TOP RATED 10* NHL POWER PLAY

Both teams are coming off a bye week, but the Calgary Flames entered the break as arguably the hottest team in the NHL coming off seven consecutive triumphs. They've won five straight meetings with the Jets home at the Saddledome and Winnipeg is coming off back-to-back road losses at Chicago and Minnesota. The Jets are just 1-10 in their last 11 road games vs. a team with a winning home record and I don't see them threatening the red hot Flames here. 

My selection is a 10* play on Calgary Flames. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (SOCCER)

West Ham United enter this contest unbeaten in their last six games in all competitions (W3, D3) and they've scored an impressive 15 goals through their last six Premier League contests. Here they'll host a Bournemouth side that has kept just one clean sheet through its last eight and is winless (D3, L4) through its last seven away games in all competitions. 

The Hammers have played up to their potential since manager David Moyes took over from Slaven Bilic, and I think they'll keep rolling' here. 

My selection is a 10* play on West Ham United. 

PREMIER LEAGUE PUNISHER (TOTAL)

Burnley and Manchester United played a 2-2 draw at Old Trafford a couple of weeks ago. I think we'll see plenty of goals again when the teams clash on Turf Moor this Saturday.

Burnley have lost four of their last six games and conceded a total of 12 goals during that stretch. Man United will no doubt be throwing everything they got forward in their bid to catch Man City at the top of the table, not only for points but also goal differential. Manchester United's road games have seen an average of 2.9 gpg, and I think we'll see at least three goals in this contest. 

My selection is an 8* play on Over. 

NBA 3-PACK

The Phoenix Suns have dropped five of their last six SU and they're just 2-5-1 ATS in their last eight games overall. Tonight they'll visit the Denver Nuggets who are 7-0 ATS in the last seven meetings in the series and defeated Phoenix 134-11 here at Pepsi Center earlier this month. 

Denver is coming off a 109-104 loss at LA Clippers and the building will be rocking as the crowd help their Nuggets bounce back from that defeat. The Nuggets are 13-3 ATS in their last 16 Friday night games while the Suns are 2-6 ATS in their last eight Friday games.

Phoenix took a 118-11 loss at Portland its last time out and allowed the Trail Blazers to shoot 50.5 percent from the field and 48.6 percent from 3-point range. Denver is averaging 109.5 ppg home at Pepsi Center (compared to 106.1 ppg season average overall) and I expect the home team to punish this weak Phoenix D and win by double digits. 

My selection is an 8* play on Denver Nuggets. 

CBB 3-PACK

The Wisconsin Badgers are desperate for a win after three straight setbacks. This looks like a great spot to end the skid though as they host the Illinois Fighting Illini who enter this contest on a four-game losing streak.

Wisconsin has held four straight opponents to 64 points or fewer before giving up 78 at Purdue its last time out, but Illinois has yet to win on the road and is averaging only 70.3 ppg away from home compared to a 78.1 ppg average overall. Illinois is 0-6 in Big Ten action and has lost 11 straight meetings with the Badgers. 

Under is 24-7 in Fighting Illini last 31 overall. Under is 4-0-1 in Badgers last five overall. Under is 4-0 in the last four meetings.

My selection is an 8* play on Wisconsin Badgers. 

CBB 3-PACK

The Wisconsin Badgers are desperate for a win after three straight setbacks. This looks like a great spot to end the skid though as they host the Illinois Fighting Illini who enter this contest on a four-game losing streak.

Wisconsin has held four straight opponents to 64 points or fewer before giving up 78 at Purdue its last time out, but Illinois has yet to win on the road and is averaging only 70.3 ppg away from home compared to a 78.1 ppg average overall. Illinois is 0-6 in Big Ten action and has lost 11 straight meetings with the Badgers. 

Under is 24-7 in Fighting Illini last 31 overall. Under is 4-0-1 in Badgers last five overall. Under is 4-0 in the last four meetings.

My selection is an 8* play on Under. 

NBA 3-PACK

The Detroit Pistons have won only two of their last eight games, but they're 4-2 ATS through the last four and held the Raptors close at Toronto on Wednesday. They're 5-1 ATS in their last six games vs. a team with a winning straight up record and look good to pick up the W here against a Washington side that has failed to cover the spread in seven straight games. 

Washington is 8-22 ATS as a favorite this season. Detroit is 14-7 ATS as and underdog. 

The Wizards are allowing an average of 114.3 points during a six-game stretch and here they'll face a Pistons side looking to avenge a 109-91 beating it took at Washington back in December. The Pistons are 13-6 ATS in revenge spots this season. 

My selection is an 8* play on Detroit Pistons. 

TOP RATED 10* NHL POWER PLAY

The Vegas Golden Knights are coming off an impressive 4-1 victory at NHL-best Tampa Bay on Thursday. They're 4-1 in their last five games playing on no rest and I think they'll keep rolling when they visit the Florida Panthers here Friday night. Florida is just 1-3-1 through its last five games and it hasn't played a game since last Friday's 4-2 loss to the Calgary Flames. Teams seem to struggle coming off a bye week, and I expect that to be the case for the Panthers as well.

My selection is a 10* play on Vegas Golden Knights. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA

The Toronto Raptors snapped a two-game losing streak with a 96-91 triumph over Detroit here at Air Canada Centre on Wednesday. They're 16-3 SU (11-8 ATS) in their own building this season, and here they'll host a Spurs team that is just 11-14 (9-15-1 ATS) on the road. This will be the Spurs third straight road game and they've had a tough schedule lately, playing seven of nine games since new year away from home. They will be without Rudy Gay (right heel bursitis), Manu Ginobili (right thigh contusion) and Kawhi Leonard (right quadriceps tendinopathy) for this contest. 

The home team is 6-2 ATS in the last eight meetings in the series and the Raptors will be seeking revenge for a 101-97 loss at San Antonio earlier this season. They're 9-5 ATS in revenge spots this season. 

My selection is a 10* play on Toronto Raptors. 

TOP RATED 10* CBB

The No. 9 Michigan State Spartans have lost two of their last three and took an 82-72 beating as a 9.5-point favorite against Michigan their last time out. The Spartans will no doubt enter this contest angry and motivated, and I think they'll make Indiana pay the price. We can note that the Spartans are 7-2 ATS in their last nine games following a double-digit loss at home and 20-6 ATS in their last 26 home games. The Indiana Hoosiers meanwhile are just 2-6 ATS in their last eight on the road and in a let down spot following a 66-46 pounding of Northwestern their last time out. '

My selection is a 10* play on Michigan State Spartans. 

TOP RATED 10* PACERS @ BLAZERS BOOKIE BREAKER

The Indiana Pacers carry a three-game winning streak into Portland Thursday night and they've opened a five-game road swing by defeating Phoenix and Utah by a combined 38 points. The Pacers are 5-1 ATS in their last six games overall and 9-4 ATS in their last 13 road games. They'll have a one day rest advantage over the Blazers and seeking to avenge a 114-96 loss home in Indiana back on October. They're 11-6 ATS in revenge spots this season.  

Portland is coming off a 118-111 win over Phoenix Tuesday night, but it had lost three in a row prior to that and is still 0-4 ATS in its last four games. The Trail Blazers are 6-12 ATS in their 18 home games this season and 2-6-1 ATS in their last 9 games playing on one days rest.

My selection is a 10* play on Indiana Pacers. 

TOP RATED 10* NHL POWER PLAY (LATE START)

The Colorado Avalanche are coming off seven straight wins. They're a solid 16-7-1 at home for the season, and have had two days rest since defeating the Ducks 3-1 here at Pepsi Center.

Tonight they'll host a San Jose Sharks team that will play its third game in four nights after winning 3-1 at LA on Tuesday and 3-2 in a shootout at Arizona the following night.

The Sharks are 1-4 in their last five in the third game of a 3-in-4 situation and 0-6 in their last six road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.

My selection is a 10* play on Colorado Avalanche. 

TOP RATED 10* CBB NO-BRAINER

The Michigan Wolverines have won nine out of their last 10 games. They defeated Michigan State 89-72 as a 9.5-point underdog on Jan. 13 their last time out on the road and have covered the spread in each of their last four road games. Michigan just barely beat Maryland its last game overall, but showed good grit and mentality as it rallied back from a 10-point deficit in the 2nd half. I like the Wolverines to come out more composed and focused from the get-go here and continue their winning ways as they visit the Nebraska Cornhuskers Thursday night. Nebraska has split its last four games and the Wolverines have won 10 straight meetings, the most recent a dominant 93-57 triumph last year. 

My selection is a 10* play on Michigan Wolverines. 

NHL 3-PACK

The Philadelphia Flyers look like a solid play here when they host the Toronto Maple Leafs Thursday night.

Toronto is coming off three straight defeats (scoring only six goals in the process), the most recent a 2-1 OT setback against the Blues Tuesday night. The Leafs are just 2-7 in their last nine games playing on one days rest and 2-6 in their last eight road games.

The Flyers had won four straight prior to taking a 5-1 loss at NY Rangers Tuesday night. They're 7-2 in their last nine games playing on one days rest and should be eager to get back to their winning ways. 

My selection is an 8* play on Philadelphia Flyers.  

NHL 3-PACK

The St. Louis Blues snapped a three-game skid with a 2-1 OT triumph at Toronto two nights ago. I think they'll build on that momentum and defeat the Ottawa Senators in a high-scoring contest here Thursday night.

The Sens have won three of their last four with each game going over the total. They've conceded 19 goals during that span though and the Blues have had plenty of success here at Canadian Tire Centre in recent years, including a 6-0 victory on their last visit. 

My selection is an 8* play on St. Louis Blues. 

NHL 3-PACK

The St. Louis Blues snapped a three-game skid with a 2-1 OT triumph at Toronto two nights ago. I think they'll build on that momentum and defeat the Ottawa Senators in a high-scoring contest here Thursday night.

The Sens have won three of their last four with each game going over the total. They've conceded 19 goals during that span though and the Blues have had plenty of success here at Canadian Tire Centre in recent years, including a 6-0 victory on their last visit. 

My selection is an 8* play on Over. 

NBA 5-PACK

The Sacramento Kings have lost five straight and nine of their last 10, but I think they'll keep it close here against a Utah Jazz side that has struggled lately as well. The Jazz have won just two of their last 10 games and they're 4-15 over their last 19. Utah has struggled on the road all season long and enter this contest with a 4-18 SU (8-14 ATS) record. They're 2-11 ATS in their last 13 road games vs. a team with a losing home record and 7-15-2 ATS in the last 24 meetings with the Kings. 

My selection is an 8* play on Sacramento Kings. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

The New York Knicks are coming off a 119-104 win at Brooklyn, but they had dropped three straight prior to that and six of their last eight games. They're still just 5-15 SU on the road for the season and here they'll visit a Memphis team which has won six straight meetings at home. The Grizzlies have picked up nine of their 14 wins for the season here at FedExForum and defeated the Lakers 123-114 their last time out. Memphis recorded 24 assists and had its second-best scoring total in that win. 

This is also a revenge spot for Memphis after taking a 99-88 at loss at New York back in December. 

My selection is a 10* play on Memphis Grizzlies. 

NBA 5-PACK

The Golden State really did a number on the Chicago Bulls with 143-94 romp at home in the first encounter this season on November 24, 2017. This is a clear let down spot for Golden State though, coming off a 118-108 win at Cleveland on Monday night and with the Houston Rockets on deck. We can also note that the Warriors are just 4-10-1 ATS in the last 15 meetings in Chicago.

The Bulls connected on 16 3-point field goals in Monday's 119-111 triumph over Miami and aim for a fourth consecutive victory. Guard Zach LaVine is limited to 20 minutes  per game since his return from knee surgery but is still averaging 16 points, 3.5 assists and 2.5 rebounds. He poured in 18 points in 20 minutes against the Heat. The Bulls are a solid 12-1 ATS in their last 13 games following a straight up win and 12-3 ATS in their last 15 games playing on one days rest.

Over is 7-2 in Warriors last nine overall and 6-0 in Bulls last six home games.

Let down spot for the Warriors, and I'm well happy to take the points on the home team in this matchup as I think they'll cover the spread in a high-scoring contest. 

My selection is an 8* play on Chicago Bulls. 

NBA 5-PACK

The Golden State really did a number on the Chicago Bulls with 143-94 romp at home in the first encounter this season on November 24, 2017. This is a clear let down spot for Golden State though, coming off a 118-108 win at Cleveland on Monday night and with the Houston Rockets on deck. We can also note that the Warriors are just 4-10-1 ATS in the last 15 meetings in Chicago.

The Bulls connected on 16 3-point field goals in Monday's 119-111 triumph over Miami and aim for a fourth consecutive victory. Guard Zach LaVine is limited to 20 minutes  per game since his return from knee surgery but is still averaging 16 points, 3.5 assists and 2.5 rebounds. He poured in 18 points in 20 minutes against the Heat. The Bulls are a solid 12-1 ATS in their last 13 games following a straight up win and 12-3 ATS in their last 15 games playing on one days rest.

Over is 7-2 in Warriors last nine overall and 6-0 in Bulls last six home games.

Let down spot for the Warriors, and I'm well happy to take the points on the home team in this matchup as I think they'll cover the spread in a high-scoring contest. 

My selection is an 8* play on Over. 

NBA 5-PACK

The New York Knicks are coming off a 119-104 win at Brooklyn, but they had dropped three straight prior to that and six of their last eight games. They're still just 5-15 SU on the road for the season and here they'll visit a Memphis team which has won six straight meetings at home. The Grizzlies have picked up nine of their 14 wins for the season here at FedExForum and defeated the Lakers 123-114 their last time out. Memphis recorded 24 assists and had its second-best scoring total in that win. The Knicks have been involved in several high-scoring contests lately with six of their last seven going over the total. 

My selection is an 8* play on Over. 

CBB BANKROLL BUILDER

The Villanova Wildcats are 16-1 SU for the season but just 1-3 ATS in their last four games. Tonight they'll visit the Georgetown Hoyas who are 6-2 ATS in their last eight games overall and looking to bounce back with a respectable outing at home after taking a 74-61 beating at Seton Hall their last time out.

Georgetown is allowing just 69.9 ppg, on par with Villanova's 69.6 ppg allowed per game. The Wildcats obviously have a massive edge offensively, but the motivation to do more than necessary to just get the W here must be low. 

My selection is an 8* play on Georgetown Hoyas. 

TOP RATED 10* VEGAS @ NASHVILLE TOTAL 

The Vegas Golden Knights will visit the Nashville Predators Tuesday night, and I think we'll see plenty of action on the scoreboard. 

Nashville has had a full week off and over is 5-2-1 in its last eight games playing on three or more days rest while Vegas took a 3-2 OT loss against Edmonton on Saturday, and over is 9-2-2 in Golden Knights last 13 games playing on two days rest. 

The Golden Knights won the last meeting 3-0 home in Vegas earlier this month, but the lone encounter here at Bridgestone Arena back in December saw a total of seven goals. The Preds are averaging a healthy 3.47 gpg in front of the home town crowd and Vegas is giving up 3.30 gpg on the road. 

My selection is a 10* play on Over. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA)

The red hot Boston Celtics are aiming for an eighth consecutive win when they host the New Orleans Pelicans Tuesday night. Boston has held five teams under 100 points during that stretch and defeated the 76ers 114-103 at London, England on Thursday. Sure, heavy traveling, but they've had plenty of time to recover and I think the line set for this contest favors Boston big time. 

The Pelicans are coming off a 123-118 OT triumph at New York on Sunday, but it must have cost a lot of energy after a late rally. They're 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600 and only 2-6 ATS in the last eight meetings with the Celtics who usually step it up in the big games and are 12-5-1 ATS in their last 18 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.

My NBA Game of the Week is a 10* play on Boston Celtics. 

TOP RATED 10* CBB PLAY OF THE DAY

The Ball State Cardinals have lost two of their last three and took a 73-58 beating at Western Michigan their last time out. They're however 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games following a straight up loss and look good to bounce back with a big performance here against Central Michigan. 

The Chippewas have lost three straight and have allowed close to 86 ppg during the skid. They are 1-8 ATS in their last nine games following a straight up loss and 2-10 ATS in their last 12 vs. Mid-American teams while the Cardinals are 8-3-1 ATS in their last 12 vs. Mid-American sides. 

Ball State is holding opponents to a solid 66.0 ppg at home, it won two meetings with Western Michigan by an average of 12 points last year and is 13-3-2 ATS in the last 18 meetings as a home team. 

My selection is a 10* play on Ball State Cardinals. 

CBB 3-PACK

The LSU Tigers had won back-to-back games as road underdogs at Texas A&M and Arkansas prior to taking a 74-66 beating by Alabama here at Pete Maravich Assembly Center their last time out. They were due for a let down game, but still a very disappointing result and I think they'll come out fully focused and ready to rock here against the Georgia Bulldogs who have lost back-to-back games, scoring only 56 and 57 points in the defeats. Georgia is averaging only 63.2 ppg away from home and the Bulldogs are 2-6 ATS in their last eight road games vs. a team with a winning home record. 

Under is 5-0 in Georgia's last five overall. Under is 5-0 in Tigers last five overall.

My selection is an 8* play on LSU Tigers. 

CBB 3-PACK

The LSU Tigers had won back-to-back games as road underdogs at Texas A&M and Arkansas prior to taking a 74-66 beating by Alabama here at Pete Maravich Assembly Center their last time out. They were due for a let down game, but still a very disappointing result and I think they'll come out fully focused and ready to rock here against the Georgia Bulldogs who have lost back-to-back games, scoring only 56 and 57 points in the defeats. Georgia is averaging only 63.2 ppg away from home and the Bulldogs are 2-6 ATS in their last eight road games vs. a team with a winning home record. 

Under is 5-0 in Georgia's last five overall. Under is 5-0 in Tigers last five overall.

My selection is an 8* play on Under. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA BOOKIE BREAKER (LATE START)

The Oklahoma City Thunder snapped a three-game skid with a 101-91 triumph over Charlotte on Saturday. I look for them to take this matchup with the Sacramento Kings Monday night seriously and go for the kill to build some momentum. 

Sacramento has lost four straight and seven of its last eight, failing to cover the spread in each loss and getting beaten by double-digits five times during that span. The Kings took a 126-105 beating on Saturday and surrendered 247 total points in consecutive losses to the Los Angeles Clippers in a home-and-home set through their last two contest. We can also note that they're just 3-9-2 ATS in their last 14 road games vs. a team with a winning home record and 7-12-3 ATS on the road overall this season. 

OKC will be seeking revenge for an eight-point loss at Sacramento back in November. Russell Westbrook has been averaging close to a triple double over his last five games and the Thunder are not shy to pile up the points home at Chesapeake Energy Arena.  

My selection is a 10* play on OKC Thunder. 

NBA 5-PACK

The LA Lakers are aiming for a fifth consecutive win when they visit the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night. They've played solid D lately holding two of their last three opponents under 86 points, but I think they'll come up short in a low-scoring contest here against a Grizzlies side that is even stronger than them on the defensive end. 

We can note that Memphis has beaten the Lakers six straight times at home. The last time the Lakers won at Memphis was December 2013 and they're just 5-13 ATS in their last 18 road games vs. a team with a losing home record. Memphis took an 87-78 loss at Denver its last time out but defeated New Orleans 105-102 its last game in front of the home town crowd. 

Under is 15-6 in Grizzlies last 21 home games. Under is 4-1 in Lakers last five overall.

My selection is an 8* play on Memphis Grizzlies. 

NBA 5-PACK

The LA Lakers are aiming for a fifth consecutive win when they visit the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night. They've played solid D lately holding two of their last three opponents under 86 points, but I think they'll come up short in a low-scoring contest here against a Grizzlies side that is even stronger than them on the defensive end. 

We can note that Memphis has beaten the Lakers six straight times at home. The last time the Lakers won at Memphis was December 2013 and they're just 5-13 ATS in their last 18 road games vs. a team with a losing home record. Memphis took an 87-78 loss at Denver its last time out but defeated New Orleans 105-102 its last game in front of the home town crowd. 

Under is 15-6 in Grizzlies last 21 home games. Under is 4-1 in Lakers last five overall.

My selection is an 8* play on Under. 

CALIFORNIA CRUSHER - SHARKS @ KINGS 

The LA Kings will be desperate to end a three-game slide and they'll be looking to avenge a 2-1 loss to the Sharks here at Staples Center on Dec. 23. They're still 11-7-3 in front of the home town crowd and the Sharks are just 3-14 in their last 17 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Motivation and revenge factor favor the Kings here. 

My selection is a 10* play on LA Kings. 

NBA AFTERNOON ATS ANNIHILATOR

The San Antonio Spurs cruised to a 112-80 home rout of Denver on Saturday while the Atlanta Hawks took a 110-105 loss against Brooklyn here at Philips Arena Friday night their last time out. The Hawks are 13-3 ATS in their last 16 games following a straight up loss and 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record. I think they'll give Spurs all they can handle here as San Antonio is in a let down spot following its blowout of Denver and Spurs are only 8-14-1 on the road this season.  

My selection is an 8* play on Atlanta Hawks. 

SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

The San Antonio Spurs cruised to a 112-80 home rout of Denver on Saturday while the Atlanta Hawks took a 110-105 loss against Brooklyn here at Philips Arena Friday night their last time out. The Hawks are 13-3 ATS in their last 16 games following a straight up loss and 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record. I think they'll give Spurs all they can handle here as San Antonio is only 8-14-1 on the road this season.  

We can also note that under is 21-5 in Spurs last 26 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game and 6-1 in Hawks last seven when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.

My selection is an 8* play on Under. 

SUPER EARLY HORNETS @ PISTONS MONEYMAKER

The Detroit Pistons have lost two of their last three games, but they defeated the Rockets 108-101 their last time out here in Little Caesars Arena and they're 13-5 SU (10-7-1 ATS) at home for the season. Today they'll host a Charlotte Hornets side that is just 5-13 SU (6-9-3 ATS) on the road and 2-7-2 ATS in its last 11 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record. The home team is 8-2 ATS in the last 10 meetings in this series and I expect the Pistons to get the job done here early on MLK Day.

My selection is an 8* play on Detroit Pistons. 

TOP RATED 10 NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

This looks like a great spot to back the Minnesota Timberwolves as they look to finish off a sweep of a five-game homestand and run their home winning streak to eight straight when they host the Portland Trail Blazers Sunday night. They have won their past four games by an average of 18 points and had held seven straight opponents under 100 points before Friday's 118-108 triumph against the Knicks. 

"There's going to be nights in which you don't shoot the ball great," Minnesota coach Tom Thibodeau said. "If you defend and you rebound and you don't turn it over, you'll still be in position to win. You should be able to win with your defense. Those are some good signs. But we got another team coming in Sunday that can put a lot of points on the board. We need to be ready." Thibodeau knows that Portland is a dangerous opponent, so he'll surely have the team fired up here against a Northwest division rival. 

This contest will mark the finale of a four-game road trip for the Blazers who are coming off back-to-back losses (despite getting Damian Lillard back in the lineup), the most recent a 119-113 setback at New Orleans on Friday.

The Timberwolves are 5-0 ATS in their last five home games and the Blazers are just 1-4-1 ATS in their last six games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.

My selection is a 10* play on Minnesota Timberwolves. 

SAINTS @ VIKINGS TOTAL

The Minnesota Vikings defense allowed just a total of 17 points through the last three games of the season. They rank near the top of the NFL in several defensive categories including the second-ranked rush and pass defense. 

Minnesota held New Orleans to just 19 points in Week 1 of the season, and I expect another low-scoring encounter here in the NFC Divisional playoff round. New Orleans has held opponents to a respectable 20.4 points per game (10th in the league) and the Vikes are far from an offensive powerhouse. 

Under is 7-1-1 in Vikings last nine playoff games and 20-6 in their last 26 vs. a team with a winning record.

My selection is an 8* play on Under. 

TOP RATED 10* NHL POWER PLAY

The Calgary Flames come to Carolina riding a six-game winning streak, each of the last three on the road. I'm not quite sure how much gas they've got left in the tank for this game though, and this looks like a more than fair price on the Hurricanes. 

Carolina has lost three of its last four, but it's worth noting that the Canes out-shot Washington 39-27 despite losing 4-3 their last time out. The Hurricanes are 10-4 in their last 14 home games vs. a team with a winning road record and the home team is 14-6-2 in the last 22 meetings in this series. 

My selection is a 10* play on Carolina Hurricanes. 

EARLY TOP RATED 10* CBB BANKROLL BUILDER

The East Carolina Pirates took a 95-60 beating by Wichita State their last time out. I think they'll keep it a lot closer here when they host the Houston Cougars Sunday afternoon.

East Carolina is 8-1-2 ATS in its last 11 games after allowing more than 90 points in their previous game and 10-4 ATS in its last 14 games following a straight up loss. Houston is in a let down spot after putting up more than 100 points in a blowout win against Tulsa its last time out and only 2-5 ATS in its last seven after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game. 

The Cougars broke the league record with 18 3-pointers in Thursday's win against Tulsa but note that the Pirates lead the league in 3-point shooting defense at 31.2 percent. 

My selection is a 10* play on East Carolina. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (NFL)

The Jacksonville Jaguars defense put up another outstanding performance when the Jags recorded a 10-3 home win against the Bills in the Wildcard game last week. I think their tremendous D will keep this AFC Divisional playoff matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers a close game, and getting a touchdown here is well worth a max bet.

This will be the second meeting of the season and Jacksonville won the first encounter 30-9 here at Heinz Field in Week 5. The Jags forced five interceptions from Ben Roethlisberger in that matchup and limited the Bills to 263 total yards (including only 133 passing yards) and picked off the Buffalo QB twice last week.   

Jacksonville has allowed only 15.9 ppg on the season while the Steelers defense wasn't particularly sharp in the final stretch of the regular season, giving up rather big numbers to Baltimore, New England and Cleveland among others. Jacksonville features the top-ranked running game in the NFL led by Leonard Fournette who accumulated 181 rushing yards in the triumph over Pittsburgh earlier this season. 

We can also note that Pittsburgh star receiver Antonio Brown is questionable after he missed the last two games of the season with a lower leg contusion suffered against New England on Dec. 15.

My NFL Game of the Month is a 10* play on Jacksonville Jaguars. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (SOCCER)

Manchester City have just about ran away with the Premier League already, despite being close to only halfway through the season as they're currently 15 points clear of Manchester United at the top of the table with an astonishing 64-13 goal differential. They're aiming to go through the season unbeaten so there's no way they'll look past the Reds here at Anfield. 

Man City have conceded only five goals in 11 away games on the season and here they'll face a Liverpool side just lost its best player in Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona.

The Citizens annihilated Liverpool 5-0 at the Etihad back in September and Pep Guardiola clearly has Jurgen Klopp and his all-out-attack tactics figured out. 

My Soccer Game of the Month is a 10* play on Manchester City. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA)

The Nuggets defeated Memphis 87-78 home at Denver last night. Very tough spot here when they visit the Spurs in San Antonio on no rest.

The Spurs meanwhile have had a day off since an embarrassing 93-81 loss at LA Lakers on Thursday. Spurs off a double-digit loss and scoring just 78 points? Gregg Popovich will no doubt have his team fired up for this contest.  

San Antonio PG Tony Parker should be ready to play on here Denver after sitting out three games with a sprained right ankle. "I could have played tonight," Parker said after the loss to the Lakers. "But you know the Spurs, they are going to just be cautious."  

Denver is just 7-15 SU (8-12-2 ATS) on the road this season, and the Spurs are 12-3-1 ATS in their last 16 home games vs. a team with a losing road record and 12-3-2 ATS in their last 17 games playing on one days rest. The Spurs went 3-0 against the Nuggets last season and the favorite is 6-0 ATS in the last six meetings in the series.

My NBA Game of the Week is a 10* play on San Antonio Spurs.

PISTONS @ BULLS BANKROLL BUILDER

The Chicago Bulls have dropped five of their last seven but must feel pretty good after beating the Knicks in OT at New York their last time out. They're 10-1 ATS in their last 11 games following a straight up win and here they'll get a boost on the offensive end with Zach LaVine ready to make his team and season debut after recovering from ACL surgery. 

The Detroit Pistons are coming off a 114-80 blowout win at Brooklyn, but they're 1-4 ATS in their last five games following a straight up win of more than 10 points and just 3-11-1 ATS in their last 15 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.

The home team won each of the four meetings in this series last season, with the Bulls taking their two here at United Center by an average of 26.5 points.

My selection is an 8* play on Chicago Bulls. 

NBA HARDWOOD HAMMER

The Oklahoma City Thunder have a huge rest advantage when they visit Charlotte on Saturday. The Hornets are coming off a 99-88 triumph over Utah last night while OKC has had two days off since a 104-88 loss at Minnesota, its third consecutive defeat. The Thunder are 10-4 ATS in their last 14 games playing on two days rest and the favorite is 11-3 ATS in the last 14 meetings in this series.

My selection is an 8* play on Oklahoma City Thunder. 

SATURDAY NFL NO-BRAINER

The Atlanta Falcons are coming off an impressive 26-13 victory against the Rams at LA in the Wildcard game last Saturday. Their defense silenced the Rams powerhouse offense and I think they'll come up big once again here against a Philadelphia Eagles team that will be without its star QB with Carson Wentz who suffered a season-ending injury last month. 

The Eagles will instead have to rely on their running game to do damage in this matchup, but Atlanta features a strong rush defense that is allowing an average of only 104 rushing yards per game, ranking them ninth in the NFL. They held the Rams' Todd Gurley to 101 rushing yards last week.

Atlanta meanwhile should be able to do a lot of damage in the air against Philadelphia's 17th ranked pass defense, with veteran QB Matt Ryan and WR Julio Jones having the experience how to navigate playoff games. 

My selection is an 8* play on Atlanta Falcons. 

SUPER EARLY TOP RATED 10* GATORS @ REBELS BOOKIE BREAKER

The Mississippi Rebels have now dropped two of their last three after taking an 85-70 beating as a 12-point dog at Auburn their last time out. They have yet to win a true road game this season but earned wins in each of their first two conference home games and are 6-2 ATS in their last eight home games vs. a team with a winning road record. I think they'll give the Florida Gators all they can handle here at The Pavilion at Ole Miss Saturday afternoon. 

The Gators are enjoying a six-game winning streak, including a perfect 4-0 record in conference play, but they're 1-9 ATS in the last 10 meetings with Ole Miss and the under is 13-3 ATS in the last 16 encounters.

My selection is a 10* play on Ole Miss Rebels. 

PREMIER LEAGUE PUNISHER (TOTAL)

Swansea enter this matchup dead last in the Premier League with only 13 goals scored through 22 games. Newcastle have had a poor first half of the season as well, but they've won three of their last five and conceded just two goals through their last four games. I expect the visitors to "park the bus" in order to try and escape with a 0-0 draw, leading to a low-scoring contest. 

My selection is an 8* play on Under. 

TOP RATED 10* LATE NIGHT NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

The Phoenix Suns will be looking to avenge an embarrassing 142-116 home loss against the Houston Rockets back in November. They've had plenty of time to prepare for this matchup since beating Oklahoma City 114-110 on Sunday, and they're a solid 5-2-1 ATS in their last eight home games. The Rockets are still without the league's leading scorer in James Harden (32.3 points per game) who is sidelined with a hamstring injury. They're only 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games overall and 7-16-1 ATS in their last 24 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record.

My selection is a 10* play on Phoenix Suns. 

NHL 3-PACK

The Chicago Blackhawks will be seeking to bounce back from a 2-1 loss to Minnesota here at United Center on Wednesday. They're 11-7-2 in front of the home town crowd and here they'll host a Winnipeg Jets side that is 1-8 in its last nine road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Winnipeg is coming off a 7-4 win at Buffalo, but taking on the Blackhawks at Chicago is a whole different story.

My selection is an 8* play on Chicago Blackhawks. 

NBA HARDWOOD HAMMER

The New York Knicks have lost four of their last five and eight of their last 10 overall. They're just 4-14 (7-11 ATS) on the road this season and here they'll run into the red hot Minnesota Timberwolves who are gunning for a fourth straight victory (beating both Cleveland and OKC) and have held seven straight opponents below 100 points. 

The Knickerbockers are averaging only 103.6 points per game (99.1 ppg on the road) while the Wolves are averaging a healthy 109.9 ppg home at Target Center. 

My selection is an 8* play on Minnesota Timberwolves. 

NHL 3-PACK

The red hot Calgary Flames are aiming for a sixth consecutive win when they visit the Florida Panthers Friday night. They've played a tough schedule and are coming off a 5-1 win at Tampa Bay last night, but note that the Flames are 5-2 in their last seven games playing on no rest and 5-0 in their last five in the third game of a 3-in-4 situation. Under is 7-2 in Flames last nine road games and although they're expected to go with backup David Rittich in the crease, note that he has posted a solid 2.04 GAA through five games on the season. 

The Florida Panthers closed out a four-game road trip (and snapped a three-game slide) with a 7-4 triumph at St. Louis on Tuesday. They had however averaged just 2.17 gpg over their previous 12 games. 

The Flames have won the last three meetings, including a 4-2 triumph at Florida last February. I think they'll win a low-scoring contest tonight. 

My selection is an 8* play on Calgary Flames. 

NHL 3-PACK

The red hot Calgary Flames are aiming for a sixth consecutive win when they visit the Florida Panthers Friday night. They've played a tough schedule and are coming off a 5-1 win at Tampa Bay last night, but note that the Flames are 5-2 in their last seven games playing on no rest and 5-0 in their last five in the third game of a 3-in-4 situation. Under is 7-2 in Flames last nine road games and although they're expected to go with backup David Rittich in the crease, note that he has posted a solid 2.04 GAA through five games on the season. 

The Florida Panthers closed out a four-game road trip (and snapped a three-game slide) with a 7-4 triumph at St. Louis on Tuesday. They had however averaged just 2.17 gpg over their previous 12 games. 

The Flames have won the last three meetings, including a 4-2 triumph at Florida last February. I think they'll win a low-scoring contest tonight. 

My selection is an 8* play on Under. 

TOP RATED 10* CBB BOOKIE BASHER

The Butler Bulldogs are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 home games and they need a win here after sitting at just 2-3 in conference play. They've lost three straight since defeating No. 1 Villanova, and this looks like a good spot against a Marquette team that is due for a let down game coming off a blowout triumph (84-64) against No. 15 Seton Hall. Butler has won five of the six meetings since Steve Wojciechowski took over Marquette in 2014 and the Bulldogs are 7-2-1 ATS int he last 10.

My selection is a 10* play on Butler Bulldogs.  

CBB 3-PACK

The Sacramento State Hornets look like a solid underdog when they host the Montana Grizzlies Thursday night. Montana has won seven of its last nine and covered the spread in each game during that stretch while Sacramento State has lost four of five and took an 82-67 beating as a 10.5-point dog at Eastern Washington its last time out. Recent results have led to the bookmakers over-adjusting the spread for this matchup. Note that the Hornets are 6-2-1 ATS in their last nine games following a ATS loss and 16-5 ATS in their last 21 vs. Big Sky opponents.

My selection is an 8* play on Sacramento State. 

CBB 3-PACK

The Washington State Cougars look like a solid underdog when they host the Stanford Cardinal Thursday night. Stanford is coming off a 77-76 upset win against USC, but this will be its first road game since Dec. 3 and the Cardinal are 0-5 ATS in their last five road games following three or more consecutive home games. Washington State is 9-2 ATS in its last 11 home games and in desperate need of a win after opening league play with three straight losses.

My selection is an 8* play on Washington State. 

CAVS @ RAPTORS HARDWOOD HAMMER

The Toronto Raptors have no doubt had this game circled since the schedule came out, as they'll seek revenge for getting swept by the Cavs in the Eastern Conference semifinals last spring. Cleveland has dropped six of its last nine games and took a 127-99 beating at Minnesota on Monday while the Raptors are among the hottest teams in the NBA, despite having a five-game overall winning streak and a 12-game home surge come to an end with a 90-89 loss to the Miami Heat on Tuesday. 

Cavaliers are 3-13 ATS in their last 16 games overall and 0-7 ATS in their last seven road games. Raptors are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600 and 7-3 ATS in their last 10 vs. Eastern Conference rivals.

My selection is an 8* play on Toronto Raptors. 

TOP RATED 10* NHL NO-BRAINER

The Columbus Blue Jackets go for their third straight victory when they visit the skidding Sabres on Thursday night. Buffalo has dropped five in a row and it has allowed four of more goals in each of its last four games. The Sabres took a 7-4 beating by Dallas here at KeyBank Center Tuesday night and are just 3-11 in their last 14 games playing on one days rest and 1-5 in their last six games following a home loss of three or more goals. Columbus meanwhile last played Monday and is 23-7 in its last 30 games playing on two days rest.

My selection is a 10* play on Columbus Blue Jackets.

CBB 3-PACK

The Citadel Bulldogs look like a solid underdog when they host Samford Bulldogs Thursday night. Citadel took a 109-92 loss at Wofford its last time out but should do much better here at McAlister Field House, taking on a Samford team that is 1-6 ATS on the road this season and due for a let down game after putting an 85-71 beating on Western Carolina its last time out. Citadel is 4-3 SU at home while Samford is 1-7 ATS in its last eight road games vs. a team with a winning home record.

My selection is an 8* play on Citadel. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA BOOKIE BREAKER - CELTICS/SIXERS

The Boston Celtics will battle with the Philadelphia 76ers in O2 Arena at London, England on Thursday. I like Boston to come out ahead in a low-scoring contest. 

The Celtics are riding a six-game winning streak and defeated Brooklyn 87-85 their last time out, but did not cover the spread and we can note that they're 11-3-1 ATS in their last 15 games following a ATS loss. The Celtics boast the best scoring defense in the NBA with an average of 97.6 points allowed and defensive field-goal percentage (.429). Philadelphia is also coming off a solid defensive performance when it defeated Detroit 114-78 its last time out.  

Boston has already beaten the Sixers twice this season, 102-92 on Oct. 20 and 108-97 on Nov. 30. Don't expect many points here with both teams shooting against an unfamiliar rim. 

My selection is a 10* play on Under. 

SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

The Boston Celtics will battle with the Philadelphia 76ers in O2 Arena at London, England on Thursday. I like Boston to come out ahead in a low-scoring contest. 

The Celtics are riding a six-game winning streak and defeated Brooklyn 87-85 their last time out, but did not cover the spread and we can note that they're 11-3-1 ATS in their last 15 games following a ATS loss. The Celtics boast the best scoring defense in the NBA with an average of 97.6 points allowed and defensive field-goal percentage (.429). Philadelphia is also coming off a solid defensive performance when it defeated Detroit 114-78 its last time out.  

Boston has already beaten the Sixers twice this season, 102-92 on Oct. 20 and 108-97 on Nov. 30. Don't expect many points here with both teams shooting against an unfamiliar rim. 

My selection is a 8* play on Boston Celtics. 

CBB 3-PACK

The Air Force Falcons took an 86-75 loss against Nevada on Saturday, their fifth loss in six games. Here they'll face a UNLV Runnin' Rebels team desperate for a win, entering this contest 12-2 overall on the season but only 1-2 in Mountain West play. They fell 85-78 as a 9-point home favorite against Utah State their last time out but should have more success here against an Air Force team that averages only 64.0 ppg while UNLV is scoring 88.7 ppg on average. 

My selection is an 8* play on UNLV Rebels. 

NHL POWER PLAY

The Chicago Blackhawkws are coming off an 8-2 win at Ottawa Tuesday night while the Minnesota Wild took a 3-2 OT loss against Calgary. Over is 5-2 in Wild's last seven overall and 4-1-1 in their last six games following OT on the previous day. Over 6-1 in Blackhawks last seven overall and 13-4-3 in Blackhawks last 20 in the third game of a 3-in-4 days situation.

Chicago is averaging 3.53 gpg home at United Center while Minnesota is giving up 3.64 gpg on the road. 

Blackhawks are 15-6 in their last 21 after scoring five goals or more in their previous game while the Wild are 3-15 in their last 18 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.

My money is on Chicago to prevail in a high-scoring affair.

My selection is an 8* play on Chicago Blackhawks. 

NHL POWER PLAY TOTAL

The Chicago Blackhawkws are coming off an 8-2 win at Ottawa Tuesday night while the Minnesota Wild took a 3-2 OT loss against Calgary. Over is 5-2 in Wild's last seven overall and 4-1-1 in their last six games following OT on the previous day. Over 6-1 in Blackhawks last seven overall and 13-4-3 in Blackhawks last 20 in the third game of a 3-in-4 days situation.

Chicago is averaging 3.53 gpg home at United Center while Minnesota is giving up 3.64 gpg on the road. 

Blackhawks are 15-6 in their last 21 after scoring five goals or more in their previous game while the Wild are 3-15 in their last 18 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.

My money is on Chicago to prevail in a high-scoring affair.

My selection is an 8* play on Over. 

NBA 3-PACK

The Memphis Grizzles need a win after back-to-back losses against the Clippers and the Wizards. They're 4-1 ATS in their last five games and will enter this contest well rested, last playing on January 5. The Pelicans on the other hand will play on only one days rest following a 112-109 triumph over Detroit home in New Orleans. They're 1-4 ATS in their last five games and 2-5 ATS in the last seven meetings with Memphis. We can also note that Pelicans' star big man Anthony Davis left Monday's win over Detroit with an ankle injury and is considered doubtful, and Memphis center Marc Gasol should dominate the game with Davis out. 

Under is 14-6 in Grizzlies last 20 home games and 11-2 in their last 13 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game (they gave up 102 against Washington their last time out). Under is 4-0 in Pelicans last four road games and 6-2 in Pelicans last eight road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400. Under is 9-2 in the last 11 meetings in Memphis.

I expect Memphis to prevail in a low-scoring affair. 

My selection is an 8* play on Memphis Grizzlies. 

NBA 3-PACK

The Memphis Grizzles need a win after back-to-back losses against the Clippers and the Wizards. They're 4-1 ATS in their last five games and will enter this contest well rested, last playing on January 5. The Pelicans on the other hand will play on only one days rest following a 112-109 triumph over Detroit home in New Orleans. They're 1-4 ATS in their last five games and 2-5 ATS in the last seven meetings with Memphis. We can also note that Pelicans' star big man Anthony Davis left Monday's win over Detroit with an ankle injury and is considered doubtful, and Memphis center Marc Gasol should dominate the game with Davis out. 

Under is 14-6 in Grizzlies last 20 home games and 11-2 in their last 13 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game (they gave up 102 against Washington their last time out). Under is 4-0 in Pelicans last four road games and 6-2 in Pelicans last eight road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400. Under is 9-2 in the last 11 meetings in Memphis.

I expect Memphis to prevail in a low-scoring affair. 

My selection is an 8* play on Under. 

TOP RATED 10* CBB BOOKIE BREAKER

The Missouri State Bears lost their first conference game for the season when they fell 72-68 as a 4-point favorite at Illinois State on Sunday. Expect some angry and hungry Bears to bounce back here at Evansville Wednesday night. The Purple Aces had lost three straight conference games and four overall before pounding Bradley 68-44 on Saturday. They're still struggling to score points and Missouri State is playing excellent defense.  

Bears are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600 and 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 vs. Missouri Valley teams. 

My selection is an 10* play on Missouri State Bears.

CBB 3-PACK

The Oklahoma State Cowboys snapped a two-game losing streak with a 96-87 victory at Iowa State in overtime Saturday afternoon. They're still just 1-2 in conference play and I think they'll be determined to put up a good fight here at Kansas State Wednesday night. Note that Oklahoma State is 9-2 ATS in its last 11 road games vs. a team with a winning home record while the Wildcats are 0-6 ATS in their last six home games. Kansas State is coming off back-to-back losses to No. 2 West Virginia and at No. 8 Texas Tech and will be without starting point guard Kamau Stokes who left Saturday’s loss to the Red Raiders with a foot injury. 

My selection is an 8* play on Oklahoma State Cowboys. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA BASKET BRAWLER 

The Washington Wizards took a 110-103 loss against Milwaukee in the opener of their five-game homestand on Saturday. That was the second night of a back-to-back, but they'll be well rested for this matchup with the struggling Jazz and 6-2 ATS in their last eight games following a straight up loss. We can also note that the Wizards will be seeking revenge for an embarrassing 116-69 loss at Utah last month. 

The Jazz have lost three straight, six of seven and 13 of their last 16. They're only 1-5 ATS in their last six road games and 0-5 ATS in their last five road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.

The Wizards are averaging 110.2 ppg home at Capital One Arena and the Jazz are giving up 107.2 ppg on average away from home, way over their 101.7 ppg allowed overall. 

My selection is a 10* play on Washington Wizards. 

CBB HARDWOOD HAMMER

The Auburn Tigers have opened SEC play with a pair of wins over ranked opponents and they're 14-1 overall on the season, but the Mississippi Rebels are 5-0 ATS in the last five meetings with Auburn and they've not lost to the Tigers since 2012.

I expect Ole Miss to put up a good fight here at Auburn Arena Tuesday night. The Rebels are coming off a 64-58 triumph over the by then 13-1 Mississippi State and average 30.1 points per game from the bench on the season. Their depth will keep them in this game.

My selection is an 8* play on Ole Miss Rebels. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NHL)

Good spot to back the Minnesota Wild as they seek to bounce back from a 7-2 beating at Colorado. They're 5-0 in their last five games following a loss of three or more goals and 4-0 in their last four home games giving us our perfect 9-0 angle. 

The Calgary Flames meanwhile are due for a let down game after sweeping a three-game homestand. They've lost each of their last two on the road and they're 4-9 in their last 13 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. 

The Wild has earned at least a point in 12 of their last 13 games at Xcel Energy Center since Nov. 14, posting an 11-1-1 record in that span and 2-0 against Calgary on the season. 

My NHL Game of the Week is a 10* play on Minnesota Wild. 

NBA 3-PACK

The Oklahoma City Thunder are back home from a three-game road trip, but it's just a brief stop before hitting the road for another two games. They took a 114-100 beating at Phoenix their last time out and I think points will come fast and easy for both teams here when they host the Portland Trail Blazers Tuesday night. 

Portland is coming off a 111-110 triumph over San Antonio and three of its last four games have gone over the total. The Blazers will be without point guard Damian Lillard but OKC will be without defensive stopper Andre Roberson for the fourth consecutive game with left patellar tendinitis.

The Trail Blazers are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 road games and 10-4 ATS as an underdog this season. The Thunder are 3-9 ATS in their last 12 home games and 11-24 ATS as a favorite on the season.

My selection is an 8* play on Portland Trail Blazers.  

NBA 3-PACK

The Oklahoma City Thunder are back home from a three-game road trip, but it's just a brief stop before hitting the road for another two games. They took a 114-100 beating at Phoenix their last time out and I think points will come fast and easy for both teams here when they host the Portland Trail Blazers Tuesday night. 

Portland is coming off a 111-110 triumph over San Antonio and three of its last four games have gone over the total. The Blazers will be without point guard Damian Lillard but OKC will be without defensive stopper Andre Roberson for the fourth consecutive game with left patellar tendinitis.

The Trail Blazers are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 road games and 10-4 ATS as an underdog this season. The Thunder are 3-9 ATS in their last 12 home games and 11-24 ATS as a favorite on the season.

My selection is an 8* play on Over.  

NBA 3-PACK

The Toronto Raptors just barely beat the Nets at Brooklyn last night, winning 114-113 in overtime. Do we need to worry about tired legs for Toronto tonight. Well, note that the Raptors are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games when their starting 5 players combine for more than 160 minutes of the previous day, so I would say no. The Miami Heat are overrated here coming off four straight victories, but they've failed to cover the spread in each of the last two. The home team is 6-2 ATS in the last eight meetings and I expect the Raptors to get the job done. 

My selection is an 8* play on Toronto Raptors. 

TOP RATED 10* LATE NIGHT NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

The Atlanta Hawks took a 132-113 beating at LA Lakers Sunday night, and this looks like a very tough spot to take on the Clippers on no rest. The LA Clippers have had a day off since a 121-105 loss to Golden State, and they'll be hungry for win coming off a pair of setbacks following a four-game winning streak. Blake Griffin  has entered the NBA's concussion protocol after taking an elbow to the head in the loss to the Warriors. He is not expected to play Monday, but I think the rest of the team will come together (at least for this game) without the All-Star forward. 

Clippers are 11-3-1 ATS in their last 15 games overall and 6-1 ATS in their last seven when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.

We can also note that this is the second time this season the Clippers are a home favorite hosting an opponent playing on no rest, and they crushed Phoenix 130-88 in such a spot back in October. 

My selection is a 10* play on LA Clippers. 

TOP RATED 10* CFB CHAMPIONSHIP BEST BET - BAMA vs. GEORGIA

The Alabama Crimson Tide really did a number on top-seeded Clemson in the semifinals, putting a 24-6 beating on the Tigers. I think they'll take care of business again when taking on the Georgia Bulldogs in the College Football Playoff Championship at Atlanta Monday night. 

The Bulldogs managed to fight off Oklahoma last week, winning 54-48 in overtime. They did however give up 527 yards of total offense, and that won't cut it here against a Bama team that won't give up nearly similar numbers in return. Georgia relies heavy on the run, but Alabama leads the nation in rushing defense at 91.8 yards per game and limited Clemson to 64 yards on 33 attempts. 

Bama has the advantage on both sides of the ball IMO, and I would take Crimson Tide sophomore QB Jalen Hurts over Georgia's freshman quarterback Jake Fromm every day of the week.

My selection is a 10* play on Alabama Crimson Tide. 

SPURS @ BLAZERS BANKROLL BUILDER

Both the San Antonio Spurs and the Portland Trail Blazers have traded wins and losses through their last four games. I like the Blazers to be the team to string a couple of wins together when they host the Spurs Sunday night. 

Portland is coming off a 110-89 pounding of Atlanta, its second straight triumph at Moda Center after dropping their previous six home contests. The Blazers are 7-1-2 ATS in their last 10 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points and will be seeking revenge for a 93-91 loss to the Spurs here at Moda Center on Dec. 20. 

The Spurs will be without forward Rudy Gay (heel), who is expected to miss at least two weeks, while Danny Green (groin), who has been in and out of the lineup the past month, is questionable.

My selection is an 8* play on Portland Trail Blazers. 

SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

The Arizona State Sun Devils look like a solid road favorite at Utah Sunday night. The Utes took a 94-82 beating by Arizona their last time out and allowed their opponent to shoot 50 percent from the field. Arizona State will be desperate to end a two-game losing streak (their only two losses for the season), the most recent a 90-81 OT setback as a 9-point favorite at Colorado. They're still 10-3-1 ATS on the season and  11-0-1 ATS in their last 12 games following a ATS loss.

My selection is an 8* play on Arizona State Sun Devils. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

The New York Knicks are just 3-14 SU on the road for the season. This will be their third straight away game and sixth of seven since Dec. 27.  Kristaps Porzingis complained how tired he was earlier this week and a 107-103 overtime loss in Miami on Friday won't have helped in that regard. Great spot to fade the Knickerbockers here as they're likely to look ahead to a pair of days rest before taking on Chicago. 

The Dallas Mavericks will be desperate for a win after opening a four-game homestand with losses against Golden State and Chicago. The Mavs are 6-2 ATS in their last eight home games.

My selection is a 10* play on Dallas Mavericks. 

SUNDAY NHL NO-BRAINER

The Columbus Blue Jackets have struggled lately, but I think they'll get back on track here as they seek to bounce back from a 2-0 loss at Colorado on Thursday. They're 22-7 in their last 29 games playing on two days rest and 21-5 in their last 26 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400, which the Florida Panthers have with a poor 7-12-2 road record. The Panthers have mustered only three goals in back-to-back losses at Minnesota and Detroit, and Columbus' netminder Sergei Bobrovsky is 10-1-2 with a 2.02 goals-against average and .937 save percentage in previous meetings with the Panthers. 

The Panthers are 1-8 in the last nine meetings in Columbus.

My selection is an 8* play on Columbus Blue Jackets. 

TOP RATED 10* PANTHERS @ SAINTS ATS ANNIHILATOR

The New Orleans Saints have already defeated the Carolina Panthers twice this season, the most recent a 31-21 triumph here in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome back in December. They're coming off a 31-24 loss at Tampa Bay but are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 games after allowing more than 30 points in their previous game and 23-4 ATS in their last 27 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. The Panthers fit the bill coming into this contest with a 5-3 road record for the season, but they took a 22-10 loss at Atlanta in their regular season finale and are 0-6 ATS in their last six meetings with New Orleans.

The Saints own the league’s No. 2 offense and they've been able to torch Carolina on the ground in both meetings this season, gaining 148 and 149 yards respectively. New Orleans’ defense meanwhile turned in two of its best performances of the season against the Panthers. 

My selection is a 10* play on New Orleans Saints. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (CBB)

The 13-3 Missouri State Bears have reeled off four straight victories, the most recent a 62-55 triumph over Northern Iowa. They're 3-0-1 ATS during their winning streak and 7-1 ATS in their last eight road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. Today they'll visit Illinois State Redbirds who are 4-2 SU but just 1-3 ATS at home at Redbird Arena. The Redbirds are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600. 

My CBB Game of the Week is a 10* play on Missouri State Bears. 

LATE NHL NIGHTCRAWLER - PREDS @ KINGS

The LA Kings are back home from a three-game trek through Western Canada which concluded with a 4-3 loss at Calgary Thursday night. The Kings are 7-2 in their last nine games playing on one days rest and 5-1 in their last six home games. Here they'll host the Nashville Predators who are coming off back-to-back losses, the most recent a 3-2 OT defeated at Arizona on Thursday. They're just 2-6 in their last eight overall and 1-4 in their last five road games.

The Preds will have to do without their team leader Filip Forsberg who has been ruled out for four to six weeks with an upper-body ailment.

My selection is an 8* play on LA Kings. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NHL) - MIKE'S TOP RATED 10* BEST BET

The Colorado Avalanche enter this contest on a four-game winning streak. They're scoring 3.50 goals per game home at Pepsi Center on the season, and here they'll host a Wild side that has scored 11 goals during a two-game winning streak and 19 through its last five games. 

Minnesota is giving up plenty of goals on the road (3.48 gpg) and over is 11-5-2 in Wild last 18 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. 

The Avs are coming off a 2-0 triumph over Columbus and over is 17-5 in Colorado's last 22 after scoring two goals or fewer in its previous game.

My NHL Game of the Week is a 10* play on MIN @ COL Over. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NFL)

I think Atlanta Falcons plus the points look like excellent value here in their Wild Card game against the LA Rams. The Falcons have been in playoff mode for weeks while the Rams need to find a way to light their fire again after sitting QB Jared Goff, RB Todd Gurley, WR Cooper Kupp and DL Aaron Donald in the regular-season finale (a 34-13 loss to the Niners).

The Rams have had a tremendous season considering this is a team that finished 4-12 last season, but they're still unproven in the playoffs while Atlanta has plenty of experience. 

Sure, Atlanta QB Matt Ryan has had a poor season, but this is still pretty much the same offense that carried the Falcons to the Super Bowl last year and its defense really stepped up in its 22-10 triumph over Carolina in the regular-season finale. 

My NFL Wild Card Game of the Week is a 10* play on Atlanta Falcons. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA BASKET BRAWLER

The Cleveland Cavaliers have dropped their last five road games and took a 102-88 loss at Boston on Wednesday. This looks like a good spot to get back on track and feast on a lowly Magic side though. 

Orlando has lost three in a row after taking a 116-98 beating by the Rockets here at Amway Center Wednesday night. The Magic have covered the spread only once through their last eight games and they're 2-10 ATS in their last 12 games playing on two days rest.

Cleveland is expected to have point guard Isaiah Thomas available for his second game of the season. He scored 17 points in 19 minutes off the bench in a 127-110 win over Portland on Tuesday. 

The Cavs are 15-5-1 ATS in the last 21 meetings and 8-1 ATS in the last nine meetings at Orlando.

My selection is a 10* play on Cleveland Cavaliers. 

SUPER EARLY NHL NO-BRAINER - BLUES @ FLYERS

The St. Louis Blues are coming off a perfect three-game homestand, and I think they'll carry the momentum to Philadelphia Saturday afternoon. The Flyers  are coming off a 6-4 triumph against the Islanders, but they've dropped four of their last six overall and four of their last five home games vs. a team with a winning road record. The Blues are a solid 11-7-2 on the road and seeking revenge for a 2-0 home loss to Philly back in November. 

My selection is an 8* play on St. Louis Blues. 

SUPER EARLY BAMA @ GEORGIA CBB BOOKIE BREAKER

The Alabama Crimson Tide will be looking to bounce back from a 76-75 loss at Vanderbilt when they visit the Georgia Bulldogs Saturday afternoon. They're still 4-1 ATS in their last five road games vs. a team with a winning home record and I think they'll put up a good fight here against the Georgia Bulldogs. Home court has not been much of a factor in recent meetings with the road team going 6-2 ATS the last eight in this series.

My selection is an 8* play on Alabama Crimson Tide. 

CBB 3-PACK

The Oregon Ducks look like a solid favorite here in this late Friday night matchup with Oregon State Beavers. Oregon is 6-2 ATS in the last eight head-to-head meetings and coming off a 77-62 rout of Colorado. Oregon State meanwhile took a 66-64 loss against Utah its last time out and hit just 41.8 percent of its shots in the defeat. 

Oregon State is 7-2 SU but only 2-7 ATS home at Gill Coliseum on the season. Oregon is 4-1 ATS in its last five road games and 8-3 ATS in its last 11 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.

My selection is an 8* play on Oregon Ducks. 

NBA 3-PACK

The Home team is 7-0 ATS in the last seven meetings between the Utah Jazz and the Denver Nuggets, and that's a trend I expect to continue here Friday night. 

The Denver Nuggets closed out 2017 with a pair of losses, but they opened the new year with a convincing display in their 134-111 triumph over Phoenix on Wednesday. The Nuggets are 3-0-1 ATS in their last four games following a straight up win of more than 10 points and 24-10 ATS in their last 34 games after scoring more than 125 points in their previous game.

The Utah Jazz meanwhile have gone a month without a winning streak as they've lost four of their last five games and 11 of their last 14. They're 0-4 ATS in their last four road games vs. a team with a winning home record and took a 107-83 beating here in the Mile High City the day after Christmas.  

My selection is a 10* play on Denver Nuggets. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA

The Milwaukee Bucks are coming off an impressive 122-101 triumph over Indiana, but they're just 1-4 ATS in their last five games following a straight up win of more than 10 points and here they'll run into a red hot Raptors team. Toronto has won three in row and defeated the Bucks 131-127 in overtime on New Year's Day. Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan set a Raptors franchise record in that contest, scoring 52 points on 17-of-29 shooting with five 3-pointers and he's averaged 48.5 points in Toronto's last two contests since the turn of the new year. 

Milwaukee will no doubt look for revenge, but note that the Raptors are 6-2 ATS in the last eight meetings at BMO Harris Bradley Center.

My selection is a 10* play on Toronto Raptors. 

NBA 3-PACK

The Miami Heat have won five of seven and nine of their last 13 following a 111-104 triumph over Detroit on Wednesday. They'll be looking to avenge a 115-86 loss at New York back in November, and this looks like a great time to take on the road weary Knicks. 

The Knickerbockers took a 121-103 loss at Washington on Wednesday night to drop to 3-13 on the road for the season. They're relying heavy on star forward Kristaps Porzingis, but he managed only 16 points against the Wizards, including just two points after halftime. "I'm so tired right now," Porzingis told the New York Post after the game. "I have one day to rest my legs and play better (against the Heat).

My selection is an 8* play on Miami Heat. 

TOP RATED 10* NHL POWER PLAY

The San Jose Sharks took an OT loss at Toronto last night. It's however worth noting that they're 5-0 in their last five games following OT on the previous day, and I think they'll have enough gas in the tank left to make a quick recovery with a victory here at Ottawa Friday night. The Sens are slumping big time, coming off back-to-back losses, scoring only one goal in the process and they've mustered only one win through their last seven games. 

My selection is a 10* play on San Jose Sharks. 

CBB 3-PACK

The Elon Phoenix have reeled off three straight victories, including underdog wins against Indiana State and Towson. Here Elon will visit the Northeastern Huskies who took a 71-70 loss as 5-point favorite against Hofstra their last time out. They're 0-6 ATS in their last six games vs. a team with a winning straight up record, and last season's two meetings with Elon were decided by a combined three points.

My selection is an 8* play on Elon Phoenix. 

CBB 3-PACK

The UNCW Seahawks will pay a visit to the Towson Tigers Friday night, and I think the visitors are getting way too many points to pass up on.

Towson is coming off four straight defeats, and while the Tigers will be desperate to put an end to the skid home at SECU Arena tonight, keep in mind that this is primarily a defensive team which rarely blows the socks off its opponents. UNC Wilmington will be filled with confidence and looking to build on a 20-point victory over Drexel its last time out. 

The underdog is 15-2 ATS in the last 17 meetings and UNCW won 83-78 straight up as a 9.5-point underdog last season.

My selection is an 8* play on UNC Wilmington Seahawks. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA)

The LA Clippers look like good value here when they host Oklahoma City Thursday night. The Thunder put a 133-96 beating on the Lakers here in LA last night while the Clippers have had a days rest since a 113-105 triumph over Memphis on Jan 2. The Clippers have won four in a row (4-0 ATS) and seven of their last eight and standout power forward Blake Griffin has averaged 23.3 points, 6.7 assists and 6.3 rebounds in his first three contests after missing 14 straight due to a knee injury.

Let down spot for the Thunder here after last night's dominant triumph, and we can note that they're just 1-9 ATS in their last 10 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record (LA is still just 17-19 on the season) while the Clippers are 12-3-1 ATS in their last 16 games overall.

My NBA Game of the Week is a 10* play on LA Clippers. 

NHL 3-PACK

The Anaheim Ducks have heated up lately, entering this matchup with the Edmonton Oilers on a three-game winning streak, the most recent a 5-0 triumph at Vancouver Tuesday night. They're a perfect 8-0 in their last eight vs. a team with a losing record and the Oilers (17-20-2) fits the bill. 

Edmonton has lost four in a row, the last three at home, and it has lost both its last two games by a 5-0 score. Reigning Hart Trophy winner Connor McDavid (team-high 45 points) has gone three straight games without a point and netminder Cam Talbot has surrendered 18 goals and posted a mere .877 save percentage during the four-game losing streak. 

My selection is an 8* play on Anaheim Ducks. 

NHL 3-PACK

The NHL-leading Tampa Bay Lightning have opened a five-game road trip with a pair of victories by shutout, and I think they'll make light work of the Canadiens here at Montreal Thursday night. The Habs have managed just a total of four goals during a five-game slide and the only goal Tampa Bay netminder Andrei Vasilevskiy has permitted in his last four games was a power-play tally in the 3-1 victory Dec. 28 against Montreal. The Lightning are 3-0-1 in the last four head-to-head meetings with the Habs.

My selection is an 8* play on Tampa Bay Lightning. 

NHL 3-PACK

The Philadelphia Flyers have lost four of their last five games, but only the last of those defeats came home at Wells Fargo Center as they took a 5-1 loss to Pittsburgh Tuesday night. They're 9-3 in their last 12 games following a home loss of three or more goals and looking good to bounce back here against a slumping Islanders side that has lost three straight overall and each of their last six on the road.

The Flyers had won six of seven in the all-time series against the Isles prior to dropping both ends of a home-and-home set - each in overtime - in late November. Good spot for Philly to exact revenge tonight.

My selection is an 8* play on Philadelphia Flyers. 

TOP RATED 10* THURSDAY PREMIER LEAGUE PUNISHER

West Ham United have had a disappointing first half of the season, but they're coming off a solid month of December. The Hammers have recorded 3 wins, 2 draws and 3 losses (each defeat by just one goal) through their last eight games, despite facing Arsenal x 2, Chelsea and Man City during that stretch. West Ham are desperate for points entering this contest just one point above the relegation zone, and I think they'll give London rivals Tottenham all they can handle here.

Note that Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino has never lost to West Ham dito David Moyes in a Premier League match, but he also has just one win and three draws. There have only been three goals in their four meetings and I expect the Hammers to keep this a close game. 

My selection is a 10* play on West Ham +1.5

NBA 3-PACK

The Phoenix Suns recorded a 104-103 home win over the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday, but I think they'll struggle here playing on no rest in high altitude in Denver. The Nuggets will be looking to open the new year with a victory after closing out 2017 with back-to-back defeats to Philadelphia and Minnesota. The Nuggets will be well rested and they're 35-15-2 ATS in their last 52 games playing on three or more days rest. We can also note that they've covered the spread in six straight meetings with the Suns. Over is 4-0 in the last four meetings and I expect Denver to prevail in a high-scoring affair. 

My selection is an 8* play on Denver Nuggets. 

NBA 3-PACK

The Phoenix Suns recorded a 104-103 home win over the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday, but I think they'll struggle here playing on no rest in high altitude in Denver. The Nuggets will be looking to open the new year with a victory after closing out 2017 with back-to-back defeats to Philadelphia and Minnesota. The Nuggets will be well rested and they're 35-15-2 ATS in their last 52 games playing on three or more days rest. We can also note that they've covered the spread in six straight meetings with the Suns. Over is 4-0 in the last four meetings and I expect Denver to prevail in a high-scoring affair. 

My selection is an 8* play on Over.