The Cubs lost the series opener on a passed ball last night.  I look for them to rebound here against the Brewers who will end up being the worst team in the NL Central.  While Hendricks may not repeat lat year, he has proven to be an elite pitcher.  At this price on the RL it's hard not to like.  He has also owned the Brewers here with a 2.11 career ERA.

Yes the Celtics have dropped 2 straight but I look for them to bounce back here playing a Hornets team who now knows they won't be making the playoffs.  The Celtics want to enter the playoffs on a positive note so you can expect Brad Stevens to have his guys ready tonight.  Celtics can still clinch the #1 overall seed as well as they are just one game back of the Cavs.  A win here tonight will put them half a game behind 

I know this is the public side and maybe I am way wrong in this game but with the Bulls trying to make the playoffs covering this low of line shouldn't be an issue.  Wade is now expected to be back here as well.  Bulls have came on very strong the last 3 weeks while the Nets have nothing to play for. 

With the Nuggets 1.5 behind Portland you know the effort will be here tonight in a big way.  It's obviously a do or die situation for them.  Cousins is questionable right now.  This is a home and home situation for the Pelicans having two days off after playing the Nuggets.  I see them look more forward to the Warriors tomorrow.

The Blazers just lost @ the T Wolves by 1 point just a few days ago.  I see them getting their revenge tonight pretty easily.  I know Portland is missing Nurkic but I'm not worried about that as Portland as a very tough home crowd and they know whats at stake as they control their destiny right now in the 8th spot.  

The Pacers had a hard fought game against the Raptors coming back from as much as 15 down to really taking it to them.  They won't lay over here as they are now tied with the Heat and Bulls for a spot in the playoffs.  The Pacers have been rock solid at home with a 27-12 record.  The Bucks have now lost 2 straight and haven't covered 3 straight.  I believe this veteran Indiana squad takes it to the young Bucks. 

Cavs are in a tough spot here after a double OT win vs the Pacers I expected them to rest guys during last night's game vs the Magic and they did the exact opposite.  This will be their 3rd game in 4 nights while the Celtics have had 2 days off.  Pretty easy to realize who has the big advantage here.  Cavs have been very vulnerable lately and at this point in the season I believe the Celtics want it more. They will play their you know whats off tonight as they want that #1 overall seed 

Late add for premium subsribers only. 

The Hornets season is on the right now after a toug loss last night vs the Wizards.  Hornets are no doubt playing their best basketball right now.  The Heat are ahead of them but with a win tonight the Hornets will only be .5 game back of them and 1.5 for the 8th spot.  There is a big line move happening here as well so I suggest to grab it now

Well it's put up or shut up time for the Pacers tonight.  They are currently tied with the Heat for the last playoff spot, but the Heat hold the tiebreak over them.  This to me is a must win game and I believe they come through.  The Raptors have absolutely nothing to play for here and I wouldn't be surprised to see them rest some guys here.  This will be a max effort here for the Pacers.  

Here is another situation where the Wizards have nothing to play for as well and the Hornets still have a chance for a playoff spot only one game behind the Pacers and Heat.  The Wizards are coming off a a 5 game west coast trip so you no they are tired.  Throw in the fact as I have mentioned they aren't going anywhere I see this being a big flat spot for them tonight.  Hornets have won 3 straight and 4 of 5 

Gonzaga is a team that I believe can't be stopped at the moment.  So many throughout the season called this team a fraud because of the conference they play in.  We are now seeing that obviously they are legit and haven been very deserving of a #1 seed.  What has caused North Carolina fits this year are teams that are just as long and athletic as them.  Meeks will not have a game like he did against Oregon and Jackson will have to work even harder to get open looks with Collins on him.  The Gonzaga Bulldogs win the 2017 National Title!

A lot of value here with the Jazz as the Spurs are resting a ton of players here today.  This Jazz team is starting to click right now winning 3 straight and 4 of 5.  They also are one of the rare teams in the playoffs that still has motivation as they want home court advantage in the first round game.  

Everyone thought since losing Boucher the Ducks would fall apart.  Well that have done exactly the opposite of that.  I love their guard trio with Dorsey Brooks and Benson.  UNC has no dodged two bullets in the tournament and I dont believe they dodge a third here.  While I do UNC the edge in the paint I think the guards for Oregon as I have mentioned can really find holes in their defense because UNC isn't about playing hard nose defense 

The Gamecocks have been a great story here beating the likes of Duke and Baylor on the way to the final four.  This one here is all about the match up and quite frankly the size of this Gonzaga will cause havoc as South Carolina isn't a great jump shooting team so they will rely on getting points in paint which plays into the hands of Gonzaga.  The Bulldogs are also shooting the lights out of the ball here as of late and I don't see that changing.  Gonzaga runs away with this one 

George Hill expected to miss this game does hurt the Jazz here, but I believe they are catching the Wizards at the right time.  This will be their 3rd road game in 4 days with those extra days being spent in LA.  I doubt they are to interested in this game tonight especially since they have the Warriors on deck.  I do think the Jazz still have something to play for in their heads as they want home court advantage over the Clippers in the first round.

While I know the match up doesn't favor the Thunder I just think they are still giving big time effort.  The Spurs were up big in the 1st quarter on the Warriors and completely laid an egg the rest of the game.  This team looks tired plain and simple.  They now are content with the 2 seed in the West knowing they cant catch the Warriors now so I don't see them playing to hard.  While, Westbrook is playing lights out right now and the Spurs aren't going to have any guard that can stop him.  He is clearly playing for the MVP title and is making a huge case down the stretch.  With the Clippers having the night off I see the Thunder only being one game back for the 5 seed 

I normally don't play big double digit favorites, but with how the Magic ended their last game vs the Thunder.  They blew a big 4th quarter lead Westbrook hit a 3 with a few seconds left to go into OT and then the Magic just fell apart.  I don't see them coming out here after that heart breaking loss.  The Celtics just lost @ home to the red hot Bucks, but now are back in first place so they still have that to play for here.  Also the Celtics have blown out the Magic in the 2 meetings this year.

There is no doubt who the betting public will be all over in this game and that is the Rockets.  Honestly here though the Rockets have absolutely nothing to play for as they have the 3 seed locked up and cant move up or down.  There is zero motivation here for them.  Portland has all that motivation though as they have a one game lead for the 8th seed in the Western Conference.  They are quietly one of the hottest teams in the league winning 4 straight and 7 of 8.  I believe they get another win here

Maybe this is the breakout game for the Cavs, but I will pay to see it.  This team has been flat out awful lately and while they do have the 1 seed to play for the Bulls have the playoffs to play for as well.  Last game really showed me that Bulls are still fighting as they won @ Milwaukee in impressive fashion as the Bucks are one of the hottest teams in the league right now.  I also think most would be surprised here to know that the Bulls are 3-0 SU against the Cavs this year.  Will fade the Cavs until proven other wise especially with how bad that defense has looked 

TCU is just a really good team that could have mad some noise in the big dance this year, but they have a rough stretch during the middle of the season which ultimately kept them out.  When looking at the two roads each team has had to get here, the Horned Frogs have had a much tougher draw.  They beat #1 seed Iowa @ Iowa City in OT, followed that up with an impressive 20 point win over Richmond and just man handled UCF in the first game at the garden.  Tech has had a great year as well, but this team is very young and their road was a great set up for them.  Despite winning their first game at the graden they are still just 4-11 away from home this season.  

GAME OF THE MONTH!

We are really getting a discount on the Clippers here tonight.  This team is coming off a terrible loss where they blew and 18 point lead to the Kings in the final 5 minutes of that game.  They now have had two days off and will be eager for a big bounce back.  The Wizards played last night beating the Lakers and staying an extra night in LA for these guys isn't always a good thing.  The Clippers do have big motivation here also as they are only ahead of the Thunder by 1 game.  The 5 and 6 seed is very crucial because they would rather play the Jazz and the Rockets first round.  I see a big bounce back the Clippers tonight

I was against the Bucks last night in a loss, but will go against them again here.  They played a Hornets team who failed to show and gave them open look after open look.  This Bucks team won't shoot over 60% against a defensive team like Boston no way.  The Celtics are red hot right now winning 4 straight and 7 of 8.  This streak has now gave them control on the Eastern Conference.  With a win here tonight they go a full game ahead of the Cavs.  That serves as enough motivation for me plus catching the Bucks on a back to back doesn't hurt either.  

Call me a sucker here but I'm going to take the Thunder.  They have everything to play for and I believe that great comeback win over the Mavs last game will serve as big time motivation.  The Thunder laid an egg to the Magic @ home already, but that was a different Magic team then before all the trades happened.  Thunder at worst want to keep their 6 seed because falling to the 7 and 8 is a no no in the West.  This is also Oladipo's first game back @ Orlando since being traded there.  I see big effort from the the Thunder tonight 

Anther situation here for desperate teams.  While both teams have been playing very well the Nuggets and Jokic have been getting all the attention.  Well, Portland has won 3 straight and 6 of 7 here to get themselves in contention.  In fact these are the only two teams that can make it for the final spot in the Western Conference.  Nuggets just 2-3 SU their last 5 and a large part of their success came because they have been at home for a long time 

Rockets are't getting enough respect here with the Warriors coming to town.  Rockets will want revenge after losing to them on their home floor the first time around.  They key here in that was Durant was still playing.  The Warriors haven't been the same without him.  I know the public will be backing Golden St because they still have the 1 seed to play for.  I just think the Rockets are a bad match up without Durant in the lineup. 

If any team is due for a blowout win it is the Hawks.  Yes they have struggled big time recently, but they are still in the hunt for the playoffs which should give them all the motivation here.  Atlanta is in a 3 way tie for the 5th 6th and 7th spot right now.  The remaining games are very crucial.  

Also we all know that the Suns are tanking right now as they have lost 8 straight and 10 of their last 11 games.  They are also in a rough spot with this being their 6th straight road game in 10 days.  Even though the Hawks are missing players they still should have no problem as the Suns are extremely young and missing all their veteran players 

It's do or die time right now for the Hornets who are sitting outside the playoff race.  Hornets are two games back of the Miami Heat and need this if they want a chance.  The Hornets have had the Bucks number this year winning every game so far.  This will be the Bucks 5th game in 8 days which is a big factor.  With a game @ Toronto looming the Hornets know they need this in the worst possible way 

The T Wolves to me are a telling sign of another tanking team as they have lost 6 straight and failed to cover in each of those games.  The Pacers are tied with three teams right now for spots 5-8 so this game is very important.  This will be the T Wolves 6th road game in their last 7 games.  With everything at stake and being a short home favorite I expect them to take care business 

The Grizzlies are comfortable in the playoffs right now, but there is no doubt they would like to improve their seed to avoid the Warriors or the Spurs.  They are only 1.5 games behind the Thunder.  Both teams played last night Grizz lost @ Warriors and Kings had a crazy comeback vs the Clippers.  I don't look for the Kings to be very interested here as they were very excited last night.  The Grizz do have the motivation here and would like to finish this west coast road trip with a win.  Ty Lawson is also questionable for the Kings 

I don't trust the Cavs here at all as they have shown zero interest on the defensive side giving up 100 + points 5 straight games.  On the road they have gave up 10 straight games over 100 + points.  With that obviously comes struggle and they are just 5-5 SU heir L10.  The Spurs are only 2.5 back of the 1 seed with this game and the Warriors coming to town next they could be within one game.  

I backed Kentucky in their last game and I not going away from them now.  That was a Kentucky team that was dominant.  Monk and Fox are becoming extremely special right in front of our eyes.  While yes UNC does the revenge angle here I just believe this Wildcat team matches up very well against them.  UNC has had a pretty easy road IMO so far and I see Kentucky exposing them on.

Both teams are playing well at the moment, but all the motivation lies here with the Thunder.  The Rockets are locked in to the 3 seed in the Western Conference.  All 3 games between these two teams have been decided by 3 points or less.  With the Thunder trying to climb into the 5th spot to avoid playing the Rockets first round I see them playing extra hard.  Also the Rockets will be without Ryan Anderson who is more crucial than the average person thinks 

I'm not going against this Bucks team who is one of the hottest in the league right now.  With the Bulls losing to the Sixers @ home it tells me they are done for the year.  The Bucks have owned the Bulls this season winning every game by double digits.  They are 8-2 SU their last 10 with the 2 losses coming @ Memphis and @ Golden St, both very good teams obviously.  

Really like Portland here tonight as they are a desperate team trying to make the playoffs.  They currently sit 1.5 games out of the 8th spot behind the Nuggets.  The T Wolves are in a tough spot here playing last night in LA and lost to the pathetic Lakers.  Portland won't be taking any games off for the rest of the season, while I think Minnesota has clearly tossed in the towel now losing 5 straight 

While I know Kansas hasn't had any problems so far.  I believe this Oregon team is one that can stop them.  I love the trio of guards for the Ducks with Benson Dorsey and Brooks, these guys can flat out shoot it.  With this line they are saying that Oregon is worse than Purdue and equal to Michigan St.  I'm not buying that at all as Oregon is a lot better than both those teams.  

While the Raptors have been playing good without Lowry this a a Mavs team that has been rock solid @ home the last couple months.  They are 15-4 ATS L19 home games.  It's also evident that the Mavs haven't quit on the season as they just beat the Clippers last game out.  I like the Mavs to take this one 

Wisconsin is simply getting way to much love after beating Nova.  They played a great game and shot it extremely well.  I feel Florida is being under looked because of that, but lets look at Florida so far this tournament.  They handled ETSU by 15 and then blew the doors off of Virginia holding them to 39 points!!! I dont care what caliber of team you are holding an opponent to under 40 points is very impressive.  This Gator team will cause havoc for the Badger guards.  

Really like the fact that Kentucky lost to these guys on their home court earlier this season.  They have been great when they can get revenge and I expect that to happen again here tonight.  I also think there is a huge coaching advantage with coach Cal over Alford.  There are to many distractions going on with this UCLA team and as we all know regrading the Ball situation

The luck has ran out for the Gamecocks here.  They were unreal in the 2nd half against Duke hitting everything.  Baylor is a team that has a ton of talent and plays better overall better defense than Duke.  People are forgetting that this Baylor team was ranked #1 at one point this season.  We are getting a good discount here now.  

This is a tough spot here for the Nuggets.  They are coming off a big win over the Cavs and now playing a desperate Pacers team.  The Pacers are on a weird little trend thing dating back to late February.  If they didn't cover the previous game every single time they have followed that up with a win and cover.  

While Xavier is a nice story and have made a great run, their time has simply run out.  They blew out Florida St which was a team this year that never lived up to their full potential.  They are several things going against Xavier with first being the location on the West coast.  The Wildcat fans travel with the best of them and it will obviously be a big advantage for them here.  I was super impressed with Arizona in the 2nd half vs St Marys.  It proves they can handle any style that a team wants to throw at them.  Also the match up issues here a in big time favor of Arizona as they have the length across the board.  Xavier shot the lights out of it vs Florida St, that wont happen here tomorrow night against a team that can really defend  

The Heat have been by far the most over achieving team in the league this year IMO.  Odds Makers are clearly giving them a lot of respect here saying these team are pretty much equal on a nuetral court.  Raptors are without Lowry, but they are now starting to click winning 3 straight and 4 of 5 and they have a ton of motivation trying to catch Washington for the 3 seed.  Ibaka is out for his fighting the other night.  All of that is definitely playing into the line.  Whiteside is also banged up for Miami and they are missing Waiters.    

I just don't think you can go against this Michigan team right now.  They truly believe they can beat anyone right now and I'm not willing to bet against it.  What they have done over the last two weeks has been beyond impressive.  Oregon was very lucky to escape Rhode Island last game as RI controlled the ball game.  They did so because Dorsey got hot hitting 9 of 10 shots.  If you have to rely on that, it will come to an end.  Michigan presents a nightmare match up for them with Boucher being out.  DJ Wilson and Wagner have been so good and can really stretch the floor.  I see Michigan getting all sort of easy buckets and the streak continues 

I will lay the points here with the Hornets as I have said they are a desperate team right now trying to make a late push for the playoffs.  They are only 3 games back of Miami for the 8th spot right now and simply cant afford a loss to one of the worst teams in the league.  Magic have won back to back games but were against the Suns who are tanking and the Sixers in OT.  Hornets are a lot better across the board I see them motivated and focused here

The Pelicans are starting to make a late push for the playoffs now.  Most knew it would take a while with the Cousins deal to take shape, but now it has.  They have won 4 of 5 now and with antoher win here tonight they can climb to just 3 games out of the 8th spot.  So you don't have to question the effort here.

The Grizzlies are getting a lot of respect because they have now won and covered 4 straight including a win over the Spurs.  I believe this is a flat spot for them because they have the Spurs again next followed by the Warriors.  

I really love the Thunder here tonight in a triple revenge spot.  This team is now starting to playing very good basketball while the Warriors have been struggling.  Warriors are just 5-5 SU their last 10 games.  OKC is now riding a 5 game winning streak and they will be our for blood tonight.  They biggest overall reason why I love the Thunder is that out Durant is out.  He has torched them every game this season.  The Thunder are also trying to get into the 5th spot in the West and I see them coming out guns blazing and taking one 

I like the Celtics to bounce back here from a bad loss yesterday to the Sixers.  They need this game a lot as Washington is right behind them for the 2 seed in the Eastern Conference.  Wizards have hit a wall as of late not covering in 4 straight and and only winning one of those games.  

I have to take the Pacers here as they are due for a big bounce back.  Since February 16th every loss the Pacers have had they have followed the next game up with a SU win.  I see that happening again here tonight as they are hanging on to a playoff spot right now.  The Jazz have dropped 4 of their last 4 road games as well.  This will be their 4th game in 6 nights and yes the Pacers are on a back to back but prior to yesterday they have 3 days off so rest for them doesn't apply.  

I'm liking this Rhode Island team more and more.  I backed them in their first round game over Creighton and will do so again here tonight.  Oregon is getting a lot of credit since they did cover their opening game but that was Iona and they gave up 77 points.  Rhode Island has the guards here to make this very difficult and this is where not having Boucher will come into play.  

The Wichita Dayton game final was very misleading IMO.  The Shockers shot 40% from the field compared to Dayton shooting only 31%.  They also out rebounded Dayton by 20!! and yet could only win the game by 6.  Kentucky and Coach Cal are a team I am looking to back here.  When it comes to guard play they have a huge advantage over almost anyone.  The Shockers were a bad seed no doubt, but now this matchup is a difficult one for them

I will take Louisville here as the Michigan hot streak comes to an end.  This Louisville team can really defend and Michigan won't be getting those easy looks from deep here.  Michigan hit 16 threes in game 1 and 11 came in the 2nd half to still only win by 1.  Michigan wont have an answer for their big guys and that will be the difference in the game 

Virginia was very lucky to escape their first game with a win over UNC W.  I don't think they have a chance here against this long athletic Florida team.  The thing is that Florida can really defend here and shut down the likes of Perrantes.  Florida also has the benefit here of playing in Orlando as well I thought the line would be closer to 4 or 5

Love Arizona in this spot.  the PAC 12 is getting no love but they are a solid 5-0 to start the tournamen.  St Mary's is a good team but they don't have the athletes here to compete with this Zona team.  Zona to me fits the eye here as a team to win the whole thing.  They are a skilled team at every position and we have seen what happens tonSt Mary's when playing a team like Gonzaga who is similar 

I like Midd Tenn St here tonight taking on Butler.  The Bulldo shot the lights out of the ball vs Winthrop and still barely managed to cover.  They are playing a team now who seems very comfortable with themselves and Midd Tenn dominated their opening game vs Minnesota.  I don't believe Butler is any better than the Gophers.  Take the points 

I think the wrong team is favored here.  A lot of times when we a team has a scare like ND they end up making a run and I see that happening here.  West Virginia will continue to press press and press.  That won't work here as ND has great guard play and they are the best free throw shooting team in the country.  WVU better be careful

Good for Kent St winning the MAC and making the tournament but this is a brutal spot playing out west for them so far away from home.  They will be shocked by how good this UCLA team is on offense and the talent gap is huge.  Lonzo Ball hate him or love him will be playing big time this tournament.  Kent St is no match at all I see this getting ugly early!

FRIDAY PLAY OF THE DAY!

I really think Michigan St is getting to much respect because of their coach Izzo here.  Sure it's March, but how did that work out for them last year?  Miami is a very underrated physical team that man handle these young guards for the Spartans.  Miami has beat teams like Duke and North Carolina this year.  Sparty has been awful away from home as well going 5-12 SU.  Miami wins going away here

Cincy isn't getting any credit at all here considering Kansas St just played a hard fought game the other night to get into this position.  This Cincy team can play some serious lock down defense and with Kansas St lacking a go to guy I see them really shutting this team down.  Don't let the other night fool you Kansas St shot 66% for the game!!! How often or ever does that happen?? This Cincy team will play with a chip on their shoulder because of their seed.  

I'm not so sure Rhode Island shouldn't be favored here.  Most people are forgetting that this RI team was a top 25 pre season team before they suffered injuries along the way.  This team took Duke down to the wire when they were healthy.  Creighton I'm not buying here without Watson.  I really like the momentum with Rhode Island as the A 10 is a very underrated conference.  

I'm gonna lay the number with SMU here as I believe they will be catching a tired USC team.  USC had to travel to Dayton and play the play in game.  They were once down by 17 came all the way back used a lot of their tank in doing that and now traveled again and have to get up for a team that ca really play some defense.  SMU is one of the hottest teams no one is talking about.. this team hasnt lost a game since January.  I think they catch a tired USC team here who will struggle on defense 

Not many teams are coming into the tournament any hotter than the Cyclones.  Was extremely impressed with how they played in the Big 12 tournamen.  The key for Iowa sat right now is that they have found quality minutes from their big men who have been misssing most of the season.  I look for them to ride a wave of mom here

Talk about a first round game that will be intense it's definitely this one.  FGCU will leave everything on the table here against this Florida St team.  Sure they aren't rivals but it's just how the average person views each school.  Florida St has great talent no denying that but I simply don't trust them away from home.  They were below .500 on the road and even got lucky in a few more games to get a win.  Not calling for the upset but don't sleep on FGCU here

Winthrop is one of these teams we see every year based on their style of play come in and pull one upset.  I'm not very high on Butler or the Big East for that matter.  This Winthrop team just keeps chucking up threes and we all know if an underdog seems them go in early it usually spells upset.  Butler isn't a offensive juggernaut and are nothing special on D.  I think we have a live dog here

I think we have another live dog here to start off the tournamen.  UNC W is one of the most experienced teams in the field and you know they would love nothing more than pulling the classic 12 over 5.  Virginia plays way to slow keeping teams always in the game.  I don't like how Virginia has played the last 3 weeks of the season.  They simply don't have the athletes or shooters we are accustomed to seeing.  

I realize Princeton comes into this game having not lost a game in conference.  They seem to be getting a lot of respect here against a very talented and quality team like ND.  Was impressed with ND throughout the ACC tournament taking Duke down to the wire.  They are just a complete mid match on both side of the ball.  I just believe Princeton's stats are very inflated due to their lack of competition 

I really think people are sleeping on the quality of the Pac 12 this year.  USC is a long and very athletic team with shooters than can create havoc.  Providence did end the season well to get into the dance, but laid an egg in the tournament I was impressed with that @ all.  USC took UCLA down to the wire in the Pac 12 tournament losing 2 that would have been the 2nd time they had beaten them this year.  Also this is a revenge game from last year as these two met in the 8 9 match up.  USC took them down to the wire, but lost so I see them coming extra focused here and quite frankly they have the better athletes by far 

Well the Pacers should be a pissed off team after last night's 2nd half performance.  They scores a miserable 29 points in the whole second half.  That is something I haven't seen in a long time.  Pacers need this one now and are being under valued because of a back to back here and them not covering 3 straight.  They are only 1.5 games ahead of the 8th spot.  I see a big bounce back here.

First game back for the Wizards after a grueling road trip is always tough.  This will now be their 6th game now in 9 days with travel every day.  Sure the Wizards are a lot better but I doubt also the Mavs are a team they will be up for.  Mavs are still a fighting team right now trying to make the 8th spot.  

We have seen a big push on Kansas St and I'm not quite sure why.  I believe Wake is the better team here and plays in a much tougher conference with the ACC compared to the Big 12.  I think people are over valuing the win over Baylor in the Big 12 tournament as their coach has proven to get the least out of good talent.

The trade for Cousins hasn't worked out like the Pelicans had hope.  However I dont think this team is ready to quit either.  Evidence in their last game winning @ Hornets in OT.  They get a Portland team playing better but my money is against them as they have only won 12 road games all year and have never won 3 road games in a row this season.  With the short price I like the Pelicans 

The Pacers are just clinging on right now just 2.5 games above the 8th seed.  I see them really making a charge down the stretch with a favorable schedule.  The Knicks are a team you want no part of right now winning just 1 game their last 6 tries.  The Pacers will want revenge here also following a home loss to this Knicks team a while ago.  Give me the team with all the motivation here.  

Like the Wolves here in this spot as the Wizards will be playing their 5th game in 7 days and all of those on the road.  They have to be exhausted here after coming back by 20 plus points against the Trailblazers last time out.  Minnesota is quietly playing better and are to a surprise only 3 games back now of the 8th seed.  In recent home games they have beat teams like the Warriors, Clippers, Mavs Raptors, Bulls.  The only game they haven't covered @ home was the Cavs and they let that one slip away.  It's safe to say they are playing their best basketball right now and catching this Wizards team at the right time.  

Yes I know two teams that have been going opposite directions.  I think this is just an absolute must win game for the Grizzlies here as they have a lot of road games coming up.  They need to get the ball rolling in the right direction.  While the Bucks have been hot they have done their damage @ home.  The only road game recently was @ Sixers.  I do like this Bucks team a lot but I prefer them @ home and not against a quality Western Conference team

Cavs are playing their 2nd of a back to back here.  LeBron logged another 35+ minute game.  Cavs are just 3-5 SU their last 8 playing their worst basketball of the season.  Obviously something is wrong with this Cleveland team right now and I want no part of them.  The Rockets will want revenge from earlier this season as the Cavs were simply on fire that game making 16 threes.  Rockets are a scary animal at home averaging 116 pgg.  With this being a back to back Cavs cant keep up with the pace.  

Really like the Pacers here as they are catching the Heat at the right time now.  Miami played last night on their home court in a blowout win over the Raptors.  Pacers had the day off and will be looking for a nice bounce back @ home which they are 22-10 @ home this season.  Dragic also got hurt last night and is very questionable to play.  

I believe most will stay away or jump on Arkansas here as Kentucky has burnt people the last couple days not covering.  They are just a bad match up here as Kentucky had no problem rolling them by 26 in their only meeting.  I think Cal will have them ready here as he wants them to make a statement win also before heading into next week.  

Iowa St has been very impressive and I'm not ready to fade them.  This team will want double revenge after dropping both games to West Virginia.  I so think we are seeing a word down West Virginia team because of their style of play.  Evidence was that yesterday only scoring in the 50's and beating Kansas St by 1

Nova should have no problem with Creighton as they haven't had an issue with them at all so far this season. Nova is just a team on another mission here.  Creighton has played bet recently and that is why the line isnt double digits.  Nova wins going away

I just think this team is destin to win it all following their incident.  They are clicking on all cylinders right now and this young Minnesota team isn't going to stop them.  Gophers getting to much respect for beating Sparty as they have been a bad team away from home

Interesting line for this game as I for sure thought this would be a PK.  UCLA was only favored by 5 on their home court and Zona was favored by 2.5-3 on theirs so it is suggesting that this should be a PK.  Zona is a team not getting enough respect because they don't have the flash guys.  I think Zona gets the job done tonight as they play hard nosed defense while UCLA only plays offense. It almost cost UCLA last night, it will cost them tonight 

BIG 12 TOURNAMENT GAME OF THE YEAR!

Odds makers really messed this line up as it should be closer to 10.  I was impressed with Iowa St yesterday even though I do worry about their rebounding.  Let's face it the only reason TCU is here is because Jackson was suspended for Kansas yesterday their best player.  Iowa St has the fire power and now a clear path to win this thing and improve their overall tournament seed.  

ACC TOURNAMENT GAME OF THE YEAR! 

I had Louisville yesterday and still believe that was the right side it was just that that couldn't make a free throw at all.  When you shoot 50% from the line and still have a chance I think that was the right side.  Duke will be playing their rd straight game and if they play zone like they did against Louisville the Tarheels will eat them alive.  Duke lives on the three point line and playing their 3rd game now those legs aren't gonna be there.  UNC BIG!

This is a rare spot for a double revenge for a team that went 14-4 in conference play, but we have one here.  Florida will be a very pissed off team after getting swept by Vandy during the regular season.  The Gators are no doubt a way better team and they still have a lot to play for when it comes to seeding for the tournament.  Vandy I believe has played themselves into the field now and will get the wrath here tonight

Indiana is a scary team right now as we saw how hot they were against Iowa last night.  I actually thought whoever won that game between Iowa and Indiana would beat Wisconsin because of the match ups.  Sure Indiana may not be totally on fire again, but they now have the confidence and have a possible tournament birth ahead of them.  Third time is the charm for the Hooisers they knock the Badgers off tonight

Virginia beats Pitt back to back games and now all the sudden they are laying 5?  ND is coming into this tournament with a ton of confidence right now going 6-1 SU their last 7 games.  When these team met earlier it was the worst performance of the season by far for ND as they only made 3 threes all game.  This line should be near a PK.  I expect it to come down

The wrong team is favored here.  I was on Providence the last meeting as they went into Creighton and stole one as 7 point underdogs.  Creighton still getting a lot of love because of their record.  As I have said time and time again they miss Watson big time.  It's also worth noting that the Big East tournament is played in NY.  Creighton is located in Omaha, Nebraska.  This is a bigger home court advantage for Providence.  

I'm gonna lay this with Baylor here as they want to regain the momentum they once had during the season.  Although I am not a huge fan of Coach Drew because he has all the talent and cant figure it out.  But this situation Kansas St is really struggling prior to their last two wins they were just 2-8 SU.  Baylor also has a sour taste in their mouths after playing a terrible game @ home where they let K St come back and steal one.  Not happening again 

So odds makers are saying Northwestern and Ohio St are a PK on a neutral court?  I'm not buying it at all.  This NW team is as excited as anyone in the country right now going to their first NCAA Tournament ever.  Now thy will try and make a statement here in the big 10 tournament.  Sure Rutgers beat Ohio St, but can they back that up again?  No chance I believe this is a blowout 

I really like Butler here tonight as Xavier is really on the struggle bus lately.  They had a heck of a time with DePaul last night.  In fact their only two recent wins are both against DePaul and they are by far the worst team in the Big East.  Butler is trying to improve their NCAA seed.  I see them making a big statement here tonight.  

I really like Louisville here today as this is just a bad match up for Duke.  Duke played yesterday and won by 7, but they didn't look that good IMO.  They have zero post presence and that will really affect them with Louisville.  Duke is a short bench also so with a game under their belt that makes it tough plus the way Louisville plays bringing all the pressure wont sit well with them.  I look for Louisville to run away with this one  

Iowa St has beaten this Oklahoma St team in both meetings so far.  I actually feel that Iowa St was lucky to do so in both.  The Pokes blew the game when they played on their home court early in the conference season.  They will get their revenge here today.  Iowa St really relies heavily on the outside shot and are a terrible rebounding team.  Oklahoma St will be extra motivated here.

I was on the Suns yesterday catching points against the Wizards and will back the Nuggets here with them playing a back to back.  We are getting a shorter price right now because Jokic is questionable.  If he does play this line will really go up even if he doesn't I like the Nuggets to get the job done tonight who are fighting for a playoff spot.  

I'm going to take my chances with the Pelicans here who are now starting to play a lot better as a whole.  It hasn't shown up in the win column yet, but tonight it starts.  They are just 2-2 their last 4 but lost to 2 top teams in west with the Spurs by 3 and the Jazz by 5, nothing to hang your head on.  Pelicans need this in a big way 

I will back the Buckeyes here even though they had a rough year for them.  This team is still a lot better than Rutgers.  Ohio St only beat them by 6 in their only meeting but Ohio St was in a very difficult spot then.  Their plan here tonight will be get up quick on Rutgers and have them fold as this team has no post season hopes. 

We are getting a bargain price here on TCU as they just lost their final regular season game @ Oklahoma.  To no surprise Oklahoma got up for that game as it was their final home game.  TCU did beat them @ home and they were 11 point favorites.  Now a big adjustment has been made because of how TCU finished.  Well they were very unlucky as they lost 2 games by just 1 point.  I believe they bounce back here and get the better of this very young OU team who will be in unfamiliar territory. 

I will take my chances with Penn St here getting revenge as Nebraska was really disappointing in their final home game not even getting up for that and getting blown out.  That to me says a lot about this time and their mind set right now.  Penn St in their final game against Iowa got down by 27 but continued to fight even though out of it.  That shows Chambers has control of his team and Miles doesn't.   

I'm not ready to step in front of this young Suns team who is playing with all the confidence in the world right now. Most will say they are due for a let down after beating the Celtics, but I'm not buying it.  This team has found new life with their youngsters and you can expect another big effort here tonight.  

I know this will be a heavily bet public side, but Gonzaga is just far dominant in this conference.  Sure it's hard to beat the same team 3 times in season.  Gonzaga had no interest last night against Santa Clara while St Marys is getting a lot of credit for blowing out BYU.  Zags will want to make a statement here tonight as they are fighting for that #1 overall seed come Sunday.  

Georgia Tech has been a great story this season with first year head coach Josh Pastner.  They have pulled off some huge wins, but all of those came at home.  This is a very young Georgia Tech team playing against a veteran group in Pitt who did under achieve this year.  Tech only had 2 wins away from home which is very concerning this time of year.  I also like the fact that Pitt just lost @ Tech as that is fresh in their minds as well.  Veteran group gets it done tonight

Kicking myself for not taking the Knicks yesterday.  Anyways the Warriors east coast road trip comes to an end here tonight and you can tell this team is flat out tired.  They have failed to cover 6 straight and with another back to back situation the value lies with the Hawks.  Atlanta coming off back to back heart breakers losing to Cavs by 5 despite them hitting 25 threes and a buzzer beater yesterday to the Pacers.  Hawks took the Warriors to the wire on their court earlier in season only losing by 5. You can expect a big effort here