NCAAB 
Play: Temple Owls
Rating: 8*

This looks like a good spot to back the Temple Owls as they host the Tulsa Golden Hurricanes Thursday. Tulsa defeated Tulane 62-48 Saturday despite committing a season-worst 22 turnovers. Such sloppy play won't cut it here against the Owls who lead the nation in fewest turnovers per game at 9.3 and are off a 70-63 victory over USF on Sunday. Quenton DeCosey scored a career-high 30 points in that contest, and although he was held to 14 points through two defeats against Tulsa last season I don't see the Golden Hurricanes being able to contain him tonight. The Owls are 6-1 when DeCosey scores 20 or more points, 5-0 ATS in their last five games vs. a team with a winning straight up record and 5-2 ATS in their last seven Thursday games.

NCAAB
Play: Ole Miss Rebels
Rating: 8*

This looks like a good spot to back the Ole Miss Rebels at Mizzou Arena Wednesday night. They've lost five of their last six but they've won four of five all-time meetings with Missouri, covering the spread in all but one contest. They're 5-1 ATS in their last six road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600 and 4-1 ATS in their last Wednesday night games. The Tigers are losers of six straight, three at home, and off a 76-62 home loss to Mississippi State on Saturday as their top two scorers Kevin Puryear and Wes Clark combined for just six points. The Tigers are 1-4 ATS in their last five at home and 0-3-1 ATS in their last four Wednesday games. 

NBA
Play: San Antonio Spurs
Rating: 8*

The San Antonio Spurs are a perfect 26-0 (18-8 ATS) home at AT&T Center, and bounced back from Saturday's loss at Cleveland with a 107-92 victory against the Magic Monday night. Tonight they'll host the New Orleans Pelicans who are off a 110-95 home loss to the Grizzlies, and the Pels are just 2-8 ATS following a straight up loss of more than 10 points. this season. New Orleans has had a disappointing season so far entering this game with an 18-29 record (20-27 ATS), and we can note that the Spurs are 18-6 ATS when facing a team with a losing record this season. 

NBA
Play: Golden State Warriors
Rating: 8*

The Golden State Warriors will conclude their three-game tour of the east coast with a game in the nations capital against the Washington Wizards Wednesday night. They destroyed the Knicks 116-95 Sunday, and I expect another blowout win for the Warriors tonight. The Wizards fell 114-98 at Oklahoma City Tuesday, and they're just 1-6 ATS in their last six at home and the Warriors have had plenty of success in recent visits to Verizon Center, covering the spread in four of the last five. Washington has allowed opponents an average of 115 points in the last five games, and odds are it'll struggle here against the highest scoring team in the NBA. 

We can also note that the  Wizards coach Randy Wittman is expected to miss his second straight game due to personal reasons. 

NCAAB *LATE SHOW*
Play: Colorado State
Rating: 8*

This looks like a good spot to take the points on the Colorado State Rams. They average 9.6 made 3-pointers per game which leads the conference and ranks 18th nationally. Shooting well from behind the arc will always give them a great chance to cover large spreads and they're 5-2 ATS in their last seven road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. The San Diego State Aztecs have nine straight wins, five of them by double-digits, but they're just 3-9 ATS in their last 12 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.

BASKET BRAWLER
Play: Miami Heat
Rating: 10*

The Miami Heat are getting healthy again and coming into this contest riding a four-game winning streak. I absolutely love taking the points here against a Houston Rockets side that has lost three straight while giving up an average of 123 points. They're giving up an average of 105.6 points per game on the season and the Heat are 4-1 ATS in their last five vs. poor defensive teams that are allowing 99+ points/game. The Wizards defeated the Rockets 123-122 Saturday, and they're 2-11 ATS of an upset loss as a favorite and only 11-16 ATS home at Toyota Center.

The Heat won 109-89 home in Miami on Nov. 1 in the most recent meeting, and I like their chances tonight as well.  

HARDWOOD HAMMER
Play: Kentucky
Rating: 8*

The Kentucky Wildcats defeated the Tennessee Volunteers 66-48 in Lexington last year to make it eight wins in the past nine meetings. I don't think the Volunteers will be able to hang with the Wildcats tonight either. The Wildcats are off a 90-84 overtime loss at Kansas Saturday, but they're 5-1 ATS in its last six games following a straight up loss and it's fair to say that they did not have the referees on their side in that contest. They're currently tied for second in the conference with South Carolina and 12-4-2 ATS in their last 18 vs. Southeastern opponents. The Volunteers have lost five of their last seven overall and blew a 14-point halftime lead in Saturday's 75-63 road loss to TCU. That must be extremely demoralizing and they're just 3-7-1 ATS in their last 11 games overall.

BIG12 GAME OF THE YEAR
Play: Texas Longhorns
Rating: 10*

This looks like an excellent spot to take the points on the Texas Longhorns. They've won five of their last six games and knocked off Vanderbilt 72-58 over the weekend as they held the Commodores to just 16 points in the first half. They've covered the spread in each of their last four overall and they're 4-1 ATS in their last five vs. Big 12. The Baylor Bears are 14-1 SU home in Waco this season but only 3-7 ATS in their last 10 in their own building and 3-9 ATS in their last 12 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600. They're 0-3-1 ATS in their last four overall and the Longhorns are 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings in Baylor.

NBA 3-Pack
Play: Washington Wizards
Rating: 8*

This looks like way too many points for the Oklahoma City Thunder to give away. The Washington Wizards are coming into this contest off a 123-122 win at Houston Saturday. They're 6-1 ATS in their last seven road games and the away team is 3-1-1 ATS in the last five meetings in this series. The Thunder are off three consecutive wins and they've won 10 of their last 11. They're however constantly getting too much respect from the bookmakers regarding the spread, proved by the fact that they're only 2-12 ATS in their last 14 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record and they're 0-5 ATS in their last five overall.

We can also note that the Wizards are averaging 102.3 points on the season and the Thunder are 7-18 ATS vs. teams that are scoring 99+ points/game. 

NBA 3-Pack
Play: Detroit Pistons
Rating: 8*

The Detroit Pistons will be looking to bounce back from a pair off losses to Cleveland and Toronto, and the Brooklyn Nets looks like an easy victim. Brooklyn has just three wins since the turn of the new year and it's 2-8-1 ATS in its last 11 home games. The Pistons are 6-1 ATS in their last seven games vs. a team with a winning % below .400 and 4-1 ATS in their last five following a straight up loss. 

The only Nets player to worry about is Brook Lopez, but Andre Drummond should be able to take care of him sufficiently. 

NBA 3-Pack
Play: Cleveland Cavaliers
Rating: 8*

The Cleveland Cavaliers are off a dominant 117-103 win against the Spurs and the Cavs are starting to buy into Tyronn Lue's style of play. Kevin Love has received a boost averaging 23.7 points with a pair of double-doubles in the last three games and Timofey Mozgov is 15-of-21 from the field in the last four. The Cavs are are 10-2 ATS in their last 12 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record and 3-0-1 ATS in their last four on the road. The Pacers are off a pair of wins against Atlanta and Denver, but they're just 2-7 ATS in their last nine games overall.

NBA 3-Pack
Play: Portland Trail Blazers
Rating: 8*

The Trail Blazers are getting very comfortable home in Portland coming off three dominant home wins against LA Lakers, Sacramento and Charlotte. They're a perfect 4-0 ATS after playing three or more consecutive home games this season and the Minnesota Timberwolves should pose very little threat tonight. Minny has dropped three straight and five of its last six. It has just two wins since new years and is 1-4 ATS in its last five road games. We can also note that the Timberwolves are 0-6-1 ATS in the last seven meetings in Portland.

Portland's Damian Lillard is playing with a point to prove after being snubbed for the All Star game and he delivered 22 points, six assists, five rebounds and three steals in Friday's 109-91 rout of the Hornets. I don't think Minnesota will have much of an answer to C.J McCollum and Lillard's dominance from behind the arc.  

NBA 3-Pack
Play: Golden State Warriors
Rating: 8*

The Golden State Warriors nearly blew a 24-point second-half lead against the 76ers last night. Steve Kerr must be extremely disappointed with what he saw and I expect him to urge the Warriors to come out with more fighting spirit and annihilate the Knicks without hiccups tonight. The Knicks had lost four straight prior to a 102-84 victory over the lowly Suns Friday. They've covered the spread in only three of the last nine meetings with the Warriors overall and one of the last five meetings at MSG. 

I'm not concerned about fatigue as the Warriors are 23-8-1 ATS in their last 32 games playing with no rest, and they're 5-0 ATS (16.40 ppg) since Dec 31, 2015 on the road after a game on the road.

NBA 3-Pack
Play: Boston Celtics
Rating: 8*

The reeling Orlando Magic have just one win since the turn of the new year and they've lost each of their last eight, the most recent a 113-94 setback at Boston Friday. I don't think they'll be able to revenge that loss home in Orlando tonight as the Celtics are solid away from home (14-10 ATS), and we can note that Marcus Smart is averaging 11.4 points on 41.7 percent shooting on the road, compared to 7.8 points with a 29.6 percent clip at home. The Celtics are 6-1 ATS in their last seven games following a straight up win of more than 10 points while the Magic are 0-4 ATS in their last four after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game and a pathetic 3-13 ATS in their last 16 games overall. 

The Magic have averaged 101.5 points per game through four consecutive home wins over Boston, but they've averaged just 93.1 per game in their last eight overall and this looks like a good spot for the Celtics to end their woes in Orlando. It's also worth noting that the Magic are 0-7 ATS (-14.93 ppg) since Dec 11, 2015 after a loss on the road.

NCAAB
Play: Wichita State Shockers
Rating: 8*

The Wichita State Shockers defeated the Evansville Purple Aces 67-64 at home earlier this month. I like their chances on the road at Ford Center today as well. The Shockers are on a roll, looking for an 11th consecutive victory and they've covered the spread in six straight games. They've won each of the last six meetings and 11 of the last 13 with Evansville and covered the spread in four of the last five. Evansville is a perfect 11-0 SU at home this season, but 4-10-1 ATS in its last 15 home games dating back to last season. Another factor I like to take into consideration for College Basketball is the day of the week, and that trend points to a significant advantage for Wichita State who is 6-1 ATS in its last seven Sunday games while Evansville is 2-6 ATS in its last eight.

Super Early NCAAB
Play: IUPUI Jaguars
Rating: 8*

This looks like a good spot to back the IUPUI Jaguars. The North Dakota State Bison defeated Western Illinois 65-52 on the road last Saturday, but they've covered the spread in just three of their last 11 away from home and they're 0-5 ATS in their last five coming off an ATS win. The Jaguars have played extremely well lately and they're 6-1 at at home this season. We can also note that day of the week suggest a big advantage for the Jaguars who are 5-0 ATS in their last five on Sunday while the Bison are 1-4 ATS in their last five Sunday games. The Bison have won six straight meetings, but that dominance ends today!

NBA
Play: San Antonio Spurs
Rating: 10*

This looks like a no brainer to me. The San Antonio Spurs have won 14 of their last 15 with the lone setback a 120-90 loss at Golden State Monday. They bounced back with a 130-99 rout of Texas-rival the Rockets two days later and are coming into this game after two full days of rest and preparations. They're 4-1 ATS in their last five games playing with two days rest and 6-2 ATS in their last eight road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. 

They've covered the spread in nine of the last 13 meetings in the series and five of the last six at Cleveland. The Spurs defeated the Cavs 99-95 home in San Antonio on Jan. 14 and Cleveland is in a very rough spot here. It won 114-106 at Detroit last night and I don't see the Cavs being able to compete with the Spurs here the very next day on such short rest. 

We can also note that the Spurs are 13-3 ATS in their last 16 Saturday games while the Cavaliers are 1-4 ATS in their last five Saturday games. This is a trend I don't look at that often but when the difference is this big on favor of one team I think it's worth to take into consideration. 

NBA
Play: Memphis Grizzlies
Rating: 10*

The Sacramento Kings are off three consecutive road losses this week and I don't like their chances at Memphis Saturday night. The Grizzlies have won six of their last seven overall and they're an amazing 10-2 ATS over their last 12 home at FedExForum. They've won 10 straight when hosting the Kings who they defeated 103-89 at Sacramento back in November. I like to play revenge angles, but that's almost none existent here as Sacramento is only 3-10 ATS when revenging a home loss vs. an opponent this season.

NCAAB
Play: Akron
Rating: 8*

The Akron Zips are off three straight wins and defeated Northern Illinois 77-66 Tuesday. They're 6-2 ATS in their last eight Saturday games and also 6-2 ATS in their last eight games following a straight up win. The Ball State Cardinals are coming off a 12 point loss at Buffalo in their latest game and they're 5-11 ATS in their last 16 games following a ATS loss and 1-4 ATS in their last five at home. The Zips are 9-4 ATS in the last 13 meetings and I think they'll prove to be far too strong for the Cardinals today. 

NBA 3-Pack
Play: Portland Trail Blazers
Rating: 8*

The Charlotte The Hornets haven't had more than one day off in more than two weeks and they've had a demanding week so far. They defeated the Kings 129-128 in double overtime at Sacramento Monday but were extremely lackluster in a 102-73 loss at Utah two days later. I think they'll be in for another tough game tonight facing a Portland Trail Blazers team coming off back-to-back blowout wins against the Lakers and the Kings. They've been off since Tuesday and are 7-1 ATS in their last eight when playing with two days rest and have won six of their last eight overall straight up. 

Portland is 7-1 ATS in its last eight home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400 and it has covered the spread in six of the last seven when taking on the Hornets in Portland.

NBA 3-Pack
Play: Utah Jazz
Rating: 8*

This looks like a very tough spot for the Minnesota Timberwolves who have lost 13 of their last 15 straight up and are 2-5 ATS in their last seven road games. The Utah Jazz are looking good to win back-to-back games for the first time in almost three weeks as they're coming off a dominant 102-73 rout of the Hornets two days ago. They're 8-3-1 ATS in their last 12 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400 and will be well motivated to revenge a 94-80 loss at Minnesota on Dec. 30. Both Derrick Favors and Rudy Gobert sat out that contest with injuries but will be available tonight, and the Jazz are 12-6 ATS revenging a loss to an opponent this season. 

NBA 3-Pack
Play: Boston Celtics
Rating: 8*

The Boston Celtics are on a roll coming off four consecutive wins. I predict an easy win as they host the hapless Orlando Magic Friday night. Orlando has lost 11 of its last 12 straight up and it's 2-8 ATS since the turn of the new year. It defeated the Celtics 110-91 home in Orlando back on Nov. 29, but the Celtics have won nine straight meetings at TD Garden while holding the Magic to 88.7 points per game on 40.4% shooting. We can also note that the Celtics are 12-9 ATS when revenging a loss vs. an opponent this season and 6-2 ATS in Friday night games. Boston is a perfect 3-0 ATS as a home favorite of 6.5 to 9 points this season and this looks like a good spot to back the home team.

NBA
Play: Memphis Grizzlies
Rating: 8*

The Milwaukee Bucks had Jason Kidd back on the bench for the first time in 17 games when they defeated Orlando 107-100 Tuesday. I think they'll find it extremely tough at Memphis Thursday night though, and we can note that they're 1-9 ATS in their last 10 after a game as a favorite. The Grizzlies have won 10 of their last 11 home at FedExForum (9-2 ATS) and defeated Orlando 108-102 in overtime Monday. 

The Bucks' 49.3 points per game in the paint is tied with Sacramento for tops in the NBA, but if any team should be able to handle them it's the Grizzlies who are yielding a league-low 37.9 points per game in the paint. This must be a huge concern for Milwaukee who very much rely on its big men to get the wins, and this looks like a good spot to back the home team.

NBA
Play: Indiana Pacers
Rating: 8*

The Atlanta Hawks have lost three of their last four and fell 85-83 in a tight and tough matchup against the Clippers last night. They'll visit an Indiana Pacers team that suffered a two-point loss to the Clippers their last game as well, but Indiana is entering this contest with one more day of rest. The Hawks are 2-5 ATS in their last seven when playing on no rest and 3-7 ATS in their last 10 Thursday games, so this is far from a good spot for the Hawks.

The Pacers have lost six of their last seven, but five of those games were on the road and they're 15-5 ATS when playing against a team with a winning record this season. They defeated Atlanta 93-87 here at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on Dec. 28 and are allowing only 97.2 points per game in their own building compared to a 100.0 season average overall. Paul George is on fire with a total of 65 points and 15 boards in his last two games, and I think he and rest of the Pacers team will prove to be too much for the Hawks to handle tonight. 

NBA
Play: Washington Wizards
Rating: 8*

This looks like a very tough spot for the Denver Nuggets as they've lost four of their last five and fell 111-103 at Boston last night. The Wizards are also 1-4 in their last five and off a 106-89 loss at Toronto Tuesday, but they're 10-3 ATS in their last 13 games following a ATS loss and 12-4 ATS in their last 16 games following a straight up loss. The Nuggets have struggled in recent meetings in this series as the Wizards swept last season's two meetings and have won four of the past six matchups. The Nuggets have failed to cover the spread in each of the last four visits to Washington and they're 2-5 ATS in their last seven games vs. a team with a losing straight up record.

Washington shooting guard Bradley Beal is expected to miss his second consecutive game after he broke his nose and suffered a concussion Monday, but he has already missed 20 games with a variety of ailments this season so the Wizards should know how to cope without him by now.

NBA
Play: Utah Jazz
Rating: 8*

The Hornets have sprung to live of late with four wins in their last five games. They're in a rough spot here though after a 129-128 2OT win at Sacramento Monday and they're 0-7-1 ATS in the last eight meetings in Utah. They did defeat Utah 124-119, also in 2OT, on Jan. 18, but we can note that the Jazz are 11-6 ATS when revenging a loss against an opponent this season. Utah's Derrick Favors missed that meeting due to a back injury but was back from a 16-game absence on Monday, contributing 14 points on 5-of-8 shooting in 20 minutes off the bench. The Jazz should also be plenty motivated to bounce back from Monday's 95-92 loss against the Pistons and are a perfect 6-0 coming off an upset loss as a favorite on the season.   

NBA
Play: San Antonio Spurs
Rating: 8*

The San Antonio were absolutely annihilated in Monday's showdown with the defending NBA champions as they fell 120-90 to the Warriors at Oakland. I expect the Houston Rockets to pay the price tonight. Tim Duncan (knee) sat out Monday but is expected back on Wednesday and the Spurs are 13-3 ATS in their last 16 games following a straight up loss. They're 17-7 ATS home at AT&T Center for the season which includes a 6-1 ATS record as a home favorite of 9.5 to 12 points. Houston has played decent basketball of late coming off three straight victories, the most recent a narrow 112-111 win at New Orleans Monday. They did however lose 121-103 here in San Antonio on Jan. 2 and the home team is 8-0 ATS in the last eight meetings in the series.

NBA
Play: Under
Rating: 8*

The Oklahoma City Thunder are usually a high-paced team, but this is a rough spot for them and I expect the visitors to try and make this as slow of a game as possible. This will be their fourth consecutive road game since Friday and they're off a 128-22 OT win at New York last night. The under is 8-2 in Thunder last 10 games playing on no days of rest and 5-1-1 in their last seven vs. a team with a losing straight up record. The under is 15-9 through the Minnesota Timberwolves 24 games home at Target Center this season and they're averaging just 97.5 points per game in front of the home town crowd. Minnesota is a bit banged up as well with starting PF Kevin Garnett (knee) and backup SG Kevin Martin (wrist) both set to miss their second consecutive contest.

The Under is 5-2 in the last seven meetings in Minnesota and 4-1-1 in the last six meetings overall. This will be the third meting of the season with the previous two seeing 197 and 206 points respectively.

NBA
Play: Milwaukee Bucks
Rating: 8*

I like what I've seen from the Milwaukee Bucks in recent weeks, and I really like their chances of beating up on the lowly Orlando Magic tonight with coach Jason Kidd back on the bench for the first time in 18 games due to hip surgery. Milwaukee has won four of its last seven outright while covering the spread in five of the contests. The Bucks are 4-1 ATS in their last five home games vs. a team with a losing road record and hava a winning 12-7 straight up record home at BMO Harris Bradley Center. The Magic are 1-5 ATS in their last six road games overall and 0-4 ATS in their last four road games vs. a team with a winning home record. They have only one win in their last 11 games and off six consecutive defeats. 

NBA
Play: Philadelphia 76ers
Rating: 8*

The Phoenix Suns are one of few teams that have been in worse shape than the Philadelphia 76ers in recent weeks, and I think this looks like a good spot to back Philly. The Suns ended a six-game skid with a 98-95 win against Atlanta Saturday, their mere second win in 17 contests. They're 1-10 ATS in their last 11 games following a ATS win and 0-8 ATS in their last eight games following a straight up win. The 76ers have been competitive of late splitting their last four games and covering the spread in five of their last six. Philadelphia earned its first road win with a 111-104 triumph at Phoenix on Dec. 26, and I think the 76ers will come ahead tonight as well.

NBA
Play: Los Angeles Clippers
Rating: 8*

The Los Angeles Clippers have split their last six games and are off a 112-94 loss at Toronto Sunday. They're however 5-2 ATS after a loss by 10 points or more this season and I think they look good to get back to their winning ways tonight when visiting a Pacers team that has struggled of late. Indiana has only on win in its last six games (1-5 ATS), and it's just back home from a long road trip. Worth noting here is that the Pacers are 2-5 ATS in their last seven home games following a road trip of seven or more days while the Clippers are 6-2 ATS in their last eight road games.

NBA
Play: Under
Rating: 10*

The Golden State Warriors have averaged 126.3 points per game over their last three, but here they'll come up against the toughest team to score on in the league as the San Antonio Spurs are allowing just 89.8 points per game. They've held nine straight opponents to 99 points or fewer and the under 4-1 in the Spurs last five vs. a team with a winning straight up record. Each of the Warriors last four when facing a team with a winning straight up record have gone under as well, and the under is 4-1 in the last five meetings in this series overall and 5-2 in the last seven meetings in Golden State. This game will have a playoff feel to it, and I expect both teams to be extremely stingy on defense. 

NBA *HARDWOOD HAMMER*
Play: Memphis Grizzlies
Rating: 8*

The Memphis Grizzlies have taken eight straight in the series and I expect them to continue their dominance over the Orlando Magic Monday night. The Magic are losers of four straight and nine of their last 11 overall, covering the spread in just two of the games in that span. They blew a 15-point lead with 7:15 to go in regulation in a 120-116 loss to Charlotte Friday and the morale in the team must be terrible right now.

The Grizzlies meanwhile had won four straight prior to a 106-101 loss at Minnesota Saturday. They're 4-0 ATS in their last four following a straight up loss and 8-2 ATS in their last 10 at home.

NCAAB
Play: Wisconsin Green Bay
Rating: 8*

The Wisconsin Green Bay Phoenix have won five straight in the series, including three straight at home. The game at Green Bay last season was a 96-76 blowout win for the Phoenix who are off a 111-95 home loss to Oakland, a season high in points allowed. They're however still 20-8 ATS in their last 28 home games vs. a team with a losing road record and Detroit is coming off four consecutive losses. Day of the week is a trend I really pay attention to when it comes to College Basketball, and that stat strongly suggest a play on the Phoenix as they're 5-0 ATS in their last five Monday games. The Detroit Titans on the other hand 2-5-1 ATS in their last eight Monday games. 

NBA
Play: Toronto Raptors
Rating: 8*

This looks like a good spot to back the red hot Toronto Raptors home at Air Canada Centre Sunday night. The Los Angeles Clippers bounced back from Thursday's 115-102 loss to the Cavs with a 116-88 win at New York the next day, but that puts them in a pretty poor situation here. They have to cross the border to play their third road game in four days, and they're 1-5 ATS in the last six meetings in Toronto and 3-9 ATS in their last 12 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points. The Raptors are off seven straight wins (6-1 ATS) and blew away the Heat in a 101-81 win Friday. They're 4-0 ATS in their last four games playing on one days rest and 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Demar Derozan has averaged 33.5 points in his lat two games, and he scored 21 points and Lowry handed out 10 assists in a 91-80 victory at Los Angeles on Nov. 22.

NBA *MIDNIGHT MADNESS*
Play: Portland Trail Blazers
Rating: 8*

The Los Angeles Lakers are coming straight off a 108-95 loss against the Spurs home in L.A. last night. They're 2-8 ATS in their last 10 on the road after a game at home and 7-20 ATS in the last 27 meetings in Portland. The Blazers are looking to bounce back from a 104-98 loss to the Hawks Wednesday and they're 5-0 ATS in their last five games playing on two days rest and 5-2 ATS in their last seven following a ATS loss. They're 6-1 ATS in their last seven home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400. Let's roll with the Blazers here as the Lakers surely will fade off throughout the game. 

BASKET BRAWLER*
Play: Denver Nuggets
Rating: 10*

This looks like a good spot to back the Denver Nuggets home at Pepsi Center where they've split their past three games while covering the spread in five. They kept the Nuggets close in a 102-101 loss Thursday and have won eight of the last 10 meetings in this series, including all six in Denver. The Pistons will play their third road game in four days ad lost 115-99 at New Orleans Thursday. They've allowed an average of 113.3 points in the last three games and they're 11-23 ATS in their last 34 road games vs. a team with a losing home record. Detroit has the worst free throw percentage in the league with just 65.2% while Denver is shooting a respectable 75.9% from the foul line. Never underestimate the importance of free throws in cloes games. 

NBA *BASKET BRAWLER*
Play: Golden State Warriors
Rating: 10*

This looks like a good spot to back the Golden State Warriors. They've destroyed both the Cavs and Bulls by 30+ points in their last two games and I don't see them slowing down here with a matchup against the Spurs coming up Monday. Oracle Arena will be buzzing and the Warriors are 10-4-1 ATS in their last 15 Friday night games. The Pacers ended a three-game skid with a narrow 97-94 win over the Suns Tuesday. If you only beat the lowly Suns by three points, odds are you'll be in big big trouble against the reigning champions. The Pacers are 0-4 ATS in their last four road games and 5-14 ATS in their last 19 vs. Western Conference teams. Indiana allowed the Warriors to shoot 54.7% and fell behind by as much as 32 points in the third quarter before fighting back to make it a respectable 131-123 setback in the first meeting of the season on Dec. 8. I don't think the Warriors will slow down and give them that opportunity tonight after they take they inevetably takes lead. 

10* NBA
Play: Toronto Raptors
Rating: 10*

I expect an absolute massacre in favor of the home team when the Toronto Raptors host the banged up Miami Heat Friday night. The Raptors are 5-1 ATS in their last six Friday games and are off six straight wins overall (5-1 ATS). The Heat are in the midst of an extremely gruesome patch in the schedule as they've played seven of their last eight away from home with three more to go of the current road trip after this game. They're plagued by injuries and Hassan Whiteside, Luol Deng and Dwyane Wade are all doubtful for tonight's game and might join Chris Andersen, Goran Dragic and Beno Udrih, who are all definitely out, on the bench. The Heat are 7-18-1 ATS in their last 26 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600 and lost 108-94 here at Air Canada Centre just about a month ago.

*BASKET BRAWLER*
Play: San Antonio Spurs
Rating: 10*

The San Antonio Spurs will have to do without Tony Parker for this contest, but I still think they'll win and cover against the Phoenix Suns. They're riding an 11-game winning streak outscoring opponents by an average of 17.5 points per game, and they're 6-1 ATS in their last seven against a team with a winning % below .400. The Suns are losers of 14 of their last 15 and six straight but made it a close game in Tuesday's 97-94 loss against Indiana. They're however 0-6 ATS in their last six games following a ATS win and 0-5-1 ATS in their last six home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600. San Antonio has won five straight in the series and took the first two meetings this season by a total of 47 points. The Suns shouldn't stand any chance tonight either.

NBA 3-Pack
Play: Atlanta Hawks
Rating: 8*

The Atlanta Hawks have booked 15 consecutive wins against the Sacramento Kings and I don't see them losing tonight either. They opened a four-game road trip with a 104-98 victory at Portland last night and they've now won three straight and five of their last seven to move a season-best nine games above .500. The Kings routed the Los Angeles Lakers 112-93 last night but they're 1-5 ATS in their last six home games and 2-7 ATS in their last nine Thursday games. The Hawks can pull away from the reeling Heat with a win here as Miami lost again last night, and this looks like a very good spot to back Atlanta.

NBA *TRUE LOCK*
Play: New Orleans Pelicans
Rating: 8*

The New Orleans Pelicans have won three of their last four overall and Anthony Davis scored 35 points in his fourth game since returning from a bruised back in Tuesday's 114-99 win against Minnesota. Davis averaged 33 points, 11.5 rebounds and six blocks as the Pelicans won both of last season's meetings with the Detroit Pistons and the Pels are 5-1 ATS in the last six meetings with the Detroit. This looks like another good spot to back the home team as a small favorite. The Pistons opened a four game road swing with a 123-114 win at Houston last night, but they're 2-5 ATS in their last seven games playing on no days rest, and we can note that center Andre Drummond set an NBA record by missing 23 free throws on a franchise-record 36 attempts last night.

NCAAB
Play: Arkansas Razorbacks
Rating: 8*

This looks like a good spot to back the Arkansas Razorbacks. The Kentucky Wildcats are 1-5 ATS in their last six road games and 1-8 ATS in their last nine Thursday games. While day of the week is a dubious trend, I think it's one worth keeping an extra eye on when it comes to College Basketball. The Wildcats have three losses against unranked teams this season and suffered a 75-70 setback at Auburn on Saturday. The Razorbacks are 4-1 ATS in their last five home games and they have a red hot Anthlon Bell who is in the midst of a 21-of-38 run from 3-point range over his last five games and is averaging 17.1 points per game on the season. 

NCAAB Pac-12 Late Show
Play: UCLA Bruins
Rating: 8*

Big game for both teams as the UCLA Bruins and the Oregon State Beavers are involved in a four-way tie for seventh in the conference after last weekend's games. The Beavers are 5-13 ATS in their last 18 vs. Pac-12 teams and will have to do without Jarmal Reid who is suspended for intentionally tripping a referee in the final minutes of Sunday's 59-53 loss to Utah. UCLA is the only Pac-12 team to have at least two scorers in the conference’s top 10 (Bryce Alford and Isaac Hamilton). The Beavers are 0-7 ATS in their last seven Wednesday games, and while day of the week is a trend I usually don't put that much emphasis on, I think it's a really important one to keep track on for College Basketball. This looks like a good spot to back the Bruins. 

10* NBA *BASKET BRAWLER*
Play: Golden State Warriors
Rating: 10*

The Golden State Warriors absolutely destroyed the Cavaliers 132-98 Monday. I don't see them slowing down when facing another top team from the Eastern Conference Wednesday night. The Warriors had not played at their best prior to the blowout win splitting their lats four games, but with their record they can afford to take a few games off here and there. They'll be pumped to make another statement here though, and they're 6-2-1 ATS in their last nine road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. The Bulls are off a 111-101 upset win at Detroit Monday, but they're just 1-4 ATS off an upset win as an underdog this season and 11-22 in that spot over the past three seasons. The Warriors are 12-4 ATS in road games where the total is greater than or equal to 210 this season and I think they'll blow the Bulls off the court tonight. We can also note that the Warriors could afford to rest their starters in the fourth quarter Monday while the Bulls' starters were forced to play down to the wire. 

HARDWOOD HAMMER
Play: Washington Wizards
Rating: 8*

The banged up Miami Heat had played six straight on the road prior to a 91-79 defeat at home against Milwaukee last night. They're back on the road here the very next day as they open a five-game trek with a stop at Washington. The Wizards are off a 108-98 upset defeat against Portland Monday, but they're 11-3 ATS in their last 14 games following a straight up loss and 4-1 ATS in their last five games following a double-digit loss at home. The Heat have lost five of their last six and are coming in shorthanded with point guards Goran Dragic (calf) and Beno Udrih (neck) both expected to be a miss while Dwayne Wade is playing through a shoulder injury. 

8* NBA *LATE SHOW*
Play: Indiana Pacers
Rating: 8*

The Phoenix Suns will be looking to record their second win in 15 attempts when hosting the Indiana Pacers Tuesday night. I don't think the Pacers have any plans to abide though as they seek to end a three-game skid of their own. They lost 129-126 at Denver Sunday but I expect a bounce back game as they're  8-1 ATS in their last nine games after allowing more than 125 points in their previous game. The Suns are 1-6 ATS so far this month and were easily brushed aside in a 117-87 loss at the lowly Timberwolves Sunday. They're the lowest scoring team in the league while the Pacers are decent on the ball, and rookie power forward/center Myles Turner erupted for a season-best 25 points on 11-of-13 shooting in the loss to Denver.

8* NCAAB *HARDWOOD HAMMER*
Play: Clemson Tigers
Rating: 8*

The Tigers are off five straight wins and have covered the spread in each of their last six. They're third in the ACC in scoring defense at 62.4 points per game and I like their chances of upsetting the Virginia Cavaliers tonight. Jaron Blossomgame posted an ACC-career high 25 points in Saturday's 76-65 victory over Miami (Fla.) while the Cavaliers leading scorer Malcolm Brogdon (16.6) must recover from one of his worst shooting performances after making just 4-of-17 in the 69-62 loss at Florida State Sunday. Virginia has lost three of its last four and it's 2-5 ATS in its last seven games overall. 

NBA *BASKET BRAWLER*
Play: Milwaukee Bucks
Rating: 10*

The Milwaukee Bucks have dominated the Heat of late as they swept the four-game series last season, winning by an average of 9.8 points. They're catching the Heat at a good time here as the home team is going through an extremely rough patch in the schedule and is dealing with several injuries. Gerald Green (knee) left the 99-74 loss to Oklahoma City Sunday and is expected to join point guards Goran Dragic (calf) and Beno Udrih (neck) on the sideline while Dwayne Wade is playing through a shoulder injury. The Bucks are off back-to-back wins after rallying past Atlanta 108-101 in overtime on Friday and winning 105-92 at Charlotte the next night. They're 5-1 ATS in their last six games following a ATS win and should create all sorts of problem for the shorthanded Heat tonight.

MIDNIGHT MADNESS
Play: Los Angeles Clippers
Rating: 8*

Analysis no later than 9AM PST

8* NBA 3-Pack
Play: Boston Celtics
Rating: 8*

The Mavericks are back in Dallas following a three-game road-trip. They lost 112-83 at San Antonio last night and I think they'll struggle with the Boston Celtics tonight. The C's are a fantastic 17-3 ATS in their last 20 when playing on the road on a Sunday, and they're red hot coming off wins against Indiana, Phoenix and Washington. They've covered the spread in eight of the last 10 meetings at Dallas and will be looking to revenge a home loss to the Mavs earlier in the season, a situation they're 6-2 ATS in this season. With Dallas on a back-to-back this looks like a good spot to back the Celtics. 

8* NBA HARDWOOD HAMMER
Play: Golden State Warriors
Rating: 8*

The Golden State Warriors are coming into this game against the Cleveland Cavaliers as a small dog, and I'm well happy to take the points on GS. They've not played at their best of late with two defeats in their last three games, but with their record they can obviously afford to take a few games off here and there. They'll be pumped up for this one though and will have all key players available as Harrison Barnes made his return to the starting lineup in Saturday's 113-95 loss at Detroit after easing his way back into the rotation off the bench. The Cavs have obviously played great basketball of late winning nine of their last 10 with the lone loss a 99-95 defeat at San Antonio. I think that says it all though, they can beat the weaker teams comfortably but will struggle when facing teams like the Warriors and the Spurs. The Warriors are 13-6 ATS in the last 19 meetings and although I think they'll win this one outright, taking the points is a nice little insurance. 

10* NBA *BASKET BRAWLER*
Play: Detroit Pistons
Rating: 10*

I'm all over the Detroit Pistons as they host the Chicago Bulls Monday afternoon. The Pistons showed they have plenty of quality as they beat the Warriors 113-95 Saturday and they've covered the spread in five straight meetings with the Bulls, that includes the epic 147-144 4OT win at Chicago on Dec. 18. They're very strong home at the Palace and 7-0 ATS in their last 7 home games vs. a team with a losing road record, while Chicago is 7-9 SU (6-10 ATS) on the road this season. The Bulls have won only one of their last five overall (0-5 ATS) and shot just 36% from the field and 2-of-19 from 3-point land in Friday's 83-77 loss to the Mavs. They're 0-4 ATS in their last four following a ATS loss while I don't expect a let down from the Pistons after their marquee win against Golden State since they're 5-3 ATS off an upset win as an underdog this season. 

10* NBA *BASKET BRAWLER*
Play: San Antonio Spurs
Rating: 10*

The San Antonio Spurs are a perfect 23-0 (16-7 ATS) home at AT&T Center this season. They are winning at home by an average of 15.6 points and I like them to win and cover when hosting the Dallas Mavericks Sunday night. The Mavs had lost two straight prior to an 83-77 upset at Chicago Friday. They're however still 5-15 ATS in their last 20 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600 and the Spurs are a solid 5-1 ATS as a home favorite of 9.5 to 12 points on the season. Tony Parker has averaged 27.5 points in the last two games and Kawhi Leonard chipped in 20 points, 10 rebounds and five assists in the Spurs' 10th consecutive victory as they beat the Cavs 99-95 Thursday. The Mavs have a home-game against the Celtics on deck tomorrow and might decide to rest starters if this game is running way from them while the Spurs will be off until an away game at Phoenix Thursday. 

NBA *AFTERNOON APOCALYPSE*
Play: Minnesota Timberwolves
Rating: 8*

I think this is a good spot to back the Minnesota Timberwolves to end a nine-game slide when they host the Phoenix Suns Sunday afternoon. The Suns have dropped 12 of the past 13 games, and their leading scorer Eric Bledsoe is out for the rest of the season and PG Ronnie Price underwent toe surgery on Friday and is expected to miss at least a month. There is not much positive to say about either team, but Phoenix’s average of 106.6 points allowed ranks 29th in the NBA and is way worse than the Wolves 102.9 allowed. Minnesota can play some decent basketball on its day, and I like its chances to break out with a win against the lowly Suns today. 

NCAAB
Play: Over
Rating: 5*

No Comment

10* NBA MIDNIGHT MADNESS
Play: Los Angeles Clippers
Rating: 10*

The Los Angeles Clippers are on a roll coming off 10 straight wins while going 8-2 ATS. They impressed in a 104-90 win against the Heat Wednesday and should have no trouble to win and cover the spread against the Sacramento Kings tonight. Sacramento is off a tight 103-101 win at Utah Thursday, but it's 1-6 off an upset win as an underdog this season and 3-8 ATS in their last 11 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game. Los Angeles has taken five straight in the series, including a pair of wins in October. They opened the season with a 111-104 win here at Sacramento and should win by at least as many points tonight. 

10* NBA *BASKET BRAWLER*
Play: Detroit Pistons
Rating: 10*

This looks like a less than ideal spot for the Golden State Warriors. They bounced back from a 112-110 loss at Denver Wednesday with a 116-98 win against the Lakers the very next day, but I'm not sure how much emphasis they'll put at this game with marquee matchups against the Cavs and the Bulls on deck. The Pistons are off back-to-back losses and fell 103-101 at Memphis Thursday, but they'e 6-1 ATS off a upset loss as a favorite this season and 8-2 ATS in their last 10 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. The Warriors on the other hand have failed to cover the spread in each of their last four when facing an opponent with a winning straight up record and they're 0-5-1 ATS in their last six vs. Eastern Conference teams. The Pistons are a solid 13-6 SU (13-5-6) ATS home at the Palace this season and should be able to give the Warriors a run for their money tonight. 

NBA *LATE NIGHT LOCK*
Play: Houston Rockets
Rating: 8*

This looks like an exceptional spot to back the Houston Rockets. No one can argue that the Cleveland Cavaliers are the better team, but keep in mind that they'll be drained both emotionally and physically from last night's 99-95 loss to the Spurs. The Rockets are red hot and are taking off in the standings with five consecutive wins. They're 8-3 ATS in their last 11 home games overall and 11-1 ATS when hosting the Cavs who are 0-4-1 ATS in their last five games playing on no days rest and 2-5-1 ATS in their last eight road games.

NBA HARDWOOD HAMMER
Play: Atlanta Hawks
Rating: 8*

This looks like a good spot to back the Atlanta Hawks at Milwaukee Friday night. Atlanta will be looking to bounce back from a 107-84 loss at Charlotte Wednesday, and they're 6-2 ATS in their last eight games playing on one days rest and 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games following a straight up loss. We can also note that they're 31-14 ATS on Friday nights over the last three seasons, so a lot of situational trends favoring the Hawks here. Atlanta has won three straight in this series, including both in Milwaukee last season, and it has covered the spread in six straight meetings at BMO Harris Bradley Center. The Bucks have lost four of their last six and I don't see much favoring the Bucks here. 

8* NBA *HARDWOOD HAMMER*
Play: Portland Trail Blazers
Rating: 8*

The Brooklyn Nets ended a five-game skid and picked up their first home win in 11 attempts when they defeated the Knicks 110-104 Wednesday. I don't like their chances of building on that success tonight though when the Portland Trail Blazers are coming to town. Portland is off back-to-back impressive wins against Oklahoma City and Utah, and Damian Lillard is on fire and has been leading the way lately with an average of 30.7 points and 9.7 assists while making half of his attempts from 3-point land in the last three contests. The Trail Blazers are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400 while the Nets are 3-10-1 ATS in their last 14 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400. 

8* MIDNIGHT MADNESS
Play: Under
Rating: 8*

This should be a good spot to back the under with the Golden State Warriors looking to bounce back from a 112-110 loss at Denver last night. The Warriors are generally what I would call an "over" team, but the under is 5-2 in their last seven following a loss and I expect a low-scoring affair at Oakland tonight as they host the L.A. Lakers. The Lakers are off a rare win against New Orleans, and the under is a perfect 6-0 in their last six following a straight up win. This will be the third head-to-head meeting of the season with the previous two averaging just 192.5 points per game, both blowout wins for GS, and this total is way to high to not take a stab at. We should also keep in mind that the Warriors will take every opportunity they can to rest starters, Steph Curry first and foremost.

10* BASKET BRAWLER
Play: Cleveland Cavaliers
Rating: 10*

Backing the San Antonio Spurs to win and cover have been easy money this season, but I'm taking the points on the Cleveland Cavaliers in Thursday's marquee matchup in the NBA. Cleveland is riding an eight-game winning streak sparked by the return of Kyrie Irving who has averaged 16.5 points in 10 games since returning from injury last month. Having Irving back at his best could be vital here as he scored a career-best 57 points and made all seven of his 3-point attempts as the Cavaliers picked up a 128-125 OT victory at San Antonio last March. The Spurs are riding a nine-game winning streak and I honestly can't find much bad to say about this amazing team to justify the play, but this looks like too many points to give to an elite team such as the Cavs as this contest is more than likely to go down to the wire. 

NBA *AFTERNOON APOCALYPSE* Live @London
Play: Toronto Raptors
Rating: 8*

The Toronto Raptors will take on the Orlando Magic at The O2 Arena in London Thursday. The Magic have lost five of their last six outright, failing to reach 100 points in each game, and they're 1-6 ATS in their last seven games overall. Points will surely not come easy here against Toronto's elite defense and the Raptors have held opponents to an average of 85.7 points through their last three games, all wins. Neither team have been in action since Saturday to give them time to prepare for the trip across the pond, and I think that will favor the Raptors who are 4-0 ATS in their last four games playing on three or more days rest. We can also note that the Raptors will be looking to revenge a 92-87 loss at Orlando in the first meeting of the season on Nov. 6, and they're 12-5 ATS when revenging a loss vs. an opponent this season.

8* NBA 3-pack
Play: Boston Celtics
Rating: 8*

This looks like a good spot to back the Boston Celtics home at TD Garden Wednesday night. The visiting Indiana Pacers are off a blowout win against the Suns last night, but they're  0-4 ATS in their last four games playing on no days rest and 2-5 ATS in their last seven following a straight up win of more than 10 points. The Celtics meanwhile will be extremely motivated to end a four-game, and although they lost 120-114 at New York yesterday, keep in mind that they're 37-15-1 ATS in their last 53 games playing on no days rest. They looked better on the ball last night than in previous games as Isaiah Thomas had 34 points, and I think they're catching the Pacers at a good time here.

NBA HARDWOOD HAMMER
Play: Washington Wizards
Rating: 8*

Both the Milwaukee Bucks and the Washington Wizards are off wins against the Bulls. The Bucks played them last night though, and they've had a rough schedule of late with eight games in 14 days. They're 1-4 ATS in the last five matchups in Washington and 3-9 ATS in their last 12 games following a straight up win. The Wizards meanwhile are well rested since a 114-00 win at Chicago Monday and 9-3 ATS in their last 12 games overall and a massive 10-2 ATS in their last 12 vs. Eastern Conference teams. The Wizards have won six of the last seven meetings overall, including a 115-86 rout in Washington on Nov. 17, and I expect nothing less than another blowout win in front of the home crowd tonight. 

10* NBA *BASKET BRAWLER*
Play: Atlanta Hawks
Rating: 10*

Atlanta has averaged 123 points per game over back-to-back wins against Philadelphia and Chicago, and I like the Hawks to leave Charlotte on a high note as well. The hosts are off six consecutive losses and will play their first game since coming back from a one week road-trip. They're 3-12-1 ATS in their last 16 home games following a road trip of seven or more days and 1-7 ATS in their last eight games overall.

The Hawks swept the Hornets through a home-and-home at the beginning of the season and they're 12-5-1 ATS in the last 18 meetings overall and 6-2-1 ATS in the last nine meetings in Charlotte. We can note that Atlanta is averaging 45.0 points in the paint this season while Charlotte is at 38.2, and the Hawks outscored the Hornets by an average of 43-31 in the two meetings earlier this season.

While both teams are fairly inconsistent, the Hawks have a much higher top capacity and they also carry a much better momentum into the matchup. This is pretty much a no-brainer IMO, and I don't think we should try and overthink things here. 

10* NBA *BASKET BRAWLER*
Play: Memphis Grizzlies
Rating: 10*

The Memphis Grizzlies have opened a six-game homestand with back-to-back wins against Denver and Boston, and I think this is a good spot to back the Grizzlies as they host the Houston Rockets. The visitors are off three straight wins, but only one of them were on the road (93-91 at Utah) and they're 2-5 ATS in their last 7 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. Memphis is a solid 13-6 SU home at FedExForum this season and a perfect 6-0 ATS in their last six at home. Memphis has held Houston to an average of 88.5 points in taking the first two meetings this season and the Rockets are 2-8 ATS in the last 10 meetings in Memphis.

8* NBA *HARDWOOD HAMMER*
Play: New York Knicks
Rating: 8*

This looks like a good spot to back the red hot New York Knicks. They've won four of their last five (5-0 ATS) with the lone setback a 100-99 loss at San Antonio. They'll be looking to revenge a 100-91 loss at Boston on Dec. 27 and they're 19-8 ATS when playing on revenge vs. an opponent on the season. Boston meanwhile is struggling with just one win through its last six games (1-5 ATS), a 103-94 win at Brooklyn, and it has been limited to 94.7 points per game in its last three. The Knicks are off a 100-88 win against Milwaukee Sunday as Carmelo Anthony had 24 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists, while Kristaps Porzingis scored 15 points. They've covered the spread in each of their last six playing on one days rest and 12-4 ATS in their last 16 following a straight up win. 

NBA 3-Pack
Play: Under
Rating: 8*

This looks like a good spot to back the under when the Indiana Pacers host the Phoenix Suns at Bankers Life Fieldhouse Tuesday night. The Pacers suffered a 107-103 OT loss at Houston Sunday, but the under is 13-3 in the Pacers last 16 games following a ATS loss and  7-1 in their last eight at home. They've been playing extremely good D of late holding opponents to an average of 88.4 points in regulation over their last five. Phoenix has averaged 97.1 points during a 1-10 stretch and is off a 103-95 loss against Miami Friday. The Suns are coming in well rested and should be able to play some stingy D and Indiana is hardly an offensive juggernaut. 

10* NBA *GAME OF THE WEEK* Bonus
Play: Heat +13.5
Rating: 5*

The Golden State Warriors will entertain the Miami Heat home at Oracle Arena in Monday's marquee matchup from the NBA. The Warriors are off three high-scoring games on a road-trip which included stops at Lakers, Trail Blazers and Kings, but they're giving up just 96.9 points per game home in Oakland and will come up against a Miami defense that rank among the league leaders in scoring defense at 94.8 points per game. The Heat struggled at both ends of the court in a 98-83 loss at Utah Saturday as Dwayne Wade was just 3-of-17 from the floor in 33 minutes. The under is 12-4 in the Heat's last 16 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points and 10-3-1 in their 14 road-games on the season. The Heat's only chance of winning this game is to slow down the tempo and be careful not to turn over the ball. I expect them to be able to do just that and make this a slow, close, low-scoring contest.  

10* NBA *GAME OF THE WEEK*
Play: Heat@Warriors Under 205.5
Rating: 10*

The Golden State Warriors will entertain the Miami Heat home at Oracle Arena in Monday's marquee matchup from the NBA. The Warriors are off three high-scoring games on a road-trip which included stops at Lakers, Trail Blazers and Kings, but they're giving up just 96.9 points per game home in Oakland and will come up against a Miami defense that rank among the league leaders in scoring defense at 94.8 points per game. The Heat struggled at both ends of the court in a 98-83 loss at Utah Saturday as Dwayne Wade was just 3-of-17 from the floor in 33 minutes. The under is 12-4 in the Heat's last 16 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points and 10-3-1 in their 14 road-games on the season. The Heat's only chance of winning this game is to slow down the tempo and be careful not to turn over the ball. I expect them to be able to do just that and make this a slow, close, low-scoring contest.  

NBA *MIDNIGHT MADNESS*
Play: Over
Rating: 8*

The Oklahoma City Thunder have put up an average of 115 in winning six of their last seven and the over is 6-1 in the Thunder's last seven overall. The Portland Trail Blazers are off three consecutive losses but managed to put up 108 points on the board in Friday's 128-108 loss to the Warriors. Damian Lillard dropped 40 points and is getting sharper by each game since returning from an injury. The over is 5-1 in the Trail Blazers last six overall and 6-0 in their last six games following a double-digit loss at home.

NBA 3-Pack
Play: Memphis Grizzlies
Rating: 8*

This looks like a good spot to back the Memphis Grizzlies as a small home-dog to the Boston Celtics. Boston is indeed a very strong road-team, but it's 1-4 in its last five overall and off a 101-92 loss at Chicago Thursday. We should also keep in mind that Memphis is 5-0 ATS in its last five home games. The Grizzlies posted a 91-84 victory over Denver on Friday to begin a six-game stay at the FedExForum as Zach Randolph led the team with 24 points. Memphis is 19-9-1 ATS in the last 29 meetings overall in this series.

NBA *AFTERNOON APOCALYPSE*
Play: Dallas Mavericks
Rating: 8*

The Dallas Mavericks almost came back from a 17 points first-half deficit at Milwaukee Friday but came out a 96-95 loser in the end. They're still 8-3 ATS in their last 11 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400 and this looks like a good spot to back the Mavs at Minnesota. The Timberwolves are 5-15 (3-16-1 ATS) home at Target Center on the season, and Dallas is 12-4 ATS in the last 16 visits. It took all three meetings last season by an average of 14.3 points. Minnesota is losers of five straight and has just one win over its last 10 overall. It lost 125-99 against the Cavs two days ago and is 3-12-1 ATS in its last 16 games following a ATS loss and 0-4 ATS in its last 4 games playing on 1 days rest.

8* NBA *MIDNIGHT MADNESS*
Play: Golden State Warriors
Rating: 8*

The Golden State Warriors are entering this contest on the back of a 128-108 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday as shooting guard Klay Thompson made seven 3-pointers while scoring 36 points. They're winners of five straight with Thompson averaging 33.2 points in that span, and I think this is a good spot to back the Warriors to win big against the Sacramento Kings. Golden State has already won three meetings this season by an average of 15.7 points, including a 103-94 victory in Sacramento on Nov. 7. Fatigue usually don't affect the team as the Warriors are 21-8-1 ATS in their last 30 games playing on no days rest, and they're 18-7-1 ATS in their last 26 road games. The Kings have won three of their last four games, including a 118-115 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday but they're just 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games following a straight up win and 1-8 ATS in the last nine meetings with Golden State. 

8* NBA *HARDWOOD HAMMER*
Play: Chicago Bulls
Rating: 8*

The Chicago Bulls are red hot with six straight wins while going 4-0 ATS in their last four overall. This is a team you want to ride when they're hot as they're 5-2 ATS after three or more consecutive wins this season. They're 7-2 ATS in the last nine meetings with the Atlanta Hawks who are way too inconsistent for my liking. They're off a 126-98 trouncing of the 76ers two days ago but just 4-9 ATS in their last 13 games following a ATS win and 1-4 ATS in their last five games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.

10* NBA *AFTERNOON APOCALYPSE*
Play: Los Angeles Clippers
Rating: 10*

Very simple reasoning here. The Los Angeles Clippers are on a roll and absolutely unphased by an injury to Blake Griffin and off seven consecutive wins. The Hornets are 1-4 ATS in the last 5 meetings in Los Angeles, 3-9 ATS in the last 12 meetings and they've opened the year with four consecutive losses. As if that wasn't enough they also closed out 2015 with a 122-117 home loss to the Clippers and they're just 2-8 ATS when revenging a home loss vs. an opponent. They're also 1-5 ATS in their last six games overall while the Clippers are 6-0 ATS in their last six. This is definitely a good spot to back the Clippers. 

10* NBA *MIDNIGHT MADNESS*
Play: Golden State Warriors
Rating: 10*

The Golden State Warriors are coming into this game riding a four-game winning streak since their mere second loss of the season at Dallas last Wednesday. They're 14-5-1 ATS in their last 20 road games and Stephen Curry is likely to start despite leaving Tuesday’s 109-88 blowout win against the Los Angeles Lakers with a minor injury. "I’m not going to sit out four weeks, so we’ve just got to figure out how to protect it when I’m out there on the floor and keep playing," Curry told reporters. The Portland Trail Blazers are off back-to-back losses to the Grizzlies and the Clippers. C.J. McCollum was forced to sit out Wednesday due to a clerical error which should put the club in a pretty bad mood. The Trail Blazers are 3-11-1 ATS in their last 15 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600 and the Warriors are 8-2 ATS in the last 10 meetings in Portland. Golden State took all three meetings last season by an average of 10 points, don't overthink this one, take the Warriors.

8* NBA 3-Pack
Play: Indiana Pacers
Rating: 8*

The Indiana Pacers have won eight straight head-to-head meetings with the New Orleans Pelicans, and recorded double-digit victories in both of last season's meetings. This looks like another good spot to back the Pacers. They're off a 95-86 win at Orlando Wednesday and 4-1 ATS in their last five games playing on 1 days rest and 10-3 ATS in their last 13 Friday games. The Pelicans are not quite as hot this day of the week going 1-4 ATS in their last five Friday games and they're off a 100-91 home-loss to the Mavs to make it three losses in their last four games. The Pacers Paul George has topped 30 points three times while averaging 28.8 points through his last four games, and while the Pels superstar Anthony Davis is doing his best to carry the team, he's simply not getting enough support. The Pelicans are 6-9 ATS home at Smoothie King Center and I don't think they got what it takes to roll with the Pacers tonight. 

NBA 4-Pack
Play: Cleveland Cavaliers
Rating: 10*

I expect an extremely one-sided affair when the Cleveland Cavaliers visits the Minnesota Timberwolves Friday night. The Cavs are off five consecutive wins but won only 121-115 at Washington Wednesday. The good news is that Kyrie Irving is 24-of-38 from the field in the last two games and that the Cavs are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 when playing on one days rest and also 7-3 ATS in the last 10 meetings in Minnesota. Cleveland took both meetings last season by an average of 18.5 points and the Wolves are in a bit of a mess right now coming off five straight losses, the most recent a 78-74 setback against Denver here at Target Center Monday. 

8* NBA 3-Pack
Play: TOR@WAS Over
Rating: 8*

The Toronto Raptors put up an impressive defensive display in a 91-74 win at Brooklyn Wednesday, but they had surrendered an average of 118.5 points in back-to-back losses prior and here they'll face a very capable team offensively in the Washington Wizards. The Wizards almost gave the Cavs a scare in a 121-115 loss Wednesday as they shot 55.3% from the floor, 58.3% from 3-point land. John Wall was a perfect 4-for-4 from behind the arc and should prove to be a handful for the Raptors backcourt to defend here. It's also worth noting that the over is 6-2-1 in the Wizards last nine games following a straight up loss. The over is 6-2 in the Raptors last eight overall and 10-1 in their last 11 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game. This looks like a good spot to back the over. 

8* *HARDWOOD HAMMER*
Play: Utah Jazz
Rating: 8*

This looks like a good spot to back the Jazz despite them coming off a 123-98 loss at San Antonio last night. Keep in mind that they're 10-2-1 ATS in their last 13 games playing on 0 days rest and will be motivated to revenge a 93-91 home defeat against the Rockets Monday. They're 10-2 when revenging a loss vs opponent and 10-6 ATS and an underdog this season. Monday's win against Utah ended a four-game skid for the Rockets who are 0-5 ATS in their last five games overall. They're 0-3 as a home favorite of 6.5 to 9 points on the season. 

10* NBA *BASKET BRAWLER* Celtics@Bulls
Play: Chicago Bulls
Rating: 10*

The Boston Celtics are coming straight off a demoralizing 99-94 home loss against Detroit last night, and here they'll come up against a red hot Bulls team. Chicago is off five consecutive wins (5-0 ATS) while averaging 109.2 points per game and Jimmy Butler has averaged 32.3 points and 7.0 assists through three games this month. The Bulls will be looking to revenge a 105-100 loss at Boston on Dec. 9 and the Celtics are 6-14-2 ATS in the last 22 meetings overall and 3-7-1 ATS in the last 11 meetings in Chicago.

10* NBA *BASKET BRAWLER*
Play: Los Angeles Clippers
Rating: 10*

This looks like a good spot to back the Los Angeles Clippers on the road at Portland Trail Blazers. The Clippers are 15-5 ATS as a road favorite of 3.5 to 6 points over the last three seasons, and they're on a roll coming off six straight wins, the most recent a 130-99 win against the 76ers and they're a perfect 5-0 ATS in their last five. The Trail Blazers have been inconsistent of late and put up an extremely poor display when they lost 91-78 against Memphis Monday. Damian Lillard was back from a foot injury but struggled, scoring 17 points on 4-of-14 shooting with seven turnovers while C.J. McCollum had an off-night with 16 points on 6-of-18 shooting. Don't be surprised if the backcourt duo has an off night again coming up against CP3 and J.J. Reddick.

8* NBA *HARDWOOD HAMMER*
Play: Charlotte Hornets
Rating: 8*

The Charlotte Hornets are coming off four straight losses, but let's take a look at the opponents they've faced. The defeats have come against the Clippers, the Raptors, the Thunder and the Warriors, and they're 23-11-3 ATS in their last 37 road games vs. a team with a losing home record. The Suns are 8-10 SU home at Talking Stick Resort Arena and off nine consecutive losses overall. They're 3-8 ATS in their last 11 home games and a season-ending injury to Eric Bledsoe last month has sent the team into a tailspin. The road team is 6-2 ATS in the last eight matchups in this series and I think this looks like a good spot to take a stab on the Hornets.

10* NBA *BASKET BRAWLER*
Play: Dallas Mavericks
Rating: 10*

The Sacramento Kings are fresh off a 116-104 win at Oklahoma City last night, but this looks like a tougher match-up at American Airlines Center against the Dallas Mavericks. The Kings are 6-19-1 ATS in the last 26 meetings in Dallas and have the the worst defense in the league allowing 107.7 points per game while Dallas' defense in their own building rank among the best in the league. The Mavs have recorded back-to-back losses since a 114-91 win against Golden State last Wednesday and must be very disappointed about Saturday's 105-98 setback against New Orleans. They're however a perfect 3-0 off a upset loss as a favorite this season, 9-2 ATS in their last 11 games following a ATS loss and 5-1 ATS in their last six home games. Good spot to back the Mavs with the Kings on a back-to-back.

8* NBA *HARDWOOD HAMMER SPECIAL*
Play: Miami Heat
Rating: 8*

The Miami Heat are coming straight off an emphatic 97-75 win at Washington last night, and I expect them to get the job done against Indiana here the very next day as well. Only one of Miami's starters (Goran Dragic) logged more than 30 minutes on the floor last night so fatigue should not be a factor. We also have a revenge angle in play as Indiana has won two meetings already this season. The Heat have won seven of the past eight meetings in Miami and Indiana has won just one if its last seven on the road overall. This looks like a good spot to back the Heat.

10* NBA *BASKET BRAWLER*
Play: Brooklyn Nets
Rating: 10*

The Brooklyn Nets are off a 100-97 win at Boston Saturday, and I think they'll be able to give the Celtics a scare tonight as well. Some might expect a letdown game for the Nets, but keep in mind that they're 7-1 in their last eight off an upset win as an underdog. They're also 13-5 when playing against a team with a winning record while the Celtics are 3-9 ATS in their last 12 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400. Brook Lopez is averaging 22.3 points and 10 rebounds in three games against Boston and I think the Celtics will struggle to stop the star center tonight.

8* NBA *MIDNIGHT MADNESS*
Play: Los Angeles Lakers
Rating: 8*

How could you not take the L.A. Lakers here? The Phoenix Suns are a mess coming off eight straight losses, the most recent a 142-119 loss at Sacramento last night as they allowed the Kings to shoot 60.9% from the field, and now they'll have to face an up-swinging Lakers team at L.A. the very next day? This almost looks too good to be true, but I'll bite. The Lakers have recorded back-to-back wins against Boston and Philly and they're 4-1 ATS in their last five games overall. The Suns are 1-6 ATS in their last seven road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400 and this will be their fourth straight road-game since Dec. 30. I think their focus will be on Wednesday's home-game against Charlotte, and I expect an easy Lakers win tonight. 

10* NBA *BASKET BRAWLER*
Play: Toronto Raptors
Rating: 10*

The Toronto Raptors lost 104-97 at Chicago on Dec. 28, but they've defeated Washington and Charlotte since and they're 11-4 ATS when playing to revenge a loss. Toronto is following a trend in which it wins when it holds the opponent to fewer than 100 points and loses whenever allowing triple digits, and I think it should be able to contain a Chicago team that is likely to be without Derrick Rose for a third straight game. On the other hand the Raptors have a hot hand in Kyle Lowry who scored 28 points in the first matchup against Chicago, and he has averaged 31.0 points on 56.8 percent shooting in his last two against the Bulls.

The Raptors are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600 while the Bulls are 1-4 ATS in their last five road games vs. a team with a winning home record. It's also worth noting that the Bulls blew the Knicks away in a 108-81 win on New Years Day, but they're 1-11 ATS in their last 12 games following a ATS win. 

10* NBA *MIDNIGHT MADNESS* 76ers@Clippers
Play: Los Angeles Clippers
Rating: 10*

The Philadelphia 76ers ended up a 93-84 loser to the Lakers here at Staples Center last night, and I think they'll be in even bigger trouble against the stronger of the two L.A. teams tonight. The 76ers are 3-12-1 ATS in their last 16 games overall, 0-4 ATS in their last four games playing on no days rest and 0-6 ATS in their last six road games vs. a team with a winning home record. The Clippers have just completed the first 5-0 road trip in franchise history and they've won seven straight against Philadelphia by an average of 22.9 points, including homecourt victories by 45, 36 and 29 points. They're 4-0 ATS in their last four home games following a road trip of seven or more days and they've adjusted well to playing without injured Blake Griffin. Don't overthink this one, there's just no way the 76ers got what it takes to roll with the Clippers tonight. 

8* NBA 
Play: Dallas Mavericks
Rating: 8*

We backed the Dallas Mavericks and lost last night when they put up a pathetic display in a 106-82 loss at Miami. It marked the end of a four-game winning streak for the Mavs, but I expect them to bounce back with a big performance at home against the New Orleans Pelicans tonight. The Mavs are 5-0 ATS in their last five at home and I'm not too worried about fatigue as they're 5-1 ATS in their last six games playing on no days of rest, and I highly doubt any player on the team exhausted himself last night. They also matchup well with the Pels who are just 4-9 ATS in the last 13 meetings and off a pair of losses against the Magic and the Clippers. Good spot to back the Mavs here. 

8* NBA 
Play: San Antonio Spurs
Rating: 8*

The San Antonio Spurs will be extremely pumped up as they seek revenge for an 88-84 loss at Houston on Dec. 25. They've destroyed Denver, Minnesota and Phoenix by an average of 18 points since, and I expect them to execute a gruesome revenge on the Rockets tonight. The Rockets have lost three straight since the upset and they're giving up way too many points to be able to compete with the Spurs top rated D. It won't help matters that San Antonio C Tim Duncan (knee) is expected to play after missing the past three games. The Spurs are 6-2 ATS in their last eight games following a ATS win and 12-3 ATS in their last 15 Saturday games while the Rockets are 5-13 ATS in their last 18 games following a straight up loss and 1-4 ATS in their last five road games.

8* NBA *AFTERNOON APOCALYPSE* Nets@Celtics
Play: Brooklyn Nets
Rating: 8*

The Brooklyn Nets have been money on the road this season and they're 10-1 ATS in their last 11 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. They're well rested since a 100-93 loss at Orlando Wednesday and 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games playing on two days rest. I think they'll be able to give the Celtics a run for their money here. Boston saw a four-game winning streak come to an end when it fell 112-104 at home to the woeful Lakers two days ago. It's just 2-6 ATS in its last eight home games vs. a team with a losing road record, and the underdog is 4-1 ATS in the last five head-to-head meetings with the Nets.

10* NBA *BASKET BRAWLER*
Play: Dallas Mavericks
Rating: 10*

The Dallas Mavericks are off an impressive 114-91 win against the Warriors Wednesday. Sure, Golden State was shorthanded playing without Steph Curry, but it was hardly a fluke win as Dallas has been hot lately winning four straight overall while averaging 113.5 ppg and it's 5-1 ATS in its last six games overall. The Mavs will open the new year with a game against a dysfunctional Heat team at Miami on New Years Day, and this looks like a good spot to back the red hot Mavs. Miami is off back-to-back losses versus Brooklyn and Memphis, and it's only 2-6-1 ATS in its last nine home games vs. a team with a winning road record. The Mavs had lost seven consecutive meetings before a 93-72 victory here at American Airlines Arena on Jan. 30 and they're 16-4-1 ATS in the last 21 meetings in Miami.

10* NBA *NEW YEARS EVE SPECIAL*
Play: Detroit Pistons
Rating: 10*

The Detroit Pistons are coming into this game looking to end a three-game skid, the most recent setback a 108-96 defeat to the Knicks at New York Tuesday. They're 15-5-1 ATS in their last 21 games playing on one days rest and 12-2-1 ATS in their last 15 after a loss as a favorite though, and I expect a big performance against the Minnesota Timberwolves tonight. Minnesota ended a four-game slide of its own when it defeated Utah 94-80 last night. The dominant win sets up a classic letdown spot tonight though, and it's also worth noting that the Timberwolves are 13-29 ATS in their last 42 games when playing on back-to-back nights.

8* NBA
Play: San Antonio Spurs
Rating: 8*

The San Antonio Spurs would probably get more attention if it weren't for the Warriors amazing start to the season. The Spurs are boasting a 27-6 record, including going a perfect 18-0 (13-5 ATS) home at AT&T Center. They made life a bit difficult for themselves in a 101-95 win against Minnesota Monday, but I expect a blowout win againast the Phoenix Suns tonight. The Spurs are 17-4 ATS in their last 21 games following a ATS loss and 15-5-1 ATS in their last 21 home games vs. a team with a losing road record while the Suns are 2-6 ATS in their last eight road games. The Suns have lost five straight overall but kept the Cavs close in a 101-97 loss at home Monday. It's worth noting that they're just 1-6 ATS in their last seven games following a ATS win though, and I don't like their chances of keeping pace with the Spurs tonight.

8* NBA
Play: Under
Rating: 8*

The Indiana Pacers impressed on defense as they held the Hawks to 41.9% shooting (6-of-25 from 3-point range) in a 93-87 win Monday. The under is now 8-0 in the Pacers last eight overall and I expect another low-scoring encounter when they visit the Chicago Bulls Wednesday. Indiana's Paul George is averaging 11.5 points in his last four games while shooting 25.4% from the field, and the Bulls usually up their D when facing quality opponents, proven by the fact that the under is 4-0 in the Bulls last four vs. a team with a winning straight up record. We can also note that the Under is 7-2 in the last nine meetings in Chicago and 16-5 in the last 21 meetings overall.

8* NBA
Play: Washington Wizards
Rating: 8*

The Washington Wizards saw a four-game winning streak come to an end when they fell 109-91 against the Clippers Monday. They're 7-1 ATS in their last eight games following a straight up loss and 5-1 ATS in their last six games following a ATS loss though, and I expect them to put up a big performance at Toronto tonight.  They're coping well without the injured Bradley Beal as John Wall keeps putting up impressive numbers, and he's averaging 23.0 points and 11.1 assists over his last seven on the road. Toronto has taken the last four regular-season meetings, but the Wizards swept the Raptors in the playoffs last season, averaging 110.3 ppg. Toronto is 12-0 when holding the other team to double digits and 0-7 when allowing 100 or more over the last 19 games, and I don't see the Raptors being able to contain the Wizards offense here.