BUCKEYES @ TERRAPINS ATS ANNIHILATOR

The Ohio State Buckeyes snapped a two-game skid with a 63-49 win over Northwestern on Wednesday. I think they'll find it very tough to make it two on the bounce here though when visiting Maryland Saturday afternoon. 

The Terps have won three of four to remain in contention in the Big Ten race. Recent results are particularly impressive considering they closed as underdogs in all those four games, and I don't think they'll have any trouble covering the spread as a favorite against a Buckeyes team that has struggled against strong opponents in recent seasons and is 1-6 ATS in its last seven games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.

Maryland won the first meeting of the season 75-61 at Ohio State. The visitors are not given nearly enough points here. 

8* play on Maryland Terrapins. 

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. 

NHL MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Colorado Avalanche have answered an eight-game losing streak with winning three of their last four and outscoring opponents 14-5 in the process. The Avs put a 7-1 beating on Winnipeg last time out and here they'll take on a Chicago team that is 3-14 in its last 17 when its opponent scored five goals last time out. 

The red hot Blackhawks have won 10 of their last 12 games overall but have struggled on the defensive end lately, giving up 16 goals through their last three games. Chicago has won each of the first two contests but I think the value is on the visitors in this matchup. 

8* play on Colorado Avalanche. 

NBA HARDWOOD HAMMER

The Charlotte Hornets entered the All Star break with a losing record overall, but they own a solid 19-9 SU (16-12 ATS) record home at Spectrum Center and are 16-5-1 ATS in their last 22 Friday night games. Charlotte is expecting to get a boost from the return of veteran point guard Tony Parker who missed four games before the break because of back soreness. 

Here they'll host a Washington team that has dropped seven of its last 10 overall and is an atrocious 4-22 ATS in its last 26 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. 

The Wizards won the first meeting of the season 130-126 home at Washington on Dec 29. The home team is 6-1 ATS in the last seven meetings and I expect Charlotte to be fired up and get revenge tonight. 

8* play on Charlotte Hornets. 

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. 

NBA HARDWOOD HAMMER

The Houston Rockets are just 2-7 ATS through their last nine games, but I think they'll come flying out of the gates here after the All Star break and put a beating on the LA Lakers. Houston may not have covered the spread of late, but it has still won the majority of the games which is more than can be said of the Lakers who dropped 10 of their final 15 games before the All-Star break, including four of their last five.  

Houston All Star guard James Harden has scored at least 30 points in each of the last 31 games and here starting center Clint Capela (thumb) is expected back in the lineup after missing the last 15 games.

With the Rockets 8-2 ATS in the last 10 meetings with the Lakers at Staples Center I think this looks like a very manageable spread to cover.

8* play on Houston Rockets. 

TOP RATED 10* PAC-12 BOOKIE BREAKER

The Washington Huskies are a perfect 5-0 SU and ATS home at Alaska Airlines Arena in PAC-12 play this season.

Here they get get an opportunity to show off for the home town crowd for the first time in almost three weeks, and I expect the home team to come out focused and run away with this game rather comfortably. 

Utah had a three-game winning streak come to an end with a 98-87 home loss to Arizona State on Saturday and has given up 90+ points in two of its last three games. Sure, Utah can put points on the board, but such sloppy defending will make it extremely difficult to keep up with a Washington side that has averaged 73.3 ppg while holding opponents to 59.9 ppg for a +13.4 point differential in its own building.

The Utes took a 69-53 beating by Washington as a 1.5-point home underdog on January 10. They are 3-10 ATS in their last 13 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600 while the Huskies are 7-1-1 ATS in their last nine games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.

10* play on Washington Huskies. 

NHL MONEYMAKER

The Boston Bruins travel to Vegas a riding a season-high six-game winning streak, but I think it'll come to an end here against a Golden Knights team desperate to break out of a slump. 

Wins have been few and far between for Vegas lately. The Knights have dropped four of their last five and failed to build on the momentum of a 5-1 win over Nashville on Saturday as they were blanked by the Avs two days later. "Just a reality check I guess," defenseman Jon Merrill said after that loss. "Now we go back home and get back to the drawing board and hope to get another win on Wednesday." 

Boston is in a let down spot and the Golden Knights are a solid 17-4 in their last 21 games as a home favorite. 

8* play on Vegas Golden Knights. 

NHL NO-BRAINER

The New York Islanders have proven extremely hard to beat of late, entering this contest with a 21-5-2 record through their last 28 games. 

We can however note that they're 5-12 in their last 17 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600, and here they'll face a Calgary team that is 18-5-3 home at Scotiabank Saddledome. The Flames have answered a four-game slide with back-to-back triumphs over Pittsburgh and Arizona, scoring five goals in both games and they do not want to lose that momentum. 

The favorite is 8-1 in the last nine meetings and this looks like a reasonable price on the home team. 

8* play on Calgary Flames. 

TOP RATED 10* CBB BOOKIE BREAKER

The Iowa State Cyclones look like a great home favorite against Baylor Bears Tuesday night. 

Iowa State has won five of its last six games and will be high on confidence coming off a 78-64 upset win at conference-leading Kansas State Wildcats. The Cyclones are a solid 11-2 SU home at Hilton Coliseum and 11-5-2 ATS in their last 18 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. 

Here Iowa State will take on a Baylor Bears team that took an 86-61 beating at Texas Tech last time out to fall to 1-3 SU (0-3-1 ATS) through its last four games. The Bears have struggled to put points on the board during that stretch and leading playmakers Makai Mason and King McClure are both questionable for this matchup. 

Baylor won the first meeting of the season 73-70 home at Ferrell Center. ISU will be well up for this game and is scoring 80.9 ppg while allowing only 62.6 ppg as a home team for a +18.3 point differential.

10* play on Iowa State Cyclones . 

GAME OF THE MONTH (NHL)

The Toronto Maple Leafs are coming off a 2-0 loss at Arizona. This will be the last leg of a road trip for the Leafs who will play their fifth road game in 10 days, and they'll run into a red hot St. Louis Blues side aiming for a franchise-best 11th straight win. 

The Blues have outscored their last three opponents by a combined 11-0 and rookie goaltender Jordan Binnington has been phenomenal this with a 12-1-1 record behind a 1.42 GAA as a starter on the season. 

St. Louis has outscored Toronto 19-8 through a five-game winning streak in the series, and I don't see the Blues losing this one. 

10* play on St. Louis Blues. 

NHL MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Washington Capitals will be playing on no rest after taking a 5-2 loss at Anaheim Sunday night. 

They're 3-7 on no rest this season won their lone 2nd leg a back-to-back situation against a team with a losing record (4-0 vs. Ottawa) and should have enough gas left in the tank to bounce back and take care of business tonight. They'll face a Kings team that has lost four straight and ranks 30th in the league in scoring offense with an average of 2.4 gpg while the Caps have plenty of firepower and defeated the Kings 6-4 at Washington a week ago. 

The Kings have won eight straight meetings at Staples Center, but that's a streak I expect to come to an end here.

8* play on Washington Capitals. 

TOP RATED 10* BIG 12 BOOKIE BREAKER

The No. 18 Kansas State Wildcats should be fired up for this one after seeing their four-game SU and ATS winning streak come to end with a 78-64 loss against Iowa State on Saturday. Dean Wade left midway through the second half and seems unlikely to play Monday, but I think the Wildcats will come through with a win anyway. 

The Wildcats are 8-1 ATS in their last nine vs. Big 12 competition and 5-0 ATS in their last five road games vs. a team with a winning home record. They're still top of the conference but can't afford another loss with No. 14 Kansas and No. 15 Texas Tech breathing down their neck. 

The West Virginia Mountaineers have been playing without a full squad for much of the season and coach Bob Huggins has only nine healthy scholarship players. They've been a great fade of late, losing six of their last seven SU and ATS. 

WVU has been held to an average of 52 ppg through its last three games and points won't come easy here against a Kansas State team that owns the fourth best scoring defense in the nation. 

Kansas State battled back from a 21-point second-half deficit to defeat West Virginia 71-69 in Manhattan on Jan. 9, but I think the Wilcats will win this contest comfortably. 

10* play on Kansas State Wildcats. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (CBB): MIKE'S TOP RATED PAC 12 SIDE FOR FEBRUARY

The Colorado Buffaloes are going for a fifth straight win SU and ATS when they host the reeling Arizona Wildcats at Coors Events Center Sunday night. The Buffaloes will be high on confidence following a 77-73 win over Arizona State, and I'm well happy to back the home team in this matchup.

"What a hard-fought win by a group of guys, you can just sense them coming together as a group and galvanizing around each other," Colorado coach Tad Boyle told the Boulder Camera after the most recent win. "Because that was a good team we beat tonight."

The Wildcats are heading in the opposite direction. Second-leading scorer, freshman guard Brandon Williams, is expected to miss his fifth straight game with a knee injury and they've struggled big time without him, losing six straight SU and ATS. "We don’t want to lose our seventh in a row, but it is a possibility." ASU coach Sean Miller told Tucson.com. 

Arizona has won 12 of the last 14 meetings between the teams, but it is just 3-5 on the road this season while Colorado is 12-4 ATS in its last 16 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.

10* play on Colorado Buffaloes. 

SUPER EARLY BUCKEYES @ SPARTANS BOOKIE BLASTER

The No. 12 Michigan State Spartans enter Sunday one-half game behind rival Michigan at the top of the Big Ten Conference, but I expect MSU to move back into a first-place tie with a win here against Ohio State Sunday afternoon. 

The Buckeyes had a three-game winning streak come to an end with a 63-56 home loss to Illinois last time out. They have failed top 56 points in either of their last two games and are just 5-8 ATS against conference opponents on the season.

Michigan State meanwhile has answered a three-game skid with back-to-back wins over Minnesota and No. 23 Wisconsin. The Spartans are 18-5 ATS as a favorite this season and a perfect 2-0 ATS as a home favorite of 9.5 to 12 points. We can also note that they recorded an 86-77 road win at Ohio State on Jan. 5. 

Ohio State can match the Spartans defensively, but considering MSU averages 87.4 ppg home at Breslin Center while Ohio State is scoring just 61.4 ppg on the road I think this looks like a spread the home team should be able to cover.

8* play on Michigan State Spartans. 

NHL MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Vegas Golden Knights will be desperate for a win here in front of the home town after dropping five straight home at T-Mobile Arena. They looked pretty good in Thursday's 6-3 loss to Toronto before suffering yet another third-period meltdown, and I think they'll stay focused and go the distance here. 

The Knights won't give up anything for free as they seek to put an end to three-game losing streak to the Preds in the series and avenge a 2-1 loss to Nashville here in Vegas less than a month ago. 

We can note that the Predators just snapped a three-game skid of their own with a 3-1 triumph over Montreal on Thursday so with that monkey of their back I don't think they'll play with as much determination as the home team. 

8* play on Vegas Golden Knights. 

WEST COAST CONFERENCE MIDNIGHT MASSACRE

The Gonzaga Bulldogs allowed Loyola Marymount to hang around late in Thursday's matchup before closing the game with a 16-4 run to earn their 15 straight victory. 

They defeated tonight's opponent the San Diego Toreros 85-69 on Feb. 2 and I think the Bulldogs will want to get a big win here after failing to cover the spread last time out. 

Gonzaga is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games following a ATS loss and 19-7-1 ATS in its last 27 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600, so the fact that San Diego is 11-2 SU home at Jenny Craig Pavilion doesn't scare me. 

We can also note that the mood in the San Diego camp might not be the best after allowing a 14-point, second-half lead slip in its 88-82 OT loss to BYU on Thursday.

8* play on Gonzaga Bulldogs. 

CBB BANKROLL BUILDER

The Georgia Bulldogs are on an 0-5 SU and ATS run since a 98-88 upset win over Texas on Jan 26. Only two of those losses came home at Stegeman Coliseum though where Georgia is a solid 8-5 SU and ATS on the season. 

The LSU Tigers are no doubt on a nice run as winners of three in a row and 12 of their last 13, but they're in a letdown spot here after an emotional buzzer beater triumph as an 8.5-point road underdog last time out, beating Kentucky for the first time since 2009. 

LSU beat Georgia at home 92-82 on Jan. 23, but note that Georgia still covered the spread and that the underdog is 7-1-1 ATS in the last nine meetings.

Georgia is underrated by the bookmakers here due to its poor run of games, and I'm happy to take the points on the home team.

8* play on Georgia Bulldogs. 

EARLY TOP RATED 10* BIG 12 ATS ANNIHILATOR

The No. 15 Texas Tech Red Raiders are on a roll, winning five of their last six outright and only loss as an underdog at Kansas on Feb 2. They've since won three games by an average of 23.7 points and have covered the spread in each of their last four games as favorites. 

Texas Tech should be extremely fired up for this matchup with the Bears as they seek to avenge a 73-62 loss at Baylor last month. Good timing as they're catching the Bears in a bit of a slump, having allowed an average of 77 points in losses to Texas and Kansas State prior to Monday’s 59-53 victory over Oklahoma. 

The Bears might have put an end to their losing streak, but they still failed to cover the spread for a third straight game. I think they'll find it very difficult to keep with the Red Raiders in this one. 

10* play on Texas Tech Red Raiders. 

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. 

TOP RATED 10* ATLANTIC 10 BOOKIE BREAKER 

The Davidson Wildcats have won six of their last seven outright. They took a 54-51 loss as a 7.5-point home favorite at UMass on Feb 9 but bounced right back with a 10-point win at Fordham last time out. 

Here the Wildcats return home to Belk Arena where they're a perfect 11-0 SU (7-3 ATS) while averaging 76.0 ppg, and I expect the home team to run away with this game. 

The visiting St. Joseph's Hawks are banged up and 1-5 ATS in their last six games overall. They shot just 29.1 percent from the field as they took a 76-51 loss to St. Bonaventure Tuesday night. The Wildcats have allowed just 59.5 points per game across 11 conference games, so points won't come easy for the visitors here. 

The home team is 6-1 ATS in the last seven meetings and Davidson will be seeking revenge for a 61-60 loss in Philadelphia a month ago. 

10* play on Davidson Wildcats. 

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. 

SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

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.

Wildcats are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games overall. Utes are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games overall. Gotta roll with the hotter team here. 

8* play on Utah Utes. 

THURSDAY NIGHT NHL MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Winnipeg Jets are one of the absolute strongest home teams in the NHL with a 21-6-2 record home at Bell MTS Place. 

Here they'll host a reeling Avalanche team that is 0-5-3 through its last eight games and took a 5-2 loss vs. Toronto last time out. The Avs gave up three power-play goals in that contest and are 28th in the NHL in penalty kill, allowing opponents to score on 76% of their chances. That could spell trouble here, facing a Jets team who's power play ranks fourth in the league converting at 26% of its opportunities. 

The Jets have won seven straight meetings at Bell MTS Place and I highly doubt that streak ends tonight.  

8* play on Winnipeg Jets. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

The Oklahoma City Thunder have won 11 of their last 12 games and are 5-1 ATS in their last six road games. 

They'll be well rested after getting two days off since their 120-111 home win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday, and I expect them to empty the tank here in their last game before the All Star break. 

The New Orleans Pelicans have lost and eight of their last 11 games, including two of three since Anthony Davis returned from a finger injury. They took a 118-88 beating by the Orlando Magic on Tuesday, and Davis was ice cold with just three points on 1-of-9 shooting.

Thunder are 11-5 ATS in the last 16 meetings in New Orleans and I think the visitors will cover this spread rather comfortably. 

10* play on Oklahoma City Thunder. 

GRIZZLIES @ BULLS ATS ANNIHILATOR

The Chicago Bulls will host the Memphis Grizzlies at United Center Wednesday night. They have done fairly well against the Memphis in recent seasons, and that's a trend I expect to continue here. 

There's no doubt that the Grizzlies have the better team this season, but this is a terrible spot for them playing on no rest after battling the Spurs hard last night. The Grizzlies are 2-10 ATS in their last 12 games playing on no rest and 4-12 ATS in their last 16 road games.

There's not much to like about the Bulls to be honest, but they kept it close against Milwaukee last time out (before getting outscored 12-2 down the stretch) and took both meetings with Memphis last season. 

8* play on Chicago Bulls. 

CBB BANKROLL BUILDER

The Syracuse Orange have been a great bet both SU and ATS away from home this season, and I think they'll keep it close here at PNC Arena Wednesday night. 

NC State is coming off a much needed win at Pittsburgh but had dropped three straight prior to that, one of those a 47-24 setback against Virginia Tech here in Raleigh. 

Syracuse has won six of its last eight outright, a run that includes a 95-91 OT win as a 17.5-point underdog at Duke on Jan. 14. 

Orange are 10-3 ATS in their last 13 games overall. Wolfpack are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games overall and 1-4 ATS in their last five home games. We can also note that NC State is 0-3 ATS as a home favorite of three points or less or pick this season. 

8* play on Syracuse Orange. 

TOP RATED 10* CBB BOOKIE BREAKER

The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets have lost five in a row and seven of their last eight, but I think they're spotted too many points to pass up on here at Cassell Coliseum Wednesday night. 

Virginia Tech enters this game on a two-game losing streak and will have to do without senior standout Justin Robinson who has missed the past three games. The Hokies have averaged just 54 ppg through those contests and points won't come easy here against a Georgia Tech team that has held opponents to 64.2 ppg on the season (25th in the nation). 

Considering that Georgia Tech took a SU and ATS loss at Notre Dame last time out and is 7-2 ATS in its last nine games following a ATS loss, taking the points on the visitors in this matchup is a no-brainer IMO. 

10* play on Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. 

PISTONS @ CELTICS

This looks like a great spot to back a red hot Detroit Pistons side that has won four in a row SU and ATS.

The Boston Celtics will be battling fatigue and could be due for a let down game as they will play on no rest following a hard-fought 112-109 win over the 76ers last night; they are just 2-6 ATS in their last eight games playing on no rest.

The Pistons are 4-0 ATS in the last four meetings in Boston.

8* play on Detroit Pistons. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

The Indiana Pacers have managed to adapt to life without injured All-Star guard Victor Oladipo and are going for a seventh straight win here Wednesday night. 

The Pacers have however not faced a team even close to the quality of this Milwaukee team during their run, and they're 0-4 ATS in their last four games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.

The Bucks had won and covered the spread in seven straight games before taking a 20-point home loss to Orlando Saturday. They're somewhat excused considering it was the 2nd night of a back-to-back and rested superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. 

The Bucks (and the Greek Freak) bounced back quickly with a solid 112-99 triumph at Chicago on Monday to improve to 12-3-2 ATS in their last 17 road games and they're 8-2 ATS vs. division rivals. 

10* play on Milwaukee Bucks. 

LATE NIGHT JAZZ @ WARRIORS ATS ANNIHILATOR

The Golden State Warriors have won 15 of their last 16 games, but have been a great fade in recent contests covering the spread in just one of their last five. 

I think they'll be fired up for this one though as they seek to avenge a 108-103 loss at Utah on Dec. 19. As a bonus they'll catch the Jazz in a let down spot after their 20 point rout of the San Antonio Spurs Friday night. 

With Utah only 1-4-1 ATS in its last six games following a straight up win of more than 10 points this looks like a good spot to go with the Dubs. 

8* play on Golden State Warriors. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

The Boston Celtics have allowed an average of 226 points and blown big leads in home losses to LA Lakers and LA Clippers through their last two games. They seemed rather deflated after the most recent setback: 

"I mean, for me, it's not really about the loss," forward Marcus Morris told reporters. "It's about the attitude that we're playing with. Guys are hanging their head. It's just not fun, it's not fun. We're not competing at a high level. Even when we're winning it's still not fun. I just don't see the joy in the game."

The Philadelphia 76ers on the other hand have averaged 130 points through back-to-back triumphs since making a big trade at the deadline for forward Tobias Harris from the Clippers. They'll be coming into this contest extra motivated looking to avenge an OT loss in Beantown on Christmas Day. 

Boston will be without All-Star guard Kyrie Irving (knee) and is just 10-16 ATS on the road. I think it'll find it extremely tough to keep up with a Sixers side that is 23-6 SU home at Wells Fargo Center.

10* play Philadelphia 76ers. 

TUESDAY NIGHT NHL MONEYLINE MASSACRE

This looks like a tough spot for the Carolina Hurricanes who saw a three-game winning streak come to an end Saturday with a 3-2 loss at New Jersey. 

Now the Canes will have to try and find motivation to bounce back in the finale of a five-game road trip (which might be easier said than done), and they'll come up against a Senators side off back-to-back wins against first Anaheim and most recently Central Division-leading Winnipeg.

Ottawa goes on a four-game road trip after this game, starting Thursday at Detroit, and I think it'll go all in and make the most of this matchup in front of the home town crowd. 

8* play on Ottawa Senators. 

TOP RATED 10* BIG TEN BOOKIE BREAKER

The Maryland Terrapins took a 62-60 loss at Purdue Boilermakers in the first meeting of the season on Dec. 6. I think they'll get their revenge home at XFINITY Center Tuesday night. 

The Terps are 3-1 ATS when trying to avenge a road loss vs. an opponent this season and they'll be well rested after getting six days off since a solid 60-45 victory at Nebraska. Purdue on the other hand will be playing on significantly less rest after beating the same Cornhuskers team Saturday night. 

Maryland sits a game and a half behind the Boilermakers in the standings and can't afford to lose this game, particularly with matchups at Michigan and Iowa on deck.

10* play on Maryland Terrapins. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (CBB)

The No. 14 Kansas Jayhawks are coming off an 84-72 triumph as a 10.5-point favorite over Oklahoma State, but they're still just 2-6 ATS through their last eight games overall and 0-4 ATS in their last four on the road. The Jayhawks are averaging just 66.6 ppg on the road (well below their 76.7 ppg season average) and they're 0-4 SU and ATS as underdogs this season (all on the road).

Here they'll visit a TCU side that is a solid 9-2 ATS in its last 11 home games and the Horned Frogs will be high on confidence following a 92-83 triumph as a 9.5-point underdog at No. 16 Iowa State on Saturday, beating a ranked team on the road for the first time in 21 years.

With the Jayhawks 1-5 ATS in their last six games vs. a team with a winning straight up record I think this looks like a good spot to back the home team at Schollmaier Arena Monday night.

10* play on TCU Horned Frogs. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

The Portland Trail Blazers have dropped two of their last three games and will be playing on no rest here following a 102-101 loss at Dallas on Sunday.

Here they'll face a red hot OKC Thunder team that is coming off an impressive 117-112 road win at Houston, has won three in a row and 10 of its last 11 contests while covering the spread in six of its last seven games. 

With the Blazers just 6-14 ATS in their last 20 road games vs. a team with a winning home record and 1-4 ATS as a road dog playing on no rest this season I think this looks like a good spot to fade the visitors. 

10* play on Oklahoma City Thunder. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

The Miami Heat blew a rather sizable fourth-quarter lead in their 102-96 loss at Sacramento on Friday.

They're still a respectable 14-12 SU (16-10 ATS) on the road this season and even though I don't expect an outright upset here at Oracle Arena Sunday night, I think the visitors will be allowed to keep it relatively close. 

The Warriors are often asked to cover way inflated numbers in Oakland, and are as a result just 4-11-1 ATS in their last 16 contests as a home team. They've earned wins in 14 of the last 15 games overall but have covered the spread in only one of their last four and I doubt the Dubs will see the need to put in more effort than necessary to get the W here. 

We can also note that the road team is 17-6-4 ATS in the last 27 meetings in this series. 

10* play on Miami Heat. 

AAC CATFIGHT ~ BEARCATS @ COUGARS 

I like the No. 12 Houston Cougars as a home favorite against No. 23 Cincinnati Bearcats Sunday afternoon. 

Houston has won seven straight (5-2 ATS) since a 73-69 loss at Temple on January 9, and it is is a perfect 16-0 SU (9-6-1 ATS) home at Fertitta Center on the season. The Cougars have covered the spread in seven of their last nine games vs. a team with a winning % above .600 and they're a perfect 3-0 as a home favorite of 3.5 to six points this season. 

Cincinnati looked sluggish in its come-from-behind victory at Memphis on Thursday and has averaged only 67.4 ppg on the road, well below its 74.8 average overall. It has three losses despite being favored in all but one game this campaign, and then it took a 70-59 loss as a 2.5-point underdog at Mississippi State. 

I think another loss is in the cards for the Bearcats.

8* play on Housto Cougars. 

TOP RATED 10* CBB AFTERNOON ATS ANNIHILATOR

The Rider Broncos have failed to cover the spread in seven straight games overall. 

They are 7-1 SU but only 1-7 ATS home at Alumni Gymnasium on the season, and that's a trend I think will continue here against a Siena side that has won six of its last seven and while covering the spread in five of those games. 

The Saints just barely failed to cover the spread when they won 51-49 as a 2.5-point favorite at Manhattan last time out but are 6-1 ATS in their last seven games following a ATS loss.

10* play on Siena Saints. 

EARLY CBB BANKROLL BUILDER

The Connecticut Huskies have dropped all five of their away games this season and are just 3-14 ATS on their last 14 on the road. Tough spot here as they'll be without senior star guard Jalen Adams (leading scorer) and guard Alterique Gilbert (most assists). 

The Huskies will face a Tigers team that will be extremely motivated following three straight losses SU and ATS. We can also note that Memphis is a solid 11-2 SU (8-5 ATS) home at FedExForum, with both defeats coming against ranked opponents. 

I think the home team will take care of business here against a banged up Huskies squad. 

8* play on Memphis. 

SATURDAY NCAAB MIDNIGHT MASSACRE (LATE START)

The BYU Cougars are a solid 11-2 SU (8-5 ATS) home at Marriott Center on the season, with both defeats to a Houston team currently ranked 12th in the nation, and they average 80.0 ppg while allowing just 68.1 ppg at home. 

They're coming off an 83-48 rout of the Pilots at Portland. "It was a really important game for us," coach Dave Rose told BYU's official website. "We weren’t shooting well but defensively it was as good of 40 minutes than we have played all year as far as our concentration level, our intensity and executing our plan. No matter what group they were all involved." 

I think BYU will make life miserable for Pacific here Saturday night. 

The Tigers have surrendered an average of 74.7 ppg on the road and are 2-7 ATS in their last nine games vs. a team with a winning straight up record. BYU meanwhile is 4-1 ATS in its last five home games vs. a team with a losing road record and should roll to an easy victory. 

8* play on BYU Cougars. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

The Boston Celtics have been money home at TD Garden all season (18-11 ATS) despite taking a heartbreaking buzzer-beater loss to the Lakers Thursday night. They had won five straight prior to that I think they'll make the Clippers pay the price for Wednesday's loss in this matchup.

The slumping Clippers have dropped four of their last six and are in a very tough spot here playing their fifth road game in eight days. They took a 116-92 beating at Indiana two nights ago and are 4-9 ATS in their last 13 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points. 

It's a big number to cover, but note that Celtics are 7-4 ATS as a favorite of 10 or more points this season.  

10* play on Boston Celtics. 

TOP RATED 10* CBB BOOKIE BREAKER

Baylor took an 84-72 loss at Texas on Wednesday, but they had won and covered the spread in six straight games prior to that. The Bears are 7-0 ATS in their last seven games following a straight up loss and I like the home team to bounce back with a win here against Kansas State on Saturday. 

The Wildcats have played well but could be due for a let down game after their 74-67 victory over No. 14 Kansas on Tuesday. They're averaging only 62.0 ppg and I their defense is likely to struggle with a Baylor team that averages 73.2 ppg overall.

10* play on Baylor Bears. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NHL)

The St. Louis Blues look like great value here as the host the Nashville Predators Saturday afternoon.

Riding an 8-2-1 stretch, they've been one of the hottest teams in the league over the last month and here they return home high on confidence off four straight triumphs on the road, the most recent a 1-0 OT win over NHL-best Tampa Bay on Thursday. 

Note that the Blues are 6-2 in their last eight home games following a road trip of seven or more days and took down Nashville 6-2 here at Enterprise Center on Nov 23. 

The Predators have won five of their last six games following Thursday's 3-2 victory over Dallas but their star netminder Pekka Rinne owns a relatively poor 2.75 GAA in his 19 appearances on the road this season. Blues' rookie goaltender Jordan Binnington on the other hand is a spectacular 8-1-1 with a 1.70 goals-against average on the season and I think he'll lead the home team to victory. 

10* play on St. Louis Blues. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (SOCCER)

Manchester United have been unbeatable since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took over from Jose Mourinho in December. They were then 11 points off the Champions League qualification spots but can move into the top 4 with a win here against Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday. 

Fulham on the other hand are 2nd to last in the Premier League and have lost four of their last five league games, and they're 2-8-0 in the last 10 Premier League contests against Man U who are 7-0-1 while scoring 20 goals in their eight EPL matchups under Solskjaer. No need to overthink this, and I would probably recommending to keep hammering the Red Devils (against lesser competition) until they're giving us a reason not to. 

10* play on Manchester United -1. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

The Miami Heat snapped a three-game skid with a 118-108 upset win at Portland Tuesday night. 

They're still just 25-27 SU on the season and 2-5 ATS in their last seven games overall, and here they'll face a Sacramento team that is 17-5 ATS against teams with a losing straight up record. Sacramento had won and covered the spread in three straight games before taking a 127-101 beating by Houston Wednesday night. 

With the Kings are 8-1 ATS in their last nine home games, 6-1 ATS in their last seven games following a straight up loss and 3-0 SU and ATS in the last three meetings with Miami I think this looks like a good spot to back Sactown.

10* play on Sacramento Kings. 

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. 

TOP RATED 10* CBB BOOKIE BREAKER

The Dons gave Gonzaga a scare in San Francisco back on Jan. 12, but the Zags earned 13-point victory in the end after closing out the game on a 17-2 run. 

The Dons are coming into this matchup on a two-game losing streak and I don't see the Bulldogs making the same mistake twice. The last meeting will probably just make them more motivated to absolutely destroy their West Coast rival here.

The home team is no doubt asked to cover a big number, but note that Gonzaga is riding a 12-game winning streak during which it has outscored opponents by an average of 34 points. 

The Zags are a perfect 13-0 SU (10-3 ATS) while averaging 91.2 ppg home at McCarthey Athletic Center. San Francisco meanwhile is 0-5 ATS in its last five road games and averages just 70.6 ppg away from home on the season. 

10* play on Gonzaga Bulldogs. 

NHL MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Ottawa Senators took a 5-4 OT loss at Toronto last night, but I don't think fatigue will be that much of an issue as they hadn't played since Saturday prior to that.

I like the price we get on the Sens to bounce back right away with win here despite playing on no rest as they'll host an Anaheim Ducks team that will play its third game in four nights. 

The Ducks have mustered only six goals during a five-game slide and are 2-12 in their last 14 games as an underdog (I'm counting on the Sens to be favorites come game time). We can also note that the home team is 4-1 in the last five meetings in this series. 

8* play on Ottawa Senators. 

TOP RATED 10* PAC-12 BOOKIE BREAKER

The UCLA Bruins are coming off a 69-55 loss at Washington, but they had won and covered the spread in back-to-back games (against Arizona and Washington St.) prior to that and they're a solid 11-4 ATS in their last 15 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. Here they'll host a Colorado side that is in a let down spot following a 73-51 rout of Oregon. 

With the Buffaloes just 2-6 ATS in its last eight games following a straight up win of more than 20 points and 1-7 ATS in its last eight games vs. a team with a winning straight up record I think this looks like a good spot to back the home team, particularly as the home team is 5-2 ATS in the last seven meetings in this series. 

10* play on UCLA Bruins. 

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. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

The Minnesota Timberwolves are just 8-17 SU on the road, but they're 6-1 ATS in their last seven road games vs. a team with a losing home record while the Memphis Grizzlies are 1-8 ATS in their last nine home games vs. a team with a losing road record.

I like the Wolves to come through with a win here at FedExForum Tuesday night. 

The Grizzlies have won just three of their last 20 overall but beat the lowly Knicks 96-84 on Sunday. I think we'll see less desperation from the home side here coming off a win while Minnesota should be focused to bounce back from a disappointing one-point loss to Denver on Saturday. 

"It's tough," Minnesota power forward Taj Gibson said after the setback. "Really felt we had that one, we just got to get back to the drawing board, figure some things out. We have to step up, we have to do better. Including myself. We have to put more in to it. No excuses. We have to enjoy our job, we have to do a lot better."

The Wolves beat Memphis 99-97 in OT at Minnesota last Wednesday, but I expect them to win this one more comfortably. 

10* play on Minnesota Timberwolves. 

TUESDAY NIGHT NHL MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Los Angeles Kings are in a very tough spot here at New Jersey Tuesday night. Fresh off a come-from-behind triumph over the Rangers at MSG last night they'll not only play on back-to-back nights, but also their third game in four nights. Kings are 2-7 in their last nine games playing on 0 days rest and 0-4 in their last four in the third game of a 3-in-4 situation, and they'll face a Devils team that is 7-2 in its last nine vs. a team with a winning % below .400.

The Devils have had two solid days of to rest and recover since their 3-2 OT win at Montreal on Saturday and I think they'll skate away with this game.  

8* play on New Jersey Devils. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA)

The Sacramento Kings are 18-8 ATS home at Golden 1 Center on the season, but I don't think their spotted nearly enough points here against a red hot Spurs side going for a sixth consecutive win. 

The Spurs have failed to cover the spread in each of their last three, but they were asked to cover eight points of more in each of those games and this looks like a much more managable spread. 

The Kings won the last meeting 104-99 here at Sacramento back in November, but note that Spurs are 20-2 ATS in revenge spots this season. 

10* play on San Antonio Spurs. 

TOP RATED 10* NHL MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The New York Rangers have dropped two of three since the All Star break, but they could easily have won them all with the losses by just one goal each and they out-shot their opponent both times. 

Here the Rangers will face an LA Kings side that collapsed late at New York Islanders on Saturday for another demoralizing loss. Kings' netminder Jonathan Quick gave up three goals on 31 shots to fall to 2-6-2 with a 3.35 GAA and .895 SV% in 10 road starts on the season. 

The Rangers are 5-2 in their last seven home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400 while the Kings are 8-14-2 and average just 1.84 gpg away from home. 

The home team is 5-1 in the last six meetings and this is an easy play on the Rangers IMO. 

10* play on New York Rangers. 

TOP RATED 10* CBB BOOKIE BREAKER

The No. 11 Virgina Tech Hokies scored just 47 points last time out, but did still earn the W as they managed to hold North Carolina State to just 24 points on 16.7 percent shooting from the field. They're 3-9 ATS in their last 12 games after allowing less than 50 points in their previous game and I think they'll struggle with the No. 16 Louisville Cardinals in this matchup. 

Louisville had won six in a row SU (5-1 ATS) before taking a 79-69 loss to North Carolina last time out. The Cardinals are 8-1-1 ATS in their last 10 games following a ATS loss and 13-4 ATS in their last 17 games following a double-digit loss at home.

Virginia Tech will have to do without its second-leading scorer, guard Justin Robinson, (foot) for a while, and I'm happy to take the points on the visitors here at Cassell Coliseum Monday night. 

10* play on Louisville Cardinals. 

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. 

MIKE'S TOP RATED SUPER BOWL LIII BEST BET ATS

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. Rams have a talented team, but I highly doubt the experienced duo of Brady/Belichick will lose two Super Bowls in a row. 

10* play on New England Patriots. 

THUNDER @ CELTICS AFTERNOON ATS ANNIHILATOR

Two red hot teams will do battle in Beantown Sunday afternoon; the OKC Thunder ride a seven-game winning streak into this matchup with the Boston Celtics who aim for their ninth win in 10 games. 

Boston has been money at home all season (21-6 SU, 17-10 ATS) and has already defeated OKC once (101-95 at Oklahoma City back in October). 

The Celtics are 8-2 in Super Bowl Sunday matinee matchups dating back to 2009 and I think they'll come out with a solid performance. 

8* play on Boston Celtics. 

TOP RATED 10* ACC BOOKIE BREAKER (EARLY START)

The Wake Forest Demon Deacons have seven losses through their last eight games and failed to cover the spread in six of those defeats. They're a pathetic 6-20 ATS in their last 26 vs. ACC rivals and took a 82-54 home loss to No. 16 Louisville last time out. Here they'll face a Clemson Tigers team looking to make it two wins in a row following a convincing 82-69 triumph over Pittsburgh. 

Wake Forest is only 4-8 ATS as an underdog and 0-6 SU away from home on the season. With Clemson a solid 9-4 ATS in its last 13 home games vs. a team with a losing road record and 4-0 ATS in the last four head-to-head matchups I don't see any reason to not back a motivated home team to win and cover.

10* play on Clemson Tigers. 

SUPER EARLY BIG EAST BANKROLL BUILDER

The No. 14 Villanova Wildcats are 17-4 SU (14-7 ATS) on the season, have scored 80 points or more in five straight games and covered the spread in each. Here they'll face a Georgetown team off back-to-back wins over St. John's and Xavier, but the Hoyas have struggled with Nova in recent seasons and dropped last season's two meetings by 32 points and 24 points. 

The Wilcats are 11-4 ATS in their last 15 home games vs. a team with a winning road record and I expect a blowout win for the home team at Wells Fargo Center Sunday afternoon. 

8* play on Villanova Wildcats. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (SOCCER)

Manchester United remain unbeaten with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in charge after staging a late, late comeback against Burnley to earn a 2-2 draw home at Old Trafford last time out. I think they'll be on their toes from the get go here and pick up a road win. 

Leicester have won just four Premier League home games this season and have lost their last two home at King Power Stadium, to Southampton (1-0) and Cardiff (2-1). We can also note that they have one win, four draws and nine losses(!) through their last 14 Sunday games. 

Man U on the other hand are gunning for five consecutive away wins in all competitions for the first time since 2012 (under legendary Alex Ferguson). 

10* play on Manchester United. 

PACERS @ HEAT HARDWOOD HAMMER

The banged up Indiana Pacers have dropped four straight SU and ATS since losing All-Star guard Victor Oladipo to a season-ending knee injury, most recently a 107-100 road loss to the Magic Thursday night. We can also note that Oladipo's backup Tyreke Evans is questionable for this contest with a lingering back injury and that the Pacers have struggled on the road for a while now, going 1-7 ATS in their last eight away from home, and  

The Miami Heat are coming off a pair of 16-point losses, first to Chicago and most recently OKC last night. Playing on no rest has not been much an issue for Miami though (23-8-1 ATS in its last 32 games playing on 0 days rest) and keep in mind that this will be the third game in four nights for both teams. 

I think a rocking American Airlines Arena will carry the home team to a win and cover. 

8* play on Miami Heat. 

NHL MONEYLINE MASSACRE 

The New York Islanders put a 7-2 beating on the Kings at LA back in October, and I think they'll pick up another easy victory in the rematch home at the Nassau Coliseum Saturday night. 

The Kings traded wins and losses through their last six games heading into the All Star break, but here they'll face a red hot Islanders side that had won five in a row before taking a 3-2 SO loss at Chicago in their last game before the All Star break and falling to Tampa Bay in another shooutout last night. 

Playing on no rest is generally not an issue for the Isles who are 7-0 in their last seven games playing on 0 days rest and I have no problem backing the home team at this price. 

8* play on New York Islanders. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

The Brooklyn Nets have dropped two of their last three, but there's no shame in losing at Boston and San Antonio (still covered the spread in both games). They're 3-1 SU and ATS as a road underdog of three points or fewer this season and I like their chances of stealing the W here at Orlando on Saturday. 

The Magic are coming off a 107-100 win over Indiana but had dropped four straight and seven of eight prior to that. Orlando is 11-15 SU at home and the Nets are 15-5-1 ATS in their last 21 road games vs. a team with a losing home record, and additionally, the Nets are 5-1 ATS in the last six head-to-head with Orlando.

10* play on Brooklyn Nets. 

TOP RATED CBB BOOKIE BREAKER (12 PM ET START)

The St. John's Red Storm are 16-5 SU on the season and beat Creighton 83-67 as a 4-point road underdog last time out. They're 7-3-1 ATS in their last 11 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record and 3-1 ATS as an underdog on the season. 

Here St. John's will take on a Duke team that has won all but two games on the season and four straight since a 95-91 OT setback against Syracuse, but the Blue Devils are just 2-4 ATS through their last six games. 

St. John's won last season's meeting 81-77 as a 10-point dog and has covered the spread in five of the last six meetings. I doubt it'll win this one outright, but this is simply too many points for the home team to cover. 

10* play on St. John's Red Storm. 

VIRGINIA TECH @ NC STATE EARLY ATS ANNIHILATOR

I like the No. 22 NC State Wolfpack to win and cover the spread when hosting the No. 11 Virginia Tech Hokies Saturday afternoon. 

Virginia Tech is coming off an 82-70 win at Miami-Florida, but it had lost its last two away games prior to that (at Virginia and North Carolina) by a combined 43 points! We can also note that the visitors might be without a key piece with Justin Robinson banged up. 

The Hokies are 1-4 ATS in their last five games vs. a team with a winning % above .600 and here it'll face an elite NC State squad that is 12-2 SU, 8-6 ATS at home on the season and 4-1 ATS in its last five home games vs. a team with a winning road record.

The home team is 4-0 ATS in the last four meetings and that's a trend likely to continue here. 

8* play on NC State. 

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. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

The Memphis Grizzlies enter this matchup on a 3-0 ATS run, but I don't think they're spotted nearly enough points to make it four in a row. They'll face a pumped up Charlotte Hornets side looking to bounce back from an embarrassing 126-94 loss at Boston. It allowed Boston to shoot 55.6 percent from the field and is giving up 111.4 ppg on the season Memphis is however just 17-26 ATS vs. teams allowing 106+ points/game. 

The Hornets own a losing record on the season (24-26), but have been reliable home at Spectrum Center (17-8 SU, 14-11 ATS) and won four straight in front of the home town crowd. Memphis is 3-8 ATS in its last 11 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600 and 1-8 ATS in their last nine games vs. a team with a losing straight up record.

Charlotte won the last meeting in th series 118-107 at Memphis just over a week ago. The Hornets are a solid 8-3 ATS on Friday nights this season I think this is a good spot to back the home team. 

10* play on Charlotte Hornets. 

NCAAB WEST COAST CONF MIDNIGHT MASSACRE

The No. 4 Gonzaga Bulldogs are 19-2 SU and 15-6 ATS on the season. They put a 59-point beating (98-39) on Santa Clara (who was held to 27.1% shooting) last time out and are 13-3-1 ATS in their last 17 games following a straight up win of more than 20 points. This Zags squad can not just shoot the ball, but also play lockdown defense and it has held opponents to 55 points or fewer in eight of its last 10 games

Here Gonzaga will take on a BYU side that is coming off an upset win over St. Mary's, but had failed to cover the spread in all five games as underdogs this season prior to that triumph. The Cougars are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600 and 1-4 ATS in their last five games following a straight up win.

The Zags have displayed a "show no mercy" attitude all season long and I don't see why this contest would be any different. 

8* play on Gonzaga Bulldogs. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA)

The Milwaukee Bucks have already defeated the Raptors twice this season, including including a 104-99 win here at Scotiabank Arena on Dec. 9. The Raptors did however claim the last meeting, a 123-116 triumph at Milwaukee earlier this month, and that result sets up a good spot to back Milwaukee here as it is 13-7 ATS when trying to avenge a home loss vs. an opponent. 

Milwaukee got the job done both SU and ATS with a 115-105 triumph at Detroit on Tuesday. The Bucks are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games playing on one days rest and 5-1 ATS one the last six visits to Toronto.

The Raptors meanwhile have had three days off since ending a two-game mini skid with a 123-120 win at Dallas. Still not a very convincing result, and we can also note that too much rest might not be a good thing for a Toronto team that is 0-5 ATS in its last five games playing on three or more days rest.

I think Milwaukee Bucks are the current Beast of the East and that they'll show that tonight. 

10* play on Milwaukee Bucks. 

THURSDAY NIGHT NHL MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The New York Rangers entered the All Star break on a three-game winning streak but were shut out by Philadelphia in their first game back in action Tuesday night. 

Here they'll face a New Jersey Devils side that needed the break badly and snapped a three-game skid with a 6-3 triumph at Pittsburgh on Monday. "A break -- a little extended break, too -- it's nice to refresh and not think about hockey," Devils' netminder Keith Kinkaid said. "Just focus on the things you need to do." 

The Devils have dominated the Rangers in recent meetings winning four of the last five overall and five of six at Prudential Center. 

8* play on New Jersey Devils. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

The Sacramento Kings are a rock solid 10-2 ATS as a favorite this season (8-1 ATS in their last nine games vs. a team with a winning % below .400). I think they'll cover the spread comfortably here in Wednesday's matchup with the Atlanta Hawks. 

The Kings will be happy to be back home at Golden 1 Center following a six-game (2-4) road trip. They took a 122-108 loss to the Clippers in the finale on Sunday and are 5-1 ATS in their last six games following a straight up loss. 

Atlanta has opened a 13-day, seven-game journey away from home with a 2-1 record, including a 123-118 win at LA Clippers (who played on no rest after battling SAC the night before) on Monday. They're 2-5 ATS in their last seven games following a straight up win and 2-7 ATS in their last nine Wednesday night games. 

The Kings put a 146-115 beating on the Hawks at Atlanta back in November. Just imagine the damage they can do at home ... 

10* play on Sacramento Kings. 

CBB BANKROLL BUILDER

The St. John's Red Storm have lost four of their past five games, the lone win an  81-66 triumph over Creighton on Jan. 16.

Expect a fired up Bluejays side for this one as it tries to deny its Big East rival the season sweep, and the Jays will enter this contest with positive momentum following solid back-to-back SU and ATS victories over Georgetown and Butler. 

St. John's has allowed an average of 84.5 ppg through its last two games and that won't cut it against a Creighton team that enters this game ranked 20th in the nation in scoring at 83.4 ppg. 

8* play on Creighton Bluejays. 

TOP RATED 10* CBB BOOKIE BREAKER

The red hot Louisville Cardinals have won six of their seven games here in 2019, the lone setback an OT loss at Pittsburgh on Jan 9. They got revenge on Pitt with a 66-51 triumph last time out and have now covered the spread in three straight games while outscoring opponents by an average of 16.6 points.

Here they'll face a Wake Forest team that has lost six of its last seven, covering the spread in just one of the defeats. The Demon Deacons are 4-7 ATS as an underdog on the season and 4-9 ATS in their last 13 home games.

Louisville is a solid 19-5 ATS through its last 24 January games has been on fire offensively of late while Wake Forest has averaged 53 ppg through its last two games. 

10* play on Louisville. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

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.

10* play on Milwaukee Bucks. 

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. 

TOP RATED 10* BIG 12 BOOKIE BREAKER

The Texas Tech Red Raiders ended a three-game losing streak with a 67-64 triumph over Arkansas on Saturday. 

The Red Raiders failed to cover the spread to fall to 0-4 ATS through their past four games, but that's also the reason why were getting such a good number on the home team in this contest. Here they'll face TCU Horned Frogs side in a letdown spot off back-to-back home wins over Texas and Florida. 

The Horned Frogs defeated the Gators last time out despite shooting just 36% from the field overall. That won't cut it here against the Red Raiders who rank 2nd in the nation for points allowed giving up just 56.4 ppg while having no trouble to light up the scoreboard themselves, particularly at home. 

Texas Tech is 11-1 SU at home but only 3-8-1 ATS, mainly because it's often been asked to cover double-digit spreads. It averages 73.3 ppg while allowing just 52.0 ppg home at United Supermarkets Arena and I expect the home team to run away with this game.

10* play on Texas Tech Red Raiders. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

The Golden State Warriors have been playing up to their potential in recent weeks and enter this contest on a 10-game winning streak.

"We've talked about putting a run together for a while now, and we're right in the middle of a really good one. You want to create good vibes, especially with the All-Star break coming up, and continue to build momentum the second half of the season." All-Star guard Steph Curry told media. 

The Warriors defeated one of the top teams in the East (Boston) last time out and here they'll face an Indiana Pacers team that took a 106-103 loss at Memphis on Saturday in its first game since losing star guard Victor Oladipo to a season-ending knee injury. 

"We're just trying as a team to find ourselves without Victor Oladipo," Pacers forward Thaddeus Young told reporters after the setback. "That's one of the biggest things. Our offense was a little stagnant as opposed to having Victor out there. That's no excuse." 

The Warriors have been asked to cover big numbers in recent games but are still 4-1-1 ATS in their last six games overall.

10* play on Golden State Warriors. 

NBA HARDWOOD HAMMER

I like the Miami Heat as a road favorite at Madison Square Garden Sunday night. 

The New York Knickerbockers took a 109-99 loss against the Brooklyn Nets on Friday. The defeat was the eighth straight for the Knicks, who have dropped 16 of 17 and 21 of 24. They're 7-14 ATS after a loss by 10 points or more on the season, and another obvious takeaway from that stat is that 21 of their 37 losses on the season have been of the double digit variety ...  

The tanking Knicks have lost 10 in a row home at MSG and here they'll face a Miami Heat side that is playing +.500 basketball on the road and is 14-9 ATS away from home. 

The Heat are 6-2 ATS in the last eight meetings at Manhattan and I expect them to run away with this game rather comfortably. 

8* play on Miami Heat. 

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. 

TOP RATED 10* ACC ATS ANNIHILATOR

The FSU Seminoles snapped a three-game skid with a 77-68 win over Clemson on Tuesday. The last time they won prior to that was a six-point triumph over Miami-Florida on Jan 9, and I think they'll get the better of the Hurricanes again here in the second meeting of the season. 

The Hurricanes shot just 33.9% from the field in a 73-53 loss to Syracuse on Thursday. They're 2-9 ATS versus teams averaging 77+ points/game and should find it hard to keep up with FSU's firepower. 

10* play on Florida State Seminoles. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (TENNIS)

Rafael Nadal has not lost a set all tournament, but I really like what I saw from Novak Djokovic in his rout of Lucas Pouille in the semi-finals. Sure, Djoko has dropped two sets on his path to the final, but he's had Rafa's number in recent years, winning the last seven meetings on hardcourt and he is 23 of the last 34 meetings overall. This is simply an excellent price on the more dominant hardcourt player. 

10* play on Novak Djokovic. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

The Indiana Pacers will enter this contest well rested after getting two days off since a 110-106 win over the Toronto Raptors Wednesday night. 

It was a costly victory as star guard Victor Oladipo ruptured a quadriceps tendon in his right knee and will be out for the remainder of the season, but the Pacers should still have enough firepower to take care of business against a Memphis side spiraling down the standings. 

The Grizzlies are losers of 12 of 13 games here in 2019. They're 1-10 ATS in their last 11 home games and 1-10 ATS in their last 11 games playing on no rest. 

I really can't find a reason why we wouldn't back the visitors here as the rest of the players raise their game to make up for Oladipo's absence.

10* play on Indiana Pacers. 

CBB BANKROLL BUILDER

I like the Oakland Golden Grizzlies to cover the spread here at Illinois-Chicago Flames Saturday afternoon. 

Oakland is coming off a 73-71 loss at IUPUI but still managed to cover the spread for a third straight game to improve to 5-3 ATS within the Horizon League. It averages a healthy 76.6 ppg and the Flames have struggled with high-scoring teams going 0-6 ATS versus opponents scoring 76+ points/game. 

With the Golden Grizzlies 5-1 ATS in their last six Saturday games and the Flames are 4-9 ATS in their last 13 Saturday games I think we have plenty of reasons to think that the visitors will keep this close.

8* play on Oakland Golden Grizzlies. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (CBB)

The Marquette Golden Eagles are 17-3 on the season and enter this game on a six-game winning streak (5-1 ATS) following a double-digit win against DePaul last time out. 

I like Marquette to keep rolling here against a Xavier team that is coming off back-to-back SU and ATS losses, the most recent a 64-62 setback against Providence. 

Xavier is just 1-3 ATS as an underdog on the season and took a 70-52 beating as a 7.5-point underdog at Fiserv Forum less than three weeks ago in the first meeting of the season.

10* play on Marquette. 

SUPER EARLY ACC ATS ANNIHILATOR

The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets are 4-0 ATS as an underdog on the season and they just ended a two-game skid with a solid 63-61 home win over Notre Dame as a short underdog on Tuesday. The Duke Blue Devils are no doubt the superior team (duh), but will find it hard to run up the score against a team that has allowed an average of just 67 points in its six games against ACC opponents on the season.

8* play on Georgia Tech. 

3-GAME HIGH ROLLER REPORT

The Dallas Mavericks are a solid 17-6 SU (16-7 ATS) home at American Airlines Center on the season. 

I don't think they'll have any trouble with a Detroit side that has struggled lately, particularly on the road, despite coming off a 98-94 road win over the New Orleans Pelicans Wednesday night.

The Pistons are 2-5-1 ATS in their last eight games following a straight up win and 2-5 ATS in their last seven road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. 

The Mavs have had two solid days of rest since a 106-98 win over the Clippers which ended a five-game skid. The Mavericks are 14-6 ATS in their last 20 games playing on two days rest and the favorite is 4-0 ATS in the last four meetings with the Pistons.

8* play on Dallas Mavericks. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

Houston Rockets guard and NBA scoring leader James Harden is entering this matchup on an amazing scoring binge. The Beard put up a career-best 61 points in a 114-110 win over the New York Knicks last time out to make it three 50+ points performances in his last five games. It's however worth noting that the Rockets failed to cover the spread against the Knicks and they're just 3-2 in those aforementioned five contests. 

Here they'll come up against a Raptors team ready to rock as it's seeking to bounce back from a 110-106 setback at Indiana on Wednesday. Toronto has been without Kahwi Leonard in its last four games, but the star forward is expected to play here after missing the past four games as just been rested and isn't hurt. 

The Rockets can rely on Harden to single-handedly carry them past the weaker teams in the league, but I don't think they'll stand much of a chance here against a NBA finals candidate. 

10* play on Toronto Raptors. 

TOP RATED 10* CBB BOOKIE BREAKER

The Kent State Golden Flashes enter this contest riding a three-game winning streak, claiming two of those three outright as underdogs. 

They're 5-1 ATS as an underdog this season and I think they'll keep it close here against a Buffalo team coming off a tight loss at Northern Illinois to fall to 0-3 ATS in its last three games. 

"That's three games in a row now that we have not played good basketball. We need to get back to the blue collar stuff that got us to this point, like rebounding and diving for loose balls." coach Nate Oats told the media after the most recent setback. 

Easier said than done though, and I'll take my chances with the home team in this matchup. 

10* play on Kent State. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (SOCCER): MIKE'S TOP RATED MAN U @ ARSENAL FA CUP BEST BET

Manchester United have played seven games since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took over the managerial duties, and they've won them all. 

The Red Devils have admittedly had a relatively easy schedule but did also beat Tottenham 1-0 here in London on Jan 13. Arsenal on the other hand have been inconsistent of late with four wins, four losses and a draw through their last nine games. The Gunners are fresh off a 2-0 victory over Chelsea in the Premier League but dropped a 1-0 decision to West Ham the week before. 

My money is on the visitors to steal this game, and I'm backing them as a PK which means the stake back in case of a draw. 

10* play on Man Utd (PK, +0, Draw no Bet)

TOP RATED 10* NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

The Minnesota Timberwolves are coming off back-to-back win over the Phoenix Suns and are 4-3 since head coach Tom Thibodeau was fired earlier this month. Ironically enough, Thibodeau was fired the day after Minnesota's 108-86 victory over the Lakers on Jan. 6 as it improved to 4-0 ATS in the last four meetings. 

Here the Wolves will face a banged up Lakers team that definitely will be without LeBron James and Lonzo Ball while Rajon Rondo is a game-time decision. "I'm just taking it day by day and I will see how it feels in the morning when I wake up," Rondo said Wednesday. "I have to come back when I'm healthy ... I can't come back depending on whether guys are out or not." 

The Lakers are coming into this contest with the better record, but they're just 5-9 since James and Rondo last played on Christmas Day at Golden State. Minnesota meanwhile has won six of its last nine and look good to get the W here. 

10* play on Minnesota Timberwolves. 

CBB BANKROLL BUILDER

The South Dakota State Jackrabbits won for the fourth straight time as they defeated North Dakota 78-74 at Betty Engelstad Sioux Center last time out. They failed to cover the spread but are 16-5 ATS in their last 21 games following a ATS loss and 16-7 ATS in their last 23 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. 

Here they'll face a North Dakota State Bison team that has yet to win away from home this season and is averaging only 61.6 ppg on the road. South Dakota State meanwhile is averaging a solid 88.5 ppg home at Frost Arena and I predict an easy win for the home team in this matchup, also supported by the fact that the home team is 6-2 ATS in the last eight meetings. 

8* play on South Dakota State Jackrabbits. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (CBB): MIKE'S TOP RATED 10* MSU @ IOWA BEST BET

The No. 5 Michigan State Spartans have dominated the No. 21 Iowa Hawkeyes in recent seasons, winning three straight meetings and the first matchup of the season 90-68 back in December. 

The Spartans enter this contest riding a 12-game winning streak after earning a 69-55 decision against No. 16 Maryland Monday night, and that despite going just 6-of-26 from behind the arc. With the sixth best defense in the nation they don't have to rely on offense though, and the Spartans have held four of their last six opponents under 60 points.

The Spartans have covered the spread in eight straight games, they're 10-1 ATS in their last 11 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600. and a perfect 5-0 ATS in their last five road games.

Iowa has won five in a row after a 95-71 rout of Illinois last time out but is 0-4 ATS in its last four games following a straight up win of more than 20 points.

10* play on Michigan State Spartans. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NHL)

The Vancouver Canucks are heading into this matchup with the Carolina Hurricanes well rested after getting two days of rest and recovery since Sunday's 3-2 victory over Detroit Red Wings. 

Tonight they'll face a Carolina team at a huge rest disadvantage after battling the Flames at Calgary last night, and we can also note that the Canes have dropped 12 of the last 13 meetings at Vancouver. 

The Nucks are a solid 6-1 in their last seven home games vs. a team with a losing road record and a win here send them into the break sitting in one of the Western Conference wild-card positions. I think this is an excellent price on the home team.

10* play on Vancouver Canucks. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

The Houston Rockets took a 121-93 beating by the host Philadelphia 76ers Monday. They have traded wins and loses through its last 10 games and are 5-1 ATS in its last six games following a straight up loss so I think the visitors look good to bounce back with an easy victory here at Madison Square Garden Wednesday night. 

The New York Knicks took a 127-109 home loss to the Thunder last time out and are just 4-12 ATS after allowing 115 points or more this season. 

Monday's setback was the sixth straight and the 19th in the last 21 games for the the Knickerbockers. "It wears on you some," New York coach David Fizdale told reporters. "We want to win for our fans. We want to win for each other, mainly. But this is where we are. And I can't tell them when that win is coming. Just got to keep chopping that tree." Doubtful it will come here against a motivated Rockets team ... 

Rockets are 16-6 ATS in the last 22 meetings and the road team is 13-3 ATS in the last 16 meetings.

10* play on Houston Rockets. 

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.