TUESDAY NIGHT NHL POWER PLAY

Two slumping teams will clash at Rogers Place Tuesday night, but I think we're getting good value on the visitors. 

The Oilers are just 2-8 in their last 10 home games and a poor 1-7 in their last eight vs. a team with a winning % below .400. They've opened a three-game homestand by allowing a total of 12 goals in losses to Calgary and Carolina while Detroit was fairly unlucky to take 3-2 loss to the Canucks last time out despite outshooting its opponent 37-31. 

Tne road team has prevailed in each of the first three meetings on the season, and I expect the same outcome tonight. 

8* play on Detroit Red Wings. 

TOP RATED 10* NHL MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Arizona Coyotes are playing their best hockey of the season right now, earning points in six of their last seven contests with wins over solid teams like San Jose and Toronto.

"We played the right way," said forward Clayton Keller following Sunday's 4-2 win against the Leafs. "We came out a little bit slow, but I think we settled down a little bit and stuck to our game plan."

The Yotes are 5-2 in the last seven meetings with the Ottawa Senators who have won four of their last six overall but just one of their last five home at Canadian Tire Centre. 

10* play on Arizona Coyotes. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

The Sacramento Kings took a 123-94 loss at Brooklyn Monday afternoon, and I think they're in for another tough game when visiting the Toronto Raptors Tuesday night. 

The Kings are 0-7 ATS in their last seven games playing on no rest, and they'll face a Toronto side that has had two days off since a 119-90 rout of Memphis. We can also note that Kawhi Leonard has been rested the past two games, but is expected to be back in the lineup for this contest. 

The Raptors will be going for a season-best 10th consecutive home victory and are 20-4 at the Scotiabank Arena this season while the Kings are 1-6 ATS in their last seven road games.

10* play on Toronto Raptors. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA)

The Golden State Warriors put a 112-94 beating on the Clippers here in LA Friday night. That contest marked center DeMarcus Cousins debut as a Warrior, and he slotted right in finishing the game with 14 points, six rebounds and three assists through 15 minutes of action. 

I don't see how a banged up Lakers side which might be without its three best ball-handlers will able to compete with this Warriors team featuring a starting lineup with five All-Stars.

Lakers superstar LeBron James is out indefinitely and Rajon Rondo will also miss this contest. Additionally, Lonzo Ball looking doubtful for this contest after getting carried off the court in Saturday night's OT loss at Houston after going down with an ankle injury.

Add the revenge factor for a 127-101 home loss to the Lakers on Christmas Day and I think we have a very solid case for the Warriors. 

10* play on Golden State Warriors. 

TOP RATED 10* MLK DAY BIG 12 BOOKIE BREAKER

The Kansas Jayhawks are a perfect 11-0 at home on the season and they've won 15 straight at Allen Fieldhouse dating back to February 3, 2018.

They should be extremely fired up for this game, not only looking to bounce back from a one-point loss to West Virginia last time out but also seeking revenge for a 77-60 loss at Iowa State on Jan 5. 

Cyclones are 4-11 ATS in their last 15 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.

10* play on Kansas Jayhawks. 

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

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

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

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

10* play on UNDER. 

KINGS @ NETS HARDWOOD HAMMER

The Sacramento Kings picked up a 103-101 win at Detroit on Saturday thanks to Buddy Hield's off-balance, buzzer-beating 3-pointer. They're 21-5 ATS in their last 26 games playing on one days rest, have won four of their last five outright and covered the spread in six of their last eight overall. 

I think the Kings have a great chance of winning this contest straight up, facing a Brooklyn team that no doubt also has played very well of late but is in a let down spot here following three straight upset wins, the last two on the road. 

Kings are 21-6 ATS in their last 27 vs. Eastern Conference and 7-1 ATS in their last eight Monday games while the Nets are 1-4 ATS in their last five Monday night games.

8* play on Sacramento Kings. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NFL): MIKE'S AFC CHAMPIONSHIP BEST BET ATS

The Kansas City Chiefs will host the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game Sunday afternoon. Both teams are coming off blowout victories in the Divisional Round, but I think KC's home field advantage will be too much for the Pats to overcome in this contest. 

New England was just 3-5 SU and ATS on the road during the regular season, including three double-digit losses. Here it'll face Kansas City defense that may have ranked ranked 31st in the league during the regular season, but allowed just 266 yards and 15 first downs in last week's 31-13 win over the Indianapolis Colts. 

The Chiefs owned the No. 1 offense in the regular season and 23-year-old first-year starting QB Patrick Mahomes threw for 358 yards and four passing touchdowns against the Pats in Week 6. The Patriots won that contest 43-40, but I expect the Chiefs to execute revenge here when it counts. 

10* play on Kansas City Chiefs. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

The Indiana Pacers host the Charlotte Hornets Sunday night, and I think we'll see an easy victory for the home team. 

Both sides will be playing the second leg of a back-to-back, but fatigue shouldn't be much of an issue as no starter for either team logged more than 33 minutes yesterday. The Pacers have the advantage of staying home in Indianapolis though while the visitors have to fly in from Charlotte. 

The Hornets are just 1-7 ATS in their last eight road games vs. a team with a winning home record and the home team is 8-2 ATS in the last 10 meetings in the series. 

10* play on Indiana Pacers. 

NFC CHAMPIONSHIP BOOKIE BREAKER

The LA Rams will visit the New Orleans Saints to battle it out for the NFC Championship Sunday afternoon. I like the home team to win and cover the spread. 

The Rams ran over Dallas' defense (literally) with 273 rushing yards in last weeks' 30-22 win, but they're up for a tougher task here against a New Orleans defense that was No. 2 in the league against the run during the season. 

It's also worth noting the "Dome Advantage". The Saints have gone 6-0 in playoff games in the Superdome during the Sean Payton/Drew Brees coach/QB combo and they beat LA 45-35 here in the Superdome on Nov 11. Brees carved up the Rams' defense for 346 yards passing and four TDs in that matchup and should have another big game here. 

Saints are 25-7 ATS in their last 32 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Rams are 21-45 ATS in their last 66 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.

8* play on New Orleans Saints. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (SOCCER): MIKE'S BEST PREMIER LEAGUE BET

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LATE NIGHT NHL MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Calgary Flames are coming off a 6-4 win against Detroit Friday night.

They'll be playing on no rest here at Edmonton, but that's also the main reason why they're at such a cheap price against an Oilers side that has won just two of its last eight at Rogers Place. 

Calgary is a solid 15-9 SU on the road and 6-1 in their last seven vs. a team with a losing record.

8* play on Calgary Flames. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

I'm confident backing the Sacramento Kings with a big bet here as they seek to bounce back from a 114-95 loss at Charlotte Thursday night. 

The Kings are 20-6 ATS in their last 26 games playing on one days rest and 9-2 ATS as a favorite on the season. The visitors are likely to close as a fav or a pick here against a Detroit team that will play the second leg of a back-to-back situation after defeating Miami last night.

The Pistons have won three of their last four since a 1-6 slide but are just 2-6-1 ATS in their last nine games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.

The road team is 14-6-2 ATS in the last 22 meetings and the Kings 4-1-2 ATS in the last seven head-to-head matchups.

10* play on Sacramento Kings. 

SATURDAY NIGHT CBB BANKROLL BUILDER

The Oklahoma State Cowboys have covered the spread in only two of their last 11 games and are 2-7 ATS in their last nine games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.

Here they'll face an Iowa State team that is 9-3-2 ATS in its last 14 home games vs. a team with a losing road record and will be riding on the momentum of a 68-64 triumph as a 5.5-point underdog at No. 9 Texas Tech last time out. 

We can also note that Oklahoma State will be shorthanded as coach Mike Boynton dismissed three players for a violation for team rules a couple of days ago. Boynton is now left with nine players on the Cowboys’ roster, including freshman walk-on Luke Major.

8* play on Iowa State Cyclones. 

TOP RATED 10* MAC ATTACK

The Bowling Green Falcons have won and covered the spread in eight straight games. 

They're perfect home at Stroh Center on the season and will host a reeling Western Michigan side that has lost four straight and seven of its last eight. 

The Broncos have surrendered 85 points or more in three consecutive games and I don't see them keeping up with a Falcons side that averages 83.0 ppg at home.

10* play on Bowling Green Falcons. 

FRIDAY NIGHT NHL PUCKLINE PUNISHER

The Carolina Hurricanes took a 6-2 loss at New York Rangers on Tuesday, and if they expect an easy rebound game here Friday night they might come up disappointed. 

The Ottawa Senators fell 5-4 when they hosted Carolina on January 6, but the Sens have won three of four games since including road wins at Anaheim and LA Kings. "We're building something, you can feel it," Senators coach Guy Boucher said after Wednesday night's 5-2 home victory against the Colorado Avalanche. 

The Senators have been one of the worst teams in the league all year, but I expect them to keep this close and maybe even steal a win.

8* play on Ottawa Senators. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

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

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

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

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

10* play on Miami Heat. 

GRIZZLIES @ CELTICS TGIF BANKROLL BUILDER

The Boston Celtics snapped a three-game slide with a 117-108 home triumph over the NBA-best Toronto Raptors on Wednesday night. "It felt good to get this win against a great team like the Raptors and kind of make a statement for ourselves that we're obviously capable of playing against the best and beating the best," Celtics star Kyrie Irving said after the victory. 

Tonight the Celtics will be looking to keep the momentum through a matchup with a reeling Memphis team that is 1-7 in 2019 with four of the losses by 10 points or more. The Grizzlies have covered the spread in only two of their last 17 games overall and have yet to cover as a double-digit dog on the season.

Boston meanwhile is 4-1 in its last five as a double-digit favorite and I don't think the visitors will stand much of a chance here. 

8* play on Boston Celtics. 

FRIDAY NIGHT NBA HIGH ROLLER REPORT (3 PICKS)

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

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

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

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

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

8* play on UNDER. 

TOP RATED 10* CBB BOOKIE BREAKER

The Ohio Bobcats have dropped two of their last three games and took a 66-52 beating by Kent State last time out. They're 4-0 ATS in their last four games following a double-digit loss at home and I think they'll put up a good fight here at Toledo Friday night. 

The Rockets are off to a solid 14-3 start to the season but are just 5-12 ATS in their last 17 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. 

I think the home team is overvalued by the bookmakers here and I'm happy to take the points on the visiting Bobcats.

10* play on Ohio Bobcats. 

LATE NIGHT LAKERS @ THUNDER TOTAL

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

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

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

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

8* play on UNDER. 

NBA HIGH ROLLER REPORT (3 PICKS)

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

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

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

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

8* play on OKC Thunder. 

THURSDAY NIGHT CBB NO-BRAINER

The Gonzaga Bulldogs have covered the spread in seven straight games and are a perfect 9-0 ATS when favored by 20 points or more this season. 

Here they'll face a Loyola Marymount side that has covered the spread in only two of its last six games and lost two of its first three conference matchups. 

The Bulldogs have dominated this series for quite some time as they go for their 20th consecutive victory over the Lions, and they're 6-1-1 ATS in the last eight meetings. 

8* play on Gonzaga Bulldogs. 

EARLY TOP RATED 10* KNICKS @ WIZARDS PLAY OF THE DAY

The Washington Wizares have played well of late, covering the spread in seven of their last eight games and they gave Toronto a scare in a 140-138 OT loss on January 13 last time out. "Disappointed that we didn't get the win but still proud of our guys the way they battled," Washington coach Scott Brooks told reporters after the loss. 

The Wizards have since had plenty of time to rest and recover for this matchup with the New York Knicks across the pond at London, England, and I expect to see a an easy victory for the Wizards. 

The Knicks have dropped 12 of their last 13 games and they're 2-9 ATS in the last 11 meetings with the Wizards who have won the first two meetings this season by a total of 16 points.

10* play on Washington Wizards. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA MIDNIGHT MASSACRE

The Utah Jazz are in a let down spot here, going on the road following a perfect 4-0 homestand. 

They're 0-3 ATS after three or more consecutive wins this season and here they'll face a Clippers team desperate to end a three-game losing streak, both SU and ATS. 

The Clippers are 17-7 ATS as a favorite on the season and 11-5 ATS in home games where the total is greater than or equal to 220.

10* play on LA Clippers. 

3-GAME HIGH ROLLER REPORT

I think the Golden State Warriors are primed to have a let down game here after beating the Nuggets by 31 points at Pepsi Center last night. 

The Warriors are 0-4 ATS in their last four games playing on no rest and this is a particularly tough spot, playing their third game in four nights and coming off a matchup in high altitude. They'll face a Pelicans team that has played fairly well of late, winning four of its last five games. 

Pelicans are 5-1 ATS in their last six games vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Warriors are 2-7 ATS in their last nine home games vs. a team with a losing road record.

8* play on New Orleans Pelicans. 

3-GAME HIGH ROLLER REPORT

The Boston Bruins have dropped two of their last three while the Philadelphia Flyers have won two of their last three (both wins at home), the most recent an impressive 7-4 triumph over Minnesota.

The home team is 6-1 in the last seven meetings in this series and I think the price is right to back Philly here.

8* play on Philadelphia Flyers. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA): MIKE'S WARRIORS @ NUGGETS BEST BET

We have a clash between the best of the West here Tuesday night as the 29-13 Denver Nuggets host the 29-14 Golden State Warriors. 

Denver is a terrific 18-3 SU home at Pepsi Center on the season and homecourt advantage could very well become the deciding factor in this contest. The Warriors are 3-9 ATS in their last 12 road games vs. a team with a winning home record while the Nuggets are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.

The Warriors are coming off four straight wins, but they do not seem to be all that fussed about their regular season record this year. The Nuggets on the other hand are not used to competing for the top spot of the conference and I think they'll put it all on the line here against the two-time defending champions. 

The Nuggets are 3-0-1 ATS in the last four meetings.

10* play on Denver Nuggets. 

TUESDAY NIGHT NHL MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Winnipeg Jets have been outstanding home at Bell MTS Place all season (17-6-1), but I think we're too good of a price on the visitors here to pass up on. 

The Vegas Golden Knights have been blistering hot lately and improved to 8-1-0 in their last nine games with a 4-3 overtime victory at Chicago on Saturday. They've have had two days to rest and recover since that contest and are 6-0 in their last six games playing on two days rest. 

The Jets are in a more difficult spot, playing on just one day of rest since a 4-3 OT win over Anaheim and this will be their fourth game in six nights. 

8* play on Vegas Golden Knights. 

TOP RATED 10* KENTUCKY @ GEORGIA BOOKIE BREAKER

The Kentucky Wildcats look like a solid road favorite at Georgia Bulldogs Tuesday night. 

Kentucky has failed to cover the spread in back-to-back wins (-14.5 & -12.5), mainly because it had to battle back from double-digit HT deficits in both. "We’ve got to figure out how we start games," Wildcats coach John Calipari told reporters after Saturday’s 56-47 triumph over Vanderbilt. 

I don't think Calipari will allow his team to come out flat three games in a row, and Georgia usually brings out the best of the Wildcats who have won 11 straight meetings and claimed last year's matchup 62-49 as a 4.5-point favorite. 

The Bulldogs have opened conference play 1-2, losing by 46 points at No. 3 Tennessee on Jan. 5 and by 15 points at No. 12 Auburn last time out.  

10* play on Kentucky Wildcats. 

MONDAY NIGHT NBA NO-BRAINER

This looks like a good spot to fade the Detroit Pistons who snapped a four-game slide with a 109-104 win as a 7-point underdog at LA Clippers on Saturday. Star forward Blake Griffin scored 44 points against his former team but I expect him and the rest of the Pistons to come out flat here. They'll face a red hot Utah team that has won five of its last six and each of its last three (by an average of 13 points).

The Jazz failed to cover the spread last time out but are 5-0-1 ATS in their last six games following a ATS loss and 6-2 ATS in their last eight home games vs. a team with a losing road record. Detroit is 1-6-1 ATS in its last eight games vs. a team with a winning straight up record and 0-4-1 ATS in its last five following a straight up win.

8* play on Utah Jazz. 

NHL MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Montreal Canadiens are 3-2 SU as a road underdog of +150 or more this season for a +69% ROI.

Sure, it's a small sample, but they're also a solid 12-8-3 in all road games on the season and they've won 12 of the last 17 meetings with the Bruins here at TD Garden.

Boston is hot with six wins through its last seven games, but the price is right to back the visitors in this matchup. 

8* play on Montreal Canadiens. 

CBB BANKROLL BUILDER

The No. 13 Florida State put in a huge effort against No. 2 Duke on Saturday, only to lose to a buzzer beating 3-pointer. Heartbreaking and mentally draining, and I think they'll come out flat here against a Pittsburgh Panthers team that has covered the spread in five of its last six overall and is a solid 12-3-1 ATS in its last 16 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.

8* play on Pittsburgh Panthers. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NHL): MIKE'S TOP RATED 10* PUCKLINE PUNISHER

The Arizona Coyotes have opened a three-game trek through Western Canada with outright wins at Vancouver and Edmonton to improve to 12-9-1 SU on the road for a 40.7% ROI. They're 16-6 against the puckline in those games. 

Calgary is coming off four straight victories but won three of those by just one goal, against opponents like Philadelphia, Chicago and Florida. I like the visitors to keep this close. 

10* play on Arizona Coyotes. 

WARRIORS @ MAVS SUNDAY SLAUGHTER (ATS)

The Dallas Mavericks have been money at home and aa underdogs this season, but this looks like a great spot to fade the Mavs as they're coming off back-to-back wins, the most recent a rare road win at Minnesota. 

Here they'll face a red hot Warriors team that put a 146-109 beating on Chicago Friday night and have averaged 131.7 ppg through their last three contests. 

The Warriors have covered the spread in four of six games after scoring 130 points or more, they're 12-5 ATS in the last 17 meetings in Dallas and 13-6 ATS in the last 19 meetings overall. 

8* play on Golden State Warriors. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

The Orlando Magic are in a huge let down spot, playing on no rest following a come-from-behind 105-103 upset win over Boston on Saturday to end a four-game slide. 

Here they'll face a red hot Rockets team that has won 13 of its last 16 outright and covered the spread in 12 of those games. James Harden has been outstanding with seven 40-point+ performances over the last nine contests and he recorded 43 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds in Friday's 141-113 rout of Cleveland at home. 

Rockets are 9-2-1 ATS in their last 12 games playing on one days rest. Magic are 2-5 ATS in their last seven playing on no rest.

10* play on Houston Rockets. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

10* play on UNDER. 

LATE NBA NON-CONFERENCE MIDNIGHT MASSACRE

The Sacramento Kings have answered a four-game slide with winning two of their last three games with the loss coming in the second leg of a back-to-back situation. 

I like the Kings to take care of business here against a Charlotte team that will play its fifth straight on the road and the tail end of a back-to-back after taking a beating at Portland Friday night. Hornets are 4-10 ATS in their last 14 games overall and 0-5 ATS in their last five road games vs. a team with a winning home record.

Sacramento is 22-6 ATS in their last 28 vs. teams from the East, 7-2 ATS as a favorite on the season and 13-4 ATS when playing against a team with a losing record. 

8* play on Sacramento Kings. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (NFL): MIKE'S BEST NFC DIVISIONAL ROUND ATS BET

We cashed in big with the Dallas Cowboys in the Wild Card round, and I'm happy to take a touchdown+ on them here in their NFC Divisional round matchup with the LA Rams. 

Ezekiel Elliot just won his second rushing title with 1,434 yards and the Cowboys rumbled for 164 yards on 34 carries in their 24-22 win over Seattle last week. Here they'll face a LA Rams defense that allowed a league-worst average of 5.07 yards per rush this season.

The Rams can do plenty of damage on the ground themselves, but their star running back Todd Gurley (league-best 21 TDs) sat out the final two games of the regular season with a knee injury and it's worth noting that Dallas boasts the fifth-best run defense in the league. 

LA finished the regular season 2nd in the league in scoring offense with 32.9 points per game and QB Jared Goff has plenty of weapons, but I still think the visitors will be able to slow things down with their running game and make this a close contest. 

Rams are 2-6-1 ATS in their last nine home games vs. a team with a winning road record and 1-5 ATS in their last six playoff games.

10* play on Dallas Cowboys. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (NBA): MIKE'S TOP RATED ATS ANNIHILATOR FOR JANUARY!

The Orlando Magic have lost four straight SU and ATS, and I don't think they'll be able to hang around with a Boston team that should be fired up after taking its most lopsided loss of the season at Miami on Thursday. The Celtics are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points and 12-3 ATS in their last 15 games playing on one days rest. 

The Magic will be playing on two days rest after taking a 106-93 loss at Utah on Wednesday but are just 7-19 ATS in their last 26 games playing on two days rest and 4-9 ATS after a loss by 10 points or more. 

Add revenge factor as Boston will be looking to deliver pay back for a 93-90 home loss on Oct 22 and I think we have several strong angles supporting the visitors.

10* play on Boston Celtics. 

SATURDAY AFC ATS ANNIHILATOR

The Indianapolis Colts recorded an upset win over the Houston Texans on the road in the AFC Wild Card round last Saturday, and the reward is a matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs in the Divisional Round.

While I doubt the visitors will be able to win this game outright, I really like their chances of covering the spread. 

KC's offense ranks 1st in the league in both total offense and points per game, but how will rookie QB Patrick Mahomes handle the pressure of a playoff game? 

Mahomes and the rest of the Kansas City offense will face an Indianapolis D that has been excellent in recent weeks and allowed just a total of 24 points through two crucial victories. "There's no doubt the defense is a huge part of the reason that we are where we're at," Colts coach Frank Reich said. "The reason, I think, is because, No. 1, we have good players. You can have a great scheme, but if you don't have good players, it doesn't matter." 

The Colts have a seasoned QB in Andrew Luck who finished second to Mahomes with 39 scoring passes during the regular season, and he's getting terrific protection from an offensive line that allowed the fewest sacks in the league. 

Chiefs are 1-5-1 ATS in their last seven games overall. Colts are 7-0 ATS vs. a team with a winning record and 7-1 ATS in their last eight meetings at Arrowhead.

8* play on Indianapolis Colts. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (CBB): MIKE'S DUKE @ FSU BEST BET

The No. 2 Duke Blue Devils have won eighth straight, all by double digits, but I like the No. 13 Florida State Seminoles to give them a lot of trouble here Saturday afternoon. 

The Noles are 8-2-1 ATS in their last 11 Saturday games and Donald L. Tucker Center will be absolutely rocking here, giving the home team extra energy and creating a hostile environment for the visitors.

The games in this series have been close in recent seasons with FSU covering the spread in four of the last five matchups. 

10* play on FSU Seminoles. 

TGIF 3-GAME HIGH ROLLER REPORT

The LA Lakers will be without LeBron James (groin) for a ninth straight game. They defeated Detroit their last time out but are just 2-6-1 ATS in their last nine games following a straight up win. I don't think they'll be able to hang around with the Utah Jazz in Friday night's late ESPN matchup. 

The Jazz were off to a slow start of their 106-93 win over Orlando on Wednesday but cranked it up in the second half to come back from a 21-point deficit. I expect them to be on their toes from the start here, looking to avenge a 90-83 loss at LA on Nov 23. 

The Jazz have won 11 of the last 13 meetings in the series, and by an average margin of 10.9 points at that. Jazz are 7-2 ATS in their last nine home games and 7-2-1 ATS in their last 10 games playing on one days rest.

8* play on Utah Jazz. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

Dallas is the worst road team in the NBA at 3-18, and here it'll face a Minnesota Timberwolves side that is a solid 14-6 SU (13-7 ATS) home at Target Center. It's also worth mentioning that the Wolves are 10-3 ATS in a home game where the total is greater than or equal to 220.  

The Wolves fired coach Tom Thibodeau on Sunday and picked up a 119-117 win as an 8-point underdog at Oklahoma City Thunder in Ryan Saunders first game as interim coach the next day. They're on a roll with three straight wins SU and ATS and will enter this contest with extra motivation looking to avenge a 140-136 loss at Dallas on October 20. 

The favorite is 17-5 ATS in the last 22 meetings and the home team is 6-2 ATS in the last eight meetings.

10* play on Minnesota Timberwolves. 

FRIDAY NIGHT NHL PUCKLINE PUNISHER

The Detroit Red Wings have lost eight of their last nine games, but four of their last five have been tight one-goal affairs and they're 12-8 against the puckline away from home on the season. 

The Winnipeg Jets will play on no rest (and third game in four nights) following a 3-2 loss at Minnesota last night while Detroit has had two full days off since a 3-2 loss to Montreal Tuesday night. The Wings are a perfect 3-0 against the puckline as an underdog when facing an opponent on no rest this season.  

We can also note that the visitors are expected to get defenseman Mike Green back on the ice after missing 13 games with a lower-body injury. They're 13-8-2 with Green in the lineup. I think they'll keep this a close game. 

8* play on Detroit Red Wings +1.5. 

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

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

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

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

10* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA)

The Sacramento Kings must be extremely disappointed with their last outing as they ran out of steam completely to blow a 19-point half-time lead in the 2nd leg of a back-to-back at Phoenix Tuesday night.

They'll get a chance to take advantage of a Detroit team in a similar spot here as the Pistons took a loss at LA Lakers last night. 

The Pistons are 6-13 ATS in their last 19 road games vs. a team with a winning home record while the Kings are 12-4 when playing against a team with a losing record this season and 21-6 ATS in their last 27 against teams from the East. 

Both teams have struggled to cover the spread lately, but note that Sacramento is 6-2 ATS as a favorite. I feel confident backing the Kings here. 

10* play on Sacramento Kings.

NHL MONEYLINE MASSACRE

Two of the hottest teams in the league will clash at T-Mobile Arena as the Vegas Golden Knights who are riding a seven-game winning streak host a San Jose Sharks side that has won six of its last seven. 

The Sharks are however just 6-21 in their last 27 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600 while Vegas is 6-2 in their last eight home games vs. a team with a losing road record.

San Jose has scored a total of 20 goals through its last four games but here it'll face a Vegas team that has been outstanding on the defensive end allowing just nine goals through its last seven games.

We can also note that Vegas has dominated the series winning six of the last eight overall and five of six meetings in Vegas.

8* play on Vegas Golden Knights. 

3-GAME HIGH ROLLER REPORT

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

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

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

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

8* play on OVER. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

The Utah Jazz will be enter this contest looking to bounce back from a 114-102 loss at Milwaukee in the finale of a four-game road trip. 

Here they'll host a reeling Orlando team that has been on the road since New Year's Eve and averaged just 98 ppg during a three-game slide. It has failed to cover the spread in six of its last seven on the road while the Jazz are a solid 6-2 ATS in their last eight home at Vivint Smart Home Arena.

Utah should be extra fired up as it seeks to avenge a 96-85 loss at Orlando on Dec 15, and I'm well happy to back the home team at this number.  

10* play on Utah Jazz. 

HIGH ROLLER 3-GAME REPORT

The Houston Rockets are playing their best basketball of the season and won for the 12th time in the last 14 games as they picked up a 125-113 triumph over the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday. 

Here they'll face another red hot team in the Milwaukee Bucks who are winners of 10 of their last 12. Milwaukee is the only team to rank in the top 5 in offensive and defensive efficiency, and I think the Bucks will grind down the Rockets with their depth and offensive weapons. 

8* play on Milwaukee Bucks. 

HIGH ROLLER 3-GAME REPORT

The Boston Celtics have won five straight SU and ATS home at TD Garden and look good to close out this four-game homestand with another triumph. 

They'll host an Indiana Pacers side that will play the fourth game on a five-game road swing and the 2nd game of a back-to-back after defeating the Cavs at Cleveland last night. 

The Pacers have failed to cover the spread in four straight overall and we can note that Celtics will come into this contest with a chip on their shoulder after dropping the first meeting of the season 102-101 at Indiana back on November 3.

8* play on Boston Celtics. 

VANDERBILT @ GEORGIA BOOKIE BLASTER

I like the Vanderbilt Commodores to bounce back from an 81-71 home loss to Ole Miss in their SEC opener then visiting Georgia on Wednesday.

The Commodores are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games following a double-digit loss at home and here they'll face a Bulldogs team off a deflating 96-50 loss at Tennessee. They had won three in a row prior, but I think that humiliating loss will hurt the Bulldogs confidence. 

8* play on Vanderbilt Commodores. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

We cashed in BIG with the Sacramento Kings as they snapped a four-game losing streak with a convincing 111-95 win over Orlando last night, and I'm happy to back the Kings tonight as well.

They're 0-6 ATS in their last six games playing on no rest but 7-0 ATS in their last seven when taking on a team with a winning % below .400, and I don't think the 9-32 Phoenix Suns will be much of an obstacle here. 

Phoenix enters the contest on a six-game losing streak and has allowed 118 points or more in each of those games.

The Kings own the 5th best scoring average in the NBA with 115.1 ppg and they're even more productive on the road with 116.9 ppg.

Sacramento picked up a 122-105 win here at Talking Stick Resort Arena about a month ago and should roll to another easy victory. 

10* play on Sacramento Kings. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NHL)

The Carolina Hurricanes are coming off four straight wins, but they've played a fairly easy schedule during that stretch and actually struggled to put away the NHL-worst Ottawa Senators last time out. 

I think the Canes' winning streak will come to an end against a red hot New York Islanders side which has won six in a row (with solid road wins at Buffalo and Toronto) and it has lost just one of its last 10.

We can also note that the Islanders should be well rested with this being just their third game in 2019, and they've had plenty of time to recover since picking up a 4-3 win at St. Louis on Saturday while the visitors will play on one days rest. 

The Islanders have won the first three meetings of the season, limiting Carolina to one goal in all three contests, and I think they'll make it four in a row tonight. 

10* play on NY Islanders. 

WIZARDS @ 76ERS HARDWOOD HAMMER

The Washington Wizards are just 6-16 ATS on the road this season and 5-11 ATS when playing against a team with a winning record. Here they'll face one of the absolute top home teams in the league, and I don't think they'll stand much of a chance. 

The Philadelphia 76ers are 17-3 SU (6-3 ATS as an 8-point+ home favorite) at Wells Fargo Center on the season and routed Washington 123-98 in this building back in November. We can also note that they'll have an additional day of rest entering this contest compared to the visitors. 

This is the first matchup of a home-and-home set, and I expect the Sixers to go for a blowout in front of the home town crowd before maybe, just maybe, take the foot off the accelerator tomorrow.

8* play on Philadelphia 76ers. 

CBB BANKROLL BUILDER

The Iowa State Cyclones put an impressive 77-60 beating on Kansas last time out to make it five wins in a row since a 14-point loss at Iowa on Dec 6. The winning streak includes a win at Oklahoma State and I think they'll pick up another road victory when visiting Baylor Tuesday night. 

The Bears put up a good fight at TCU last time out as they came close to erase a 19-point second-half deficit, but Baylor still ended up losing 85-81. They've scored 80+ points in back-to-back games but had struggled to put points on the board prior to that. 

Here they'll face an Iowa State team that averages a solid 82.1 ppg and I expect the Cyclones firepower to prove to be too much for the home team to keep up with. 

8* play on Iowa State Cyclones. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

The Sacramento Kings enter this contest on a four-game losing streak, but no shame in that considering a tough schedule with opponents named LA Lakers, Portland, Denver and Golden State. The Kings gave the Warriors a scare in a 127-123 loss on Saturday night and I think they'll snap the skid here. 

The Kings are 20-6 ATS in their last 26 vs. teams from the Eastern Conference and 8-2 ATS in their last 10 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400, and tonight's opponent fits both criteria. 

This is a very tough spot for the Magic who have been away from home since New Year's Eve and have dropped three of the first four contests of their six-game road trip. My money is on the home team to run away with this game.

10* play on Sacramento Kings.

MONDAY NIGHT NBA HARDWOOD HAMMER

This is a very tough spot for the Memphis Grizzlies who have lost five straight and 12 of the last 15 games.

This will be the Grizzlies third game in four nights, and they'll face a relatively fresh Pelicans side that had two days of rest before putting up a dominating display in a 133-98 victory at Cleveland on Saturday.

The Pels are 10-4 ATS in their last 14 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points and I like them to keep the momentum going here against a struggling Memphis team.

8* play on New Orleans Pelicans. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (CFB): MIKE' CFB NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME BEST BET

The Alabama Crimson Tide and the Clemson Tigers are set to battle it out in the National Championship Game for the third time in four years. Both are coming off dominant wins in the semi-finals, but I think Alabama has a significant edge. 

The Crimson Tide jumped out to a three-touchdown lead over Oklahoma before stepping off the gas pedal, yet without allowing their opponent to get too close in the 45-34 victory. The Tide are 5-2 ATS in their last seven games as a favorite of 6+ points and have won their last six games by an average of 22.5 ppg, very impressive considering they've faced tough opponents like LSU, Mississippi State, Georgia and Oklahoma.

Clemson put a 30-3 beating on Notre Dame in its semi-finals matchup, not a big surprise IMO as it was always gonna be a one-sided affair. Clemson has won nine consecutive games by double digits, but it has had a fairly easy schedule and certainly not faced a team even remotely close to Alabama’s caliber. 

We can also note that on Dec. 20, three Clemson players — starting defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, offensive lineman Zach Giella and tight end Braden Galloway— were disqualified from competition after failed drug tests. It is at the writing of this preview (Jan 2) unclear whether they'll be allowed to participate in this contest, but either way I like Bama to get it done. 

10* play on Alabama Crimson Tide. 

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

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

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

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

10* play on OVER. 

SUNDAY NHL MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Winnipeg Jets have lost three of their last four and were shut out 4-0 at Pittsburgh Friday night.

I like the price we get on the Jets to bounce back here against a Dallas team they've defeated in eight of the last nine encounters.

Note that Winnipeg has been shut out twice this season, coming back with wins both times (3-1 against Carolina on Oct 14, 7-1 against Philadelphia on Dec 9.

Dallas is coming off a 3-1 homestand but has struggled on the road most of the season, and the Stars are just 5-13 in their last 18 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.

8* play on Winnipeg Jets. 

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

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

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

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

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

10* play on UNDER. 

SUNDAY AFTERNOON NBA ATS ANNIHILATOR

The Brooklyn Nets have been a backers wet dream in recent weeks, covering the spread in 11 of their last 15 games while winning 12 outright. They opened a three-game road trip with a 109-100 win at Memphis Friday night and I think they'll ride the momentum to another triumph here at Chicago Sunday afternoon. 

"It was great to get a win on the start the road trip: Just got to keep going," guard D'Angelo Russell told reporters. "We're winning. I haven't won a lot in this league, so for me to get that type of success I'm going to stick with it." 

Here the Nets will face a Chicago side off three straight losses, the most recent a 119-116 OT setback against Indiana Friday night, and the extra minutes might lead to some tired legs here. The Bulls are just 5-15 SU home at United Center on the season and 3-8 ATS in their last 11 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. 

Brooklyn is just barely below .500 on the road (9-10), it has won the last four meetings in this series and I think the red hot Nets will get the job done this afternoon. 

8* play on Brooklyn Nets. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

The Houston Rockets are playing their best basketball of the season right now and defeated the Warriors 135-135 in OT at Oakland Thursday night. 

They're 11-1 SU (10-1-1 ATS) in their last 12 games overall, and here they'll take on a Portland team that is in a tough 2nd leg of a back-to-back spot after battling the Thunder Friday night. 

The Rockets have had a day of rest since their OT win, and I think they will make the Blazers run up and down the court, completely wearing them down. Note that Houston is 5-0 SU and ATS when facing an opponent playing on zero rest this season and I expect the visitors to walk away with a rather comfortable win in the end. 

10* play on Houston Rockets. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NFL): MIKE'S WILD CARD WEEKEND BEST ATS BET

The Seattle Seahawks own the No. 1 rush offense in the NFL this season, but their pass offense is nowhere near as good as previous years and Russell Wilson has been sacked plenty. 

Here the Seahawks will run into a Dallas defense that ranks 5th in the NFL against the run giving up just 3.8 rushing yards per game, and the Cowboys should come out with extra motivation as the seek to avenge a 24-13 loss at Seattle in Week 3. 

Dallas has since added WR Amari Cooper to the roster and he has connected very well with QB Dak Prescott; in eight games with Dallas, Cooper has caught 53 passes for 725 yards and six touchdowns. Add a prolific running game that will face a Seattle D which has given up 4.9 yards per rush attempt this season, and I think we have identified significant advantages for Dallas on both sides of the ball. 

Dallas is 7-1 at home while Seattle is 4-4 on the road (winning at Arizona, Detroit, Carolina and beating Oakland in London). As you can see, the Seahawks have not won on the road against a team near Dallas caliber and I'm well happy to back the home team in this matchup. 

10* play on Dallas Cowboys. 

TOP RATED 10* NHL PLAY OF THE DAY

The slumping Nashville Predators have lost seven of their last nine overall and 11 of their last 12 on the road following a 4-3 OT loss at Detroit on Friday.

Tough spot for the Preds here, playing on no rest on the road against a Montreal team that has won five of its last six. 

Montreal netminder Carey Price blanked Vancouver Thursday night after missing three contests with a lower-body injury, Price owns a he 1.94 GAA against the Preds in his career and I think he will guide the Habs to victory in this contest.

10* play on Montreal Canadiens. 

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

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

10* play on UNDER. 

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

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

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

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

10* play on UNDER. 

KNICKS @ LAKERS HARDWOOD HAMMER

The New York Knicks have lost eight straight and 13 in their last 14 games, but they put up a good fight in a 115-108 setback at Denver on Wednesday. I'm happy to take the points on the visitors in this matchup. 

The LA Lakers are just 1-3 since losing LeBron James to a groin injury on Christmas Day. While they have a talented team, the Lakers need the King to give them the extra edge and here they're also likely to be without Kyle Kuzma (back) and definitely Rajon Rondo (thumb). 

8* play on New York Knicks. 

FRIDAY NIGHT NHL PUCKLINE PUNISHER

The Detroit Red Wings have managed just one win through a poor 11 game stretch and enter this game on a six-game losing streak, but I think they'll give Nashville Predators all they can handle here at Little Caesars Arena Friday night. 

Note that the Predators are just 1-10 in their last 11 road games and that Detroit has owned this series in recent seasons, winning seven of the last eight meetings. This is simply an excellent price on Detroit +1.5. 

8* play on Detroit Red Wings +1.5. 

TOP RATED 10* ROCKETS @ WARRIORS PLAY OF THE DAY

The Houston Rockets are 10-1 through their last 11 games with James Harden averaging 39.7 points and 8.5 assists during that stretch. They're 9-1-1 ATS in those games and I think they're spotted way too many points to pass up on here at Golden State Wednesday night.

The Warriors are coming off back-to-back wins at Portland and Phoenix but are just 3-8 ATS in its last 11 games overall and 0-4 ATS in their last four home at Oracle Arena.

Golden State will likely to come to play here as it'll seek revenge for a 107-86 loss at Houston on Nov. 15, but this is simply too many points to cover against a red hot Rockets side. 

10* play on Houston Rockets. 

RAPTORS @ SPURS BANKROLL BUILDER

The Toronto Raptors are coming off a 122-116 triumph over Utah but they had failed to cover the spread in four straight contests prior to that. The visitors are expected to be without Kyle Lowry for the ninth time in 10 games, and I don't think they'll be able to keep up with San Antonio at AT&T Center without their star point guard. 

The Spurs are 7-1 ATS through their last eight games overall, a rock solid 15-5 SU (14-6 ATS) at home this season and they have won nine straight home games in this series. 

Add the motivation of putting a beating on Kawhi Leonard in his first matchup at San Antonio in a Raptors uniform, and I think we have solid angles supporting the Spurs here. 

8* play on San Antonio Spurs. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NHL)

The Florida Panthers have won six of their past eight games and they're 4-1-0 in their past five games on the road. Here they'll face a Buffalo side that at was the hottest team in the NHL at one point with 10 straight November wins, but has gone just 4-7-4 in its past 15 games. 

The Sabres enter this contest on a three-game losing streak and may be without their best player (and captain) Jack Eichel, but it's worth noting that they're 5-2 in their last seven home games vs. a team with a losing road record while the Panthers are 7-18 in their last 25 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.

I think the Sabres will come out fueled by desperation to end the skid and inspired to start the new year on a good note. They'll also play with extra motivation after taking a 5-2 home loss to Florida last month, and the Sabres are 8-5 when looking to avenge a loss against an opponent this season. 

10* play on Buffalo Sabres. 

HAWKS @ WIZARDS HARDWOOD HAMMER

The Atlanta Hawks had won five of six before taking a 116-108 loss at Indiana on New Year's Eve. They still covered the spread and are 4-0 ATS in their last four on the road. 

The Washington Wizards' 13-24 ATS record in the worst in the NBA and they are 1-6 ATS in their last seven games. They had lost three straight prior to a 130-126 win over Charlotte on Dec. 29. It was their first game since learning that five-time All-Star point guard John Wall will miss the rest of the season, and it's likely the rest of the Wizards wanted to make a point and show that they can compete without him. 

I'm not confident they can bring the same effort two games in a row though, and I'm happy to take the points with this hot Atlanta team. 

8* play on Atlanta Hawks. 

WEDNESDAY NIGHT NHL POWER PLAY

The Detroit Red Wings have won just three of their last 15 games and they've dropped five straight as home underdogs. The last four of those were decided by just one goal though, and I think we're getting a good price on Detroit's luck to change when they host the Calgary Flames Wednesday night. 

The Flames put an 8-5 beating on San Jose on New Year's Eve but had lost four of their past five games prior to that. 

The home team is 5-1 in the last six meetings and I think the Red Wings will look at this as a fresh start after a disappointing start to the season. 

8* play on Detroit Red Wings. 

MAVS @ HORNETS BOOKIE BLASTER

The Charlotte Hornets are winners of four in a row at home after putting a 125-100 beating on the Orlando Magic on Monday. “It was a good team effort tonight," star guard Kemba Walker told reporters after the win. "Everybody did a great job coming in and making some great contributions to this win. But you know, we've got to get more consistent still. We've been doing this all year. Go on the road, bad loss, come home, get a great win. It just can't be like that. We've got to get some type of consistency between us. We've got to get right."

The Hornets look good to pick up another easy win here, hosting a Dallas Mavericks side which has won only two of its last 10 games overall and took a 122-102 loss at OKC on New Year's Eve. The Mavs are just 2-16 SU (8-10 ATS) on the road this season, and I don't think they'll be able to keep it close here against a Charlotte team that is a solid 14-7 home at Spectrum Center.

8* play on Charlotte Hornets. 

BLAZERS @ KINGS HARDWOOD HAMMER

The Portland Trail Blazers were most likely in extra festive mood on New Years Eve after putting 129-95 beating on the visiting Philadelphia 76ers the night before. They're however just 7-10 (6-11 ATS) on the road this season, and here they'll face a Sacramento team which has covered the spread in 11 of 17 games home at Golden 1 Center (10-5 ATS as a home underdog).  

The Blazers have won the past three meetings by an average of 15.7 points, but this is the first meeting of the season and a much improved Kings side compared to previous years. 

8* play on Sacramento Kings.

JAZZ @ RAPTORS BOOKIE BLASTER

The Toronto Raptors took a horrific 116-87 loss to the Orlando Magic Friday night but bounced back right away with a 95-89 triumph over Chicago two nights ago. They're 10-1 ATS in the last 11 meetings with Utah and I don't think the Jazz are spotted nearly enough points in this contest. 

Sure, Utah has won four of its last six games and put a 129-97 beating on the Knicks last time out, but all but one of those four wins were at home. 

The Jazz are 1-4-1 ATS in their last six road games and 0-4 ATS in their last four games following a straight up win of more than 10 points.

8* play on Toronto Raptors. 

TOP RATED 10* ROSE BOWL BOOKIE BREAKER

The Ohio State Buckeyes look like a solid favorite against the Washington Huskies in the Rose Bowl. 

This will be Urban Meyer's last game as head coach of Ohio State so the Buckeyes players should play with extra motivation looking to put on a show for their coach.

Washington owns among the best defenses in the nation, but can it really slow down this terrific OU offense? Ohio State QB Dwayne Haskins finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting and set a Big Ten championship game record with 499 passing yards and five touchdown passes in the Buckeyes win 45-24 win over Northwestern. 

Note that Urban Meyer owns a terrific 42-15 ATS record with at least eight days to prepare for an opponent. My money is on the Buckeyes. 

10* play on Ohio State Buckeyes. 

TOP RATED 10* NEW YEARS EVE NHL MONEYLINE MASSACRE **53.4% ROI ANGLE**

The Winnipeg Jets are coming off back-to-back home losses to Calgary and Minnesota, so they might welcome the change of scenery with a matchup at Edmonton on New Years Eve. 

Here the Jets will face an Edmonton team on a much longer losing streak coming off five consecutive losses (the last four at home), and I think we're getting a fair price on the visitors in this matchup. 

Note that Winnipeg is 7-1 in its last eight road games and it is has generated an absolutely stunning 53.4% ROI through a 10-1 run as road favorites this season.

10* play on Winnipeg Jets. 

TAXSLAYER GATOR BOWL BOOKIE BREAKER

The Texas A&M Aggies averaged 51 ppg while closing out the regular season with three straight wins. I don't see N.C. State being able to keep up with such a prolific offense after losing its offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Eli Drinkwitz to App State. 

We can also note that N.C. State will be missing a couple of key players who've opted to turn pro in advance of the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl; Receiver Kelvin Harmon (team-best 1,186 receiving yards this year) and linebacker Germaine Pratt (the team's leading tackler) will both be skipping the game.

Aggies are 8-3 ATS vs. a team with a winning record and 7-0 ATS in their last seven non-conference games.

8* play on Texas A&M Aggies. 

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

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

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

10* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NFL) ATS

The winner will "literally" take it all when the Tennessee Titans host the Indianapolis Colts Sunday night; the winner will advance to the postseason while the loser will see its year end. 

Titans QB Marcus Mariota's status for this contest is questionable (as of the posting of this pick on Tuesday) after leaving Tennessee's 25-16 win over Washington last week with a shoulder stinger. 

With or without Mariota, I don't see the Titans keeping up with this high-octane Colts offense guided by Andrew Luck who threw for 357 yards and two touchdowns in a dramatic win over the Giants last Sunday. Luck tossed three touchdown passes in a 38-10 win over Tennessee last month. 

The Titans are 6-1 SU at home this season, but only 5-14-1 ATS in their last 20 home games vs. a team with a winning road record and the Colts are 11-3 ATS in their last 14 meetings.

10* play on Indianapolis Colts. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA)

The red hot Miami Heat are gunning for their seventh win in eight games when they host the Minnesota Timberwolves Sunday evening. 

The Heat are on a 14-3 ATS run through their last 17 games and I think they'll get the job done here against a Minnesota side that is just 4-13 SU (7-10 ATS) on the road this season. 

We can also note that this is a poor scheduling spot for the Wolves as they had played three straight on the road before making a brief pit stop at home Thursday (lost 123-120 in OT to Atlanta) before embarking on another three-game trip. 

The Heat have covered the spread in 12 of the last 16 meetings with Minnesota and the Timberwolves could be without their top two point guards here as starter Jeff Teague and backup Derrick Rose are questionable because of ankle injuries. 

10* play on Miami Heat. 

BROWNS @ RAVENS AFC NORTH NO-BRAINER

We cashed in big with Cleveland as our NFL regular season Game of the Year (ATS) last week, but I'm gonna go against the Browns here when they take on the Baltimore Ravens who would secure a postseason berth with a victory in the regular-season finale.

The Browns may have won five of its last six games, but let's take a look at who they've beaten: Atlanta, Cincinnati x 2, Carolina and Denver. The last time the Browns faced a team of Baltimore's caliber they took a 29-13 loss at Houston, and here they'll face a red hot Ravens side which is coming off an impressive 22-10 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers Saturday night. 

The Ravens have won five of their last six and covered the spread in four of their last five. Their top-ranked pass defense should be able to slow down Browns' rookie QB Baker Mayfield.

We can also note that Baltimore will be extra fired up for this contest as its seeks to avenge a 12-9 loss at Cleveland in Week 5. Ravens are still 5-1 ATS in the last six meetings and I'm happy to back the home team here.

8* play on Baltimore Ravens. 

NFL BANKROLL BUILDER

This looks like a good spot to back the LA Chargers who has won four straight games before taking a 22-10 loss to the Ravens last week. They're 9-2 ATS in their last 11 games following a double-digit loss at home and will also be seeking revenge for a 23-22 home loss to the Broncos on Nov. 18. 

The Chargers have plenty of motivation as they still have a shot at winning the AFC West title and potentially home-field advantage throughout the playoffs while Denver has given up on the season for quite a while, highlighted by three straight losses to Oakland, San Francisco and Cleveland. 

8* play on LA Chargers. 

GAME OF THE YEAR (NFL): REGULAR SEASON TOTAL

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

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

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

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

10* play on UNDER. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

The Golden State Warriors have lost back-to-back games and they've covered the spread in just one of their last nine. 

Does that make it a good spot to fade the Warriors here at Portland Saturday night? I'm going the other way as Golden State should be particularly fired up for this one after taking a 110-109 OT loss to the Blazers in the opener of this-home-and-home two days ago. 

The Blazers had failed to cover the spread in three straight games prior to that upset win and are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games following a straight up win. 

10* play on Golden State Warriors. 

GAME OF THE YEAR (NCAAF)

The Alabama Crimson Tide have their eyes on a third National Championship title in four years, and I don't think Oklahoma Sooners will pose much of a threat on their way there in the Orange Bowl. 

Bama had won every game during the regular season by at least 22 points before beating Georgia by "only" seven in the SEC Championship game.

So, is that something we should be concerned about? Hardly. Instead I think it was good for us, and themselves, to see how they handled adversity for the first time all year and such a wake up call was perhaps even needed after breezing through the season.

Oklahoma has just one loss on the season and owns the top ranked offense in the nation, with Alabama ranked 2nd. There's however a huge gap between how they perform on the defensive end with Bama ranking No. 2 nationally in defensive efficiency while the Sooners are 91st.

I expect the Tide to roll past the Sooners rather comfortably. 

10* play on Alabama Crimson Tide

GAME OF THE WEEK (NHL)

The Vegas Golden Knights snapped a two-game skid with a 2-1 triumph over Colorado Thursday night. They're 1-4 in their last five games following a win, and I think they're in for tough game Saturday afternoon, facing a Los Angeles Kings team off four straight wins (including a 4-3 OT win at Vegas on December 23). 

The Kings have generated a +24.0% ROI as a home underdog this season. I like the price we get on the home team in this matchup.

10* play on LA Kings. 

NOTRE DAME vs. CLEMSON BOOKIE BREAKER

The Clemson Tigers will take on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic, and I expect to see an easy win for the Tigers. 

Notre Dame has a talented team but was hardly put to the test during the regular season, had some close calls against weak opponents and lack Playoff experience.

Clemson on the other hand returns to the Playoff for the fourth consecutive year and is with Alabama the only teams to rank in the top five in both scoring offense and scoring defense.

The Irish defense has given up 133.5 rushing yards per game, and here it'll face Clemson star running back Travis Etienne who rushed for 1,464 yards and 21 touchdowns this season. Etienne is the only player in the nation to rush for more 1,200 yards on fewer than 200 carries this year. 

Clemson has won eight straight games by 20-plus points and I think they'll rout the poor Irish in this contest. 

8* play on Clemson Tigers. 

TOP RATED 10* SPURS @ NUGGETS BOOKIE BREAKER

The Denver Nuggets will be looking to rebound from back-to-back defeats, the most recent a 111-103 setback at San Antonio in the first game of this home-and-home set Wednesday night. 

They're 8-4 ATS in revenge spots this season and I expect to see a very motivated Denver side looking to make the most of a home court advantage which has allowed it to go 13-3 SU (12-4 ATS) home at Pepsi Center during the 2018/2019 campaign. 

Spurs have won five of their last six games but are just 5-11 SU (6-9-1 ATS) on the road this season and 4-13-1 ATS in their last 18 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.

The favorite is 9-2 ATS in the last 11 meetings and that's a trend likely to continue here. 

10* play on Denver Nuggets. 

NETS @ HORNETS HARDWOOD HAMMER

This looks like a great spot to back the Charlotte Hornets as they seek revenge for a wild 134-132 double-overtime loss at Brooklyn Wednesday night. They blew an eight-point lead in the final three minutes of regulation and should as a result be extra fired up for this contest. 

Brooklyn has no doubt played very well lately winning nine of its last 10 games, but I don't think the Nets will be able to hang around with a hyper-motivated Hornets side here Friday night. 

Note that the Hornets are 10-7 ATS in revenge spots on the season and 7-2 ATS in their last nine Friday games.

8* play on Charlotte Hornets. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

The Utah Jazz put up a dominant Christmas Day performance against the Portland Trail Blazers to make it three wins in their last four games. The Philadelphia 76ers took a 121-114 overtime loss at Boston the same day to fall to 6-10 SU (5-11 ATS) on the road for the season.

I like Utah to keep the momentum going with another win here Thursday night. 

The Jazz have covered the spread in five of their last six home games as a 4.5-point favorite or more. The 76ers on the other hand are 0-5 ATS as a road underdog of 4.5-points or more this season. 

10* play on Utah Jazz. 

THURSDAY NIGHT NHL MONEYLINE MASSACRE **+25.9% ROI ANGLE**

The Vancouver Canucks have lost four straight meetings with the Oilers at Edmonton, but this looks like a good spot to put an end to that trend. 

The Nucks have averaged four goals per game while winning three of their last four (3-0-1) away from home, and here they'll face an Oilers team that has been outscored 14-6 during a three-game slide. The Oilers' losing streak started with a 4-2 loss at Vancouver on Dec 16 ...  

The Canucks have generated a +25.9% ROI as a road underdog of +140 or more this season. I like the price we get on the visitors in this matchup.

8* play on Vancouver Canucks. 

TOP RATED 10* NEW ERA PINSTRIPE BOWL BOOKIE BREAKER

The Wisconsin Badgers beat the Miami Hurricanes in the Orange Bowl last season. I'm well happy to take the points on the Badgers in the rematch in the 2018 New Era Pinstripe Bowl. 

Sure, Miami owns one of the top defenses in the nation and was the absolute toughest team to throw against this season, but that might not matter much in this contest.  

Wisconsin is very much a run-first kind of team and ranked 7th in the nation with 268.4 rushing yards per game. Badgers RB Jonathan Taylor was named winner of the Doak Walker Award and eclipsed 200 yards four times on the season. The Badgers will probably be extra inclined to do their damage on the ground here with quarterback Alex Hornibrook out with a concussion. I also expect Wisconsin to be particularly fired up here after losing Paul Bunyan's Axe to Minnesota in a blowout last time out. 

In addition we can note that the New Era Pinstripe Bowl will be played at Yankee Stadium in New York with temperatures around 40 degrees. Wisconsin is of course used to that kind of weather ... Miami, not so much. 

10* play on Wisconsin Badgers. 

NBA 3-PACK

The Charlotte Hornets are just 4-9 on the road and took a 119-103 loss at Boston on Sunday. 

They're 1-4 ATS after a loss by 10 points or more this season and here they'll visit a Brooklyn team that saw its seven-game winning streak come to an end with a loss to Indiana Friday night, but bounced back right away with a solid 111-103 triumph over Phoenix two nights later. 

The Nets are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games overall and 7-2 ATS in the last nine meetings with Charlotte. 

8* play on Brooklyn Nets. 

NBA 3-PACK

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

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

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

8* play on UNDER. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

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

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

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

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

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

10* play on UNDER.