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The Tenn-Martin Skyhawks are 9-1 ATS in their last 10 games as a favorite. They have averaged 85.7 ppg through their three straight up wins this season. The Western Illinois Leathernecks have given up 78.4 ppg on their way to a 1-4 record (1-1-2 ATS). The Leathernecks are 2-5-1 ATS in their last 8 games as an underdog.

8* play on Tenn-Martin. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NCAAB) - 10* BIG EAST MAJOR WAGER TOP PLAY

I like the Creighton Bluejays to win and cover in this early Big East matchup against the Connecticut Huskies. 

Connecticut is undefeated, but it has played only three games all season and is likely to be coming into this contest a bit rusty. The last time the Huskies were in action was when beating Southern California 61-58 on Dec. 3. 

Creighton is playing really well on the offensive end, averaging 86.3 ppg (24th) and ranking 18th in the nation for field goal percentage. Last time out, the Bluejays rolled past St. John's 94-76 on Thursday shooting 57 percent from the field in general (38-of-67) and deep (13-of-23). 

Bluejays are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Bluejays are 14-5 ATS in their last 19 games overall.

10* play on Creighton. 

BAYLOR @ KANSAS STATE 8* NCAAB BOOKIE BLOWOUT

The No. 2 Baylor Bears are a perfect 4-0 SU and ATS on the season, winning three by at least 30 points and covering 20+ point spread twice while the Kansas State Wildcats are 3-4 SU and 1-5 ATS. 

Baylor has topped 82 points in every game while shooting 50.8 percent from the field and 46.8 percent from 3-point range, which is second in the nation. KSU has one of the worst defenses in the nation, allowing 71.9 ppg (207th) while scoring only 66.6 ppg (267th).

8* play on Baylor. 

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I think the #3 Iowa Hawkeyes will stand up nicely to the #1 Gonzaga Bulldogs here in the marquee matchup of the weekend. 

Gonzaga has played only three games on the season and they've been sidelined for more than two weeks after defeating West Virginia 87-82 on December 2.  

Iowa on the other hand has gone undefeated through six games and covered the spread in five of them. The only game the Hawkeyes didn't cover was as a 28.5-point favorite against Southern Jaguars when they "only" one by 27 points. They're coming off back-to-back 100+ point outings and they average 100.5 ppg on the season. Gonzaga ranks 299th in the nation for scoring defense, allowing 79.7 ppg. 

I also think we'll see the final score fly over the posted total. 

8* play on OVER. 

GONZAGA VS IOWA 10* NCAAB BOOKIE BREAKER

I think the #3 Iowa Hawkeyes will stand up nicely to the #1 Gonzaga Bulldogs here in the marquee matchup of the weekend. 

Gonzaga has played only three games on the season and they've been sidelined for more than two weeks after defeating West Virginia 87-82 on December 2.  

Iowa on the other hand has gone undefeated through six games and covered the spread in five of them. The only game the Hawkeyes didn't cover was as a 28.5-point favorite against Southern Jaguars when they "only" one by 27 points. They're coming off back-to-back 100+ point outings and they average 100.5 ppg on the season. Gonzaga ranks 299th in the nation for scoring defense, allowing 79.7 ppg. 

10* play on Iowa. 

8* NCAAB BOOKIE BU$TEER TOTAL - 4:00 PM TIP-OFF

The Norfolk State Spartans put up only 47 points on 16-of-47 shooting in a loss at UNC Greensboro in their last game, the second time in their last four contests they were held to fewer than 60 points. Defensively, the Spartans have been decent this season as they rank 23rd for defensive field goal percentage and 42nd against the three. 

UNC Wilmington Seahawks put up only 58 points on 21-of-51 shooting at Mississippi last time out. Defensively they've struggled most of the season, but Norfolk State is not the kind of team that can take advantage.  

I think this will be an ugly, defensive grind with both teams struggling to get easy looks and convert on their possessions.

Under is 10-4 in Seahawks last 14 overall. Under is 6-2 in Seahawks last 8 road games.

8* play on UNDER. 

SETON HALL @ MARQUETTE 8* NCAAB BOOKIE BOMBER

The Marquette Golden Eagles are coming off an 89-84 upset win as 8.5-point underdogs at Creighton to move to 5-2 SU (4-3 ATS). I think they'll find it harder to cover the number as a favorite against the Seton Hall Pirates who are 4-3 SU and a solid 5-2 ATS. The Pirates are riding a three-game winning streak, defeating Penn State, Wagnor, and St John's.

With Marquette off an upset win, I think this feels like a trap game and I'm happy to take the points on the Pirates in this matchup. 

Pirates are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.

8* play on Seton Hall. 

TCU @ OKLAHOMA STATE 8* NCAAB BOOKIE BU$TER

I think the TCU Horned Frogs will give the undefeated 7-0 Oklahoma State Cowboys a run for their money in Stillwater Wednesday night. The Cowboys have failed to cover the spread in three straight games and they are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games as a home favorite. The Horned Frogs snapped a two-game slide with a win over Texas A&M last time out and they are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games as an underdog.

8* play on TCU. 

SUPER EARLY UMASS @ LA SALLE 10* NCAAB TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Massachusetts Minutemen are 1-1 SU and ATS on the season after splitting a couple of decisions with Northeastern Huskies. They lost the last game, but I like the Minutemen to bounce back here against a La Salle side that is 2-3 SU and 1-3 ATS. Last season UMass defeated La Salle twice and they have averaged a solid 84.5 ppg this season, which can be compared to the Explorer's 62.6 ppg. 

10* play on Umass. 

NCAAB 3-PACK

The Stetson Hatters are 0-4 SU and 1-2 ATS on the season. Their last three games have been tough, but they also took a loss to a non-division 1 team in Emmanuel Lions in their season opener. On the season, the Hatters are scoring only 55.8 points per game while allowing 76.3 ppg.

The Florida Atlantic Owls are off to a more solid 3-2 SU (1-2 ATS) start. They are averaging 86.3 ppg while allowing only 59.8 ppg. 

Hatters are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record and I like the Owls to get it done in this matchup. 

8* play on Florida Atlantic. 

NCAAB 3-PACK #2

The #12 Tennessee Volunteers are 2-0 SU and ATS on the season and will most likely stay undefeated SU after hosting Appalachian State Tuesday night. I do however think they are asked to cover too many points against this 4-1 SU (3-0 ATS) Mountaineers side that upset Charlotte as a 3-point dog last time out. The Vols have yet to find their scoring touch, averaging only 60.5 points in their two games. Their defense is elite holding opponents to 51.5 ppg, but note that App State is allowing only 55.2 ppg.

8* play on App State. 

NCAAB 3-PACK #3

The Evansville Purple Aces are 1-3 SU and ATS after snapping a three-game skid with a 68-65 win over Eastern Illinois last Wednesday. The SE Missouri St. Redhawks are 2-2 SU and 3-1 ATS. Last time out, they took an 80-74 loss at Lipscomb, but still covered the spread. The Redhawks have been in every game, with two going to OT and the other two each decided by only five points. They are shooting a solid 37.6% from behind the arc while Evansville is one of the worst teams in the nation at defending the three, allowing opponents to shoot 45.1% from three-point range. 

8* play on SE Missouri State. 

RUTGERS @ MARYLAND 10* NCAAB PLAY OF THE DAY

The Maryland Terrapins are 4-1 on the season following a 67-51 loss to Clemson last time out. "We weren't ready to play," Terrapins coach Mark Turgeon said. "We were out of it. We had a lot of guys not play well. We missed layups early. We missed free throws early and turned the ball over. We were about as selfish as any one of my teams had ever played, so we've got a lot of work to do."

I think that was a much-needed wake-up call for the Terps after blowing out inferior competition through their first four games, and I expect a much better performance from Maryland here in the opener of their Big Ten season against the 4-0 Rutgers Scarlet Knights.

10* play on Maryland. 

ST. JOHN'S VS SETON HALL NCAAB 10* BOOKIE BREAKER

The St. John Red Storm are 5-1 SU and 3-3 ATS on the season. The Seton Hall Pirates are 3-3 SU and 4-2 ATS.

While Seton Hall has a couple of blowouts against smaller schools on its resume, it has struggled more often than not in close matchups.

St. John's lone loss of the season was a 74-68 loss at BYU on December 2. Last time out, they played down to their competition in a three-point win over Rider as an 18.5-point favorite, but I expect more focus and a much better performance from the Red Storm in this one.

10* play on St. John's.

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The Arizona State Sun Devils opened as a much bigger favorite, but the public has hammered the undefeated 4-0 Aztecs. I think this number favors Arizona State.

8* play on Arizona State. 

NORTH DAKOTA VS SOUTH DAKOTA 8* NCAAB BOOKIE BOMBER

Two 0-3 teams looking for their first win of the season clash Thursday night as the South Dakota Coyotes take on the North Dakota Fighting Hawks at Sanford Pentagon.

I like South Dakota in this matchup. While they are winless and just 1-2 ATS, note that they've been double-digit dogs in all their matchups.

South Dakota State on the other hand lost outright as a favorite against Dixie State.

8* play on South Dakota.

NCAAB 3-PACK - LIBERTY @ MISSOURI 8* NCAAB BOOKIE BLA$TER

The Missouri Tigers are a perfect 3-0 SU and ATS on the season. I think they're in for a tougher game than the betting market seems to expect here though, coming up against a Liberty team that is 4-2 SU (4-1 ATS).

The Flames have already defeated two SEC teams in Mississippi State (84-73) and South Carolina (78-62). 

Liberty has already proven itself to be a tough out, and I think the Flames will stay in the game and cover the number. 

Flames are 11-3 ATS in their last 14 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Flames are 15-7 ATS in their last 22 road games.

8* play on Liberty. 

INDIANA @ FLORIDA STATE 10* NCAAB TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The No. 20 Florida State Seminoles have played only one game on the season, and this will be the first real test after opening the season with an 86-48 blowout win as a 25.5-point favorite over North Florida on December 2. The Indiana Hoosiers have played four games but were also most recently in action on December 2 when they defeated Stanford 79-63. 

Still, the Hoosiers rank only 174th in the nation for points per game and they are shooting 29.3% from 3-point range. Indiana will not be getting many easy buckets in the paint against this tall FSU team (first in the nation in average height), and I expect the Noles height and depth advantage will allow them to run away with this game in the end.

10* play on Florida State. 

8* NCAAB TUESDAY AFTERNOON BOOKIE BU$TER

The Rhode Island Rams have proven themselves a force to be reckoned with after improving to 3-2 SU (4-1 ATS) on the season after three straight double-digit wins over South Florida, San Francisco, and Seton Hall.

They've had seven days to prepare for this game compared to five days for Wisconsin, who last was in action with a 67-65 loss at Marquette on December 4.

The Badgers are 3-1 SU but only 1-3 ATS on the season. They are elite on the defensive end of the court, but the Badgers offense is mediocre and they're not built to rout teams. I expect the Rams to keep this well within the number.

Rams are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games as an underdog and 10-4 ATS in their last 14 road games.

8* play on Rhode Island. 

TUESDAY NIGHT 8* NCAAB BOOKIE BOMBER SIDE

The Bryant Bulldogs are 2-0 to the over on the season. In their first game, they took an 85-84 loss to ACC program Syracuse before defeating the New Hampshire Wildcats 93-85. There were no betting lines available for their last game, against Rhode Island College Anchormen, but if there had been a line for the total I think we can safely assume the 138-83 final score (Bryant won) would have been enough for an over ... 

Here they'll face a St. Francis NY team that will play its first game of the season, and I think Bryant will keep pushing the tempo in hopes of taking advantage of a rusty opponent. In addition to the over, I also like Bryant to win and cover the spread. 

8* play on Bryant. 

TUESDAY NIGHT 8* NCAAB BOOKIE BOMBER TOTAL

The Bryant Bulldogs are 2-0 to the over on the season. In their first game, they took an 85-84 loss to ACC program Syracuse before defeating the New Hampshire Wildcats 93-85. There were no betting lines available for their last game, against Rhode Island College Anchormen, but if there had been a line for the total I think we can safely assume the 138-83 final score (Bryant won) would have been enough for an over ... 

Here they'll face a St. Francis NY team that will play its first game of the season, and I think Bryant will keep pushing the tempo in hopes of taking advantage of a rusty opponent. In addition to the over, I also like Bryant to win and cover the spread. 

8* play on OVER. 

CREIGHTON @ KANSAS 10* NCAAB TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The #5 Kansas Jayhawks have rattled off four straight wins since taking an L to top-ranked Gonzaga in their season opener. They looked anything but impressive in their in against North Dakota State on Saturday though, winning by only four points as a 25-point favorite. 

I think the Jayhawks are in for a tough one here against an undefeated 3-0 No.7 Creighton Bluejays team, that admittedly has yet to be tested. Still, the Bluejays have taken care of each of their opponents with ease, defeating North Dakota State, Omaha, and Kennesaw State by double-digits. 

Bluejays are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record and 9-3 ATS in their last 12 games following a straight up win. Jayhawks are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up win.

10* play on Creighton. 

MONDAY NIGHT 8* CBB BOOKIE BOMBER TOTAL

The Loyola Marymount Lions have seen each of their last two games go under the total while holding their opponents to 67 and 61 points. 

Here they'll face a UC Santa Barbara team that held St. Katherine to 55 points on November 29 in its only game so far. While the Gauchos shot a hot 55.6% from the field, the relatively long layoff could mean that they'll come out rusty for this one, and my numbers suggest that this game will go under the total. 

Under is 25-10-1 in Lions last 36 road games. Under is 38-17-1 in Gauchos last 56 home games. Under is 30-14-1 in Gauchos last 45 games as a home favorite.

8* play on UNDER. 

KENTUCKY @ GEORGIA TECH 8* NCAAB BOOKIE BOMBER

The Kentucky Wildcats will be looking to get back to their winning ways following a couple of setbacks to No. 19 Richmond and No. 7 Kansas. Here they'll face a softer opponent in Georgia Tech who is off to an 0-2 start. 

The Yellow Jackets' slow start can partially be explained by the fact that they have only recently started having contact drills in practice due to Covid-19 concerns. "I had assumed that with us being an older team, we'd get back in the flow of where we left off last season," coach Josh Pastner said. "I was wrong on that. That falls on myself. The objective was the health and safety of our young men. I did what I thought was best. The issue was it wasn't good for game preparation."

I think Georgia Tech needs more time to get in the groove and that we will see Kentucky run away with this game. 

8* play on Kentucky. 

XAVIER @ CINCINNATI 8* NCAAB BOOKIE BU$TER

The Xavier Musketeers have started the season 5-0 SU and 2-3 ATS. This looks like a good spot to back them against a Bearcats team with only one game under its belt. While Xavier has had a busy start to the season, note that it has had three days off to prepare for this rivalry game. The Musketeers have won five of the last seven head-to-head meetings and I think they'll get it done in this one as well. 

8* play on Xavier. 

VILLANOVA @ TEXAS 10* NCAAB TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

This looks like a great spot to back #12 Villanova against a Texas team that might be gassed out after several tough matchups in a short timeframe.

On Nov 30 the #17 Longhorns defeated Davidson, on Dec 1 Indiana before taking down No. 14 North Carolina in the Maui Invitational championship game on Wednesday.

The Wildcats on the other hand have had their last two games canceled, so they have played only two games in the last eight days. 

10* play on Villanova. 

OREGON VS SETON HALL 8* BOOKIE BU$TER

The #21 Oregon Ducks are still looking for their first win of the season after losing their first game 83-75 as a 3.5-point favorite against Missouri. With the opening game jitters out of the way, this looks like a good spot to bounce back against a Seton Hall team that has dropped two of three games, most recently a 76-63 loss to Rhode Island. 

Ducks are 11-2 ATS in their last 13 neutral site games. Ducks are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a straight up loss.

8* play on Oregon. 

10* NCAAB TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Auburn Tigers opened the season with a 96-91 OT win over St. Joe's, but they have managed only 67 and 55 points in their last two games, losses to Gonzaga and UCF. South Alabama is averaging 80.5 points per game, but against much lesser opponents than the Tigers. Last time out, the Jaguars limited Emmanuel Lions to 47 points. Auburn has yet to find its scoring touch, and I think this will be a low-scoring contest. 

10* play on UNDER. 

TOLEDO VS EASTERN MICHIGAN 8* BOOKIE BOMBER

The Toledo Rockets are 2-2 SU but 4-0 ATS on the season. Eastern Michigan on the other hand has played only one game, an 83-67 loss to Michigan State in a game where they allowed the Spartans to shoot 43% from behind the arc. Toledo ranks 28th nationally shooting 42.5% from 3-point range, and I think they'll win and cover the number tonight. 

8* play on Toledo. 

WASHINGTON VS UTAH 8* NCAAB PAC 12 BOOKIE BOMBER

The Washington Huskies are 0-2 SU and ATS on the season after a couple of non-conference defeats, first taking a 86-52 beating by #2 Baylor on Sunday followed by a 57-42 loss to U.C. Riverside on Tuesday. 

Still, at least they have a couple of games under their belt while the Utah Utes will play their first game of the season. The Utes have been hit hard by positive COVID-19 tests and couldn't field a full team for a practice until last Friday.

Considering the circumstances above and that this is a conference game, I'm taking the points on the Huskies. 

8* play on Washington. 

BALL STATE @ MICHIGAN 8* NCAAB BOOKIE BU$TER TOTAL

The Ball State Cardinals have played one game, a 74-73 loss to Northern Kentucky. Ball State guard K.J. Walton played just 10 games last year due to injuries, but he is now fit and came through with a career-high 28 points and 11 boards in the defeat. 

The Michigan Wolverines have played two games, first defeating Bowling Green 96-82 in their season opener and most recently an 81-71 victory over Oakland after outscoring their opponent 14-4 in overtime. Isaiah Livers scored 22 points while freshman Hunter Dickinson contributed a career-high 19 points. 

The total has gone over in 4 of Ball State's last 5 games and in 6 of Michigan's last 7 games.

The two teams are a combined 3-0 to the over on the season, and I think this contest will fly over the posted total as well. 

8* play on OVER. 

WEST VIRGINIA VS GONZAGA 10* NCAAB TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The #1 Gonzaga Bulldogs have opened the season undefeated (what else is new), defeating two quality opponents in No. 6-ranked Kansas and Auburn. 

The Zags will take on #2 Baylor this weekend, and I think they'll want a proper tune-up and keep up the momentum heading into that heavy-weight meeting rather than looking ahead and coming out flat here. They've pushed their weight around in each contest so far (3-0 ATS), controlling every aspect of the game completely. Gonzaga forwards Drew Timme and Corey Kispert have combined for more than 50 points per game. 

The #11 West Virginia Mountaineers have opened the season with wins over South Dakota State, VCU, and Western Kentucky, this is a major step up in competition. We can also note that they had to come back from a 10-point second-half deficit to defeat the Hilltoppers last time out, and I'm not nearly as impressed by WV as by Gonzaga.

10* play on Gonzaga. 

EARLY INDIANA VS STANFORD 8* NCAAB BOOKIE BLA$TER

The Indiana Hoosiers had won back-to-back games SU and ATS before deciding to effectively take the day off on Wednesday. The result? A humiliating 66-44 loss to Texas. 

The Hoosiers shot an absolutely abysmal 11-of-46 (24%) from the field, but I like them to show up big time and bounce back here against a Stanford team coming off a 67-63 loss to North Carolina. A solid performance from the Cardinals, but it probably also cost a lot of energy. 

Hoosiers are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight-up loss and 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following an ATS loss. Cardinal are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 neutral site games as a favorite.

Take the Hoosiers to get the better of Stanford in this third/fourth-place game of the Maui Invitational.

8* play on Indiana. 

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Last addition of the day. 

The Marquette Golden Eagles and the Oklahoma State Cowboys are both heading into this Big East-Big 12 Battle 2-0 on the season. 

Marquette is however 2-0 ATS while Oklahoma State is 1-1 ATS, and I like the Golden Eagles to win and cover at home int this one. They have a well-balanced team with five players scoring in double digits, and they are simply the more talented side here, superior in every way. 

Eagles are 9-4 ATS in their last 13 home games.

8* play on Marquette. 

TUESDAY NIGHT 8* NCAAB BOOKIE BU$TER - 6 PM ET TIP-OFF

The Louisville Cardinals put an 86-64 beating on Prairie View A&M last time out to stay a perfect 3-0 SU on the season. 

The Cardinals failed to cover the point spread for a second straight game, but I like them to win and cover the number here against a Western Kentucky team coming off a 70-64 loss to No. 15 West Virginia in the championship game of the Crossover Classic. 

Louisville ranks in the top 25 in the nation for both offensive and defensive field goal percentage, and while it's true it has only faced one decent team so far (Seton Hall), note that the Hilltoppers are expected to be without star guard Taveion Hollingsworth due to injury. Even if Hollingsworth takes the floor, he would do so with a sprained left thumb and hyper-extended elbow.

8* play on Louisville. 

NEBRASKA-OMAHA VS CREIGHTON 8* NCAAB BOOKIE BOMBER

The Nebraska Omaha Mavericks took a 70-58 loss to Abilene Christian last time out, and they have averaged just 61.3 ppg through their first three games of the season (1-2 SU, 0-3 ATS).

They are in for a tough game here, facing the #9 Creighton who limited North Dakota State to 58 points in its season opener. Blue Jays head coach Greg McDermott was not happy with the team's performance though, and with that in mind I expect him to have his team ready and more motivated for this one, and if the Blue Jays are on their game, they can pretty much name the score in this one.

8* play on Creighton.

EARLY USC VS BYU ROMAN LEGENDS CLASSIC 10* TOP PLAY

Both the USC Trojans and the BYU Cougars are heading into this Roman Legends Classic clash unbeaten, USC with a 2-0 record while BYU is 3-0.

While BYU has been solid on both ends of the court ranking 23rd in the nation for points scored (92.0 ppg) and yet to allow more than 61 points on the season, note that USC has allowed almost 75 points per game. 

The Trojans needed overtime to get past California Baptist as a 19-point favorite in their season opener before coming through with a better effort in a 76-62 win over Montana last time out. 

BYU meanwhile has been dominant in each of its games, winning by an average of 32 points. Sure, this is no doubt a step up in competition compared to their previous opponents, but I think the Cougars are well worth a look in this one. 

10* play on BYU Cougars. 

LATE NIGHT 8* NCAAB NIGHTCAP

The Alabama Crimson Tide have already opened their season with a solid 81-57 triumph over Jacksonville State. They looked sluggish early on before coming to life in the second half, and I think having a game under their belt will be a big advantage here against a Stanford team that will play its first game of the season. 

8* play on Alabama. 

SUPER EARLY 10* NCAAB BOOKIE BREAKER TOTAL TOP PLAY

The Texas Longhorns put a 91-55 beating on Texas Rio Grande Valley in their season opener. They shot 57% from the field (41% from 3-point range) and five players scored in double-figures. 

Here they'll face a Davidson squad that opened the season with an 82-73 win over High Point Panthers. While that's a good offensive output, giving up 73 points to a team like High Point does not bode well for its defense.  

Both sides hit the ground running offensively, and I expect to see another shootout. 

10* play on OVER. 

SUNDAY NIGHT 8* NCAAB BOOKIE BLOWOUT

The Louisville Cardinals are a perfect 2-0 SU and 1-1 ATS on the season. They defeated Evansville by 35 points as a 21-point favorite in the season opener and a tough Seton Hall by one point as a 5-point favorite last time out. I expect this game to play out more like their first matchup of the season. 

Prairie View A&M is coming off a close 64-61 win over Evansville, despite shooting just 36% from the floor and 26% from three-point range. The Cardinals have shot 50.5% in its wins while holding opponents to a combined 31.9% shooting. 

If the results against the only common opponent so far (Evansville) is a sign of things to come, then this game has a blowout written all over it. 

8* play on Louisville. 

SUNDAY AFTERNOON 8* NCAAB BANKROLL BUILDER TOTAL

The North Dakota State Bison have started the season with a couple of defeats, first losing 62-48 to Nevada and 79-57 to Nebraska on Saturday. I'm not sure they have the legs and the energy to stay focused on defense here against a Creighton Bluejays team playing its first game of the season. 

No. 11 Creighton finished the last campaign with a 24-7 record. While they have lost the services of guard TyShon Alexander, note that they return the other four starters, including three double-digit scorers. The Bluejays averaged 78.3 points per game last season, and they should have no trouble running up the score here, helping us cash a ticket on the over. 

Over is 14-4 in Bluejays last 18 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.

8* play on OVER. 

VIRGINIA TECH VS VILLANOVA NCAAB 10* TOP PLAY

The #3 Villanova Wildcats looked sluggish in their season-opening win over Boston College. Their second outing, a solid 83-74 win as a 6-point favorite against No. 18 Arizona State on Thursday, was more like the Nova team we expect to see and I think they'll roll over Arizona State here on Saturday. 

The Hokies opened the season with a 77-62 win as a 19-point favorite over Radford on November 25. I'm not sure the two-day break will be an advantage this early in the season when it's all about building momentum, and this is obviously a big step up in competition compared to Radford.

Hokies are 1-10 ATS in their last 11 games as an underdog. Wildcats are 19-7-1 ATS in their last 27 neutral site games as a favorite.

10* play on Villanova. 

BELMONT VS GEORGE MASON NCAAB BOOKIE BLA$TER

The Belmont Bruins opened the season with a dominant 95-78 win as a 15.5-point favorite against Howard while the George Mason Patriots just barely defeated a non D-I team in Queens NC, 66-65. 

While the Bruins put up 95 points, there is still room for improvements as they shot only 27.3% from behind the arc. Bruins are 8-0-1 ATS in their last 9 games after scoring more than 90 points in their previous game and this line looks more than a little off to me. 

8* play on Belmont. 

EARLY AUBURN VS GONZAGA 10* NCAAB TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

My premium pick subscribers and I won with the #1 Gonzaga Bulldogs as an ATS favorite when they flexed their muscles and showed no mercy in an impressive 102-90 win over Kansas on Thursday. Auburn meanwhile needed overtime to defeat Saint Joseph’s as an 8.5-point favorite (we won a free pick on the Hawks) in its season opener. 

Gonzaga is the team to beat, and as it is playing at a blistering tempo it will win more shootouts than low-scoring affairs. I expect to see this game fly over the total by a wide margin. 

10* play on OVER. 

KANSAS VS GONZAGA NCAAB BOOKIE BOMBER

We couldn't ask for more of a marquee matchup here on Thanksgiving Day than this contest between the #6 Kansas Jayhawks and the top-ranked Gonzaga Bulldogs. 

Kansas will need to find a way to replace the scoring from key pieces like guard Devin Dotson and center Udoka Azubuike, and it might take a couple of games for the Jayhawks to figure things out. 

The Bulldogs have lost Filip Petrusev, Killian Tillie, Admon Gilder, and Ryan Woolridge, but they have also added Andrew Nembhard, transfer from Florida, and have a great mix of talent and experience. "I wanted to be on this team. It will be in our hands," small forward Corey Kispert, a preseason All-American, said. "I see the talent from the freshmen to the other guys and it's easy to want to be a part of it."

This will come down to Kansas defense vs. the Zags offense, and I think Gonzaga will hit the ground running and eventually pull away to not only win but also cover the spread. 

8* play on Gonzaga. 

WEDNESDAY NIGHT NCAAB BANKROLL BUILDER

In these turbulent times, consistency and experience is huge. That's why I think Pepperdine has a big edge in this matchup with UC Irvine. 

While Pepperdine brings back four of its starters from last season, the Anteaters have had a bigger turnover and need to find a way to replace three of their top-four scorers, including both guards. 

Pepperdine defeated UC Irvine 77-73 last season, and I think they'll beat them again here in the opener of the 2020/21 season. 

8* play on Pepperdine. 

FAIRFIELD @ PROVIDENCE BOOKIE BOMBER

Sure, this is a lot of points to cover, but I fully expect Providence to come out full steam ahead here. 

The Friars are coming off a 19-12 season and looked locked in for a spot in the NCAA Tournament before the coronavirus shut down the season. They have lost guards Alpha Diallo and Luwane Pipkins, but there's still a lot of talent on this team and they have a good coach in Ed Cooley. 

Fairfield is coming off a 12-20 season and returns two of its top-three scorers. That doesn't say much though as its offense was one of the worst in the nation, averaging just 58.0 points per game.

The Friars can pretty much name the score here, and I would be very surprised if they don't set the tone for the new season with a massive blowout. 

8* play on Providence. 

LAKERS VS HEAT NBA FINALS GAME 6 BOOKIE BU$TER

The Los Angeles Lakers have missed out on two opportunities to close out the series, but I think the third time is the charm.

As a bonus for us spread bettors, they're asked to cover a couple of points less than the previous game and I just don't see the Heat surviving another game. They've fought bravely to win two elimination games, but the fairy tale must end now. Keep in mind that the Lakers were more-or-less a missed Danny Green three-pointer from clinching the title last time out. 

The Heat are capable of making it rain from beyond the arc, and when the shots hit they win, but I expect the Lakers to bring a much better defense tonight.

Miami star Jimmy Butler sat down for merely 48 seconds throughout Game 5 and was gasping for air at the end.

Lakers big man Anthony Davis is banged up, but he's still a force to be reckoned with. 

8*play on Los Angeles Lakers. 

HEAT VS LAKERS GAME 5 NBA FINALS BOOKIE BREAKER TOP PLAY

The Miami Heat got a backdoor cover with a meaningless last-second three-pointer last game. Sure, the Lakers didn't pull away until late in the fourth quarter, but I don't think this Game 5 where the LA Lakers can clinch the championship will be particularly close. 

The cat and mouse play is over, LeBron and A.D. will be going for the kill and heading into the game at a 3-1 deficit in the series, the Heat players know it's game over as well. 

10* play on Los Angeles Lakers. 

LAKERS VS HEAT NBA FINALS GAME 4 NBA TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Miami Heat came through with a 115-104 win last time out that snapped the LA Lakers dominance and ensured the NBA Finals won't end in a sweep. So now the Heat are supposed the tie the series at two apiece? I don't think so. The Lakers have been phenomenal at bouncing back from the few setbacks they've suffered in the playoffs, and LeBron James looked anything but happy after Sunday's defeat. He'll have the team ready to fire on all cylinders again to take a commanding 3-1 lead in the series, and if Lakers win, I have no doubt they'll also cover the spread. 

10* play on Los Angeles Lakers. 

LAKERS VS HEAT GAME 3 NBA BOOKIE BREAKER TOP PLAY

Normally I would expect the clearly superior team (Los Angeles Lakers) to show some kind of courtesy and take the foot off the gas either Game 3 or Game 4. Under the current circumstances though, I don't think that's an option. 

This old Lakers side clearly wants to get out of the bubble and back to their families ASAP, and perhaps the Heat as well, even if it means getting swept. Miami has a young squad with the future ahead of them, and the players might look at this series as a wash, already looking forward to more realistic shots at winning the title later on in their careers. 

The Lakers have kept the Heat at an arms-length distance through the first two games, stepping up the intensitity whenever needed. I don't see the winning margin staying under double-digits. 

10* play on Los Angeles Lakers. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (NBA) - HEAT VS LAKERS GAME 2 MAX BET

The Los Angeles Lakers made Game 1 of the NBA Finals look like boys against men, winning by 18 points despite allowing Miami win the fourth quarter by eight points. Perhaps even worse than losing the game, Miami also suffered a couple of injuries and guard Goran Dragic and center Bam Adebayo are doubtful for Game 2 Friday night. 

I thought Miami would have a shot at taking the Lakers by surprise in the first game, but it didn't take them further than a 15 point lead halfway through the first quarter. After that, the Lakers, who have had a comfortable path to the finals, upped the intensity while the Heat, who have had to battle for every series, ran out of gas. 

This should be all Lake Show from now on as Miami, while young and talented, has no answer for the experience and star power of AD and LeBron. 

10* play on Los Angeles Lakers. 

HEAT VS LAKERS NBA FINALS GAME 1 BOOKIE BREAKER TOP PLAY

The young Miami Heat have been arguably the best team in the NBA bubble and they've shown no respect whatsoever, no matter how they've played, despite being underdogs in most games. 

The LA Lakers have the experience, but they have lost two of three series openers here in the playoffs straight up. While I'm not sure the Heat are capable of winning four games to win the championship, I do think they'll take their opponent by surprise here in Game 1 of the NBA Finals and if not winning outright, at least cover the spread. 

Lakers are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games playing on 3 or more days rest. Heat are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games playing on 2 days rest. Heat are 12-3 ATS in their last 15 games overall.

10* play on Miami Heat. 

NUGGETS VS LAKERS WCF GAME 5 BOOKIE BLA$TER

The Denver Nuggets are facing elimination, down 3-1 in the series after taking a 114-108 loss in Game 4 on Thursday. While they've battled back from the same deficit in both their first-round series against Utah and again in the conference semifinals against the Clippers, they just have to be running out of steam pretty soon. Jamal Murray has been carrying the team throughout the playoffs, but he should be outmatched as LeBron James and Anthony Davis step up for Los Angeles. 

Lakers are 1-1-1 ATS in the games they've won in this series but 5-2-1 ATS in their last 8 games as a favorite.

8* play on Los Angeles Lakers ATS. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (NBA) - HEAT VS CELTICS GAME 5 MAJOR WAGER TOP PLAY

The Miami Heat enter Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals with a 3-1 lead, and well deservedly so despite closing every game as an underdog. 

I think the Celtics are done and dusted after missing out on an opportunity to tie the best-of-seven series at two apiece, losing Game 4 by three points. Also, it must be rather devastating for the Celtics to have their backs against the wall after two costly collapses, giving up double-digit leads in each of the first two games of the series. The market is taking a firm stance with the Celtics, making them a favorite once again, but I think it's time to give the Heat some respect. 

Heat are 11-2 ATS in their last 13 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record and 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games as an underdog.

10* play on Miami Heat. 

LAKERS VS NUGGETS WCF GAME 4 BOOKIE BLA$TER

Good spot to back the Lakers off a loss. They've been money off a loss previously in the playoffs, and the game 3 setback could be just the wake up call they needed.

8* play on LA Lakers. 

CELTICS VS HEAT GAME 4 NBA TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Miami Heat are leading the series 2-1, but I still hold the Boston Celtics as the better team. 

The Celtics dominated the better part of the two losses as well, only to fall apart in the second half. Last time out however, they managed to hold the Heat at a comfortable distance the whole game to earn a 117-106 victory. Celtics' Gordon Hayward was finally back in action after going down with an ankle strain over a month ago, and as he gets his rhythm back the Celtics will be even deadlier. 

Now the Celtics have the momentum, and if they just stay focused for the full game they'll win this one and tie the series at two apiece. 

10* play on Boston Celtics. 

CELTICS VS HEAT ECF GAME 3 BOOKIE BREAKER

The Boston Celtics are 9-2 to the under in their last 11 games, both games that went over the total doing so because of overtime. The Miami Heat are 7-4 to the under in the playoffs. 

The Celtics have managed to fall behind 2-0 in the Eastern Conference finals after late collapses in both games. I think they'll make it a point to stay consistent on defense through the whole game in this one. 

8* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA) - NUGGETS VS LAKERS WCF GAME 1 TOP PLAY

The Denver Nuggets held the Clippers to 96, 105, 98 and 89 points through the last four games of their Western Conference semi-finals series. The LA Lakers also stepped up defensively in their series with Houston, holding the Rockets to 102, 100 and 96 points through the last three games. Denver ranked second to last for pace during the regular season and will surely be looking to slow down the tempo in this one. 

Under is 6-0-2 in Nuggets last 8 overall. Under is 4-1 in Lakers last 5 overall.

10* play on UNDER. 

HEAT VS CELTICS ECF GAME 2 BOOKIE BREAKER

The Miami Heat won the opener of the Eastern Conference Finals best-of-seven series 117-114 in overtime. The Celtics dominated the better part of the game before allowing the Heat back in the game in the fourth quarter. Sure, it was impressive of the Heat to claw back from a 14-point deficit in the last period, but I don't see the Celtics doing the mistake of taking their foot off the gas two games in a row. I'm rolling with the Celtics as I expect them to bounce back and tie up the series at one apiece. 

8* play on Boston Celtics. 

HEAT VS CELTICS EC FINALS GAME 1 MAJOR WAGER TOP PLAY

The Miami Heat have looked dominant in the playoffs, but I'm still not sure they'll be able to keep it close with Boston. 

Not to take away anything from the Heat, but looking at their previous playoffs matchups they first defeated a depleted Pacers side, and something was just not right with the top-seeded Milwaukee Bucks ever since entering the Orlando bubble. 

The Celtics had a tough series with Toronto but came through with a meriting Game 7 win on Friday. Sure, the series went the distance, but they've had plenty of time to rest and recover without losing a step. Miami has not played since Sep 8 when they knocked out the Bucks and might have lost the playoff mode mentality and cooled off during their week off from competitive games. 

Miami is scrappy, but Boston has more star power and I'm backing the Celtics to take Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals. 

10* play on Boston Celtics. 

CELTICS VS RAPTORS GAME 7 MAJOR WAGER TOP PLAY

The Toronto Raptors stayed alive with a hard-fought win last time out to force a deciding Game 7 of this Eastern Conference semifinal series. 

Sure, the defending champs have been here before, they know what it's all about and they have a point to prove that they can repeat with Kawhi Leonard, but I like the hungry Celtics to come through in this one. 

Note that of Toronto's wins, the first came by one point, the second by seven, and the third after double-overtime. 

Looking at the stats, the Celtics have been the dominant team throughout the series, and of particular interest is the fact that they have held a rebounding edge in every single game, even the losses. 

In a scrappy Game 7, I'm happy to take the team that dominates the boards. 

10* play on Boston Celtics. 

LAKERS VS ROCKETS THURSDAY NIGHT NBA TOP PLAY

The Los Angeles Lakers dropped the series opener against Portland in the first round, but their opponent didn't stand much of a chance from that point on. This Western Conference semifinals series with the Houston Rockets looks to shape up the way with the Lakers pulling away in the fourth quarter of the last two games to take a 2-1 lead in the series. 

Lebron James, Anthony Davis, and Rajon Rondo combined for 83 of the team's 112 points last the time out, and the Lakeshow has really started to make the most of their size advantage, particularly on defense with few uncontested looks for the Rockets. 

I think the Lakers will come through with a third straight win and cover here in Game 4. 

10* play on Los Angeles Lakers -5. 

GAME OF THE YEAR (NBA) - RAPTORS VS CELTICS MAJOR WAGER TOP PLAY

This might look like a low number at first glance, but note that through the first five games of this series, the most points scored were 107 points. 

These two division rivals know each other very well, and both have proven themselves more than capable of playing lockdown defense. 

The over/under is 24-32-2 in the NBA playoffs so far. Celtics won the last game 111-89 and the under is 18-7-1 in Raptors last 26 games following a straight-up loss of more than 10 points and 5-1 in their last 6 games as an underdog. Under is 10-1 in Celtics last 11 overall.

10* play on UNDER 210. 

HEAT VS BUCKS BOOKIE BREAKER TOP PLAY

The Milwaukee Bucks fought off elimination with a 118-115 OT win in Game 4. They did so largely without injured star Giannis Antetokounmpo as other players stepped up their game, but I don't see them being able to do it two games in a row. "We're gonna forget about it and move on -- and learn," Heat All-Star Jimmy Butler said after Game 4. "You learn from stuff like this, and how fragile this thing is and how you can't take any of this for granted. How you can't just walk into a game and expect to win."

The Heat have proven themselves to be the hotter team here in the bubble and Antetokounmpo (sprained right ankle) is expected to be a game-time call for Tuesday's Game 5. No team in the NBA has never come back from a 3-0 playoff series deficit to win, and with or without Giannis, I think the Bucks will be packing their bags tonight. 

10* play on Miami Heat -2.5. 

CLIPPERS VS NUGGETS GAME 3 BOOKIE BLA$TER

The Denver Nuggets responded well to an embarrassing 120-97 defeat in the series opener and tied up at one apiece with a 110-101 last time out. 

The Nuggets came out on fire and with way more energy than the Clippers. They built up a solid first-quarter lead the Clips simply couldn't recover from, but I like the Clips to be on their toes from the start tonight and show their class to take back command of the series with a win. "We will be better for Game 3," Clippers' Paul George told reporters. "There's no pep talk for it. It's the playoffs. We got to be ready. We've got to come out a lot stronger and we'll be up for the fight."

Clippers are 21-6 ATS in their last 27 games following an ATS loss and the Clippers are 37-16 ATS in their last 53 games following a straight-up loss. Nuggets are 3-7-1 ATS in their last 11 games following a straight-up win.

8* play on Los Angeles Clippers. 

CELTICS VS RAPTORS GAME 5 BOOKIE BREAKER TOP PLAY

The Toronto Raptors have clawed themselves back into this series with back-to-back wins to tie it at two apiece. I think it's worth noting though that the Celtics would've had a 3-0 lead after three games if not for a buzzer-beater 3-pointer which might've negatively affected them in Game 4. I like the Celtics to bounce back and retake the lead. 

The main difference last time out was that the Celtics shot just 20% (7-of-35) from behind the arc while Toronto made 17-of-45 (39%), but I expect the Celtics to shoot the ball better tonight. "We just really missed," Celtics PG Kemba Walker said. "We missed a lot of open ones that we know we can make. Like I said, we gotta make them. We have to make shots. When guys get shots, when guys are open, we gotta knock them shots down."

10* play on Boston Celtics. 

ROCKETS VS LAKERS GAME 2 HARDWOOD HAMMER

The Houston Rockets limited the Lakers to 97 points on 42% shooting from the field and 11-of-38 (29%) from behind the arc. The Rockets have really stepped it up on the defensive end lately and the Lakers have trouble countering Houston's small ball approach. "The playoffs (are) about making adjustments," Harden said after Game 1. " ... We've got to be even better in Game 2, because the principles and the schemes and all that stuff will ramp up, so guys gotta be even more engaged."

I think the Rockets will give the Lakers all they can handle once again here in Game 2 of this Western Conference semi-finals series.

8* play on Houston Rockets. 

ROCKETS VS LAKERS GAME 2 TOTAL

The Houston Rockets limited the Lakers to 97 points on 42% shooting from the field and 11-of-38 (29%) from behind the arc. The Rockets have really stepped it up on the defensive end lately and the Lakers have trouble countering Houston's small ball approach. "The playoffs (are) about making adjustments," Harden said after Game 1. " ... We've got to be even better in Game 2, because the principles and the schemes and all that stuff will ramp up, so guys gotta be even more engaged."

I think the Rockets will give the Lakers all they can handle once again here in Game 2 of this Western Conference semi-finals series.

In addition to the Rockets to cover the spread, I also like this contest to go under the total. 

8* play on UNDER. 

BUCKS VS. HEAT TOTAL

I really thought the Milwaukee Bucks would show their teeth and edge their way back into the series with a win in Game 3. Instead, they once again folded in the fourth quarter, and I just don't see any other outcome than a Miami sweep now. 

The Milwaukee players and coaches surely must know that history is against them and looked absolutely deflated and helpless after the most recent setback. The Heat on the other hand must feel invincible but also know they have to be cautious to not let anything disturb their momentum.  

Heat are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 games overall and 20-8 ATS in their last 28 playoff games as a favorite. Bucks are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games as an underdog.

Additionally, I like the under as Giannis Antetokounmpo twisted his right ankle early in Friday's loss and is questionable heading into Sunday's Game 4. The Bucks scored just 100 points last time out, and scoring won't be any easier without their superstar. 

8* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA) - BUCKS VS HEAT MAJOR WAGER TOP PLAY

I really thought the Milwaukee Bucks would show their teeth and edge their way back into the series with a win in Game 3. Instead, they once again folded in the fourth quarter, and I just don't see any other outcome than a Miami sweep now. 

The Milwaukee players and coaches surely must know that history is against them and looked absolutely deflated and helpless after the most recent setback. The Heat on the other hand must feel invincible but also know they have to be cautious to not let anything disturb their momentum.  

Heat are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 games overall and 20-8 ATS in their last 28 playoff games as a favorite. Bucks are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games as an underdog.

10* play on Miami Heat. 

RAPTORS VS CELTICS SATURDAY NIGHT NBA TOP PLAY

The Toronto Raptors looked dead certain to fall down into a 3-0 hole before OG Anunoby hit a buzzer-beater 3-pointer for a 104-103 victory last time out. Still, one could easily argue that the Raptors didn't deserve to win that game, and I like the Celtics to come back and claim Game 4 of this best-of-seven series. 

The Celtics have great confidence in themselves and have even claimed we have yet to see them play their best basketball. "We have a really competitive group. We have a really intrinsically motivated group," said Boston coach Brad Stevens. "... We were on the unfortunate end of a tough loss last night. So you lick your wounds, you're feeling whatever emotions you're feeling, and then you move on."

10* play on Boston Celtics +1. 

ROCKETS VS LAKERS NBA BOOKIE BLA$TER

The Houston Rockets clamped down on defense in three games of their Western Conference first-round series against Oklahoma City Thunder, allowing just 80, 104, and 102 points respectively. The Lakers last two games against Portland both saw 250+ points, but the first three went under the total. 

Under is 7-2 in Rockets last 9 playoff games as an underdog and 10-4 in Rockets last 14 overall.

The over/under us 22-25-1 in the playoffs and I can't help but think the total for this contest is inflated.

8* play on UNDER 226. 

BUCKS VS HEAT NBA TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

It is pretty much now or never for the Milwaukee Bucks as another loss would put them in a 3-0 hole and just one game away from elimination.

I like the Bucks to step up their game to come through to win and cover the spread. They lost the last game by only two points despite shooting a lowly 28% (7 of 25) from beyond the arc while Miami shot 37.8% (17 of 45). Both teams shot around 38% from 3-point range during the regular season and the Bucks should come out laser-focused and determined tonight. 

10* play on Milwaukee Bucks. 

NUGGETS VS CLIPPERS GAME 1 MAJOR WAGER TOP PLAY

The Denver Nuggets defeated the Utah Jazz 80-78 in Game 7 of their first-round series a couple of days ago. That was one of only two contests to go under the total in that series, and I think we'll see a high-scoring affair when they take on the LA Clippers in the opener of round 2. 

The Clippers showed they can score in their first-round series with Dallas, averaging 126.6 ppg. Four of six games went over the total, and while they were clutch offensively, the Mavs showed the Clips are vulnerable on the defensive end. The Nuggets have the weapons to hurt them in Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic.

The last two head-to-head meetings have both seen 230+ points, most recently a 124-111 Clippers win in the Orlando bubble on Aug 12. 

10* play on OVER 223. 

THUNDER VS ROCKETS WEDNESDAY NIGHT NBA BEST BET

The Houston Rockets and the Oklahoma City Thunder have combined for 204 points in each of the last two games of the series. 

The scoring has gone down significantly, which shouldn't come as a surprise as teams tend to step up defensively deep into close series, and it doesn't get any deeper or closer than this Game 7 of this Western Conference first-round playoff series. I expect another low-scoring affair. 

Under is 5-2 in Rockets last 7 games as a favorite. Under is 48-21-1 in Thunder last 70 games as an underdog.

10* play on UNDER 216.5. 

CELTICS VS RAPTORS NBA TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

We won with the Boston Celtics in the opener of this best-of-seven Eastern Conference semifinal series, but I'm switching side for Game 2 as the 112-94 Celtics win should have the reigning champions Toronto Raptors all the more fired up for tonight's contest.

The Raptors shot just 36.9% from the field and 25.0% from 3-point range in the opener, but as we all know, this team is a lot better than that. These two Atlantic Division rivals know each other inside and out and I would not be surprised to see the teams trade wins and losses throughout the series to culminate in a deciding Game 7.  

The Raptors are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games following a straight-up loss and 24-9-1 ATS in their last 34 games following an ATS loss.

10* play on Toronto Raptors. 

HEAT VS BUCKS MONDAY NIGHT NBA BOOKIE BLA$TER

The fifth-seeded Miami Heat had no trouble to sweep the Indiana Pacers in the last round, but it might be a disadvantage as they've not played competitive basketball for a week. 

The top-ranked Milwaukee Bucks on the other hand are more up to speed after completing a gentleman's sweep of the Magic just a few days ago and the three-day break in the postseason might've worked to their advantage. While I think the Heat will put up some good fights in this series eventually, the Bucks have a big situational edge here in Game 1 IMO. 

Heat are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games as an underdog. Bucks are 3-0-1 ATS in their last 4 games (as a favorite).

8* play on Milwaukee Bucks. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA) - CELTICS VS RAPTORS MAJOR WAGER TOP PLAY

The Eastern Conference semifinal series between Boston Celtics and Toronto Raptors will finally get underway Sunday after several days' delay. Both teams made light work of their opponent in the first round, but it's tough to draw any conclusions from those contests as both opponents were shorthanded. That being said, I was particularly impressed with how the Celtics took care of a difficult Philly team and they won three of four against the Raptors during the regular season, including a 122-100 victory in the Orlando bubble on Aug. 7. 

10* play on Boston Celtics. 

THUNDER VS ROCKETS NBA HARDWOOD HAMMER

The Oklahoma City Thunder looked like they were down for the count, but they have clawed themselves back in the series with back-to-back wins to tie the series at two apiece. 

This Game 5 was originally scheduled to be played on Wednesday was postponed, The delay has worked perfectly of the Rockets as Russell Westbrook (quad) is now listed as available to make his first appearance in the playoffs this season. 

I think the return of Westbrook will prove to be just the energy injection the Rockets need to sway the momentum back in their favor and take control of the series again.  

8* play on Houston Rockets -5. 

JAZZ VS NUGGETS NBA TOTAL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The first four games of this series have seen the totals closing in the range of 214-216 points with all but one of those games going over the number. The bookmakers have made a fairly big adjustment for Game 5 Tuesday night, but I still think we'll see another shootout in this one. 

The Nuggets are in desperation mode heading into the contest 3-1 down in the series. They've struggled defensively and know they need to put up plenty of points to have a chance of winning. 

Denver has not had an answer on how to stop Utah guard Donovan Mitchell who has had two 50-point games in the series, but the good news is that the Nuggets own PG Jamal Murray came out in Sunday's 129-127 loss, finishing with 50 points. 

Over is 8-2 in Jazz last 10 overall. Over is 4-1 in Jazz last 5 games as a favorite. Over is 8-1 in Nuggets last 9 games as an underdog.

10* play on OVER 220.5. 

PACERS VS HEAT MONDAY NIGHT NBA HARDWOOD HAMMER

The Miami Heat are going for the sweep of this Eastern Conference first-round series Monday night. 

The first three games have not been particularly close (average 10-point average margin of victory for Miami), and I expect another lopsided Heat win in this one. Sitting in an 0-3 hole, the temptation to just pack it in and get out of the bubble must be strong for Indiana.

Miami has dominated the perimeter as well as the paint, and earned 52 free throws attempts last time out. I don't see the Pacers players start risking their bodies in a similar way for a slim to none chance of turning this series around, so therefor, back Miami to win and cover to close out the series. 

8* play on Miami Heat. 

NUGGETS VS JAZZ SUNDAY NIGHT NBA BANKROLL BUILDER

The Denver Nuggets won Game 1 in OT, but it's still fair to say that they struggled to stop the Utah Jazz on the defensive end through the first two games of the series. The return of Jazz's Mike Conley in Game 3 didn't make things any easier. Utah won the last matchup 124-87 and I like them to take a 3-1 lead in the series with a win tonight. Utah has better perimeter shooting and Rudy Gobert has started to dominate the paint. 

8* play on Utah Jazz. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA) - RAPTORS VS NETS MAJOR WAGER TOP PLAY

The Raptors have played lockdown defense since allowing the Nets to shoot 47 percent from the field in a 134-110 Toronto win in Game 1 of this best-of-seven first-round playoff series. The last two games have seen 203 and 209 points respectively, and I expect another relatively low-scoring affair here in Game 4. 

The Raptors need only one more win to clinch the series, so why not come up with a massive effort today to maximize the rest until the next round?

The Nets entered the Orlando bubble banged up, and it's not surprising to see them running out of steam, especially against the Raptors high-intensity defense. 

Under is 9-3 in Raptors last 12 overall. Under is 9-2 in Raptors last 11 Conference Quarterfinals games. Under is 4-1 in Nets last 5 Conference Quarterfinals games.

10* play on UNDER 217.5. 

ROCKETS VS THUNDER NBA TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Oklahoma City Thunder enter Game 3 of this Western Conference quarter-finals series in an 0-2 hole. 

They've tried different approaches to counter Houston's small-ball without much success, and I expect to see another Rockets win tonight. 

While OKC has a significant edge when it comes to size, it just can't keep up defensively which spells big trouble as the Rockets have plenty of talented shooters looking to pounce on every open look they get. James Harden finished the last game with 21 points and nine assists, and Houston is even more dangerous than usual when "the Beard" shares the ball with his teammates. 

Admittedly it is tough to win three in a row in any playoffs series, but the Rockets have not given us any reason to doubt them (they're even playing defense!) and I'll back them again. 

10* play on Houston Rockets. 

CLIPPERS VS MAVS NBA TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

This best-of-seven NBA playoffs series is tied at 1-1 following a strong 127-114 win for the No.7 Dallas Mavericks in the last game. 

I like the second-seeded LA Clippers to bounce back with a big outing tonight. The Clippers have had the Mavs number most of the season winning four of five meetings. They didn't take care of the ball last time out, but I don't see this normally so solid Clippers side commit that many turnovers two games in a row. 

Clippers are 8-1 ATS in their last 9 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points and 35-16 ATS in their last 51 games following a straight up loss. Mavericks are 4-9-1 ATS in their last 14 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points.

10* play on Los Angeles Clippers. 

CELTICS VS 76ERS NBA HARDWOOD HAMMER

The Boston Celtics have taken a commanding 2-0 lead in this Eastern Conference quarter-finals matchup. I'm sure they still have the utmost respect for their opponent and know that they can't afford to allow them back in the series. The Celtics are dominating the perimeter while the Sixers are struggling with their three-point shooting. The Celtics have a good roster depth and their advantage should get bigger the deeper into the series we get. 

8* play on Boston Celtics. 

NUGGETS VS JAZZ NBA BANKROLL BUILDER

This Western Conference first-round series is tied at 1-1 following a 124-105 Utah Jazz victory over Denver on Wednesday. I expect Denver to bounce back and take Game 3. These two teams are quite evenly matched and I would not be surprised to see them trade wins until a deciding Game 7. Nuggets are 13-6-2 ATS in their last 21 games following a straight up loss and 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.

8* play on Denver Nuggets. 

THUNDER VS ROCKETS NBA TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Houston Rockets closed out the regular season with three consecutive losses, but they switched back on when it really mattered to defeat the OKC Thunder 123-108 in Game 1 of this Western Conference first-round playoff series. I like Houston to come through with another dominant performance to win Game 2 as well. 

The Thunder couldn't figure out a way to stop the Rockets' small and quick lineup in the first meeting of the series, and I don't see them having more success in this one. Russell Westbrook is out with a strained right quadriceps, but the Rockets have plenty of shooters to pick up the slack. 

Rockets are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games following a straight-up win of more than 10 points and 6-2 ATS in their last 8 Conference Quarterfinals games.

10* play on Houston Rockets. 

76ERS VS CELTICS NBA TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

The Boston Celtics won the opener of this Eastern Conference best-of-seven playoffs series 109-101 on Monday without even playing all that great. 

The Sixers bench outscored Boston's, but they lack outside threat without superstar Ben Simmons and the Celtics did a decent job containing Joel Embiid in the paint. While Boston can focus on shutting down Embiid, the Sixers have no such luxury as the C's have plenty of playmakers.

Tonight Boston will have to without Gordon Hayward (sprained ankle), and while he is at risk of missing the rest of the series I expect Boston's bench to up its game and pick up the slack.

Philly has now lost four of its last five games, and while only the most recent one really mattered it's certainly not a positive trend. The Celtics on the other hand are 5-1 in their last six and I'm happy to keep riding the hotter Celtics to win and cover tonight. 

10* play on Boston Celtics. 

JAZZ VS NUGGETS NBA HARDWOOD HAMMER

The Denver Nuggets needed overtime to take care of Utah in the opener of this Western Conference quarter-finals playoff series. I think they'll have an easier ride today to win and cover the spread as a favorite. 

Utah star Donovan Mitchell had a historic game with a career-best 57 points on 19-of-33 shooting. Still, the Jazz didn't win and Mitchell can't be expected to carry the team on his back every game of the series. 

Denver is banged up, but it still has decent roster depth and Nikola Jokic showed that he's a better big than Utah's Rudy Gobert. 

8* play on Denver Nuggets. 

BLAZERS VS LAKERS TUESDAY NIGHT NBA TOP PLAY

The eighth-seeded Portland Trail Blazers might give the No. 1 seed LA Lakers some trouble in this opening-round Western Conference series, but I do like the Lakers to show their class in Game 1. 

The whole Lakers team, and their key players, in particular, will be well-rested while the Blazers haven't had the luxury to afford to rest anyone during their red hot eight-game bubble run to the playoffs. One must wonder how much gas is left in the tank for Damian Lillard who has been outstanding in Florida. 

Additionally, while this will be the Lakers' first playoff appearance in seven years, the current roster has plenty of postseason experience.  

10* play on Los Angeles Lakers. 

LATE NIGHT MAVS VS CLIPPERS BANKROLL BUILDER

The Dallas Mavericks are a very capable team when holding the ball, but they're one of the worst defensive teams in the playoffs. The LA Clippers have elite scorers as well and they're more organized on the defensive end. 

Two-time NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard led the Raptors to the title last season while Dallas' stars are young and lack (postseason) experience. 

Mavericks are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games overall and 3-7 ATS in their last 10 playoff games as an underdog. Clippers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall and 10-4 ATS in their last 14 games as a favorite.

8* play on Los Angeles Clippers -6. 

76ERS VS CELTICS NBA HARDWOOD HAMMER

I like the third-seeded Boston Celtics to open this best-of-seven series against the No. 6 Philadelphia 76ers with a commanding win. 

The Sixers will have to do without All-Star guard Ben Simmons will miss the playoffs following knee surgery, and who knows for how long Joel Embiid can stay healthy. 

Philadelphia went 3-1 SU and ATS against the Celtics during the regular season, but that was with a healthy Simmons. I think the Celtics are underrated. While they may not have an absolute superstar, their roster depth is impressive to say the least. 

Additionally, while Boston is listed as a home team, this obviously plays more like an away game for both teams and Celtics own a far superior road record compared to the Sixers this season. 

8* play on Boston Celtics. 

NETS VS RAPTORS NBA TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

We have seen plenty of high-scoring games in the Orlando bubble, but the Toronto Raptors' games have consistently been an exception to the rule. 

The Raptors had played seven straight unders prior to a 125-121 win over Philadelphia in their last regular-season game, and I expect the final score of this contest to stay under the posted total. 

The Raptors own the No. 1 scoring defense in the NBA allowing only 106.5 ppg, and scoring won't come easy for a Brooklyn team without several of its key pieces. 

10* play on UNDER 222. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA) - TOP RATED MAJOR WAGER 

The Memphis Grizzlies are just 2-6 in Orlando and only barely made the play-in tournament with a 119-106 win over Milwaukee in the last regular-season game.

They'll face a red hot Portland side that has won six of eight, and while Memphis defeated Portland in the first round of games in the bubble back on July 31, I don't think it'll stand much of a chance here.

The Blazers are firing on all cylinders, and the Grizzlies do not have any player that can match the output of Damian Lillard who has been absolutely outstanding in recent games.  

Trail Blazers are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games as a favorite. Grizzlies are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games as an underdog.  

10* play on Portland Trail Blazers -5.5. 

THURSDAY AFTERNOON NBA BOOKIE BREAKER TOP PLAY TESTS 7-3 RUN

The red hot Phoenix Suns have won seven straight games in the Orlando bubble. They need an eighth straight and a loss for either Portland and Memphis to earn a spot in the play-in game. Memphis plays before Phoenix while Portland plays the last game, so even if Memphis wins its game, Phoenix will still have every reason in the world to win this one and hope that the Blazers lose later. The Mavs on the other hand are locked into the seventh seed in the Western Conference playoffs and I would not be surprised if they give their key pieces the night off here to stay healthy and fresh for the postseason. 

10* play on Phoenix Suns. 

BLAZERS VS MAVS NBA BOOKIE BREAKER TOP PLAY

The Portland Trail Blazers will be playing their third game in four nights. As they're battling for one of the two play-in game spots they have no other option than to go all-in every night though, and I think they'll have enough gas left in the tank to beat Dallas.

The Mavs are coming off a 136-132 OT win over Milwaukee, but they have dropped three of five in the Orlando bubble and while Dallas has a chance of the No. 5 seed in the West, in reality, it wouldn't change much.

At this point in the season motivation means almost everything, and that gives Portland the edge in this contest.

10* play on Portland Trail Blazers. 

CELTICS VS GRIZZLIES NBA BANKROLL BUILDER

The Memphis Grizzlies have won just one of six games in the Orlando bubble. They are not at risk of losing out of the No. 8 seed and might lose out on a play-in game spot altogether with Portland, Phoenix and San Antonio threatening behind. Boston has the No. 3 seed in the East locked up, and after winning three straight games I would not be the least surprised if the Celtics come out flat in this one. 

8* play on Memphis Grizzlies. 

MONDAY AFTERNOON NBA BOOKIE BREAKER TOP PLAY

The Phoenix Suns are the only undefeated team in the NBA bubble with five straight wins. They almost certainly have to win their remaining three contests to have any shot of making a play-in game, and I think they'll keep rolling here when taking on Oklahoma City Monday night. 

The Thunder are in a dogfight with Houston and Utah for the 4-6 seeds in the West, but note that they have traded wins and losses through their five games in the bubble. With OKC coming off a 121-103 win over Washington on Sunday, I think they'll come out flat here playing on no rest. 

10* play on Phoenix Suns.