Monday, a contrarian angle exists in the MEAC as Morgan State travels to play South Carolina State. It will mark Morgan State’s first game against a division one school since December 18th. The contrarian spread angle lies with the fact that the Bears are 0-6 on the road this year. Expect that to change in-conference as last year the Bears began MEAC road play with a 4-1 record. Take Morgan State

Marquee star player returns off long layoffs are always special. The NBA gets one of it’s key players back in Klay Thompson, as the Warriors look to continue their special season. Yet, the hype typically is bad from an ATS stand point. Look for the Cavaliers to match the Warriors energy and cover a sizable number. Take Cleveland.

The highs and lows of power five conference play are patterned in early January. For Wisconsin tonight’s spot is a predictable let down spot. They’re coming off an upset win over Purdue on Monday, and a solid stout nine point victory over Iowa on Thursday. Yet, look for the Maryland Terrapins to play inspired basketball and end their 0-3 Big Ten start. Play Maryland. 

Out in the Big Sky a key Sunday evening matchup lies between Montana and Montana State. For several years Montana has been one of the main consistent top teams in the Big Sky conference. They’re off to another solid start at 4-1, but will face a much improved Montana State team. Furthermore, both matchups were cancelled last season due to Covid-19 issues. Take the Bobcats as they finally have a team that can knock off Montana.

Saturday, in the Missouri Valley Conference Southern Illinois and Valparaiso figure to be in for a tight battle. In two matchups last season both games were decided by three points or less. In a game that should be the low sixties, look for the Salukis to have enough runs to threaten Valparaiso’s solid home record. Grab Southern Illinois.

Each year there are a couple of teams that surpass expectations in non-conference play. This season Iowa State fits that billing as they have defeated Memphis, Xavier, Iowa, Creighton, and are coming off a win over Texas Tech. Yet, look for the rigors of Big 12 play to set them back. Unlike the 5.5-6.5 point underdog spots against Xavier, Iowa, and Creighton look for the Cyclones to stumble. Take Oklahoma. 

Southland conference play begins tonight for Texas A&M Corpus Christi and Nicholls Colonels. Value here exists against Texas A&M’s stout record of 12-3. All three of their losses have been against Power Five schools in Texas A&M, Minnesota, and Notre Dame. Grab the Colonels who lost to Wisconsin by just three points and played hard against Purdue.

In smaller conference play impact scorers elevate their teams play. IPFW’s Jared Godfrey is averaging 17 points per game, and shot 52 percent in two games last year against Youngstown State. Additionally, there is value on IPFW based on their limited experience in the Horizon league. Take IPFW to challenge for an outright win, but take the points. 

Line moves in college basketball can be tricky during today’s elements. One that has rose two full points has been Southern Miss at UT San Antonio. The Golden Eagles have been out of action since December 21st. Additionally, they had lost their last six games to drop to 4-8. While UT San Antonio may have more game experience, their roster is struggling to adjust from last year’s departures. Take the Golden Eagles plus the points.

The Boston Celtics have one thing going for them now, and that is health. For the first time this year they seem to be at full strength with the return of Jaylen Brown. It takes time to get back into the fold and is why the Celtics have lost five straight road games. With the Knicks lacking key veterans look for the Celtics to finally end their road woes. Take Boston. 

Thursday, in the Ohio Valley Conference UT Martin will visit Tennessee State. Both teams have been heavily impacted with canceled games over the past month. In fact, Tennessee State’s last game against a division one opponent was December 18th. Yet, the Tigers are better than their sub .500 record suggests. They won four of their last five games and should continue that trend in their firs conference game. Take Tennessee State.

Out in the SWAC Alabama State finds themselves as road favorites against Arkansas Pine-Bluff. Both teams have eleven losses, but the Hornets did play Iowa State and Western Kentucky close. Furthermore, the Golden Lions do not have a win over a division one school. Take Alabama State

Wednesday in MAC action the Buffalo Bulls will host Bowling Green. The Bulls have uncharacteristically dropped three straight games. In fact, their last win over a division one school was December 8th. Issues with Covid and three postponed games disrupted their on court chemistry. Look for the Bulls to get it together tonight against a Bowling Green team that’s had a soft schedule. Play the Bulls.

Returning from a cross country road trip is one of the toughest spots for a team in the NBA. As depleted as the LA Clippers are one would expect a big challenge tonight against the Timberwolves. Yet, look for the Clippers veteran bench to continue to uplift them with the likes of Justice Winslow and James Ennis II. Take the Clippers to cover against the Timberwolves.

The Denver Nuggets have rolled into 2022 on a three-game win streak. All three of their wins have been on the road against the LA Clippers, Golden State Warriors, and Houston Rockets. A key to the Nuggets success is they have got into a rhythm with both their first and second unit amidst a bevy of personnel out. Grab the Nuggets to stay hot on the road against the Mavericks.

A team that became a popular non-conference betting action team was UT Rio Grande Valley. The Vaqueros peak was a neck and neck game against ranked Illinois, that saw them lose 94-85. Monday, they’ll play a WAC conference game against Sam Houston State. Look for the Bearkats to utilize their upper hand with elevated guard play from DeMarkus Lampley and Texas A&M transfer Savion Flagg. Grab Sam Houston State.

Two teams with a gamut of issues have been the Lakers and Trailblazers. Portland is just 2-12 on the road this year and have a long list of players out due to injury or covid-19. Yet, the Lakers have dropped ten of their last twelve games. Even with Frank Vogel back don’t expect an easy win. Grab the points with Portland. 

The San Antonio Spurs were dealt a big blow today as Spurs assistant coach Becky Hammon accepted the Las Vegas Aces job. To make matters worse the Spurs will embark on a seven-game road trip. Expect the Memphis Grizzlies to take full advantage as they are excelling with Ja Morant back in the lineup. Grab the Grizzlies. 

There’s always a bit of value finding a team that is turning the corner towards the end of non-conference play. Tarleton State began the season just 1-7, losing to teams such as Gonzaga, Stanford, Kansas, Wichita State, and Michigan. Their difficult schedule helped them as they’ve won four of their last five games. Look for the Texans to continue their turn around and get a road win over WAC opponent Dixie State.

The Miami Hurricanes utilized a veteran roster that features multiple starters over the age of 22 to race out to a 9-3 record. This includes 24 year old Kameron McGusty whom has had a breakout campaign thus far averaging 18 points per game. As they begin ACC conference play, look for prior scouting advantages to thwart the Hurricanes. Take NC State as the Hurricanes falter at home.

Arkansas was one of the teams that faltered towards the end of non-conference play. An undefeated start at 9-0 was stymied against better competition as the Razorbacks lost in consecutive games to Oklahoma and Hofstra. That was the wake up call needed before SEC play begins. Take Arkansas to cover in their SEC opener against Mississippi State.

The Phoenix Suns and Golden State Warriors remain neck and neck for the overall best records in the NBA. Thus far on the season both teams have split this year’s matchups. Keep in mind though Phoenix was without Devin Booker for the Warriors win, and survived the second half of their win over Golden State as Booker was hurt. With Booker and Ayton back excelling, look for the Suns to take care of business in front of their home fans. Grab Phoenix. 

The past couple of NBA seasons perhaps no team has had to utilize their bench depth more than the Denver Nuggets. That’s been because of main injuries to key starters along with Covid-19 protocols. Look for the experience their depth has been receiving to pay off tonight as they end the Thunder’s two game win streak. Play Denver

A team that has the look of a potential March Madness first round spoiler is Monmouth. The Hawks have been fantastic to begin the year at 10-2, and have showcased a great balance on both ends of the floor. Their opponent today in Hofsta is coming off an upset win over formerly ranked Arkansas. They also have two close losses against Houston and Maryland. Yet, look for the Hawks to remain focused and avoid the upset. Take Monmouth. 

After beginning the season 1-2, Florida Gulf Coast has now won nine of their last ten games. Wednesday, they will travel on the road to face a Canisius team that is coming off an upset over Buffalo. Prior to that win the Golden Griffins had lost five straight games by six points or more. Take Florida Gulf Coast to avoid a pre-holiday let down.

Tonight, an in-state small school matchup will take place between Santa Clara and San Jose State. Santa Clara has defeated the Spartans in the prior two matchups with current seniors Keshawn Justice and Josip Vrankic. Expect Santa Clara to successfully end their winless record on the road, and end San Jose State’s undefeated home record of 5-0. Play the Broncos. 

A night cash opportunity lies tonight in a true under the radar matchup. Portland State of the Big Sky will travel to take on Cal State Northridge. The Vikings have just one win this season over a division one school. Yet they’ll face a Cal State Northridge team that has lost three straight games. Play the Vikings as they get their first win since December 2nd. 

The Cleveland Cavaliers head into Saturday on a five game winning streak as they face the Milwaukee Bucks. Milwaukee’s without several key players including star Giannis Antetokounmpo. Expect Cleveland to take full advantage as their spread valuations continue to be to low. Play Cleveland

Oregon State’s woeful start to the season has their record at 1-9. Today, they have a situational spot against Texas A&M. The Aggies had their last game cancelled against Tulane, and may be vulnerable in a pre-holiday road spot. Take Oregon State who will cash as a small home underdog.

The Brooklyn Nets were dealt yet another blow as Kevin Durant is now out due to Covid safety protocols. Durant was able to pick up the Nets in their past two wins with a mix of young talent. Today, against the Magic look for the rest of the Nets to continue to build off their solid play, which includes rookies Cam Thomas and Kessler Edwards. Play Brooklyn as they topple a poor Magic team

Saturday, the Utah Utes will play just their second true road game of the season. They’ll face a Missouri team that has had immense ups and downs on the young season. At just 5-5, they are coming off a thirty-seven point loss to Kansas. Take Utah to handle the Tigers early home crowd, and get their eighth win on the season.

Portland continues to struggle as they’ve lost seven straight games, and are winless in the month of December. Their last three losses have been with guard Damian Lillard back, but his shot has been off as he is just 32 percent from the floor. Look for the Trailblazers other key players to pick them up against a Hornets team enduring their third straight road game. Play Portland.

Led by sixth year senior Tommy Kuhse, St. Mary’s has one of the more veteran teams in college basketball. Tonight they’ll partake in a neutral site game in Phoenix against San Diego State. This is yet again a case where the spread is smaller based on nine days rest for the Aztecs. Take St. Mary’s to outlast the Aztecs in what should be a gritty game. 

Over the years Furman has become one of college basketball’s darlings on pushing power five teams in non-conference. They’re coming off a thirteen point loss to North Carolina, but it was a game that was tied at halftime. There is concern for the Paladins against a Bulldogs team that is 6-1 at home, and how they’ll respond facing consecutive power five teams. Still, look for the Paladins offense to be strong enough for both halves.  Take Furman. 

Throughout the NBA several teams are short handed adhering to Covid protocols. Thursday, amidst a plethora of key players out the Brooklyn Nets will aim to win short handed again. They’ll face a 76ers team that struggled defensively in yesterday’s loss to Miami, allowing six players to score nine points or more. Take Brooklyn to outlast Philadelphia.

Thursday, UNC Greensboro will play their second game in just three days. It will also mark their third straight road games since Saturday. It’s the main reason they find themselves as underdogs today against a UMBC team that is 3-0 at home this year. Yet, look for the Spartans to be aggressive offensively against a Retrievers team that has surrendered 89 and 100 points in their past two games. Play UNC Greensboro. 

Tuesday, the Portland Trailblazers will aim to end a five game losing streak. A positive for Portland is they do have Damian Lillard back. They’ll face a Phoenix Suns team that have finally showed a bit of weakness. They’ve lost two of their last four games and are in a back to back scenario. Look for Portland to take advantage as Damian Lillard bounces back from Sunday’s poor shooting performance. Play Portland. 

Tuesday, Clemson will face a Miami-Ohio team that has had extended rest since December 4th. The Redhawks are a talented team but are coming into tonight on a three-game losing streak. Clemson should have the depth advantage here and ride their home crowd. Take the Tigers as they improve to 5-0 at home. 

Tonight a situational advantage spot lies with Seattle University against UC San Diego. Seattle has had back to back losses, including their worst of the season in a twenty point defeat against UNLV. Yet, they are 7-1 at home this year and are facing a UC San Diego team that should be rusty after a ten day layoff. Grab Seattle to continue their strong home effort.

On Friday, Rick Pitino caused a bit of a stir on twitter declaring that his whole team is sick with the flu. Today, they’ll face Yale in a neutral site game in New York City. Irregardless of the team being ill, look for the mastery of Coach Pitino’s in-game adjustments to override. Grab Iona on a line move that is proper.

The Denver Nuggets have dipped below .500 after losing Thursday to the San Antonio Spurs. Saturday, they’ll face the Spurs once again trying to end a stretch in which they have lost nine of twelve games. Tonight ride the current better team which is the Spurs who have won five of their last seven. Take San Antonio to complete the tough task of consecutive victories over the same opponent.

The Sacramento Kings have made strides and it’s showed against the spread. They’ve covered their last four games, including a close 124-123 loss against the Charlotte Hornets last night. Yet, tonight they’re facing an undaunted young and energetic Cleveland Cavaliers team. Look for the Kings lackluster defensive effort and extended road travel to hurt them in the second half. Take the Cavaliers.

At 3-6, Arizona State’s expectations are long gone on a salvageable season. Thursday, they’ll face a motivated Grand Canyon team that has two Arizona State transfers in Taeshon Cherry and Holland Woods. Look for ASU’s strength of schedule to pay dividends tonight. They’ve faced heavyweight matchups in tournaments and have already played two Pac-12 games. Take ASU on the small line.

The Denver Nuggets managed an overtime victory on Wednesday over the Pelicans, 120-114. They’ll now head into a back to back scenario against the San Antonio Spurs. The matchup marks the sixth straight road game for Denver. As depleted as they are look for the Nuggets to battle through. Grab Denver in the first of consecutive games against the Spurs, who meet again Saturday.

St. John’s will be in for a test today against Monmouth. The Hawks are 7-1 overall and only loss was by two points against Charlotte. Furthermore, they start five seniors including former Big East Seton Hall guard Shavar Reynolds. Yet, St. John’s has a knack of speeding up teams. That does not bode well for Monmouth. Take the Johnnies 

Wednesday, BYU continues their matchups against in-state opponents as they face a well rested Utah State team. The Aggies have not played since last Thursday when they lost 60-58 to St. Mary’s. Although BYU played on Saturday, expect the Cougars to be the more efficient team and hand Utah State their first losing streak of the season.

In the latter stage of non-conference play is when one can fade home winning streaks. The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers are 5-0 at home but all wins were against lower level opponents. Go against the line movement here as the Buffalo Bulls experienced team ends the Hilltoppers unblemished home record.

The Chicago Bulls have managed to tie the Brooklyn Nets for the most wins in the Eastern Conference. This has been done with several players out with injury and Covid-19. Wednesday, expect those issues to finally catch up to the Bulls. Grab the Cavaliers on a small number as they will be motivated to end a two-game losing streak. 

The Pepperdine Waves have had a rough start to their season at 2-8. This was due to losing both high level players in Brooklyn Nets forward Kessler Edwards and Colbey Ross. Tonight, they’ll finally get a matchup that can build their confidence against San Jose State. Take Pepperdine to pull away convincingly and cover the favored number.

Monday is a light schedule in college hoops but there will be a fantastic Big Ten matchup between Iowa and Illinois. Illinois came into the season with high expectations rising to tenth in the polls. They’ve won four straight after enduring two losses, and will be ranked once again in a matter of hours. Expect value on Iowa’s side with or without prolific scorer Keegan Murray. The Hawkeyes rank third in the country scoring 91 PPG, and turn the ball over just 7.25 times per game. Take Iowa. 

Cal State Fullerton has been a team that has been a line watcher game to game. Each of their line moves from the market has proved to be incorrect. Tonight against Pacific the line move has went in their favor from two to 3.5. This of course comes after Pacific lost to a UC Davis team that had been beaten by a non-division one art school. Take the points with Pacific. 

Stan Heath’s first season as new coach for Eastern Michigan has begun with just a 2-4 record. This includes an 0-4 road record with their last loss by thirty-eight points to DePaul. Further travel tonight to San Diego compounds their road issues. Yet, San Diego has seen a steep decline in offensive scoring output over their last several games. Take the points here with Eastern Michigan.

The Oklahoma City Thunder head into Thursday’s matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies having lost seven straight games. Yet, they’ll see a new opponent for the first time in six days, as they faced Houston both Monday and Wednesday. That should spark the Thunder’s play against an inconsistent Memphis team that is just 11-10 on the year. Take the points with the Thunder. 

A trademark for Jamie Dixon led teams is an easy non-conference schedule. To begin the season they are 5-1, but their lone decent opponent was a nineteen point loss to Santa Clara. Tonight look for the Horned Frogs to continue their undefeated start at home, as Oral Roberts is not the same caliber of last year’s NCAA tournament team. Play TCU. 

Thus far the Big Ten has dominated in the first two days of the ACC-Big Ten Challenge. Overall the Big Ten has won six games to the ACC’s one. Expect Miami to contend with Penn State, as the Nittany Lions have three guards with high minutes that are shooting below thirty five percent. Take the Hurricanes with the points.

Wednesday, the Oklahoma City Thunder will host the Houston Rockets after losing at Houston on Monday. Houston has now won three straight games and are now 4-15. On the season though they are still winless on the road at 0-11. Back the small number here on the favored Thunder. 

The Wofford Terriers are coming off an outright win over an SEC school in the Georgia Bulldogs. Wednesday, they’ll host a Richmond Spiders team that has been wildly inconsistent at 3-4. Expect the Spiders to bounce back from a couple of tough losses in the Bahamas, as their offense outpaces Wofford. Grab Richmond to hand Wofford their first home loss of the season. 

A huge matchup is on the night cap in the NBA as the Phoenix Suns host the Golden State Warriors. Phoenix enters with an NBA best sixteen game win streak, while the Warriors have the NBA’s best record at 18-2. Expect the Warriors front loaded home schedule that has featured twelve games to finally hurt them. Phoenix keeps their win streak going to seventeen and gets the cover.

For the second time this season Tennessee Tech and Chattanooga will meet. Their first matchup was on November 16th, as the Golden Eagles covered a thirteen point spread losing by seven. Look for another close game as the Mocs are coming off their first loss of the season. Take the underdog with Tennessee Tech.

The Chicago Bulls are coming off a solid bounce back win Friday against the Orlando Magic. They now travel back home to host a Miami Heat team that has not played since Wednesday. Look for the Bulls recent experience of losing in a back to back scenario to the Pacers on Monday, 109-77, to motivate them to a hot start tonight. Take the Bulls to hold off the Heat. 

A team that has quietly surged forward have been the Charlotte Hornets. They have won eight of their last nine games, including a 133-115 win last night against Minnesota. The output of points was their season high, and now tonight they’ll face the worst team in the NBA in the Houston Rockets. Back the Hornets to continue their winning ways.

The San Francisco Dons have used their WCC experience in Las Vegas’s Orleans Arena to continue their hot start. At 7-0, they have a chance to enter the top twenty-five with a win tonight against UAB. Yet, UAB is a deep experienced team that would be undefeated as well if not for a poor half against South Carolina. Take the UAB Blazers to end the Dons undefeated start.

The Golden State Warriors are off to an impeccable start at 16-2. This has been sparked by a favorable home schedule that has featured a 10-1 record. Off the Thanksgiving holiday look for the Warriors to be vulnerable against a Portland Trailblazers team that is much better than their 1-8 road record showcases. Take Portland to challenge the Warriors streak and cover the spread.

Similar to last year Morehead State is off to a slow start below .500. In fact they have zero wins over division one schools as they’ve lost to Auburn, UAB, and Mississippi State. Yet the Eagles have familiarity as they defeated Arkansas State, 69-61 in last year’s non-conference matchup. Take the Eagles here. 

With so many transfers in college basketball, there are teams that gain experience that benefit a particular matchup. That’s on showcase today as Garrison Brooks the former UNC Tar Heel can give insight for his Bulldogs squad against ACC opponent Louisville. The Cardinal are also still without coach Chris Mack due to his suspension. Although Mississippi State has had a weak schedule, look for them to move to 5-0. 

A day before Thanksgiving the Atlanta Hawks travel on the road to face the San Antonio Spurs. With a 1-8 road record the Atlanta Hawks are still sizable road favorites against the San Antonio Spurs. Do not expect a pre holiday letdown from the Hawks, as San Antonio is in complete disarray having lost five straight. Grab the Hawks. 

The Chicago Bulls ascent in the Eastern Conference has been one of the best stories on the young season. At 12-6, they are coming off their worst loss this season to the Pacers, 109-77. Being a young team look for a letdown spot against a Houston Rockets team that is overdue for a competitive game. Take the Rockets.

A battle of undefeated teams in Xavier and Iowa State will take place today at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Both teams come in 4-0, with Xavier entering the top twenty five this week at 25th. Their team balance and offensive identity should pace the way for the Musketeers. Take Xavier on the big number to pull away from the Cyclones. 

A big line move has occurred between Rice and Fordham. We’ll go against the line move as bettors have gravitated early this season on the Owls. It worked in their first game on a heavy line move against Pepperdine, and their solid returning team is hard to ignore. Yet, look for this to be a tricky spot as Fordham’s weak schedule serves as a value indicator. Grab the Rams to play formidable half court defense and bite bettors that go with the line move.

Tuesday, the Dallas Mavericks will face the LA Clippers for the second time in three days. Minus Luka Doncic, Dallas lost by six points to the Clippers on Sunday. Expect their personnel to be better prepared if Doncic misses another game, as they aim to end a three game losing streak. Play Dallas. 

Tonight the Portland Trailblazers have an opportunity to extend their largest win streak of the season to four games. It’s a revenge spot for Portland as they’ll face the Denver Nuggets who beat them 124-95 on November 14th. Portland was minus Damian Lillard in that matchup, and should play much different in a nationally televised spot. Take Portland to move to 9-1 at home and cover the number. 

One of the biggest college basketball line moves yesterday was Murray State against East Tennessee State. The line movement proved to be incorrect as East Tennessee State easily handled Murray State. Today should be a different story as East Tennessee State’s offense ranks just 310th compared to Missouri State which ranks 39th. Playing for a second consecutive day look for Missouri State’s offensive execution to be too much for the Bucs. Grab Missouri State.

Valparaiso will take on Coastal Carolina coming off their first win yesterday against Jacksonville State. The Beacons finally found their offense in a big way with fifty second half points. Look for their tournament readiness to give them a leg up against a Coastal Carolina team that has not played in five days. Grab Valparaiso.

The Phoenix Suns are the hottest team in the NBA with a twelve game win streak. Throughout their winning streak the lone stretch where they showed weakness was in a back to back scenario last Monday. They needed a late flurry against the Minnesota Timberwolves and did not cover a small number of 3.5. Expect a similar outcome against a Spurs team that has had three days off. Back the Spurs. 

The New Orleans Pelicans have played better since Brandon Ingram has returned to the lineup. In fact, they have won their last two home games with victories over the Clippers and Grizzlies. Yet, they are still just 3-15 overall and are facing a Minnesota Timberwolves team coming off a season-high 135 points. Back the Timberwolves.

A line that continues to move sharply has been East Tennessee State against Murray State. Personally, I liked this line at 3.5 for East Tennessee State, and will take the added three point value here. The Bucs are not as offensively sharp as in prior years but have an NBA prospect in Ledarrius Brewer. Although they are 1-2, we won’t over react. Take the value here on the Bucs against Murray State. 

Typically when a team finishes a cross country road trip, one would be leery on their return home. Yet, the Warriors rested some main starters in road finale against Detroit. This also built the confidence of their budding young rotation and bench depth. Look for the Warriors to continue to their winning ways and cash ATS against the Raptors. 

Playing in consecutive nights is always a challenge in the NBA. The New York Knicks find themselves in that spot Sunday after a home win last night against the Rockets.  A positive is the Knicks have defeated the Bulls four of their last five matchups, which includes a road win October 28th. Back the Knicks. 

The Utah Jazz have regrouped to win consecutive games by double-digits to boost their record to 10-5. Additionally they finally have the services of veteran Rudy Gay who scored twenty points in his season debut on Thursday. Tonight for the third time the Utah Jazz will face the Sacramento Kings, who are in a back to back scenario. Expect the Jazz fluid offense to flourish against a poor Kings defensive team. Back the Jazz.

Friday, in front of a nationally televised audience the Boston Celtics throttled the Lakers, 130-108. The feat was accomplished with several key players out and with Lebron James back for the Lakers. Injuries have been a main reason why the Celtics are 8-8 and inconsistent. In a back to back scenario look for the Oklahoma City Thunder to pose a challenge with their young roster. Back the Thunder.

A weak schedule to open the season for the Saint Louis Billikens featured wins over Central Arkansas, Eastern Illinois, and a non division one school. Saturday, they’ll face a Mercer Bears team that is 1-2 but has had a far tougher schedule. Yet, look for Mercer’s limited seven man rotation to hurt them in the second half against a deeper Saint Louis team. Back the Billikens.

A line that has moved against the favorite has been VCU against Chattanooga. One of the main reasons is VCU has struggled offensively averaging just fifty points per game. Expect an uptick offensively from the Rams, and for their half-court defense to continue to excel against the Mocs. Go against the line move here and back VCU. 

The San Diego Toreros have impressed thus far on the young season. They won on the road against Nevada, and are coming off a pull away victory over a UC Riverside team that upset Arizona State. Yet, Cal State Fullerton is a streaky shooting team that also gets to the free throw line. They average twenty free throws a game and rank fifteenth in the country at 82 percent.

It’s rare to see an 0-2 team favored by a sizable amount. Yet Niagara is this evening against SIU Edwardsville. This is largely due to their strength of schedule and narrow losses to both Ohio State and Xavier. Expect the Purple Eagles to handle the Cougars and get in the win column both ATS and side wise.

A peculiar point spread exists as South Carolina out of the SEC finds themselves as a home underdog against UAB. The Blazers were one of the best teams in Conference USA last season, before a tough loss to Western Kentucky in their conference tournament. Additions via transfer with Quan Jackson from Georgia Southern and KJ Buffen from Ole Miss elevate them immensely. Take the Blazers to handle the Gamecocks. 

Thursday, Coastal Carolina will travel to face UNC Wilmington out of Colonial Athletic Association. For the Chanticleers this will mark just their second game of the season, while this is the fourth for UNC Wilmington. That’s a big early season advantage for the Seahawks in front of their home crowd. Take UNC Wilmington. 

Tuesday, an in-state college hoops matchup will take place as Nebraska hosts Creighton. In the prior two seasons, Creighton walloped Nebraska by 19 points or more in both matchups. A talent drop off for the Bluejays this season gives Nebraska a chance to get revenge. Additionally, the spread would likely be higher on Nebraska’s side if not for an opening loss to Western Illinois. Expect Fred Hoiberg and his coaching staff to be dialed in. Take Nebraska.

A team that continues to be a tad bit over valued ATS are the Richmond Spiders. Richmond has one of the best retuning lineups in college basketball, but needs time to get readjusted on the court. They’ll be in for another tough challenge tonight against a Georgia State team that is excellent in half court offense. Take the Panthers getting a generous amount of points as an underdog. 

Through two games the Minnesota Gophers have won and covered both matchups. Sunday, they’ll continue to play in the Asheville tournament as they face Princeton in the championship. Look for Princeton’s experience led by seniors Jaelin Llewellyn and Drew Friberg to pay off against a Gopher’s team under a new coach. Grab Princeton.

The Cleveland Cavaliers hot start is one of the best stories to begin the NBA season. At 8-5 they are coming off a twenty point victory in yesterday’s win over Detroit. In a back to back scenario today against the Celtics, look for Boston to utilize their roster depth advantage over the Cavaliers. Take the Celtics.

The Toronto Raptors ended a three-game losing streak Friday, and now return home for one game against the Detroit Pistons. It’s the last time the Raptors will be home before a six game road trip that stretches past Thanksgiving. Expect the Raptors to be motivated and throttle a Pistons team coming off a lackluster performance yesterday against the Cavaliers. Take Toronto. 

A team that was ill prepared to begin their season was Detroit Mercy. Detroit scored just forty-seven points and were blown out in both halves of action against Wyoming. Expect a much sharper performance from Detroit who shot just 6-27 from three point range against Wyoming, versus being a top fifteen team last year in three pointers made. Take Detroit plus the points against Toledo. 

One of the more difficult challenges in an NBA season is sweeping an opponent. For the Dallas Mavericks they will face the San Antonio Spurs for the third time in their first twelve games. Both prior games the Mavericks did not cover but won. Expect a competitive game once again but for the Mavericks to pull away and win their third game against the Spurs. Take Dallas. 

A key overnight line move has been against the Memphis Grizzlies against the Phoenix Suns. With Dillon Brooks determined out the line has reversed to the Suns as the slight favorite. This is sparked by a six game win streak from the Suns. Yet, the Grizzlies should be refocused after a disappointing home loss against the Hornets. Take the Grizzlies.

East Tennessee State begins their season Friday on the road against Appalachian State. The Buccaneers are coming off a disappointing 13-12 season, as they struggled to find consistent scoring. Yet, Appalachian State scored just 53 points in their opener against Iona. Take East Tennessee State on the small number to open their season.

Utah State suffered a stunning loss to open the season to UC Davis, 72-69. Now they’ll need to regroup as they face a Richmond team that has all five starters back, including four players heading into their fifth season. Yet, Richmond experienced key injuries and covid issues last season, and will need time to mesh together. Take the points with Utah State. 

San Jose State will embark on their first game of the season against 0-1 Cal State Fullerton. The Spartans will be without key player Richard Washington who is attempting to appeal an NCAA suspension. Look for Cal State Fullerton to pave the way led by the combination of guards Tray and Dante Maddox Jr. Play Cal State Fullerton.

Both ASU and UC Riverside will compete in their second games of the season on Thursday. For ASU, Bobby Hurley gets another tune up matchup to try and tinker with a new lineup filled with mid-major transfers. Against Portland they needed a second half push but failed to cover the twenty-four point line. Take the Highlanders whose slower pace of play will challenge ASU.

The Denver Nuggets will be without key star Nikola Jokic as he will serve a one-game suspension. They’ll take on an Indiana Pacers team coming off their first road win of the season against the Sacramento Kings. The win marked their fourth straight cover, as the Pacers appear to be finding their groove. Take Indiana to keep excelling against Denver. 

The Houston Rockets and Detroit Pistons both have just one win on the year. For the Rockets their young team has shown flashes of talent with Christian Wood, Kevin Porter Jr, and top pick Jalen Green. Enduring seven road games out of their first ten games would be tough for any team. Expect being at home to pay dividends against the lowly Pistons. Play Houston.