OHIO STATE @ WISCONSIN BOOKIE BREAKER *TOP PLAY*

The Ohio State Buckeyes travel to Wisconsin riding a three-game winning streak. They've held opponents to 59, 59 and 58 points during that stretch and are 10-1 ATS after allowing 60 points or less on the season. 

As for the Badgers, they've dropped three of their last four after taking a 70-52 loss at Minnesota on Wednesday, They're 1-5 ATS after scoring 60 points or less this season and they've covered the spread in only one of their last seven games overall. 

The Buckeyes will be well up for this one after dropping a 61-57 decision to the Badgers in Columbus last month, and I expect them to get revenge today. 

10* play on Ohio State. 

LATE NIGHT SPURS @ KINGS TOTAL *TOP PLAY*

The San Antonio Spurs are coming off three straight defeats, and they've allowed 125+ points in each of the last two. The bookmakers expect the Spurs to end the skid as a small favorite at Sacramento Saturday night, and we can note that the Over is 7-3 in Spurs last 10 games as a favorite and  6-1 in their last seven games vs. a team with a winning % below .400. As for the Kings, they're 8-2 to the over in their last 10 games as an underdog and 10-2 to the over in their last 12 overall.

Over is 12-6-1 in Kings' games with a total closing at 223 points or more this season while the Spurs are 16-8 to the over in such games. 

10* play on OVER. 

WEST VIRGINIA @ OKLAHOMA BIG 12 BOOKIE BREAKER *TOP PLAY*

The West Virginia Mountaineers have a top-20 scoring defense in the nation and have held their last two opponents to an average of 59 points. They're 15-7 to the under on the season and 6-2 to the under in their last eight road games. 

As for the Oklahoma Sooners, they've struggled to shoot the ball lately (63.2 ppg average last five games). Eight of their last 10 overall and each of their last six games closing as an underdog have gone under the total. I think they'll struggle to get open looks against this solid West Virginia team and that we'll see the final score stay under the posted total with quite some margin. 

10* play on UNDER. 

BLAZERS @ JAZZ LATE NIGHT TOTAL

The Portland Trail Blazers have played four straight overs following a 125-117 win over San Antonio Thursday night. Facing a defensively challenged Portland side with heavy legs just might be what Utah needs to break out of its five-game slump. Last time out, the Jazz were held to 95 points by Denver, but note that over is 9-3 in their last 12 home games vs. a team with a losing road record and 6-1 in Trail Blazers last seven games as an underdog.

8* play on OVER. 

TOP RATED TGIF NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

Both the Indiana Pacers and the Toronto Raptors are very accomplished on the defensive end, but note that they're both 27-23-1 to the over on the season. 

The Raptors defeated Indiana 119-118 in Toronto just a couple of days ago (total closed at 216) to push their winning streak to 12 games, and I expect this to fly over as well. 

Over is 7-2 in Raptors last 9 road games. Over is 5-2 in Pacers last 7 home games and 6-1 in their last 7 games as an underdog.

10* play on OVER. 

MARYLAND @ ILLINOIS BIG TEN BOOKIE BREAKER *TOP PLAY*

There is a lot at stake in this contest as with both teams at 8-3, the winner of this one will take sole command of the Big Ten conference. 

No. 21 Illinois took a 72-65 loss against 17th-ranked Iowa on Sunday, its first setback in a month. The Fighting Illini are 4-0 ATS in their last four games following a straight up loss and I like them to bounce back here. The No. 9 Maryland Terrapins have won five straight following a 56-51 triumph over Rutgers, but it wasn't pretty and the Terps trailed by five at the half. 

The Terps won the first meeting 59-58 win Dec. 7, but they're 1-3-1 ATS in their last five road games vs. a team with a winning home record and Illinois should be able to put up an even better fight in its own building. 

10* play on Illinois. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NCAAB): TOP RATED TOTAL *MAJOR WAGER*

I expect to see a relatively low-scoring affair when the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers host the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs Thursday night. 

Louisiana Tech owns a top-25 scoring defense in the nation on the season, and the total for this contest is inflated after four straight overs through a four-game winning streak. Five of its previous six had gone under though and under is 25-12-1 in the Bulldogs last 38 road games. 

As for the Hilltoppers, they've alternated over and unders through their last four games, and we can note that they're 11-4 to the under in their last 15 games as a home underdog (WK is a 1.5-point dog at the time of this pick). 

Louisiana Tech came away with a 62-50 home win against Western Kentucky in the lone meeting last season and while more points is expected for this one, I doubt it'll reach the posted total.

10* play on UNDER. 

PELICANS @ BULLS THURSDAY NIGHT TOTAL *TOP PLAY*

While the Chicago Bulls are on the lower end for offensive efficiency, I think they should be able to put up a fair amount of points against a New Orleans Pelicans side that is allowing 117.2 ppg on the season and took a 120-108 loss to Milwaukee last time out. The Pels are 14-5 to the over in their last 19 overall and 7-2 to the over in their last nine games as a favorite. As for the Bulls, they've allowed an average of 131 points through their last two games and each of their last five has gone over the total. 

10* play on OVER. 

BIG EAST BOOKIE BREAKER *TOP PLAY*

The No. 13 Seton Hall Pirates are 3-1 SU and ATS as favorites of fewer than five points this season, and I like them to win and cover at Georgetown Wednesday night. We can also note that they'll be looking to bounce back from a disappointing 74-62 home loss as an 8.5-point favorite against Xavier to close out a three-game road trip and that Seton Hall is 16-5 ATS in its last 21 road games following three or more consecutive home games and 7-0 ATS in its last seven games following a double-digit loss at home.

As for the Hoyas, they just snapped a three-game SU and ATS skid with a 73-72 upset win at St. John's which sets up a potential let down spot tonight. 

10* play on Seton Hall. 

GRIZZLIES @ MAVS NBA TOP RATED TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

The Dallas Mavericks are coming off a 96-82 win over Detroit. I think buckets will come a lot easier for both sides when they take on the Memphis Grizzlies Wednesday night. Memphis is 6-2 to the over through its last eight on the road and the over is 6-1-1 in its last eight vs. a team with a winning straight up record. Additionally, the Grizzlies are 12-7 to the over in games with a total of 225 points or higher while the Mavs are 11-6 to the over in such games. 

10* play on OVER. 

LATE NIGHT SPURS @ LAKERS $20 TUESDAY SPECIAL

The San Antonio Spurs let us down on Monday as we lost with the under in their 108-105 loss at LA Clippers. The over is 18-6 in Spurs last 24 games playing on no rest, and that's a trend I expect to continue here at the Clippers cross-town rival Tuesday night. The LA Lakers are coming off a 129-113 triumph over Sacramento and they're 9-2 to the over through their last 11 games. Additionally, the over is 7-1 in the last eight meetings in Los Angeles.

8* play on OVER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NCAAB): TOP RATED BIG TEN SIDE *WHITE HOT 11-0 RUN*

The No. 9 Maryland Terrapins have won four on the bounce and seven of their last nine games, including an impressive 82-72 victory against No. 17 Iowa on Thursday. They're 6-2-1 ATS during that nine-game stretch and I think they'll win and cover the line when hosting Rutgers in Big Ten action Tuesday night. 

The Scarlet Knights took a 69-63 loss to Michigan last time out and while their defense is one of the best in the conference, they'll find it hard to slow down a Maryland team that is humming on all cylinders and has scored 77 points or more in three straight games. 

The Terps are a perfect 5-0 ATS as a home favorite of fewer than 10 points on the season and I'm counting on them to remain perfect after this contest.

10* play on Maryland Terrapins. 

LATE NIGHT SPURS @ CLIPPERS BOOKIE BREAKER

The San Antonio Spurs managed just 90 points in a home loss to Charlotte last time out but they average 110.0 points per 100 possessions (5th) on the season. They're however almost as poor on the defensive end as they're prolific when on the ball. Here they'll visit an LA Clippers team that averages a healthy 115.4 ppg and just put a 118-106 beating on Minnesota and I predict a high-scoring affair. 

Over is 6-2 in Spurs last 8 games as a road underdog, 7-2-1 in Clippers last 10 games as a home favorite and 7-0-1 in their last 8 games following a straight-up win of more than 10 points. Additionally, the over is 20-8-2 in Clippers last 30 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.

8* play on OVER. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (NBA): TOP RATED SIDE FOR FEBRUARY

The Indiana Pacers are far from their best at the moment. They've dropped two of their last three games and took a 92-85 home loss to the lowly New York Knicks last time out, but I like them to bounce back to win and cover the number when hosting the Dallas Mavericks Monday night. 

While the Pacers are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games following an ATS loss and 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a straight-up loss, the Mavs are 3-9-2 ATS in their last 14 games following a straight-up win, which they are following a 123-100 win over Atlanta on Saturday. 

Indiana is 7-0 ATS as a home favorite of five points or fewer on the season. 

10* play on Indiana Pacers. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA): MIKE'S TOP RATED BULLS @ RAPTORS SIDE

The Chicago Bulls are 1-4 ATS through their last five games and they travel to Toronto off back-to-back road losses. The Bulls are 3-8-1 ATS in their last 12 games as an underdog while the Raptors are 17-8 ATS in their last 25 games as a home favorite. Toronto is on fire as it will try to push its winning streak to 11 in a row, and I expect a blowout win for the defending-champion Raptors in this one. Chicago does simply not have the firepower to threaten a Toronto team that is elite on the defensive end of the hardwood. 

10* play on Toronto Raptors. 

BIG TEN BOOKIE BREAKER ~ ILLINOIS @ IOWA

We have a big game in the Big Ten this Sunday as the No. 19 Illinois Fighting Illini visit the 18th-ranked Iowa Hawkeyes. 

The home team is in desperate need of a win to keep its conference title hopes alive, and I think Hawkeyes will no only win but also cover the spread in the process. They had won five straight prior to an 82-72 loss at No. 15 Maryland last time out, and while Illinois is solid on the defensive end, shutting down an elite Iowa offense won't be easy in front of a crowd that has carried its team to an 8-1-2 ATS record in its last 11 home games.

8* play on Iowa. 

SUPER EARLY NUGGETS @ PISTONS TOTAL

The Detroit Pistons are 31-19 to the over on the season, but I think they'll be involved in a relatively low-scoring contest when hosting the Denver Nuggets Sunday afternoon. Denver owns a top-five scoring defense in the league, and while it picked up a 127-115 victory at the NBA-best Milwaukee Bucks on Friday, note that under is 9-3 in Nuggets last 12 after allowing 100 points or more in its previous game. Additionally, note that under is 8-2 in the last 10 meetings.

8* play on UNDER. 

SATURDAY NIGHT KNICKS @ PACERS NO BRAINER

The New York Knicks rank near the bottom of the league for most offensive categories. Points won't come easy for the Knickerbockers in this one, facing an Indiana team that ranks top 10 for points allowed and that limited the Bulls to 106 points last time out, despite going to overtime. Both teams have pace factors that rank in the bottom-third of the league and three of the last four head-to-head meetings have gone under the total, including a 104-103 Indiana win in New York on Dec 7. 

Under is 6-2 in Knicks last 8 overall. Under is 13-5 in Pacers last 18 vs. a team with a losing straight up record.

8* play on UNDER. 

WOLVES @ CLIPPERS TOTA *MATINEE MASSACRE*

The over is 12-3 in the last 15 meetings at Staples Center and the posted total for today's matinee matchup looks a little light. Minnesota has been abysmal on the defensive end all season long and it has surrendered 130+ points in two of its last three games. The Clippers have the fifth-best points per game average in the league and should be well up for this contest after taking a 103-124 loss to Sacramento last time out. 

Over is 7-1-1 in Clippers last 9 games as a home favorite. Over is 4-0 in Timberwolves last 4 games as a road underdog.

8* play on OVER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA): TOP RATED TOTAL *MAJOR WAGER ALERT*

The Toronto Raptors will be playing on no rest following a 115-109 win at Cleveland on Thursday. We were on the wrong side of the total backing the under in that game, and I expect to see this contest fly over the total as well.

The Raptors are now 7-1 to the over in their last eight on the road, and while they're one of the best defensive teams in the league, heavy legs could become an issue in this one.

As for the Detroit Pistons, they're 8-1 to the over in their last nine overall and 7-0 to the over in their last seven home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600.

10* play on OVER. 

GAME OF THE YEAR (NCAAB): MIKE'S REG SEASON SIDE *MAJOR WAGER*

The Illinois Fighting Illini are coming off back-to-back underdog wins on the road, and now they return home to State Farm Center where they're 11-1 SU on the season. 

They've failed to cover the spread in two straight games in their own building, but I think the Illini will get the job done here against a Minnesota team that has lost two of its last three, has failed to cover the number in both losses and averaged only 56.6 ppg through those three games. 

The Gophers are 2-6-1 ATS in their losses on the season while Illinois is 9-4-1 ATS in its victories. As I expect Illinois to win this game outright, I think it's a fair assumption that they'll cover the spread. 

10* play on Illinois. 

RAPTORS @ CAVS NBA TOTAL

While the Toronto Raptors are more than capable of putting up a ton of points, I don't see them going crazy here with a matchup with the Pistons at Detroit on deck tomorrow. The Raptors have the fifth-best scoring defense, and here they'll take on a Cleveland team that has one of the worst points per game averages in the league. 

Toronto is good at shutting down poor teams as proven by the fact that it is 22-8-1 to the under in its last 31 vs. a team with a losing straight up record while the Cavs are 6-2 to the under in their last eight home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600.

8* play on UNDER. 

TOP RATED NBA PLAY OF THE DAY *MAJOR WAGER ALERT*

The Oklahoma City Thunder are playing some great basketball lately and had won and cover the spread in five straight games prior to a 107-97 loss to Dallas last time out. They're 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a double-digit loss at home and 6-0 ATS in their last 6 road games vs. a team with a losing home record, and I like their chances of bouncing back at Golden 1 Center Wednesday night. 

The Sacramento Kings are coming off back-to-back road wins at Chicago and Minnesota, but this is a tough spot as they return home from a five-game road trip. With the Kings 4-9 ATS in their last 13 home games following a road trip of seven or more days and 2-10-1 ATS in their last 13 home games overall, I really like OKC to come through for us in this one. 

10* play on OKC Thunder. 

WEDNESDAY NIGHT NCAAB *MAJOR WAGER* TOP PLAY

The No. 23 Penn State Nittany Lions are 10-1 SU at home on the season and 11-5-1 ATS in their last 17 home games. Here they'll host an Indiana team that is 1-3 SU and ATS on the road on the season and most likely not in a good mood after taking a home loss to Maryland last time out. 

The Nittany Lions' offense ranks top 50 in the nation and they are coming off back-to-back underdog wins over Ohio State and Michigan. "I really think we’re starting to play our best basketball heading into February," Penn State coach Patrick Chambers told reporters. "We’re really starting to click and play well."

The home team is 3-1-1 ATS in the last five head-to-head meetings and Penn State will be well up for this after losing the last four matchups straight up, including a tough two-point home loss last year. 

10* play on Penn State Nittany Lions. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (NCAAB): MIKE'S TOP RATED BIG EAST BOOKIE BREAKER

The No. 17 Butler Bulldogs snapped a three-game skid with an 89-85 OT win over Marquette last time out. I think they'll make it two in a row when visiting the Georgetown Hoyas Tuesday night.

The Bulldogs are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games following a straight up win and they'll face a Hoyas side that has lost three of its last four and two on the bounce. Georgetown put up just 57 points in a nine-point loss at Xavier last time out and points won't come easy against this Butler team that has held opponents to 59.4 (8th) ppg on the season. 

Additionally, we can note that the road team is 6-1 ATS in the last 7 head-to-head meetings and that Butler has won four straight games at Georgetown. 

10* play on Butler Bulldogs. 

$20 TUESDAY SPECIAL NBA TOTAL

The Charlotte Hornets and the New York Knicks are both among the worst offensive teams in the NBA. Additionally, no team in the NBA has a lower pace factor than the Hornets who average just 98.9 possessions per game and I think they'll be particularly interested to keep the tempo down in this one, just coming back home from a trip across the pond after battling Milwaukee in Paris, France, Friday night. 

Over their last three games, the Hornets have averaged 90.6 ppg and they're 5-1 to the under through their last six games. As for the Knicks, they're 27-20 to the under on the season and the under is 11-5 in their last 16 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400.

8* play on UNDER. 

WISCONSIN @ IOWA BIG 10 BOOKIE BREAKER *TOP PLAY*

The No. 19 Iowa Hawkeyes are 11-1 SU at home on the season and they had covered the spread in seven straight home games prior to a push in an 85-80 win over Rutgers last time out. Here they'll host a Wisconsin team that took a 70-51 beating at Purdue Friday night and the Badgers are just 3-7 ATS in their last 10 road games. Wisconsin has a top 20 defense in the nation, but I think the team will struggle to slow down an Iowa side that averages 80.2 ppg. 

10* play on Iowa Hawkeyes. 

SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

The Dallas Mavericks have one of the best road records in the league at 15-6, and I like their chances to win and cover the small number when visiting Oklahoma City Monday night.

The Thunder have admittedly played pretty well of late, coming off five straight wins with underdog wins against Houston, Orlando, and Minnesota during that stretch.

This is a tough spot though as they'll be playing their third game in four nights and note that the Mavs are 12-3-1 ATS in their last 16 games as a road favorite and 6-2 ATS in the last eight head-to-head meetings with OKC. 

Additionally, I also like this contest to go over the total. Over is 7-2 in Thunder last 9 overall. Over is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings in Oklahoma City.

8* play on OVER.

MAGIC @ HEAT SUNSHINE STATE RIVALRY *TOP PLAY*

The Miami Heat took a 122-117 loss to the Clippers on Friday. That was their mere second loss in 22 home games on the season, and I expect the Heat to bounce back when hosting the Orland Magic in this Sunshine State rivalry game Monday night. 

While the Heat will be playing on two days rest (they're 6-1 ATS in their last seven games playing on two days rest), the Magic will be playing the second game of a back-to-back situation after losing to Toronto on Sunday. The Magic are 0-3-1 ATS in their last four games playing on no rest and 1-5 ATS in their last six games overall.

Additionally, note that Miami is 19-0 SU and 12-6-1 ATS as a home favorite on the season. 

10* play on Miami Heat. 

NETS @ KNICKS CROSS-BRIDGES RIVALRY *TOP PLAY*

The Brooklyn Nets snapped a five-game losing streak with an OT win at Detroit last time out, but I think they'll come up short here as they head to Madison Square Garden to take on the New York Knicks on Sunday. The Knickerbockers have covered the spread in four straight games and they're 4-1 ATS in their last five games as a favorite. Brooklyn, on the other hand, is 0-7 ATS in its last seven as a road underdog and we can note that the Knicks have covered the line in eight of the last 10 matchups with the Nets at MSG. 

10* play on NY Knicks. 

RAPTORS @ SPURS NBA TOTAL *TOP PLAY*

The Toronto Raptors recorded a 118-112 win at Madison Square Garden on Friday and they're 5-1 to the over through their last six games. Here they'll face a San Antonio team that is 27-17 to the over on the season and 8-2 to the over through its last 10 games following a straight up loss, which the Spurs are after taking a 103-99 loss to Phoenix Friday night. 

Toronto owns the third-best three-point shooting percentage in the league while San Antonio ranks seventh. I think we can count on a high-scoring contest at AT&T Center on Sunday. 

10* play on OVER. 

MARYLAND @ INDIANA NCAAB BANKROLL BUILDER

The Indiana Hoosiers are 12-1 at home on the season but I think they're in for their second loss when hosting the No. 17 Maryland Terrapins on Sunday. 

The Terps are coming off a solid 77-66 win at Northwestern to move to 4-2 SU and 4-1-1 ATS through their last six games. Indiana has won four of its last five straight-up, but this will be a tough one. Note that Maryland ranks just outside of top 20 in the nation for points allowed and it defeated the Hoosiers 75-59 at home earlier this month. 

8* play on Maryland Terrapins. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (NBA): MIKE'S TOP RATED MAVS @ JAZZ TOTAL

The Utah Jazz are one of the best defensive teams in the league, but note that the over is 5-1 in their last six games overall and 4-1 in their last five after scoring more than 125 points in their previous game. Last time out, Utah put a 129-96 beating on Golden State and I predict a high-scoring affair when they host the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday. The Mavs have scored 120+ points in four of their last five games and won 133-125 at Portland on Thursday. They have the third-best scoring average in the league and are 27-17 to the over on the season. 

10* play on OVER. 

LSU @ TEXAS BIG 12/SEC CHALLENGE

The red hot LSU Tigers have won seven in a row, and I think they look good to add to that tally when taking on Texas in the Big 12/SEC Challenge Saturday. The Longhorns are a mess with four losses in their last six games and they took a 97-59 beating at No. 15 West Virginia on Monday. Stopping LSU won't be easy with the team averaging 80.2 ppg on the season and it has scored 80+ points in three straight games. 

The Longhorns are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 home games while the Tigers are 12-5-1 ATS in their last 18 road games.

8* play on LSU Tigers. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NCAAB): MIKE'S TOP RATED TOTAL

The West Virginia Mountaineers and the Missouri Tigers are both 12-6 to the under on the season, and both teams rank in the top 30 in the nation for points allowed. Additionally, Missouri has struggled to score points through a 1-5 slide and it'll face a West Virginia side that has held four of its last five opponents to fewer than 60 points. 

Under is 6-0 in Missouri games when the total is 130 to 139.5 points and 3-0 in West Virginia's games fitting the same criteria. 

10* play on UNDER. 

LATE SUNS @ SPURS TOTAL *TOP PLAY*

The San Antonio Spurs are 27-16 to the over on the season and both of their last two games have seen a total of 238 points scored. Here they'll host a Phoenix Suns team that took an 112-87 loss to Indiana last time out, but it had been involved in a couple of high-scoring contests prior to that. Over is 6-2 in the Suns last 8 games as an underdog and 18-6 in Spurs last 24 games as a favorite.

10* play on OVER. 

KINGS @ BULLS NBA NO BRAINER

The reeling Sacramento Kings have lost six consecutive games straight up and they're 0-5-1 ATS during that stretch. They took a 113-106 loss to the Bulls at home on December 2 and I think they'll come up short in this one as well. The Bulls have split their last six games with the losses at Boston, Philadelphia and Milwaukee. They're 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record.

8* play on Chicago Bulls. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA): MIKE'S TOP RATED MAVS @ BLAZERS *BEST BET* ATS

The Portland Trail Blazers have been awful against the spread all season and they're 3-12 ATS through their last 15 games. Here they'll host a Dallas Mavericks team looking to bounce back from a 110-107 loss to the LA Clippers last time out. Note that the Mavs are an outstanding 20-6-2 ATS in their last 28 road games and 11-4-1 ATS in their last 16 games following a straight up loss. Additionally, they've covered the spread in six of the last seven head-to-head meetings with the Blazers at Portland. 

10* play on Dallas Mavericks. 

WASHINGTON @ UTAH NCAAB BANKROLL BUILDER

The Utah Utes are coming off four consecutive losses, but I think they'll end the draught when hosting the Washington Huskies Thursday night. They return home from a three-game road trip and are 4-1 ATS in their last five home games following three or more consecutive road games. As for the visiting Huskies, they're 3-8 ATS in their last 11 road games and have lost their last two away from home straight up, the most recent a 61-58 setback as a 6-point favorite at California on January 11.

8* play on Utah Utes. 

THURSDAY NIGHT NBA TOTAL *TOP PLAY*

Two of the worst teams in the league will battle it out at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland Thursday night, but I think they'll entertain the crowd with a high-paced high-scoring contest. 

The Washington Wizards rank dead last for points allowed with 120.1 ppg, but they're also top five for points scored. They should be particularly poor on defense here, playing on no rest after taking a 134-129 OT loss at Miami last night. 

As for the Cleveland Cavaliers, they're 8-3 to the over in their last 11 overall and 9-4 to the over in their last 13 as a home favorite while the over is 8-2 in the Wizards last 10 games as a road underdog.

10* play on OVER. 

MIDWEEK MADNESS 3-PACK OF NBA WINNERS

The Chicago Bulls have one of the worst offensive efficiency ratings in the league at just 102.6 points per 100 possessions. They're 5-1 to the under in their last six overall and 6-2 to the under in their last 8 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points, which they are after taking a 111-98 loss at Milwaukee on Monday. As for the Minnesota Timberwolves, they've struggled to score points during a six-game slide and the under is 9-4 in the Wolves last 13 games following a straight up loss.

8* play on UNDER. 

NUGGETS @ ROCKETS NBA NO BRAINER

The Houston Rockets are 26-16 SU on the season, but they're just 2-5 SU and 1-6 ATS through their last seven games. Their struggles have not surprisingly coincided with a shooting slump for superstar James Harden who is just 9-of-51 from 3-point range over the past four contests. Here the Rockets will face one of the best defensive teams in the NBA, and I don't see how Houston could possibly cover the spread in this one. Sure, the Nuggets are banged up, but they can still put decent talent on the floor. 

Nuggets are 3-1-1 ATS in their last 5 games as a road underdog. Rockets are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games as a favorite.

8* play on Denver Nuggets. 

MIDWEEK MADNESS 3-PACK OF NBA WINNERS

The Toronto Raptors are coming off four straight overs, but I expect to see a relatively low-scoring contest when they host the Philadelphia 76ers Wednesday night. The Raptors are 7-2-1 to the under in their last 10 vs. a team with a winning straight up record and the 29-16 Sixers fit that bill. Additionally, we can note that Philly is 5-1 to the under in its last six games on the road and that both teams have a top 5 defensive efficiency rating for the season. 

8* play on UNDER. 

MIDWEEK MADNESS 3-PACK OF NBA WINNERS

The Orlando Magic have one of the lowest pace factors in the league and they're 11-3-1 to the under in their last 15 overall. Here they'll host an OKC Thunder team that is 37-14-1 to the under in its last 52 games as an underdog and held the Rockets to 107 points in a win at Houston last time out. Orlando is holding opponents to a league-best 103.9 ppg, but it ranks near the bottom of the NBA for points scored. 

8* play on UNDER. 

CLIPPERS @ MAVS NBA NO BRAINER *TOP PLAY*

The LA Clippers are coming off a 133-130 win at New Orleans, but they still failed to cover the spread and are 2-5 ATS through their last five overall. 

Additionally, the Clippers are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games following a straight-up win and they'll face a Dallas Mavericks team that will be looking to avenge a 114-99 loss to the Clip Show here at American Airlines Center back in November. 

The Mavs are 8-3 ATS when avenging a home loss against an opponent this season and I don't think they'll make the home town crowd happy this time around. 

10* play on Dallas Mavericks. 

$20 TUESDAY NCAAB TOTAL

The Ohio Bobcats are coming off a couple of games that stayed under the total, but I expect to see a relatively high-scoring game when they host the Toledo Rockets Tuesday night. Toledo won 99-89 at Akron last time out and they're 5-2 to the over in their last five at home. The Rockets were 15-of-26 (58%) from behind the arc against the Zips and their 3-point shooting percentage rank 26th in the nation on the season. 

8* play on OVER. 

NCAAB MLK DAY TOP PLAY - LATE START

The Baylor Bears have the sixth best scoring defense in the nation, allowing just 58.6 ppg. They're coming off a high-scoring 75-68 win at Oklahoma State but had played four straight unders prior to that. Here they'll face an Oklahoma team that also had played four straight unders prior to an 83-63 loss to TCU. Under is 7-3 in Sooners last 10 games as a road underdog and 6-1 in Bears last 7 games as a home favorite.

10* play on UNDER. 

MAGIC @ HORNETS MONDAY NIGHT NBA TOTAL

The Orlando Magic and the Charlotte Hornets are both among the lowest-scoring teams in the league and I have no doubt that this one will go under the total. Orlando has scored 95 points in back-to-back games while Charlotte was held to 86 in 1 loss at Denver last time out. Additionally, note that Orlando owns the best scoring defense in the NBA. 

Under is 10-3-1 in Magic last 14 overall.

8* play on UNDER. 

KINGS @ HEAT NBA HARDWOOD HAMMER

The Miami Heat took a 107-102 loss at San Antonio on Sunday afternoon. They get a chance to bounce back in front of the home town crowd at American Airlines Arena where they're 18-1 SU on the season, and I very much like the home team in this matchup. The visiting Sacramento Kings have allowed an average of 122.8 points per game through a four-game slide (0-3-1 ATS) and the team is 3-8-1 ATS in its last 12 games following a straight up loss.

8* play on Miami Heat. 

MAGIC @ WARRIORS SUNDAY NIGHT NBA TOTAL *TOP PLAY*

Only three teams in the NBA have a lower pace factor than the Orlando Magic who average only 100.5 possessions per game while the Golden State Warriors are second to last for offensive efficiency. Last time out, Orlando was held to 95 points on 39 percent shooting from the field in a loss at LA Clippers while Golden State has been held to 104 points or fewer in seven of its last eight games, the lone exception a 134-131 OT loss to Denver on Thursday. 

Under is 9-3 in Magic last 12 games as a road favorite. Under is 5-1 in Warriors last 6 games as an underdog and 9-2 in their last 11 games after scoring more than 125 points in their previous game. Under is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings.

10* play on UNDER. 

NBA 3-PACK

The Dallas Mavericks have the best offensive efficiency score in the league at 114.4 points per 100 possessions and they're coming off a 127-123 win at Sacramento. Over is 7-2 in Mavericks last 9 games after scoring more than 125 points in their previous game and they'll face a Portland team that scored 117 points in a win at Houston last time out. Over is 7-3 in the last 10 head-to-head meetings and 14-6 in Mavericks last 20 home games vs. a team with a losing road record, which Portland is at 9-14 away from home. 

8* play on OVER. 

NBA 3-PACK

The Indiana Pacers are one of the slowest teams in the league at just 100.7 possessions per game. Here they'll take on a Minnesota team that ranks near the bottom of the league for shooting from the field and from three-point range. The teams combined for 203 points in a 104-99 Indiana win at Minnesota a couple of days ago, and I expect this to be another low-scoring affair. 

8* play on UNDER. 

WIZARDS @ RAPTORS FRIDAY NIGHT NBA TOTAL *TOP PLAY*

The Toronto Raptors are coming off a 130-21 win at OKC. The over is 20-7 in their last 27 games after scoring more than 125 points in their previous game and I think they'll be involved in another high-scoring contest when they host the Washington Wizards Friday night. The Wizards are 22-17-1 to the over on the season and 6-2 to the over in their last eight games as a road underdog. They love to push the tempo and Toronto should be confident enough in its scoring ability to not mind a shootout. 

10* play on OVER. 

THURSDAY NIGHT NCAAB BANKROLL BUILDER

The Cincinnati Bearcats and the Memphis Tigers played two close games last season (both Cincy triumph). I think this contest will go down to the wire as well which makes taking the points on the underdog all the more attractive. The road team is 4-0 ATS in the last four head-to-head meetings and Cincinnati defeated UCF 68-54 on the road last time out. As for Memphis, it took a 65-62 loss as a seven-point favorite over Georgia its last time out at home. 

8* play on Cincinnati Bearcats. 

WEDNESDAY NIGHT NCAAB TOTAL *TOP PLAY*

The No. 16 Wichita State's explosive offense averages 77.6 ppg on the season and the Shockers have poured in points through a nine-game winning streak. Here they'll take on a Temple side that has dropped three straight games and surrendered 70+ points in two of those contests. While Temple is a fairly low-scoring team, Wichita State has weaknesses on the defensive end that can be exploited. 

Over is 9-1 in Shockers last 10 overall. Over is 6-2 in Shockers' last 8 games as a road favorite. Over is 6-0 in Owls last 6 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.

10* play on OVER. 

RAPTORS @ THUNDER WEDNESDAY NIGHT NBA TOTAL

The Toronto Raptors boast one of the best defensive efficiency ratings in the NBA and they are 6-2 to the under through their last eight games. They are very effective defending the perimeter, which will spell big trouble for the OKC Thunder who struggle to shoot the three-ball as it is. We can also note that both neither team likes to push the pace, with OKC particularly slow at just 100.5 possessions per game which ranks 24th in the league.

8* play on UNDER. 

SPURS @ HEAT WEDNESDAY NIGHT NBA *TOP PLAY*

The Miami Heat are a splendid 17-1 SU home at American Airlines Arena on the season and 14-4-1 ATS in their last 19 home games. They'll be desperate for a win following back-to-back road losses at Brooklyn and New York, and we can note that the Heat are 16-5-1 ATS in their last 22 games following a straight up loss and 12-4-1 ATS in their last 17 games as a home favorite. As for the visiting San Antonio Spurs, while they've won three of their last four with impressive triumphs over Milwaukee, Boston and Toronto, I think this looks like a letdown spot. They defeated the Raptors as a 4.5-point dog last time out but are 6-21 ATS in their last 27 games following a straight up win.

10* play on Miami Heat. 

TUESDAY NIGHT NBA TOTAL *TOP PLAY*

The New York Knicks have been involved in several high-scoring affairs lately. They've surrendered an average of 124.8 points over their last five games and five of their last six have gone over the total. The Milwaukee Bucks have scored 122+ points in back-to-back games and they average a solid 119.2 ppg on the season. I don't see how the Knicks will be able to slow down arguably the best team in the league, and I think the final scoreline for this contest will fly over the total with ease. 

10* play on OVER. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (NBA): MIKE'S TOP RATED NBA SIDE FOR JANUARY

The red hot Utah Jazz are winners of nine straight and 14 of their last 15 after opening a three-game road trip with a 127-116 win over the Washington Wizards on Sunday. They're 10-1 ATS in their last 11 games overall and I like them to come through here in Brooklyn on Tuesday.

The Nets picked up a 108-86 victory over the Atlanta Hawks in Kyrie Irving's return from injury on Sunday, but they're still just 2-7 ATS in their last 9 games overall and 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games as an underdog.

While Irving no doubt will give Brooklyn a boost, I don't see them keeping pace with the Jazz who are 16-6 ATS in the last 22 meetings, including 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings in Brooklyn.

10* play on Utah Jazz. 

DUKE @ CLEMSON NCAAB TUESDAY NIGHT $20 SPECIAL

The No. 3 Duke Blue Devils are a sizable favorite when visiting ACC rival Clemson Tigers Tuesday night. The under is 8-3-1 in Blue Devils' last 12 games as a road favorite and 15-5-2 in their last 22 games following a straight up win of more than 20 points, which they are coming off a 90-59 rout of Wake Forest. Duke has held opponents to 62.3 ppg on the season and Clemson is averaging only 68.7 ppg. The Tigers have been solid on the defensive end though, limiting opponents to 63.7 ppg. 

8* play on UNDER. 

SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

The Ball State Cardinals took a 75-60 loss at Akron last time out, but they had defeated Buffalo 88-68 their last time out prior to that contest. They're 2-0 to the over after scoring 60 points or fewer last time out this season and here they'll face an Eastern Michigan Eagles side that has surrendered 71.3 ppg through a three-game slide. Ball State is averaging a 71+ ppg on the season, and while the Eagles have struggled offensively I still think both teams will contribute enough points to push the final score over the posted total. 

8* play on OVER. 

BULLS @ CELTICS MONDAY NIGHT NBA TOTAL

The Boston Celtiocs snapped a three-game losing streak with a dominant 140-105 rout of New New Orleans on Saturday. The under is 4-1 in the Celtics last five after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game and 5-2 in their last seven games as a favorite, which they clearly will close as when hosting the Chicago Bulls Monday night. 

Chicago ranks near the bottom of the league for offensive efficiency, but the team has done a fairly good job on the defensive end, ranking just outside top 10 for defensive efficiency. The Celtics enter the week top five in the latter category, and I think this will be a relatively low-scoring game. 

8* play on UNDER. 

WARRIORS @ GRIZZLIES TOP PLAY

The Golden State Warriors have dropped seven straight games and they've been held to 100 points or fewer in five of their last four. A date with Memphis could be just what they need to get on track offensively with the Grizzlies allowing 116.4 ppg (27th) on the season. The Grizzlies have been red hot on the offensive end in recent games, averaging 125.7 ppg through their last seven games. 

Over is 10-1 in Grizzlies last 11 home games and 6-1 in their last 7 overall.

10* play on OVER. 

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

The Dallas Mavericks took a 129-114 loss at LA Lakers Friday night. Heavy legs won't do them any favors on the defensive end here, and I think this will be another high-scoring contest for the Mavs who are 23-14 to the over on the season. As for the Philadelphia 76ers, they limited the Celtics to 98 points in a triumph last time out, but note that the over is 4-0 in the Sixers' last four trips to Dallas.

10* play on OVER. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (NCAAB: MIKE'S TOP RATED TOTAL FOR JANUARY

I think we'll see a relatively low-scoring game when the Ohio State Buckeyes visit the Indiana Hoosiers in college basketball action Saturday afternoon. The Buckeyes are 4-1 to the under through their last five games and 10-5 to the under on the season. They've been held to fewer than 60 points in three straight contests and shot just 31% from the field in a 55-67 loss to Maryland on Tuesday. As for Indiana, it defeated Northwestern 66-62 last time out to make it 4-0 to the under through its last four games. 

10* play on UNDER. 

BUTLER @ PROVIDENCE BIG EAST BOOKIE BREAKER *TOP PLAY*

The Providence Friars are on fire with four straight wins and they won outright as a six-point underdog at Marquette on Tuesday. I think they have a great shot at winning this one against a Butler team that routed Creighton last time out, but that contest took place almost a week ago so the team is at risk of coming out sluggish here.

Additionally, note that the Friars won all three meetings last season and the home team is is 8-1 ATS in the last 9 meetings.

10* play on Providence Friars. 

NBA 3-PACK

The Orlando Magic own the best scoring defense in the NBA, allowing just 103.4 ppg. They're one of the worst teams on the offensive end though and the Magic are 4-0 to the under through their last four games. As for the Phoenix Suns, they were held to 103 points in a loss to Sacramento last time out. Orlando has one of the slowest pace factors in the NBA, and I don't think they'll slow down the tempo in this one. 

8* play on UNDER. 

NBA 3-PACK

The Charlotte Hornets have the lowest pace factor in the NBA with 99.2 possessions per game. The Utah Jazz are not likely to drive up the tempo, and scoring on the Jazz with their feisty defense is never easy. The Jazz held the Knicks to 104 points last time out and they're 7-2 to the under in their last nine against a team with a losing straight up record.

8* play on UNDER. 

FRIDAY NIGHT NBA TOTAL *TOP PLAY*

Only three teams in the NBA have a higher pace factor (105.5 possessions per game) than the Memphis Grizzlies. They've averaged 126.7 ppg through a three-game winning streak and here the Grizzlies will host a San Antonio team that ranks in the bottom third for defensive efficiency with 109.5 points allowed per 100 possessions. The Spurs are still in the middle of the pack in the conference due to their success on the offensive end, ranking sixth in the league for points scored and third-best in field goal percentage. 

Over is 5-1 in Spurs last 6 overall. Over is 8-0 in Grizzlies last 8 home games. Over is 7-2 in the last 9 meetings at FedexForum. 

10* play on OVER. 

SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

The Portland Trail Blazers look like solid road favorite at Minnesota Thursday night. They're a perfect 4-0 SU (3-1 ATS) as a road favorite of three points or fewer on the season and they'll be looking to close out a five-game road trip with a win after splitting the first four games. As for the Timberwolves, they took a 119-112 loss at Memphis last time out and they miss All-Star center Karl-Anthony Towns who has been out for 11 straight games due to a knee injury. 

In addition to the Blazers winning, I also like the under. Note that the Blazers are 6-0 to the under in their last 6 as a road favorite and the under is 8-3 in the Timberwolves last 11 overall. Under is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings.

8* play on UNDER. 

THURSDAY NIGHT NBA BOOKIE BREAKER *TOP PLAY*

The Portland Trail Blazers look like solid road favorite at Minnesota Thursday night. They're a perfect 4-0 SU (3-1 ATS) as a road favorite of three points or fewer on the season and they'll be looking to close out a five-game road trip with a win after splitting the first four games. As for the Timberwolves, they took a 119-112 loss at Memphis last time out and they miss All-Star center Karl-Anthony Towns who has been out for 11 straight games due to a knee injury. 

10* play on Portland Trail Blazers. 

NBA 3-PACK

The New York Knicks average of 104.2 ppg is one of the absolute worst marks in the NBA, and points will be particularly hard to come by in this one against a Utah defense that is among the best in the league. Additionally, we can note that the under is 11-2 in Knicks last 13 games playing on no rest (they took a 117-87 loss to the Lakers in LA last night) and 21-10-1 in their last 32 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points.

8* play on UNDER. 

WEDNESDAY NIGHT NBA 3-PACK

Both the Miami Heat and the Indiana Pacers rank in the top 10 for points allowed per game on the season. Additionally, we can note that Miami will be playing on two days rest (Under is 9-3 in its last 12 games playing on two days rest) while the under is 25-11 in Pacers last 36 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.

8* play on UNDER. 

NBA 3-PACK

The Charlotte Hornets have the lowest pace factor in the NBA with just 100.9 possessions per game. They took a 115-104 loss to Indiana on Monday and the under is 7-2 in the Hornets last 9 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points. As for the Toronto Raptors, they fell 101-99 to Portland on Tuesday. Under is 4-1 in Raptors last 5 games playing on no rest and 10-2-1 in their last 13 games as a road favorite.

8* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA): MIKE'S KNICKS @ LAKERS ATS MAJOR WAGER

The New York Knicks are playing their best basketball of the season at the moment with three wins straight up and a 4-1 ATS record through their last five games. They're 6-2 ATS in their last 8 road games, and they're catching the LA Lakers at a good time here with the home team likely to look past the 10-26 Knickerbockers with a competitive conference rival in the 23-13 on deck. The Lakers enter this contest on a five-game winning streak, but they've failed to cover as double-digit favorites in each of their last three games and they're 2-8-1 ATS in their last 11 games overall. 

10* play on NY Knicks. 

PROVIDENCE @ MARQUETTE NCAAB BANKROLL BUILDER

The Providence Friars have opened Big East play with triumphs over Georgetown and DePaul. I think they'll give the Marquette a scare here as the Golden Eagles are in a sandwich spot, coming off a win over then-10th ranked Villanova and tougher matchups on deck, first at Seton Hall and then at home against Xavier. While Marquette has impressed home at Fiserv Forum, I think this game will be closer than the point spread would suggest. 

8* play on Providence. 

MONDAY NIGHT BUCKS @ SPURS BOOKIE BLASTER

The Milwaukee Bucks are averaging a league-best 119.6 ppg, and here they'll face a San Antonio side that has had major issues to stop teams from scoring all season long. These two teams battled it out in Milwaukee just a couple of days ago, a contest the Bucks won 127-118 and I expect to see another shootout here in the second leg of the home-and-home series. 

The Spurs are 9-5 and the Bucks 13-8-1 to the over in games with a total of 225 points or higher this season.

Over is 15-5-1 in Spurs last 21 games after allowing more than 125 points in their previous game and 6-2 in their last 8 overall.

8* play on OVER. 

MONDAY NIGHT COLLEGE BASKETBALL BANKROLL BUILDER

The Georgia State Panthers took a 74-72 loss at Coastal Carolina as a small road favorite last time out. They're still 6-1-1 ATS in their last 8 road games and I like them to cover the spread here at Arkansas St. Monday night. 

The Red Wolves are coming off back-to-back home losses. While they covered the spread (just barely) against Utah last time out, they were blown out by 21 points by Texas State prior to that. I don't see them keeping pace with a Georgia State team that averages a healthy 78.9 ppg and which 3-point shooting percentage is top 25 in the nation. 

The favorite is 6-2-1 ATS in the last 9 meetings and that's a trend likely to continue. 

8* play on Georgia State. 

MONDAY NIGHT NBA TOTAL *TOP PLAY*

The Indiana Pacers will be looking to get back on track defensively after giving up an average of 120 points in back-to-back losses. They still boast one of the best defensive efficiency ratings in the league, and here they'll face a Charlotte team that has been held to 104 points or fewer in four of its last six games. Under is 14-5-1 in Pacers last 20 vs. a team with a losing straight up record, 4-1 in Pacers last 5 games as a road favorite and 8-3 in Hornets last 11 games as a home underdog.

10* play on UNDER. 

TOP RATED NBA TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

The Phoenix Suns and the Memphis Grizzlies are both among the worst teams in the league for points allowed. Both teams have been heating up on the offensive side of the hardwood lately as well with Memphis scoring 117+ points in three straight games (won 140-114 at LA Clippers on Saturday) and Phoenix scoring 120+ in two of its last three games. 

Over is 6-0 in Grizzlies last 6 games playing on no rest and 8-2 in Suns last 10 games as a home favorite. The over/under is 25-11 in all NBA games with a total of more than 233 points this season. 

10* play on OVER. 

SUNDAY AFTERNOON NCAAB HARDWOOD HAMMER

The St. John's Red Storm are 4-0-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall and won 70-67 as a 12-point underdog at Arizona on December 21. They gave Butler a huge scare in their Big East opener and here they'll face a Xavier team that is just 2-7 ATS through its last 9 home games. The Musketeers fell 68-62 at Villanova in their conference opener, and while I expect them to win this one outright, it won't be an easy matchup against a Storm team that has averaged a healthy 78.2 ppg. 

8* play on St. John's Red Storm. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA): MIKE'S TOP RATED PISTONS @ WARRIORS SIDE

The Golden State Warriors are coming off three losses, but they were on a roll during the Christmas period and I like their chances of covering the spread and perhaps even winning outright in this one.

The visiting Detroit Pistons are in a tailspin with just one win through their last 10 games. The Pistons have not only lost those games outright, but also covered the spread just twice during that stretch and they're 12-22-1 ATS overall on the season.

The Warriors are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games as a home underdog while the Pistons are 5-16-1 ATS in their last 22 road games.

10* play on Golden State Warriors. 

SATURDAY NIGHT NBA TOTAL *BOOKIE BLASTER*

The Orlando Magic will be playing on no rest following a 105-85 win over Miami on Friday. They held the Heat to six points in the final quarter of that contest and the Magic have held five of their last six opponents to 101 points or fewer. On the season, they rank second in the league for points allowed and you always know that the Utah Jazz will bring it on the defensive end of the hardwood.  

Under is 5-1 in Jazz last 6 games as a road favorite. Under is 7-2-1 in Magic last 10 games as a home underdog.

8* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NCAAB): MIKE'S TOP RATED AFTERNOON SIDE

I'm happy to take the points on the Virginia Tech Hokies when they visit the Virginia Cavaliers on Saturday. Virginia has the top rated defense in the nation, but scoring on VT isn't easy either with the team limiting opponents to 61.1 ppg. Virginia has been asked to cover inflated spreads all season long and is a result only 3-9 ATS with only nine covers through its last 10 games. The Hokies must be feeling pretty good about themselves and ready for a road game following four straight home wins. They're 7-1 ATS in their last 8 road games following three or more consecutive home games and I'm looking for the visitors to keep this relatively close. 

10* play on Virginia Tech. 

76ERS @ ROCKETS FRIDAY NIGHT HARDWOOD HAMMER

The Philadelphia 76ers should be highly motivated for this contest as they look to avoid an 0-4 road trip following losses at Orlando, Miami and Indiana. They're 5-2 ATS as underdogs on the season and look good to cover the spread against a Houston side that is 1-3 ATS as a favorite of five points or fewer. Additionally, we can note that the Sixers have covered the spread in four of the last five head-to-head meetings. 

8* play on Philadelphia 76ers. 

Top rated nba

The bookmakers expect the Portland Trail Blazers and the Washington Wizards to run up and down the court and score at will in this matchup, and it's hard to disagree. While casual bettors might be discouraged by the big number, I'm not. Note that the over is 30-10 in NBA games with a total of 235 points or more this season and I doubt these two teams will disappoint. 

10* play on OVER. 

The Niagara Purple Eagles are just 2-9 SU on the season, but they're 1-1 at home with a win as a 9-point underdog over Colgate last time out at Gallagher Center. Tonight they'll host a Fairfield Stags side that is getting a bit too much respect by the bookmakers and the public following back-to-back wins at Oakland and Wagner. The Stags are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games as a favorite and 3-9-1 ATS in their last 13 games following a straight up win. The home team is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.

8* play on Niagara

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA): MIKE'S TOP RATED GRIZZLIES @ KINGS TOTAL

The Memphis Grizzlies have one of the worst defensive efficiency ratings in the league and the Sacramento Kings are also in the bottom half in that category. Additionally, only a handful of teams have a higher pace-factor than Memphis which is 8-2 to the over through its last 10 games. As for the Kings, they've seen the majority of their games going under the total this season, but I think we'll see points come fast and easy in this matchup between two defensively challenged teams. 

10* play on OVER. 

UCLA @ WASHINGTON CBB BANKROLL BUILDER

I like the Washington Huskies to win and cover the spread here in their conference opener against visiting UCLA Bruins Thursday night. UCLA is 0-4 ATS in its last four games and has lost each of the last three straight up, the most recent as a 16-point favorite against Cal State Fullerton. The Bruins allowed their opponent to shoot 14-of-24 (58%) from 3-point range, and here they'll face a Washington team that is more than capable of lighting it up from behind the arc. 

Additionally, the Huskies had three straight SU and ATS as favorites before coming up just short in a 75-71 loss as a 2.5-point underdog to Houston last time out. Expect the home team to bounce back with an inspired performance in front of the home town crowd at Alaska Airlines Arena. 

8* play on Washington. 

HORNETS @ CAVALIERS HARDWOOD HAMMER

The Cleveland Cavaliers are unreliable as favorites, and this looks like a tough spot in their first game back home from a tough three-game road trip with stops at Boston, Minnesota, and Toronto. 

As for the Charlotte Hornets, they're losers of six straight and they've failed to cover the spread in each of the last five. The Hornets are however 7-3-2 as an underdog of four points or fewer, and while I would not be remotely surprised if they win this one outright, take the points as insurance. 

8* play on Charlotte Hornets. 

NUGGETS @ PACERS TOTAL

The Denver Nuggets and the Indiana Pacers are both among the best defensive teams in the NBA. That's also the reason why the bookmakers are giving us such a low total on this game, but I don't think they can make it low enough. Note that Indiana ranks 23rd for pace while only the Kings have a lower pace factor than Denver. 

Under is 8-2 in Nuggets last 10 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600 and 25-10 in Pacers last 35 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.

8* play on UNDER. 

NEW YEAR'S DAY COLLEGE BASKETBALL BANKROLL BUILDER

The Marquette Golden Eagles limited Central Arkansas to 54 points on 31 percent shooting last time out and they rank 18th in the nation for defensive field goal percentage on the season. As for the Creighton Bluejays, they held Midland Lutheran to 54 points last time out and they've limited three of their last four opponents to 60 points or fewer. Under is 20-8 in Bluejays last 28 overall and we saw a total of just 126 points scored in the last headto-head meeting between these two teams.

8* play on UNDER. 

BLAZERS @ KNICKS NEW YEARS DAY *TOP PLAY*

The Portland Trail Blazers enter this contest as losers of four straight and they've allowed 120+ points in each of their last three games. This looks like a good spot to get back on track defensively against a Knicks team that is one of the worst in league with its 43 percent shooting from the field. Defensively, the Knicks have been solid over their last couple of games, first holding the Nets to 82 points and the Wizards to 100 points even last time out. Under is 7-1 in the last 8 meetings and I think this will be another relatively low-scoring affair. 

10* play on UNDER. 

NEW YEARS DAY NCAAB AFTERNOON ANNIHILATOR

The South Dakota Coyotes are coming off back-to-back 75 point performances.

Now while they lost those games, I think they'll get the job done in this one as they rank 23rd in the nation with their 48.3 percent shooting from the field and 12th with their shooting from 3-point range.

Today they'll face a Purdue Fort Wayne side that took an 89-59 beating as an 18-point dog at Iowa State last time out and a 74-65 loss as a four-point favorite at Indiana-Purdue prior to that. The offense is not clicking at the moment, and I think there's good reason to believe that the Mastodons will struggle to keep pace with the visitors. 

8* play on South Dakota. 

NEW YEARS EVE NBA 3-PACK

The San Antonio Spurs are 4-1 to the over through their last five games and they defeated Detroit 136-109 on Dec 28. The Golden State Warriors saw a four-game winning streak come to an end with a 141-121 loss to Dallas on the same night. New Years Eve games are 17-4 to the over over the last three seasons. 

8* play on OVER. 

NEW YEARS EVE NBA 3-PACK

The Los Angeles Clippers have seen four of their last five games go over the total following a 120-107 loss to Utah last time out. Over is 8-3 in Clippers last 11 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points and 5-1 in their last 6 games as a favorite. As for the Sacramento Kings, they're 4-1 to the over in their last five as underdogs and they gave up 120 points in a loss at Denver last time out. New Years Eve games are 17-4 to the over over the last three seasons. 

8* play on OVER. 

NEW YEARS EVE NBA 3-PACK

The Boston Celtics took a 113-97 loss to Toronto last time out. They had played three straight overs prior to that and they're 20-8 to the over through their last 28 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points. Over is 5-1 in Hornets last 6 vs. a team with a winning straight up record and New Years Eve games are 17-4 to the over over the last three seasons. 

8* play on OVER. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (NCAAB): MIKE'S TOP RATED SIDE FOR DECEMBER

The Temple Owls took a tough one-point defeat to Miami-Florida on Dec 17, but they bounced back with a dominant 78-66 triumph over Rider four days later. I like them to pick up another win here against a UFC side that saw a six-game winning streak come to an end with a one-point loss of its own at Oklahoma on Dec 21. The Knights covered the spread, but this won't be an easy matchup against an Owl team that is 10th in the nation in defensive field goal percentage and 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games. 

10* play on Temple. 

SUNS @ BLAZERS LATE NIGHT NBA *TOP PLAY*

Both teams rank in the top 10 for points scored per game and bottom 10 for points allowed. Last time out Portland took a 128-120 loss to the Lakers and Phoenix has seen four of its last five overall go over the total. 

Over is 17-6-1 in Trail Blazers last 24 home games vs. a team with a losing road record, 23-11-1 in their last 35 games as a home favorite and 4-0 in Suns last 4 games as an underdog.

Over is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings in Portland.

10* play on OVER. 

MONDAY NIGHT COLLEGE BASKETBALL TOTAL

The North Florida Osprey have averaged 75.5 points through their last two games, but still dropped both. Over is 6-1 in their last seven games and here they'll visit a Dayton team that is 8-4 to the over on the season. The Flyers rank sixth in the nation for points per game and they're first in field goal percentage. Ibi Watson scored a career-high 30 points in an 81-53 rout of Grambling State on Dec. 23. 

With both teams coming off a rather long Christmas break, I think a high tempo will make up for eventual rust. 

8* play on OVER.