SATURDAY NIGHT NBA TOTAL

Both the Golden State Warriors and the Oklahoma City Thunder have played mostly low-scoring games in recent weeks with the under 8-1 in the Warriors' last nine overall and 8-2 in OKC's last 10 overall. 

We can also note that Warriors' superstar forward Kevin Durant missed Wednesday's matchup at Houston with an ankle injury and is questionable for this contest. 

The first two meetings of the season have seen an average of only 213 points and under is 9-1 the last 10 meetings in the series. This total looks way too inflated to pass up on.  

8* play on UNDER. 

SUPER EARLY UCONN VS. HOUSTON AAC TOTAL

Two teams more than capable of running up the score will clash in Friday's early matchup at FedExForum as the Connecticut Huskies clash with Houston Cougars in the quarterfinals of the AAC Tournament. 

Houston is coming off an 85-69 win over Cincinnati. It has scored 85+ points in three of its last four games and averages 76.4 ppg on the season. Connecticut shot 13-of-24 from behind the arc in an 80-73 win over South Florida last night to make it two straight games with 80+ points scored. 

Over is 9-2 in Cougars last 11 Friday games. Over is 9-2 in Cougars last 11 Friday games.

8* play on OVER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA): MIKE'S TOP RATED 10* TOTAL

The Indiana Pacers should be farily well rested here following 103-98 win over New York at home Tuesday night.

They've struggled to put points on the board of late though, averaging only 98.8 ppg through their last four but have limited opponents to a league-best 103.9 ppg on the season.

Under is 24-11 in Pacers' games home at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. They enter this contest off four straight unders and under is 16-5 in Pacers' games after three or more consecutive unders this season. 

The OKC Thunder will be playing on no rest after defeating the Nets last night. They have failed to cover the spread in each of their last three playing on zero days rest while Indiana is 4-0 in its last four against opponents playing on back-to-back nights. Under is 13-3 in OKC's games as underdogs this season and 19-10 when playing against a team with a winning record.

10* play on UNDER. 

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The Golden State Warriors took a 115-111 home loss to the West-worst Suns on Sunday. That can't sit right with the two-time defending champions who had impressed in a 17-point win over Denver just a couple days earlier. I expect a solid outing from the Warriors tonight. 

"Frustrated," Warriors coach Steve Kerr said describing his team. "Frustrated with our play, with ourselves, just our approach. So, we all feel it. I think the Denver game was a better indicator of what we're capable of, and then to so quickly get off track one game later, that's very frustrating and that's something we've got to correct. We've got to build some momentum; we've got to build better habits. We've got to stay connected emotionally, and it's the only way it can work."

Here the Warriors will be playing on two days rest and facing a Houston Rockets team that will be playing its third game in four nights and is in a letdown spot after winning nine in a row. The run that started with a win in Oakland on Feb 23, but this is a good spot to back the Warriors to avenge that loss. 

Additionally we can note that under is 7-1 in Warriors last eight vs. a team with a winning straight up record and 20-8 in Rockets last 28 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.

8* play on UNDER. 

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The Memphis Grizzlies turned over a lot of their roster at the trade deadline, but that have only had a positive effect so far. They enter this contest as winners of four of their last five (5-0 ATS), with the lone SU loss as a 10-point underdog at Oklahoma City. 

Here the Grizzlies will be playing on two days rest since a 105-97 win over Orlando on Sunday and are 10-3 ATS in their last 13 games playing on two days rest.

The Atlanta Hawks will also play on two days rest after snapping a three-game losing streak with a 128-116 win over New Orleans on Sunday. They're 6-19-1 ATS in their last 26 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points though, and note that the Hawks are playing with some minute restrictions for key players late in the season. 

Atlanta is often involved in high-scoring games but under is 5-1 in the last six meetings with Memphis. With both teams well rested I expect to see aggressive defense from both sides, and that will fit Memphis and its superior defense just fine. Take Grizzlies to win a relatively low-scoring game. 

8* play on UNDER.

LATE NIGHT NCAAB TOTAL

The St. Mary's Gaels have played seven straight unders and have not been in action since a 69-55 loss to Gonzaga on March 2. I would not be surprised to see them come out rusty with some wild shooting to start this game. 

It certainly won't help matter that the Gaels will face a San Diego side that has held its first three opponents in the WCC tournament to an average of 49.7 ppg. Under is 6-2 in the Toreros' last eight overall. 

The under is 5-0 in the last five head-to-head meetings and they combined for just 112 points in the very last matchup in the series just a few weeks ago. 

8* play on UNDER. 

TOP RATED 10* SUNDAY NIGHT NBA TOTAL 

The Phoenix Suns will head to Oakland with their heads held high as they had won three on the bounce before taking a 127-120 loss at Portland on Saturday. Under is 8-4 in Phoenix games with total of 230+ points this season and I think we'll see a relatively low-scoring affair as they visit the Golden State Warriors Sunday night. 

The Suns had allowed just 103.3 ppg during their winning streak and limited the Milwaukee Bucks to 105 points Monday night. Here they'll face a Golden State Warriors team that is coming off a 122-105 win over Denver to make it six unders through their last seven games. The Warriors have not played particularly well of late and will most likely not do much more than needed to get the W here. 

Golden State claimed the first meeting of the season 117-107 about a month ago and has won 18 straight meetings in the series. The Warriors have outscored Phoenix by an average of 16.4 points during that stretch, and I think we'll see Golden State run up the score early and then slow down the tempo in the 4th quarter. Who will cover is tough to say as the Suns might get the backdoor cover, but I'm confident this game will stay under the total. 

10* play on UNDER. 

NCAAB DAYTIME DESTROYER TOTAL

The Iowa Hawkeyes are losers of three in a row and shot just 30.5% from the field in a 65-45 loss to Wisconsin last time out.They'll have coach Fran McCaffery back on the bench for this contest after serving a two-game suspension.

I think coach McCaffery will be looking for a solid defensive effort from the Hawkeyes, but their scoring woes are likely to continue against a Nebraska side that has held opponents to 59.1 ppg home at Pinnacle Bank Arena this season (under is 6-1 in Cornhuskers last seven home games). 

8* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (NBA): MIKE'S TOP RATED TOTAL

The Golden State Warriors are in need of a solid defensive outing following a 128-95 blowout loss to Boston Tuesday night. Only one of their last six games have gone over the total total and under is 8-2 in Warriors last 10 games after allowing more than 125 points in their previous game. Tonight they'll face Denver team that seen each of its last seven games go under the total.

Both the Nuggets and the Warriors are obviously very capable of putting up good numbers, but neither side is playing particularly well at the moment. I expect to see a tight playoff-like affair as they jostle for the top spot in the conference and home-court advantage throughout the Western playoffs. 

10* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (CBB): MIKE'S BEST BIG EAST TOTAL

The Creighton Bluejays host the Providence Friars at CHI Health Center Omaha Wednesday night. Under is 8-1 in the last nine meetings, and I think this will be another relatively low-scoring affair.

Providence had played back-to-back unders (against St. John's and Marquette) before going over at Butler last time out, but only because the game went to OT.

Under is 10-1 in Friars last 11 vs. a team with a winning straight up record, and here it'll face a Creighton team that held conference-leading Marquette to 60 points last time out.

Under is 3-0 in Bluejays games where they held their previous opponent to 60 point or fewer this season and 9-1 in their last 10 overall.

10* play on UNDER. 

CELTICS @ WARRIORS MIDNIGHT MADNESS

The Golden State Warriors are coming off a high-scoring 120-117 win at Philadelphia Saturday night, but that game still went under an extremely bloated total which closed at 238 points. The total for this contest is not quite as inflated, but I see many trends supporting the under here. 

Under is 6-0 in both the Celtics and the Warriors last six vs. a team with a winning straight up record. The Celtics have averaged only 102 ppg through a 1-5 slide and under is 8-1 in their last nine road games. 

Under is 6-0 in the last six meetings in this series.

8* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA): MIKE'S TOP RATED EASTERN CONF TOTAL

This will be the 2nd leg of a back-to-back set for the Detroit Pistons, but they didn't have to spend too much energy in a comfortable 129-93 win over the short-handed Cleveland Cavaliers Saturday afternoon. 

Under is 25-8-1 in their last 34 games playing on zero days rest and the Pistons should have plenty of gas left in the tank to play good defense in this matchup with the Toronto Raptors. "We played as well as we expected," Detroit coach Dwane Casey said. "I wouldn't put anything into the amount of points or the point differential. I promise it's not going to be that type of game tomorrow."

Toronto is coming off a high-scoring 119-117 triumph over Portland Friday night, but they had played two straight unders prior to that and under is 7-2 in their last nine vs. Eastern Conference foes. 

The Pistons defeated the Raptors 106-104 in Toronto on Nov. 14 and under is 3-1-1 in the last five meetings in the series.

10* play on UNDER. 

SUPER EARLY BLAZERS @ HORNETS TOTAL

The Portland Trail Blazers took a 119-117 loss at Toronto on Friday and over is 3-1 in their last four games. The Charlotte Hornets recorded a 123-112 win at Brooklyn the same night and five of their last six games have gone over the total. 

Additionally, over is 11-1-1 in Trail Blazers last 13 games playing on one days rest and 13-3-1 in their last 17 vs. opponents from the Eastern Conference. 

8* play on OVER. 

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The Brooklyn Nets are coming off back-to-back home losses, the most recent a 123-112 setback to Charlotte Friday night. They're 2-10 ATS in their last 12 games playing on zero days rest and 1-5 ATS in their last six games vs. a team with a losing straight up record. The Miami Heat have dropped four of their last five but put up a good fight in a 121-118 loss at Houston on Thursday. They really need a win here, entering Saturday 1 1/2 games out of a playoff spot. I think the rest advantage, as slim as it is, and desperation will be the deciding factor for the home team.

In addition, I also think we have good angles supporting the over. The Nets have allowed an average of 124 points through their last two games and over is 7-2 in their last nine overall. The Heat have allowed an average of 122.3 points through their last four games with each going over the total.

8* play on OVER. 

GAME OF THE YEAR (CBB): MIKE'S BEST 2018/2019 REG SEASON TOTAL

The No. 4 Kentucky Wildcats put an 86-69 beating on the No. 7 Tennessee Volunteers three weeks ago and have won an additional three straight games since. They've played great defense during that four-game stretch, holding opponents to an average of 61.5 ppg. 

The Vols had won 19 straight prior to that defeat, and you better believe the home side will be angry and hungry for revenge here in the rematch at Thompson-Boling Arena Saturday afternoon. They've struggled to put points on the board lately though, scoring just an average of 70 ppg through their last four contests (including an 80 point OT outing at LSU). 

Under is 7-1 in Wildcats last eight overall and 13-5-2 in Volunteers last 20 vs. a team with a winning straight up record. Under is 13-5-2 in the last 20 meetings.

Kentucky, Tennessee, and LSU are tied at the top of the SEC with identical 13–2 records, so this is a lot at stake here. I expect to see a tense, low-scoring affair. 

10* play on UNDER. 

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This looks like too many points for the Golden State Warriors to cover. They're 1-7 ATS through their last eight games overall will be playing on no rest here following a 126-125 loss at Miami last night. Warriors are 0-5-1 ATS in their last six games playing on zero days rest and 3-13 ATS in their last 16 Thursday night games.

The Magic have won eight of their last 11 contests overall and are 6-2 ATS L8 despite a lackluster outing last time out, a five-point loss at New York. It's very likely the Magic looked past the lowly Knicks though, and I have no doubt they'll be fired up for this matchup with the reigning champions. 

Golden State has won 11 straight vs. Orlando but won by just six home in Oakland back in November. Bank on the host to keep it close at Amway Center Thursday night. 

I also think we have good angles to back the under here: Under is 17-7-1 in Warriors last 25 games following a straight up loss and 7-2 in their last nine games after allowing more than 125 points in their previous game. Under is 10-2 in Magic's last 12 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600.

8* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (CBB): MIKE'S TOP RATED ACC TOTAL

The Under is 8-2 in the Duke Blue Devils last 10, 18-6-2 in their last 26 and 7-0 in their last seven Tuesday night games. 

Zion Williamson (knee sprain) has been ruled out for this contest and I expect another relatively low-scoring contest for the Blue Devils tonight as they face a Virginia Tech team that held Notre Dame to 32.8 percent shooting from the field in a 67-59 triumph last time out. 

Under is 13-3 in Hokies last 16 vs. a team with a winning straight up record and 13-3 in the last 16 meetings with Duke. 

10* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA): MIKE'S TOP RATED TOTAL

The Nuggets won the first meeting of the season 126-118 home at Pepsi Center, but I think we'll see far fewer points on the board here in the rematch at Dallas Friday night. 

Under is 15-5-1 in the Mavs last 21 overall and they' allowed just 106.3 ppg home at American Airlines Center. Denver meanwhile is playing just .500 basketball on the road, and one reason is a big drop in points scored compared to home, 107.7 ppg vs. 112.0 ppg). 

Also keep in mind that this is both teams first game back from the All Star break, so rust and sloppy shooting can be expected.

10* play on UNDER. 

TOP RATED 10* MID-AMERICAN BOOKIE BREAKER TOTAL

The Buffalo Bulls are coming off a 114-67 rout of Ohio and have played three straight overs. They're scoring an average of 85.8 ppg overall which ballons to 90.3 ppg in front of the home town crowd at Alumni Arena. 

The Kent State Golden Flashes took an 84-74 loss at Central Michigan last time out and over is 7-2 in their nine games vs. teams that averages 77+ points/game. 

Over is 9-3 in the Bulls last 12 Friday night games and I think points will come fast and easy for both sides in this contest. 

10* play on OVER. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (NHL): MIKE'S TOP RATED TOTAL FOR FEBRUARY

The Anaheim Ducks have scored just nine goals through their last eight games but managed to snap a seven-game losing streak despite scoring just a single goal against Vancouver Wednesday night. 

Huge for GM Bob Murray to get a win and a shutout in his debut as interim coach after firing Randy Caryle, and I think Murray will put a lot of focus on improving a defense that has allowed an average of 3.16 gpg. 

Boston Bruins are coming off a 6-3 home win over Chicago but we can note that under is 16-6-1 in Bruins last 23 road games. Boston beat Anaheim 3-1 on Dec. 20  and I think this will be another low-scoring affair. 

10* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (CBB): MIKE'S TOP RATED PAC-12 TOTAL

The Arizona Wildcats have dropped five in a row and took a 69-55 home loss Saturday to Washington State. They've struggled to put points on the board in recent games, but over is still 5-1 in Wildcats last six road games and they've allowed 78.3 ppg on average away from home. 

The Utah Utes on the other hand have played very well offensively of late, coming off a 93-92 triumph at UCLA and they've scored 70 points or more in each of their last eight games. 

Over is 6-1 in Utes last seven games following a straight up win and each of the last three meetings with Arizona have gone over the total.

10* play on OVER. 

TGIF NBA TOTAL

The Golden State Warriors are in the zone right now and put a 141-102 beating on the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday.

Over is 12-4 in Warriors last 16 vs. a team with a losing straight up record and here they'll face a Phoenix team thad has lost 12t straight games but had put up 110 points or more in each of their last three prior to an 116-88 loss at Utah last time out.

Over is 6-2 in Suns last eight vs. a team with a winning straight up record. 

The Warriors routed Phoenix 132-109 here at Talking Stick Resort Arena on New Year's Eve and I see no reason why we shouldn't see another high-scoring (albeit one-sided) contest in the desert. 

8* play on OVER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA)

The San Antonio Spurs took a 141-102 beating at Golden State last night and have allowed 124 points or more in three of their last five games. 

Over is 13-3 in Spurs last 16 games playing on no rest and I think we'll see points come fast and easy for both teams here at Moda Center Thursday night. 

Spurs rested All-Star power forward LaMarcus Aldridge and shooting guard DeMar DeRozan last night but the duo is expected to be back here to take on a Portland team that had scored 120 points or more in three straight games prior to a 118-109 setback to Miami last time out. 

Over is 6-0-1 in Trail Blazers last seven home games and 12-4 in the last 16 meetings with the Spurs in Portland.

10* play on OVER. 

NBA MIDWEEK MADNESS TOTAL

The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Wizards 131-115 at Washington on Saturday night, and I think we'll see another high-scoring affair when they clash at Fiserv Forum in the rematch just four days later. 

Washington has lost four of five and allowed 130 points or more in three of those games, including a 137-129 setback to the visiting Atlanta Hawks on Monday. Over is 17-7 in Wizards matchups against teams with a winning record on the season and 26-17against teams that have allowed 106+ points/game on average. 

Milwaukee is the second highest scoring team in the NBA with 117.2 ppg and should have little trouble to get easy buckets against Wizards team that has allowed an average of 118.0 ppg on the road.

8* play on OVER. 

CREIGHTON @ NOVA BIG EAST TOTAL

The Villanova Wildcats host the Creighton Bluejays in Big East action Wednesday night.

Each of the last three meetings have gone over the total (including a 90-78 Nova win at Creighton on Jan 13), but note that under is 4-1 in the last five meetings in Villanova and I think we'll see a relatively low-scoring affair this time around. 

Note that over/under is 1-8-1 in Nova's matchups home at Finneran Pavilion on the season and it held a good Georgetown side to 33.8% shooting last time out. Creighton averages just 75.0 ppg on the road, far below its 81.0 mark home/away combined. 

Defense has been an issue for the Bluejays all season, but it held Xavier to 54 points and 7-of-24 shooting from behind the arc last time out.

8* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (NFL): MIKE'S TOP RATED SUPER BOWL LIII BEST BET

The BIG GAME is finally here; New England Patriots vs. Los Angeles Rams for all the marbles in Super Bowl LIII at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. 

The Pats have played high-scoring contests throughout the postseason, and I expect another shootout here against an explosive Rams team that averaged 32.9 ppg through the regular season. 

New England's 41 year old signal caller Tom Brady showed that age is just a number as the GOAT had little trouble to march his team down the field when it really mattered in the AFC Championship Game. 

The Patriots and the Chiefs combined for 38 points in Q4 alone of their AFC Championship clash, with 24 of the points coming in the last 3:32 of the quarter. We could very well see a similar scenario here with two clutch quarterbacks more than capable of marching down the field when it really matters. 

Over is now 7-1 in Patriots last eight playoff games and this Patriots team will have to score plenty of points here to have a shot at winning. 

10* play on OVER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (CBB): MIKE'S TOP RATED BIG TEN TOTAL

The Wisconsin Badgers have an 2-8 over/under record in Big Ten play on the season and have played five straight unders, one of them a 64-60 setback at Maryland on January 14 which closed with a total of 130.5 points. 

I think we'll see another low-scoring contest when they get a chance to avenge that loss Friday night. Maryland is scoring just 71.2 ppg on the road, well below its 75.0 season average overall, and under 4-0-1 in the Terps' last five vs. a team with a winning straight up record.

Wisconsin has held four straight opponents to 60 points or fewer (avg of 52.8 ppg) and under is 6-0-1 in the last seven meetings with Maryland. 

10* play on UNDER. 

TUESDAY NIGHT WIZARDS @ CAVS TOTAL 

The Washington Wizards are 3-2 through their last five games, with high-scoring losses to Spurs and Warriors and low-scoring wins against New York, Detroit and Orlando while limiting them to an average of 92.7 ppg. 

They've been able to shut down lesser teams lately and under is 10-4 in Wizards last 14 vs. a team with a losing straight up record. Tonight's opponent sure fit that criteria with the Cavs 10-41 SU on the season. 

Cleveland has averaged just 98.2 ppg through its last five games and under is 12-5 in its last 17 vs. a team with a losing straight up record, which the Wizards still have checking in at 21-28 despite starting to pick up wins of late. 

8* play on UNDER. 

3-GAME HIGH ROLLER REPORT

The Milwaukee Bucks have lost just 13 games all season, one of them last time out when they dropped a 118-112 decision to the OKC Thunder on Sunday. They have yet to lose back-to-back games on the season and are a solid 12-2 ATS in their last 14 games following a straight up loss. 

I fully expect the Bucks to bounce back in a big way against a Pistons team that has been held to 101 points or fewer in each game during a 1-3 stretch and is just 1-6-1 ATS in its last eight games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.

The Pistons have had plenty of time to recover since their 106-101 loss at Dallas on Friday, but they're 1-4 ATS in their last five games playing on three or more days rest while the Bucks are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games playing on one days rest.

Under is 22-8-2 in Pistons last 32 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600 and 10-3 in Bucks last 13 road games. The Bucks' D will win them this game. 

8* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (NBA): MIKE'S TOP RATED BEST TOTAL BET

The Toronto Raptors took a high-scoring loss at Houston Friday night, but each of their last four games prior to that had gone under the total. 

Here they'll face Dallas Mavericks team that has won back-to-back games despite scoring just 106 points in both, and under is 5-0 in the Mavs last five overall. 

Ten of Dallas' 12 games overall here in January have gone under and under is a PERFECT 8-0 in its last eight vs. teams from the East.

10* play on UNDER. 

LATE NIGHT WOLVES @ SUNS TOTAL

Neither the Minnesota Timberwolves or the Phoenix Suns are known for their great defending, and I think this encounter will fly over the total rather easily. 

The Wolves are allowing 116.3 ppg on the road this season and have surrendered an average of 126.3 ppg through their last three overall. The Suns meanwhile have alloed an average of 123.3 ppg through a four-game slide but have had no trouble putting points on the board. 

The Wolves won the first meeting of this home-and-home set 116-114 at Minnesota on Sunday. Over is 8-0 in Timberwolves last eight road games, 14-3 in their last 17 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game and also 14-3 in their last 17 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.

8* play on OVER. 

GAME OF THE YEAR (NHL): MIKE'S TOP RATED NHL TOTAL FOR THE 2018/2019 SEASON!

The Los Angeles Kings had allowed just five goals in regulation through their last three games before taking a 7-1 beating at Colorado on Saturday.

The over/under is 19-29 in Kings' games on the season and I expect the home team to bounce back with a much better defensive outing here. "We left our goalies out to dry again. We're sick of doing that," Kings defenseman Drew Doughty told reporters. "When we win games, we leave them out to dry. When we lose games, we leave them out to dry. It's about time we play for them." 

We can also note that Kings netminder Jonathan Quick owns a 2.38 GAA through 23 career encounters with the St. Louis Blues who have scored three goals or fewer in three straight games and have seen seven of their last eight go under the total. 

10* play on UNDER. 

FRIDAY NIGHT NBA HIGH ROLLER REPORT (3 PICKS)

The Miami Heat took a 124-86 beating at Milwaukee last time out, but they've had two days of rest since and I think they'll bounce back with a solid performance here at Detroit Friday night. 

The Heat are 5-1 ATS when playing with two days rest this season and will face a Pistons side that's likely to come out flat after defeating Orlando Magic 120-115 in overtime on Wednesday. 

Pistons are 1-4-1 ATS in their last six games following a straight up win and 5-12-1 ATS in their last 18 games playing on one days rest.

Heat are 4-0 ATS in the last four meetings and 13-6 ATS as an underdog on the season. 

Under is 4-1 in Miami's last five road games vs. a team with a winning home record and 15-6-1 in Pistons' last 22 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.

8* play on UNDER. 

LATE NIGHT LAKERS @ THUNDER TOTAL

The Oklahoma City Thunder took a 142-126 beating by the lowly Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday. They're 6-0 ATS in their last six games after scoring more than 125 points in their previous game and I like the Thunder to bounce back with a solid outing against the LA Lakers here on Thursday. 

The Lakers will be without LeBron James for a 12th consecutive game and had been held to 95 points in back-to-back losses to Utah and Cleveland before ending the skid with a 107-100 triumph over Chicago last time out. They're 2-7-1 ATS in their last 10 games following a straight up win and have played six straight unders. "Unfortunately as of late, we haven't been scoring, but our defense has been pretty steady for the most part," Ball said. "And that's what we try to lean on."

I think the visitors will struggle to put points on the board against an OKC team that knows it has to do better than it has in recent contest. "These are the games that we've got to be ready for -- the ones where we're supposed to come in and roll them over. Those are the teams that we've got to come out and match the energy they give us." Oklahoma City's Paul George said after the loss to the Hawks.

The Home team is 16-5 ATS in the last 21 meetings and under is 6-0 in the last six meetings in Oklahoma City. I expect OKC to win and cover the spread in a relatively low-scoring game.

8* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE YEAR (NFL): MIKE'S TOP RATED NFL PLAYOFFS TOTAL

The over/under is 5-11 in the New England Patriot games this season and they've allowed 12 points or fewer in each of their last three at home (16.6 ppg against in Foxboro on the season).

Here Pats coach Bill Belichick has had two weeks to prepare for the LA Chargers, and I think he'll have his defense on point leading to a low-scoring contest. 

The Chargers have stepped it up defensively in recent weeks and have seen four of their last five go under the total. They held Baltimore to 229 yards of offense in a 23-17 win in the opening round of the NFL playoffs last week but mustered also only 243 yards themselves. 

Chargers QB Philip Rivers has a poor career record against NE and he was sacked 32 times during the regular season. We can note that the Pats forced eight turnovers in the final three games of the regular season and there will be a lot of pressure on Rivers to deliver as RB Melvin Gordon is struggling with a knee injury he sustained during last week's wild-card win. Gordon rested at practice on Wednesday and is unlikely to be 100 percent by Sunday.

Under is 8-1 in Patriots last nine games overall. Under is 5-1 in the last six meetings.

10* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE MONTH: MIKE'S TOP RATED NHL TOTAL FOR JANUARY!

Yesterday at Anaheim the Ottawa Senators managed to shore up a leaking defense that had allowed four goals or more in all but one contest during an eight-game slide. They were rewarded with a 2-1 OT win, and I think the Sens will be involved in another low-scoring contest here at LA Kings Thursday night.

The Kings have lost three of their last four games and scored just a total of seven goals during that stretch. They have scored more than two goals in regulation just once in their past seven games ... 

They've been decent defensively though and under is 8-2 in their last 10 games overall and 16-5-1 in Kings last 22 when their opponent allows two goals or fewer in their previous game.

10* play on UNDER. 

3-GAME HIGH ROLLER REPORT

The Boston Celtics have averaged 120 ppg through a four-game winning streak and scored a season-high 135 points in last night's rout of Indiana. 

Here the Celtics will face a Miami team that has failed to reach 100 points in either of its last two games, but note that the Heat had posted an average of 112.2 ppg through six games prior to their slump.

The Celtics shot 56.8 percent from the field last night and I think the efficiency will carry over to this contest. Miami meanwhile should be able to score some easy buckets late in the game as the visitors defense gets worn down due to fatigue. 

Over is 8-3 in Celtics last 11 games after scoring more than 125 points in their previous game and 4-1 in their last five games playing on no rest. 

8* play on OVER. 

NBA PLAY OF THE DAY (TOP RATED 10* TOTAL)

Both of the first two meetings between the Miami Heat and the Atlanta Hawks this season went over the total with closing numbers of 224 and 225.5 points. Despite that, we're getting a lower number here in the third meeting between the Southeast Division rivals, and I'm all over the over. 

The Miami Heat have seen each of their last six games go over, and here they'll face a Hawks side that is struggling on the defensive end and allowed 144 points at Milwaukee its last time out. Over is 8-3 in Hawks last 11 games after allowing more than 125 points in their previous game. 

Note that the two teams have a combined 26-17 over/under record in games with a total closing at 220 points or more this season, so don't let the relatively big number scare you.

10* play on OVER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NFL): MIKE'S TOP RATED 10* WILD CARD WEEKEND TOTAL

We won with our NFL regular season total of the year on Bears @ Vikings in Week 17, and I'm going with another big bet on the under in a Bears game in Wild Card Weekend. 

The Eagles took full advantage of Chicago's win over Minnesota to sneak into the postseason with a 24-0 win over the Redskins at Washington. Pretty big QB concerns here for Philly though with Carson Wentz definitely out and backup Nick Foles banged up after taking a hit on the ribs last week. 

The Bears own the No. 1 scoring defense in the NFL, but they have been held to 15 points or fewer in two of their last four games and haven't scored more than 24 in any game during that stretch. They own the No. 11 rushing offense in the NFL but Philly is good at stopping the run allowing 96.9 ypg. 

Under is 6-2 in Bears last eight home games vs. a team with a winning road record.

10* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (CBB): MIKE'S TOP RATED ACC TOTAL **EARLY START**

The Syracuse Orange held St. Bonaventure to 48 points on 35% shooting their last time out. Eight of their last nine games have gone under the total, and I think we'll see a relatively low-scoring contest when they open their ACC schedule with a visit to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on Saturday. Note that under is 6-2 in Orange last eight games after allowing less than 50 points in their previous game and here they'll face a Notre Dame side coming off an 81-66 loss at Virginia Tech.  

10* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA): MIKE'S TOP RATED 10* NBA TOTAL

The Oklahoma City Thunder have lost eight straight meetings at Portland and under is 14-6 in their 20 road games on the season. They do however own the 4th best scoring defense in the NBA, and here they'll face a Portland side that is coming off a 113-108 win at Sacramento, a contest that went under the total despite going to OT. 

Under is 9-2 in Trail Blazers last 11 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game and 5-1 in their six games against divisional opponents this season. 

Three of the last four meetings in the series have gone under, all with totals closing at a number much lower than this.

10* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (NBA): MIKE'S BEST NEW YEARS EVE NBA TOTAL

The Pacers and the Hawks combined for 250 points in an Indiana win at Atlanta on December 26, but I think we'll see way fewer points scored here in this early New Years Eve matchup. 

The Pacers have allowed just 96.4 ppg through 18 contests home at Bankers Life Fieldhouse this season and under is 14-4 in those games. Under is 17-8 in Hawks last 25 road games vs. a team with a winning home record and 10-1 in the last 11 meetings with the Pacers. 

10* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE YEAR (NFL): REGULAR SEASON TOTAL

There's no secret that two of the NFL's top defensive teams will clash at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis Sunday afternoon, but I still think the books have set the total too high. Note that under is 21-16 (56.8%) in games with a total closing under 42 points in NFL this season. 

Chicago owns the league's fourth-best defense and has the No. 3 seed in the NFC locked in. They must defeat the Vikings and hope for the 49ers to defeat the LA Rams in Los Angeles to jump into the No. 2 seed, not impossible but at the same time not very likely either... They've been held to a total of 53 points through their last three games and under is 8-1 in Bears last nine games in December.

The Vikings rank third in overall defense and will be highly motivated as they can clinch a wild card with a victory (or a tie). "For us, playoffs have already started," Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer said. "We know that we have to win this game in order to get into them. There has to be heightened sense of energy and focus and study time. You have to make sure that your bodies are rested and understand it is going to be a physical football game on Sunday."

I expect Minnesota to take an early lead and then controlling the clock. Under is 10-4 in the last 14 meetings and I think the circumstances call for another low-scoring affair.

10* play on UNDER. 

NBA 3-PACK

The bookmakers must be well aware of the fact that Indiana owns the best scoring defense in the league, yet they continue to throw out way too high totals for Pacers' games with 13 of their last 14 going under the total. 

Here they Pacers will host an Atlanta team that is coming off a 98-95 win over Detroit and has seen five of its last seven games go under the total.  

Under is 21-5 in Hawks last 26 games following a straight up win. Under is 16-5 in the last 21 meetings with Indiana. 

8* play on UNDER. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

Both the Phoenix Suns and the Orlando Magic rank near the bottom of the league for both offensive efficiency and pace. I think we'll see a low-scoring contest at Amway Center Wednesday night.  

Four of the Suns last six games have gone under the total and I don't see them pushing the tempo here, especially considering they'll be closing out a five-game road trip that has seen them travel 9,180 miles. 

The Suns appeared to be fatigued at times when they suffered a 111-103 loss in Brooklyn on Sunday, not all that surprising considering they played a triple OT game in Washington the night before. 

I doubt the hosts will be looking to make this an up-tempo game either, considering that's not they're style at all averaging just 99.9 possessions per game on the season. 

Four of the Suns last six games have gone under the total. Under is 12-4 in Magic last 16 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.

10* play on UNDER. 

CHRISTMAS DAY NBA BUCKET BREAKER (TOTAL)

The Houston Rockets are coming off a 108-101 triumph over San Antonio, the seventh of their last 10 games to go under the total. 

Here they'll host an Oklahoma City side that owns the 2nd best defensive rating in the NBA behind Indiana. OKC is scoring significantly fewer points on the road than at home, and over/under is 5-11 in its 16 away games on the season. 

The Rockets and the Thunder clashed in OKC back in November, a game the home team won 98-80. Under is 5-1 in the last six meetings with Houston and I predict another relatively low-scoring affair here on Christmas Day. 

8* play on UNDER. 

BRONCOS @ RAIDERS MONDAY NIGHT NO-BRAINER

The Denver Broncos have been involved in low-scoring battles lately with each of their last five going under the total. Their last two contests have seen just 34 and 33 points respectively and I don't see this game going over the posted number. 

Oakland has struggled offensively all season, averaging only 18.6 ppg, and QB Derek Carr was sacked five times as the Raiders were held to 16 points at Cincinnati last week.

The Broncos won the first meeting of the season 20-19 at Denver in Week 2 and under is 4-0 in the last four meetings.

8* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (NFL) TOTAL

The Chicago Bears tenacious defense has allowed a total of just 23 points through the last two games. The Bears have already clinched a postseason berth but I think they'll still put up a fight here as they look to improve their seeding in the NFC playoffs. 

The San Francisco 49ers have no shot of making the postseason but have held Denver and Seattle to a combined 37 points in back-to-back wins. They're allowing 23.0 ppg home at Levi's Stadium which is well below their 26.6 ppg season average overall. 

Under is 8-3 in Bears last 11 vs. a team with a losing record and 7-1 in their last eight games in December. Under is 11-3 in 49ers last 14 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. 

10* play on UNDER. 

SUNDAY AFTERNOON NFL NO-BRAINER (TOTAL)

I think points will come at a premium for both sides when NFC North rivals Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings clash at Ford Field Sunday afternoon. 

Seven of Detroit's last eight games have gone under the total and the Lions have been held to 20 points or fewer in five straight games. Quarterback Matthew Stafford is dealing with a sore back and here he'll face a Minnesota defense that ranks 4th in the NFL against the pass, giving up just 202.9 passing yards per game. 

The Lions have been great defensively lately, holding Arizona and Buffalo to a combined 17 points through their last two games. Minnesota put up 41 points against Miami last week but had scored a combined 17 points in its last two games prior to that. 

Under is 20-7 in Vikings last 27 vs. NFC North opponents and 8-2 in the last 10 meetings with Detroit.

8* play on UNDER. 

LATE NIGHT NBA TOTAL

The Sacramento Kings have allowed 132 points in back-to-back losses and they've played five straight overs, but here they'll face a defensive-minded Memphis team that won't allow the Kings to dictate the tempo. 

Under is 7-3 in Grizzlies last 10 overall and 8-3 in Kings last 11 vs. a team with a winning straight up record. Under is 8-2 in the last 10 meetings in Sacramento.

8* play on UNDER. 

TUESDAY NIGHT 3-PACK

The LA Lakers have seen three straight contests go over the total with an average final total of 234.3 during that stretch. 

Here they'll visit a red hot Brooklyn side that has scored at least 120 points in three straight games and an average of 122.8 ppg through a five-game winning streak. 

The Nets beat Atlanta 144-127 last time out and I don't think defense will be a priority for either side here.

8* play on OVER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NFL) TOTAL

The New Orleans Saints are averaging 34.4 ppg on the season, but they've been held to a total of 38 points through their last two games. At the other end of the field, they've held five consecutive opponent to 17 or fewer points. Each of their last four have gone under the total and I expect a relatively low-scoring contest here when they visit Carolina Monday night.

The slumping Panthers have lost five in a row and scored more than 21 points just once during their skid. They rank 2nd in the NFL with 1,786 net rushing yards on the season but here the Panthers will run into the very best rush defense in the league, allowing just 3.6 yards/rush attempt. 

10* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (CFB): MIKE'S BEST VEGAS BOWL BET

The Fresno State Bulldogs have allowed just 13.7 ppg on the season and limited Boise State to 350 yards of total offense and 16 points last time out. Under is 13-3 in Bulldogs last 16 games after allowing less than 20 points in their previous game. 

The Bulldogs managed just 19 points on 288 yards of total offense themselves against the Broncos though and I expect this to be a low-scoring game. 

The Arizona State Sun Devils are coming off a 41-40 win over Arizona and have played several high-scoring contests lately, but note that they'll' be without No. 1 receiver N'Keal Harry for this contest. 

10* play on UNDER. 

SUPER LATE NBA NIGHTCRAWLER (TOTAL)

Both the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Denver Nuggets rank in the top 5 for scoring defense. Under is 15-6 in Thunder last 21 road games and 7-2 in Nuggets last nine home games vs. a team with a winning road record (OKC is 7-6 on the road).

Five of the last seven meetings have gone under the total and we saw just a total of 203 points scored when they clashed last month. 

8* play on UNDER. 

SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

The Miami Heat have dominated recent matchups with the Utah Jazz, claiming each of the last five, but I think that winning streak is about to come an end here Wednesday night. 

Utah is coming off back-to-back losses at San Antonio and Oklahoma City, but it has won its last two games by a combined 61 points. The Heat are in a tough spot playing the fourth game on a six-game road trip. 

Over is 8-2 at Vivint Smart Home Arena this season and note that Utah has scored 113 points or more three of its last four games overall. 

8* play on OVER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NFL) TOTAL

The New England Patriots put a 38-7 beating on Miami at Foxboro back in September. 

Their scoring has slowed down since though and the Pats have averaged only 20.3 ppg through their last three games. 

It's no coincidence that two of those games where on the road where NE is averaging 21.7 ppg on the season, and here it'll face a Miami team which has held opponents to 20.5 ppg in six games at Hard Rock Stadium. Offensively, Miami does not pose much of a threat and ranks 29th in the NFL for total offense with 302.1 ypg. 

Under is 8-2 in Patriots last 10 road games. Under is 5-0 in Patriots last five  games overall and 4-0 in Dolphins last four games overall.

10* play on UNDER. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA PLAY OF THE DAY (TOTAL)

The LA Clippers had scored 110 points or more in four straight games before getting held to a season-worst 86 in a loss to Memphis Wednesday night. 

I think they'll be back to their free-scoring ways here against a Miami team which opened a six-game road trip with a 115-98 victory over Phoenix Friday night. 

Playing on no rest will almost certainly not do the Heat any favors defensively, and we can note that over is 11-1 in their last 12 games playing on 0 days rest. 

Combine it with the fact that over is 10-3 in Clippers last 13 overall and I think we have a solid case for the over here.

10* play on OVER. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA BOOKIE BREAKER (TOTAL)

The Houston Rockets had played eight straight overs before taking a 103-91 loss at Minnesota Monday night (with a total closing at 222.5 points). The Rockets had scored 120+ points in three of their last four games prior to that that dudd and here they'll face a Utah team which scored a season-high 139 points against San Antonio on Tuesday. 

Since acquiring Kyle Korver, the Jazz are the 3rd best 3 point shooting team in the league, hitting 43.3% of their shots from downtown, and they scored a franchise high 20 three pointers against the Spurs. 

Over is 7-0 in Jazz last 7 home games and 10-4 in Jazz last 14 games playing on one days rest.

10* play on OVER. 

THURSDAY NIGHT NFL NO-BRAINER

The Jacksonville Jaguars completely suffocated one of the hottest teams in the NFL last week when they put an end to Indianapolis Colts five-game winning streak with a 6-0 triumph. I expect to see another low-scoring contest when the Jags visit Tennessee Thursday night.  The Titans recorded a 26-22 victory over the New York Jets on Sunday but had been held to a combined 27 points through their last two games prior to that. The Titans have held the Jags to a total of 32 points through the last three meetings and they won the last encounter 9-6 on September 23. 

This is an extremely low total, but I don't see either team generate enough offense to push the score over the posted number. 

8* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA) TOTAL

The San Antonio Spurs managed to put an end to a two-game slide with a 131-118 win over Portland last time out. They have seen seven of their last eight games go over the total (one push) and have allowed an average of 127.3 ppg through their last three contests. 

The Utah Jazz are not quite the stout defensive unit we've gotten used to in recent years. They've allowed an average of 113.4 ppg through their eight home games on the season with seven of those going over the total. 

We can also note that the Jazz have been shooting 39.7 percent from the perimeter since trading for veteran shooting guard Kyle Korver. 

I think this total looks way too low and recommend a BIG PLAY on the over. 

10* play on OVER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA) TOTAL

The San Antonio Spurs have given up an average of 132 points in back-to-back losses by 30 points or more. They're allowing 112.0 ppg on the season and over is 6-0-1 in their last seven games. 

Here the Spurs will face a Portland side which has seen six of its last seven games go over the total, the lone exception a matchup with the total closing at 227 points.

Spurs have been terrible at the defending the three lately allowing their last two opponents to shoot a combined 40-of-95 from downtown, and Portland's backcourt is capable of making it rain. The Blazers shot 53.6 percent from the field in a 121-108 win over the Spurs at home on Oct. 20 and over is 6-1 in the last seven meetings. 

10* play on OVER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NFL) TOTAL

The Minnesota Vikings limited Green Bay QB Aaron Rodgers to a season-worst 198 yards and sacked him four times in last week's 24-17 win. They're allowing just 276.6 ypg since Week 4 and I think they'll give Tom Brady and the New England Patriots offense plenty of problems here on Sunday. The Pats have scored a combined 37 points through their last two games with each of their last four going under the total. 

Under is 5-1 in the last six meetings.

10* play on UNDER. 

SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

The No. 6 Ohio State Buckeyes put a 62-39 beating on seventh-ranked Michigan last week. I think they'll win in a rout again when taking on Northwestern Wildcats in the Big Ten Championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis Saturday night. 

Northwestern defeated Illinois last week but failed to cover the spread and gave up 435 yards of total offense while generating only 371 yards of offense themselves. 

Here they'll face an Ohio team which averages 544.6 yards on the season and toyed with Michigan's top ranked defense. Buckeyes QB Dwayne Haskins completed 20-of-31 passes for 396 yards and six touchdowns and the Buckeyes racked up 567 total yards in the victory. 

Ohio State coach Urban Meyer is determined to have his players ready for this one too. "I'm going to be very hard on everybody this week, and we cannot see anything other than the same effort we did last week," Meyer said, later adding, "When you win and you win the way you did, now that's the time to cut it loose and be very, over-the-top demanding of them."

Over is 8-3 in Buckeyes last 11 games after scoring more than 40 points in their previous game and I expect to see this game go over the total. 

8* play on OVER. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (CFB) TOTAL

The Fresno State Bulldogs are giving up only 13.5 ppg on the season and all but one of their last nine games have gone under the total. The Boise State Broncos are holding teams to 22.3 ppg overall which drops to 18.5 ppg at home and six of their last eight have gone under the total. 

This will be the fourth meeting in just over a year and the second straight time Fresno State and Boise State will compete in the Mountain West championship game. BSU won last year's title game 17-14 and none of the last three meetings have been even close to go over the total posted for this matchup. 

10* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (SOCCER)

Manchester United played a 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace last weekend and followed that up with a narrow 1-0 win over Young Boys in the Champions League midweek.

Southampton have scored only 10 goals in 13 Premier League games on the season and have found the net just one time through their last three at home. They've been solid defensively at home all season though allowing just eight goals in six games, and I think we'll see two cautious teams play out a low-scoring game here.

10* play on UNDER. 

NBA 3-PACK

The Denver Nuggets are on a roll, entering this game 4-0 SU and ATS through their last four games. They've won at both Minnesota and Oklahoma City during that stretch to improve to 5-4 on the road for the season, and I think would not be surprised to see them win ouright at Portland Friday night. 

The Blazers had dropped three straight prior to a 115-112 win as a 10-point favorite against Orlando last time out and they've covered the spread in just one of their last eight contest.

Denver has held three straight opponents to fewer than 100 points and it has won three straight meetings with Portland. Under is 4-0 in the last four meetings and I expect Denver to at the very least cover the spread in a relatively low-scoring contest.

8* play on UNDER. 

LAKERS @ NUGGETS TUESDAY NIGHT NBA TOTAL

Eight of the LA Lakers last 10 games have gone under the total, and none of their last four have gone over the total posted for this matchup with Denver. 

The Nuggets own the third best scoring defense in the NBA and have allowed an average of only 97.5 ppg through its last three contests, all going under the total. Denver is particularly good at defending the three-ball, holding opponents to 32.3 percent shooting from behind the arc. 

8* play on UNDER. 

NBA 3-PACK

The Memphis Grizzlies are 7-2 SU and ATS home at FedExForum and I think they'll give the Toronto Raptors all they can handle Tuesday night. 

The Grizzlies are holding opponents to a league-best 100.0 ppg and have covered the spread in eight of the last 10 when facing a team with a winning record over .600. 

With the Raptors in risk of looking ahead to a nationally televised showdown with Golden State on Thursday, the right play here is to take the points on the home team. 

Under is 7-2 in Grizzlies last 9 vs. a team with a winning straight up record. Under is 16-3 in Raptors last 19 vs. a team with a winning straight up record. Under is 28-8 in the last 36 meetings.

8* play on UNDER. 

HEAT @ RAPTORS TOTAL 

I expect to see a high-scoring contest when the Miami Heat visit Toronto Raptors Sunday night. Note that over/under is 11-7 in games involving Miami this season (despite four straight unders) and o/u is 13-7 for Toronto.

The Raptors hit on a season-best 17 shots from 3-point range for a 43.6 percentage from beyond the arc in a 125-107 triumph over Washington Friday night and they've scored 120+ points in three of their last four games. 

Miami had been held to fewer than 100 points in three straight games prior to a 103-96 win at Chicago Friday night, but keep in mind that the Heat rank  seventh in the NBA averaging 11.8 3-pointers per game, so they're definitely capable of putting plenty of points on the board.

8* play on OVER. 

AUBURN @ ALABAMA IRON BOWL BOOKIE BREAKER

The top ranked Alabama Crimson Tide have been destroying their competition all season long, and they're a massive favorite here against Auburn Tigers in the Iron Bowl. Bama will be seeking to avenge a 26-14 loss to Auburn last season, and I think it all starts on defense. 

I really wouldn't make too much of the 17 points the Tide allowed the Citadel to score last week; on the season, Bama has held opponent to an average of just 13.1 ppg so there's no doubt the defense can step it up a notch when fully focused, and the concentration should be . 

Auburn has also been one of the better teams on the defensive side of the ball, conceding only 16.6 ppg and it shut out Liberty last week. On offense, Auburn has been less than convincing and put up just 10 points in a loss to Georgia and nine against Mississippi State earlier in the season.

Under is 7-2 in the last nine meetings and Auburn is 12-3 to the under their last 15 games overall.

8* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (CFB) TOTAL

The Boston College Eagles host the Syracuse Orange Saturday afternoon, and I expect to see an entertaining shootout. The visitors are 10th in the nation in scoring, averaging 40.6 ppg on the season despite putting up just three in a loss at Notre Dame last time out. Syracuse quarterback Eric Dungey missed most of that game with an upper-body injury and is questionable here, but backup QB Tommy DeVito should be able to put up decent numbers against a BC defense which has allowed more than 600 passing yards through its last two games.  

Defensively, the Orange have struggled on the road all season allowing an average of 34.6 ppg and they gave up 463 yards against the Irish last time out, including 171 yards on the ground. The Eagles running game ranks 46th in the nation and RB A.J. Dillon ran a season-high 37 times for 116 yards and two touchdowns against FSU last week.

10* play on OVER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (SOCCER) TOTAL

Crystal Palace are winless through their last seven games and have scored a grand total of four goals during that stretch. They've allowed more than two goals in only of those games though and here they'll face a Manchester United team which definitely is capable of playing lock down defense despite 21 goals conceded on the season. 

My prediction is that Man United will sit back and control the game after taking the lead (which I assume they will), and that we'll see this game go under the total.

10* play on UNDER. 

LATE NIGHT NBA TOTAL (10* TOP PLAY)

The Golden State Warriors are in free fall, coming off four straight defeats as they're battling injuries to Draymond Green and Stephen Curry. The former might be back here while the latter is expected to miss several more games. Four of their last five games when playing without Curry have gone under the total, and that's a pattern I expect to continue here. 

This will be the finale of a tough six-game road trip for the Blazers and I think they'll make sure to up the intensity on the defensive end after giving up 143 points at Milwaukee last time out. 

Under is 4-0 in Trail Blazers last four games after allowing more than 125 points in their previous game. Under is 19-6-1 in Warriors last 26 games following a straight up loss.

10* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NFL) TOTAL

The Atlanta Falcons are coming off back-to-back losses despite giving up a total of just 50 points in the two contests combined. They've failed to break 20 point scored in each of those games and here it'll face a New Orleans side which has allowed a total of only 21 points through its last two games. 

The Saints are the highest scoring team in the league and have scored 45+ points in three straight games, but even while the first meeting of the season finished with a total of 80 points scored I highly doubt this contest will break 60 considering both teams recent results. 

Falcons are just 1-3 SU and ATS away from home this season and under is 6-2 in their last eight road games. Under is 4-1 in Saints last five home games vs. a team with a losing road record.

10* play on UNDER in New Orleans. 

WEDNESDAY NIGHT NBA TOTAL

The Indiana Pacers have held three straight opponents to fewer than 94 points and six of their last nine have gone under the total. Here they'll visit a Charlotte team which has been involved in a fair amount of shootouts lately, but note that under is 8-2 in Hornets last 10 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600. Indiana fits the bill with a 5-3 SU record on the road and I expect this game to stay under the total. 

8* play on UNDER. 

NETS @ HEAT TUESDAY NIGHT NBA TOTAL

The Miami Heat have failed to break 100 points in each of their last two games. It had however seen seven of its last eight go over the total prior to the recent funk and picked up a 120-107 road win over the Nets on Nov. 14. This looks like a good spot for the Heat to find their scoring touch again as they'll face a Brooklyn side which has lost four of its last five and allowed more than 120 ppg on average in each defeat. 

Both teams rank in the top half of the table when it comes to making three-pointers and Miami is third worst in the league at defending the three. I expect to see both teams make a high percentage of their attempts outside the perimeter to push this game over the total. 

8* play on OVER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA) TOTAL

The Indiana Pacers have won back-to-back games despite not breaking 100 points scored in either contest. They're allowing just 101.4 ppg on the season which drops to 97.1 ppg home at Bankers Life Fieldhouse where the O/U is 1-7 for the season. 

Tonight the Pacers will host a Utah team which has not played with its usual intensity on the defensive end of the court lately, but it showed what it's capable of when holding Boston to 86 points on 38.5 percent shooting its last time out. 

Under is 10-3 in Jazz last 13 vs. Eastern Conference. Under is 18-8 in Pacers last 26 vs. Western Conference. Under is 4-1 in the last five meetings in Indiana.

10* play on UNDER in Indiana. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NFL) TOTAL

The LA Chargers are among the league's hottest teams having won six on the bounce and permitted only 66 points over their past five games for an average of 13.2 ppg. Here they'll face a Denver team which has won just one of its last seven games and been held to 20 points or fewer in five of its nine games on the season. 

The Broncos defense is still pretty solid though and linebackers Von Miller and Bradley Chubb have combined for 17 sacks, the most by a pass rushing duo in the NFL this season. We can also note that they're coming off their bye so they've had plenty of time to figure out how to stop the Chargers. 

10* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (CFB) TOTAL

Two red hot teams with explosive offenses will clash at Spectrum Stadium in Orlando Saturday night, and I expect to see plenty of fireworks on both ends of the field. 

UCF Knights are perfect 9-0 on the season and amassed 500 yards of total offense in a 35-24 triumph over Navy last week. They rank third in the nation in total offense at 543 yards per game and put a 51-23 beating on the Bearcats last year. 

Cincinnati is 9-1 on the season and can lean on one of the best defenses in the country, but this will without a doubt be the biggest test yet, and in front of a national television audience at that. 

Keep in mind that the Bearcats allowed three touchdown passes in a 35-23 win over South Florida last week and over is 7-1 in Knights last eight home games vs. a team with a winning road record.

10* play on OVER. 

NBA 3-PACK

The Washington Wizards have found their groove and enter this matchup riding a three-game winning streak SU and ATS, the most recent a 24-point rout of Cleveland. They've averaged 117.3 points during the streak and here they'll face a Brooklyn team which took a 120-107 home loss to the Heat on Wednesday to go to 0-3 SU and ATS last three. We can also note that the visitors will be without their leading scorer, guard Caris LeVert who is out indefinitely with a dislocated right foot and that the Nets are 3-12 ATS in the last 15 meetings in Washington.

Over is 7-3 in the last 10 meetings and I expect Washington to score plenty here to push this game over the total. 

8* play on OVER.

10* NBA TOP PLAY

The Boston Celtics have lost four of their last five and shot only 38.7 percent from the field in a 100-94 loss at Portland their last time out.

Under is 6-2 in Celtics last eight games following a straight up loss and I think we'll see a low-scoring game when they host the Chicago Bulls Wednesday night.

Chicago has been held to 99 points or fewer in four of its last five games, the lone exception an OT win at New York.

Under is 6-1 in Bulls last seven overall.

10* play on UNDER. 

MISSISSIPPI STATE @ ALABAMA BOOKIE BREAKER

The Alabama Crimson Tide lead the nation in scoring averaging 51.3 points per game and have routed teams relentlessly pretty much all season, but points didn't come quite as easy against LSU last week (29-0 win) and here they'll run into the best defense they've faced all year. 

The Mississippi State Bulldogs have allowed an average of only 12.3 ppg and O/U is 1-7 in games involving them on the season. Alabama is not just an offensive powerhouse, it's defense is also one of the best in the nation with opponents averaging just 295.4 yards and  14.1 points versus the Tide. 

8* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (CFB): MIKE'S BEST WEEK 11 FRIDAY NIGHT TOTAL 

The Louisville Cardinals took a 77-16 beating at Clemson last week. I think they'll give up plenty of points again when visiting Syracuse Friday night. The Cardinals gave up 661 total yards to the Tigers and here it'll face a deadly offense that ranks No. 15 nationally with 478.2 yards per game. 

Syracuse is averaging 43.3 points per game on the season and senior dual-threat quarterback Eric Dungey has recorded 23 touchdowns, 13 via the pass and 10 by the run. Louisville's defense ranks dead last in the ACC and 115th nationally allowing 462.8 yards per game.

The Orange have lost the last two meetings by a combined score of 118-38, so I expect them to look for revenge and keep pressing the pedal to the metal and keep scoring points to the very end pushing this game over the total. 

10* play on LOU @ SYR OVER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA TOTAL)

The LA Clippers have scored 120 points in back-to-back victories and 110 points or more in six straight games. Here they'll face a Portland team off a 118-103 win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday and the Blazers are averaging a healthy 120.6 ppg home at Moda Center on the season. 

With both teams in the top 5 for offensive efficiency (the number of points a team scores per 100 possessions) I have no doubt this will be a high-scoring affair. 

10* play on LAC @ POR OVER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA TOTAL)

The Philadelphia 76ers have yet to win on the road this season, and while I'm not confident in them covering the spread when playing on rest here at Brooklyn Sunday night I don't think scoring points will be an issue. The 76ers will be facing a Nets side which has lost five straight and allowed 115 points or more in all those contests with all but one of those going over the total.

Philly has struggled defensively away from home giving up 122.5 ppg, and for all the Nets woes they've actually scored 111 points or more in four of their last five. 

Over is 6-0 in 76ers last six games playing on no rest and 6-1 in their last seven road games.

10* G.O.W on OVER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NFL TOTAL)

I'm confident we'll see a low-scoring game when the Denver Broncos host the Houston Texans Sunday afternoon. 

Houston owns one of the best run defenses in the league while Denver limited KC to just 49 rushing yards last week. On top of that, both teams rank in the top half against the pass and Denver is tied for second in the NFL with 24 sacks on the season.

We can also note that Houston will have to do without wide receiver Will Fuller who will miss the rest of 2018 with a torn ACL. 

Under is 1-3 for Houston on the road and also 1-3 for Denver at home on the season. Under is 4-1-1 in the last six meetings.

10* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (CFB TOTAL)

The No. 2 Clemson Tigers are perfect 8-0 SU on the season and amassed 524 total yards in a 59-10 triumph at FSU last week. 

Here they'll face a Louisville Cardinals side which has allowed 160 points in its last three contests and got lit up for 56 points and 591 yards in a 21-point loss to Wake Forest last week. 

On a positive note, Louisville piled up a season-high 532 total yards of offense and I would not be surprised to see Clemson go easy on them on the defensive side of the ball here as they're likely to rout their opponent anyway. 

Clemson won last season's meeting 47-21, and I expect a similar score this time around. 

10* play on OVER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (SOCCER TOTAL)

Manchester United have kept just one Premier League clean sheet this season, but I think manager Jose Mourinho will make sure his team comes out with a defensive approach for this road game at Bournemouth. 

The Cherries on the other hand aim to keep four consecutive clean sheets for the first time in the top flight with a shutout here, so you better believe the home team will make it difficult for the Red Devils to score. 

We can also note that United take on Cristiano Ronaldo and Juventus in Turin on Wednesday.  

10* play on UNDER. 

ROCKETS @ NETS TGIF TOTAL

I think we'll see a wide open high-scoring game when the Brooklyn Nets host the Houston Rockets Friday night. 

Houston has been held to fewer than 100 points in two of its last three contests and James Harden might miss his third straight game with a hamstring injury, but buckets should still come fairly easy against a Brooklyn side which has allowed 115+ in four straight games. 

Defensively Houston ranks in the bottom third of the league giving up 116.3 ppg and the Nets have averaged 113.7 ppg through its three games home at Barclays Center. 

8* play on OVER. 

THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL RAIDERS @ NINERS TOTAL

The San Francisco 49ers and the Oakland Raiders enter this contest with just one win a piece. They are the front-runners to claim the No. 1 pick in the 2019 NFL draft so the motivation to win this game must be quite low, and I expect that lack of focus mostly to show on the defensive side of the ball. 

Both teams rank near the bottom of the league for points allowed with 49ers (29.5 ppg) 28th and Raiders (31.1 ppg) 31st. We can also note that Oakland is dead last in the NFL in rushing yards allowed (144.7 per game) and that the Niners are averaging a healthy 133.6 rushing yards per game.

The fact that San Francisco has such a strong ground game will make the question mark under center for the home team (C.J. Beathard injury) less of an issue. 

Over is 18-6-3 in Raiders last 27 games in November. Over is 8-3 in 49ers last 11 games overall.

8* play on OVER. 

BUCKS @ CELTICS BUCKET BREAKER

The Milwaukee Bucks are the lone undefeated team this season following an impressive 124-109 triumph over Toronto. I think the spread is pretty spot on for this contest, but the total is set too high IMO. 

Sure, scoring is way up in the NBA this season and Milwaukee has scored at least 113 points in all its games, but Boston owns the best defense in the league allowing just 97.6 ppg.

The Celtics gave up 105 in a win against Detroit Tuesday night but under is 5-0 in their last five after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game. 

We can also note that Bucks' superstar forward Giannis Antetokounmpo who averaged 25 points, 14.2 rebounds and 5.7 assists per game in the Bucks' first six games this season is in the concussion protocol and remains questionable for this game. 

8* play on UNDER. 

NBA TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY (10* TOP PLAY)

The Oklahoma City Thunder recorded their first win of the season with a  117-110 home triumph over the Suns on Sunday. Russell Westbrook missed the first two games of the season following knee surgery but led the team with 23 points, nine rebounds and seven assists against Phoenix. The LA Clippers are off a 136-104 win over the Washington Wizards and have now scored 130+ points in two straight games. The Clippers beat the Westbrook-less Thunder 108-92 on Oct. 19, but I think we'll see a closer game with a higher score here with the OKC superstar back in the mix. 

Over is 5-1 in Clippers last six games after scoring more than 125 points in their previous game. Over is 7-1 in the last eight meetings in Oklahoma City.

10* play on OVER. 

HEAT @ HORNETS TOTAL

I think we'll see a high-scoring contest when the Charlotte Hornets host the Miami Heat Tuesday night.

The visitors are likely to struggle with the intensity on defense as they'll be playing on no rest following a 123-113 loss to Sacramento on Monday. The Hornets should have a lot of energy and looking to play high tempo basketball following two days rest since a 105-103 setback at Philadelphia on Saturday.

Over is 9-1 in Heat's last 10 games playing on 0 days rest. Over is 18-7-1 in Hornets' last 26 home games.

8* play on OVER. 

NBA 3-PACK

The Chicago Bulls are coming off a 97-85 upset win at Atlanta on Saturday, putting them in a let down spot here when hosting the Golden State Warriors Monday night. 

The Warriors will be playing on no rest but made light work of Brooklyn without exhausting themselves last night. They've now won four in a row since their lone loss (100-98 at Denver on Oct 21) and the previous three were all by at least 20 points.

Trends supporting Golden State: Warriors are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 Monday games. Bulls are 0-7 ATS in their last 7 Monday games.

With the under 10-4 in the last 14 meetings at United Center I also recommend a play on this game to go under the total.

8* play on UNDER.

GAME OF THE MONTH (NBA TOTAL)

The Utah Jazz defeated the Pelicans 132-111 Saturday night. I think we'll see another high-scoring affair involving the Jazz when they visit Dallas Saturday evening. 

The Mavs have been giving up an average of 118.6 points through their first five games and Utah has scored 123 points or more in three of its five games. The Jazz might struggle with fatigue and intensity on the defensive end of the court playing on no rest, giving the Mavs some easy buckets. 

Trends supporting the Over: Over is 12-5 in Jazz last 17 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Over is 5-1 in Mavericks last six vs. a team with a winning straight up record. Over is 5-1 in the last six meetings.

10* play on OVER. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (CFB TOTAL) - MIKE'S TOP RATED *BEST BET* FOR OCTOBER!

The Army Black Knights will pay a visit to Eastern Michigan Eagles Saturday afternoon. I think the bookmakers have set the total way too low for this contest. 

Army beat the Miami RedHawks 31-30 in double overtime its last time out, and as usual it did most of its damage on the ground with 347 rushing yards. On the season, the Black Knights own the 2nd best running offense in the country and we can note that Eastern Michigan gave up 227 rushing yards to Ball State last week. The Eagles still won the game 42-20 and scored three touchdowns through the air, and Eastern Michigan QB Tyler Wiegers  should have decent success here as well against a vulnerable Army secondary.

Eastern Michigan averages a decent 29.5 ppg on the season while Army averages 32.3 ppg.  

10* play on OVER. 

GAME OF THE YEAR (MLB): MIKE'S WORLD SERIES GAME 1 *BEST BET* TOTAL

I think we'll see a fair amount of runs scored when the Boston Red Sox host the LA Dodgers in the opener of the 2018 World Seris Tuesday night. 

Boston left-hander Chris Sale owns a 5.85 ERA in five career postseason appearances while Dodgers lefty Clayton Kershaw has posted a 4.09 ERA in 28 career playoff appearances. Over is 11-3 in Red Sox last 14 interleague games vs. a left-handed starter. Over is 8-2 in Dodgers last 10 road games vs. a left-handed starter.

The Dodgers have averaged 3.9 rpg through 11 games in the playoffs while Boston has averaged 6.22 rpg. 

10* play on OVER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA) - MIKE'S TOP RATED *BEST BET* TOTAL

The over/under is 27-12 in the NBA so far this season, and I think we'll see another game fly over the total when the Charlotte Hornets visit the Toronto Raptors Monday night. 

Charlotte has scored at least 113 points in each of its first three games of the season with a 115.0 ppg average. Kemba Walker is 19-of-38 from behind the arc so far in 2018-19 and scored a total of 39 points a 113-112 win over Miami on Saturday. 

Toronto is off to a perfect 3-0 start and has averaged 115.3 ppg. Kawhi Leonard has averaged 27.5 points and 11 rebounds in two games and should be well rested here after sitting out Saturday's 117-113 win at Washington. 

Over is 4-1 in the last five meetings.

10* play on OVER. 

PREMIER LEAGUE MORNING MASSACRE (10* TOTAL TOP PLAY)

Crystal Palace are desperate for points after a poor start to the season. I think they'll be happy to leave Goodison Park with a point and we're likely to see the visitors enter this contest with a very cautious approach. We can also note that they've scored just two goals through their last five games and six of their last eight games have seen two goals or fewer. Everton are inconsistent and I think they'll struggle to create chances against Palace.

10* play on UNDER. 

WARRIORS @ JAZZ MIDNIGHT MASSACRE

The defending NBA champions Golden State Warriors opened the season with a 108-100 win against Oklahoma City Thunder. That game went way under the total which closed at 220 points, and I think we'll see another under involving the Warriors when they visit the Utah Jazz Friday night.

Utah held opponents to 99.8 ppg last season but struggled to slow down Sacramento in a 123-117 triumph on Wednesday. I expect the Jazz to play much better defense tonight, fueled by the motivation of putting beating the reigning champs.  

Trends supporting the under: Under is 12-3 in Warriors last 15 overall, 22-7-1 in their last 30 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game and 10-3 in their last 13 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game. Under is 6-2 in Jazz last 8 games vs. a team with a winning record.

8* play on UNDER.