MLB 3-PACK

The Houston Astros host the Texas Rangers for the opener of a three-game set at Minute Maid Park Friday night. Cole Hamels (1-4, 3.94 ERA) will take the ball for the visitors. He has allowed just a total of five earned runs through his last three starts and under is 5-1-1 in Hamels' last seven road starts. The Astros turn to Justin Verlander (4-1, 1.17 ERA) who allowed one earned run over six innings of a 3-1 loss at Arizona his last time out. Verlander has been outstanding all season, holding four of his eight opponents scoreless. Under is 5-1 in Verlander's last six starts overall. 

8* play on TEX @ HOU to go UNDER the total. 

TOP RATED JETS @ PREDS GAME 7 SHOWDOWN

The Nashville Predators and the Winnipeg Jets are set for a Game 7 showdown at Bridgestone Arena Thursday night. It has been an entertaining back-and-forth series so far with neither team able to win consecutive games, but I think we'll see a low-scoring thriller here. The Preds played aggressive D and shut out the Jets in their 4-0 Game 6 triumph, and both teams are likely to put a big focus on their defensive duties in this winner-take-all situation. 

10* play on WIN @ NSH to go UNDER the total. 

WEDNESDAY NIGHT MLB TOTAL

The Atlanta Braves won the opener of this two-game series 1-0 on Tuesday. The Tampa Bay Rays have scored one run total in their last two games and here they'll come up against one of the hottest pitchers in baseball. Julio Teheran (2-1, 3.65 ERA) has allowed just a total of six earned runs over 29 innings for a 1.86 ERA through his last five starts. Tampa Bay turns to rookie left-hander Ryan Yarbrough (2-1, 3.33 ERA) who will make just his second career start. The 26 year is however coming off his best outing in the majors as he held the Blue Jays scoreless through five innings out of the bullpen his last time out. Under is 6-2 in Braves last eight road games vs. a left-handed starter.

Under is 8-2 in the last 10 meetings in at Tropicana Field. 

8* play on ATL @ TB to go UNDER the total. 

TOP RATED PREMIER LEAGUE *MIDWEEK MADNESS* TOTAL

Chelsea are coming off five consecutive wins, and they've allowed a total of just three goals during that stretch with three straight clean sheets. Huddersfield have scored just 11 goals in their 18 games on the road this season and are desperate for points to avoid relegation. Each of Huddersfield's last eight games have seen a maximum of two goals. 

10* play on Huddersfield @ Chelsea to go UNDER 3 goals. 

SUPER EARLY *DAYTIME DESTROYER*

The St. Louis Cardinals managed only four hits in a 6-0 loss to the Minnesota Twins yesterday. I think runs will come at a premium for both sides here in the finale of the two-game set. Carlos Martinez (3-1, 1.40 ERA) has been outstanding since getting knocked around in his season debut, allowing just three runs through his last six starts. Under is 6-1 in Martinez's last seven starts vs. a team with a losing record and 6-1-1 in Cardinals last eight overall. Jake Odorizzi (2-2, 4.10 ERA) will take the ball for Minnesota. He has posted a 3.24 ERA in three career starts versus the Cardinals. Under is 11-0 in the last 11 meetings.

8* play on MIN @ STL to go UNDER the total. 

LATE MLB *MIDNIGHT MASSACRE* (TOTAL)

The Houston Astros have scored fewer than two runs in three of their last six contests, and here they'll face Brett Anderson (0-0, 2.84 ERA) who is 1-1 with a 2.40 ERA in three career outings (two starts) against Houston. Dallas Keuchel (1-5, 3.98 ERA) will take the ball for the Astros, and he is 5-5 with a solid 2.88 ERA in 19 career appearances (17 starts) versus Oakland. Under is 6-1 in Astros last seven overall. Under is 4-1 in Athletics last five overall.

8* play on HOU @ OAK to go UNDER the total. 

SUPER EARLY TOP RATED MLB TOTAL

The first two games of this series have seen a total of just eight runs scored. I think we'll see another low-scoring affair Wednesday afternoon. 

Tampa Bay hands the ball to Blake Snell (4-1, 2.52 ERA) who has allowed two runs or fewer in five of his six starts on the season. He has an 0.95 WHIP on the season and the under is 10-1 in Tigers last 11 games vs. a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15.

The Tigers turn to Michael Fulmer (1-2, 2.76 ERA) who knocked out nine through six scoreless innings at Pittsburgh his last time out. Detroit still lost the game 1-0. Fulmer was lit up at Cleveland on April 12 but has held his other four opponents to two runs or fewer. 

Under is 3-1-1 in the last five meetings.

10* play on TB @ DET to go UNDER the total. 

TOP RATED 76ERS @ CELTICS TOTAL *BOOKIE BREAKER*

The Philadelphia 76ers defeated Miami in five games in the first round, and they really turned up the heat defensively at the end of the series. The Boston Celtics relied on solid defensive performances at home as they needed seven games to get past the Bucks. 

Philadelphia won the last meeting 89-80 here at TD Garden, and three of the last four head-to-head matchups have gone under the total. 

Under is 10-3 in 76ers last 13 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. Under is 5-2 in Celtics last seven home games vs. a team with a winning road record.

10* play on PHI @ BOS to go UNDER the total. 

TOP RATED PELS @ WARRIORS GAME 1 TOTAL

The New Orleans Pelicans are not getting much respect here despite coming off a dominant sweep of the third-seeded Trail Blazers in the first round of the playoffs. The Pels may very well be underrated here, but I have my eyes on the total which is set extremely high for a playoff game. Note that under is 4-0 in Pelicans last four Conference Semifinals games and 6-1 in their last seven road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Under is 5-1 in Warriors last six home games vs. a team with a winning road record.

10* play on NO @ GS to go UNDER the total. 

SATURDAY *PREMIER LEAGUE PUNISHER* (TOTAL)

Liverpool have scored the second most goals in the Premier League this season, but the focus is not on the league anymore. They're likely to rest key pieces and give fringe players time on the field here with a second-leg tie with Roma in the Champions League semi-finals on the schedule next week. 

Stoke are in a tough position, entering Saturday in the relegation zone and they likely need to win each of their remaining three games to avoid relegation. They can't afford to allow Liverpool to score the first goal and chase the game, especially with their own offensive struggles (just 32 goals in 35 games in EPL this season).

8* play on Stoke @ Liverpool to go UNDER the total. 

MLB 3-PACK

The Texas Rangers will visit the Toronto Blue Jays for the opener of a three-game series Friday night, and I think runs will come at a premium for both sides in this contest. 

Texas hands the ball to Mike Minor (1-1, 3.86 ERA) who has allowed two or fewer runs in three of his four starts. The left-hander is 3-0 with a 1.64 ERA in five career games (three starts) against the Blue Jays. 

Toronto hands the ball to Marcus Stroman (0-2, 8.55 ERA) who was late beginning spring training because of inflammation in his shoulder and is still trying to find his form. He owns a 6.89 ERA in three lifetime starts against the Rangers, but Texas has really struggled to score runs lately. 

I like the visitors to cover the runline in a low-scoring game. 

8* play on TEX @ TOR to go UNDER the total. 

MLB 3-PACK

The San Francisco Giants came out on top Tuesday night as Mac Williamson's 423-foot homer in the sixth inning earned them a 4-3 victory. I think we'll see another low-scoring affair here on Wednesday, but with the Nats getting revenge this time. 

Washington hands the ball to Max Scherzer (4-1, 1.36 ERA). He is just 3-4 with a 4.17 ERA in eight career starts against San Francisco, but this looks like a good time to improve on those numbers. Scherzer has been exceptional so far this season, allowing just 18 hits while striking out 47 in 33 innings.

The Giants turn to Jeff Samardzija (1-0, 0.00 ERA) who injured a pectoral muscle during spring training on March 21 and made his season debut as late as last Friday. He held the Halos scoreless over five innings but struggled somewhat with his control, issuing four walks, and might need another couple of games until he's at his best. Samardzija is 2-7 with a 4.07 ERA in 16 career appearances (nine starts) against the Nationals. 

The Nats will be desperate for a win here after four straight defeats and sitting on a disappointing 10-14 record for the year. 

8* play on WAS @ SF to go UNDER the total. 

MLB 3-PACK

The Los Angeles Angels and the Houston Astros played a high-scoring affair Tuesday which ended with an 8-7 Halos victory. I find it highly unlikely that we'll see even close to as many runs scored today. 

Justin Verlander (3-0, 1.10 ERA) takes the ball for Houston. He is 8-8 with a 3.36 ERA in 19 career starts against the Angels and recorded his third scoreless appearance of the season when he held the White Sox to a pair of hits through six shutout innings his last time out. 

Nick Tropeano (1-1, 3.75 ERA) takes the ball for LAA. He has compiled a 3.86 ERA in two career meetings with Houston and should be focused here after getting roughed up by Boston his last time out. 

Under is 23-10-3 in Astros last 36 when their opponent scores five runs or more in their previous game and 7-2 in Astros last nine home games.

8* play on LAA @ HOU to go UNDER the total. 

ANGELS @ ASTROS *TOTAL TRASHER*

The Los Angeles Angels shut out the Houston Astros in a 2-0 victory Monday night. Under is 4-1 in the last five meetings overall and 9-3 in the last 12 meetings in Houston. Odds are we'll see another low-scoring contest Tuesday night. 

Houston hands the ball to Charlie Morton (3-0, 0.72 ERA) who blanked Seattle his last time out and has allowed just two earned runs on 16 hits and six walks through 25 innings this season. He has a 3.14 ERA in five career starts against the Angels who turn to rookie right-hander Shohei Ohtani (2-1, 3.60 ERA) who had been terrific in his first two big league starts before leaving his last outing after only two innings due to blister problems. 

Under is 5-1 in Astros last six after scoring two runs or fewer in their previous game. Under is 7-2 in Morton's last nine starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance.

8* play on LAA @ HOU to go UNDER the total. 

SUNDAY PREMIER LEAGUE TOTAL

We'll see a classic London derby at Emirates on Sunday when Arsenal host West Ham. I don't think we'll be entertained with many goals in this contest.

Arsenal have all their focus on Europa League and might very well rest players for the upcoming game against Atletico Madrid in the semi-finals next week. West Ham have played pretty good defense lately, coming off back-to-back 1-1 draws against Stoke and Chelsea. 

This will be the third meeting of the season, and the previous two matchups saw a total of just one goal scored. 

8* play on UNDER. 

SATURDAY NBA TOTAL OF THE DAY

The Portland Trail Blazers are at risk of an early exit from the NBA playoffs when they enter Smoothie King Center Saturday afternoon. They've scored an average of just 99.7 ppg through the first three defeats, and I don't think points will come easy today either. 

Betting Portland games to go under the total has been a winning recipe all season long and note that the under is 6-1 in Trail Blazers last seven vs. a team with a winning straight up record. Under is 9-3-1 in Pelicans last 13 vs. a team with a winning straight up record and I expect to see solid and aggressive defense from both teams in this contest. 

8* play on POR @ NO to go UNDER the total. 

TOP RATED 10* PELICANS @ BLAZERS TOTAL

The New Orleans Pelicans stole a 97-95 victory in Saturday's opener with the total closing at 216.5. I think we'll see another relatively low-scoring contest here in Game 2. 

New Orleans played excellent defense in Game 1 and held Portland to 31.9 percent shooting from the field, including 3-of-17 from behind the arc. Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum combined for just three points on 1-of-15 shooting in the first half, which the Blazers finished trailing 45-36. "We just didn't make shots," said Lillard. "Give credit to what they did defensively. They were physical, and they were trapping a lot of my pick-and-rolls."

Expect more of the same tonight. 

Under is 8-2-1 in Pelicans last 11 vs. a team with a winning straight up record and 5-0 in Trail Blazers last five vs. a team with a winning straight up record. Under is 7-2-1 in the last 10 meetings in Portland.

10* play on NO @ POR to go UNDER the total. 

WOLVES @ ROCKETS *NO-BRAINER*

The Minnesota Timberwolves clinched their playoff berth with an overtime victory on the final day of the regular season. The "reward" is a series against the NBA-best Houston Rockets. 

This is simply a terrible matchup for Minnesota which struggles do defend the perimeter while Houston has fired 42.3 3-point attempts per game and made 36.2 percent of those shots. Over is 14-3 in the last 17 meetings, and I think we'll see another high-scoring affair tonight. 

8* play on MIN @ HOU to go OVER the total. 

THURSDAY NIGHT MLB TOTAL

The Cleveland Indians have won four games in a row, mostly thanks to their pitching. In their last six games overall, they have scored a total of just 15 runs, and I think runs will come at a premium for both teams here. 

The Tigers hand the ball to Michael Fulmer (1-1, 0.68 ERA) who tossed 5 1/3 scoreless innings against the White Sox on Saturday. Fulmer has struggled in previous matchups with the Tribe, but Cleveland's bats have yet to come alive this season and the Indians enter Thursday with the worst batting average in baseball (.170).

Trevor Bauer (0-1, 2.08 ERA) will take the mound for Cleveland. Bauer limited KC to one run and three hits over eight innings his last time out. He'll face a Detroit team with the second worst AVG (.204) in the major leagues this season. 

Under is 5-0 in Tigers last five overall. Under is 7-0 in Indians last seven overall.

8* play on DET @ CLE to go UNDER the total. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA *BOOKIE BREAKER* TOTAL

The Oklahoma City Thunder are coming off a huge 108-102 triumph at top-seeded Houston Rockets on Saturday. They can clinch a playoff spot with a win here against Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena Monday night, so I have no doubt that they'll bring it on the defensive end of the court.

The Heat are already in the playoffs but took a brutal 122-98 loss to the New York Knicks on Friday, so they no doubt want to do better defensively here. Under is 23-11 in Heat's last 34 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points.

Under is 4-0 in OKC's last four road games, 7-1 in its last eight overall and 20-6 in its last 26 Monday games. Under is 7-0 in Miami's last seven vs. a team with a winning straight up record.

Under is 8-0 in the last eight meetings, including a 105-99 Thunder win in Oklahoma City on March 23. 

10* play on OKC @ MIA to go UNDER the total. 

SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

The Baltimore Orioles opened the season with three losses at Houston are coming off a successful 3-1 series against the Yankees in the Bronx. They'll play their first home game for the season Monday night, and I think they'll come through with a win. 

Baltimore right-hander Dylan Bundy (0-0, 0.69 ERA) is off to a fast start and conceded just one earned run with 15 Ks through 13 innings of work over his first two outings. He's 3-0 mark with an 0.76 ERA in seven career appearances against the Yankees who turn to J.A. Happ (1-1, 5.40 ERA). The left-hander is 1-2 with a 4.05 ERA in six career starts at Camden Yards and surrendered four runs over 5 1/3 innings against the White Sox his last time out. 

Orioles are 9-4 in their last 13 home games vs. a left-handed starter and 6-2 in Bundy's last eight home starts.

Under is 22-4-1 in the last 27 meetings. Under is 9-2-1 in the last 12 meetings in Baltimore.

8* play on TOR @ BAL to go UNDER the total. 

SUNDAY NIGHT BASEBALL TOTAL

The New York Mets have won four in a row and will go for a series sweep of the defending NL East champion Washington Nationals Sunday night. There's definitely some value on Mets as an underdog here, but I have my eyes on the total. 

The Mets hand the ball to Matt Harvey (0-0, 0.00 ERA) who allowed just one hit in five scoreless innings against the Philadelphia Phillies in his season debut. Under is 6-2-2 in Nationals last 10 home games vs. a right-handed starter and Harvey is 1-3 with a 3.86 ERA in six career starts here at Nationals Park.

The Nats turn to Tanner Roark (1-0, 1.29 ERA) who is  is 7-2 with a 2.76 ERA in 17 games (11 starts) against the Mets and went seven innings, allowing a run, four hits and a walk against the Atlanta Braves on Monday night. Under is 6-1 in Roark's last seven home starts and 9-1 in his last 10 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance.

8* play on NYM @ WAS to go UNDER the total. 

MLB 3-PACK

The Milwaukee Brewers look good to cover the runline in a low-scoring game here in the finale of a four-game series with the Chicago Cubs.

Milwaukee hands the ball to Chase Anderson (0-0, 3.60 ERA) who tossed six innings of one-hit ball at San Diego in his season debut and he's 3-2 with a 3.79 ERA in seven career starts versus the Cubs.

Jose Quintana (0-1, 9.00 ERA) will take the ball for Chicago. The left-hander is 2-1 with a minuscule 0.90 ERA in four career meetings with Milwaukee but struggled with his command in his first start of the season, so I wouldn't trust him completely here. We can also note that the Cubs won Saturday's matchup 5-2, but they're 0-8 in their last eight games following a win.

Under is 4-1 in both Milwaukee's and Chicago's last five overall. 
Under is 13-3 in Brewers last 16 Sunday games and 12-3-3 in Cubs last 18 Sunday games.

8* play on CHC @ MIL to go UNDER the total. 

Chelsea have lost five of their last seven Premier League game (no clean sheets during that stretch) and they're banged up at the defensive end of the field. They took a 3-1 loss to Tottenham here at Stamford Bridge their last time out.

West Ham are coming off a 3-0 win against Southampton but had conceded a total of 11 goals in three straight defeats prior to that triumph. The Hammers are only five points above the relegation zone so they're in dire need of points while Chelsea would need a small miracle to catch any of the top 4 teams. 

8* play on West Ham @ Chelsea to go OVER the total. 

MLB 3-PACK

The Philadelphia Philles and the Miami Marlins are two of the lowest scoring teams in baseball so far this season. The Phillies beat the Fish 5-0 in the first of a three-game set before Friday's off day, and I think we'll see another low-scoring encounter here on Saturday.

Vince Velasquez (0-1, 13.50 ERA) will take the ball for Philly. He was lit up for seven runs (four earned) on nine hits through just 2 2/3 frames against Atlanta in his season debut, but note that he has compiled a 2.84 ERA in six appearances with Miami. 

The Marlins turn to Dillon Peters (1-0, 0.00 ERA) who tossed six scoreless innings in the 6-0 victory over the Cubs on Sunday. The left-hander held the Phillies to two runs and nine hits with 12 strikeouts over 13 innings last season.

Under is 8-2 in Phillies last 10 home games vs. a left-handed starter.

8* play on MIA @ PHI to go UNDER the total. 

MLB 3-PACK

Detroit and the Chicago White Sox had Friday off following a 9-7 Tigers win in extra innings on Thursday. I think we'll see way fewer runs here with two gifted pitchers in Michael Fulmer (0-1, 1.13 ERA) and Lucas Giolito (0-0, 4.50 ERA) on the mound. 

Tigers' Fulmer held the Pirates to one run through eight innings of a 1-0 loss in his season debut while Giolito gave up three runs, four hits and four walks in six innings at Kansas City on March 31. Giolito tossed seven shutout innings against Detroit last season. 

Under is 4-0 in Giolito's last four starts overall. Under is 4-1 in Fulmer's last five starts overall.

8* play on DET @ CHW to go UNDER the total. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (SOCCER)

Liverpool are coming off an impressive 3-0 win over Manchester City in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals. They've won three in a row and seven of their last nine, outscoring opponents by a total of 23-2 in the triumphs. Liverpool have lost just twice in their last 11 away Premier League games (W8, D1) and over is 13-3 in their 16 road games in the league this season. Six of Everton's last eight games have seen three goals or more. 

10* Soccer Game of the Week play on LIV @ EVE to go OVER the total. 

MLB 3-PACK

Texas Rangers vs. Toronto Blue Jays usually means plenty of action over the plate with over 8-3-1 in the last 12 meetings overall and 6-1-1 in the last eight meetings at Arlington.

Texas right-hander Matt Moore (0-1, 9.00 ERA) was charged with four runs on seven hits through four innings against World Series champion Houston in his season debut. Toronto right-hander Marco Estrada (0-0, 3.86 ERA) gave up three runs on four hits and three walks with a pair of homers in a non-decision against the Yankees in his first outing of the season. He has a 3.74 ERA in six career starts against Texas and over is 11-1 in Estrada's last 12 starts during Game 1 of a series.

8* play on Toronto @ Texas to go OVER the total. 

MLB 3-PACK

The Baltimore Orioles win the opener of this four-game series 5-2 yesterday. I expect to see quite a few more runs scored in tonight's game. 

Kevin Gausman (0-1, 13.50 ERA) will take the ball for Baltimore. He was lit up for six runs and seven hits over four innings in a loss to Minnesota in his first start of the season. Gausman can't have very fond memories of Yankee Stadium after surrendering 12 runs on 16 hits and eight walks over 9 1/3 frames in two starts here last season.

The Yankees turn to CC Sabathia (0-0, 1.80 ERA) who held Toronto to two runs (one earned) on five hits in five innings on Saturday. Baltimore reached him for 15 runs and 23 hits over 17 frames last season.

Over is 22-6 in the last 28 meetings. 

8* play on Baltimore at NYY to go OVER the total.

TOP RATED 10* NBA *BASKET BRAWLER* (TOTAL)

The Washington Wizards blew a late lead in last night's 119-115 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. I don't see them having any intention of driving up the tempo here when playing on no rest, and the Atlanta Hawks have failed to score more than 100 points in all of their last four games. Under is 6-2 in Atlanta's last eight and 6-1 in the last seven head-to-head matchups in Washington.

10* play on ATL @ WAS to go UNDER the total. 

NBA 3-PACK

The Golden State Warriors have won three in a row following a 111-107 triumph at Oklahoma City on Tuesday. They were without Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green or Stephen Curry available in a 92-81 home loss to Indiana on March 27, but they're getting a little bit healthier lately and I think they'll be fired up to avenge that loss tonight. 

The Pacers dropped a 107-104 decision at Denver on Tuesday and they're just 2-6 ATS in their last eight home games vs. a team with a winning road record.

Under is 12-5 in Warriors last 17 overall. Under is 7-1 in Pacers last eight home games. Under is 6-2 in the last eight meetings in Indiana.

8* play on GS @ IND to go UNDER the total. 

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

The Philadelphia 76ers have won 11 in a row following a 121-95 win over Brooklyn last night. They'll be without All-Star center Joel Embiid (orbital fracture) and Dario Saric (elbow), and we can note that under is 5-2 in 76ers last seven games playing on no days rest.

The Detroit Pistons have won five in a row and seven of eight to stay alive in the playoff race in the East. They held Brooklyn to 96 points their last time out and under is 15-4-2 in Pistons last 21 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600 and 12-3 in 76ers last 15 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.

10* play on PHI @ DET to go UNDER the total. 

NBA 3-PACK

The Golden State Warriors main motivation must be to get to the playoffs as healthy as they can as they're already locked into the No. 2 spot in the West. 

Kevin Durant (ribs), Klay Thompson (thumb) and Draymond Green (pelvic contusion) are back in the lineup, but Stephen Curry will miss his sixth consecutive game with a sprain of his left medial collateral ligament, Patrick McCaw is also out after a scary Saturday night injury that left him with a lumbar spine contusion and Andre Iguodala (knee soreness) and Kevon Looney (flu) are listed as doubtful for this contest. 

The OKC Thunder had lost three in a row before picking up a 109-104 win at New Orleans their last time out. They are battling for homecourt advantage in the first round of the playoffs so motivation should be high for the home team. 

Warriors are 0-7 ATS in their last seven road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. Under is 7-1 in Warriors last eight vs. a team with a winning straight up record.

Thunder are 41-19-3 ATS in their last 63 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600. Under is 13-3 in Thunder's last 16 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.

8* play on GS @ OKC to go UNDER the total. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA *BOOKIE BREAKER* TOTAL

The Golden State Warriors will play on no rest following a 112-96 win at Sacramento last night. They have six games left of the regular season but little to play for with the Rockets already having clinched the best record in the league and the Warriors themselves clinched the No. 2 seed in the West. 

Stephen Curry is expected to miss the rest of the regular season so the Warriors must avoid more injuries and keep the rest of their stars fresh which means more time on the floor for their fringe players. 

Under is 7-2 in Warriors last nine home games and they'll face a Phoenix team which may have lost four straight, but the Suns are coming off three straight impressive efforts against Boston, the LA Clippers and Houston. Under is 6-0 in Suns last six overall and 11-1 in their last 12 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.

10* play on PHX @ GS to go UNDER the total.

NBA 3-PACK

The Cleveland Cavaliers have won seven of their last eight games. They're allowing an average of 109.9 ppg on the season but have played much better defense of late and under is 4-1 in Cavs last five overall. Here they'll host a tanking Dallas team which has lost two in a row and seven of its last eight. Each of their last four games have gone under the total and they've averaged 92.5 ppg in the last two. 

Under is 9-4 in the last 13 meetings overall and 5-1 in the last six meetings in Cleveland.

8* play on DAL @ CLE to go UNDER the total. 

NBA 3-PACK

I expect a low-scoring contest when the two worst teams in the East clash at Philips Arena Sunday night. 

Orlando is coming off a 90-82 loss against Chicago. It has lost eight of its last 10 with only three of those going over the total. Atlanta has lost nine of its last 10 with four of the last six going under the total. It fell 101-91 against Philly its last time out. 

Atlanta's leading scorer PG Dennis Schroder suffered a medial bone bruise and a sprained left ankle against Golden State on March 23 and will miss the rest of the season, and it'll also have to do without its third-leading scorer Kent Bazemore. 

Under is 21-6 in the last 27 meetings in Atlanta.

8* play on ORL @ ATL to go UNDER the total. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA *BASKET BRAWLER (TOTAL)

The Minnesota Timberwolves ended a two-game skid with a 126-114 triumph over Atlanta on Wednesday. They enter this contest at seventh place in the Western Conference 1 1/2 games up on the ninth-place LA Clippers, so they'll have everything to play for.

I think we'll see good defending and way fewer points scored than their last time out when they visit the Dallas Mavericks Friday night. The tanking Mavs have played three straight unders and we can note that under is 9-1-1 in Timberwolves last 11 vs. a team with a losing straight up record.

The Wolves have won four straight meetings, the most recent a 97-92 win home at Minnesota. Each of the last seven matchups in the series have gone under the total.

10* play on MIN @ DAL to go UNDER the total. 

SUPER EARLY PIRATES @ TIGERS TOTAL

Thursday's season-opener for Pittsburgh Pirates and Detroit Tigers got postponed due to rain. We'll see the same pitching matchup Friday afternoon instead, and I think this will be a relatively low-scoring contest with Ivan Nova and Jordan Zimmermann on the mound. 

Nova finished last season with a 4.14 ERA (5.02 ERA on the road) but looks well prepared for this year. He came to camp 10 pounds lighter and will be relied upon here as Gerrit Cole was sent to Houston during the off-season.

Zimmermann posted the worst ERA of his career (6.08) in 2017 but the veteran should be poised to do better this year and has compiled a respectable 3.96 ERA in four career starts against the Pirates.

The Pirates will need to get used to life without Andrew McCutchen after dealing the All-Star center fielder to San Francisco. 

8* play on PIT @ DET to go UNDER the total. 

LATE NIGHT MAVS @ LAKERS *NO-BRAINER*

The Dallas Mavericks are coming off a 103-97 win at Sacramento last night, their second straight game to go under the total. Four of their last five games when playing on no rest have gone under the total, and under is 13-6 in Mavericks last 19 vs. a team with a losing straight up record. Here they'll visit the 32-41 LA Lakers who have seen five of their last seven games stay under the total and under is 5-1 in Lakers last six home games vs. a team with a losing road record.

8* play on DAL @ LAL to go UNDER the total. 

NBA *HARDWOOD HAMMER* TOTAL

The LA Clippers have played three straight unders and the Phoenix Suns four straight unders. Phoenix has pretty much checked out and topped 100 points in only one of their last six games. The Clippers trail the eighth-place Minnesota by 1 1/2 games in the Western Conference so they'll be up for this game and I see no risk of them slacking on their defensive duties.

My selection is an 8* play on LAC @ PHO to go UNDER the total. 

NBA 3-PACK

Under is 14-3 in the Indiana Pacers last 17 games and 6-0-1 in their last seven road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. Here they'll visit a Golden State Warriors team that will be without three of its All Stars with Stephen Curry (knee), Kevin Durant (ribs) and Klay Thompson (hand) all sidelined. Under is 9-3 in Warriors last 12 overall and 7-1 in their last eight home games vs. a team with a losing road record.

My selection is an 8* play on UNDER the total. 

NBA 3-PACK

Two of the worst teams in the NBA will clash at Golden 1 Center when the Dallas Mavericks visit the Sacramento Kings. The Mavs have made no secret that they're in full tank mode, and they enter this game off five straight defeats. The Kings have split their last six games and they're perfect 6-0 ATS in their last six games vs. a team with a winning % below .400. Mavericks meanwhile are 6-18 ATS in their last 24 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.

Under is 7-1 in Kings last eight home games and 5-2 in the last seven meetings with the Mavs in Sacramento. The Kings are 8-2 ATS in the last eight meetings overall.

My selection is an 8* play on UNDER the total. 

NBA 3-PACK

The Atlanta Hawks are pretty much just playing out the string, but they're in a decent spot to record an upset when they visit the Houston Rockets Sunday night.

The Rockets will play on no rest following a dominant 114-98 triumph over New Orleans yesterday, a win that set a franchise record for victories in a season. They now own a 4 1/2-game lead over Golden State in the race for first place in the Western Conference with nine contests remaining and I wouldn't be surprised if they fall for the temptation to look past the lowly Hawks here.  

Rockets are 5-11 ATS in their last 16 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points and 1-8 ATS in their last nine home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400. Hawks are 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings and they've won each of their last three visits to Toyota Center.

Under is 10-1 in Hawks last 11 road games. Under is 8-2 in Rockets last 10 overall.

My selection is an 8* play on ATL @ HOU to go UNDER the total. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA *BOOKIE BREAKER*

We should see two highly motivated teams playing hard defense with the LA Clippers battling to get back into the race for a playoff spot in the Western Conference and the Indiana Pacers drawing closer to clinching a playoff berth and trying to catch the Cavs for third place in the East.

Only one of the Pacers' last 12 games have gone over the total while the Clippers have played four straight overs, but the under is 10-4 in their last 14 vs. a team with a winning straight up record. 

These two teams had played three straight unders with the total set at an average of 205 points before the last meeting went over with 213 points and the total closing at 207. That would still not be enough to cover this line, and I think this game will go under without any problem.

My selection is a 10* play on LAC @ IND to go UNDER the total. 

NBA 3-PACK

Both the LA Lakers and the New Orleans Pelicans have played more unders than overs lately, and that's a trend I like to continue when the teams meet at Smoothie King Center Thursday night. The Lakers are on a 4-0 under run while the under is 4-1 in the Pels last five. 

This will be the Pels third game in three nights due to rescheduled games, and I think they'll try and slow down the tempo in this contest. They've defeated Dallas and Indiana in the first two games of this tough stretch, but sweeping the tripleheader will be extremely hard, and the Lakers could very well prove too much to handle here, particularly as the visitors should be pretty fired up for this one, coming off three straight losses and playing on two days of rest. 

My selection is an 8* play on LAL @ NO to go UNDER the total. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA *BOOKIE BREAKER*

Only one of the Indiana Pacers' last 11 games have gone over the total, and I think the books have set the number way too high once again when they visit the New Orleans Pelicans Wednesday night.

The Pels had played three straight unders prior to a 115-105 triumph over Dallas (with the total closing at 218.5). Under is 16-4-1 in Pelicans last 21 overall vs. a team with a winning straight up record and 8-1-1 in Pacers last 10 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.

The Pelicans posted a 117-112 victory at Indiana on Nov. 7, but eight of the last 10 meetings have gone under the total and none of those games closed with the total set as high as this.

My selection is a 10* play on IND @ NOP to go UNDER the total. 

NBA 3-PACK

The Charlotte Hornets have allowed an average of 118.3 points over their last 10 contests. They're more or less battling to stay in postseason contention, entering this game 7 1/2 games out of a playoff spot following a 108-94 loss at Philadelphia on Monday. Each of their last six games prior to that game had gone over the total. 

I expect the Hornets to play hard here, but they'll probably need a lot of points in order to outscore this Brooklyn side which has averaged 116 points through back-to-back triumphs over Dallas and Memphis. The Nets have no reason to tank as they do not own their first-round pick this season, and they should be able to pour in the points against this reeling Charlotte team.

My selection is an 8* play on CHA @ BRK to go OVER the total.  

TOP RATED 10* ROCKETS @ BLAZERS BEST BET

The red hot Houston Rockets (won 26 of their last 28) will visit the equally hot Portland Trail Blazers (won 13 in a row) Tuesday night, and I think the total is set way too low considering both teams ability to shoot the 3-ball. Portland is hitting 38% of its shots from behind the arc with an average of 10.5 made per game while Houston is averaging a league-best 15.4 3-pointers per game. 

Six of the last seven meetings have gone over the total, all with a higher number than what we see here today, and we can note that over is 8-1 in Trail Blazers last nine games when taking on a team with a winning % above .600.

My selection is a 10* play on HOU @ POR to go OVER the total. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (NBA)

The Indiana Pacers had won six of seven before taking back-to-back losses to Toronto and Washington. They've been involved in several low-scoring games lately, and I think the bookmakers have set the total way too high for this contest. 

The Pacers had seen nine straight games go under the total before losing 109-102 to Washington (with the total closing at 210). They'll take on a Lakers team which lost 92-91 against Miami its last time out and each of its last three games have gone under the total. 

The Lakers won the last meeting 99-86 back in January (with the total closing at 214). Under is 16-9 when the Pacers are looking to avenge a loss vs. an opponent this season. 

My NBA Game of the Month is a 10* play on LAL @ IND to go UNDER the total. 

NBA *HARDWOOD HAMMER* TOTAL

The red hot Indiana Pacers took a 106-99 loss to Toronto on Thursday, but they've still won six of their last eight, a surge fueled by excellent play at the defensive end of the court. Each and every of their last nine games have gone under the total, and that's a trend I like to continue when they visit the Washington Wizards on Saturday. 

Washington recorded a dramatic 125-124 win in double overtime over a banged up Celtics team at Boston on Wednesday and both the Pacers and the Wizards have their eyes on the No. 3 spot in the Eastern Conference.

Note that Indiana won the last meeting 98-95 here at Washington on March 4, and under is 9-2 on the season in Wizards games where they seek revenge for a home loss. 

I think we'll see a game with playoff like intensity and good defending at Capital One Arena tonight. 

My selection is an 8* play on IND @ WAS to go UNDER the total. 

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

The Eastern Conference-leading Toronto Raptors are coming off a 106-99 win at Indiana Thursday night. Seven of their last nine (including last night's game) have gone under the total, and that's a trend I expect to continue when they host the Dallas Mavericks Friday night.

Dallas has managed to win three of its last four with each of the last three going under the total. The Mavs are playing at a very slow pace at 97.5 possessions per game and I don't see Toronto pushing the tempo here when playing on no rest. 

Under is 8-2 in Mavericks last 10 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600 and 9-1-1 in Raptors last 11 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.

My selection is a 10* play on DAL @ TOR to go UNDER the total. 

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

The Toronto Raptors have won nine in a row and own a solid lead over Boston in the race for the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. Here they'll run into the Indiana Pacers who are won 10 of their last 13 and looking to hold onto third place in the East. 

The Pacers have held three straight opponents to fewer than 100 points, and all of their last eight games have gone under the total while the under is 7-0 in the last seven meetings with the Raptors in Indiana. 

The Raptors are certainly no strangers to great defensive displays, and I think they'll play hard on the defensive end here in a playoff like game. Under is 6-2-1 in Raptors last nine overall and 5-2-1 in their last eight vs. Eastern Conference foes.

My selection is a 10* play on TOR @ IND to go UNDER the total. 

NHL TOTAL *NO-BRAINER*

The Vegas Golden Knights are back home from a five-game road trip that started with a 3-2 win at New Jersey on March 4. None of those five games saw more than five goals and I think we'll see another relatively low-scoring contest when they host the New Jersey Devils Wednesday night. New Jersey is coming off a 3-2 shootout victory at Nashville on Saturday and under is 9-1-1 in Devils last 11 overall.

Neither team is clicking offensively at the moment, and strongly doubt this game will go over the total. 

My selection is an 8* play on NJ @ LV to go UNDER the total. 

NBA TOTALS 3-PACK

The San Antonio Spurs have five losses in six games and 11 in their past 14, and they're struggling to score easy buckets. Here they'll play on no rest following a 109-93 defeat at Houston Monday night, and I think they'll try to beat Orlando with a solid defense.

The Magic have dropped 11 of their last 13 games and been held to fewer than 90 points in two of their last four. They had played four straight unders prior to their last game going over the total of 217 with a single point.

Under is 6-0 in the last six meetings.

My selection is an 8* play on ORL @ SAS to go UNDER the total. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA TOTAL

The Atlanta Hawks had averaged 88.5 points through their last two games prior to a 129-122 loss to Chicago on Sunday. Under is still 8-2 in Hawks' last 10 and I think we'll see a relatively low-scoring contest when they host the Oklahoma City Thunder Tuesday night.

The Thunder have played three straight unders following a 106-101 win against Sacramento last night, and we can note that Under is 4-1 in Thunder's last six overall and 6-0 in the last six meetings with the Hawks in Atlanta.

My selection is a 10* play on OKC @ ATL to go UNDER the total. 

NBA TOTALS 3-PACK

The Indiana Pacers are coming off an impressive 99-97 triumph at Boston, and solid play on the defensive end of the court is a big reason why they've won five of their last six games. Even in the lone defeat the played good D (104-84 loss against Utah) and all of their last seven games have gone under the total. 

The Philadelphia 76ers return home from a four-game road trip which concluded with a 120-97 triumph at Brooklyn, and they will play seven of their next nine games at the Wells Fargo Center. They've been inconsistent offensively lately though, and six of their last eight have gone under the total. 

My selection is an 8* play on IND @ PHI to go UNDER the total. 

NBA TOTAL *BANKROLL BUILDER*

Two reeling teams will clash at FedExForum Monday night when the hapless Memphis Grizzlies host the Milwaukee Bucks.

Memphis has lost 17 straight and been held to 80 points or fewer in each of its last two games while Milwaukee has lost six of its last eight and scoring under 100 points in four of its last six. The Bucks have played a tough schedule though, and I don't see them giving up many points here against the NBA-worst Memphis Grizzlies. Milwaukee has struggled with its guard play in recent outings, playing without Malcolm Brogdon (torn quad) and Matthew Dellavedova (sprained right ankle) so points aren't likely come easy for the visitors either though. 

Under is 11-3 in Bucks last 14 road games and 6-1 in Grizzlies last seven overall. Under is 10-3-1 in the last 14 meetings.

My selection is an 8* play on MIL @ MEM to go UNDER the total. 

EARLY NBA TOTAL BANKROLL BUILDER

The Atlanta Hawks will host the Chicago Bulls in a rather meaningless game Sunday afternoon.

The only reason for either side to try is to avoid finishing with the worst record in the Eastern Conference, but I still think we'll see a slow and low-scoring game. The Bulls scored just 36 points in 2nd half of a 99-83 defeat at Detroit Friday while the Hawks took a 112-87 loss at Indiana the same night. Atlanta has averaged 88.5 ppg through its last two games.

Under is 8-2 in Bulls last 10 road games vs. a team with a losing home record and 5-0 in Hawks last five overall. Under is 18-8 in the last 26 meetings in the series. 

My selection is an 8* play on CHI @ ATL to go UNDER the total. 

SUPER EARLY 10* NBA TOTAL *AFTERNOON ASSASSIN*

Toronto snapped Houston's 17-game winning streak with a 108-105 triumph Friday night, the Raptors' eighth win in a row. They've played excellent D during that stretch with five of the last six going under the total, and I think they'll keep the Knicks offense in check with ease here Sunday afternoon. 

The Knicks have allowed an average of 117.8 points during a six-game slide, but under is 10-3 in Knicks' games where they face a divisional opponent this season and 5-1 in their last six vs. a team with a winning straight up record.

Five of the last six meetings have gone under the total and I expect a low-scoring contest at MSG Sunday afternoon.

My selection is a 10* play on TOR @ NYK to go UNDER the total. 

MAGIC @ CLIPPERS NIGHTCRAWLER

Both teams will play on no rest here with the Orlando Magic coming off a  94-88 loss to the Kings while the LA Clippers posted a 116-102 home victory over the Cavaliers Friday night. 

Orlando has lost 10 of its last 12 games and averaged only 91.7 ppg through the last three with each of the last four and six of the last seven going under the total. 

The Clippers have had no trouble with their scoring while winning 12 of their last 17 games, but note that under is 8-1 in Clippers last nine vs. a team with a losing straight up record.

The Clippers posted a 106-95 victory at Orlando on Dec. 13 and eight of the last 10 meetings in this series have gone under the total.

My selection is an 8* play on ORL @ LAC to go UNDER the total. 

NBA 3-PACK

The San Antonio Spurs may be banged up, but they're still well coached and extremely hard to beat with Gregg Popovich on the bench. They gave the Warriors a big scare in a 110-107 loss at Golden State on Thursday and I think they'll keep it close enough here at Oklahoma City as well and at the very least cover the spread.

The Thunder are coming off a 115-87 win against Phoenix on Thursday but are only 5-13 ATS after a win of 10 points or more this season. They had suffered back-to-back losses to Golden State and Portland prior to that victory and it's more than a month since they last defeated a team with a winning record. 

The Spurs are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 road games and 4-1 ATS in their last five road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600 while OKC is 2-5 ATS in their last seven home games and 5-11 ATS in its last 16 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.

The teams come into this contest in a virtual tie for the fifth spot in the Western Conference but just a couple games from falling out of the playoff picture entirely. Big game for both teams, and I expect a very tight contest.

Over is 6-2 in Spurs last eight road games and 8-3 in Spurs last 11 overall. Over is 5-1 in Thunder last six games following a straight up win of more than 10 points.

My selection is an 8* play on SAS @ OKC to go OVER the total. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA)

The Golden State Warriors are coming off a 110-107 triumph against San Antonio Thursday night after a fourth-quarter rally. Stephen Curry was lost for the night to a rolled right ankle early in the first quarter and the Warriors are most likely going to be cautious with him at this stage of the season with the playoffs beginning next month. 

All of the Warriors last four games have gone under the total while Portland has improved a lot on the defensive end compared to previous seasons, and the bookmakers have yet to adjust. Under is 39-26 for the Blazers on the season and six of their last seven have gone under while allowing an average of 96.1 ppg during that stretch. They held the Knicks to 87 points their last time out and I think they'll keep the Warriors in check in this contest. 

My NBA Game of the Week is a 10* play on GSW @ POR to go UNDER the total. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA TOTAL *BOOKIE BREAKER*

The Minnesota Timberwolves will be looking to bounce back from back-to-back defeats, the most recent a 116-108 loss at Utah on March 2. Over is 9-2 in their last 11 overall, 5-0 in their last five following a straight up loss and 11-6 after allowing 115 points or more this season. The Wolves should be very well rested for this contest and ready to push the tempo. 

They'll host a Boston Celtics side which has won five of six since the All Star break, with only one of those contests going under the total. They're coming off a dominant 105-89 win at Chicago, and over is 4-0 in their last four following a straight up win of more than 10 points and 6-1-1 in their last eight overall. 

My selection is a 10* play on BOS @ MIN to go OVER the total. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

The red hot New Orleans Pelicans are coming off nine straight wins and they've scored 120+ points in all but one of those games, a 118-103 triumph at Detroit. Here they'll visit a Sacramento team which has seen the score go over the total in seven of their last 11 games and I fully expect the Pels to be able to keep pouring in the points with ease. The Kings should also put up their fair share of buckets though, playing on two days rest compared to New Orleans which will play on no rest following a 121-116 win at LA Clippers last night. 

As the clincher we can note that each of the previous three meetings this season have gone over the total. 

My selection is a 10* play on NO @ SAC to go OVER the total. 

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

The Portland Trail Blazers extended their season-best winning streak to seven games with a 108-103 road triumph at LA Lakers last night. They've played terrific defense lately, holding four of their last six opponents to 100 points or fewer and they should have little problems to contain the Knicks here Tuesday night. 

New York has lost four in a row (and 12 of 13) and has collapsed completely since losing All-Star forward Kristaps Porzingis to a season-ending knee injury. The Knicks took a 102-99 loss to the Kings on Sunday and points won't come easy here against a solid Portland side.

Five of Portland's last six and each of the last four encounters with the Knicks have gone under the total (with the total closing at 209.5, 217, 209.5 and 204). I just can't see this game go over the total as I expect Portland to run away with the game early and then slow down the pace. 

My selection is a 10* play on NYK @ POR to go UNDER the total. 

10* WCC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME BOOKIE BREAKER: BYU/GONZAGA

The BYU Cougars will clash with the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the West Coast Conference Championship Game at Orleans Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada Tuesday night. The Cougars are coming off a 88-60 blowout of San Francisco while BYU upset 19th-ranked Saint Mary's 85-72 last night. 

Both sides have been shooting lights out so far in the tournament, with the Zags connecting on close to 57% on their shots (and sophomore Killian Tillie going 10-for-10 from downtown) while BYU shot 61% against Saint Mary's and better than 56% overall. 

Over is 7-1 in Cougars last eight overall and 4-0 in Bulldogs last four overall.

My selection is a 10* play on BYU/GONZAGA to go OVER the total. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

The red hot Los Angeles Lakers aim for a sixth straight win when they host the even hotter Portland Trail Blazers Monday night. The Lakers have averaged 121.4 ppg through the last five games and I expect to see plenty of points for both teams in this contest. The Blazers have already won six straight (and eight of their last nine) and Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum combined for 48 points in Saturday's 108-100 triumph over the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Lakers' Lonzo Ball has shot 55.2 percent from the floor while hitting 14-of-22 from downtown over his last four contests. Ball went 6-for-10 on 3-pointers in a 116-112 win at the Spurs on Saturday night. 

Over is 7-0-1 in Lakers last eight overall and while Portland has been trending under in recent games, I still think we'll see the home team push the tempo here to push the score over the total.

My selection is a 10* play on POR @ LAL to go OVER the total. 

TOP RATED 10* NHL POWER PLAY (TOTAL)

The Arizona Coyotes are 7-2-0 in their last nine games thanks to terrific play on the defensive end of the rink, allowing a total of just 16 goals during that stretch. They're coming off a 2-1 triumph against Ottawa and under is 6-2 in Coyotes last eight after allowing two goals or less in their previous game and 8-2-2 in their last 12 Monday games. The Edmonton Oilers have conceded 12 goals while losing three in a row, but should be able to handle an Arizona team that is averaging only 2.41 gpg on the season. 

Arizona defeated the Oilers 1-0 back in February. Under is 6-2 in the last eight meetings overall and 4-1 in the last five meetings at Edmonton.

My selection is a 10* play on ARI @ EDM to go UNDER the total. 

NBA 3-PACK

The New Orleans Pelicans have averaged more than 125 ppg through seven straight wins. They defeated the Spurs 121-116 at San Antonio on Wednesday and will be well rested with plenty of energy for this matchup with the Mavericks Sunday night. 

The Pelicans are 10-1 ATS in their last 11 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400 and they'll face a Mavs side which has dropped six of the last seven games. Note that the road team took each of the first two matchups of the season, with Dallas earning a 128-120 win at New Orleans in the most recent meeting on Dec. 29. No doubt a good revenge spot for the red hot Pelicans tonight. 

Over is 5-0 in Pelicans last five overall. Over is 4-0 in Mavericks last four home games. My money is on New Orleans to win and cover the spread in a high-scoring game. 

My selection is an 8* play on NO @ DAL to go OVER the total.

NBA 3-PACK

The Detroit Pistons took a 115-106 OT loss at Orlando last night. Here they'll visit a Miami Heat side which took a 131-113 pounding by the Lakers its last time out. I think we'll see the Heat bounce back and win a high-scoring game. The Heat had won two in a row prior to the loss to the Lakers, and they're 5-1-1 ATS in their last seven games overall. Eight of their last 10 have gone over the total, and the home team should be able to take advantage of the visitors tired legs. Pistons are 2-5-1 ATS in their last eight games playing on no rest and 0-5 ATS in their last five road games.

My selection is a 10* play on DET @ MIA to go OVER the total. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

The LA Lakers have averaged 120 ppg through three straight victories, admittedly against teams near or at the bottom of the standings in the NBA, but I think they'll be able to pile up the points here at Miami Thursday night as well. 

The Lakers defeated the Hawks 123-104 at Atlanta their last time out. It's worth noting that they're 7-1 ATS in their last eight games following a straight up win of more than 10 points while over is 5-0-1 in their last six overall.

The Heat are coming off back-to-back triumphs against Memphis and Philadelphia. They've performed very well against the spread lately, entering this game on a 5-0-1 ATS run but we can note that they're just 1-5-1 ATS in their last seven home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.  

The previous two meetings this season have seen an average of 224.5 points and over is 7-2 in Miami's last nine overall.

My selection is a 10* play on LAL @ MIA to go OVER the total. 

LATE NIGHT ROCKETS @ CLIPPERS TOTAL

The Houston Rockets head to LA riding an amazing 14-game winning streak, fueled by an offense that averages 114.0 ppg on the season. James Harden leads the NBA with a 31.4 ppg and put up 51 points and eight assists in a 128-118 loss to the Clippers back in December.

Over is 4-1 in Rockets last five road games, and here they'll face a Clippers side which has played four straight overs following a 122-120 win at Denver last night. Over is 13-3 in Clippers' games after allowing 115 points or more their last time out.

I expect to see tired Clippers legs on defense and the visitors to drive up the tempo to take full advantage. 

My selection is an 8* play on HOU @ LAC to go OVER the total. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

The Cleveland Cavaliers took a 110-94 loss to San Antonio on Sunday.

Coach Tyronn Lue used Monday's practice session to come up with new offensive schemes, but will it help? "I was able to add some more stuff offensively because right now, with only two or three practices (since adding four players), we're predictable offensively and teams are kind of sitting on that and taking advantage of that," Lue told reporters. Tough job to change it up on short notice though, and I would not be surprised to see the Cavs struggle on offense once again tonight. Under is 4-1 in Cavaliers last five home games.

Brooklyn ended an eight-game losing streak with a 104-87 win over Chicago Monday night. It will definitely be in the visitors' interested to slow down the tempo here, playing on no rest. Under is 4-1 in Nets last five road games.

Under is 7-2-1 in the last 10 meetings and 3-1-1 in the last five meetings in Cleveland.

My selection is a 10* play on BRK @ CLE to go UNDER the total. 

NBA 3-PACK

The Minnesota Timberwolves are likely to be without All-Star guard Jimmy Butler for 4-to-6 weeks due to surgery on his right knee. They still recorded a 122-104 win over Chicago their last time out, and over is now 7-1 in Timberwolves last eight overall. 

Here the Wolves will face a Sacramento team that has struggled on defense all season long. Over is 4-1-1 in Kings last six overall and 6-1-1 in their last eight home games vs. a team with a losing road record which Minnesota has at 12-19 on the road. A big reason for the poor road record is the 109.6 ppg it allows away from home. 

Over is 5-1 in the last six head-to-head meetings.

My selection is an 8* play on MIN @ SAC to go OVER the total. 

NBA 3-PACK

The Boston Celtics have reeled off two straight victories since the All Star break, the most recent a 121-112 triumph at Madison Square Garden. I think they'll be involved in another high-scoring contest when hosting the Memphis Grizzlies Monday night.

The Grizzlies have lost nine in a row and struggled big time on the defensive end of the court. Over is 9-3 in Grizzlies last 12 road games and 20-6 in the last 26 meetings with the Celtics. We can also note that over is 10-4 in Celtics last 14 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400. This total looks way too low to not take a stab at.

My selection is an 8* play on MEM @ BOS to go OVER the total. 

NBA 3-PACK

The Toronto Raptors took a 122-119 overtime loss to Milwaukee on Friday, a setback that put an end to a seven-game winning streak. Odds are they'll bounce back and punish the Pistons in a high-scoring contest here Monday night. The Pistons have dropped five of their last six and fell 114-98 at Charlotte on Sunday, but on a positive note; Blake Griffin scored 20 points while Andre Drummond recorded his 14th straight double-double with 14 points and 14 rebounds.

Over is 19-7 in the last 26 meetings in Toronto and 9-4 in the last 13 meetings overall.

My selection is an 8* play on DET @ TOR to go OVER the total. 

CBB BANKROLL BUILDER (TOTAL)

The No.5 Duke Blue Devils will visit the Virginia Tech Hokies Monday night. Both sides have played solid defense lately, and I expect this contest to go under the total.

Duke is riding a five-game winning streak, and it has allowed an average of just 52.3 ppg through its last four games. It held Syracuse to 44 points on 14/48 shooting from the field its last time out. Under is 4-0 in Blue Devils last four overall and 8-2 in their last 10 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.

Virginia Tech had allowed just 57 ppg in wins over Georgia Tech and Clemson before taking a 75-68 loss to Louisville its last time out. That game still went under the total though, and under is 6-0 in Hokies last six overall and 12-3 in their last 15 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.

Under is 12-3 in the last 15 meetings.

My selection is an 8* play on DUKE @ VT to go UNDER the total. 

NBA HARDWOOD HAMMER TOTAL

The San Antonio Spurs beat Cleveland 114-102 at home on Jan. 23, but this is a different Cavs team after being heavily involved at the trade deadline. The Cavs are 3-1 since Larry Nance Jr., George Hill, Jordan Clarkson and Rodney Hood joined the team, and I think they'll get revenge here. The Spurs have lost four straight and they're 2-5 ATS in their last seven games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.

Additionally, Over is 6-0 in Spurs last six overall and 12-3 in Cavaliers last 15 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.

My money is on the Cavs to win and cover the spread in a high-scoring game. 

My selection is an 8* play on SAS @ CLE to go OVER the total. 

PREMIER LEAGUE PUNISHER (TOTAL)

Manchester United will host Chelsea at Old Trafford on Sunday, and I think goals will come at a premium for both sides. 

United have conceded just five goals in 13 Premier League home games this season while Chelsea have won just two of their last nine away matches in all competitions (D4, L3), often struggling to score. We can also note that Chelsea have scored only one goal through their last four visits to Old Trafford. 

Each of Man U's last five games all competitions included have gone under 2.5 goals.

My selection is an 8* play on Under

TOP RATED 10* NHL

The Dallas Stars have won six of their last seven games and held all but two opponents to two goals or fewer during that stretch. They're coming off a 2-1 triumph over St. Louis and under is 3-0-1 in Stars last 4 after scoring two goals or less in their previous game and 6-2 in their last eight vs. a team with a winning record. Here they'll face a San Jose Sharks side that has allowed a total of five goals through its last three games, with none of those games going over five goals. Under is 7-2 in Sharks last nine overall.

My selection is a 10* play on DAL @ SJ to go UNDER the total. 

SUPER EARLY TOP RATED 10* CBB BOOKIE BREAKER

The Ohio State Buckeyes were just 2-for-14 from behind the arc when they took a 79-56 beating at Penn State on Thursday night. Here they'll face another excellent defense, and I think we'll see a low-scoring contest at Crisler Center Sunday afternoon. The Michigan Wolverines crushed Iowa 74-59 in their latest contest and have held opponents to an average of only 60.9 points in their eight conference home games. 

Under is 5-0 in Buckeyes last five vs. Big Ten teams and 21-6 in their last 27 overall. Under is 5-1 in Wolverines last six home games. Under is 4-1 in the last five meetings.

My selection is a 10* play on OSU @ MICH to go UNDER the total. 

TOP RATED 10* PREMIER LEAGUE PUNISHER

Newcastle have the worst home record in the top flight and they've not won at home in the league since October. They have scored just 11 goals while conceding 15 in 13 games in front of the home fans, and I expect another low-scoring contest when they host Man United on Sunday.

The visitors are still trying to figure out how to get the best out of recently signed Alexis Sanchez, and we can note that Sanchez has played four Premier League games against Newcastle without scoring.

Manchester United have allowed a league-best 18 goals this season and kept clean sheets in five of their last six Premier League games. I expect them to sit back and try and kill the game rather than keep going forward if they were to take the lead. 

My selection is a 10* play on Man U @ Newcastle to go UNDER the total. 

NBA 3-PACK

The Toronto Raptors gun for fourth straight win when they host the New York Knicks Thursday night.

The visitors are in very tough spot, coming off four straight defeats and averaging only 87 ppg during that stretch. Now they'll also begin life without their top scorer Kristaps Porzingis (22.7 points per game) who suffered an ACL tear in his left knee during Tuesday's 103-89 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks.

The Raptors are not likely to show any mercy as they'll seek revenge for a 108-100 loss at Madison Square Garden back in November. Under is 6-1 in Raptors last seven home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400 and 4-1 in the last five encounters with the Knicks.

My selection is an 8* play on Knicks @ Raptors to go UNDER the total. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

The Houston Rockets beat the Brooklyn Nets 123-113 on Tuesday night, but I think we'll see fewer points on the board when they visit the reeling Miami Heat here the night day. Miami is suffering through its longest losing streak of the season (four straight defeats) and under is 6-2 in Heat's last eight overall. Under is 10-2 in Rockets last 12 overall and 6-2-1 last nine playing on no rest.

The Rockets won the last meeting 99-90 home at Houston on January 22, with the total closing at 213 points. Under is 5-2 in the last seven head-to-head meetings.

My selection is a 10* play on Rockets @ Heat to go UNDER the total. 

THUNDER @ WARRIORS LATE NIGHT TOTAL

The Oklahoma City Thunder will be trying to put an end end a four-game losing streak when they visit the reigning NBA champions Golden State Warriors Tuesday night. They'll no doubt have their work cut out for them though, facing a Warriors team that is playing on two days rest and aiming to bounce back from a loss at Denver. The books expect a high-scoring contest, but I think they'll set the total way too high here. 

Note that under is 9-1 in Thunder's last 10 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600 and 5-1 in their last six vs. Western Conference foes. Under is 6-2 in Warriors last eight games playing on two days rest and 5-1 in their last six vs. a team with a winning straight up record.

We can also note that Under is 8-1 in the last nine meetings at Oracle Arena.  Golden State dropped a 108-91 decision at Oklahoma City on Nov. 22 and under is 6-1 in the last seven meetings overall. 

My selection is an 8* play on Thunder @ Warriors to go under the total. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA BOOKIE BREAKER (TOTAL)

Over is 9-2 in the last 11 meetings between the Washington Wizards and the Indiana Pacers, and I think we'll see another high-scoring affair when they clash at Bankers Life Fieldhouse Monday night. 

The Wizards have averaged 117 points per game and totaled 132 assists in four wins since losing All-Star point guard John Wall to a knee-injury for six to eight weeks. The Pacers have won four of their last five and averaged 110 ppg during that stretch. 

My selection is a 10* play on OVER. 

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

The Portland Trail Blazers saw their four-game winning streak end with a 130-105 loss at Toronto on Friday. I think we'll see the Blazers involved in another high-scoring contest when they visit the Boston Celtics Sunday afternoon.

Note that over is 7-2 in Trail Blazers last nine games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points, 10-4 last 14 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game and 8-2 in their last 10 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. 

Boston defeated Atlanta 119-110 its last time out, and the Celtics have no doubt been involved in their fair share of high-scoring games lately. We can also note that each of their last three encounters with Portland have gone over the total, with closing numbers of 213.5, 218 and 222. 

The posted total for this contest looks way too low to pass up on. 

My selection is a 10* play on OVER. 

NBA 3-PACK

The Milwaukee Bucks have won five of their last six games since firing head coach Jason Kidd, and they've allowed just 97.5 points on 44 percent shooting during that stretch. On Sunday they'll visit a struggling Brooklyn Nets side which has lost five of its last six and been held to fewer than 100 points in four of those games. Under is 12-2 in Bucks last 14 overall and 14-4 in Nets last 18 home games. We can also note that the Bucks are 12-3-1 ATS in the last 16 meetings in Brooklyn and I see that trend continue here. 

My selection is an 8* play on UNDER.

TOP RATED 10* EPL PUNISHER TOTTENHAM @ LIVERPOOL

Tottenham won the last encounter with Liverpool 4-1, and I think goals will come fast and easy for both teams when they clash at Anfield Road on Sunday. Note that Spurs Harry Kane has scored 18 goals in his last 13 Premier League away games.

Both teams are battling for Champions League/Europa League spots, and Liverpool in particular have a propensity of being involved in high-scoring affairs when taking on top opponents. Just look at the following results:  

Liverpool – Manchester City: 4-3
Arsenal – Liverpool: 3-3
Tottenham – Liverpool: 4-1
Liverpool – Manchester United: 0-0
Liverpool – Chelsea: 1-1
Manchester City – Liverpool: 5-0
Liverpool – Arsenal: 4-0

Expect fireworks. 

My selection is a 10* play on OVER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA)

The Denver Nuggets are in a favorable spot here, having had a days rest since defeating OKC 127-124 Thursday night. They'll host a Golden State Warriors team that took a 129-99 beating at Utah on Tuesday and played the Kings at Sacramento Friday night. 

Over is 4-1 in Warriors last five games playing on no rest and 13-3 in Nuggets last 16 vs. a team with a winning straight up record. Over is 7-0 in the last seven meetings at Pepsi Center and 19-13 in Warriors games when the total is greater than or equal to 220 this season.

My selection is a 10* play on Over. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (SOCCER)

Manchester United are likely to hand Alexis Sanchez his home debut when they host Huddersfield on Saturday, but I still think goals will come at a premium for both sides. United will try to bounce back from a 2-0 loss to Tottenham which ended an eight-game unbeaten league run. It also ended a sequence of four successive league clean sheets. Huddersfield have lost their last four league games and scored in just three of their 12 away league fixtures. I expect a 1-0, 2-0 win for the home side, and I think we're getting an excellent number on the total. 

My Soccer Game of the Week is a 10* play on Under. 

NBA 3-PACK

The Indiana Pacers head to Charlotte riding a three-game winning streak, including a 105-96 triumph over the Hornets on January 29. Charlotte bounced back by delivering a 123-110 beating to the Hawks at Atlanta on Wednesday but is just 2-8-2 ATS in its last 12 games following a straight up win. Normally I would look to back the Hornets to get revenge here, but we can note that they're just 5-12 ATS in their last 17 home games and 11-20 in revenge spots this season.

Each of the last four meetings have gone under the total. 

My selection is an 8* play on Under. 

TOP RATED 10* PREMIER LEAGUE PUNISHER (TOTAL)

Manchester United have had an exceptional start to 2018 with five straight victories no goals conceded. I think their stellar defensive play continues here when they visit Tottenham on Wednesday. Spurs are coming off back-to-back 1-1 draws and they've conceded just nine goals in 12 home games in the Premier League this season. Man U won the first meeting of the season 1-0, and goals are likely to be scarce this time around as well. 

My selection is a 10* play on Under. 

NBA 3-PACK

The Golden State Warriors are aiming for their 15th win in 16 road games when they visit the Utah Jazz on Tuesday. They'll have their work cut out for them though facing a Utah side that is allowing only 98.3 ppg home at Vivint Smart Home Arena, and I think we'll see a low-scoring contest.

Warriors' Steph Curry exploded for a season-high 49 points in a 109-105 win over the Eastern Conference-leading Boston Celtics on Saturday, but Utah has a player capable of slowing him down in Ricky Rubio who held Raptors All-Star point guard Kyle Lowry to 2-of-14 from the field in a 97-93 win over Toronto Friday night. 

Under is 7-2 in Warriors last nine road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600, under is 5-2 in Jazz last seven home games. Under is 25-10-2 in the last 37 meetings overall and 11-5-1 in the last 17 meetings in Utah.

My selection is an 8* play on Under. 

NBA 3-PACK

The Washington Wizards closed out a five-game road trip with a 129-104 triumph at Atlanta, but they're still just 2-4 SU through their last six games and 2-9 ATS in their last 11. The Wizards are just terrible on the defensive end of the court and here they'll host an Oklahoma City Thunder side that is riding a six-game winning streak and has averaged 122.5 points over its last six games.

OKC won the last meeting 121-112 on January 25 and I don't see the reeling Wizards being able to slow down the red hot Thunder tonight either. We can also note that Washington might be without All-Star point guard John Wall (knee) for a second straight game. 

Thunder are 6-2 ATS in their last eight road games, Wizards are 0-5 ATS in their last five home games. Over is 5-0 in Thunder last five overall, over is 4-1 in Wizards last five overall.

My selection is a 10* play on Over.  

NBA 3-PACK 

The Minnesota Timberwolves had played four straight overs prior to a lower scoring 111-97 win over Brooklyn their last time out. Jimmy Butler had missed four games with right knee soreness but was back with 21 points (despite making just 4 of 14 shots from the floor), six rebounds and five assists against the Nets.

I expect to see plenty of points for both sides when the Wolves visit the Atlanta Hawks Monday night.

Atlanta took a 129-104 beating by the Wizards on Saturday and has allowed an average of 119.3 points during a three-game slide.

Over is 4-1 in the last five head-to-head meetings in Atlanta.

My selection is an 8* play on Over. 

NBA 5-PACK

The LA Lakers are coming off four straight wins and they're 8-2 SU and ATS through their last 10. Here they'll visit a Raptors side that has failed to cover the spread in three straight games home at Air Canada Centre, and I think the visitors are spotted way too many points to pass up on in this contest. LA has played terrific D lately and allowed an average of only 100.8 points - nearly nine below its season average - during the current winning streak. "You kind of either fold or you figure it out," coach Luke Walton said of his squad. "Our guys have seemed to figure it out, for now at least."

Under is 4-1 in Raptors last five overall and 7-1 in their last eight home games vs. a team with a losing road record. Under is 4-1 in Lakers last five road games and 5-1 in their last six vs. a team with a winning straight up record.

My selection is an 8* play on Under. 

NBA 5-PACK

The New Orleans Pelicans have won four straight and seven of their last eight, the most recent a 115-113 triumph over Houston. DeMarcus Cousins went down with a torn Achilles tendon in that game and will most likely miss the rest of the season, but I expect the rest of the team to rally and step up their game tonight. The Pels defeated the Clippers 111-103 here at Smoothie King Center back in November and the Clippers had lost three straight prior to a 109-100 win at Memphis on Friday. 

Over is 7-1 in Clippers last eight road games. Over is 14-3 in Pelicans last 17 home games. Over is 15-7 in the last 22 meetings at New Orleans.

My selection is an 8* play on Over. 

CBB SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

The SMU Mustangs are just 1-5 ATS so far this month while the East Carolina Pirates are 5-1 ATS. We can also note SMU lost Jarrey Foster (knee) and Everett Ray (foot) to season-ending injuries earlier in the week and shot just 28.1 percent from the floor in the 63-52 loss to Connecticut on Thursday. East Carolina is coming off an eight-day rest and I expect to see good intensity from the visitors. Under is 4-0 in Mustangs last four home games.

My selection is an 8* play on Under. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA TOTAL BOOKIE BREAKER

The Chicago Bulls have been involved in several high-scoring contests lately, but I think the posted total is set too high when they host the LA Lakers here Friday night. Under is 10-3 in the last 13 meetings at United Center. The Lakers are coming off three straight victories and they've really stepped it up on the defensive end lately. Under is 9-1 in Lakers last 10 vs. a team with a losing straight up record and they shot only 21-of-36 from the charity stripe against the Celtics their last time out.  

"The message right now is defense," Walton told reporters Tuesday, according to the Los Angeles Times. "Everything is defense. Because we're shooting this (percentage) from the free throw line, because we're not doing this -- whatever it is -- we're still able to win games because of our defense."

My selection is a 10* play on Under.