WARRIORS @ MAVS SUNDAY SLAUGHTER (ATS)

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

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

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

8* play on Golden State Warriors. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

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

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

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

10* play on Houston Rockets. 

LATE NBA NON-CONFERENCE MIDNIGHT MASSACRE

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

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

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

8* play on Sacramento Kings. 

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

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

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

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

10* play on Boston Celtics. 

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

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

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

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

10* play on FSU Seminoles. 

TGIF 3-GAME HIGH ROLLER REPORT

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

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

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

8* play on Utah Jazz. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

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

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

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

10* play on Minnesota Timberwolves. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA)

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

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

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

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

10* play on Sacramento Kings.

3-GAME HIGH ROLLER REPORT

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

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

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

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

8* play on OVER. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

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

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

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

10* play on Utah Jazz. 

HIGH ROLLER 3-GAME REPORT

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

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

8* play on Milwaukee Bucks. 

HIGH ROLLER 3-GAME REPORT

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

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

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

8* play on Boston Celtics. 

VANDERBILT @ GEORGIA BOOKIE BLASTER

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

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

8* play on Vanderbilt Commodores. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

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

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

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

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

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

10* play on Sacramento Kings. 

WIZARDS @ 76ERS HARDWOOD HAMMER

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

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

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

8* play on Philadelphia 76ers. 

CBB BANKROLL BUILDER

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

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

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

8* play on Iowa State Cyclones. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

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

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

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

10* play on Sacramento Kings.

MONDAY NIGHT NBA HARDWOOD HAMMER

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

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

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

8* play on New Orleans Pelicans. 

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

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

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

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

10* play on OVER. 

SUNDAY AFTERNOON NBA ATS ANNIHILATOR

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

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

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

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

8* play on Brooklyn Nets. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

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

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

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

10* play on Houston Rockets. 

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

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

10* play on UNDER. 

KNICKS @ LAKERS HARDWOOD HAMMER

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

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

8* play on New York Knicks. 

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

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

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

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

10* play on UNDER. 

TOP RATED 10* ROCKETS @ WARRIORS PLAY OF THE DAY

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

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

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

10* play on Houston Rockets. 

RAPTORS @ SPURS BANKROLL BUILDER

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

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

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

8* play on San Antonio Spurs. 

HAWKS @ WIZARDS HARDWOOD HAMMER

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

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

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

8* play on Atlanta Hawks. 

MAVS @ HORNETS BOOKIE BLASTER

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

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

8* play on Charlotte Hornets. 

BLAZERS @ KINGS HARDWOOD HAMMER

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

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

8* play on Sacramento Kings.

JAZZ @ RAPTORS BOOKIE BLASTER

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

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

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

8* play on Toronto Raptors. 

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

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

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

10* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA)

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

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

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

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

10* play on Miami Heat. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

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

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

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

10* play on Golden State Warriors. 

TOP RATED 10* SPURS @ NUGGETS BOOKIE BREAKER

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

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

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

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

10* play on Denver Nuggets. 

NETS @ HORNETS HARDWOOD HAMMER

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

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

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

8* play on Charlotte Hornets. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

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

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

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

10* play on Utah Jazz. 

NBA 3-PACK

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

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

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

8* play on Brooklyn Nets. 

NBA 3-PACK

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

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

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

8* play on UNDER. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

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

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

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

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

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

10* play on UNDER. 

TOP RATED 10* CHRISTMAS DAY NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

The Philadelphia 76ers may own a better overall record than the Boston Celtics this season, but they're just 6-9 SU (5-10 ATS) on the road. The 76ers are 2-9 ATS in their last 11 road games when facing a team with a home winning % of greater than .600 which they will here with the Celtics 9-5 SU (8-6 ATS) at home. 

Before dropping three in a row, the Celtics reeled off eight straight wins and they should be very motivated to get back to their winning ways here. We can also note that the Celtics have dominated Philly in recent meetings, winning five of the last six and covering the spread in each win.

10* play on Boston Celtics. 

CHRISTMAS DAY NBA BUCKET BREAKER (TOTAL)

The Houston Rockets are coming off a 108-101 triumph over San Antonio, the seventh of their last 10 games to go under the total. 

Here they'll host an Oklahoma City side that owns the 2nd best defensive rating in the NBA behind Indiana. OKC is scoring significantly fewer points on the road than at home, and over/under is 5-11 in its 16 away games on the season. 

The Rockets and the Thunder clashed in OKC back in November, a game the home team won 98-80. Under is 5-1 in the last six meetings with Houston and I predict another relatively low-scoring affair here on Christmas Day. 

8* play on UNDER. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

The Portland Trail Blazers look like a solid home favorite against Dallas Mavericks Sunday night. 

The Mavs will be playing on no rest following a 120-116 loss at Golden State Saturday night. They're 1-7 ATS in their last eight games playing on no rest, and we can note that teams are 9-23 ATS on the season after matching up with the Warriors their previous game (0-4 ATS when playing on no rest).

Portland will surely be up for this game after taking a 111-102 loss at Dallas earlier this month. The Blazers are 10-4 ATS when looking to avenge a loss and I expect a blowout win for the home team here. 

10* play on Portland Trail Blazers. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

The Oklahoma City Thunder travel to Utah riding a three-game winning streak, and they've had two solid days of rest since putting a 132-113 beating on the Kings at Sacramento Wednesday night. Here they'll take on a Utah team which will play on no rest, and its third game in four nights, after battling the Blazers at Portland late Friday.

Jazz are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games playing on zero days rest. Thunder are 4-0 ATS in their last four games playing on two days rest.

I think the visitors' rest advantage will be the deciding factor and allow them to run away with the game. 

10* play on OKC Thunder. 

LATE NIGHT NBA TOTAL

The Sacramento Kings have allowed 132 points in back-to-back losses and they've played five straight overs, but here they'll face a defensive-minded Memphis team that won't allow the Kings to dictate the tempo. 

Under is 7-3 in Grizzlies last 10 overall and 8-3 in Kings last 11 vs. a team with a winning straight up record. Under is 8-2 in the last 10 meetings in Sacramento.

8* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE YEAR (NBA) SIDE

The Minnesota Timberwolves put a 128-89 beating on the San Antonio on Nov 28, but note that the Spurs are a phenomenal 13-1 ATS in revenge games this season.

The Spurs enter this contest red hot with wins in six of their last seven games, covering the spread in all triumphs. Here they'll host a Minnesota team heading in the opposite direction with five losses through its last six games, and the Wolves are just 2-12 SU (5-9 ATS) on the road this season. 

Home team is 5-0 ATS in the last five meetings and the avorite is 13-3 ATS in the last 16 meetings. This is simply a GREAT spot to back the Spurs with a BIG BET!

10* play on San Antonio Spurs. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA)

The Portland Trail Blazers are coming off back-to-back wins. First they defeated Toronto at home followed by taking down the Clippers as and underdog in LA Monday night. They're 4-1 ATS off an upset win as an underdog this season and I think they'll get the job done here. 

The Blazers will face a slumping Grizzlies side that has lost five of its last six and failed to cover the spread in all those setbacks. The lone win during that stretch was a 92-83 win over Portland on December 12. Expect the Blazers to be ready to avenge that loss tonight and note that they're 9-4 ATS when playing on revenge this season. 

10* play on Portland Trail Blazers. 

CAVS @ HORNETS HARDWOOD HAMMER

The Cleveland Cavaliers earned their eighth win of the season with a 92-91 victory as a 12.5-point underdog at Indiana on Tuesday. Huge let down spot here playing on no rest off an upset win, and they'll face a Charlotte side which has had three days to rest, recover and mull over a 128-100 home loss to the Lakers on Saturday. 

We also have a revenge angle on the home team as the Cavs defeated the Hornets 113-89 in Cleveland Nov 11 in the most recent matchup.

8* play on Charlotte Hornets. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

The Denver Nuggets are 12-3 SU (11-4 ATS) home at Pepsi Center on the season and they've opened this four-game homestand with three victories.

They took down the NBA-leading Toronto Raptors 95-86 on Sunday and here they'll host a Dallas team that's just 2-10 SU (5-7 ATS) on the road this season.

The Mavs are coming off off back-to-back losses to Phoenix and Sacramento and we can note that the home team is 11-5-1 ATS in the last 17 meetings.

10* play on Denver Nuggets. 

TUESDAY NIGHT 3-PACK

The LA Lakers have seen three straight contests go over the total with an average final total of 234.3 during that stretch. 

Here they'll visit a red hot Brooklyn side that has scored at least 120 points in three straight games and an average of 122.8 ppg through a five-game winning streak. 

The Nets beat Atlanta 144-127 last time out and I don't think defense will be a priority for either side here.

8* play on OVER. 

MONDAY NIGHT NBA HARDWOOD HAMMER

The Houston Rockets have covered the spread in three straight victories. I think they'll keep the momentum going with a win against the Utah Jazz Monday night. 

The Jazz have dropped three of their last four and they're 0-4 SU and ATS through their last four on the road. Houston is a solid 6-2 ATS in its last eight home games and should be particularly fired up for this one after losing the first two meetings with Utah this season. 

8* play on Houston Rockets. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

The Timberwolves will be excited to be back home in Minnesota following an 0-4 road trip which included an 141-130 setback at Sacramento on Dec 12. 

The Wolves have won just two games on the road all season, but they've been all the more dominant home at Target Center with an 11-4 SU (10-5 ATS) record. Here they'll be looking to take advantage of Kings team in a tough spot, mentally and physically, following an 120-113 upset win at Dallas on Sunday. 

The Kings are 0-4 ATS in their last four games playing on no rest and "due" to come out flat after a solid run. 

10* play on Minnesota Timberwolves. 

CBB BANKROLL BUILDER

The Arizona State Sun Devils bounced back from last week’s loss to Nevada with a 76-74 triumph over Georgia on Saturday. Here the Sun Devils will face a Vanderbilt team which will be well rested, but also most likely rusty, as it's back in action following a 12-day exam break. 

The Commodores are 6-2 SU on the season, but just 3-5 ATS and 8-24 ATS in their last 32 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record. We can also note that Vanderbilt will have to do without star point guard Darius Garland who suffered a season-ending knee injury on Nov. 23.

8* play on Arizona State Sun Devils. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

The New York Knicks had lost five on the bounce (0-5 ATS) before putting an end to the skid with a 126-124 OT win as a 10-point underdog at Charlotte Friday night. Huge letdown spot for the Knicks here, and they'll face a red hot Indiana team off six straight wins, covering the spread in each of the last five. 

The Pacers have held opponents to an average of 96 points during the six-game run while the Knicks have allowed 110 points or more in nine straight games. 

Knicks are 2-10 ATS in their last 12 Sunday games. Pacers are 37-15-1 ATS in their last 53 Sunday games.

10* play on Indiana Pacers. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The red hot Boston Celtics are looking to make it eight wins in a row as they visit Little Caesars Arena Saturday night. They'll be playing the 2nd game of a back-to-back, but they didn't have to put in much of an effort to beat Atlanta 129-108 Friday night. The Celtics led 108-82 after three quarters and let their reserves take over in the fourth quarter. 

Here Boston will face a Detroit team which is in a huge slump coming off six straight defeats, and its 108-107 loss at Charlotte Wednesday night was the first time during the skid the Pistons even covered the spread. 

The Celtics have covered the spread in six straight matchups at Detroit and I expect them to get the job done once again. 

10* play on Boston Celtics. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (CBB)

The Seton Hall Pirates have won five of their last six games will enter this contest with great confidence following an 84-83 overtime win over No. 9 Kentucky Wildcats on national television Dec. 8. 

They're 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games following a straight up win and will face a Rutgers team off three straight defeats, the most recent a 78-70 loss as an 8-point favorite at Fordham. The Scarelet Knights have struggled on the defensive end lately, giving up an average of 75 ppg through their last four contests. 

Seton Hall is averaging 73.8 ppg home at Prudential Center and I think the Pirates have too much firepower for the visitors to cope with. 

10* play on Seton Hall. 

SUPER LATE NBA NIGHTCRAWLER (TOTAL)

Both the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Denver Nuggets rank in the top 5 for scoring defense. Under is 15-6 in Thunder last 21 road games and 7-2 in Nuggets last nine home games vs. a team with a winning road record (OKC is 7-6 on the road).

Five of the last seven meetings have gone under the total and we saw just a total of 203 points scored when they clashed last month. 

8* play on UNDER. 

TOP RATED 10* TGIF NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

The Brooklyn Nets have won three on the bounce with triumphs over Toronto, NY Knicks and most recently Philadelphia. So aren't the Nets likely to come out flat tonight after an impressive run like that? 

I don't think so, particularly as they'll seek revenge for a 102-88 loss at Washington on December 1. The Nets must really like their chances facing a depleted and slumping Wizards side which is coming off three straight defeats and has John Wall and Otto Porter Jr. are questionable for this contest.

Wizards are 5-21 ATS in their last 26 road games and 8-24-1 ATS in their last 33 Friday night games.

10* play on Brooklyn Nets. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA)

I'm very happy to take the points on the LA Lakers at Houston Thursday night as they seek to avenge a 124-115 home loss to the Rockets on Oct. 20.

The Lakers have won six of seven and will be well rested as they've not played since failing to cover the spread in a 108-105 win over Miami on Monday. They're 6-2-1 ATS in their last nine vs. Western Conference foes and 6-1 ATS in their last seven games following a ATS loss.

The Houston Rockets had lost three straight before breaking out of the funk with a 111-104 win over Portland Tuesday night. They're just 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games overall though and 1-5 ATS in their last six games playing on one days rest.

10* play on LA Lakers. 

NBA 3-PACK

The Miami Heat have dominated recent matchups with the Utah Jazz, claiming each of the last five, but I think that winning streak is about to come an end here Wednesday night. 

Utah is coming off back-to-back losses at San Antonio and Oklahoma City, but it has won its last two games by a combined 61 points.

The Heat are in a tough spot playing the fourth game on a six-game road trip. 

8* play on Utah Jazz. 

SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

The Miami Heat have dominated recent matchups with the Utah Jazz, claiming each of the last five, but I think that winning streak is about to come an end here Wednesday night. 

Utah is coming off back-to-back losses at San Antonio and Oklahoma City, but it has won its last two games by a combined 61 points. The Heat are in a tough spot playing the fourth game on a six-game road trip. 

Over is 8-2 at Vivint Smart Home Arena this season and note that Utah has scored 113 points or more three of its last four games overall. 

8* play on OVER. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA

The Dallas Mavericks have been money against the spread all season long, particularly at home where they're 12-2 SU and ATS.

I think they'll keep delivering the goods when taking on Atlanta Wednesday night, especially as they should be extra fired up for this contest as they seek to avenge a 111-104 loss at Atlanta back in October.  

The Hawks had lost four straight before coming through with a 106-98 win over Denver last time out. They've won just six games all season, and with the most recent losing streak snapped already I think they'll be a no-show tonight. 

10* play Dallas Mavericks. 

NBA 3-PACK

The Portland Trail Blazers will be playing on no rest following a 111-104 setback at Houston Tuesday night. They've won just three of their last 10 games and are 2-8 ATS during that stretch. 

Portland has struggled on the road all season and here it will face a Memphis team which will seek to bounce back from a pair of losses to Lakers and Denver.

The Grizzlies are 7-2 ATS in their last nine home games vs. a team with a losing road record and should get the job done here. 

8* play on Memphis Grizzlies. 

HUMP DAY COLLEGE BASKETBALL BUCKET BREAKER

The Massachusetts Minutemen are coming off an encouraging performance as they rallied back from a 20-point deficit to beat Providence 79-78 on the road last Friday. They're 4-1 ATS in their last five road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600 and might very well record another upset here at Temple Wednesday night. 

The Owls lost by 10 at Villanova a week ago, and while they're undefeated through four games home at Liacouras Center for the season, note that they've not covered the spread once.

8* play on Massachusetts Minutemen. 

CBB BOOKIE BREAKER

The Colorado Buffaloes are going for a sixth consecutive win when visiting the New Mexico Lobos Tuesday night. 

While they're generally a rather poor away from home, note that the Buffaloes covered the spread by more than 30 points their last road game (at Air Force). 

New Mexico is trending in the opposite direction, coming off back-to-back blowout losses. "These last two games have been been exposing to us in a lot of ways that we're not where we want to be," New Mexico coach Paul Weir told reporters. "... Hopefully the reps that we're getting these guys, just like the reps for the guys last year, will allow us to grow and make us a really good team as the season unfolds."

Buffaloes are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall. Lobos are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games overall.

10* play on Colorado Buffaloes. 

TUESDAY NIGHT BLAZERS @ ROCKETS HARDWOOD HAMMER

The Houston Rockets have dropped seven of their last nine games, but I think they'll be fired up for this one as they return home from an 0-3 SU and ATS road trip. They'll host a Portland Trail Blazers side which has followed a 1-7 stretch with back-to-back wins over Phoenix and Minnesota. Both those wins came at home though, and they're 0-5 ATS in their last five road games.

We can also note that Houston will be looking to avenge a 104-85 home loss to Portland on October 30. 

8* play on Houston Rockets. 

NBA 3-PACK

This looks like a great time to fade the Miami Heat who are in a letdown spot following an upset win over the Clippers here in LA on Saturday.

Tonight they'll face a Lakers team which has won five of its last six and rebounded from a loss at San Antonio to crush the Memphis Grizzlies 111-88 on Saturday.  

Heat are 2-9-3 ATS in their last 14 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points. Lakers are 15-5-1 ATS in their last 21 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points.

8* play on LA Lakers. 

NBA 3-PACK

The Golden State Warriors are getting healthier and will enter this matchup with the Minnesota Timberwolves on a three-game winning streak. 

Two-time MVP Stephen Curry has averaged 30.7 points in the three triumphs and if lucky, the Warriors could have All-Star forward Draymond Green back from an 11-game absence due to a toe injury for this contest. 

The Minnesota Timberwolves have won six of their last eight but only two of those wins were on the road, at Brooklyn and Cleveland. The Wolves are 2-9 SU (4-7 ATS) on the road this season and 11-25 ATS in their last 36 road games.

Warriors are 5-1 ATS in their last six home games vs. a team with a losing road record and should get the job done here. 

8* play on Golden State Warriors. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

The Orlando Magic travel to Dallas looking to end a two-game slide, but I think they'll find it difficult to do so against a Mavericks team which has proven extremely hard to beat at American Airlines Center.

The Mavs are coming off a 107-104 win over Houston and have been money at home winning and covering the spread in nine straight games. 

Orlando is 9-3 ATS on the road this season, but home court advantage has been proved to have a huge siginficance in this series with the home team going 6-0 ATS in the last six meetings.

10* play on Dallas Mavericks. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (NBA)

The Toronto Raptors took a 108-105 OT loss at Brooklyn Friday night, perhaps guilty of looking past the lowly Nets and ahead to this marquee matchup with the Milwaukee Bucks. 

They've outscored opponents by a combined 49 points in their last two games following a loss and I expect the Raptors to drop the hammer the Bucks tonight. 

The Bucks have traded wins and losses through their last eight games, but unlike the Raptors I doubt they were looking past their last opponent (Golden State Warriors). 

Milwaukee owns a 16-8 record overall, but it's just 4-5 on the road for the season and 3-11 ATS in their last 14 road games.

10* play on Toronto Raptors. 

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

The LA Clippers had scored 110 points or more in four straight games before getting held to a season-worst 86 in a loss to Memphis Wednesday night. 

I think they'll be back to their free-scoring ways here against a Miami team which opened a six-game road trip with a 115-98 victory over Phoenix Friday night. 

Playing on no rest will almost certainly not do the Heat any favors defensively, and we can note that over is 11-1 in their last 12 games playing on 0 days rest. 

Combine it with the fact that over is 10-3 in Clippers last 13 overall and I think we have a solid case for the over here.

10* play on OVER. 

NBA HARDWOOD HAMMER

The Minnesota Timberwolves should be fresh and lively after two solid days off since putting a 121-104 beating on Charlotte Wednesday night. They're red hot with wins in six of the last seven contests and have covered the spread in all triumphs. 

Here they'll take on a Portland side which has lost six of its last eight and had failed to cover the spread in eight straight games before finally putting together a solid performance with a 108-86 win over Phoenix on Thursday. Phoenix is also in a rut though, and the Blazers will face a much bigger challenge tonight. 

Minnesota has won back-to-back games away from home after opening the season with an 0-8 road record. I expect the hungry Wolves to make it three in a row with a win at Portland Saturday night. 

8* play on Minnesota Timberwolves.

TOP RATED 10* BACKYARD BRAWL BOOKIE BREAKER

The West Virginia Mountaineers had won four on the bounce before taking a 66-56 loss to Florida. They shot just 29.7 percent in the defeat and here they'll face a Pittsburgh team which ranks  third in the ACC in field-goal percentage defense at 37.9 percent. 

The Panthers are 7-2 SU and ATS on the season and they should be fired up for this after a 1-point loss as a 16.5-point favorite against Niagara on Monday.

“As a team, we probably thought we were a little better than we were,” senior Jared Wilson-Frame said afterwards. “I’m pretty sure we’ll be ready for (West Virginia), let alone what happened today. Everybody who watches college basketball or is a part of college basketball knows the importance of that rivalry and how big it is, not only to the cities, but the programs and schools behind them. I don’t think there’s going to be much talking. We’re just going to be focused and ready to fight. It’s called a brawl for a reason.”  

Look for the Panthers to cover he spread and potentially win outright here in the Backyard Brawl. 

10* play on Pittsburgh Panthers. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

The Memphis Grizzlies held the Clippers to their lowest point total of the season and 33.8 percent shooting in a 96-86 triumph Wednesday night.

I expect their top rated defense to allow them to keep it close here at New Orleans Friday night. 

The Pelicans are coming off a 132-106 win over Dallas, but they've not played particularly well lately winning just three of their last nine games. They might be scoring at will, but it's often on expense of their defense and their scoring defense ranks among the worst in the NBA.

Look for Memphis to control the tempo of this game and threaten to win outright.  

Grizzlies are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 Friday games. Pelicans are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 Friday games.

10* play on Memphis Grizzlies. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA BOOKIE BREAKER (TOTAL)

The Houston Rockets had played eight straight overs before taking a 103-91 loss at Minnesota Monday night (with a total closing at 222.5 points). The Rockets had scored 120+ points in three of their last four games prior to that that dudd and here they'll face a Utah team which scored a season-high 139 points against San Antonio on Tuesday. 

Since acquiring Kyle Korver, the Jazz are the 3rd best 3 point shooting team in the league, hitting 43.3% of their shots from downtown, and they scored a franchise high 20 three pointers against the Spurs. 

Over is 7-0 in Jazz last 7 home games and 10-4 in Jazz last 14 games playing on one days rest.

10* play on OVER. 

COLLEGE BASKETBALL MIDNIGHT MADNESS

The San Francisco Dons will seek to rebound from their first loss of the season. They had won seven straight prior to an 85-81 loss as a 4-point underdog against Buffalo in Belfast, Ireland last Saturday and the Dons have been money when closing as a favorite. 

The California Golden Bears meanwhile have lost three of their last four and rank 249th in the nation in scoring defense with 75 points per contest while the Dons rank 7th by allowing just 57.9 points per game.

8* play on San Francisco Dons. 

NBA HARDWOOD HAMMER

The Philadelphia 76ers can compete with the best at home, but they're just 4-7 SU and 3-8 ATS on the road.

Toronto has covered the spread in six of the last seven when hosting Philly and the home team will be looking to bounce back from a 106-103 loss to Denver Monday night.

"Early in the game, they did everything, they wanted to win more than we did," Raptors forward Pascal Siakam told reporters. "We didn't bring the energy that we usually have, we let them get on the run and then we had to fight back."

I expect the Raptors to be fired up for this one and go for the kill. 

8* play on Toronto Raptors. 

TOP RATED 10* BOOKIE BREAKER

The Minnesota Timberwolves have won five of their last six games and have allowed more than 96 points just once during that stretch. They limited Houston to nine points in the fourth quarter of a 103-91 triumph on Monday to improve to 10-4 SU (9-5 ATS) home at Target Center for the season. 

The Charlotte Hornets have lost four of their last six and Kemba Walker mustered only 13 points  on 5-of-16 shooting as he played through a sprained ankle in a 119-109 loss to New Orleans last time out. That was the the second straight game Charlotte allowed 119 points. 

Hornets are 0-5 ATS in their last five games following a double-digit loss at home and I predict an easy win for the home team in this matchup.

10* play on Minnesota Timberwolves. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA) TOTAL

The San Antonio Spurs managed to put an end to a two-game slide with a 131-118 win over Portland last time out. They have seen seven of their last eight games go over the total (one push) and have allowed an average of 127.3 ppg through their last three contests. 

The Utah Jazz are not quite the stout defensive unit we've gotten used to in recent years. They've allowed an average of 113.4 ppg through their eight home games on the season with seven of those going over the total. 

We can also note that the Jazz have been shooting 39.7 percent from the perimeter since trading for veteran shooting guard Kyle Korver. 

I think this total looks way too low and recommend a BIG PLAY on the over. 

10* play on OVER. 

TUESDAY NIGHT NBA MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Dallas Mavericks have emerged as one of the hottest teams in the NBA winning eight of their last 10 games. They're 9-2 SU and ATS at American Airlines Center on the season and look like a good home favorite here against Portland. 

The Trail Blazers have hit a rocky patch after a strong start and have dropped five of their last six, the most recent a 131-118 loss at San Antonio on Sunday, and defense has been a big issue during the slide. 

They've failed to cover the spread in nine of their last 10 and the Trail Blazers are 2-6 ATS in the last eight meetings in Dallas.

8* play on Dallas Mavericks. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

The Minnesota Timberwolves had allowed just 95.5 ppg while winning four consecutive games before taking a 118-109 loss to Boston Saturday. They're 7-3 ATS in their last 10 home games and look good to bounce back against Houston Monday night. The Rockets have averaged 128.5 ppg through back-to-back wins, but against teams a lot worse defensively than Minnesota. Rockets are 2-5 ATS in their last seven road games and I would not be surprised to see them come out flat here after a pair of electric performances.

10* play on Minnesota Timberwolves. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (CBB) ATS

The Iowa State Cyclones are asked to cover plenty of points here against North Dakota State Bison. but I think they'll be well up for the task. 

Iowa State is coming off three consecutive blowout wins and beat Nebraska Omaha by 27 as an 18-point favorite last time out. Additionally they're expected to have Sophomore forward Cameron Lard and senior forward Zoran Talley Jr. back in the rotation after serving seven-game suspensions due to off-court issues. 

"Whatever minutes they get — and that’s what I've talked to them about -— that's your opportunity to make those minutes grow," ISU coach Steve Prohm said last week. "They’ll be in uniform Monday. They've checked all the boxes. It could be two minutes, or it could be 25 minutes — I have no idea. It’s just how the game goes."

Cyclones are 7-2-1 ATS in their last 10 home games vs. a team with a losing road record while Bison are 1-6 ATS in their last seven games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.

I expect Iowa State (especially Lard and Talley Jr.) to be fired up for this game and go for a fourth straight rout. 

10* play on Iowa State Cyclones. 

MONDAY NIGHT CAVS @ NETS HARDWOOD HAMMER

The Cleveland Cavaliers may have the worst record in the East at 4-18, but they're 11-11 ATS on the season and 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400. 

The Brooklyn Nets own an 8-16 SU record while going 10-14 ATS on the season. They've dropped six straight home at Barclays Center outright and have covered the spread in only three of 11 home games. 

It's also worth noting that Cleveland will be looking to avenge a 102-86 home loss to the Nets on Oct. 24, the fourth loss in a 0-6 start that led to coach Tyronn Lue getting fired on Oct. 28. The Cavs have improved since and have managed to win three of their last 10 outright. 

I think the visitors will keep this reasonably close. 

8* play on Cleveland Cavaliers. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA) TOTAL

The San Antonio Spurs have given up an average of 132 points in back-to-back losses by 30 points or more. They're allowing 112.0 ppg on the season and over is 6-0-1 in their last seven games. 

Here the Spurs will face a Portland side which has seen six of its last seven games go over the total, the lone exception a matchup with the total closing at 227 points.

Spurs have been terrible at the defending the three lately allowing their last two opponents to shoot a combined 40-of-95 from downtown, and Portland's backcourt is capable of making it rain. The Blazers shot 53.6 percent from the field in a 121-108 win over the Spurs at home on Oct. 20 and over is 6-1 in the last seven meetings. 

10* play on OVER. 

SATURDAY NIGHT NBA MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Minnesota Timberwolves are coming off four consecutive wins and beat San Antonio by 39 points last time out. 

Let down spot here against the Celtics? I don't think so, particularly with the Celtics playing on no rest after routing Cleveland Friday night. 

The Celtics are 0-4 ATS in their last four games playing on zero days rest and 2-11 ATS in their last 13 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. 

With Minnesota a solid 9-3 SU at home on the season and 7-2 ATS in their last nine at home I expect the red hot Wolves will run away with this game. 

8* play on Minnesota Timberwolves. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

The Golden State Warriors put up a good fight in Thursday's 131-128 overtime loss to the Toronto Raptors, and here they'll have two-time MVP Stephen Curry back after missing 11 games with a groin injury. The Detroit Pistons have played very well lately but are in a tough spot here playing no rest after posting a 107-88 win over the Chicago Bulls on Friday 

I expect the Warriors to get a massive confidence boost with Curry back in the lineup and roll to a comfortable victory. 

10* play on Golden State Warriors. 

NBA 3-PACK

The Denver Nuggets are on a roll, entering this game 4-0 SU and ATS through their last four games. They've won at both Minnesota and Oklahoma City during that stretch to improve to 5-4 on the road for the season, and I think would not be surprised to see them win ouright at Portland Friday night. 

The Blazers had dropped three straight prior to a 115-112 win as a 10-point favorite against Orlando last time out and they've covered the spread in just one of their last eight contest.

Denver has held three straight opponents to fewer than 100 points and it has won three straight meetings with Portland. Under is 4-0 in the last four meetings and I expect Denver to at the very least cover the spread in a relatively low-scoring contest.

8* play on UNDER. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA 

The Denver Nuggets are on a roll, entering this game 4-0 SU and ATS through their last four games. They've won at both Minnesota and Oklahoma City during that stretch to improve to 5-4 on the road for the season, and I think would not be surprised to see them win ouright at Portland Friday night. 

The Blazers had dropped three straight prior to a 115-112 win as a 10-point favorite against Orlando last time out and they've covered the spread in just one of their last eight contest.

Denver has held three straight opponents to fewer than 100 points and it has won three straight meetings with Portland. Under is 4-0 in the last four meetings and I expect Denver to at the very least cover the spread in a relatively low-scoring contest.

10* play on Denver Nuggets. 

NBA 3-PACK

The Charlotte Hornets are a superb 14-7 ATS on the season and the home team is 22-7-2 ATS in the last 31 meetings with a struggling Utah team which has dropped four of their last six. 

Sure, the Jazz managed to outscore Brooklyn by 18 points in the 4th quarter to beat them 101-91 last time out, but I think they'll find it hard to compete with a Charlotte side which has opened a four-game homestand with two straight wins. 

8* play on Charlotte Hornets. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

The LA Clippers have won eight of their last nine following a 115-99 rout of Phoenix Suns on Wednesday, but they're in a tough spot here the second night of a back-to-back and facing a high-paced Sacramento side which will be aiming to bounce back from a 21-point home loss to Utah. 

The Kings are 8-1 ATS in their last nine games after allowing more than 125 points in their previous game and 6-1 ATS in their last seven following a straight up loss of more than 10 points.

I would not be surprised to see the home team win this one outright, but take the points as a little insurance. 

10* play on Sacramento Kings. 

LATE NIGHT SHOWDOWN ~ MAGIC @ BLAZERS

The slumping Portland Trail Blazers enters this contest on a three-game losing streak and they have covered the spread in only one of their last seven contests. The Magic on the other hand are 6-1 ATS in their last seven games overall and have won four of those outright despite closing as a rather sizable underdog in all but one. The visitors have all the momentum and I think Orlando will keep this relatively close. 

8* play on Orlando Magic. 

TOP RATED 10* CBB BOOKIE BREAKER

The Creighton Bluejays look like a solid home favorite against Montana Wednesday night. They won the Cayman Islands Classic by beating the 16th ranked Clemson Tigers in the final and will be looking to keep the momentum going for their upcoming matchup with No. 1 Gonzaga. 

Montana has suffered only one loss on the season, but that was its last game when it allowed Georgia Southern to shoot 51.9% from the field. 

Creighton has too much firepower and I expect the home team to run up the score and win this one by double-digits. 

10* play on Creighton Blue Jays. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (NBA) SIDE

The Minnesota Timberwolves are coming off three straight wins, two of them on the road where they've otherwise struggled this season. They've been all the better at home, entering this matchup with the San Antonio Spurs with an 8-3 SU and 7-4 ATS record at Target Center.

The Spurs will close out a four-game road trip for which they secured at least a breakeven record with a one-point win over Chicago Monday night. 

Spurs are 4-7 SU on the road this season and 6-15 ATS in their last 21 road games. Wolves are 5-0 ATS in their last five home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.

Spurs are 14-1 in their last 15 meetings with the Timberwolves but I like Minnesota in this spot.

10* play on Minnesota Timberwolves. 

LAKERS @ NUGGETS TUESDAY NIGHT NBA TOTAL

Eight of the LA Lakers last 10 games have gone under the total, and none of their last four have gone over the total posted for this matchup with Denver. 

The Nuggets own the third best scoring defense in the NBA and have allowed an average of only 97.5 ppg through its last three contests, all going under the total. Denver is particularly good at defending the three-ball, holding opponents to 32.3 percent shooting from behind the arc. 

8* play on UNDER. 

NBA 3-PACK

The Memphis Grizzlies are 7-2 SU and ATS home at FedExForum and I think they'll give the Toronto Raptors all they can handle Tuesday night. 

The Grizzlies are holding opponents to a league-best 100.0 ppg and have covered the spread in eight of the last 10 when facing a team with a winning record over .600. 

With the Raptors in risk of looking ahead to a nationally televised showdown with Golden State on Thursday, the right play here is to take the points on the home team. 

Under is 7-2 in Grizzlies last 9 vs. a team with a winning straight up record. Under is 16-3 in Raptors last 19 vs. a team with a winning straight up record. Under is 28-8 in the last 36 meetings.

8* play on UNDER. 

TOP RATED 10* RAPTORS @ GRIZZLIES BOOKIE BREAKER

The Memphis Grizzlies are 7-2 SU and ATS home at FedExForum and I think they'll give the Toronto Raptors all they can handle Tuesday night. 

The Grizzlies are holding opponents to a league-best 100.0 ppg and have covered the spread in eight of the last 10 when facing a team with a winning record over .600. 

With the Raptors in risk of looking ahead to a nationally televised showdown with Golden State on Thursday, the right play here is to take the points on the home team. 

10* play on Memphis Grizzlies. 

MONDAY NIGHT NBA 3-PACK

The Orlando Magic handed the Lakers a 108-104 loss yesterday and I think they'll put a good fight here at Golden State Monday night despite playing on no rest. 

The Warriors will be without Stephen Curry for a 10th straight contest and they have covered the spread only once through their last eight games. 

We can also note that the Warriors are a in a look ahead spot with a matchup with the Eastern Conference-leading Toronto Raptors on deck and that the Magic usually are able to keep it reasonably close at Oracle Arena, covering the spread in 10 of the last 14 visits. 

8* play on Orlando Magic. 

MONDAY NIGHT NBA 3-PACK

The Milwaukee Bucks might look forward to this road game at Charlotte following six straight games home at Fiserv Forum. They have won four of seven away from home on the season and defeated the Nuggets at Denver their last time out on the road. Note that Charlotte is 1-7 ATS in its last eight home games vs. a team with a winning road record and that the Hornets have hit a bit of a slump lately dropping four of their last six overall

8* play on Milwaukee Bucks. 

MONDAY NIGHT NBA 3-PACK

The Houston Rockets have opened a three-game road trip with losses at Detroit and Cleveland, but I think they'll win the finale in style when visiting Washington Wizards Monday night. They had won five on the bounce prior to this two-game losing streak and the Rockets have won and covered the spread in three of the last four meetings with Washington. 

The Wizards may have defeated New Orleans last time out, but the Pels were without Anthony Davis and I don't think the Wizards have an answer to James Harden who has averaged 37.5 ppg over the last four games.

8* play on Houston Rockets. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (CBB) ATS

I think Oregon State Beavers will win in a rout when they visit Long Beach State 49ers Sunday. The 49ers are 2-4 on the season, all losses by double-digits and they took an 87-72 beating by Utah Valley last time out despite closing as just a 2-point underdog.

They're 2-7 ATS in their last nine games vs. a team with a winning straight up record and should not stand a chance here against a Beavers side which has won all but one games on the season and defeated Penn 74-58 as a 3.5-point favorite last time out. 

10* play on Oregon State Beavers. 

HEAT @ RAPTORS TOTAL 

I expect to see a high-scoring contest when the Miami Heat visit Toronto Raptors Sunday night. Note that over/under is 11-7 in games involving Miami this season (despite four straight unders) and o/u is 13-7 for Toronto.

The Raptors hit on a season-best 17 shots from 3-point range for a 43.6 percentage from beyond the arc in a 125-107 triumph over Washington Friday night and they've scored 120+ points in three of their last four games. 

Miami had been held to fewer than 100 points in three straight games prior to a 103-96 win at Chicago Friday night, but keep in mind that the Heat rank  seventh in the NBA averaging 11.8 3-pointers per game, so they're definitely capable of putting plenty of points on the board.

8* play on OVER.