also averaged 74.8 PPG last year and were much better from range, hitting 37.7 from beyond the arc, compared to San Jose State's 32.6. As stated off the top, grab as many points as you can, the play is UC Irvine!

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10* Portland (NON-CONF GOW)

Here we go with another exciting CBB season. For the first couple of weeks, we'll take it easy as we try to get a "feel" for the teams again and how everything looks. To begin with, we're going to find a team that we feel is undervalued, and that's the case here with Portland being a home dog. These teams are very evenly matched, but the home court advantage will prove to be the difference-maker in our opinion. The clincher though is that nearly 80% of the early public money is on LBSU, which is always a very public team. The value in our eyes though swings the other way and while clearly the outright win is a possibility, in the end we'll recommend to grab as many points as you can; the play is Portland!

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10* Mavericks (NON-CONF GOW)

Both teams are playing great, but we feel this is a great spot for the Mavericks. Dallas is 5-1, including 2-1 on the road, while Orlando is 4-2, including 2-0 at home. After losing at Denver, the Mavericks bounced back with a 124-118 home win over Charlotte. Orlando has won two straight, most recently pulling away for a 120-101 victory over the Lakers here at home. But with a neutral court game vs. red hot Atlanta up next, followed by Milwaukee, we say the overachieving home side finally gets caught "looking past" its opponent here; grab the points, the play is the Mavericks!

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10* Grizzlies (ASSASSIN)

The Grizz had a ten-point lead in the fourth quarter here two night ago, but they still lost 115-113 in OT. Memphis is now 0-6, its worst start since losing 13 straight in 2002. The Grizz are without several key players right now, but the Blazers are also injured and after three straight victories, all signs finally point to a letdown here (note that Portland is just 2-6 ATS in its last eight after three or more SU victories in a row.) Look for the more "hungry" team here to dig deep and finally deliver on the road, while at the same time all signs do definitely finally point to major letdown for the overachieving home side; lay the points, the play is Memphis!

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10* Heat (ATS BLOOD-BATH)

Neither team has gotten out to a very good start this year. Brooklyn is 1-2, while the Heat are 1-3. We think that basing your picks on "situations" early on in the season is a great approach, and it's one that we're using here. The Heat are also just 1-3 ATS, while the Nets are 3-0 ATS. Now we're xpecting a bit of a letdown here from Brooklyn after its big 133-121 road win at Charlotte last time out. The Heat are also 7-3 ATS in their last ten after three or more SU losses in a row. This is the start of three straight winnable home games for Miami, and we believe it'll be out to "set the tone" for the rest of the home stand with a monster beatdown effort here for the home town crowd; lay the points, the play is Miami!

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10* Bulls (EAST-CONF GOW)

While we feel the outright win is possible, the official call is to grab as many points as you can. The Bulls are 1-2 SU and 0-3 ATS. Note though that Chicago is 7-2 ATS in it last nine after three or more ATS losses in a row. Indiana is 2-0, but is now overvalued here. And with a game at Boston up next, not only does this set up as letdown spot, but also a look-ahead. As mentioned off the top, we feel the outright is a possibility, but in the end we'll recommend to grab as many points as you can; the play is Chicago!

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10* Lakers (SIDE ROUT)

Both teams are 1-1. LA stumbled in Denver on Opening Night, but no team would have stood in the way of Jokic and company getting that victory on the ring ceremony. LA looked a lot better in its 100-95 victory at home over the Suns two nights later though (granted it was without D-Book, but it was still a good bounce back victory.) Sacramento opened with a big 130-114 road win at Utah, but then it stumbled at home two nights later in a 122-114 setback to the Warriors, failing to get revenge for the playoff exit last year. Now with a game at Golden State up after this, we believe that the home side gets caught "looking ahead." The outright is possible, but grab the points; the play is LA!

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10* Knicks (ULTIMATE CONTRARIAN)

While most everyone goes one way, we're going to go the "other" on this one! The Knicks are now 1-1 SU/ATS after last night's 126-120 win at Atlanta as 1-point favs. If this were the end of the season, or even in the middle of the season, then obviously the second game of the "back-to-back" scenario would play a big factor in this contest, but because it's at the start of the season, it's absolutely not. New Orleans beat Memphis 111-104 on the road as a 1-point dog, but with Golden State coming to town next, this sets up as a "look-ahead" spot for the home side as well; a great early season situational contrarian play on New York!

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10* Suns (ROUT)

Neither team was "itself" last year. Each has some new faces this season. Kevin Durant has had a full off-season now to acclimate himself in Phoenix and we don't foresee any chemistry issues for the visiting side out of the gates. The Warriors had a ton of chemistry issues last year, and that could again be the case this season, with the likes of veteran Chris Paul now in the mix. The Suns added Bradley Beal and we believe they have a legitimate shot at winning this one outright. Note as well that Draymond Green is listed as questionable for the home side, and without him playing at 100% capacity, the Warriors usually have a hard time beating the better teams in the league; grab the points, the play is Phoenix!

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10* Heat (BLOCKBUSTER)

After back-to-back losses, we like Miami to, at the very least, take this one right down to the wire. Note that the Heat are 7-3 ATS in their last ten in trying to avenge two or more straight SU/ATS home losses vs. an opponent. Miami won't go down without a savage fight here. The Heat were undervalued and overlooked throughout the Playoffs, and we think that's the case here as well. This is just too many points for a Denver to cover. The Nuggets are likely going to be Champions after this, but good teams win and GREAT teams cover; grab the points, the play is Miami!

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10* Heat (GOW)

If you want a complete review of how each of thee team's got here, then there are plenty of "preview" articles out there. Literally millions. If you're wagering on this game then you know the cast of characters and the strengths and weaknesses of each side. You also know that Denver is up 2-1 in this series, and because of that, we're expecting Miami to risk life and limb getting into shooting and passing lanes to secure another slight upset. Note that Miami has done well in this spot for bettors as well, going 7-2 ATS in its last nine off a home loss as an underdog. In a contest that we see being decided by whichever team has its hands on the ball last, we're grabbing the points; the play is Miami!

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10* HEAT FIRST HALF (ASSASSIN)

NOTE: If you don't have access to FIRST HALF lines, then we also like Miami for the ENTIRE GAME as well.

Miami only took two free throws in Game 1 and was still only a three-pointer away from covering. Miami got better as the game went on after getting steamrolled at the start. We can expect another strong performance from the visting side, but we're anticipating this time for Miami to jump out to a lead in the first half. The Heat are 7-2 ATS in their last nine in trying to avenge a SU/ATS loss vs. an opponent; look for Miami to pay immediate dividends in the first half!

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10* Heat (BLOCKBUSTER)

We've played on the Celtics over the last two games, but now we're jumping on the Heat. Note that Miami is 7-2 ATS in its last nine in trying to avenge two or more SU/ATS losses in a row to an opponent. The Celtics are a great team, and it was almost inconceivable that they'd be swept in this series. But, after two titanic efforts to get to this point, we're finally expecting a letdown here on the road. Miami has been the surprise team out of the East this season and in a contest that we see being decided late, or by whichever team has its hands on the ball last, we're grabbing the points; the play is Miami!

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10* Celtics (ASSASSIN)

Boston survived this series with a clutch 116-99 victory in Game 4, and we like the Celtics to rally again here at home with another win and cover. We're contrarian at heart here, and with most of the bets and early money on the Heat, we naturally LOVE the Celtics even more. We think that Boston has finally "figured" out this Miami defense and that all signs here point to another blowout. NBA fans, get ready for a big Game 6 in Miami in a couple days, because everything we see points to a BIG win and COVER by Boston in Game 5; so lay the points with confidence!

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10* Celtics (BOB)

Both Miami and Denver have played at elite levels and are on course for a date in the Finals. Before that happens though, we expect the Celtics to dig deep here and to at least win one game in this series. Note that Boston is still 7-3 ATS in its last ten in trying to avenge a SU/ATS road loss against an opponent; grab the points, the play is BOSTON!

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10* Lakers (BEST OF BEST)

We've played on the Lakers several times in the Playoffs, but we haven't had any success so far in this series. But with the threat of elimination, we like the Lakers to dig deep here in Game 4 and to deliver a solid win and cover. There's no way LBJ is getting swept. LA isn't going to go on to win this series, but note that the Lakers are 7-3 ATS in their last ten in trying to avenge a SU/ATS home loss vs. an opponent; lay the points, the play is LA!

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10* Celtics (BLOCKBUSTER)

Boston is 7-3 ATS in its last ten in trying to avenge two or more straight ATS/SU losses in a row. Clearly, the Heat have been a very surprising team in the Playoffs. They're duplicating their success from the "Bubble" run. A letdown does finally seem imminent here though against a Boston team that is essentially playing its biggest game of the entire year. This one is all about which is the "hungrier" and more "desperate" team in this fight for us; lay the short points, the play is Boston!

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10* Lakers (BLOCKBUSTER)

The Lakers were competitive in Game's 1 and 2. With their backs against the wall, we think that LeBron James and company will dig deep here and not only deliver a victory, but do so in blowout fashion. If the Nuggets have had one clear weak point this season, it's been their play on the road where they're just 21-25 SU and ATS. The Lakers are 30-18 SU and 27-19-1 ATS at home. They're also 7-3 ATS in their last ten in trying to avenge two or more straight losses against an opponent. With essentially their season on the line, we like LA in this one! 

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10* Celtics (EAST-CONF FINALS GOY)

We had a play on the "over" in Game 1, and that easily cashed in the Heat's blowout victory. We target the Celtics here though in Game 2, as this is a spot they've done well in for bettors, going 8-2 (80%) ATS in their last ten in trying to avenge a SU/ATS home loss against an opponent. An 0-2 hole would be unbelievably difficult for the C's to climb out of with the series shifting to Miami after this. This is Boston's biggest game of the entire year, for all intents and purposes, it's "do or die." The Heat have already accomplished what they set out to do, and that's to earn a "split" over these first two games, as to steal away the  home floor advantage. Expect Miami to take a step back here all around, and for the now desperate Celtics to keep the foot on the gas from start to finish; lay the points, the play is Boston!

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10* Lakers (WEST-CONF FINALS GOY)

The NBA will have some "new" faces in the Finals this year after the Lakers got rid of the defending champs in six games. The Nuggets needed six games as well to get past the Suns. The Lakers are a lot deeper than Phoenix, and Athony Davis is playing almost on par with Nikola Jokic right now. The bottom line here is, if Jokic doesn't ball out every single game, then Denver will struggle. Now, Jokic has the ability to dominate in every game, but it's easier said than done. The Lakers looked great defending the Warriors, and we think they have a legitimate shot at winning Game 1 outright. While that my in fact happen, the official call will be to grab as many points as you can; the play is LA!

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10* 76ers (WINNER)

This has been a back-and-forth series, and while we're stopping short in calling for an outright upset here in Game 7, we do expect the hungry visiting side to, at the very least, take this one right down to the wire. Note that Philly has responded well in this spot for bettors by going 7-2 ATS in its last nine in trying to avenge a SU/ATS home loss vs. an opponent. There's no clear-cut favorite to win the title anymore. Anyone that can put together some sort of run based around chemistry and health will have a big opportunity to take it all. In this pressure-packed situation, we feel it's a lot more evenly matched than what the oddsmakers are trying to lead us to believe; grab the points, the play is Philadelphia!

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10* Knicks (BLOCKBUSTER)

We had a play on New York in Game 5, and we like the Knicks to, at the very least, take Game 6 right down to the wire as well. Momentum swings back-and-forth in the playoffs. The Heat looked unbeatable up until Game 5, and now that they've had a letdown, New York is the one that comes in confident here. With the majority of the public money on Miami, we're going to "go the other way" and make a big time contrarian wager here on the Knicks in Game 6!

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10* Nuggets (BLOWOUT)

Success in the Playoffs is about many different factors all coming together to work out for the lucky team that prevails in the end. That includes timing, chemistry, injuries, and even "momentum." Denver now firmly has the "momentum" back in this series, and while it wasn't able to get the job done here in Phoenix in Game's 3 and 4, we're expecting a bounce-back on the road here finally. The Suns' starters are exhausted at this point as well. The outright win is obviously possible, but the official call will be to grab as many points as you can; the play is Denver!

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10* Knicks (EAST-CONF GOW)

This has been a back-and-forth series and we're expecting that pattern to continue here. New York bounced back after the Game 1 loss with a win and while the outright is possible again here in our opinion in Game 4, our official call will be to grab as many points as you can. The Knicks have responded well in this spot for bettors, going 7-2 ATS in their last nine in trying to avenge a loss vs. an opponent in which they were held to 90 or fewer points in. Grab as many points as you can, the play is the Knicks!

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10* 76ers (BLOCKBUSTER)

Philadelphia managed a win in Game 1 without big man Joel Embiid in the line-up, but the Celtics have bounced back to take Game's 2 and 3, both SU an ATS. But now we feel that the value has swung to the desperate home side, which will be risking life and limb today to avoid going down 3-1 and heading back to Boston. Note as well that Philly is 7-3 ATS in its last nine in trying to avenge two or more straight losses against an opponent. Clearly the outright win is a possibility, but our official call will be to grab as many points as you can with the 76ers!

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10* Knicks (BLOWOUT)

New York took advantage in Game 2 without Jimmy Butler in the line-up, and we expect the Knicks to take the overachieving Heat off-guard here as well. Despite the loss, Miami has now covered the spread in five straight games, but note that the Heat are just 2-7 ATS in their last nine after five or more ATS victories in a row. Grab the points, the play is NEW YORK!

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10* Suns (2ND RND WEST-CONF GOY)

This is it, it's do or die for the Suns. Can KD and Devin Booker win a single game in this series? We say they can, and this is the game they do it! Dating back to Game 5 vs. the Clippers, the Suns have now lost three straight ATS, and that's definitely significant to note here, as Phoenix is a near-perfect 7-1 ATS in its last eight after three or more ATS losses in a row. The Suns are also 6-3 ATS in their last nine in trying to avenge a SU/ATS road loss against an opponent in which they were held to 90 or fewer points in. Denver's weakness this year? It's just 20-23 SU/ATS on the road. Look for Booker and KD to push hard and find a way to deliver here in Game 3; lay the points, the play is Phoenix!

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10* Lakers (BLOCKBUSTER)

Can you imagine a World where the Lakers are up 2-0 over the Warriors in the second round of the NBA Playoffs? Because we can! LA looked like the better overall team despite some big performances from Stephen Curry and other key players being super efficient from the outside. The Warriors struggled to put away the Kings in seven games and that fatigue was evident down the stretch in Game 1. We don't see it getting any better for the defending champs here in Game 2. The Lakers have just as much talent and experience and we just feel that this game will very likely be decided by whichever club has its hands on the ball last; grab the points, the play is LA!

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10* Celtics (BLOCKBUSTER)

We had a play on Boston in Game 1, and while that pick came up short, we're now very confident that the Celtics will respond with a resounding victory here in Game 2. James Harden had a huge game with Joel Embiid injured, but we can expect the home side to be keyed in on the Philly star moving forward. Whether Embiid plays or not, we like the Celtics to bounce back here in fine fashion, as note that Boston is 7-1 ATS in its last eight in trying to avenge a SU/ATS home loss against an opponent. Having accomplished what it set out to do (earn a "split" in Boston over the first two games), look for Philadelphia to take a step back here in Game 2; lay the points, the play is Boston!

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10* Knicks (2ND RND GOY)

We had a play on New York in Game 1, and while that pick came up short, we're expecting a big bounce-back for the Knicks here in Game 2, and a predictable letdown from the Heat here in Game 2. Miami did the exact same thing in its series vs. the Bucks, winning outright in Game 1, and then both losing SU and ATS in Game 2, satisfied with knowing that it had already "earned the split." Jimmy Butler has been balling out, but we think that the Knicks will make adjustments as well here. The Knicks were in control of Game 1 up until half-time, and then they uncharacteristically fell apart. Note though that NY is 7-2 ATS in its last nine in trying to avenge a SU/ATS home loss vs. an opponent. Everthing points to a bounce-back blowout here in Game 2 for the home side; lay the points, the play is NEW YORK!

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10* Celtics (GOW)

During the regular season, the Celtics enjoyed beating up on the 76ers regularly, posting a 3-1 record. We're expecting a similar sort of outcome in this series as well. And we're definitely expecting the Celtics to set the early tone with a blowout victory. Philly star Joel Embiid is also dealing with a nagging knee injury. Look for that to have a big effect in this series as well. Either way, all signs point to a home side blowout in Game 1; lay the points, the play is Boston!

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10* Warriors MONEYLINE (WINNER)

This has been a back-and-forth series. Golden State was terrible on the road this year, but the NBA would love nothing more than to have Stephen Curry going up against LeBron James in the Playoffs. For us, this one comes down to experience in this position. The Kings are in unchartered territory, where these are the moments that Stephen Curry lives for. Sacramento had a great season, but we expect it to finally come to and end here on Sunday night; forget the spread option, instead this play is on Golden State on the moneyline!

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10* Knicks (BLOCKBUSTER)

Both of these teams were underdogs in their opening round series. The Heat got a huge series from Jimmy Butler, but we feel an imminent letdown is, well, imminent now for Butler and the Heat! The Knicks dominated their series over the Cavs from the get-go. We feel New York is better equiped to deal with Miami's outside shooting as well. Miami is thin after its starters, and the Knicks take advantage of that in Game 1; the play is New York!

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10* Grizzlies (BLOCKBUSTER)

With their backs against the wall, the Grizzlies got the job done in Game 5. Now Memphis will have to do what it hasn't been able to do so far in this series, and that's win on the road. Or else it's going Golfing tomorrow. The Lakers looked fatigued, and there are now some injury concerns. All of a sudden, the pressure is on LA to close out this series, but it feels as if the momentum has now swung the other way again. In a contest that we see being decided by whichever team has its hands on the ball last, we're grabbing the points; the play is MEMPHIS.

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10* Warriors (BLOCKBUSTER)

Momentum is a very real, almost tangible factor in sports. And to be the Champ, you gotta beat the Champ. The Warriors have now won three straight and with a chance to close out this series here and now in front of the home town crowd, we're fully expecting Stephen Curry and the now confident Warriors to do just that. The Kings are now banged up as well. For us, we're giving this one the good ole "eye test," as we love the defending Champs in this elimination possibility spot here at home; lay the points, the play is Golden State!

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10* Warriors (BLOCKBUSTER)

We stated when this series started that "home floor" advantage would be crucial, and that's been the case so far. The injury to De'Aaron Fox though throws a monkey-wrench into that angle though. Whether Fox plays or not in this one, we look for Steph Curry and the defending champs to now take advantage, and take control of this series with a big road win. That's not something that the Warriors have done well this year, but now that the Playoffs are here, we're expecting a different result this time around. The stage is now set for Curry take over; lay the points, the play is Golden State!

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10* Lakers (BLOCKBUSTER)

We're giving Game 5 the good old "eye test." LA is the better team here in every metric since the Playoffs started. Momentum is a very real, even tangible factor in sports, especially in the Playoffs. And LA just has the Grizzlies number right now. Ja Morant was unreal in Game 4, but his supporting cast has fallen away. The reverse is true for the Lakers, who appear to be gaining stronger chemistry with each game so far. While the outright win is cleary possible, the official call will be to grab as many points as you can; the play is LA!

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10* Suns (WEST-CONF GOW)

With a chance to end this series here and now at home, we're expecting KD and the Suns to keep the foot on the gas from start to finish. The Suns dropped the first game of this series, but their chemistry has improved each night. The Clippers are dealing with several serious injuries to key players. We're expecting Phoenix to not only win this game, but to do so in blowout fashion; lay the points, the play is Phoenix!

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10* Hawks (EAST-CONF GOW)

We had a play on the Hawks in Game 4 and that play came up a bucket short. With their backs against the wall and facing elimination, we expect ATL to keep this contest a lot closer than what the oddsmakers are leading us to believe. The Hawks won't go down without a fight, and note that ATL is 7-2 ATS in its last nine in trying to avenge a SU/ATS home loss against an opponent. No outright as stated above, but grab the points; the play is Atlanta!

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10* Wolves (BLOCKBUSTER)

Minnesota is 0-3 SU/ATS in this series. Note though that the Wolves are a near-perfect 5-1 ATS in their last six after three or more SU/ATS losses in a row. The Wolves are in "do or die" mode. We didn't expect Minnesota to get swept in this series, and we think a Wolf backed into a corner is a dangerous one. The Nuggets have played near perfect so far over the first three games, and we're finally expecting a small mental letdown here. Denver will then return home to wrap it up. The outright is possible, but grab the points; the pla is Minnesota!

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10* Hawks (BLOCKBUSTER)

We had a play on the "over" in Game 3. ATL jumped out to an early lead and never looked back. The Celtics looked flat, and we now think the Hawks can duplicate the performance. The majority of the early action has Boston bouncing back, but while the majority goes one way, we're going to go the other way on this one. The Hawks shot poorly in Boston, but finally their shooting percentage went up in Game 3 and we say the maintain it again here in this crucial contest. While the outright win is a possibility, the official call will be to grab as many points as you can with Atlanta!

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10* Lakers (BLOCKBUSTER)

We had a play on LA in Game 1, and a play on the Grizzlies in Game 2. We think this back and forth series continues in this pattern, as we look for the Lakers to bounce back in Game 3 and revenge the Game 2 setback. LA is 24-18 at home this year, while Memphis is a poor 16-25 on the road. Having achieved the split in Memphis, we now look for the Lakers to take advantage here at home; lay the points, the play is LA.

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10* Heat (ROUT)

We had the Heat in Game 1 and the Bucks in Game 2. Now back at home, we like Miami to, at the very least, keep this one tight enough to comfortably cover once the final horn sounds. While 26-15 SU on the road, the Bucks were just 21-18-2 ATS. The Heat were 28-15 SU at home. They're also 4-1 ATS in their last five in trying to avenge a SU/ATS road loss against an opponent. Look for Miami to ride the wave of emotion at home and grab a solid cover; the pla is Miami!

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10* Wolves (BLOOD-BATH)

Denver has a choke-hold on this series after a 2-0 start right? Well, not so quick in our opinions. The Nuggets' cryptonite this year was their play on the road, where they are just 19-22 SU/ATS. Minnesota is 23-19 SU at home. The Wolves are also 7-2 ATS in their last nine in trying to avenge two or more straight SU/ATS losses in a row vs. an opponent; while the outright win is possible, the official call is to grab as many points as you can with the Wolves!

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10* Warriors (BLOCKBUSTER)

I successfully played on the Kings in both Games 1 and 2, but I like the defending champs to bounce back here at home in this essentially "must win" scenario. Golden State was 33-18 at home this year, and the Warriors are 7-2 ATS in their last nine in trying to avenge two or more SU/ATS losses against an opponent. Look for "home cooking" to be the difference-maker for Stephen Curry and company; lay the points, the play is Golden State!

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10* Nets (BLOCKBUSTER)

With their backs against the wall, we're expecting the Nets to, at the very least, keep this one close enough to comfortably cover with the points. The Nets are a lot better at home, 23-18 SU. Note as well that Brooklyn is 7-2 ATS in its last nine in trying to avenge two or more straight SU losses against an opponent. No outright, but closer than expected; grab the points, the play is Brooklyn!

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10* Bucks.

Miami earned the split already here in Milwaukee by taking Game 1 by a score of 130-117. The Heat though perhaps had a bit of an advantage coming into that one, as they were much more prepared and "game ready" so to speak after two "Play In Tournament" games, losing 116-105 to Atlanta as a 5.5-point favorite, before pulling away for the 102-91 win over the Bulls. Milwaukee was hands down the best team in the East during the regular season, but clearly the extra rest did in fact lead to some RUST for the Bucks in Game 1. But now Giannis and company are going to be fighting tooth and nail here to avoid the 0-2 hole. Miami was just terrible on the road this year, going 18-24 straight up and just 16-24-2 against the spread. The Bucks were 32-10 straight up at home and a more modest 23-19 against the spread, but Milwaukee is 9-2 ATS in its last 11 in trying to avenge a straight up and against the spread home loss as a favorite vs. an opponent. After the emotional victory in the Play In Tournament, followed by the upset victory in Game 1, I think the overachieving Heat have a predictable letdown here. While at the same time, look for the Bucks to bounce back big and keep the pedal to the metal until the final horn; lay the points, the play is the Milwaukee!

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10* Suns (BLOCKBUSTER)

We had a play on Phoenix in Game 1, and while that pick lost, we're absolutely expecting KD, Chris Paul and Devin Booker to bounce back here in Game 2. Despite KD being a veteran, the Suns are still trying to get a "feel" for each other. Phoenix had its opportunity right at the end of the game and came up short. The Suns played from behind the entire night. LA is loaded with experienced talent, but is thin beyond it's star players. Having achieved the split already, we're expecting LA to take a step back here. Conversely, it was a great learning experience for KD and company, who now have something to build off. I expect that progression to be quick; lay the points, the play is Phoenix!

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10* Cavaliers (EAST-CONF GOW)

We had a big play on the Cavaliers in Game 1, and while that play did come up short, we're expecting a complete bounce back here for Cleveland in Game 2 as the home side pushes the pace to avoid the dreaded 0-2 hole (note that the Cavs are 7-2 ATS in their last nine in trying to avenge a SU/ATS home loss as a favorite to an opponent.) Having achieved the "split," look for New York to contentedly head home as it prepares for Game 3; lay the points, the play is the Cavs!

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10* Hawks (BLOCKBUSTER)

I had the Celtics in their Game 1 blowout win and cover, but I think the Hawks will, at the very least, comfortably sneak in through the back door down the cover with the ample spread that they've been afforded here in the second game. The Celtics got their big Game 1 victory, but now that advantage of being well-rested is negated. I say the Hawks get a lot more room to operate here in Game 2, especially from range. I'm not calling for an outright upset or anything, but all signs point to this Game 2 being a lot closer than what the oddsmakers are trying to lead us to believe; grab the points, the play is Atlanta!

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10* Suns (BLOCKBUSTER)

We're expecting the "home floor advantage" to be a very real factor in this series. The Clippers were 21-20 on the road, while the Suns were 28-13 at home. Funny enough, that wasn't the case for these teams during the regular season, going 2-2 against each other and each winning on the others floor. But with that said, LA hasn't faced Phoenix with Kevin Durant in the line-up. Phoenix is 8-0 in games that Durant has played in and we're expecting that streak to continue here with a convincing win for the home side in Game 1; lay the points, the play is Phoenix!

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10* Heat (BLOCKBUSTER)

The Bucks have been sitting idle for a few days, but we believe that "rest" is going to lead to "rust" here in Game 1 of this series. We're not predicting an outright upset or anything, but everything points to this game coming "right down to the wire" in our opinions. These teams went 2-2 against each other in the regular season, as Miami does in fact match up well in this series. These teams are experienced and loaded with similar talent. We feel that this is a great situational play, and as stated, no outright, but much closer than expected; grab the points, the play is Miami!

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10* Lakers (WEST-CONF RND 1 GOY)

The Grizzlies have Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., while the Lakers have Anthony Davis and LeBron James. It comes down to the supporting cast, and this is arguably the best supporting cast that AD and The King have had. Ever. Both are also healthy for the first time in a long time. LA has gotten better defensively since the trade deadline, and we feel that Morant will have a difficult time finding a lot of room to operate vs. this improved LA defense. While the outright win is possible, the official call will be to grab as many points as you can; the pla is LA!

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10* Cavaliers (EAST-CONF RND. 1 GOY)

The Knicks went 3-1 in the season series, but I can't understate how important I believe that the "home floor advantage" will be in this series. For both teams. New York was 24-17 on the road, while Cleveland was 31-10 at home. Bad news for Knicks backers here today as star Julius Randle is listed as questionable, and if he does play, he'll be far from 100% health. Emotions will be running high for the Cavs as they make the Playoffs for the first time since 2018. Cleveland has the most efficient offense in the league and everything points to a comfortable win and cover as this one comes down the stretch; lay the points, the play is the Cavs!

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10* Celtics (BLOCKBUSTER)

Atlanta upset the Heat in the Play-In tournament on the road, but I expect an immediate return to mediocrity here. ATL is still just 18-24 away from friendly confines, while Boston is 32-9 at home. Boston won all four regular season games, and all signs point to a blowout here in Game 1 as the C's will look to send n early message. ATL was unable to contain Boston's 3-point shooting in the regular season, and nothing will be different here; lay the points with confidence, the play is Boston!

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10* Nets (BLOCKBUSTER)

Brooklyn went 0-4 SU and 1-3 ATS vs. the 76ers during the regular season, but I think the scrappy nets comfortably sneak in through the back door down the stretch of this one. Philadelphia has consistently done poor in the playoffs over the last few years, and I think the 76ers are getting too much respect here against the Nets, who are 15-9 ATS as a road dog and 12-3 ATS when getting +5 or more points this year. Outright victory is possible, but let's grab the points; the play is Brooklyn!

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10* Wolves (TOP SIDE)

The bottom line here is that beyond Josh Giddey and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC just is not very deep. At this point, I believe that becomes a major factor finally for the Thunder. Also note that Rudy Gobert will be back in the line-up tonight after serving a one-game suspension for an altercation he had with a teammate in the final regular season game. Minnesota went 3-1 SU in the regular season in this series and I expect it to make the most of this matchup once again; lay the points, the play is Minnesota!

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10* MIAMI FIRST HALF (ASSASSIN)

(NOTE: I also like the Heat for the entire game if you do not have access to FIRST HALF lines.) For the first time in play-in tournament history, the two lower seeds won in the Eastern Conference. The Bulls upset the Raptors 109-105, but I believe they'll have a much harder time of it here in South Beach. Miami comes in off a 116-105 upset loss to Atlanta. Chicago swept the season series 3-0, meaning that the "revenge" factor definitely comes to play here. The Heat are one of the worst teams in the league ATS, but that fact has only helped in driving today's spread a few points lower than it normally would/should be. Miami is as healthy as its been all year and with most of the early money on Chicago, I feel we're getting tremendous value on the undervalued home side. As stated off the top, I like the Heat for the entire game as well, but I look for them to take the early lead into th half; the play is Miami in the first half!

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10* Lakers (PLAY IN GOY)

For a number of different reasons, I like the way this one sets up for the Lakers. The majority of the early money is on Minnesota, so as a contrarian at heart, that auto makes me like LA here. But the Wolves will be without Jaden McDaniels, who broke his hand foolishly punching a wall. Big man Rudy Gobert punched Kyle Anderson in a heated moment in the huddle. Minnesota is a mess coming into this game, while LA is at full strength. I look for the Lakers to keep the foot on the gas until the final horn; lay the points with confidence, the play is indeed on the Lakers!

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10* Heat FIRST HALF (ASSASSIN. Note: I also like for the ENTIRE game if you don't have access to FIRST HALF lines.) 

The Heat took three of four regular season meetings with the Hawks. Atlanta has been decent ATS on the road this year, but Miami is very tough at home. The Heat rank second in the league on the defensive end, and I expect that defense to be on top of its game from the "get go" in this one, as to not allow ATL to dictate the tempo; as I say, I like Miami for the whole game as well, but the official call is the Heat in the First Half!

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8* Hawks (BLOWOUT)

The Hawks have earned a spot in the playoffs, but they're still in a fight with Toronto for eighth spot with just two games remaining. They've lost two of three to the 76ers this year, so they'll look to even up the season series here today with a big win. Philadelphia is locked into its spot, so it's expected to now rest starters over the final two games. Atlanta is playing some of its best basketball of the season right now and I expect it to keep the foot on the gas from start to finish in this one; lay the points with confidence, the play is Atlanta!

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10* Raptors (ASSASSIN)

It's GO time for the Raptors. They're off the 120-100 win at Charlotte last night, easily covering the massive 15.5-point spread. Toronto is essentially in Playoff mode already though, as it's tied with Atlanta for eighth spot in the East, 17 games back of the Bucks. This is the start of two straight between these teams here in Boston. The Bucks have a three games lead up on Boston, which sits two games ahead of Philadelphia. The Celtics can't afford to take the foot off the gas either, but the Raptors also play with revenge here after falling 106-104 to the Celtics at home on January 21st. That however is significant to note, as the Raptors are 7-2 ATS in their last nine in trying to avenge a SU home loss vs. an opponent. In what I expect to be a very tight and competitive affair, I'm grabbing the points; the play is Toronto!

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10* SDSU (ASSASSIN)

Not many would have had these two in the National Championship game, but here we are. UConn has more depth and overall talent, but SDSU won't be going down quietly. I think the Aztecs have what it takes to win this one outright in fact. UConn isn't Georgia, and SDSU isn't TCU, so this National Championship Game is going to be a lot tighther than most are anticipating in my opinion. SDSU has some height and will be able to mix it up with UConn big man Sanogo in the paint. I'm not calling for an outright upset, but everything points to a real battle again here tonight; grab the points, the play is SDSU!

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10* Thunder (NON-DIV. GOY)

One factor I always take into account is the "revenge" factor. The last time these teams played, OKC managed the 124-120 victory over Phoenix here in mid-March. However, at times the "revenge" angle can be overblown or overrated, and for me, that's the case here for sure. I'll argue that this is the most important game of the entire season for the Thunder, who have lost two of their last three, including a 121-117 setback at Indiana last time out. The Thunder are in tenth right now, about to play in the "Play In" Tournament, sitting only 1.5 games back of the Lakers for eighth spot though. Phoenix is pretty much locked in at fourth, unable to catch Sacramento, which is 4 games ahead of it right now. Phoenix has won four straight. After this it finishes with three of its final four at home, including a "cream puff" vs. the Spurs up next. I believe Phoenix gets caught a little flat-footed here, and I expect the home side to risk life and limb to try and pull off the SU upset; that may happen, but the official call is to grab as many points as you can with OKC!

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10* Miami Florida (BLOCKBUSTER)

I'm going to be very succinct with my analysis throughout the NCAA Tournament. I think these teams are very evenly matched, and in a contest that I see coming down to whichever team has its hands on the ball last, I'm grabbing the points. The Hurricanes are great from the line, and UConn continues to get hammered with a lot of fouls. Miami also doesn't rely on shooting the three ball, but it's still hitting 44 percent from range. The Hurricanes are also 8-3 ATS their last 11 as an underdog, with six outright victories. While I do think the outright win is possible, in the end I'll recommend to grab as many points as you can; grab the points, the play is Miami Florida!

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10* BLOCKBUSTER on FAU.

I'm going to be very succinct with my analysis throughout the NCAA Tournament. Not many brackets left right now. These two teams have consistently been under-rated and undervalued, both by their opponents and the bookmakers alike, and once again that's the case now for just one of those teams here tonight. And in my opinion, that's FAU. The Owls already proved that they can win this type of game over Tennessee (which I'll argue is better than SDSU). FAU dominates the glass, while the Aztecs are just mediocre in that department. Finally, note that FAU is a near-perfect 11-1 in games decided by five points or less. Clearly the outright win is possible, but grab the points, the play is FAU!

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10* Raptors (ATLANTIC DIV. GOY)

While I do think an outright win is possible, in the end I'll recommend to grab as many points as you can. I think this is a great "spot" bet. The Raptors have had two nights off after a 106-92 win over the Heat. Toronto has won three straight and it's currently sitting in 9th spot in the Eastern Playoff race, in fact tied with Atlanta for eigth, and two games up on Chicago. The Raptors are playing some of their best ball of the season right now and the play with the added incentive of revenge as well after dropping the most recent matchup with Philly in a 104-101 OT setback on December 19th. Philadelphia snapped a three-game slide with a much-needed 116-108 win over the floundering Mavericks, but with a date at Milwaukee up next, it's not too hard to imagine the home side also getting caught "looking ahead" here; as stated off the top, I'm not calling for the outright upset or anything, but the official call is to grab the points with Toronto!

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10* UAB (NIT WINNER)

It all comes down to this. A decent offensive team, vs. a decent defensive team. The old saying that "defense wins championships" will NOT be apt in this particular contest in my opinion though. The Blazers allow 70.3 points per game, but their defense finally catches a break here facing a UNT offense that averages only 64.4 PPG. Yes the Mean Green only allow 55.7, but the Blazers' are averaging 81.3 points per game. I say that it's UNT that finally runs out of momentum and gas here. Look for UAB to pull away down the stretch and lay the short points!

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10* Wizards (REVENGE BOB)

Boston has won three straight, both SU and ATS. Note though that the Celtics are just 2-7 ATS in their last nine after three or more straight SU/ATS victories in a row. With a much more high-profile and important game at Milwaukee up next on Thursday, this also sets up as a potential "look-ahead" spot for the visitors as well. Washington does indeed play with revenge after falling 130-121 to the Celtics as a 7.5-point dog in Boston back in November. Note though that the Wizards are 7-2 ATS in their last nine in trying to avenge a SU/ATS road loss against an opponent. I say the hungry home side sneaks in under the radar here, catches the Celtics at a really good time here, and while I'll stop short in calling for the outright upset, everything points to this one being a lot closer in the end than what this spread is suggesting; grab as many points as you can, the play is the Wizards!

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10* 76ers (ASSASSIN)

After a win at Chicago to open up this road trip, the 76ers have now lost back-to-back West coast contests, most recently falling 125-105 to a desperate Phoenix team. Yes, Philly just beat Denver 126-119 at home back in January, but I'm not reading too much into the revenge factor. For me, this particular play is a good situational one, as I feel that Philly is the much "hungrier" side here after back-to-back poor efforts. I'm expecting a battle until the final horn, so grab the points, the play is Philadelphia!

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10* Wizards (ASSASSIN)

Both teams really need a win here. Washington is in 11th spot, three games back of No. 9 Toronto. After a relatively simple 118-97 win over Detroit though, I think that the Raptors will have their hands full with this revenge-minded Washington side, which fell 116-109 in OT at home as a 2.5-point favorite in early March. Note that the Wizards are 7-2 ATS in their last nine in trying to avenge a SU/ATS home loss vs. an opponent. Washington snapped a four-game slide with a big 136-124 win over San Antonio last time out, and I think the Wizards throw their best shot at the Raptors today as well; grab the points, the play is Washington!

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10* Miami Florida (ELITE 8 GOY)

I am going to be very succinct with my analysis throughout the NCAA Tournament. Both teams ahve been great. I'd argue though that Texas' path to this point has been the easier one, with wins over Colgate, Penn State and Xavier. Miami has had Drake, Indiana and Houston. Dylan Disu is a question mark in this one for Texas and if he does play, he'll be less than 100%. The Longhorns are deep, but it's still a concern. I feel that Miami has been undervalued and kind of overlooked throughout this tournament, and I believe that's once again the case here; while the outright win is possible, the official call will be to grab as many points as you can with the Hurricanes!

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10* Suns (ASSASSIN)

The Suns were playing really well with Kevin Durant, but then the superstar got injured and now Phoenix has been struggling ever since. But I say their current slide ends here tonight in this favorable spot. Phoenix has lost six of its last seven, including three in a row. They've also lost seven straight ATS. The Suns also play with revenge here after falling 100-88 at Philly earlier in the sesaon, and note that Phoenix is 7-3 ATS in its last ten in trying to avenge a SU/ATS road loss as a favorite vs. an opponent. The 76ers played and lost just last night in Golden State, and I say that fatigue plays a factor in the outcome of this one as well; for all the reasons listed above, the play is Phoenix!

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10* FAU (ASSASSIN)

I'm going to be very succinct with my analysis throughout the NCAA Tournament. FAU averages 79.3 PPG, while allowing only 65.7. K-State averages 75.8 PPG, while allowing 68.7. The Owls have consistently been overrated, and while I think that Wildcats' guard Markquis Nowell is fantastic, this defense is much tighter than MSU's and I have a hard time seeing Kansas State duplicating its previous performance; I'm grabbing the points in this one, the play is FAU!

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10* Creighton (SWEET 16 GOY)

Princeton has exceeded expectations, but I say the Cinderella story comes to an end here today. The Tigers average 76 PPG, while allowing 68.6. Creighton though is battle-tested and more consistent on both ends of the court in my opinion, averaging 76.8 PPG, while allowing 67.9. The Tigers have become a popular pick with bettors, with the majority of the early bets placed on Princeton. While most go one way though, we're going to go the other; a great contrarian Sweet 16 Game of the Year on Creighton!

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10* Houston (ASSASSIN)

I'm going to be very succinct with my analysis throughout the NCAA Tournament. I think No. 1 seed Houston will pull away down the stretch for a comfortable win and cover vs. No. 5 Miami. Miami has an efficient offense, but this Houston defense is on an entirely different level. Houston has a rebounding advantage over Miami as well, and the Hurricanes defense is just mediocre. Houston has the advantage in every metric and we can expect that to translate into a solid cover; the play is Houston!

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10* ALABAMA FIRST HALF (BLOWOUT)

I'm going to be very succinct with my analysis throughout the NCAA Tournament. San Diego has gotten this far because of its great defense, but I have a hard time seeing it slowing down this incredibly deep Alabama offense, with four players averaging double-figures. But the thing is, Alabama's defense is even better than the Aztecs is. I look for the TIDE to go up early and keep the foot on the gas going into the break; this is a play on ALABAMA in the FIRST HALF, but if you don't have a FIRST HALF line available, I still like the TIDE against-the-spread for the entire game as well!

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10* Michigan State (ASSASSIN)

I'm going to be very succinct with my analysis throughout the NCAA Tournament. With a spread like this, the oddsmakers feel these teams are very evenly matched. The Spartans are slightly better offensively, while the Wildcats are slightly better defensively. I like Tom Izzo's experience though and I also think MSU's shooting from range will be a difference-maker. The Spartans only hit 2 of 16 three-pointers in their win over Marquette, but still managed a nine-point victory. I don't expect them to shoot that poorly again here; lay the short points, the play is Michigan State!

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10* Blazers (ASSASSIN)

A complete contrarian play here. A vast majority of the bets and money is on Utah, but that fact has helped in driving this spread a few points too high in my opinion. Utah has somehow won four of its last five SU and it's also gone 6-0 ATS in its last six. The Jazz have just beaten the Celtics and Kings at home, but with Milwaukee coming to town on Friday, this does indeed now set up as a "look ahead" spot as well for Utah. No such luxury for Portland, which enters desperate after six straight losses. I think Utah's surge comes to an end here and Portland, at the very least, takes this one right down to the wire; while the outright win isn't out of the question, let's grab the points!

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10* Raptors (EXPRESS) 

The Raptors are ninth in the East, so are part of the Play In Tournament at the moment. Indiana is currently 12th. Toronto plays with double revenge here as the Pacers have won both earlier meetings so far this season. Here's the perfect opportunity to get that double revenge, as the Pacers continue their four-game road trip after a loss at Charlotte on Monday. The Pacers actually had an 18-point second-quarter lead over Charlotte, but they lost 115-109 in the end. Indiana was super sloppy with the ball, turning it over 21 times. Charlotte's bench outscored Indiana's bench 45-18. Indiana was without Tyrese Haliburton for that one and he'll also be out for this one against Toronto (Haliburton is Indiana's number 1 guy, averaging 20.8 points and 10.4 assists per game.) Indiana averages 115.8 points per game and allows 118.3. Toronto averages 112.9 points per game, while allowing 112.1. Toronto has won seven in a row at home. It plays with double revenge. It catches the Pacers without their top player in the line-up. I smell a blowout here North of the border; lay the points, the play is Toronto!

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10* Nets (ASSASSIN)

After three straight SU/ATS losses in a row, I like the Nets to dig deep and bounce back here. Note that Brooklyn is 7-2 ATS in its last nine after three or more SU/ATS losses in a row. Cleveland has won three of it slast four. It's coming off two straight home victories. This is the opener of two straight here between these clubs in Brooklyn, and I say the more desperate home side doubles down and, at the very least, takes this one right down to the wire. The Nets had a winning record before KD and Kyrie left and it'll now be a struggle to maintain that position, but I love the way this one sets up for them here at home tonight; grab the points, the play is the Nets!

AAA Sports

10* Oklahoma State (NIT)

Anyone who had Oklahoma State vs. Eastern Washington can't be feeling too great after the way that last game ended for the Cowboys. OKS was an 11.5-point favorite and won by 11 after the Eagles hit a meaningless 3-pointer with time winding off the clock. But where the Cowboys failed ATS last time out, I fully expect them to pull away for a comfortable cover with this more manageable spread. OKS averages 69.5 PPG, while allowing 66.8. North Texas averages 63.7 PPG, while allowing only 55.4. The problem here for UNT though is now it runs in to perhaps an even better defense than its own. The level of competition simply can't be compared between these two; I'm expecting a blowout, so lay the points with Oklahoma State!

AAA Sports