It’s rare to see a one win team suddenly go on a win streak at any juncture of a season. Yet, here we are as the Monmouth Hawks have surged with three straight wins over North Carolina A&T, Delaware, and Drexel. Although the Seawolves are 1-6 over their last seven games they handled Monmouth relatively easily in an early January win. Take the Seawolves as they complete the season sweep over Monmouth.

The Duke Blue Devils have pulled off four of five wins, with three being close calls. Wins over Wake Forest and Miami were by a mere two points, and they defeated UNC Saturday in what was a tied game with two minutes to go. Their prior win over Miami and a quick turn around from Saturday to Monday should make tonight another close grudge match. Miami’s lone Saturday to Monday game experience was a sloppy first 30 minutes against Syracuse. Take the points here with Duke. 

Seattle has been one of the top juggernauts over the last two seasons, where they have shined in WCC play. A season ago they jumped out to an 8-0 conference record, and jumped out to a 7-0 conference record this season. Early February has plagued them as they sustained consecutive losses last year including a fifteen point loss at New Mexico State. On a current three-game slide, tail the Aggies who have confidence coming off their first conference win.

A rare neutral site game will take place today in the Legacy Classic between Norfolk State and Hampton. This is a main network telecast which will give both teams a national spotlight. While Hampton has the ability with a veteran team to hang around, expect Norfolk State to have no issues scoring at will. A barrage of points will help Norfolk State pull away from the number. Lay it with the Spartans.

Thursday, the Southern Conference Mercer Bears will be aiming for revenge against UNC Greensboro. The Spartans toppled the Bears three games ago by hindering Mercer to just 48 points. It’s the only game over Mercer’s past five that the Bears have lost. While UNC Greensboro has the stout conference record at 8-2, this is a tough road spot with a Bears team growing at the tail end of the season. Grab the home underdog.

In their last outing College of Charleston suffered just their second loss of the season to Hofstra. The loss took Charleston out of the top twenty five, and now the Cougars will go on the road to face Drexel. Although this marks Charleston’s third road game over their past four, I expect a refocused team that shakes off their loss to Hofstra. Take Charleston as the big road favorites.

The Aztecs are a team that has jumped back into the top twenty five this week. They’re a team that will drive you nuts with in-game letdowns, but their talent and depth is a big advantage in the Mountain West. Off the bench they are going to get 30 to 35 points consistently from Micah Parrish, Adam Seiko, and Jaeden Leedee. Tail the Aztecs to outlast the Wolf Pack who have dropped three of their last five games.

As dominant as Alabama has been with an 8-0 SEC conference record, they are coming off their worst loss of the season against Oklahoma. They have also been on the road three of their past four games, with the lone home game being a three point win against a Mississippi State team that is 1-7 in conference. On a line that has jumped up two points grab the value on Vanderbilt, which is 4-0 on the road in SEC conference play.

Arizona State has hit the conference wall that plagues a majority of non top twenty five teams in college basketball. They have dropped three straight games to formidable Pac-12 opponents in UCLA, USC, and Washington. Facing Washington State has always been a challenge as their last three matchups have all been decided by six points or less. Take the Cougars to even the season series as ASU continues to spiral.

The majority of the season California Baptist was floating around .500. They have now shown some upward momentum with victories in five of their last six games. Look for their winning trajectory to continue today against UT Rio Grande Valley who has just one win in-conference, and has lost three straight by double figures. Play California Baptist

The Chicago Bulls do have the extra day of rest versus the Magic who are in a back to back spot. The problem is the Bulls have reversed to their bad play once again. They blew a 21 point lead to the Pacers and then lost by fifteen points to one of the worst teams in the NBA in Charlotte. The Magic led most of the way against the Miami Heat yesterday before the defense of Miami hindered the Magic in the fourth quarter. Today, look for the Magic to be the stronger team against a Bulls team that lacks defensive intensity.

Maine is certainly not an upper tier team with just eight wins, and Albany has their own stuggles with just six wins. But Maine has actually had success against Albany. Last year they had a victory in one game and the other they let a big lead slip away in the final minutes. Off their first two conference wins play Maine has the slim road favorite.

Mount St. Mary’s first season in the MAAC conference has led to a 3-8 start. Today they should have a winnable game on their home floor against a St. Peter’s team that has a tough time after last seasons’ Elite 8 run. They lack the consistency to score for stretches and that should bog them down on the road today. Grab the Mountaineers on the small number.

New Mexico is a very talented team that will likely make some noise in March Madness. Yet, Friday is a bad spot for them as they’ve played consecutive over time games. They also lost to Nevada in a demoralizing way blowing a five point lead in the first overtime, and losing in the second overtime due to a flagrant foul on Morris Udeze with sixteen seconds left. New Mexico defeats Air Force but does not cover he double digit line.

Marist has suffered consecutive losses to Mount St. Mary’s and Saint Peter’s, whom are both towards the bottom of the conference. Expect a reverse of fortune tonight as Marist will host Rider. Rider may be towards the top of the conference but six of their last seven games have been decided by five points or less, and five by three points or less. Grab the points with Marist.

After making it to March Madness last season, Wright State has not been able to replicate their success this year. Trey Calvin is still a dynamic scorer but they are subpar defensively and rank 174th in the country in rebounding. Although they did defeat Milwaukee earlier this season, look for the Panthers to play much better as the leader of the Horizon Conference. Take the points.

Out in the Colonial Conference Drexel is a dark horse contender for the conference. Today they’ll face a North Carolina A&T team that is above .500 in their first season in the Colonial Conference. Yet, their wins have all come against the bottom level teams in Elon, Stony Brook, Hampton, and William and Mary. Take Drexel as the small road favorites

Samford has had one of the best turn arounds of any mid-major team. At the tail end of non-conference play they lost seven straight games, including one against a non division one school. The Bulldogs have resurged with an 8-0 start in-conference. Yet, only one of those wins came agains a team that is not floating around .500. Furman excels offensively where they rank 18th in the country in PPG, and is has two role players in JP Pegues and Alex Williams coming off of season highs. Take Furman

The Huskies downfall in Big East play began with a road loss at Xavier. The Musketeers challenged the Huskies defense and were the first team to score more than eighty points against UConn. Yet, the main problem in that contest was the Huskies allowing Xavier to have a nineteen point edge at the free throw line. Look for the Huskies to play a much better all around game and even the season series against Xavier.

Charlotte comes into Saturday’s contest not having played since Wednesday. Although Atlanta played last night against the Knicks that should not deter bettors from laying the big number on Atlanta. Charlotte is coming off a win against the Rockets, and have not won consecutive games since November 25th. Additionally, Atlanta defeated Charlotte by nineteen points last month with several starters out. Back the Hawks.

In conference play typically every team is going to have that arduous consecutive games of road travel. For the Mercer Bears that junction of their season is today, as their matchup against UNC Greensboro will mark their third straight game. I have this spread a tad bit to high based on that fact, and coupled with UNC Greensboro’s 6-1 start in-conference. Grab Mercer who have quietly used this road trip to get some momentum, as they’ve won two straight.

Buffalo responded off of consecutive losses by pouring on one hundred points in a twenty nine point victory over Bowling Green. They’ll face a Toledo team that has started to regain some of the form of last year’s MAC regular season title team. They’ve won three of their last four games by double digits, with sophomore transfer Dante Maddox Jr. becoming more comfortable in the Rockets guard heavy lineup. Lay the number with Toledo. 

Saint Peter’s has had an expected tough transition minus their former coach in Shaheen Holloway and several transfer exits. They’re last in the standings in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, and have dropped five straight games. Yet, they’ve fought in each of those five losses outside of a double-digit loss to Iona. Seek the value on St. Peter’s against an over achieving Marist team on a three-game win streak.

Two teams in the MAC with identical records at 8-9 will meet today as Buffalo hosts Bowling Green. Buffalo is 7-1 on their home floor and has won both MAC matchups at home. Last season the Bulls actually scored an average of 106 points against Bowling Green in two matchups. That’s troublesome considering Bowling Green is coming off allowing 108 points in a loss to Western Michigan. Yet, this is not the same talent level Bulls team from the past two seasons. They rank 325th in college basketball in turnovers, and also struggle as a team at the free throw line at 67 percent.

Any big line move in most sports I’ll tail against it. As great as the Bills are a 4.5 point line move to two full touchdowns is too much in the post-season. Miami finished the year as a stout covering team in the division, with covers against New England, Buffalo, and the Jets. Skylar Thompson will play better than he did last week against the Jets, and the Bills since week five are 0-4 on spreads higher than 9.5.

Friday, the Phoenix Suns will continue the third game of their four game road trip against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Although the Suns will still be without several players, they will have one main player back on the floor in DeAndre Ayton. Phoenix may be undermanned but can lean on already having two victories this season over the Timberwolves similar to the way they did for the Warriors. Grab the Suns plus the points.

Canisius has won consecutive games for the first time this season. Tonight they will have a golden opportunity to push their winning streak to three against Marist. Marist may have the better record but is coming off just their first win in MAAC conference play, with a victory over conference newcomer Mount St. Mary’s. Look for Canisius to speed up Marist on the offensive end of the floor to dictate pace and notch their third straight victory.

It’s been customary for the Milwaukee Bucks to sit several players in back to back spots. They’ll do that once again tonight against the Miami Heat after defeating the Atlanta Hawks yesterday. While one can’t expect the Bucks to triumph to victory as they did in the same scenario against Toronto, there is reason to believe they can cover the number. Over Miami’s last nine home games only one game did they win by more than five points. Take the Bucks on the big number.

Last season Bellarmine shocked college basketball with how quickly they were able to perform well on the division one level. This year their woes have been compounded with inconsistencies on their home floor. In fact, Bellarmine has dropped three straight home games to division one opponents, and is just 1-3 at home this year against division one schools. Grab Stetson to improve to 5-0 in conference play.

In non-conference play there may not have been a quality lower level division one school that hit a wall as hard as Samford. They dropped seven straight games including a loss to a non division one school in Tennessee Southern. Yet, the light switch came on when Southern Conference play began as the Bulldogs are 4-0. Look for Wofford’s aggressive defense to give the Bulldogs trouble on their home floor and threaten to end their unblemished conference record. 

The Mercer Bears have begun Southern Conference play winless at 0-4. Two of the losses have been by twenty eight points or more, and another by nine points. That spells trouble tonight against a Furman team that has defeated Mercer fourteen straight times. Take the Paladins who aren’t as potent as prior teams but still have Mike Bothwell to lead the way.

UMass Lowell was one of the darling stories of non-conference play as they began the season 14-2. Losses they had were to Rutgers by just eight points and a game against Rhode Island they had won before allowing the game to go to overtime. Anytime a team starts so strong and then gets blown out in-conference it’s not a good sign. The River Hawks just lost 89 to 63 in their last game against Albany, and in their prior two games won by less than three points in both. Take the warning signs and back the road Vermont team.

After winning six of seven games the Wizards have now faltered with consecutive losses. Minus Bradley Beal the Wizards were expected to take a hit, but not in the blowout fashion they did in a 127 to 110 loss against the Thunder. At home tonight, expect the Wizards to bounce back against a Pelicans team with losses in four of their last five games. Take the Wizards. 

The Brooklyn Nets have figured out not just their offensive rhythm and flow but how to fight back from deficits with their defense. In a game where they did not shoot the ball perfectly against the Pelicans, they were able to avoid a two-game losing streak with their defense. They’ll also catch a Miami Heat returning from a West Coast road trip, that endured a poor second half shooting against the Suns. Take Brooklyn.

Typically I’m one that will bypass the final week of the NFL season. We know there are plenty of teams that have nothing to play for and primary focus is the off-season or post-season. Yet, I love the turn around I’ve seen from the Panthers under Steve Wilks. The building blocks are in place and I believe they finish off the season on a positive note. Take the underdog Panthers against a Saints team that’s value is a bit skewed off of three straight wins. 

Friday, the Cavaliers will be without three key guards in Ricky Rubio, Darius Garland, and Donovan Mitchell. The decision to rest Mitchell could actually be a boost for the Cavaliers. He clearly was not himself in their victory over the Suns as he shot 6 for 20 from the field. It also was a season low on their home floor for the Cavaliers of just ninety points. Denver’s showcase last night in a big blowout win is one to not over react on. In a back to back spot for the Nuggets back the under manned Cavaliers. 

Typically a team that loses in the fashion that the Clippers did last night, presents value the following game to back that team. Not one Clipper starter played more than eighteen minutes, and LA already has an eleven point victory over Minnesota. Yet, we saw last year in the play-in game that these two teams do not like each other. The fans ignited Minnesota last year and could be an underrated element tonight as well. Grab the Timberwolves as they respond from a season low 88 points to the Clippers in the first matchup.

Tonight in MAAC conference play Fairfield finds themselves as small home favorites against a Niagara team that has a better overall record at 8-5. A clear distinction with the Purple Eagles is their home and away record. They’ve won five of their last six games, but on the season are just 1-5 on the road. Take Fairfield to bounce back off their home loss to Siena. 

Certain teams just can’t avoid one team that has their number. SIU Edwardsville has the clear talent edge over Tennessee State but that did not help in 2021. Of Tennessee State’s eleven wins last season, three came against SIU Edwardsville with two of the victories by fifteen points. I do expect SIU Edwardsville to have an edge early on based on last year’s performances, but look for Tennessee State to have the answers in the second half to grab the underdog cover. 

Monmouth’s transition to the Colonial Athletic Conference from the MAAC has proven to be an immense issue in terms of wins and losses. They are just 1-13 on the year and will face a Stony Brook team that has won three of their past five games. For a team like Monmouth that is playing so poorly they are going to need a given edge outside of the court for an advantage. That is in play tonight as Stony Brook has played three of their past four games on the road. They also should be a little rusty on the offensive end with a four day layoff. Take Monmouth.

Last year the Marshall Thundering Herd were one of the poorest teams based on talent in college basketball. This season they’ve turned it around led by Taevion Kinsey’s transformation to utilize his NBA skill level better. He’s picking his spots much better as a facilitator and dominant scorer. Marshall’s jump to the Sun Belt from Conference USA also gives them a leg up on prior scouting disadvantages. Take Marshall as heavy road favorites as they have bounced back from each of their three losses this season with a new winning streak (Purchase the hook to 7)

Tonight’s matchup is one of high importance for the Orlando Magic. In the first matchup against the Thunder they led by fifteen points in the third quarter and eleven points in the fourth quarter before completely unraveling. They did not make a basket the final seven minutes and twenty-six seconds. Expect a motivated revenge spot as the Magic end their ugly three game losing streak, and take advantage of a Thunder team in a back to back spot.

East Tennessee State was 4-9 in non-conference play but is already 2-0 in Southern Conference play to boost their record to 6-9. Yet, Western Carolina finally has a golden opportunity to take advantage of a vulnerable East Tennessee State team. Since East Tennessee State joined the Southern Conference in 2014 they have defeated Western Carolina every home game. Grab the points here as the Catamounts sense an opportunity to end that streak.

The Utah Jazz come into tonight’s matchup against the Sacramento Kings below .500 for the first time all season. They’re also on a four game losing streak in which all losses were decided by five points or less. Look for Sacramento and Utah to play another competitive close game, with the game decided by less than a bucket or a Kings victory. Take Sacramento plus the points.

After a loss last week to the Carolina Panthers the pressure is on the Detroit Lions. They’ll face a Bears team that has lost eight straight games but played the Lions tough earlier this season. Chicago had a 24 to 10 lead, before the Lions stormed back and won in the fourth quarter. Look for the Bears to play a bit of a spoiler role with a competitive game and road cover. Play Chicago.

The Indianapolis Colts woeful performance on Monday Night looked like a team that has the offseason on their minds. For the Giants they’ve been an underdog five weeks in a row, and Sunday will mark the highest they’ve been favored all season long. As poor as the Colts looked six days ago, the NFL always showcases to forget what you last saw. Expect a sloppy game but for the Colts to finish within the number. 

A New Year’s Eve value NBA play lies with the Detroit Pistons. They’ve dropped ten of their last twelve games but their last three they’ve shown boosted play. They let a big lead evaporate in the final three minutes against the Clippers to lose in overtime, defeated Orlando, and played a closer game then the score reflected against the Bulls Friday. Minnesota just concluded a four game road trip and I expect fatigue based on the upper tier level teams they faced in Milwaukee, Miami, Boston, and the Pelicans.

Cal State Fullerton is not going to wow you with their offensive scoring capabilities. They rank 301st in the country in scoring at 68.5 points and give up a point less per game in 67. So to be a big favorite it has to be the right matchup. The Titans have been able to boost their scoring average against Cal State Northridge as they scored 81 and 79 in last year’s wins over the Matadors. Take Cal State Fullerton.

California Baptist is a team that showed promise towards the end of conference play a season ago. With Taran Armstrong back their subpar non-conference play thus far can change in trajectory in-conference. Today is a chance against a Seattle team that was stout a season ago but has taken a hit talent-wise. Take California Baptist plus the points in Seattle’s first conference game of the season.

A value angle for me is going against a team after they suffered a loss after a big winning streak. The Philadelphia 76ers saw their eight game winning streak snapped by the Washington Wizards. Prior to that loss the 76ers were on the verge of losing. They had to come back from a twenty plus point deficit against the Clippers and a double digit deficit against the Knicks. Take the Pelicans who may be undermanned but have thrived minus key players and are 15-4 at home.

The Bulls were at a season low after consecutive losses to the Knicks, and giving up 150 points to the Timberwolves. They’ve now regrouped and won four of their last five games. Look for their success to continue today against a Pistons team they’ve defeated eleven straight times. Additionally, in last year’s two home games they won by fifteen points and a whopping forty-six points. Take the Bulls

Cabe Klubnik is not your ordinary first time starter for Clemson. He has been used throughout the season. A comeback win over Syracuse and played the majority of their win over UNC in the ACC title game. Tennessee will have the offense under Joe Milton to compete against Clemson, but ultimately look for Clemson to wear down the Vols. Take Clemson on the small number

Kansas is a team that resurrected this year but we don’t know what could of been. Their early season success was stymied when quarterback Daniels was injured. He will play in today’s bowl game and even though his play is not significantly stellar, his presence raises the level of the entire team. Take Kansas and buy the hook to three if you need to.

As electric as Central Florida can be they have a tough matchup against Duke. Sophomore quarterback Riley Leonard has been terrific for the Blue Devils and started to blossom further as the season waned down. Seven of his twenty touchdowns came in the final two games. Take Duke to do enough to end their season above .500 at 7-6.

It’s never easy making a coaching transition after a great run with a smaller college like Shaheen Holloway had last season with St. Peter’s. Seton Hall does not really have anyone that is going to wow you, but they do have experience with three seniors and two juniors. Kadary Richmond has started to blossom in the past couple of games for Seton Hall scoring 28 against Providence and 17 against Xavier. While the Pirates may be 0-2 in Big East play both losses were by four points or less. Take the Pirates to give Marquette their first competitive match on their home floor and challenge the Golden Eagles unblemished 7-0 home record.

The bowl period between December 26th-29th is going to feature a lot of 6-6 teams. There are ones that make you scratch your head in why they did not finish with a better record. Memphis fits that category as the majority of their losses in American conference play were slim. As electric as their scoring drives are they somehow find a way to leave the door open for the opposition. That trait makes Utah State a worthy bet. Take them plus the touchdown.

ATS attraction of a quarterback facing his former team is more of a professional football angle in the NFL. Yet, Tuesday it is an angle for quarterback Kyle Vantrease who played for the Buffalo Bulls for five seasons. The quarterback has had a booming season statistically for Georgia Southern throwing for 3,900 yards and 25 touchdowns. A big issue though is he is turnover prone with fifteen interceptions. Expect two to three turnovers to be enough for the Bulls to close within this number. Take Buffalo.

After beginning the season losing five of their first six games, New Mexico State closed out the year winning five of their final six games. This occurred once Diego Pavia took over as the Aggies starting quarterback, who is 4-1 as starter for the Aggies. This will be a competitive bowl game against Bowling Green, but look for the Aggies to continue their strong finish to the season. Take the Aggies.

Look for the Green Bay Packers to make things a little more interesting in their slim postseason chances. Their offense may still not look like prior years, but their defense has limited opponents to twenty points or under in three of four weeks. Miami’s three game slide was all on the road, but puts pressure on their 5-1 home record Sunday. Play the points with the Packers. 

Tonight a banged up Dallas Mavericks team is back in their home state on the road against the Houston Rockets. For the Rockets tonight will mark their seventh straight home game. What started off as a promising home stand with wins against Milwaukee and Phoenix has quickly spiraled, as they’ve dropped four straight. Look for the short handed Mavericks to hand the Rockets their fifth straight loss, as they cover the number the fourth time in their past five games. Take Dallas.

6-6 SEC teams have historically done well in bowl games. Missouri will have a big challenge on their hand as Wake Forest has been a featured ACC team for several years with their potent offensive attack. Yet, I think Missouri is looking forward to this bowl game as they needed they won their final two games to get in. The favored number on Wake Forest side is warranted but just look for Missouri to be the better team after the long layoff. Play Missouri.

Throughout the past few seasons the Pelicans have been a team that is use to players in and out of the lineup. Tonight they will remain without Brandon Ingram and now Zion Williamson who is in the health and safety protocols. Look for the bevy of role players that the Pelicans have to rise to the occasion against a Spurs team that still ranks the worst in the NBA in points per game allowed. Take the Pelicans as they end their four game losing streak.

The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers are coming off a lopsided road loss against Louisville in which they were favored by seven points. That was Louisville’s first win of the season and has created a smaller road favored spot for the Hilltoppers today. South Carolina may be 4-0 at home but are a team that will be lucky to win 12-13 games all season. Take the Hilltoppers. 

After the first month of the college football season, South Alabama looked like a Sun Belt top tier level team that could be of the likes of former Top 25 conference representatives in Appalachian State and UL Lafayette. As the season progressed their offense tailed off. Their 10-2 record masks the issues that were evident as they pulled out several close wins. With nearly a month off since they last played look for Western Kentucky to expose the Jaguars and deliver a strong performance. 

Sunday, the Minnesota Timberwolves scored a whopping 150 points against the Chicago Bulls. Twenty four hours later they toppled tonights opponent in the Dallas Mavericks with a strong fourth quarter push. In the performance Dallas shot just forty one percent from the field as several players including star Luka Doncic had an off night. They’ll regroup as the odds suggest for a 3-11 team on the road. 

St. John’s has impressed record-wise at 11-1, but oddsmakers know of the Johnnies struggles once Big East play begins. The 2019 season they started 11-2 in non-conference, but preceded to lose six of their first seven Big East conference games. Last season as well they were 8-2 in non-conference, and then dropped five of their first seven conference games. Villanova may be adjusting without Jay Wright but matchup well with the Johnnies. Buy the hook and play the home team Wildcats.

Typically if a team is playing in a back to back spot in college basketball it’s tournament related. That is not the case tonight as Southern Indiana travels to play IPFW after defeating IUPUI yesterday. They’ve won four straight games and can use the energy from yesterday’s performance for a good start against IPFW. Play the points here on the underdog.

At times this season Kennesaw State has impressed, which included ending a long road drought in defeating Mercer. Out of all teams in college basketball the Owls are one of the top teams that have a wide disparity of home games versus road. Tonight will actually mark their first home game this season against a division one opponent. This is a big number but look for Kennesaw State’s guard play to excel and lead to a double digit victory.

Thanks to a six-game winning streak the Orlando Magic have went from 5-20 to 11-20. The winning streak is the second best in the NBA behind the Knicks. Yet, tonight Atlanta should have the edge at home as this is already the fourth matchup of the season against the Magic. Before the Magic’s win streak Atlanta easily won the first two matchups by double digits. Expect Atlanta to not be as flat as they were this past Wednesday and to cover as the home favorite. 

One of the toughest spots in the NFL is building off of a showcase victory. The Cincinnati Bengals did so last week after defeating the Kansas City Chiefs the week prior. Now though they have to go on the road against a desperate Tampa Bay Buccaneers team. There will be moments where it looks like the Bucs will end the Bengals five game winning streak, but look for the Bengals to continue to showcase themselves as a legit contender in the end. Grab Cincinnati.

Winning suddenly with an interim coach and a completely reshuffled roster is not supposed to happen. Yet, Sam Darnold has looked healthy and has accepted the Panthers run heavy script. With a Buccaneers loss Sunday they would have the tie breaker and division lead if they win Sunday. Grab the Panthers as they build a season high third straight win and defeat the Steelers. 

The Dallas Mavericks had one of their best wins of the season last night against Portland. Now they are resting several players tonight in a back to back spot against the Cleveland Cavaliers. This would seem troublesome considering the Mavericks just lost to the Cavaliers by fifteen points on their home floor. Yet, the Cavaliers home spread has adapted based on just two losses at home. We saw this yesterday with the Pacers narrowly covering an eight point spread. Back Dallas as their reserves keep this within the 8.5.

One of the biggest head scratchers this season is how poor the Mavericks have been ATS. Sooner or later the payoff for bettors will reverse in a big way, as the Mavericks are still a .500 level team at 14-14. Tonight they are getting a cheaper number based on Portland’s stout play since Lillard has returned. Expect a big effort as the Mavericks have lost three of four and are coming off their worst home loss of the season. Back Dallas. 

The Cavaliers as Richard Jefferson has stated on ESPN have the look of a top five NBA team. The problem is they have fought the inconsistencies of a team implementing new players. After their big fifteen point victory on the road against Dallas, that may be the staple game to push them forward. With how strong they have been at home tonight is a great spot to back the Cave. Take Cleveland. 

Without a doubt there was not a mid-major team more gutted by the transfer portal than St. Bonaventure, as they lost all five starters and four to the portal. It’s led to disarray from oddsmakers who have been wildly off every game the Bonnies have played this season. While Florida Gulf Coast may have the veteran roster, the Bonnies answer their runs and improve to 6-0 at home.

Bethune Cookman is winless on the road this season at 0-4, yet are just a 1.5 point underdog today against Incarnate Ward. This likely has to do with the fact that Incarnate Ward is a team that is more on their level than road games this season against Iowa and Indiana. Look for Bethune Cookman to get their first road win as Incarnate Ward comes in having lost three of their past four. 

Taking away Oregon State’s first three games that were victorious this year, they have lost 24 of their past 25 games. This season alone they have dropped six of their past seven games. Bettors have recognized this as today’s line has shifted in favor of Seattle. Yet, the Beavers have been a different team at home this year where they are 4-1. They’ll have the defense to force Cameron Tyson into tough shots as they cover the small number. 

UC Irvine has a big win on the season over Oregon, and came close to knocking off San Diego State. Tonight they’ll find themselves as small underdogs on the road against another quality smaller California school in Santa Clara. The Broncos may have the better starting five, but from a depth stand point that upper hand goes to the Anteaters. Santa Clara has also had a string of close games, with three of their past four wins coming by four points or less. Grab the underdog.

Furman is not the same caliber team they’ve been in recent years, but they still have two fifth year seniors in guard Mike Bothwell and forward Jalen Slawson. A trait that has stuck with Furman over the years is their ability to play to the level of Power Five competition. Last year they defeated Louisville and lost by just three to Mississippi State. The year prior they lost just by three points to Alabama, and took Auburn to overtime three seasons ago. They’ll continue to play within the number and keep it close on the road at NC State. 

Seattle still has momentum offensively but it has been waning. Traction to their favored side has teetered. Even with their playoff hopes clinging against a bottom level NFL team, there is value to bet against the Seahawks. Carolina has played inspired football under their interim coach Wilks, and has the checks and balances of safe football with Sam Darnold. Play the points with Carolina. 

Throughout their down years the Detroit Lions have had a knack of playing solid football in the division against the Minnesota Vikings. Looking back at their week three loss they had the game in hand before a fourth quarter melt down. Yet, they have grown from a string of close losses early in the season and won four of their past five. They are correctly favored against the 10-2 Vikings. Play Detroit.

A team that has had reverse fortune to their young season has been Samford. They began the year 6-0, and now have stumbled with four straight losses. One of the losses was to a non division one school in Tennessee Southern. A positive and big take away is all four of the Bulldogs losses have been by five points or less, and three of the four by three points or less. They’ll keep it within range here on the road against a team they matchup well with in UL Lafayette. Play Samford.

Competitive games in non-conference play against smaller schools are noteworthy to spotlight ATS. Nevada had to fight for the full forty minutes in their victory over Pepperdine, prevailing with a late push. At 8-2, look for a letdown road spot today against an Oregon team hungry for a showcase game. Lay it with Oregon

After a string of five straight victories by eight points or more Florida Gulf Coast lost by thirty-two points against Florida Atlantic. The road loss was their worst of the year even surpassing their thirty one point loss against Tennessee. Unlike their loss against Tennessee that sparked their win streak, this loss has made them a vulnerable team. Mercer has the team to compete with Florida Gulf Coast and keep this within the number of six points. Play Mercer. 

On Colorado’s resume are two big wins over Texas A&M and Tennessee but they’ve lost consecutive games against Pac-12 conference mates in Arizona State and Washington. Regrouping against in-state school Colorado State will not be an easy task. Look for a much more heightened effort from the Rams after they took the smaller in-state school in Northern Colorado lightly in their last outing. Play the points here with Colorado State. 

Some nights a team just does not have it. On Tuesday the Hawkeyes were flat for the majority of forty minutes against a Duke team that took advantage of the big stage at Madison Square Garden. In less than forty eight hours since the Hawkeyes must regroup to take on an Iowa State team that embarrassed them a season ago 73 to 53. This should be a completely different level of display from the Hawkeyes against a Cylclones team that may be a tad bit over rated thanks to wins over a now unranked North Carolina and Villanova teams.

A theme throughout college basketball thus far has been revenge spots off of a loss last season in non-conference. It’s happened continuously as profiled on the Early Edge, and has another opportune spot to happen tonight. Last season UMass Lowell lost against the bigger school in UMass by eleven points. New Coach Frank Martin has refreshed UMass and has them off to a 7-1 record, but UMass Lowell has the interior game with Allin Blunt and guard play to cover. Take UMass Lowell. 

The best medicine for team turmoil surrounding the Atlanta Hawks star player Trae Young is a visit to Madison Square Garden. His had several spotlighted performances there and his teammates have an ability to feed off that energy. This occurred earlier this season when the Hawks erased a twenty-three point deficit to comeback and defeat the Knicks at Madison Square Garden by thirteen points. Tail the Hawks to complete the road series sweep against the Knicks. 

Hampton boosted their home record to 2-0 with a pull away victory over Howard. Once again they find themselves as a small home underdog to Loyola Maryland because of two reasons. One they are just 2-6 on the season and last year Loyola Maryland defeated Hampton by thirteen points.  Yet and experienced team and a bit better offense is at hand for Hampton. Tail the home underdog as they get revenge from last year’s defeat.

We’ve seen several top teams falter out of the rankings with Gonzaga and North Carolina. Michigan State is another team that has faltered with a string of losses. Although they’ve had rest on their side and a scouting report edge tonight against Penn State, I still don’t see them turning it around on the road. Tail Penn State as they hand Izzo’s squad another loss.

Late add on MNF’s action with the Saints. The Saints prime time woes tied with Andy Dalton are well known. The division as a whole has been a mess and that has created value to go against Tampa Bay and Brady tonight. For all the success Tom has had this is a different level of a team for Brady to try and dig out of a hole. They’ll still have a great chance to win the division with a subpar record but look for the Saints to be competitive on the big stage. Play the points.

It’s evident that the Falcons have missed out on several golden opportunities to win close games. They may have five wins but they are beginning to look like a team that may stumble as we enter December. This is also the point in time where the coaching staff may want to assess their rookie quarterback in Desmond Ridder. This very well could be Marcus Mariotta’s last chance to show his value into next season for the Falcons. Look for that pressure to be to much as the Steelers prevail again.

The New York Jets had no issue with their quarterback change in last week’s home rout over the Bears. But that was a Bears team playing their backup quarterback and a home game for the Jets. Can they produce on the road and show that they can be a true caliber playoff team. I believe so as the Vikings were more fortunate than dominant in their win against the Patriots. Take the Jets in a close one.

Unranked unbeaten teams into December in college basketball are red flagged for a reason. UNLV has improved immensely but has been prone to offensive droughts. San Diego is the type of team that can match UNLV’s defense, and has enough offensive skillset players to hand UNLV their first loss tonight. Take the points though as Coach Lavin has his Toreros ready for a great game. 

Expect a flat road spot tonight for Utah Tech as they travel in-state to face Weber State. The Trailblazers exceeded expectations in their last game against Utah State, battling to a five point loss. Weber State is not the same caliber team of last season’s that started 8-0, but can lean on the experience of last year’s 87 to 70 victory over Utah Tech. Take the small home favorite here in Weber State.

A conference as a whole that has vastly under performed thus far this season has been the Big Sky. With most teams at or below .500 now is an opportune buy low spot for several Big Sky teams including Southern Utah. Their opponent tonight in Idaho State has five losses by four points or less, including one against BYU. Look for that to change tonight as Southern Utah puts forth a great road effort.

There are teams early in the season that have multiple losses that are respectable. Xavier fits that mold as all three of their losses have come against current or former top ten teams in Duke, Gonzaga, and Indiana. West Virginia will certainly be another high end challenge but look for Coach Miller and Xavier to find a way at home.

A Big Ten battle that will take center stage on the night slate for college basketball is Illinois and Maryland. Illinois may have the big stage attention in college basketball with their early season schedule, but Maryland is ready to pose a shockwave of their own tonight. They are 7-0, and and took down Illinois by sixteen points at home last season. Play the Terrapins.

Expect a seesaw affair in tonight’s matchup between Kennesaw State and Mercer. On the year six of Mercer’s eight games have been decided by single digits. The pressure is also on the Bears to bounce back from a ten point home loss in their last outing against Towson. With this being an in-state small school matchup expect a competitive tight game. Take the points with Kennesaw State in what was a matchup decided by two points last season. 

A team that has underperformed at home versus on the road has been Pacific. They have dropped four straight games at home all by four points or less. Now the script as a favorite has flipped as they travel on the road to face UC Davis. Expect Pacific to remain competitive as they have and to possibly win outright. Play the points.