The set-up: Western Carolina is 7-7 and the VMI Keydets are 8-8. Western Carolina is out to snap a five-game losing streak. The Catamounts average 79.6 PPG, and they concede 78.4. Mason Faulkner is averaging 16 points and 4.8 assists.

The pick: The VMI Keydets are averaging 81.4 PPG, while conceding 77.2. The Keydets have split their last six games, but note that they're just 2-6 ATS in their last eight conference home games as a favorite in the +1.5 to +4.5 points range. Finally note that the road team is 10-4 ATS in its last 14 in this series. These teams are evenly matched for sure, but WCU enters as the hungrier side. I look for the Catamounts to find a way to deliver on the road.

The is a 10* BLOWOUT OF THE MONTH on Western Carolina.

The set-up: SIU is 4-5 and Eastern Illinois is 5-10. THe Cougars are averaging 67.2 PPG, while allowing 74.4. The Panthers are averaging 71.1 PPG and conceding 75.8. Eastern Illinois has faced a more difficult schedule and has the advantage of playing at home here. 

The pick: Eastern Illinois has lost five straight. Losing isn't fun. Winning is. THe Panthers though have an unbelievable opportunity here, as not only are the Cougars a bad team, but they also haven't even played since December 10th. I look for the hungrier, more in "game shape" Panthers to finally figure it out and to pull away down the stretch for the comfortable ATS cover.

The is a 10* ELITE OF THE ELITE on Eastern Illinois.

The set-up: After winning three in a row, I think the Hawks finally have a small letdown here. The Bucks on the other hand are 9-6 and they'll be eager to atone for a 113-106 home loss to the Lakers on Thursday. Atlanta though is still only 2-5 ATS in its last seven road games vs. a team with a winning home record. 

The pick: This is a bad matchup for Atlanta though, as the Bucks have really skilled perimeter defenders in Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton. After back-to-back losses to the Nets and Lakers, look for the home side to keep the foot on the gas from start to finish in this one.

The is a 10* EAST-CONFERENCE GAME OF THE YEAR on the Bucks.

The set-up: Davidson comes in off a 73-58 win over Fordham on Wednesday. It was an 18.5 point favorite and while the Wildcats have been winning, they have failed to cover in three straight. UMass comes in off a 65-46 win at Fordham last week as a nine point favorite. The Wildcats last three wins have been by at least 14 points though and I think they'll pull away for a comfortable cover finally here. 

The pick: UMass has covered in three straight, and while it does average 82.8 PPG, the Minutemen also concede 75 per contest. Davidson is the more complete team here, definitely better on the defensive end and note that it's 4-1 ATS in its last five on the road. The Minutemen are vastly improved, but I think their record has taken advantage of a favorable schedule to this point. I'm laying the points, but expecting a decisive victory.

The is a 10* ANNIHILATION on Davidson.

The set-up: The Warriors are 8-7 and are coming off a loss to the Knicks on Thursday night. Previous to that GS beat the Lakers in a thriller on the road, followed by a solid victory over the Spurs at home. The Warriors have been better than most likely thought they'd have been without Klay Thompson in the lineup. Steph Curry and this potent Warriors line-up is going to be able to push this tough Jazz defense to the brink in my opinion.

The pick: The Jazz have covered in seven straight, but Golden State is 7-2 ATS in its last nine after scoring 105 points or less in a SU/ATS home loss in its last outing. I expect Golden State to come in focussed and while the outright is possible, let's grab the points.

This is a 10* COACH'S CORNER on the Golden State Warriors.

The set-up: Valparaiso is 3-9, while Illinois State is 5-8. Valparaiso comes in hungry to snap a five-game losing streak. OVerall the Crusaders are averaging 71.5 PPG, while conceding 67.5.

The pick: The Redbirds have lost five of their last seven. Overall Illinois State is averaging 76 PPG, while allowing 76.8. Illinois State's issues on the defensive end are going to be the issue here for it. Look for Valparaiso to pull away for the comfortable cover in the second half.

This is a 10* MID-MAJOR MAULING on Valpo.

The set-up: The Knicks have had two days off to prepare for this one, and they also play in Sacramento tomorrow night. I look for New York to keep the foot on the gas from start to finish here as it takes advantage of a Warriors team that enters off a highly satisfying 121-99 win at home over the Spurs just last night.

The pick: Both teams have been better than most expected this year. The Knicks have been the league's punching bag for years, but they aren't a complete pushover this season. The Knicks are off a 91-84 win over Orlando and note that they're 7-2 ATS in their last nine after holding their previous opponent to 85 or fewer points in a SU/ATS victory. A great situational play in my opinion and while the outright victory isn't out of the question, in the end, I'll recommend grabbing as many points as you can.

This is a 10* NON-CONFERENCE GAME OF THE MONTH on the Knicks.

The set-up: I think Wichita State comes in complacent here after its 19 points win at home over Tulsa, moving it to 8-3. Memphis is 6-3, and it'll be eager to return to form here after losing by one point to Tulsa on the road. The Shockers have covered the spread in all four of their road games this year, but I think that now swings the value to the home side here, as oddsmakers over compenstate in my opinion. 

The pick: Both teams are decent defensively, and overall they're evenly matched. But the Tigers are the hungrier team here and note that they're 8-3 ATS in their last 11 home games after scoring 60 or less points in a SU/ATS road loss in their previous outing. This one has "letdown" written all over it for the Shockers in my opinion. Lay the short points.

This is a 10* BLOWOUT ELITE OF THE ELITE on Memphis.

The set-up: This is expected to be the return of Kyrie Irving to the Nets line-up after he missed seven games due to personal reasons. Jarrett Allen and Taurean Prince face off against their former team after being dealt to the Cavs in the Harden deal. The Cavaliers are 6-7, most recently coming off a gritty 106-103 win over the Knicks. The Cavaliers are the best defensive team in the league, allowing just 103.9 PPG, and I think they're going to bring their "A" game tonight as they look to pull off the outright upset.

The pick: Brooklyn looks really good, but I think consistency against weaker teams is going to be an issue for it this year. Irving is a distraction at this moment, not a benefit. I'll stop short in calling for the outright upset, but everything points this one being a lot closer than what this spread would suggest in my opinion. So grab the points!

This is a 10* UNDERDOG ULTIMATE BLOWOUT on the Cavaliers.

The set-up: Duquesne is the "hungrier" team in this matchup after back-to-back losses. The Rams have won two of their last three. The Rams are averaging 74.5 PPG this year, but note that they're a poor 1-4 on the road this season. Duquesne is only averaging 62.8 PPG this year, but note that Dukes are 7-2 ATS in their last nine home games after back-to-back SU/ATS losses. 

The pick: This is also a revenge game for the Dukes after the Rams blew them out in this game last year. The Rams' terrible play on the road is a very real factor here and while I do think the outright win is possible, in the end I'll recommend that you grab as many points as you can.

This is a 10* COACH'S CORNER on Duquesne.

The set-up: New Orleans finally broke a five-game slide with a 128-123 win at Sacramento in its last game. The Pelicans got 31 points from Zion Williamson, while Brandon Ingram added 22. Eric Bledsoe was also big with 21 points. Now New Orleans is in Utah for two straight, as these teams will play here again on Thursday night. This is their first game against each other this season. Last year the Jazz took three of four, but all were pretty competitive, including in Utah's 106-104 win back on July 30th of 2020 in the final one there.

The pick: The Jazz lost 112-100 at the Knicks back on January 6th and they haven't lost since, not only winning five in a row, but also covering in five straight. So now I think public perception here has pushed up this line on the home side after its recent win streak, and I think the value has now swung to this hungry underdog team. Williamson is finally starting to his stride, so I expect him to build off his latest game and at the very least, take the Jazz down to the wire. This one definitely sets up well for the visiting side.

The is a 10* ATS BLOOD-BATH on New Orleans.

The set-up: Duke is off a 74-67 loss at Virginia Tech in its latest action. It was the Blue Devils first conference loss. A couple of bright spots in defeat were Jeremy Roach, who had 22 points, and Matthew Hurt, who added 20 points and 11 rebounds. That was only the Blue Devils second road game of the year, and they looked shaky, going just 8 of 29 from 3-point range. But now the Blue Devils come to Pittsburgh focussed and hungry to bounce back. 

The pick: The Panthers enter having won six of their last seven, including two straight, most recently the 96-76 home beating of Syracuse as a four-point dog. Pittsburgh's been playing well of late, but the Blue Devils have done well in this matchup for years, going 8-2 the last ten in the series straight up. That included a 79-67 home win last year. Duke isn't the same Duke team as in year's past, and Pittsburgh is playing really well at the moment, but I think that off the loss to the Hokies, that the correct call in this matchup is for Duke to bounce back. 

The is a 10* ELITE OF THE ELITE on Duke.

The set-up: UConn has only played eight games this year, while most other teams have played closer to 14. The Huskies are also without three of their guards due to injury issues. St. John's is averaging 79 PPG, while allowing 78.5. The Huskies have averages 73.13 PPG, while allowing 61.75. 

The pick: UConn's only loss this year was a 76-74 setback to Creighton. Are the Huskies the better team here? Yes. But the lack of overall play has hampered them overall this year. St. John's has the offense to compete with any team in the nation and I expect it to give the home side everything it can handle today. Probably no outright, but much closer than expected. Grab the points.

The is a 10* GAME OF THE WEEK on St. John's.

The set-up: Memphis hasn't played since December 29th, when it beat USF by a score of 58-57. Tulsa is the perfect opponent to get warmed up against, as it's now 7-4 after getting destroyed 72-53 to Wichita State as a 3.5 point dog on Wednesday. This is a revenge game for the Tigers as well after Tulsa scored the 56-49 upset road victory last year. Memphis averages 72.1 PPG, while allowing 64.1. 

The pick: Tulsa's offense is poor, averaging only 68.7 PPG, while it concedes 61.3. Look for the longer layoff to in fact help here in the final stages of the regular season and expect Memphis to exact its revenge from last year's upset at home.

This is a 10* COACH'S CORNER on Memphis.

The set-up: After winning three-straight, I think that App State finally stumbles here. South Alabama enters desperate to break a three-game slide. The Mountaineers most recently took two close games over Georiga Southern. South Alabama struggled to contain Coastal Carolina in its most recent back-to-back losses, but it catches a break today facing the Mountaineers. 

The pick: App State allows teams to shoot 61.1 percent from inside the arc, so I look for Michael Flowers and the home side to push the pace here as they look to get back into the winners circle. I'll point out as well that App State has struggled mightily in this spot for bettors, going just 4-10 ATS in its last 14 road games following a three or more straight home contests. I like South Alabama to bounce back here and take advantage of App State's porous interior defense. Lay the short points.

This is an 8* DESTRUCTION on South Alabama.

The set-up: Green Bay started off the season 0-9, but it comes to town having won three straight. Suffice it to say, I expect the Phoenix to finally stumble here after three wins in a row. Most recently Green Bay posted an 87-78 victory over Oakland. Detroit's been off since December 27th, when it lost to Oakland 83-80 as a 1-point favorite to fall to 1-7 overall. The Phoenix have covered or pushed in six straight games, and I can't see that streak continuing here vs. this ultra hungry Mercy side. 

The pick: Detroit is also 7-2 ATS in its last nine after allowing 80 or more points in a SU/ATS loss in its last outing. The Titans have failed to cover in four straight, but the extra time off will be beneficial here in my opinion. This is the first of two games, and I like the "hungrier" home side to risk life and limb here to defend its turf and to pull away down the stretch. Lay the points.

This is a 10* HORIZON LEAGUE GAME OF THE YEAR on Detroit.

The set-up: George Mason has lost three straight to fall to 5-5 on the year. La Salle had its game against Fordham cancelled, then it most recently lost to UMass. The Explorers are oly averaging 67.6 PPG this year, as La Salle does not have a single player averaging in double-figures this season. 

The pick: The Patriots have struggled with consistency as well, but they have two players averaging in double figures (keep your eyes on Jordan Miller, who is averaging 15.1 PPG for George Mason). Finally note that the Patriots are 7-2 ATS in their last nine games following a double-digit home loss. Home court advantage can't be overlooked either. I'm laying the points and expecting a decisive home side victory.

This is a 10* MID-MAJOR DESTRUCTION on George Mason.

The set-up: Indianapolis has a game in Sacramento against a desperate Kings team on Monday and I suspect that the Pacers will have their hands full with Sacramento, as it entered that one having lost two in a row and four of its last five. So from a situational standpoint alone, I absolutely feel this sets up great for Stephen Curry and the Warriors. Golden State has been better than most predicted I think. Especially after the first couple of games, as it appeared as if the Warriors would once again be a terrible team without Klay Thompson in the line-up. But that's obviously not the case, as Curry has been excellent and the younger pieces around him are definitely playing a lot better after that first awkward week.

The pick: Curry had a 62 point game last week and while he was just 2 of 16 for 11 points vs. the Raptors in his last outing, Golden State still dug deep and pulled out the 106-105 victory.   Toronto was desperate in that game as well to break out of its early season struggles, so the fact that the Warriors won that game despite Curry having such a poor performance I think speaks volumse to the current level that the Warriors are playing at right now. I believe the Pacers lay everything on the line to try and secure the victory against the weaker Kings on Monday night, and then I look for them to come out fatigued on Tuesday against this red hot Warriors side.

This is a 10* NON-CONFERENCE BEST OF THE BEST on Golden State.

The set-up: This pick is primiarly based upon the "situation" that each club finds itself in coming into this contest. It definitely sets up well for the Spurs in my opinion. Oklahoma City has won three straight, so this does set up as a bit of a natural letdown spot in my opinion. And with the Lakers in town tomorrow night, the Thunder are clearly going to get caught "looking ahead" to that much more high-profile contest vs. the defending champs. 

The pick: The Spurs on the other hand have won three of their last four, but they come in off a 96-88 setback at Minnesota in their last outing, dropping their last two ATS. Note as well that the Spurs are sharp 7-1 ATS in their last eight after scoring 90 points or less in a SU/ATS loss in their last outing. I'm laying the points and expecting a decisive victory for the visiting side.

This is a 9* PLAY-BOOK on San Antonio.

The set-up: I like Wisconsin the underdog here, I think it sets up well for it to keep this one close down the stretch. Michigan has won and covered in four straight. In fact it's 10-0 straight up and 8-2 against the spread. Most recently the Wolverines pulled away for an 82-57 win at home over Minnesota. After this game, Michigan has the rematch with the Gophers in Minnesota this weekend, so it does in a small way set up as a look ahead spot for the home side. Wisconsin has been playing well this year also, it's 10-2 straight-up, but so far it hasn't been as kind to bettors, going just 5-6-1 against the spread. It's actually been trading wins and losses against the spread over its last six games, and while it did win 80-73 in overtime against the Hoosiers in its last outing it didn't cover the nine-point spread. So this pattern continues here, I like the Badgers to bounce back and get a cover here now as well.

The pick: These teams last played just before the Pandemic hit in February 2020 and the Badgers managed the 81-74 outright upset in that one. I'll stop short in calling for an outright upset here , but in my opinion, I think everything points to a really tight game.

This is a 10* BLOWOUT ELITE OF THE ELITE on Wisconsin.

The set-up: These two non-conference opponents enter this game on other ends of the spectrum right now. Indiana has been doing well and Sacramento has been struggling. Indiana though had a two-game win streak snapped last time out in a 125-117 setback to the Suns. The Pacers had played five of their previous six at home and now they hit the road for an extended road swing, including a more high-profile game in Golden State tomorrow night. This absolutely (in my opinion anyways), sets up as a classic "letdown/look-ahead" spot for the visiting side. 

The pick: Conversely, the Kings come in desperate to break their recent shoddy play which has seen them drop five of their last six, including five in a row ATS. As mentioned off the top, this is what I believe to be a fanastic "situational" play and while the outright win isn't out of the question obviously, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can. 

This is a 10* GAME OF THE WEEK on the Sacramento Kings.

The set-up: I like the 3-6 Sycamores to fight hard and to comfortably sneak in through the backdoor down the stretch. Loyola is 7-2 and it's won four straight, but winning can breed complacency. Indiana State is for sure the "hungrier" dog in this fight, as it's lost four straight. Twice to Drake and twice to Missouri State. 

The pick: The Ramblers only scored 57 points in their last game against North Texas and I think they'll have their hands full here against a Sycamore's team that's 7-2 ATS in its last nine after three or more SU/ATS losses in a row. I think this one sets up great for Indiana State in a number of ways. I'm grabbing the points for sure.

This is a 10* GAME OF THE MONTH on Indiana State.

The set-up: The Sun Devils hadn't played in three weeks in their 81-75 loss to UCLA in their last game. I think they'll bounce back here though vs. the Trojans, who beat Arizona 87-73 in their latest action. 

The pick: ASU comes in fresh here, despite the loss last time out. It's the "hungrier" does in this fight as well. With a spread like this, clearly the oddsmakers think these teams are evenly matched, but I think from a situational stand point, it favors the home side. Additionally note that the Trojans are just 2-6 ATS in their last eight after scoring 86 or more points in SU/ATS conference victory in their last outing. While I obviously wouldn't be shocked by an outright upset, in the end I'll recommend to grab as many points as you can.

This is a 10* PAC 12 GAME OF THE YEAR on ASU.

The set-up: The Jazz come to town off two straight losses to the Nets and Knicks. The Bucks have won three straight, most recently a 130-115 victory over Detroit. One of these teams is feeling a lot better about itself these days, while the other is on the  verge of hitting the panic button. I obviously don't expect the Bucks to come out and overlook Utah, but I do think that the Jazz is for sure the "hungrier" dog in this fight. 

The pick: The Bucks could rest starters as well in the second half of this non-conference game, with Cleveland coming to town tomorrow night as well. The Jazz will be risking life and limb here to try and pull off the upset and while that may not happen, I do expect this one to be decided by whichever of these teams has it hands on the ball last. I'm grabbing the points.

This is an 8* SITUATIONAL DESTRUCTION on the Utah Jazz.

The set-up: These teams are similar in a lot of respects. Their young, and their both hungry to prove themselves and to come out here and get a victory, but I think this is a matchup which favors New Orleans. After back-to-back victories, the Pelicans come in having lost two straight. Both losses though they were very competitive in, falling 118-116 in overtime at home to the red hot Pacers, before then losing 111-110 at home to Oklahoma City. This is an important game for New Orleans though, as after this it hits the road for seven straight road games against some really stiff competition, including the Mavericks, the Clippers, the Lakers and the Jazz. At 4-4, and off two straight losses, and just before a gruelling road trip, I'd call this a "must win" scenario almost for New Orleans.

The pick: Who knows what type of effort you're going to get from the Hornets from night-to-night though. And especially on the road. And especially after they finall broke a three-game slide with a 102-94 win at Atlanta in their last game. And with a rematch at home against the Hawks tomorrow night, this also DEFINITELY sets up as a classic "look ahead" spot for the visiting side. So as I said off the top, I think this one sets up great from a situational stand point for the Pelicans, who I believe will risk life and limb today to not only secure the straight up victory, but also a solid against the spread one.

This is a 10* BLOWOUT ELITE OF THE ELITE on the New Orleans Pelicans.

The set-up: After winning three of its last four to return to .500, I think that UNT has a letdown here. Both teams have plenty of issues on both sides of the court. UNT has a decent defense that's conceding 63.5 PPG. UTSA though enters as the hungrier dog in this fight after back-to-back losses to Rice dropped it to 4-5. 

The pick: The Roadrunners have struggled defensively, but that unit catches a big break today facing the poor offense of UNT. This is the first game of two straight here and I think the desperate home side is the correct call. I think the Roadrunners high-tempo offense keeps them competitive late and while I wouldn't be shocked by an outright upset, in the end I'll recommend to grab as many points as you can.

This is a 10* CONF. USA GAME OF THE YEAR on UTSA.

The set-up: Obviously I think that the St. Francis Red Flash have a legitimate shot at winning this game outright, but in the end I'll recommend to grab the points. The Red Flash come in as the hungrier side here after a 1-4 start, most recently falling 75-57 to Mount St. Mary's. Overall St. Francis (PA) is averaging 63 points, while allowing 75.8. 

The pick: Long Island is averaging 73.5 PPG, while allowing 71. On paper, the Sharks are the better team here, but with both teams having missed over three weeks since their last action, "rust" is going to be a major factor for chemistry here. The Red Flash are 7-2 ATS in their last nine conference road games as an underdog in the +2 to +4.5 points range as well. I think the home side gets caught flat-footed here. Grab the points.

This is an 8* DESTRUCTION on St. Francis.

The set-up: I like betting on teams which are "hungry" or "desperate." Cincinnati fits that bill perfectly here. The Bearcats are 2-6 overall and 0-3 in conference play. Most recently the fell 70-63 to Tulsa. SMU is 6-1 overall and 2-1 in league play, but that one loss came in their last outing, falling 74-60 to Houston. Here's a great spot for Cincinnati to take advantage of, as I think playing against teams which have been on an extended win streak, and which are coming off their first loss in a long stretch, are at times perfectly primed for another letdown in their next game immediately after that scenario plays out. 

The pick: Note as well that the Mustangs are just 2-6 ATS in their last eight after a SU/ATS loss of ten or more points, while the Bearcats are 7-3 ATS in their last ten conference road games after three or more SU losses in a row. Grab the points for sure, but don't be shocked for an outright!

This is a 10* AAC GAME OF THE YEAR on Cincinnati.

The set-up: Utah State is the better teams, but New Mexico is by far the "hungrier" team in this matchup after dropping each of its first four Mountain West contests. Utah State comes in complacent here vs. its lowly opponent after winning six in a row. This is the start of three straight games in a row vs. each other, which also puts added incentive onto the home side to try and avoid getting swept in this series. 

The pick: New Mexico won its first three games, then dropped four. But I'll point out that the Lobos four losses cam against Nevada and Boise State, two teams with a combined 16-4 record right now. Utah State on the other hand has played suspect competition to this point, so its numbers are skewed. The underdog is also 4-1 ATS the last five in this series, while the home side is 10-2 ATS the last 12 between these schools. No outright, but closer than expected. Grab the points.

This is a 10* MOUNTAIN WEST GAME OF THE MONTH on the New Mexico Lobos.

The set-up: George Mason has lost two of three, making it the much hungrier dog in this fight in my estimation. VCU has won six in a row, but winning can lead to complacency. Especially among young athletes. VCU is only conceding 54.6 PPG, but it also only has two players averaging in double figures. 

The pick: George Mason lost 74-65 in Dayton last time out. Four Patriots average in double figures, and note that the Patriots are 7-2 ATS in their last nine home game after an eight-points or greater SU road loss. I expect VCU to get caught looking ahead and look for the desperate home side to at the very least, take this one right down to the wire. Grab the points.

This is an 8* DESTRUCTION on George Mason.

The set-up: I just played against the Longhorns after their upset win over KU, and now I'm also going to suggest a play against the Jayhawks here in this contest, as I believe they'll still be mentally caught up on their last poor effort. TCU has been great, 9-2 overall and it plays with revenge at home. 

The pick: Note as well that the Horned Frogs are 6-1 ATS in their last seven vs. a team with a winning percentage above .600. These teams are moving in opposite directions and I expect those trends to continue here. While the outright is possible, I'll recommend to grab as many points as you can.

This is a 10* play on TCU.

The set-up: I think this is a great spot to pull the trigger against Texas, after it made a historic win on the road at Allen Field House, completely blowing out the Jayhawks. Iowa State beat the Longhorns last year, but it'll be focussed tonight afte rfalling to Baylor 76-65 in its last outing. 

The pick: After four-straight victories, and with a game at West Virginia up next, I think the Longhorns suffer a predictable letdown here (note that they are in fact just 2-7 ATS in their last nine after a 30 points or greater SU/ATS road victory.) This is a few too many points to be giving up, the play is on the visiting side.

This is an 8* play on Iowa State.

The set-up: No Kevin Durant? No problem! The Nets are floundering right now and I think the rest of the teams steps up and answers the call here at home finally without KD in the line-up. The Jazz have been playing a bit better, but they're definitely inconsistent and thin after Mitchell and Gobert. 

The pick: Brooklyn is 7-2 ATS in its last nine after four or more SU/ATS losses. Utah is just 4-7 ATS in its last 11 road games after scoring 130 or more points in a SU/ATS victory (won 130-108 over the Spurs.) Bank on the desperate home side pulling away down the stretch. 

This is a 10* NON-CONFERENCE BLOWOUT OF THE YEAR on the Brooklyn Nets. 

The set-up: NIU comes in as the more desperate team after starting 1-7. The Huskies have moved on from their former head coach Mark Montgomery and I expect the unit to respond here under Lamar Chapman. 

The pick: Ohio broke a three-game slide with a 78-68 win over Ball State in its last outing, but with back-to-back games at league-leading Toledo up next, I think the Bobcats get caught looking ahead and take the foot off the gas in the second half. No outright, but closer than expected. Grab the points.

This is an 8* play on Northern Illinois.

The set-up: Wyoming won the first game of this two game set by a narrow margin and I like the home side to get immediate revenge. Wyoming has now won six in a row and I think it'll finally crack here and have a letdown. Wyoming averages 84.6 PPG, but it only managed 78 in the win over the Bulldogs. 

The pick: Fresno State had a couple games cancelled due to COVID issues early and since then it's gone 1-3. But now I expect the Bulldogs to finally get back on track here; one player to keep your eyes on is 7-0 Orlando Robinson, who averages 15.6 PPG. I look for Fresno State to bounce back here and be the much hungrier dog in this Mountain West battle. Lay the points.

This is an 8* PLAY-BOOK on Fresno State.

The set-up: The Hornets are the hungrier team here, as after winning two in a row, they come to Philly now having lost two in a row, most recently a 127-112 setback to these very 76ers two nights ago. Philly is 5-1 and I think will get caught complacent here vs. its lowly opponent. To say this is a "revenge" game as well would be an understatement, as Charlotte has lost 12 straight in this series. 

The pick: Philly coach Doc Rivers could rest some starters here as well. Finally note that Charlotte is 7-2 ATS in its last nine in trying to revenge a SU/ATS loss of 15 or more points. No outright, but closer than expected. Grab the points.

This is an 8* DESTRUCTION on the Charlotte Hornets.

The set-up: Winning can lead to complacency. Especially among young players. Winthrop has jumped out to a big 7-0 start, but I believe it'll finally get caught flat-footed here and leave the door open just wide enough for the hungry home side to sneak in through down the stretch. The Buccanneers are only 1-5. The Eagles are perfect so far, but there have been a few very close calls. 

The pick: Charleston Southern has been competitive in defeat and it won't be lacking for motivation today. This is a revenge game as well. One player to keep your eyes on tonight for Charleston Southern is Phlandrous Fleming, who managed 19 points with 10 rebounds and three assists in his team's most recent setack to Hampton on December 22nd. Winthrop is the better team, but the overall situation sets up well for the home side. I'm not predicting an outright, but I do think the stage is set for a much more competitive battle than what this spread would suggest. Grab the points.

This is a 10* BIG SOUTH GAME OF THE YEAR on Charleston Southern.

The set-up: Washington finally broke into the win column over the Timberwolves last time out, but I expect an immediate return to mediocrity here. The Nets started 2-0, but they've since gone 1-3. They've rested starters and had to deal with some COVID issues over the last week, but they're ready to roll tonight and I expect this high-powered team to lay the hammer down after this scuffling stretch. 

The pick: Russell Westbrook is out again for Washington, which isn't a good thing at all for the Wizards over the short or the long-term. Brooklyn has posted at least 118 points in its last five vs. this Wizards defense, and I expect an even bigger offensive explosion here. The Wizards are a poor 1-5-1 ATS in their last seven as a road dog and I like the home side to take advantage of that. Lay the points.

This is a 10* DESTRUCTION on the Brooklyn Nets.

The set-up: Drake is 11-0, but it hasn't played since before the New Year and I think it'll come out a bit flat here and look past its lowly opponent. Drake beat Indiana State in back-to-back games most recently, while the Salukis enter off their first loss of the season 84-72 to Evansville. Southern Illinois has six players which average at least 7.9 PPG, led by Marcus Domask with 18.1 per contest. 

The pick: Drake was down at the half in each of its games vs. the Sycamores, only to come back and not only win, but also go on to cover. The Bulldogs perfect record to this point puts a big red target on their backs - look for this under the radar Salukis side to keep this one much more competitive than what this spread would suggest. 

This is a 10* UNDERDOG GAME OF THE YEAR on Southern Illinois.

The set-up: Jacksonville is 6-4 and Kennesaw State is 3-5. Jacksonville has played the stiffer competitoin to this point, most recently coming off a 70-46 loss to K-State. Corey Romich was a bright spot in defeat with ten points and five boards. 

The pick: Kennesaw State has lost three in a row, most recently an 81-71 setback to Mercer. These teams numbers are similar, but Jacksonville has faced the better competition and note that it's 7-2 ATS in its last nine road game after failing to score 50 points in a SU/ATS loss in its last outing. I'm laying the short points.

This is a 10* SITUATIONAL DESTRUCTION on Jacksonville.

The set-up: Is Boise State the better team? It's 6-1, so of course it is. San Jose State is just 1-4. Am I suggesting that you play the Spartans on the moneyline? Of course I'm not, I'm suggesting that you grab all these points, because from a situational standpoint, this one sets up brilliantly for the underdog in my opinion. 

The pick: Boise State enters off an 89-52 win over New Mexico, and note that it's just 2-7 ATS in its last nine road games after a 30 points or greater SU/ATS victory. San Jose State enters off an 85-52 loss at Utah State, and note that it's 8-4 ATS in its last 12 home games after a 30 points or greater SU/ATS road loss. This is the first game of a two-game set between the teams, with the other coming on January 3rd. Look for the Spartans to keep this one competitive until the end. Grab the points.

This is a 10* UNDERDOG ULTIMATE BLOWOUT on San Jose State.

The set-up: The Knicks come in off back-to-back wins, hammering the Bucks at home, and then beating the Cavaliers by nine points on the raod as an underdog. The Raptors on the other hand enter absolutely desperate to reverse their fortunes after starting the season 0-3. Let's face it, Toronto isn't going to be the top team in the East this year. Or for a while. The Raptors are rebuilding and the faster the fan base realizes that, the better off they'll be mentally (I'm from Canada originally, so I hear it a lot about the Raptors.) 

The pick: One mistake that many novice bettors makes is to "overreact" at the start of the season. And that's the case here. Yes, Toronto is going to have many issues moving forward for a while, but it's still loaded with talent and after the poor start to the season, I'm expect to see the Raptors best effort so far here tonight. With games at Indiana and Atlanta upcoming, I think the young Knicks get caught looking ahead as well. Look for Toronto to go up early, keep the foot on the gas throughout and to pull away down the stretch for the comfortable ATS cover. Lay the points.

This is a 10* BULLDOZER on the Toronto Raptors.

The set-up: So here's an interesting matchup between two teams which have gotten out to decent early starts. The Spurs are 2-1, and they've gone 3-0 against the spread. The Lakers had the game vs. Portland on Monday, but now the defending champs hit the road to play two games at San Antonio, including another one on New Year's Day. The NBA will do that a lot this year of course, having teams play back-to-back in the same arena, as to cut down the travel time and potential exposure to COVID 19. We've only played a few games into the season, so it's a little difficult to get firm reads on every team at this point. Obviously we know the Lakers are good and they're going to be contending for another Championship at the end, more than likely anyways.

The pick: The Spurs though weren't given much of a chance by the bookmakers befor the season started, but as I've pointed out, they've gotten out to the decent start to the season, going 2-1 straight up and perfect against the spread. The Lakers are going to have a big red target on their back now every night, even more than they did before they actually won the Championship, so they're going to get each team's best effort almost every given night. And I do think the Spurs come to play here. Note as well that San Antonio is 7-2 against the spread in its last nine after two or more whole nights of rest in between games. I think the home side will at the very least, keep this one close enough to comfortably cover with the handful of points it's been afforded. 

This is a 10* COACH'S CORNER on the San Antonio Spurs.

The set-up: Murray State is 4-3 and 1-1 in the OVC, while Belmont is 8-1 and 2-0. These two teams dominate this conference. These teams have both won the conference championship over the last two years. The Racers have lost all three true road games they've played, and with six of their first seven OVC contests away from friendly confines, today's road game definitely takes on added importance for Murray State. 

The pick: Belmont comes in off a 72-63 win over Evansville, but note that it's just 2-7 ATS in its last nine after three or more SU victories in a row. These teams are evenly matched for sure, but I like the "hungrier" dog in this fight. A great situational play on Murray State.

This is a 10* MID-MAJOR MAULING on Murray State.

The set-up: New York is 1-2. The Knicks come to town confident after their 130-110 blowout destruction of the Bucks on the 27th. Cleveland is inexplicably 3-0 to start the year. Most recently the Cavaliers destroyed Philadelphia 118-94. Cleveland has plenty of young and hungry talent, but I think its early record is more a case of team's not taking the Cavs too seriously right now and looking past their opponent. And that's not going to happen with the Knicks. New York doesn't face too many teams in the season that's on the "same level" as it, so this is a golden opportunity to try and string a couple wins in a row. 

The pick: The Cavs have a night off after this, before then embarking on a six-game road trip starting on New Year's Eve in Indianapolis. You can throw the ATS stats out the window in this one. As primarily a situational handicapper, I do indeed feel this one sets up extremely well for the hungry underdog visiting side. Clearly the outright win is a possibility, but in the end I'll recommend to grab as many points as you can.

This is a 10* GAME OF THE MONTH on the New York Knicks.

The set-up: I think the Rockets will fall to 0-2 here after losing 128-126 to the Blazers in OT to open the season. The Nuggets come in ready to now turn the page after starting 0-2, losing in OT to the Kings, before then falling to the Clippers at home in their last one. With a series of difficult road contests upcoming, I look for the Nuggets to come out extremely focussed here. The Rockets are still dealing with several issues on and off the court (COVID mostly), and I expect them to struggle in this difficult road venue and versus this now very hungry home side.

The pick: Note that Denver has performed very well in this spot for bettors as well, going 9-4-1 ATS in its last 14 as a home favorite and 4-0 ATS in its last four following a SU loss of more than ten points, while Houston is 0-4 ATS in its last four when playing on one days rest. Houston doesn't have a big man to handle the Nuggets' size and that's going to be a big difference-maker today as well. Lay the points.

This is a 10* ATS 'BLOOD-BATH' on the Denver Nuggets.

The set-up: This is the second game of a back-to-back between the teams. Last night Drake won its ninth straight (both SU and ATS) vs. the Sycamores by a score of 81-63. The Bulldogs are the better team on paper here, averaging 86.4 PPG and allowing 60. Indiana State only trailed by one at half-time, but a slow start to the second-half doomed the Sycamores after that. I actually had a play on Indiana State yesterday afternoon, and while that big play failed to deliver, I'm back on the Sycamores here in this bounce-back position. 

The pick: Previous to the loss to the Bulldogs, Indiana State had won two in a row. It averages 69.4 PPG and it allows 69.2. All good things do come to an end though and with a few days off before a January 3rd home and home set vs. the lowly Southern Illinois Salukis, I think the stage is now set for Drake to finally have a mental lapse here. The Sycamores are definitely the more motivated side here and I think they can keep this one competitive not only for just the first half this time, but for the entire game. Grab the points, expect a "nail-biter!" 

This is a 10* GAME OF THE WEEK on Indiana State.

The set-up: One of the biggest mistakes that novice gamblers can make is "overreacting" to Week 1 results, or after the first few games of the regular season. Are the Mavericks as bad as their 0-2 record would indicate in the early going? Obviously not. Does the Clippers 2-0 record mean that they're now the team to beat in the West? Probably, but again, let's not overreact after a couple of games. LA had two "revenge" games on its plate right out of the gate this year, beating the Lakers on Opening Night, and then beating the Nuggets in Denver on Thursday, avenging the playoff series loss. However, with those two very emotional contests out of the way and now back to play their first official "home" game, I think the Clippers come out flat here. 

The pick: And that's going to be bad news vs. Luca Doncic and the winless Mavericks in my opinion. Both teams are loaded with talent, but I think this one sets up fantastically from a situational stand point for Dallas and while I'll stop short in calling for the outright upset, all signs do indeed point to this one coming right down to the wire. Grab the points.

This is a 10* DESTRUCTION on the Dallas Mavericks.

The set-up: Drake is 9-0 and 7-0 ATS. They say all good things have to come to an end, and I think that time is now for Drake. Overall it averages 86.4 PPG, while allowing 60.0. On paper, obviously Drake is the better team. Indiana State is 3-2, averaging 69.2 PPG and conceding 69.4. As I said, on paper, clearly Drake is the better team. 

The pick: Indiana State though won't be rolling over here. Note that it's 3-0 SU at home. Drake's early competition needs to be called into question here as well, as it enters off an 88-55 win over lowly North Dakota. Note that this is a back-to-back set as well, with each team playing here again tomorrow. I'll point out though that the Sycamores are 7-2 ATS in their last nine home games as an underdog in the +2.5 to +5.5 points range. In a contest which I see coming right down to the wire, I'm grabbing the points in what I feel to be a prime situational spot wagering position for the home side.

This is a 10* MISSOURI VALLEY GAME OF THE YEAR on Indiana State.

The set-up: Indiana went 3-0 in the preseason and it won its season opener, albeit over the Knicks. Now it hits the road and I think it'll finally have a letdown here. Chicago won its final three preseason games, but unlike its opponent today, it got destroyed in its opening game and because of that, I like the Bulls to play with much more heart today. 

The pick: This is a classic "look-ahead" spot for the Pacers as well, as they have a back-to-back set at home against the Celtics starting tomorrow night. And to say this is a "revenge" game would be a bit of an understatement, as Chicago lost all four games in this series last year. I think the outright is possible, but in a contest which I see coming down to whichever of these team's has its hands on the ball last, I'm going to grab the points.

This is a 10* SUPER-SHOCKER on the Chicago Bulls.

The set-up: The Phoenix are winless on the year and they come in hungry after a 74-62 loss to Milwaukee in their last game. The Raiders on the other hand look poised for a letdown here in my opinion after beating Detroit 85-72 last time out. Losing isn't fun, and after starting the season 0-6, I don't think we have to question the visiting sides motivation levels this evening. Overall Wisconsin has averaged 66.2 PPG and conceded 83. 

The pick: THe Raiders have won four straight, as they average 79.6 PPG and allow 67.2. Clearly Wright State is the better team, but I think that it gets caught complacent and I believe it'll take the foot off the gas in the second half as it looks ahead to its game against this very same team tomorrow night. Finally note that the Phoenix are 11-4 ATS in their last 15 conference road games as an underdog in the +15.5 to +17.5 points range. A few too many points to be giving up to this hungry visiting side that's desperate to break into the win column. I'm grabbing the points. 

This is a 10* GAME OF THE YEAR on Wisconsin Green Bay.

The set-up: This isn't the same Clippers team which blew a 3-1 series lead in the bubble last season to the Nuggets, as a few new faces are on the team, while others have moved on. Denver has also gone through some transition, but for the most part returns its main core of players, while also picking up a few nice pieces in the offseason. Should we overreact to the first game of the season? The Clippers beat the Lakers on Opening Night, while the Nuggets lost in OT at home to the Kings. Anything can happen on Opening Night, I think that Denver likely got caught looking past its lowly opponent to this more high-profile contest. The Clippers return home to play three-straight after this as well vs. the Mavericks, Wolves and Blazers, so this now sets up as a small look-ahead spot for LA. 

The pick: Denver has two whole nights off after this before a home game vs. Houston. Of course LA would love to revenge that series loss, but the second game of the regular season isn't the best place to prove a point. The Clippers were more excited and focused to beat the Lakers in my opinion, and couldn't care less about that series loss to Denver. This one means a lot more to the Nuggets than it does the Clippers, as they'll be desperate to avoid the 0-2 start at home. I'm grabbing the points, but expecting an outright.

This is a 10* GAME OF THE YEAR on the Denver Nuggets.

The set-up: The Hawkeyes are 7-1, including a 70-55 win over Purdue last time out. The GOlden Gophers are 7-1 overall (0-1 in conference play though) and most recently coming off a 90-82 win over Saint Louis. The Hawkeyes are led by Luka Garza, who averages 28.4 points and 9.1 boards per game. Both teams allow roughly the same amount of points (Iowa concedes 70.6, while Minnesota allows 73.5), so let's call that deparment a "wash." 

The pick: Marcus Carr leads the charge for the Golden Gophers, he had 32 points in the win over the Billikens. Garza's an amazing player, but note that Minnesota is 7-2 ATS in its last nine conference home games as an underdog in the +5.5 to +8.5 points range. I like Carr and company to battle tough here as they look to pull off the upset at home on X-Mas Day, while avoiding the 0-2 conference hole to open the season. Grab the points.

This is a 10* COACH'S CORNER on Minnesota.

The set-up: Both teams were bounced in the first round of the playoffs last year. Utah has a great core around Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert. THe Jazz gave up an average of 108.9 PPG last year, which was one of the best. The Jazz have gotten stronger in the offseason and note that they were No. 1 in the league in 3-point shooting percentage, hitting 38.5 percent from range. 

The pick: Portland is healthy and ready to go as well. The Blazers are an offense first team, as they're defense was among the worst in the league last year (allowed 116.2 PPG). Utah's defense is fresh and I think it'll slow down Portland's shooters and at the same time, I look for the visiting side to dictate the flow as well. 

This is a 10* GAME OF THE WEEK on the Utah Jazz.

The set-up:

The pick:

This is a 10* SITUATIONAL DESTRUCTION on Butler.

The set-up: I'm looking at this game, looking at each teams' records, looking at what they did in their most recent matchup against each other, looking at what they did in their last games and leading up to this moment. I'm looking at each team's schedule to see who they play next. Wisconsin is great obviously, it's 6-1 overall and 6-0 at home. Nebraska is 4-3 overall and just 2-4 against the spread on the road, but I think there are some great situational and motivational factors working in favor of the Huskers here, and while I'm not going to call for an outright upset, I do think that the stage is set for a much more competitive battle than what this spread would suggest. First off, Nebraska does play with revenge here after it lost 81-64 to Wisconsin in their last matchup back on February 15th, just before the Pandemic hit. This sets up as a look-ahead spot for Wisconsin as well, with a big nationally televised Christmas Day matchup at Michigan State. Nebraska lost to Creighton 98-74, but then it bounced back with a confidence-building 110-64 win over Doane in its most recent action.

The pick: I'm primarily a situational or motivational handicapper, the actual players on the court or on the field usually don't even factor into my decision making process when handicapping, and for me, this particular contest definitely sets up well for Nebraska. I think Wisconsin comes in complacent, I think it gets caught looking ahead to its game vs. the Spartans, and I like Nebraska here in this revenge spot and getting the points. No outright, but closer than expected.

This is a 10* UNDERDOG OF THE YEAR on Nebraska.

The set-up: The Sacred Heart Pioneers are 1-2 and the Wagner Seahawks are 0-3. Sacred Heart bounced-back from a loss to LIU, to then beat LIU 87-72 in the rematch on Thursday. Wagner though has faced much stiffer competition in the early going, losing 78-45 to Seton Hall, and then falling twice to Bryant, 74-62 and 81-75. Wagner was led by 29 points and eight boards from Elijah Ford in the most recent setback and it's gotten progressively better with each outing this year, despite the win/loss record.

The pick: Note as well that Wagner is 7-2 ATS in its last nine home games after three or more SU losses in a row. Look for the Pioneers to once again struggle on the road here and look for the hungrier home side to pull away down the stretch. Lay the points and expect a blowout.

This is a 10* GAME OF THE WEEK on Wagner.

The set-up: Providence has won two straight. The Friars come in fresh as their last two games have been postponed due to COVID issues. In their last game they beat TCU 79-70 as one-point underdogs. Seton Hall comes in off a 70-63 win over Marquette. Providence is well-balanced, led by David Duke it averages 74.5 PPG and it concedes 70.3. 

The pick: The Pirates have won four in a row. Seton Hall is led by Sandro Mamukelasvhili, as the Pirates average 76.5 PPG and allow 70.3. These teams are very evenly matched, but I like the well-rested Friars to pull off the minor upset here (that said, grab as many points as you can!)

This is a 10* COACH'S CORNER on Providence.

The set-up: Weber State is 3-1, coming off a 94-66 win over Portland State on Friday. With a road game at BYU on Thursday though, I expect Weber State to get caught complacent and looking ahead to that contest. Portland State is the hungrier revenge-minded team here. Previous to Friday's loss Portland State lost to Washington State.  

The pick: The Vikings are still 4-1 ATS in their last five at home despite the loss on Friday, so I'm confident that this hungrier home side can bounce back. Weber State gets caught looking ahead and while I'll stop short in calling for the outright upset, all signs point to this one coming right down to the wire. Grab the points.

This is an 8* DESTRUCTION on Portland State.

The set-up: At 3-1, I think that Marist is underrated in this matchup. Overall the Red Foxes are averaging 65 PPG and they're allowing 64.5. The Manhattan Jaspers are 2-2, averaging 75.5 PPG, but conceding a whopping 79.5. 

The pick: The Red Foxes have the much better defense and that's going to matter here, as the Jaspers depth has to be called into question here. Look for the Red Foxes to do just enough offensively here to secure a solid cover.

This is an 8* DESTRUCTION on Marist.

The set-up: I like the 1-5 Fairleigh Dickinson Knights to pull off the minor upset in this one. Drexel comes in off a very satisfying 81-77 win over St. Joe's in its last outing and I think a predictable letdown is imminent here. Overall the Dragons average 68 PPG and they allow 63. 

The pick: The Knights come in with momentum, beting Central Connecticut State 79-71 for their first win of the year last time out. Fairleigh Dickinson is averaging 72 PPG and it's allowing 82.8. I'll point out though that Drexel is an extremely poor 5-15-1 ATS in its last 21 on the road, while Fairleigh Dickinson is 6-2 ATS in its last eight against a team with a losing road record. The Knights have faced some stiff competition this yar (Rutgers, Providence) and they play better at home than on the road. And I think they're the much hungrier dog in this fight. Grab the points.

This is a 10* PLAY-BOOK on Fairleigh Dickinson.

The set-up: I'm not predicting an outright upset, but I do think the conditions are right for Air Force to keep this one a lot closer than what Las Vegas is trying to lead us to believe. Air Force is only averaging 55.8 PPG, but the Falcons only concede 62.3. Chris Joyce is averaging 15.8 points and 2.8 rebounds. Nevada is 5-2 and Air Force is 2-2. The Wolf Pack average 71.9 PPG and they allow 68.6. Grant Sherfield is averaging 17.6 points and 4.1 rebounds. 

The pick: These teams will play again on Sunday. Air Force is 7-2 ATS in its last nine as a road dog in the +11.5 to +14.5 points range as well. I think the Falcons' tough defensive play keeps things close in the first game of this weekend series. Grab the points.

This is an 8* UNDERDOG DESTRUCTION on Air Force.

The set-up: The 6-0 Drake Bulldogs come in complacent and caught flat vs. this hungry 1-5 South Dakota team in my opinion. The Bulldogs early numbers are skewed due to the level of competition they've faced (averaging 84 and conceding 60.2.) The Coyotes are averaging 68.7 PPG and allowing 76. 

The pick: Drake smashed Air Force 81-53 at home in its last outing, but with two straight "cream puffs" at home before the X-Mas Break (Chicago State and North Dakota), I think the Bulldogs get caught looking ahead here. South Dakota lost to Drake 69-53 in late November, so the "revenge factor" comes into play here as well. I like the hungry underdog home side to at the very least, keep this one close enough to comfortably sneak in through the back door down the stretch. 

This is a 10* DESTRUCTION on South Dakota.

The set-up: St. Joes lost to Auburn in OT to open the season, and then it lost by 22 to Kansas immediatley after. The Hawks have had to deal with some COVID issues over the last couple of weeks, so they come in rested/focused and prepared. Drexel is 3-2 so far, but it's competition is suspect for sure. Last year the Dragons were 14-19. The Hawks have plenty of veteran talent, led by Taylor Funk and Ryan Daly. 

The pick: Saint Joseph's is being undervalued in this spot. Yes, we have more to draw upon from Drexel, but as mentioned above, its competition to this point has been far from difficult. The trend in the early going for CBB teams dealing with COVID issues is that they've struggled a bit, but I'm bucking that trend here. The Hawks have a deep and talented group and this is the perfect opponent to get untracked against. While the outright win is obviously in play here, I'll still recommend to grab as many points as you can.

This is a 10* SLAM-DUNK on St. Joseph's.

The set-up: North Dakota at 1-5 comes in under the radar here in my estimatoin vs. the 3-0 Southern Illinois Salukis. The Fighting Hawks are averaging 66 PPG and allowing 71.5. Southern Illinois has averaged 86.3 PPG and it's allowed 68.7. 

The pick: Yes, North Dakota is struggling in areas, but Southern Illinois' early numbers are skewed due to the level of the competition it's faced. North Dakota is also 7-3 ATS in its last ten road games as an underdog in the +7 to +10.5 points range. I think the Salukis come in complacent, get caught looking past their lowly opponent, and while I'll stop short in calling for the outright upset, everything points to this one being decided in the closing moment. Therefore, I'm grabbing the points.

This is an 8* DESTRUCTION on North Dakota.

The set-up:

The pick:

This is a 10* COACH'S CORNER on Montana.

The set-up: The Oral Roberts Golden Eagles are ranked #38th in offense and 276th in defense and the Oklahoma Sooners are ranked #30th in offense and 257th in defense. Oklahoma is coming off a 31-point win over Florida A&M on Saturday, but with the Big 12 schedule starting this weekend, with a game at home vs. Texas Tech, I think the stage is set for a minor letdown from the home side here. 

The pick: Oral Roberts comes in with momentum as well after beating sub-divison Bacone 96-65 in its latest action. Oral Roberts has been extremely competitive this year already, taking both Wichita State and Oklahoma State down to the wire in five-point losses. This is a few too many points for the Sooners to cover here, so make sure to grab as many as you can!

This is a 9* $UPER-$HOCKER on Oral Roberts.

The set-up: The 2-5 Mavericks are going to sneak in under the radar here in my opinion and easily get the job done by sneaking in through the back door down the stretch. In the early going the Mavericks are averaging 61.7 PPG and allowing 77.1. Only two players average in double figures for the Mavericks. I'm not going to try and convince you that Nebraska Omaha is a good team that's just run into some bad luck, as that's not the case. In every respect the Buffs are the better team. They're 3-1 and they average 72 points, while allowing 55. 

The pick: But with its Pac 12 schedule set to begin against Washington this weekend, I do think that Colorado takes the foot off the gas in the second half. Additionally note that Colorado has struggled mightily in this exact position for bettors by going just 2-5 ATS in its last seven at home and just 4-10 ATS in its last 14 overall. A great situational play here, as I look for the hungry Mavericks to comfortably cover with a solid push in the second half vs. this Colorado team which will cruise to victory and take the foot off the gas as it's winding down.

This is an 8* DESTRUCTION on Nebraska Omaha.

The set-up: The Ramblers come in under the radar and post a solid cover here in my opinion. Loyola Chicago is 3-0 after a solid 77-66 win over UIC last time out. The Ramblers are averaging 80.3 points and allowing just 55. Loyola Chicago gets the job done with a combination of experience, depth and strong defensive play. 

The pick: Wisconsin comes in off a 73-62 win over URI. But with over a week off before a home game against Nebraska, followed by an X-Mas Day road matchup at Michigan State, this one sets up as a classic "trap" for the Badgers. Wisconsin averages 77.8 PPG, while allowing 59.2, but note that the Badgers just 2-7 ATS in their last nine after holding a team to 65 points or less in a victory in their last outing. No outright, but closer than expected. Grab the points.

This is an 8* DESTRUCTION on Loyola Chicago.

The set-up: Outright victory? I'm not calling for that. But I do expect this one to be a lot closer than what this spread would suggest. Charlotte is 1-3 and Davidson is 3-2. The 49ers loss to Appalachian State last time out. Davidson comes in off victories over UNLV and Georgia Southern. The Wildcats have been competitive this year, but consistency from game-to-game has been a concern in the early going. Davidson is also just 2-5 ATS in its last seven after an ATS victory. 

The pick: Charlotte's win/loss record is not indicative of how it's played. It's gotten progressively better and more competitive with each outing, losing 66-57 to East Carolina, 76-65 to Georgia State, before then beating SC State 78-40, before then falling 61-58 to the Mountaineers last time out. Note that the 49ers are also 11-4-1 ATS in their last 16 following a straight-up loss. No outright, but look for the hungrier 49ers to cmofortably sneak in through the back door down the stretch.

This is a 10* MID-MAJOR MAULING on Charlotte.

The set-up: Coastal Carolina is 4-0 and I think it comes to play today. Most recently the Chanticleers smashed subdivision Greensboro 103-45. CC has played some terrible competition, but in the early going it's numbers are definitely impressive, averaging 102.8 PPG and conceding just 60. 

The pick: Wofford comes in reeling after back-to-back losses. Most recently the Terriers lost a heart-breaking 58-56 contest against USF. Wofford averages 81.8 PPG and it allows 55.3. When looking at these line-ups, the numbers are very evenly matched. This one comes down to motivation and momentum and while I do think the outright win is possible, let's grab the points as this one is destined to come right down to the wire.

This is an 8* COACH'S CORNER on Coastal Carolina.

The set-up: San Diego is 0-1, as it's had four of its games either canceled or postponed due to COVID. San Diego was supposed to open with Cal State Fullerton, but instead when it did finally get to play it had to face UCLA. Now the Toreros finally get to play at home and I think they'll rally and find a way to take care of the 4-2 Wolfpack, who enter off an 87-77 loss to Grand Canyon State. The Wolfpack are playing their seventh game, while San Diego is playing just its second. I think fatigue is a factor for Nevada tonight. 

The pick: The Torero's are a younger team, but with a spread like this, clearly the oddsmaker think these teams are very evenly matched. But the outside situational factors listed above working in favor of the home side makes it the correct call here in my opinion. Grab the points.

This is an 8* DESTRUCTION on San Diego.

The set-up: Mercer is 5-0 and Georgia Southern is 3-1. After three straight wins, the Eagles lost to a tough Davidson team last time out. The Bears have looked sharp in the early going, but I think these teams are very evenly matched. 

The pick: Mercer has also played four smaller schools during its 5-0 start, so its numbers are skewed. I think the Bears take a step back in this difficult road venue and I look for the Eagles to bounce back after falling to Davidson and improve to 7-2 ATS in their last nine following a SU/ATS loss. Grab the points.

This is a 10* MID-MAJOR MAULING on Georgia Southern.

The set-up: Am I predicting an outright upset? Of course not! In my opinion, this is a great "situational spot wager." The Cleveland State Vikings are 0-2 and they're completely outclassed here, but I think they'll catch Ohio State flat-footed and disinterested here and I expect them to have a golden opportunity to keep this one close enough in the second half with the large spread it's been afforded. The Buckeyes squeaked by Notre Dame 90-85 last time out, and with a game at Purdue up next, following by a neutral court affair vs. North Carolina, can anyone say "look ahead" spot as well?!

The pick: Cleveland State threw in the white flag early in its 55 point loss to Ohio, but with that awkward and humbling blowout out of the way I think the Vikings are in fact being undervalued here. This is a great situational spot bet. No outright, but closer than expected. Grab the points.

This is an 8* DESTRUCTION on Cleveland State.

The set-up: La Salle is the "hungrier" dog in this fight at 1-3. So far in the early going the Explorers are averaging 63.8 points and allowing 67.3. Drexel has won three in a row and enters at 4-1, averaging 69.8 PPG and conceding 60.8. On paper, clearly Drexel is the better team. 

The pick: But I'll caution on reading too much into any of these numbers at this point. In a normal season, it's difficult to properly assess a team until after a full month is played. These teams are just starting their seasons and clearly the oddsmakers also believe they're very evenly matched with a spread like this. La Salle though is 7-2 ATS in its last nine after scoring 80 or more points in a victory in its last outing. Grab the points.

This is a 10* DESTRUCTION on La Salle.

The set-up: Marist is 2-0, coming off two close victories and I expect another battle until the final horn tonight as well vs. the Golden Griffins. Last year the Red Foxes were just 7-23 and they lost to Canisius twice. This is Canisius's first game of the year and while it did beat Marist twice last season, it still only finished 12-20 overall. Marist returns key players from last year's team and a major improvement is expected. Keep your eyes on Michael Cubbage, who averaged 13.5 PPG last year. 

The pick: The Golden Griffins return key players as well, but I think that chemistry is going to be an issue. Marist has two games under its belt and I think that's crucial here. Marist is also 7-2 ATS in its last nine after two or more SU victories in a row. The outright is possible obviously, but grab as many points as you can.

This is a 10* MID-MAJOR MAULING on Marist.

The set-up: The Gophers are 5-0 straight-up, but they're only 1-3-1 ATS, failing to cover in three straight. I think that trend ends here in blowout fashion. UMKC is 2-2 so far, dropping its last two, most recently 62-58 to K-State. Minnesota enters off an 85-80 win over Boston College, getting 22 points from Marcus Carr. These teams aren't even close to being on the same level and there's no risk of the Gophers losing this game outright. Minnesota will win this game easily and I think also cover the spread at the same time as it looks to take advantage of this matchup, before tough upcoming games at Illinois and versus Iowa, Michigan State and Wisconsin. 

The pick: Minnesota is also 4-1 ATS in its last five after three straight ATS losses, while UMKC is just 2-6 ATS in its last eight after scoring 60 points or less in a SU loss in its previous outing. The Gophers have one last chance to pad their stats before the meat of their schedule and I look for them to do just that. Lay the points.

This is a 10* COACH'S CORNER on Minnesota.

The set-up: Cal is 2-3 and I think it's going to at the very least, take this one right down to the wire with the 2-2 Pepperdine Waves. Cal has lost to Oregon State, Arizona State and UCLA so far, while the Waves have lost to UCLA and SDSU. Both teams have struggled with stiffer competition and done well against the lower-tiered teams. 

The pick: The Waves were dominated in the second half in their loss to the Aztecs 45-26. Cal for the most part has been very competitive this year. The Golden Bears have responded well in this spot for bettors over the years though, as they're 12-4 ATS in their last 15 after scoring 58 points or less in a SU/ATS loss in their last outing. There's only a handful of games left for these teams in the regular season and I just don't see a very big talent gap whatsoever between these clubs. I think it'll come down to whichever of these hungry sides has its hands on the ball last and in a situation like that, I'm grabbing the points.

This is a 10* GAME OF THE MONTH on Cal.

The set-up: Outright victory? Anything under 10 points and it's always a very real possibility in basketball. The Herd are 2-0 and COC is 1-2. Marshall enters off an 80-64 win over Wright State. So far the Herd are averaging 75 points and allowing 60. 

The pick: COC is coming off an 81-57 loss to Furman. Zep Jasper was a lone bright spot with 12 points. COC is averaging 72.3 PPG and it's allowing 73, but note that it's 7-1 ATS in its last eight after scoring 60 points or less in a SU/ATS loss in its previous outing. I think this one comes down to the wire, so grab as many points as you can.

This is an 8* DESTRUCTION on College Of Charleston.

The set-up: Rhode Island is 3-2 and Wisconsin is 3-1. After three straight victories, I think the Rams take a step back here. Rhode Island averages 79.2 PPG, while allowing 73. Fatts Russell is averaging 17.6 points and 3.6 assists to lead the team. 

The pick: The Badgers average 79 points, while conceding only 58.5. Leading the way is Nate Reuvers, who is averaging 14 points and 4.5 rebounds, along with Micah Potter, who is averaging 12.8 points and 6.5 rebounds. Both teams are strong. But a loss to Marquette aside, the Badgers have National Championship caliber and I expect them to pull away down the stretch, as I look for their elite level defense to be just too much for the Rams to handle. Lay the points.

This is an 8* SITUATIONAL MISMATCH on Wisconsin.

The set-up: USC is 3-1 SU and 2-2 ATS. With Stanford coming to town this weekend, I think the Trojans take the foot off the gas in the second half and I like the 1-2 SU UC Irvine Anteaters to take advantage. USC comes in off its first loss of the year, a 61-58 setback to UConn, while UC Irvine enters off its first win of the year, a 104-54 win over La Sierra. 

The pick: USC is winning by an average margin of 11.2 PPG this year, but it's also just 2-7 ATS in its last nine after scoring 60 points or less in a SU/ATS loss in its previous outing. Look for the hungry Anteaters to comfortably sneak in through the back door down the stretch.

This is a 10* $UPER-$HOCKER on UC Irvine.

The set-up: Outright victory? I'm not calling for one. That said, I do think this one will come right down to the wire and as such, I'm grabbing the ample points. Montana is 0-2. It won't be lacking for motivation today and that's what I like when I look at potential teams to wager on. Overall the Grizzlies are averaging 66.3 PPG and allowing 71.7. 

The pick: Georgia is off to a 3-0 start, but its competition has been suspect. The Bulldogs have over a week off after this game, and then conference play begins with Cincinnati coming to town. The Bulldogs are not a great team and I think they get caught looking ahead. Note as well that the Grizzlies are 7-2 ATS in their last nine after three or more SU losses. As mentioned off the top, no outright, but closer than expected. Grab the points.

This is an 8* DESTRUCTION on Montana.

The set-up: Lipscomb is 1-3, while Southeast Missouri State is 1-1. The Bison beat Lamar in their opener, but it's faced three stiff opponents since and gone 0-3 (Tulane, Cininnati and Arkansas.) The Redhawks lost to Southern Illinois in their last outing. The Bison have performed well in this spot for bettors going, going 5-1 ATS in their last six following an ATS loss. 

The pick: The Redhawks on the other hand are just 4-9 ATS in their last 13 vs. teams with losing SU records. The Bison do indeed have a losing SU record, but that's due to the level of early competition. I look for Lipscomb's depth to prove to be too much for the Redhawks to handle. Lay the points.

This is an 8* DESTRUCTION on Lipscomb.

The set-up: FAU is 2-2 and North Florida is 0-5. The Owls are coming off back-to-back victories, but I think they finally stumble here vs. this desperate Ospreys side. In the early going FAU is averaging 81.8 PPG and allowing 58.3. This is in large part due to the level of its early competition though obviously. 

The pick: The Ospreys average 61.8 PPG and they allow 82.8. UNF has faced some decent competition out of the gate, but after four-straight on the road and one neutral site game, a little home-cooking is just what the doctor ordered for the Ospreys. With a week off before another game at Stetson, I think FAU gets caught looking ahead and flat-footed here. I'm grabbing the points, but would not be shocked by the outright victory.

This is a 10* GAME OF THE WEEK on North Florida.

The set-up: Kentucky is 1-2 and Georgia Tech is 0-2. Last year Kentucky won this game 67-53, setting this up as a revenge spot for the home side. The Wildcats have lost their last two games and after their disappointing setback to Kansas in their last outing, I believe they come out flat here. Richmond also upset Kentucky 76-64 as a 6.5 point dog this year. 

The picks: Georgia Tech is desperate as it looks to avoid the 0-3 hole. The Yellow Jackets can smell the blood in the water, as this Kentucky team is just not the same as in year's past after losing its top six scorers from a year ago. Additionally note that Kentucky is just 1-4-1 ATS in its last six road games vs. a team with a losing home record. Public perception has driven this road line larger than it should be. Outright is possible, but I'm going to recommend to grab as many points as you can in the end.

This is a 10* COACH'S CORNER on Georgia Tech.

The set-up:

The picks:

This is an 8* DESTRUCTION on UCF.

The set-up: The Samford Bulldogs are 1-1 and the Belmont Bruins are 3-0. Am I predicting an outright upset here? I'm not. But I do think this one'll be a lot closer than what the oddsmakers are trying to lead us to believe. Samford is averaging 87 PPG and it's allowing 75.5. Of course, the sample size is small, but the season is a short one. 

The picks: The Bruins are averaing 81.7 PPG and they're allowing 68.7. These teams numbers are similar in the early going. Belmont is absolutely the better team here, but I think it gets caught looking past its lowly opponent and takes the foot off the gas in the second half. Samford's offense has impressed early and I think it'll hang tight late. Grab the points!

This is a 10* COACH'S CORNER on Samford.

The set-up: Both teams are winless. North Florida is 0-4 and High Point is 0-2. North Florida though has faced "murderers row" early thogh, with contests vs. Eastern Kentucky, NC State, Miami and Florida State. High Point has lost to Davidson and Elon. 

The pick: These teams are similar, but I've seen much more from the Ospreys and than the Panthers his season. Note as well that High Point is a poor 12-26 ATS in its last 38 home games, while North Florida is 21-6 ATS in it slast 27 road games. The Panthers are thin after their starters and that plays into this one as well. An outright is possible, but in the end grab as many points as you can.

This is an 8* DESTRUCTION on North Florida.

The set-up: Minnesota is 3-0, most recently coming off a 67-64 win over Loyola Marymount. The Gophers average 84.7 PPG, and they concede just 68.7. North Dakota is 0-2, averaging 70.2, but allowing 77.5. Clearly Minnesota is the better team, but I think it takes the foot off the gas in the second half as it gets ready for Boston College to come to town on Monday. 

The pick: The Fighting Hawks are bad, but they know how to score. This is a great situational play in my opinion and just too many points, as I think the Gophers shiny 3-0 start has the general betting public helping in pushing this line a little too high. Clearly I'm not calling for an outright, but definitely closer than expected!

This is a 10* $UPER-$HOCKER on North Dakota.

The set-up: In a game which I see being decided by whichever of these evenly matched teams has its hands on the ball last, I'm going to grab the points. The Rockets are 2-2 after four games, while EMU is 0-1 after falling 83-67 at Michigan State to open up its campaign. The Rockets most recently beat Cleveland State 70-61 at home, but I think they'll struggle to find that same consistency on the road. EMU has four starters returning from a team that went 16-16 and I expect their determination after the setback to the Spartans to be a difference-maker here. 

The picks: EMU is also 7-2 ATS in its last nine home games following a ten points or greater SU road loss. Home court can't be overlooked as a very real advantage in this matchup. The outright is possible, but in the end let's grab the points!

This is an 8* DESTRUCTION on Eastern Michigan.

The set-up: Arizona State smashed Houston Baptist 100-77 last time out. Cal is riding a two-game winning streak, but I think it's completely outclassed here. Cal beat Nicholls 60-49 last time out. Arizona State averages 89.3 PPG, while Cal allows 60.3. 

The pick: This is the first true test for both teams this season. The season is still young. ASU has more depth and experience though and note that Cal is 0-5 the last five in this series. Arizona State on the other hand is 9-3 in its last 12 vs. unranked opponents. Cal doesn't have the scoring to keep pace, so lay the points!

This is an 8* SITUATIONAL BLOWOUT on Arizona State.

The set-up: Tennessee Tech enters off a 79-48 loss to Xavier. Kenny White Jr. was decent in defeat with 13 points. The Golden Eagles early numbers are poor, but this is a great "situational" play in my opinion, as Northern Kentucky comes in off a tight 74-73 win over Ball State in its opener and with a game at 2-0 Chattanooga up next, this sets up as a classic letdown/look-ahead spot for the home side. 

The picks: Tennessee Tech is still 4-1 ATS in its last five overall, while UNT is just 2-6 ATS in its last eight as a home favorite in the 10.5 to 12.5 points range. Is UNT the better team here? Probably, but there's still plenty of unknowns. I'm not predicting an outright upset, but the stage is definitely set for a much more competitive battle than what Las Vegas is trying to lead us to believe.

This is a 10* MID-MAJOR MAULING on Tennessee Tech.

The set-up: Murray State had its first three games cancelled, but won its last one by a lop-sided score of 173-95 over the Greenville Panthers (sub-division team obviously). MTSU is 0-2, most recently coming off a 57-43 loss to East Tennessee State. This is a big yard-stick game for both teams. They're evenly matched and I expect this one to be decided by whichever team has its hands on the ball last. 

The picks: MTSU's offense has been lacklustre, but it catches a break today facing this unproven Murray State offense. The Blue Raiders' defense though has been sharp and the massive step up in play, combined with the road venue will prove to be Murray State's undoing today in my estimation. I think the home side pushes the pace from start to finish and while the outright win is obviously not out of the question, in the end I'll recommend to grab as many points as you can.

This is an 8* DESTRUCTION on MTSU.

The set-up: Morehead State enters this game off a confidence building 69-61 win over Arkansas State last time out and while I'm not predicting an outright upset or anything here, I do think that the Buckeyes will get caught looking past their lowly opponent today to a few days, before three straight road games at Notre Dame, Purdue and North Carolina respectively. From a situational stand point, the back door has definitely been left wide open for the Eagles to fly through. Ohio State is 2-0, coming off a 74-64 win over UMass-Lowell last time out. 

The pick: This same Morehead State team just gave Richmond a run for its money a couple of weeks ago, a team which just upset Kentucky a few days ago. Ohio State is the better team that's playing at home, but this is way too many points considering the circumstances. I'm grabbing the points.

This is an 8* COACH'S CORNER on Morehead State.

The set-up: The Cornhuskers enter off a disheartening 69-66 last second loss to Nevada in their last game and I think they'll still collectively be hung up on that setback. SDSU won't be lacking for motivation as it's 0-2 to start. Most recently the Coyotes lost 69-53 to Drake. 

The pick: The Cornhuskers are the bigger, more talented team that's at home and on paper, they're clearly the better team here. But I think this one sets up great from a situational stand point for the underdog visiting side, which I think comes in under the radar here. With a game vs. lowly FAMU up next, I think the Huskers come out flat here and play down to the level of their competition. Conversely, everything points to SDSU fighting tooth and nail until the final horn. Grab the points!

This is a 10* GAME OF THE WEEK on South Dakota.

The set-up: Cleveland State won only 11 games last year, but with most of its players returning, the Vikings are going to take a step forward this season. This is a revenge game as well, as Toledo won this game on the road 80-65. The ROckets have lost two of their first three, including a three-point loss to Xavier. 

The pick: I think Toledo is the better overall team in this matchup, but the situation favors Cleveland State. I think Toledo is still mentally hung up on the Xavier loss, while Cleveland State is not getting enough respect from the oddsmakers in my estimation considering the players that are returning. No outright, but much closer than this spread would suggest. 

This is an 8* PLAY-BOOK on Cleveland State.

The set-up: Oklahoma State is 2-0 and I think an outright win is possible in this matchup as well. Most recently it enters off a 20-point win over Texas Southern. Marquette is 2-0 as well, most recently beating Eastern Illinois 75-50 on Friday. Overall the Cowboys average 80.0 PPG and they allow 66.5, while Marquette averages 87 and allows 53.5. Of course, these early numbers for both teams are skewed due to the level of the competion. 

The pick: With a spread like this, the oddsmakers clearly believe these teams are evenly matched. And they are. However Oklahoma State's outside shooting is the difference maker for me (42% from range). In a contest which I see coming down to whichever of these team's has its hands on the ball last, I'm going to grab the points.

This is an 8* SUPER SHOCKER on Oklahoma State.

The set-up: No need to overanalyze this pick. I played against Oakland last night in its loss to Xavier on Wednesday night. This is the middle game of the first annual Xavier Invitational. Oakland lost 101-49 and I believe it'll have its hands full here today as well. The Rockets on the other hand lost a 61-59 decision to Bradley in their opener. Toldedo cover the spread though with the 2.5 points it was afforded. Four players scored in double figures for the Rockets and I like them to take out their frustrations on the younger Grizzlies. 

The picks: The Grizzlies had no players score in double figures yesterday. Note that they're a poor 1-4 ATS in their last five after allowing 100 points or more in their previous outing, while the Rockets are a sharp 4-1 ATS in their last five neutral site games. Oakland won this matchup last year, so Toledo also has the revenge factor going for it as well. Look for Toledo's depth and experience to prove to be the difference and lay the points!

This is an 8* SITUATIONAL DESTRUCTION on Toledo.

The set-up: Xavier was 19-13 last year and Oakland finished 14-19. The Grizzlies will start the year without star guard Zion Young, due to eligibility issues. Oakland lost plenty of other talent in the off-season and while this used to be a mid-major team which the power conferences had to take seriously, that's not going to be the case this year. Rashad Williams averaged 19.5 points per game last year, but beyond him, this Grizzlies team is thin for sure. 

The pick: Xavier Coach Travis Steele is on the hot seat this year. The Musketeers are accustomed to winning big, but he's yet to attain the level that the fan base expects. With many key starters and others returning though, Steele is set to have his team climb back to prominence. Paul Scruggs averaged 12.7 points per game last year, and he leads a rugged group of gritty swingmen. Look for Xavier's depth and experience to prove to be too much for these young Grizzlies to handle down the stretch. 

This is an 8* DESTRUCTION on Xavier.

The set-up: I had a play on the Heat in Game 5 and I think they'll cover here as well. At the very least. The outright win is possible to I believe, but in this case I think the safter route is to grab the points. LA is running low on energy and its role players have been struggling to keep up with Miami's bench production. The Heat have been playing great defensively as well. 

The pick: Miami has been an ATS covering machine in the playoffs, and LA is just 1-7 ATS in its last eight vs. the Eastern Conference. Anthony Davis is hampered by injuries and the Heat can smell the blood in the water. As stated above, I think the outright win is possible, but in the end let's grab the points!

This is a 10* SIDE BLOCKBUSTER on the Miami Heat.