03-27-24 |
Blazers +10.5 v. Hawks |
|
106-120 |
Loss |
-109 |
8 h 21 m |
Show
|
This is a huge flat spot for Atlanta. The Hawks are off their finest win of the season, coming from 30 points down to upset the Celtics, 120-118, two days ago. Now the Hawks host the lowly Trail Blazers. After this game, the Hawks host the Celitcs on Thursday and Bucks on Saturday. So you can't blame the Hawks for not getting fully motivated for this matchup even though it's a revenge game. The Trail Blazers defeated Atlanta, 106-102, two weeks ago. Portland is bad, but capable of staying within single digits against a team unlikely to play their "A" game. Just two games ago, the Trail Blazers threw a scare into the world champion Nuggets before losing by only three points.
|
03-25-24 |
Pacers v. Clippers -5.5 |
Top |
133-116 |
Loss |
-110 |
12 h 10 m |
Show
|
The Clippers are 22-12 at home, but coming off an embarrassing 14-point loss to the 76ers in LA on Sunday afternoon. The Clippers are a much better defensive team than the Pacers and won't lack motivation for this matchup following that defeat. Indiana played, too, yesterday at night where it lost a wild, 150-145, game to the Lakers in LA. The Pacers gave it a great effort trailing by 17 points entering the fourth quarter. That game finished much later than the Clippers game did. The Pacers are 2-10 when playing without rest. They have lost the past four times playing the Clippers in LA losing all of those games by six or more points. So this is a bad spot and bad opponent for Indiana.
|
03-25-24 |
Chicago State v. Fairfield -5 |
|
74-77 |
Loss |
-110 |
4 h 22 m |
Show
|
The 23-12 Fairfield Stags are a solid team that has a good offense, ranks 14th in 3-point shooting percentage and 35th in free throw percentage.
Chicago State has a lower-tier offense and is 13-18. The Cougars have a number of bad losses, including a 12-point loss to DePaul.
The Cougars, though, were able to take advantage of a disinterested San Diego team to pull off a first-round upset in their CBI opener. I don't see it happening again. This is just the Cougars' second game since Feb. 19.
|
03-24-24 |
Texas A&M +10.5 v. Houston |
Top |
95-100 |
Win
|
100 |
19 h 54 m |
Show
|
Notice the low total here. It's justified. Houston is the top defensive team in the nation. Texas A&M also is strong defensively. The pace is going to be extremely slow. It means points are going to be hard to come by. So grabbing double-digits is the way to go especially given the line value and various edges that are in favor of the underdog Aggies.
Texas A&M has picked up its offense at the right time averaging 90.2 points in its last five games. The Aggies rank third in the nation in offensive rebounding and are a better free throw shooting team than Houston.
It takes good guards to beat Houston. Texas A&M has that. The Aggies also are healthier than the banged-up Cougars.
The two teams played each other this season. The game was played in Houston and the Cougars won, 70-66, failing to cover as a 7-point favorite. Now the game is at a neutral site and the point spread is much higher.
The Aggies have proven themselves against some elite opponents beating Tennessee, Kentucky and Iowa State. The Cougars just met Iowa State in the finals of the Big 12 Tournament championship game and lost big, 69-41.
|
03-23-24 |
Oregon +5.5 v. Creighton |
Top |
73-86 |
Loss |
-120 |
20 h 52 m |
Show
|
I have tremendous respect for Creighton. The Bluejays are strong on both sides of the ball and have an elite defensive center in Ryan Kalkbrenner. But I'm going to ride Oregon's momentum. The Ducks are at their peak, have a tremendous coach, Dana Altman, and a dominant center, N'Faly Dante.
Sparked by Dante stepping up the past few weeks as he's gotten fully healthy, the Ducks won the Pac-12 tournament - beating Arizona in the semifinals - and then knocking off South Carolina by 14 points in their opening NCAA Tournament game.
This game holds special meaning for Altman, a native of Nebraska who spent 16 seasons coaching Creighton leading the Bluejays to seven NCAA Tourney appearances.
Akron couldn't handle Creighton's height and shot poorly in losing to the Bluejays in the first round. Creighton, though, is stepping up in class with Oregon.
The Bluejays have to contend not only with Dante, but Oregon's hot-shooting guards. Dante missed the start of the season, but he's averaged 19.9 points on 84.1 percent shooting from the floor during his last seven games.
|
03-22-24 |
Texas A&M +1.5 v. Nebraska |
|
98-83 |
Win
|
100 |
9 h 43 m |
Show
|
Nebraska can't be trusted outside of Lincoln going 5-9 in those games. Texas A&M should dominate on the glass. They also have a hot guard in Wade Taylor, who is coming off consecutive 30-point games. Nebraska has never won an NCAA Tournament game going 0-7. This is the Cornhuskers' first NCAA Tourney appearance in 10 years. Don't expect much.
|
03-22-24 |
Northwestern v. Florida Atlantic -3 |
Top |
77-65 |
Loss |
-110 |
10 h 29 m |
Show
|
Florida Atlantic was ranked as high as No. 7 this season in The Associated Press Top 25 before slipping out. The Owls were superior to Northwestern back then and they still are much the better team especially given the Wildcats' injury situation. The Owls reached the semifinals of the NCAA Tournament last season before losing to San Diego State by one point on a buzzer beater. Florida Atlantic returns that experience and is in an angry mood after a stunning upset loss to Temple in the American Athletic Conference Tournament.
Northwestern was fortunate to even be picked for the NCAA Tournament. I have Florida Atlantic ranked way ahead of the Wildcats in my power ratings. Not helping matters for Northwestern is injuries. Senior guard Ty Berry is out. He's the Wildcats' fourth leading scorer and center Matthew Nicholson is dealing with a knee injury.
|
03-21-24 |
NC State v. Texas Tech -4.5 |
Top |
80-67 |
Loss |
-120 |
22 h 42 m |
Show
|
Tremendous kudos for North Carolina State to win the ACC Conference Tournament as a No. 10 seed. The Wolfpack accomplished that by winning five games in five days. Great feat, but reality catches up to North Carolina State here. The NCAA Tournament committee did the Wolfpack no favors by making them play in Pittsburgh on Thursday.
Grant McCasland continued a recent Texas Tech tradition of strong coaching. The Red Raiders were riding a hot streak until running into second-ranked Houston in the Big 12 Conference Tournament semifinals.
The Big 12 may be the best conference in the country this season, while it was a down year for the ACC.
|
03-21-24 |
Oregon +1.5 v. South Carolina |
|
87-73 |
Win
|
100 |
16 h 40 m |
Show
|
In Dana Altman I trust. Altman is an elite coach. He's taken Oregon to seven NCAA Tournaments. The Ducks have never lost in the first round in any of them. Altman has Oregon peaking at just the right time as the Ducks won three in row to capture the Pac-12 Conference Tournament. One of their victories was against ninth-ranked Arizona. South Carolina is a great story going 26-7 after being picked to finish last in the 14-team Southeastern Conference preseason media poll. However, the Gamecocks have been wearing down going 5-4 in their last nine games.
|
03-21-24 |
Morehead State +12 v. Illinois |
|
69-85 |
Loss |
-110 |
15 h 2 m |
Show
|
I don't like Illinois' track record in the NCAA Tournament. The Illini have failed to get through the first weekend of the tournament during their last three appearances. Illinois gets worn down, which could be the case again this season after beating Wisconsin in the always-physical Big Ten Conference Tournament. The Illini have a potential superstar guard in Terrence Shannon Jr. Morehead State, however, has a very strong backcourt, too, with Riley Minix, Drew Thelwell and Kalil Thomas. Minix was the Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year averaging 20.8 points and 9.8 rebounds. Thelwell holds the school's single-season assist record while Thomas ranked in the top 20 nationally with 103 3-pointers this season. The Eagles enter this matchup with a six-game win streak and being very underrated.
|
03-20-24 |
Appalachian State +7 v. Wake Forest |
Top |
76-87 |
Loss |
-110 |
14 h 18 m |
Show
|
Some teams aren't happy to have to settle for playing in the NIT. Appalachian State isn't one of those teams. The Mountaineers are excited to compete and even more excited to go against a bigger name in-state school, Wake Forest, a team they have never beaten. It's a quick 80-mile trip for the Mountaineers to meet the Demon Deacons in Winston-Salem, N.C.
"Playing in the postseason is a huge deal,'' Appalachian State coach Dustin Kerns was quoted as saying. "This is another stair taken upwards in the evolution of our program. No one on our team has ever played in the NIT, so this will be a great experience for everyone."
Appalachian State has the motivation and is good enough to upset Wake Forest straight-up. The Mountaineers rank 30th defensively and fourth in defensive field goal percentage. Each team averages 78 points a game. The Mountaineers are the stronger defensive team.
The Mountaineers can contain Wake Forest's pick-and-rolls and they have elite rim protector Justin Abson, who was the NCAA's fourth-leading shot-blocker. The Mountaineers defeated James Madison, a team getting a lot of love in the NCAA Tournament, twice this season.
The Mountaineers have won 16 of their last 18 games. Wake Forest is 2-4 SU and ATS in its last six games. Appalachian State and Wake Forest last met two years ago and Wake Forest won by one point.
|
03-20-24 |
Heat +2.5 v. Cavs |
|
107-104 |
Win
|
100 |
7 h 16 m |
Show
|
As good as the Cavaliers are defensively, the Heat rank better giving up the fourth-fewest points in the NBA. Cleveland gives up the sixth-fewest points.
Miami also is in excellent defensive form surrendering only 98.5 points per game during its last four games.
But this matchup comes down to situation and injuries. Miami is in the better spot on both of those key counts.
The Heat are without Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo is questionable with a back injury. But Jimmy Butler participated in the team shootaround today, which likely means he'll play after missing the last two games due to a foot injury.
Cleveland is in worse shape injury-wise. Out for the Cavaliers are Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley and Max Strus.
Miami lost, 98-91, on the road to the 76ers two days ago, while the Cavaliers could be in a letdown spot after upsetting the Pacers, 108-103, as a 7-point road 'dog this past Monday.
|
03-19-24 |
Pelicans -7 v. Nets |
|
104-91 |
Win
|
100 |
10 h 45 m |
Show
|
The Pelicans are a play-on team. The Nets definitely are not.
It's also a bad spot for the Nets. The Nets are returning to Brooklyn following a 1-5 road trip that essentially killed any realistic chance for a play-in playoff spot. The final blow was an overtime loss to the Spurs in San Antonio two days ago.
The Nets are 2-6 in their last eight games with three consecutive losses and non-covers.
New Orleans, on the other hand, is playing its finest ball - a season-best 15 games above .500. The Pelicans have one of the top road marks at 21-13. They are 6-1 in their last seven games with all of the victories during this span being by more than seven points.
The Pelicans buried the Nets, 112-85, when the teams met the first time this season on Jan. 2.
|
03-19-24 |
Wagner v. Howard -3 |
|
71-68 |
Loss |
-110 |
9 h 8 m |
Show
|
Wagner and Howard meet in this play-in NCAA Tournament game. Power ratings-wise, I have Howard as more than a 3-point favorite. So I'll be on the Bison.
Wagner finished 7-9 in the Northeast Conference, but got hot in the conference tournament. The Seahawks finished the conference tournament title game with just seven healthy players. The Seahawks average just 63.1 points a game and rank 358th in field goal percentage.
Howard has the better record and the top player on the court in Bryce Harris, who led the team in scoring and rebounding.
|
03-18-24 |
Cavs +7.5 v. Pacers |
Top |
108-103 |
Win
|
100 |
18 h 18 m |
Show
|
No Donovan Mitchell for the road Cavaliers. But that doesn't justify this high of a line.
Cleveland is better than Indiana. The Cavaliers have lost five fewer games and rank in the top-five defensively. Cleveland gives up an average of 109.6 points per game. Indiana ranks second-to-last in points allowed and defensive field goal percentage. The Pacers surrender an average of nearly 12 more points per game than the Cavaliers.
Cleveland has covered five of the last six times it has been an underdog. During their last seven games, the Cavaliers have beaten three teams with better records than Indiana - the Celtics, Timberwolves and Pelicans in New Orleans.
So I find this line out of whack.
|
03-17-24 |
Raptors +13 v. Magic |
|
96-111 |
Loss |
-110 |
14 h 29 m |
Show
|
This is the most points Orlando has been favored by all season. It's not justified.
These two teams just met two days ago in Toronto. The Magic won, 113-103, as 7 1/2-point favorites. Orlando shot 50 percent from the floor in that game while making 19 of 22 free throws. Toronto shot 47 percent from the floor and made only 13 of 20 free throws for 65 percent. The Raptors make 74.6 percent of their free throws on the season.
Yet the point spread opened nearly double from Friday.
The Raptors are in the grip of a season-worst six-game losing streak. But let's look at Toronto's past five games: The Raptors lost by seven points on the road to the Suns. They lost in overtime on the road to the Trail Blazers. They easily covered on the road against the sizzling Nuggets losing by only six points before suffering a letdown loss to the Pistons and then to the Magic.
This is short revenge for the Raptors so they shouldn't lack effort and motivation.
|
03-17-24 |
Wisconsin v. Illinois -2.5 |
Top |
87-93 |
Win
|
100 |
14 h 3 m |
Show
|
It took a layup at the buzzer to force overtime and then a great effort in overtime for Wisconsin to upset Purdue, 76-75, in a Big Ten Conference Tournament semifinal game Saturday.
But now the Badgers go from getting past the best big man in the Big Ten in 7-foot-4 Zach Edey to perhaps the most talented player in the conference, Illinois' Terrence Shannon Jr.
The Badgers entered the Big Ten Tournament losing eight of their last 11 games. The Badgers beat Maryland and banged-up Northwestern. Their victory against Purdue was a gutty effort. However, I don't see the Badgers pulling off a second straight upset in two days with some of their energy zapped from such a physical and emotional tussle with the Boilermakers.
Illinois also is not a good matchup for Wisconsin. The team's met once this season at Wisconsin on March 2. Illinois won, 91-83. Now the teams are on a neutral court in Minneapolis.
The Illini are explosive and talented, none more than the dynamic Shannon. Illinois is going to get its points. The Illini rank 12th in the country in scoring at 83.9 points a game. The way to beat Illinois is exploit its weak 3-point defense that ranks 259th.
Wisconsin, though, is a below average 3-point shooting team. The Badgers rank 192nd in 3-point accuracy at 33.9 percent. The Illini didn't have nearly the tough time with Nebraska in their semifinal Saturday game as the Badgers did in upsetting Purdue.
|
03-16-24 |
Blazers +13.5 v. Pelicans |
|
107-126 |
Loss |
-110 |
8 h 8 m |
Show
|
Portland has the second-worst record in the Western Conference. But the Trail Blazers are having a strong March by a point spread standard going 6-2-1 ATS.
This spot sets up well for the Trail Blazers and the line value is there with the spread above what I had anticipated.
New Orleans just scored a big, 112-104, home win against the Clippers last night. The Pelicans had to play hard in the fourth quarter to secure the win. They won't be taking the Trail Blazers nearly as seriously. The Pelicans also could be distracted knowing that a four-game road trip looms ahead once this game is finished.
Portland is expected to have Anfernee Simons back in the lineup after he sat out the Trail Blazers' last game against the Knicks two days ago. It's an added bonus if the Trail Blazers get back second-leading scorer, Jerami Grant. He's doubtful.
The teams met earlier this season on Feb. 10 in Portland. It was a defensive game with the Pelicans winning by nine points, 93-84.
|
03-16-24 |
New Mexico +2.5 v. San Diego State |
|
68-61 |
Win
|
100 |
6 h 26 m |
Show
|
I like New Mexico to upset San Diego State in the Mountain West Conference Tournament championship game.
The Lobos have looked good in the tournament going 3-0 SU and ATS sparked by guard Jaelen House, who is averaging 21.3 points in the tourney.
New Mexico has a scoring advantage and backcourt edge. San Diego State holds a defensive edge and front-court edge.
The Lobos are not a lock to reach the NCAA Tournament if they lose this game. The key is controlling pace. I don't see the Lobos, based on how they've looked in the tournament, getting dragged down to San Diego State's slow tempo.
|
03-16-24 |
UMass Lowell v. Vermont -7 |
|
61-66 |
Loss |
-110 |
11 h 11 m |
Show
|
This is the finals of the America East Conference Tournament and the deck is stacked in Vermont's favor. The venue is the Patrick Gym in Burlington, VT. That is the Catamounts' home floor where they are 44-2 since the start of 2021-22 season. Vermont has won 32 straight conference games at home.
UMass Lowell plays up-tempo and averages 80.3 points. Vermont ranks ninth in the country defensively holding opponents to 62.9 points. The Catamounts are disciplined and do not turn the ball over with the 10th-lowest turnover rate in the nation.
So we have a complete contrast of styles. Which will prevail?
The teams met twice during the regular season. Vermont won both times with the latest being a 74-62 home win two weeks ago. The Catamounts have won nine in a row.
Vermont has the history, home-court and right style to beat UMass by double-digits again.
|
03-15-24 |
Mississippi State v. Tennessee -10 |
|
73-56 |
Loss |
-110 |
12 h 17 m |
Show
|
Tennessee beat every team in the SEC except one on its way to capturing the regular-season title. The one team the Volunteers lost to happened to be Mississippi State.
That should ensure a full, motivated effort from the 24-7 Volunteers against the Bulldogs, who finished the regular season with a losing SEC record.
Mississippi State beat LSU, 70-60, as a 4 1/2-point favorite in the first round of the SEC Tournament on Thursday. I'm not putting much stock in that, though. The Bulldogs often had trouble when stepping up in class like they will here. Mississippi State had lost and failed to cover during its previous four games before beating LSU.
The Volunteers, on the other hand, enter the conference tournament 7-1 SU, 6-2 ATS in their past eight games. They've scored at least 81 points in six of their last eight games.
Look for rested Tennessee to get its revenge in a big way against the Bulldogs.
|
03-14-24 |
Colorado State v. Nevada -2.5 |
Top |
85-78 |
Loss |
-110 |
21 h 33 m |
Show
|
I'm going to roll with Nevada, which has won 10 of its last 11 games. The Wolf Pack also won both regular-season games against Colorado State, 77-64, at home and, 77-74, on the road where they led nearly the entire game. Nevada defeated the Rams on the road minus Kenan Blackshear, its best all-around player. Blackshear is healthy now.
The Wolf Pack get a scheduling edge, too, with the Mountain West Conference Tournament being in Las Vegas.
Matchup-wise, Nevada has a size advantage in the low post with Nick Davidson and has a trio of excellent defensive guards to hound Colorado State's star point guard Isaiah Stevens.
Colorado State has been out of sync when playing Nevada due to the Wolf Pack slowing things down and playing excellent perimeter defense. The Rams were just 12-of-41 (29 percent) from 3-point range in their two games against Nevada while the Wolf Pack made 14-of-31 shots from beyond the arc for 45 percent. This isn't surprising since Nevada is a top-50 3-point shooting team while the Rams ranked second-to-last in the Mountain West in 3-point accuracy.
|
03-14-24 |
Clippers -5.5 v. Bulls |
|
126-111 |
Win
|
100 |
9 h 30 m |
Show
|
I want the Clippers going for me as they hit the road following home losses to the Bucks and Timberwolves. No shame in losing to those two elite teams, although the Clippers blew an 18-point lead vs the Timberwolves.
I see the Clippers accepting this challenge with a great deal of urgency making this matchup a priority. The Clippers defeated the Bulls, 112-102, at home this past Saturday before their losses to the Bucks and Timberwolves.
The Clippers have won eight of their last 10 away games. The Bulls are in a difficult situational spot after a thrilling road overtime win against the Pacers last night. Now the Bulls have to return home to play without rest. This also marks Chicago's sixth game in nine days.
Kawhi Leonard and James Harden are each questionable for Los Angeles. However, the Bulls might not have underrated Coby White, who left the Bulls' game in the fourth quarter against the Pacers and didn't return because of a hip injury. White is having a breakout season and probably is the Bulls' third-most important player. Leonard and Harden should be able to go having had an off-day on Wednesday.
|
03-14-24 |
Providence v. Creighton -8 |
|
78-73 |
Loss |
-110 |
7 h 44 m |
Show
|
Creighton is at its finest when it comes to the best time to peak - in March. The Bluejays have covered 82 percent of their past 17 March games. I like the Bluejays to roll past Providence by double-digits.
The Bluejays enter the Big East Conference Tournament having won seven of their last eight games, including defeating No. 2 ranked UConn by 19 points on Feb. 20.
Providence isn't nearly as good as Creighton and isn't in good form going 2-3 SU and ATS in its last five games. Both of the Friars' victories during this span were against Georgetown, which went 2-18 in conference.
|
03-13-24 |
Cavs +7 v. Pelicans |
|
116-95 |
Win
|
100 |
10 h 15 m |
Show
|
The Cavaliers are a top-five defensive team and shouldn't lack motivation taking to the road after consecutive home losses to the Suns and Nets. Cleveland has injuries, but also depth.
New Orleans is in a flat spot playing its first home game since March 1. The Pelicans return home fat and happy having won all three games during their three-game road trip. Those victories were against the Raptors, 76ers and Hawks all of whom were missing a key player.
The Pelicans rank eighth defensively. They allow two more points per game than Cleveland.
New Orleans has a better road record than a home mark. The Pelicans have lost and failed to cover in two of their past three home contests.
|
03-13-24 |
Bulls +4 v. Pacers |
Top |
132-129 |
Win
|
100 |
19 h 10 m |
Show
|
Big road win for the Pacers on Tuesday night defeating the Thunder, 121-111. Indiana also beat the Magic in Orlando this past Sunday.
But now's the time to sell high on the Pacers as they return home to host the Bulls playing without rest following that 2-0 road trip. It's the Pacers' first home game in six days and just their second game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse since Feb. 28.
Oh, yes, the Pacers are 1-8 the past nine times when playing the second of back-to-back games. They've lost to far worse teams than the Bulls during this span when playing without rest.
The Bulls have won eight of their last 11 road games with two of those defeats occurring to the Cavaliers by three points and to the Magic in overtime.
There's a negative perception of the Bulls because Chicago is missing Zach LaVine, Lonzo Ball and Patrick William. But the Bulls still have star power with DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic along with emerging Coby White, who has quietly averaged 19.6 points, 5.2 assists and 4.7 rebounds a game.
|
03-13-24 |
Vanderbilt v. Arkansas -6 |
|
85-90 |
Loss |
-110 |
8 h 36 m |
Show
|
Vanderbilt is coming off an upset home win against Florida. But even though Arkansas has had a disappointing season, I don't see the Commodores hanging in against the Razorbacks.
Prior to upsetting the Gators, the Commodores were blown out by Kentucky and LSU. Vanderbilt's last five defeats have all been by double-digits.
Arkansas, on the other hand, has covered six of its last seven games. Sparked by Khalif Battle, the Razorbacks have averaged nearly 91 points during their past five games. Vanderbilt can't match that firepower with its 323rd-ranked offense.
|
03-12-24 |
Florida International v. Jacksonville State -4 |
|
76-67 |
Loss |
-110 |
11 h 17 m |
Show
|
This is a matchup of the bottom two teams in Conference USA. But it has a clear right side - Jacksonville State. The Gamecocks won and covered both regular-season games against Florida International out-rebounding the Panthers by 27 boards.
Jacksonville State's strength is its 32nd-ranked defense that yields just 66.1 points a game. FIU has no strengths. The Panthers are a below average shooting team, terrible from the free throw line and give up 10 more points per game than Jacksonville State. The Panthers rank 349th in defensive field goal percentage and 369th in 3-point defense.
FIU is not in good form having dropped 10 of its last 13 games.
|
03-11-24 |
Tex A&M Commerce v. Nicholls State -5.5 |
|
51-72 |
Win
|
100 |
7 h 50 m |
Show
|
Nicholls State is the better team and in better form than Texas A&M Commerce in this Southland Conference Tournament game. Texas A&M Commerce has been terrible in an underdog role. The Lions are 0-7-1 ATS the past eight times they've been an underdog of more than one point. They are a bad shooting team and are bad, too, in defensive field goal percentage ranking 300th. Nicholls State went 2-0 vs the Lions during the regular season, winning the most recent matchup, 85-70, at home on Feb. 24.
|
03-11-24 |
Warriors -4 v. Spurs |
Top |
112-102 |
Win
|
100 |
16 h 42 m |
Show
|
No Stephen Curry for the Warriors here while the Spurs are expected to get back rookie phenom Victor Wembanyama, their top scorer, and Devin Vassell, their second-leading scorer.
I know that going in. But it doesn't matter. I like the Warriors to soundly beat the Spurs in this rapid revenge spot.
The Spurs stunned the totally flat Warriors, 126-113, at San Francisco this past Saturday as 12 1/2-point underdogs. Curry didn't play and he remains out with an ankle injury. The Warriors have the rest of their stars back in action, though, including Klay Thompson and Chris Paul.
Golden State is holding onto the 10th playoff spot in the West, giving it a place in the play-in tournament. The Warriors, however, can't afford to take the 14-50 Spurs lightly. Golden State's next two games are on the road against the Mavericks and resurgent Lakers, who are off home victories against the Timberwolves and Bucks.
The Warriors are 8-1 SU and ATS during their past nine road games with the only defeat in this span coming to the Celtics. They've defeated the Spurs four straight times in San Antonio. The Spurs haven't been home in eight days. So their concentration level could be off and their motivation down after having just upset the Warriors.
|
03-10-24 |
Wizards v. Heat -9.5 |
|
110-108 |
Loss |
-110 |
16 h 23 m |
Show
|
The term fat and happy hasn't been used to describe the Washington Wizards in a long time. But that's what the Wizards finally are after snapping a horrendous 16-game losing streak by beating the equally bad Hornets, 112-100, at home in their last game this past Friday. Miami is anything but fat and happy. Try mad and motivated. The Heat return home off back-to-back road losses to the Mavericks and Thunder. The Heat had Saturday to rest after falling to the Thunder this past Friday. Miami won't play again until Wednesday so expect a full and focused effort against the Wizards. "We'll get better from this," Miami coach Erik Spoelstra said following the losses to Dallas and Oklahoma City. Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo are getting new-found help in the rotation from rookie Jaime Jaquez Jr. and recently acquired veteran Patty Mills. The Wizards have lost their past eight road games, getting blown out in four of their past five away contests.
|
03-09-24 |
Cal Poly v. UC San Diego -18 |
Top |
87-92 |
Loss |
-110 |
17 h 20 m |
Show
|
Yes, San Diego is a much better team than Cal Poly SLO. That's why the point spread is as high as it is. But motivation also matters in this season-finale. San Diego has it. Cal Poly doesn't and that is why the Tritons will bury Cal Poly by far more points than even this lopsided point spread.
The Mustangs are one of the worst teams in the country with a 4-27 record. Their last victory was on Dec. 21. They are an embarrassing 0-19 in the Big West Conference.
San Diego is 20-11 and 14-5 in the Big West, which is the second-best mark in the league. However, the Tritons are ineligible to play in the conference tournament, NCAA Tournament and NIT. That's because they transitioned from Division II to Division I when they joined the Big West in 2020. There is a four-year transition period before the team can be eligible to play in those postseason tournaments. This is the final year the Tritons have to wait.
So look for San Diego to come out strong with this being its final game. The Tritons were upset by Cal-Davis at home in their previous game this past Thursday. They certainly don't want to close their season with another disappointing performance. They should come out focused and they have the perfect patsy to make amends.
The overmatched Mustangs just want their horrendous season to close. They are a terrible defensive team and the sixth-lowest scoring team in the nation averaging a puny 62.9 points a game. San Diego averages nearly 15 more points per game than the Mustangs.
|
03-09-24 |
Colorado v. Oregon State +8 |
|
73-57 |
Loss |
-110 |
7 h 18 m |
Show
|
It's tough to beat both Oregon and Oregon State on the road in the span of three days. Colorado accomplished the first task defeating Oregon, 79-75, this past Thursday. That win clinched third place in the Pac-12 standings and earned the Buffaloes a first round bye in the Pac-12 Conference Tournament.
It also puts the Buffaloes in a flat spot here.
Oregon State has been disappointing with a 13-17 record. However, the Beavers have some big Pac-12 victories, including upsetting Arizona, Utah and Arizona State. Those victories all came at home.
The Beavers are 2-1 in their last three games. They just defeated Utah, 92-85, two days ago as a 7-point home underdog.
"I know the progress has not shown in the win-loss record, but our guys are getting better," Oregon State coach Wayne Tinkle said following the Utah game.
Cody Williams, Colorado's third-leading scorer, is questionable with an ankle injury.
|
03-08-24 |
Ball State +5 v. Bowling Green |
|
70-80 |
Loss |
-110 |
6 h 28 m |
Show
|
I like Ball State's current form. The Cardinals have been underdogs three times in their last five games. They've won each of those games beating Northern Illinois and Central Michigan on the road. Then this past Tuesday, the Cardinals upset Kent, 76-69, as a 3-point home 'dog.
Bowling Green is 2-5 in its last seven games. The Falcons are only 2-7 ATS the last nine times they've been favored. Bowling Green is good defensively, but hasn't scored more than 60 points in five of its last seven games. So I find this too many points for the Falcons to be laying.
|
03-07-24 |
Spurs +11 v. Kings |
|
129-131 |
Win
|
100 |
10 h 19 m |
Show
|
Since Jan. 29, the Kings have been favored by 6 1/2 or more points five times. They are 0-5 ATS in those games with two outright losses. Now the Kings are laying double-digits in a flat spot after a huge home underdog victory against the Lakers last night. Sacramento rallied from an early 19-point deficit to beat the Lakers, 130-120.
I understand San Antonio has the third-worst record in the NBA and won't have star rookie Victor Wembanyama. He's out with a sprained ankle. But the Spurs upset both the Pacers and Thunder before losing to the Rockets, 114-101, at Houston in their last game two days ago. San Antonio has covered five of its last seven games.
Wembanyama didn't shoot well when the Spurs and Kings last met on Feb. 22. The Kings hosted the Spurs in that game and only by five points, 127-122. Wembanyama shot just 8-of-23 from the floor and was 1-of-6 from 3-point range. Wembanyama didn't play well either in the Spurs' loss to the Rockets scoring just 10 points, which was his lowest scoring output since Dec. 21.
|
03-06-24 |
Bucks v. Warriors -4 |
Top |
90-125 |
Win
|
100 |
22 h 2 m |
Show
|
Regardless if Giannis Antetokounmpo plays or doesn't, I like the Warriors to soundly beat the Bucks.
The Warriors could be back to full strength and are off an utterly humiliating, 140-88, nationally televised road loss to the Celtics this past Sunday afternoon.
I want Golden State going for me at home following that embarrassment.
The Bucks, by contrast, are fat and happy having defeated the Clippers, 113-106, at home this past Monday despite not having superstar Antetokounmpo. He missed that game due to Achilles soreness, which has rendered him questionable for this game.
Despite the loss to the Celtics, the Warriors are 11-3 in their last 14 games. They are expected to get back Brandin Podziemski and Andrew Wiggins, who had missed the past four games because of a personal matter. Wiggins is the Warriors' fourth-leading scorer and an ace defender. Podziemski is Golden State's fifth-leading scorer and is second on the team in rebounds per game.
Not only could the Bucks be minus Antetokounmpo, but they are down their third-best player, Khris Middleton. He's out with an ankle injury. The Warriors have won and covered against the Bucks at home each of the past three seasons.
|
03-06-24 |
Fairleigh Dickinson v. Le Moyne -3.5 |
|
61-82 |
Win
|
100 |
9 h 18 m |
Show
|
I trust Le Moyne's defense much more than Fairleigh Dickinson's offense in this Northeast Conference Tournament matchup.
Le Moyne is giving up an average of 63.5 points in its last eight games. Fairleigh Dickinson ranks 318th defensively giving up an average of 77.4 points.
Le Moyne held the Knights to an average of 65.5 points in the two regular season meetings.
|
03-06-24 |
Villanova v. Seton Hall |
|
56-66 |
Win
|
100 |
7 h 3 m |
Show
|
Villanova is in good shape for an NCAA Tournament bid. Seton Hall isn't - unless it wins here. I believe the Pirates will accomplish that.
Seton Hall is coming off road defeats to Creighton and Connecticut. No shame in that. But the Pirates must protect their home-court edge where they are 12-3.
Villanova shouldn't have the motivation that Seton Hall has. The Pirates also have revenge incentive for an, 80-54, road loss to the Wildcats on Feb. 11.
|
03-04-24 |
Delaware State v. Howard -4 |
|
66-85 |
Win
|
100 |
18 h 54 m |
Show
|
Howard is in excellent form winning five of its last six games, including three in a row.The Bison average four more points per game than Delaware State and can exploit the Hornets' porous 3-point defense, which ranks 338th.
The teams met a month ago at Delaware State and the Hornets lost to the Bison, 75-71, despite getting to shoot 10 more free throws.
|
03-03-24 |
Pacers -6 v. Spurs |
|
105-117 |
Loss |
-110 |
19 h 23 m |
Show
|
It wasn't just the Pacers losing on the road to the Pelicans this past Friday. It was how they lost. New Orleans thoroughly embarrassed the Pacers beating them, 129-102. All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton, an emerging superstar, was held scoreless.
The Pacers and Haliburton desperately want to redeem themselves. They are in a great position here to do just that.
Indiana is stepping way down in class meeting the 12-48 Spurs, who have the worst record in the Western Conference. San Antonio also is fat and happy, after stunning the Thunder, 132-118, as a double-digit 'dog this past Thursday in their first home game since Feb. 3. The Spurs had lost their previous five games by an average of 12.2 points.
The Pacers are 34-27 and have the fifth-best ATS mark in the NBA. They are the No. 1 scoring and field goal percentage team in the league. Indiana took full advantage of the Spurs' bottom-five defense in the first meeting, rolling past San Antonio, 152-111.
|
03-03-24 |
Warriors +11.5 v. Celtics |
Top |
88-140 |
Loss |
-115 |
18 h 22 m |
Show
|
I don't get this line. Yeah the Celtics have won 10 in a row and own the best home record in the NBA at 28-3. But the Warriors are much improved from earlier in the season and playing their best ball.
Golden State has won eight consecutive road games. The Warriors are 6-1 in their past seven overall games. Only once in their last 20 games have the Warriors been defeated by more than nine points.
The Warriors are used to being on center stage and they won't be intimidated by the Celtics, who they beat in overtime when they played them earlier this season at home.
"...We've just gotten healthy and found a groove," Warriors coach Steve Kerr was quoted as saying. "... It took us a while, frankly, just to figure out our team. We were leaning on what we were two years ago when we won the championship early in the season and that wasn't working. ... We've got a good bit of momentum going and we're just going to try and keep it going.''
This is a nationally televised game (ABC) and should have playoff-type intensity.
|
03-03-24 |
Indiana +9 v. Maryland |
|
83-78 |
Win
|
100 |
3 h 24 m |
Show
|
Maryland ranks 332nd in field goal percentage, is the worst 3-point shooting team in the Big Ten Conference and its home mystique has been shattered with losses to Rutgers and Northwestern.
So Indiana isn't getting enough respect here.
Kel'el Ware, the Hooisers' 7-foot center, is coming on strong and Indiana is off a confidence-building home win against Wisconsin this past Tuesday. Ware is averaging 20.5 points in his last four games. He made 11 of 12 shots from the floor against the Badgers.
Indiana defeated Maryland, 65-53, at home when the teams first met this season.
|
03-02-24 |
Kansas State +6.5 v. Cincinnati |
|
72-74 |
Win
|
100 |
9 h 36 m |
Show
|
Kansas State is coming on and Cincinnati is reeling. So this is a generous amount of points to back the Wildcats in an important game for both teams that should feature lots of intensity.
The 17-11 Wildcats are off victories against ranked BYU and West Virginia. They remain alive for an NCAA Tournament bid given how tough the Big 12 is this season.
Cincinnati has likely played itself out of the NCAA Tournament going 1-5 in its last six games. The Bearcats are 16-12 overall and 5-10 in the Big 12. Cincinnati's lone win during its last six games was against Central Florida by two points. If you take away their two victories vs Central Florida, the Bearcats would be 1-8 in their last nine games.
|
03-02-24 |
Hawks +2 v. Nets |
|
102-114 |
Loss |
-110 |
12 h 54 m |
Show
|
Even without injured Trae Young, the Hawks are better than the Nets. So I want Atlanta in rapid revenge after the Nets embarrassed the Hawks, 124-97, at home this past Thursday.
That was Atlanta's third game without their superstar Young. The Hawks had beaten the Magic and Jazz minus Young before stumbling in a flat, listless performance against the Nets.
The Hawks should be far more motivated for this short turnaround rematch. If the Nets win they would cut the Hawks' lead to two games over them for the final play-in spot.
It has been more than a month since Brooklyn won consecutive games. The Nets are 4-9 in their last 13 games and have their own injuries. Cam Thomas, the Nets' second-leading scorer at 20.9 points, is out with a sprained ankle and point guard Ben Simmons is questionable with a sore knee.
|
03-01-24 |
Southern Miss v. UL - Lafayette -7 |
|
61-77 |
Win
|
100 |
10 h 0 m |
Show
|
Lafayette is home, in a revenge spot and in stop-the-pain mode having lost four in a row. It says a lot that the oddsmaker has opened the Ragin' Cajuns such a strong favorite against Southern Mississippi. I agree with their assessment. I see the Ragin' Cajuns winning by double-digits as three of their past four four losses have come on the road.
The Ragin' Cajuns average six more points per game than the Golden Eagles. They also rank third nationally in 3-point defense. Southern Mississippi is 220th in 3-point shooting and 249th in 3-point defense.
There also is a key injury. Southern Mississippi will be without Donovan Ivory, who is its third-leading scorer at 13.1 points and most accurate free throw shooter. He's out with a foot injury.
|
03-01-24 |
Warriors v. Raptors +3.5 |
|
120-105 |
Loss |
-110 |
8 h 19 m |
Show
|
First off, Toronto is more than capable of beating Golden State straight-up. The Raptors did just that in convincing style, 133-118, at Golden State on Jan. 7.
Golden State has picked up its game. But the Warriors' last three victories have been against the injury-wracked Knicks and Wizards and Hornets, who have a combined record of 24-94. Golden State also has a monster look-ahead game. The Warriors meet the Celtics in Boston in a nationally televised Sunday afternoon game.
The Warriors are carrying a high fatigue rating into this matchup. This marks their sixth game in nine days and second in two nights. Golden State isn't expected to have Andrew Wiggins, their fourth-leading scorer, and one of their better defenders.
Stephen Curry generates all the buzz. But Toronto's Scottie Barnes has been playing at a very high level averaging 21.4 points, 10.4 rebounds and making 50 percent of his field goals during the past five games.
Toronto has been playing well lately, too. The Raptors are 3-1 in their last four games with two of those victories coming on the road against the Hawks and Pacers. The Raptors were bigger underdogs in those games than they are here.
|
03-01-24 |
Fairfield +1.5 v. Marist |
Top |
55-58 |
Loss |
-115 |
16 h 38 m |
Show
|
Marist opened the smallest of favorites. Still, The Red Foxes opened as a favorite - and that's wrong. Fairfield is the superior team.
Fairfield leads the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) with a 12-5 mark. Marist is in fourth place with a 10-6 mark. The Red Foxes have three fewer overall victories than Fairfield.
Marist lost, 69-60, to Saint Peter's as 3 1/2-point road 'dogs in its last game this past Sunday. Fairfield defeated Saint Peter's, 64-62, on the road and whipped them, 76-67, at home.
The Staggs also rolled past Marist, 82-61, as short home favorites back on Jan. 7. Fairfield has the healthier frontcourt and holds a strong backcourt edge on the Red Foxes. The Staggs have the top guard depth in the MAAC. They forced 18 turnovers against Marist in the first game. That wasn't unusual. Marist has a turnover problem and the Staggs' guards are excellent defenders.
Marist has a stingy defense that is aided by its offense's half-court slow, deliberate style. However, Fairfield averages 12 points more per game and ranks 10th in the nation in 3-point accuracy. Caleb Fields, one of four good guards Fairfield has, burned the Red Foxes for 33 points while hitting 10-of-18 3-pointers in the first meeting.
The Staggs are in excellent current form, too, winning six of their last seven games, including going 3-0 SU and ATS in their past three games. The Staggs have won outright five of the last six times they've been underdogs. Marist has a losing ATS record the past nine times it has been favored.
Fairfield has defeated Marist each of the previous five seasons on the road. This includes a 70-61 away win last year.
|
02-29-24 |
Gonzaga v. San Francisco +4 |
|
86-68 |
Loss |
-110 |
13 h 41 m |
Show
|
Gonzaga is back in the Associated Press Top 25 ranking 23rd. But this isn't the elite Gonzaga team of previous years. They are overpriced against San Francisco, which is 7-1 in its last eight games and 13-1 at home.
The Bulldogs beat the Dons on their home-court, but the game was close. Gonzaga won, 77-72, as a 9 1/2-point favorite on Jan. 25.
While this is a huge game in the West Coast Conference, the Bulldogs have even a bigger game on deck when they play at 17th-ranked Saint Mary's on Saturday night.
|
02-29-24 |
Wizards +9.5 v. Lakers |
Top |
131-134 |
Win
|
100 |
13 h 45 m |
Show
|
The good news for the Lakers is they are off their best comeback win of the season. They came from 21 points down in the fourth quarter to upset their in-city, division rival the Clippers, 116-112, last night. LeBron James led the rally scoring 19 of his 34 points in the fourth quarter.
The bad news for the Lakers is they have a game today. Yes, the opponent is the Wizards, who have lost 11 of 13 games since replacing Wes Unseld Jr. with interim coach Bran Keefe.
But the Wizards are rested, play at the fastest tempo in the NBA and are 5-4 ATS in their last nine games.
The Lakers are 1-3 ATS in their last four games and have failed to cover three of the past four times when favored. The Lakers are down several big men on their rotation with Jarred Vanderbilt and Christian Wood both out. James played 37 minutes last night. Anthony Davis logged 36 minutes. It wouldn't shock if either was rested, or had their minutes reduced tonight.
This is a huge spot for former Laker Kyle Kuzman, who has emerged as arguably the best player on the Wizards. Backed by Kuzman, look for the Wizards to be motivated for this matchup after being idle yesterday. The spot sets up nicely for Washington.
|
02-28-24 |
Minnesota +11.5 v. Illinois |
|
97-105 |
Win
|
100 |
9 h 9 m |
Show
|
You wouldn't know it from their last game, a bad 18-point loss to Nebraska this past Sunday. But the Minnesota Gophers own the best point spread mark in college basketball at 23-4 (85 percent).
The 17-10 Gophers have been a huge surprise. I expect Minnesota to play hard with tremendous effort after laying an egg against Nebraska. Gophers coach Ben Johnson called into question the passion of his players following that 73-55 road loss to the Cornhuskers.
It was just the third time in 27 games the Gophers had lost by more than 11 points. Minnesota has covered 11 of 14 times as an underdog and had covered nine in a row until the dreadful loss to Nebraska.
Illinois has a losing ATS record in its last nine games. The Illini have won 14 of their 16 home games, but are only 8-7-1 ATS in those games.
|
02-27-24 |
Nevada +7.5 v. Colorado State |
Top |
77-74 |
Win
|
100 |
23 h 58 m |
Show
|
Colorado State has yet to lose at home in seven Mountain West Conference games this season. But it wouldn't shock me if the Rams lost straight-up to Nevada.
The Wolf Pack are a tough matchup for Colorado State. That was proven in the first game between these teams on Jan. 24. The Wolf Pack won, 77-64, as 4 1/2-point home favorites. That was the most points the Rams allowed in regulation during their last 19 games.
Nevada took advantage of its height advantage to make 56.8 percent of its shots inside the paint.
The Rams are heavily reliant upon point guard Isaiah Stevens. But Stevens had trouble against the Wolf Pack's 38th-ranked defense making only four-of-16 shots from the field. Nevada held Colorado State to just 26.1 percent from 3-point range as the Rams missed 17 of 23 shots from beyond the arc. This wasn't a fluke as the Wolf Pack have some of the Mountain West Conference best perimeter defenders in Tre Coleman, Daniel Foster and Kenan Blackshear. They are a big reason why the Wolf Pack give up just 66.3 points a game.
The Wolf Pack have held six of their last seven opponents to 66 or fewer points. Discount an 83-82 loss to New Mexico and Nevada is surrendering an average of only 61.6 points in its last six games.
|
02-27-24 |
Pelicans -3 v. Knicks |
|
115-92 |
Win
|
100 |
8 h 35 m |
Show
|
I like the Pelicans to cover against the Knicks even if Zion Williamson and CJ McCollum can't play. Both are listed as questionable. The Knicks, for sure, won't have two of their key players with Julius Randle and OG Anunoby both out.
The Knicks are only 3-6 in their last nine games. That record would be 2-7 if the Knicks didn't score a late basket to nip the last-place Pistons, 113-111, at home last night. The Knicks were lucky to win that game when the officials missed an obvious late-game foul that wasn't called.
The Pelicans come to New York in a bad mood after losing, 114-106, to the Bulls at home two days ago blowing a 12-point late third quarter lead. New Orleans is just as good on the road as it is at home with identical 17-12 records.
New Orleans has won five of its last six away games.
|
02-26-24 |
Coppin State v. Howard -13 |
|
69-78 |
Loss |
-110 |
7 h 1 m |
Show
|
Howard is a mediocre MEAC team. But the Bison are vastly superior to Coppin State, which is 2-22 and has lost 15 of its last 16 games.
The Eagles average 57.6 points a game. That's the second-lowest mark in the country! Howard averages 18 points more per game than Coppin State.
The Bison played at Coppin State on Jan. 29 and won, 81-66. It's not too much to ask of them to cover this number at home against a punchless and dead opponent.
|
02-25-24 |
Nuggets v. Warriors +1 |
Top |
119-103 |
Loss |
-110 |
18 h 45 m |
Show
|
Never count out Stephen Curry and the Warriors. Golden State is making its move winning 10 of its last 12 games. This includes a 2-0 mark since the All-Star break with double-digit home victories against the Lakers and Hornets.
Look for the Warriors to continue their momentum against the defending world champion Nuggets.
Denver also is 2-0 coming out of All-Star break. However, the Nuggets' victories were against two patsies - the Wizards and Trail Blazers. Denver had gone 0-3 in its three previous games with a pair of losses to the Kings and one to the Bucks.
Now the Nuggets face another real opponent. The Warriors should be extremely motivated. Not just because they have triple revenge having gone 0-3 to the Nuggets this season losing those games by an average of four points. But because they are playing their best ball, are home and need to prove they can beat the Nuggets.
Jamal Murray is questionable for the Nuggets. Murray, Denver's second-leading scorer, missed the Nuggets' last game because of shin splints.
|
02-25-24 |
Siena +16 v. Fairfield |
|
64-88 |
Loss |
-110 |
4 h 18 m |
Show
|
Siena has been an easy fade as the Saints are one of the worst teams in college basketball with a 4-22 record, including 3-12 in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference.
But I'm going to be on the Saints today getting this many points because Fairfield is in a major letdown spot. The Stags moved into second place in the MAAC after upsetting conference leader Quinnipiac, 85-81, as a road underdog just two days ago.
That was a great victory for Fairfield. The Stags, though, are not some great power. They have a losing ATS mark and have dropped four games at home.
Siena does have one good player, Sean Durugordon. He's averaging 19.4 points and 7.6 rebounds per game.
The Saints were only three-point 'dogs when they lost at home to Fairfield, 93-69, on Jan. 5. Now look at how high the point spread is.
|
02-24-24 |
CS-Northridge +2.5 v. CS-Fullerton |
|
65-60 |
Win
|
100 |
11 h 42 m |
Show
|
Even though Cal-State Fullerton is playing at home, it's a surprise the Titans are favored. Cal-Northridge is the superior team.
The Matadors average nine more points per game than Fullerton and defeated the Titans by five points at home on Jan. 13 as a four-point favorite.
Northridge has proven itself on the road, too, winning eight times. This includes an eight-point upset win against Santa Barbara four games ago.
Fullerton has lost five times already at home. The Titans are 1-5 in their last six overall games.
|
02-24-24 |
Magic v. Pistons +8 |
|
112-109 |
Win
|
100 |
9 h 56 m |
Show
|
Orlando is one of the more improved teams this season. The Magic came out of All-Star break with an impressive, 116-109, road win against the Cavaliers two days ago.
The Magic are young, though. I don't trust their mentality to bury the Pistons in what is a letdown and look-ahead spot for them. The Magic have a bigger game on tap Sunday when they play the Hawks in Atlanta.
Detroit lost, 129-115, on the road to the Pacers this past Thursday in its first game following All-Star break. The Pistons were rusty in the first half, but scored 45 points in the third quarter. They outscored the Pacers by 15 points in the second half.
Now the Pistons get to play their first home game since Feb. 4 when they lost, 111-99, to the Magic. Detroit is a better team with a healthy Cade Cunningham, who had 30 points and eight assists against the Pacers.
The Pistons have quietly been effective point spread-wise at home covering seven of their last nine home contests.
|
02-24-24 |
Duke +2.5 v. Wake Forest |
Top |
79-83 |
Loss |
-105 |
16 h 25 m |
Show
|
This is only the second time Duke is an underdog this season. The first came against North Carolina on the road. The Blue Devils lost to North Carolina. Since that defeat, though, Duke has won and covered five in a row.
Wake Forest is 14-0 at home, the only ACC team without a home loss. But the 17-9 Demon Deacons aren't as good as the 21-5 Blue Devils, who are 12-3 in the ACC compared to Wake Forest's 9-6 league mark.
I was far more impressed with Duke's 84-55 road victory against Miami this past Wednesday than Wake Forest's, 91-58, home victory against Pittsburgh, which shot just 29 percent from the field vs the Demon Deacons.
Duke handled Wake Forest, 77-69, as seven-point home favorites on Feb. 12. So I find plenty of line value on the Blue Devils as an underdog.
|
02-23-24 |
Fairfield v. Quinnipiac -2.5 |
|
85-81 |
Loss |
-115 |
9 h 16 m |
Show
|
Quinnipiac is 10-2 in its last dozen games, but coming off an embarrassing home to Niagara. The Bobcats are superior to Fairfield, which is 2-6 ATS in its last eight games, and the price is low enough to back them.
The Bobcats rank 13th in the country in free throw percentage. Their free throw shooting and defensive field goal percentage is far better than Fairfield.
Quinnipiac didn't play that well in its first meeting with Fairfield this season committing 16 turnovers. The Stags made more free throws than the Bobcats, too. Yet the Bobcats still won. I expect them to play much better at home especially off a bad loss.
|
02-23-24 |
Wizards +16 v. Thunder |
|
106-147 |
Loss |
-112 |
10 h 0 m |
Show
|
Emerging Oklahoma City wanted to make a statement coming out of the All-Star break. Statement made as the Thunder impressively buried the Clippers, 129-107, at home Thursday night. Now the Thunder face a far less daunting foe - the Wizards. It's a flat spot for the Thunder. So I'm going to hold my nose and back the Wizards getting this many points. Washington has lost nine in a row, including suffering a 130-110 road loss to Denver last night. The Wizards, though, have a winning point spread mark in their last 11 games. They hosted the Thunder on Jan. 8 and lost by eight points, 136-128.
|
02-22-24 |
Troy State +2.5 v. Arkansas State |
Top |
71-79 |
Loss |
-110 |
22 h 53 m |
Show
|
Troy is 7-1 in its last eight games. However, that one defeat came at home to Arkansas State, 82-71, last Thursday.
The Trojans were 6 1/2-point favorites in that matchup. Now, a week later, they opened as underdogs to Arkansas State.
I'm not buying that. It's not just rapid revenge for Troy. The Trojans are the superior team. Troy is 18-9 and 11-3 in the Sun Belt Conference, tied for second one game behind Appalachian State. Arkansas State is 13-4 overall and 8-6 in the Sun Belt.
Both teams average 79 points. The difference comes on defense. Troy gives up 69.4 points a game. Arkansas State permits 78.4 points per game, which ranks 334th. The Red Wolves also are 300th in defensive field goal percentage.
Don't expect Troy to have a second straight off-shooting game against Arkansas State. So I'll take the points with the superior team.
|
02-22-24 |
Pistons +11.5 v. Pacers |
|
115-129 |
Loss |
-109 |
9 h 3 m |
Show
|
There's a certain randomness factor when NBA teams haven't played in eight days like these two teams. Randomness is good when backing an underdog in this high of a point range.
All-Star weekend took place in Indianapolis for the first time since 1985. It was a good showcase for the city and state of Indiana. Pacers star point guard Tyrese Haliburton represented the Pacers well during the All-Star Game scoring 32 points.
It's heady stuff for the Pacers, who may come out sluggish against a Pistons squad that has the worst record in the NBA at 8-46.
The Pistons, though, often are undervalued on the road where they have covered six of the past eight times. Detroit added seven new players at the trade deadline. The Pistons have had ample time during the break to get their newcomers in sync with each other. The time off also gave Cade Cunningham, Detroit's emerging star, time to recover from left knee soreness.
The Pacers will be minus Aaron Nesmith, their fifth leading scorer at 12.6 points a game. Nesmith also is the Pacers' second-most accurate 3-point shooter. He's out with an ankle injury.
|
02-22-24 |
College of Charleston v. Delaware +2 |
|
90-71 |
Loss |
-110 |
18 h 19 m |
Show
|
College of Charleston has a better record than Delaware, but I don't see the Cougars winning this game.
The Cougars are 1-5 ATS in their last six games and surrender more than 76 points on the road. The Blue Hens are 5-1 in their last six games.
Delaware surrenders fewer than 70 points a game and ranks 38th in 3-point defense. The Blue Hens are giving up an average of 61.7 points in their last four games. College of Charleston is heavily reliant on hitting 3-pointers. The combination of being on the road and facing a strong 3-point defense will prove the undoing of College of Charleston in this one.
|
02-22-24 |
Hampton +9.5 v. Campbell |
|
72-68 |
Win
|
100 |
10 h 35 m |
Show
|
Hampton was a 3 1/2-point favorite when it hosted Campbell back on Jan. 6. Even though Campbell won, 80-69, I find this point spread too high. Hampton has a winning ATS mark in its last six games. The Pirates have lost by more than six points twice in their last seven games. They are 6-2 ATS the last eight times when getting three or more points. Campbell is 3-6 in its last nine games. The Fighting Camels have been favored by more than four points only once all season. That was against 9-16 Morgan State.
|
02-21-24 |
UNLV -5.5 v. Air Force |
Top |
72-43 |
Win
|
100 |
22 h 37 m |
Show
|
Air Force is the worst team in the Mountain West Conference. The Falcons are 1-11 in the conference and have lost 14 of their past 15 games. Guess who that one victory came against? Yep, it was against UNLV.
The Falcons stunned the Rebels, 90-58, as 10 1/2-point road 'dogs on Jan. 23. Air Force is 0-6 SU and ATS since then. Air Force made 14 of 28 3-pointers against the Rebels.
Not only do the Rebels have revenge, but they also are in a kill mood after blowing an 11-point second-half lead in a 69-66 home loss to arch-rival Nevada this past Saturday. That loss snapped a five-game UNLV win streak.
The Rebels are 14-10 on the season, 7-5 in the Mountain West Conference. They are a much better team than Air Force and should have huge motivation. Air Force ranks 315th in scoring at 67.9 points per game. The Falcons rank 337th in defensive field goal percentage and 354th in 3-point defense.
Oh, yes, the Falcons also are 0-8 SU and ATS in their last eight home games.
|
02-21-24 |
Richmond -4 v. Rhode Island |
|
85-77 |
Win
|
100 |
9 h 49 m |
Show
|
Richmond is a couple of levels higher than Rhode Island, much closer to the elite of the Atlantic 10 Conference - Dayton and Loyola of Chicago - than below .500 where Rhode Island resides.
The Spiders are 13-2 in their last 15 games, riding a lot of momentum. Rhode Island has been going the opposite direction, losing seven of its past nine games. Richmond is 18-7 overall and 10-2 in the Atlantic 10. The Rams, by contrast, are 11-14 and have a losing conference record.
Richmond ranks 32nd defensively and ninth in defensive field goal percentage. The Rams are mediocre offensively and are one of the worst free throw shooting teams in the nation making only 63.8 percent.
The Spiders have won five of the last six times on the road and have defeated Rhode Island five consecutive times.
|
02-20-24 |
Wyoming +14.5 v. Nevada |
Top |
58-76 |
Loss |
-110 |
11 h 43 m |
Show
|
There is no team Nevada gets more motivated to play then its in-state rival, UNLV. The Wolf Pack had lost four in a row to UNLV - until this past Saturday night.
Nevada rallied from nine points down to nip the Rebels, 69-66, as two-point road 'dogs. It was a very satisfying victory for the Wolf Pack. But it also puts the Wolf Pack in a letdown spot for this matchup against Wyoming.
The Cowboys are a respectable .500 Mountain West Conference team that has a winning overall record and a winning league road mark. They are not an easy opponent for Nevada. The Cowboys proved that back on Jan. 20 when they upset the Wolf Pack, 98-93, as seven-point home 'dogs. Now the line has doubled, which I find way too high.
|
02-20-24 |
Blue Jackets +1.5 v. Kings |
Top |
1-5 |
Loss |
-115 |
26 h 44 m |
Show
|
Having gone just 9-9-1-5 in LA, the Kings have burned the most money at home of any team in the NHL.
Don't be shocked if the Kings fail to win at home again even against Columbus. This is a horrendous situational spot for Los Angeles.
The Kings returned to Southern California after winning their last three games of a four-game road trip. This marks their fifth game in eight days and first in the Pacific time zone since Feb. 10.
Contrast this with the Blue Jackets, who are in action for only the third time in 10 days. They last played this past Saturday at San Jose where they nipped the Sharks, 4-3.
Columbus has the fourth-fewest points in the NHL. So the Kings can't help but feel cocky and confident. However, if you give the Blue Jackets plus 1 1/2 goals, they would be 12-8 in their last 20 games.
|
02-20-24 |
UCF v. West Virginia +2.5 |
|
67-77 |
Win
|
100 |
9 h 22 m |
Show
|
UCF is 1-5 in its last six games and shouldn't be laying points on the road to West Virginia. The Mountaineers are finally healthy and have proven themselves at home having knocked off then No. 3 Kansas.
Just a couple of days after upsetting Kansas, West Virginia had to play at Central Florida and lost in that flat spot. RaeQuan Battle, the Mountaineers' leading scorer, was ejected with nearly 11 minutes left in that game.
Battle and the rest of the Mountaineers will be seeking revenge. Central Florida has been far less effective offensively when playing on the road, averaging 10 points fewer per 100 possessions.
|
02-20-24 |
Bowling Green +1.5 v. Central Michigan |
|
60-62 |
Loss |
-105 |
9 h 57 m |
Show
|
I find this line to be off. Bowling Green was a whooping nine-point home favorite against Central Michigan on Feb. 3. Central Michigan upset Bowling Green, 77-76 in overtime. The Chippewas shot 51 percent from the floor in that game. Bowling Green had a terrible shooting game making only 33 percent of their field goals, 66 percent of their free throws and missing 33 of 40 shots from beyond the arc.
These teams are third and fourth in the MAC. Bowling Green has the better overall record.
Central Michigan ranks 328th in scoring at 66.1 points a game. Bowling Green averages 75.8 points a game. I expect the Falcons to shoot much better and for Central Michigan to shoot much worse in this short revenge spot for Bowling Green.
|
02-19-24 |
Iowa State +9.5 v. Houston |
Top |
65-73 |
Win
|
100 |
23 h 43 m |
Show
|
Maybe it's because Houston dominated Texas this past Saturday holding the Longhorns to their lowest point total of the season in an 82-61 victory. But I find this line way too high on the Cougars.
So I'm on the Cyclones.
Yes, Houston has a 19-game home win streak and is ranked first in the country defensively. Iowa State, however, ranks seventh defensively in the nation, averages more points per game than the Cougars and is a better free throw shooting team.
The Cyclones have had the Cougars' number, too, winning seven of the past eight times. This includes a 57-53 home victory against Texas on Jan. 9 when the Cyclones were a much shorter underdog.
Iowa State's T.J. Otzelberger is one of the top-five coaches in the country, in my view. The Cyclones are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 games. Texas had failed to cover in its past four games before its victory against Texas.
|
02-18-24 |
Canisius -2.5 v. Siena |
Top |
73-64 |
Win
|
100 |
14 h 16 m |
Show
|
Canisius is nothing great. But Siena is the Washington Generals of college basketball. Canisius is 9-15. Siena is 3-21 in its last 24 games. The Saints very well could be the worst offensive team in the country.
The Golden Griffins average 71.8 points a game. That's nearly 12 points more per game than the Saints.
Siena is averaging 60.1 points. That miniscule average shrinks even more to 54.2 points in its last eight games.
The Saints rank 360th in scoring, 354th in free throw accuracy, 348th in field goal percentage and 358th in 3-point percent.
Siena's below-average defense can't make up for its lack of offense. The Saints rank 278th defensively allowing 75.2 points a game. Canisius defeated Siena, 67-63, on Jan. 12. The Saints have gotten worse since then losing eight of their last nine games.
|
02-17-24 |
NC State +8 v. Clemson |
|
78-77 |
Win
|
100 |
19 h 38 m |
Show
|
The ACC has a tendency to bring down teams that are riding high. It's that competitive and prideful of a conference loaded with quality teams.
North Carolina State is one of those quality teams. But the Wolfpack find themselves in must-win mode if they hope to be considered for an NCAA Tournament berth after a four-point loss to Wake Forest and a three-point loss to Pittsburgh during their last two games.
Clemson is looking strong, winners of three in a row.
North Carolina State, though, has had a week to prepare and rest up for this specific matchup. The Wolfpack also have triple revenge for two regular season losses to the Tigers last season and a defeat in the ACC Tournament.
|
02-17-24 |
Indiana State -4.5 v. Southern Illinois |
Top |
69-74 |
Loss |
-110 |
18 h 14 m |
Show
|
There hadn't been this much excitement about Indiana State since Larry Bird played for the Sycamores. Unfortunately for the 23rd-ranked Sycamores they are coming off a stunning home upset loss to 12-14 Illinois State this past Tuesday.
Indiana State coach Josh Schertz ripped his team following that defeat calling them soft and lacking toughness.
I'm expecting the Sycamores to be fired-up and to bury Southern Illinois even if Jayson Kent, their leading rebounder, can't play.
Southern Illinois was no match for Indiana State when the teams met earlier this season on Nov. 28. The Sycamores buried the Salukis, 77-48. Southern Illinois ranks 239th in defensive field goal percentage. The Salukis have allowed their past three opponents to shoot at least 50 percent from the field. Indiana State is the third-best shooting team in the country and ranks eighth in points per game at 84.9.
Despite their Top 25 ranking, Indiana State is not a lock to make the NCAA Tournament. The Sycamores lead Drake by just one game in the Missouri Valley Conference.
|
02-17-24 |
Cal-Riverside v. UC-Davis -5 |
|
67-61 |
Loss |
-110 |
7 h 55 m |
Show
|
UC Davis is the better all-around team. The Aggies are home and in stop-the-pain mode with two straight losses. Cal-Riverside is two things - unable to win on the road and a terrible shooting team. The Highlanders are 1-12 in their away games. They average fewer than 70 points per game and rank 357th in field goal percentage at 39 percent.
|
02-17-24 |
Marquette v. Connecticut -6 |
|
53-81 |
Win
|
100 |
13 h 26 m |
Show
|
I don't see top-ranked Connecticut losing to Marquette at home. The Huskies have won 13 in a row and haven't forgotten how Marquette knocked them out of the Big East Conference Tournament last season.
There's not much to nit-pick about Marquette. I just don't trust the Golden Eagles on the road where they have lost to Seton Hall, Providence and Wisconsin.
|
02-16-24 |
Brown v. Princeton -12.5 |
Top |
63-72 |
Loss |
-110 |
14 h 7 m |
Show
|
Princeton has the best overall record of any team in the Ivy League at 17-3. Brown has one of the worst records at 6-16 with a 3-9 road mark.
The teams met two games ago on Feb. 3. Princeton beat the Bears, 70-60, covering as seven-point road favorites. The Tigers accomplished that despite a bad shooting game. They shot 44 percent from the floor and 27 percent from 3-point range. The Tigers' season average is 46.3 shooting from the field and 36.1 percent from beyond the arc.
Brown then lost as a 4 1/2-point home favorite to Columbia, 83-69, in its last game. I don't see Brown staying within this number on the road to Princeton. The Bears lost by double-digits to the Tigers at home when Princeton wasn't shooting well.
Princeton is 8-0 at home. The Tigers permit only 64.7 points per game, which ranks 23rd in the nation. The Tigers also are the second-best free throw shooting team in the country making 79.9 percent.
Brown is below par on both sides of the ball. The Bears average just 70 points and could be the worst free throw shooting team in the land making only 64.7 percent.
|
02-16-24 |
Siena v. St. Peter's -9 |
|
53-75 |
Win
|
100 |
14 h 48 m |
Show
|
St. Peter's is an 11-11 average team that is in circle-the-wagons mode with a four-game losing streak following a 64-62 home loss to Fairfield, the second-best team in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference. The Peacocks did cover that game, though, as 3 1/2-point 'dogs. Look for the Peacocks to take out their frustrations out at home against a terrible Siena team that is 4-20 overall and 2-15 in its last 17 games.
The Saints hosted St. Peter's on Jan. 28 and lost, 63-52. Siena turned the ball over 19 times in that game. That wasn't anything new. The Saints have the second-worst turnover rate in the nation, average just 60.4 points and shoot 39.9 percent from the floor. St. Peter's ranks 23rd defensively in turnover rate. The Peacocks rank 20th defensively holding foes to 64.6 points per game.
Going by the KenPom rankings, the Peacocks rank 233rd compared to Siena's 358th placement.
|
02-16-24 |
Jacksonville v. Queens NC -1.5 |
|
65-74 |
Win
|
100 |
13 h 2 m |
Show
|
Queens is 9-3 at home. Jacksonville is 2-12 in true road games.
The teams met in Jacksonville on Jan. 18 with the home team winning, 79-77. The Dolphins shot 72.6 from the foul line in that game. Queens, by contrast, could make only 21 of 43 free throws for 49 percent. Queens shoots 70.6 percent from the foul line.
So I see Queens getting its revenge in this rematch.
|
02-15-24 |
Northwestern v. Rutgers -3.5 |
Top |
60-63 |
Loss |
-110 |
17 h 4 m |
Show
|
Big Ten Conference basketball is all about defense and protecting your home floor. Both of these key factors are in play for Rutgers in this matchup.
The Scarlet Knights have won their last three games posting upset victories against Wisconsin at home and road wins against Michigan and Maryland. It's not a coincidence that these three victories have all come since Iowa State transfer Jeremiah Williams became eligible and played in his first three games for Rutgers. Williams sparked the Scarlet Knights to their, 78-56, upset of 11th-ranked Wisconsin this past Saturday by scoring 18 points, dishing off seven assists and grabbing five rebounds.
Williams provides offense and all-around play to the Scarlet Knights, who give up the 28th-fewest points in the nation and rank 13th in defensive field goal percentage.
Northwestern is much better at home than on the road. The Wildcats are 1-5 in their Big Ten away contests.
|
02-14-24 |
Clippers +4.5 v. Warriors |
Top |
130-125 |
Win
|
100 |
22 h 42 m |
Show
|
No need to overthink. The Clippers are 35-17, one of the three best teams in the Western Conference along with the Timberwolves and Thunder. The Clippers' goal is to finish with the best record in the NBA. That's a lofty goal, but attainable for a team this good.
Golden State is 26-25. The Warriors are off an emotional road victory against the Jazz this past Monday. They play at Utah again on Thursday to close out the first half of their season. It's a game that was rescheduled following the untimely death of Warriors assistant coach Dejan Milojevic from a heart attack. So returning home for this one game against the Clippers sandwiched in between trips to Utah is an usual and tough spot for the Warriors. Their concentration level may be hindered.
There's also a physical fatigue to go with the mental stress as this marks the Warriors' fifth game in eight days.
Unlike the Warriors, the Clippers won't play again until after the All-Star break. Also unlike the Warriors, the Clippers are off a huge, disappointing loss. They were embarrassed at home by the Timberwolves, 121-100, this past Monday. That defeat dropped the Clippers 1 1/2 games behind the Timberwolves for best record in the Western Conference.
Even with that loss to Minnesota, the Clippers still are 10-3 in their past 13 games. They won't lack motivation for this matchup and should be fully focused and engaged.
The Clippers have both a top-10 offense and defense. They rank first in 3-point field goal percentage. The Warriors are below average defensively ranking 19th.
|
02-14-24 |
Miami-FL +7.5 v. Clemson |
|
60-77 |
Loss |
-110 |
8 h 5 m |
Show
|
Clemson returns home after posting impressive road victories against North Carolina and Syracuse. But the Tigers haven't played well at home and have had matchup problems against Miami.
Clemson is 2-3 SU, 1-4 ATS in its last five home games. One of those losses was to Georgia Tech as an 11 1/2-point favorite. The Tigers only defeated Louisville by six at home as a 16 1/2-point favorite.
The Tigers are playing their first home game in 11 days. Miami is 1-3 in its last four games, but nearly beat North Carolina at home this past Saturday losing, 75-72. The Hurricanes have defeated Clemson in the last four meetings, including 95-82 on Jan. 3.
|
02-13-24 |
Wolves v. Blazers +8.5 |
Top |
121-109 |
Loss |
-110 |
12 h 59 m |
Show
|
This is enough line value for me to take the Trail Blazers given the probable return of Anfernee Simons and the favorable spot Portland is in.
Minnesota is fat and happy off an impressive, 121-100, road victory against the Clippers last night. The Timberwolves can't be faulted if they take the lowly Trail Blazers, a team they buried, 116-93, at home on Jan. 12, not very seriously.
Portland, though, is well-rested and off a tremendous defensive performance. The Trail Blazers held New Orleans to 93 points in their last game this past Saturday. That was 23 points below the Pelicans' season average. However, the Trail Blazers didn't have Simons, their top player and leading scorer, so they couldn't muster up enough offense to win.
Simons is expected to return today from his left ankle sprain. That's huge. It's an extra bonus if Scott Henderson also can play for Portland. He's questionable with a foot sprain.
Portland has been home for eight days, idle for the past two full days. Minnesota is playing its fourth consecutive road game. The Timberwolves have a losing ATS mark when playing in the second of back-to-back days.
The Trail Blazers are 4-3 in their last seven home games with straight-up upset victories against the Bucks, 76ers, Pacers and Nets during this span.
When the Timberwolves rolled past the Trail Blazers in the team's first meeting, Portland was at the tail end of a seven-game road trip and had just played the Thunder the previous night. Now it's the Timberwolves who have a fatigue rating.
Note, too, the teams meet again in Portland on Thursday. So the Timberwolves may hold back some things knowing they have to play this same opponent in their next game.
|
02-13-24 |
Duquesne v. Dayton -8.5 |
Top |
59-75 |
Win
|
100 |
19 h 17 m |
Show
|
You have to go back 12 years to find the last time Duquesne won at Dayton. I don't see the Dukes ending their long road losing streak here against the Flyers.
Dayton is ranked 16th, but coming off an ugly, 49-47, road loss to VCU this past Friday. The Flyers held VCU scoreless during the final 5:57, but still couldn't win because of their cold shooting. This was highly unusual since the Flyers rank seventh in 3-point shooting percentage.
That loss has put Dayton in a bounce back spot, while Duquesne is fat-and-happy after upsetting St. Bonaventure this past Saturday.
The Flyers' DaRon Holmes II leads the Atlantic 10 in scoring at 19.4 points per game. Holmes, though, is off a terrible performance against VCU. I expect the Flyers and Holmes to bounce back strong against Duquesne, which is a well below average shooting team. Dayton gives up the seventh-fewest points in the country at 64.3.
Prior to losing to VCU, the Flyers had gone 16-1 with one of those victories during this span coming against Duquesne, 72-62, on the road on Jan. 12.
|
02-13-24 |
Pittsburgh v. Virginia -6.5 |
|
74-63 |
Loss |
-115 |
8 h 47 m |
Show
|
Pittsburgh upset Virginia when these teams last met last season. The Cavaliers won't let it happen again, especially at home where they are 13-0. Virginia, in fact, has the longest home winning streak in NCAA Division I with 23 straight victories. Pittsburgh is fat and happy riding a three-game win streak. Two of those wins were in a favorite's role against Notre Dame and Wake Forest. The Panthers' 3-point defense is showing signs of regression. That could prove crucial as the Cavaliers' strengths are their third-ranked defense and 15th-ranked 3-point shooting percentage. During the past four weeks, the Cavaliers are the fifth-hottest shooting 3-point team.
|
02-12-24 |
Bulls +4 v. Hawks |
Top |
136-126 |
Win
|
100 |
22 h 44 m |
Show
|
This is an important game for playoff seeding in the East. The Bulls rank ninth while the Hawks are 10th, one game behind Chicago. The Bulls are the superior defensive team and have a winning point spread mark. They are 7-4 ATS in their past 11 games.
The Hawks give up 123.7 points a game. That ranks second-to-last in the NBA. The Bulls rate 11th defensively, allowing 11 fewer points per game than Atlanta.
Atlanta has the worst point spread mark in the NBA at 17-36 (32 percent) ATS. The Hawks are very bad in this role going 6-16 ATS when favored by more than 1 1/2 points. It's also Atlanta's third game in four days.
|
02-11-24 |
Penn State +8.5 v. Northwestern |
|
63-68 |
Win
|
100 |
14 h 42 m |
Show
|
Northwestern is laying too many points here against a hot Penn State team that has won and covered its last three games, beating Rutgers and Indiana on the road and Iowa at home. The Nittany Lions are 5-2 ATS in their last seven home games.
Penn State averages more points per game than Northwestern and has revenge for a 76-72 home loss to the Wildcats from Jan. 10. The Nittany Lions led Northwestern by eight points at halftime during that first meeting. But they finished just 3-of-17 from 3-point range. The Wildcats rank 321st in 3-point defense. Penn State should shoot better from 3-point range against this opponent this time around while it's highly unlikely the Wildcats hit 61 percent of their shots from the floor like they did in the first meeting.
Northwestern could be without guard Ty Berry, who is the Wildcats' fourth-leading scorer and best free throw shooter. He suffered a knee injury in the Wildcats' last game, an 80-68 victory against Nebraska this past Wednesday.
|
02-10-24 |
Rockets +5 v. Hawks |
|
113-122 |
Loss |
-110 |
9 h 3 m |
Show
|
Both teams are playing without rest. But here's what you have to know. The Hawks have the worst point spread record in the NBA at 16-36 (31 percent). They are 5-16 ATS when favored by more than 1 1/2 points. The Hawks just beat a reeling 76ers squad that is trying to learn life without Joel Embiid. Atlanta will be missing center Clint Capela. Onyeka Okongwu has played well in Capela's place, but logged 34 minutes against the 76ers last night. Houston is 0-3 in its current four-game road swing that ends here. The Rockets have come close in their last two games losing to the Pacers by three points this past Tuesday and by three points to the Raptors last night cutting a 23-point deficit to one point with 23 seconds left. The Rockets nearly won despite their two leading scorers, Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green, shooting a combined 6-for-18 (25 percent) from the floor. Sengun shoots 54.1 percent from the field.
|
02-10-24 |
Providence v. Butler -3.5 |
|
72-75 |
Loss |
-110 |
12 h 47 m |
Show
|
Providence defeated Butler, 85-75, in overtime on Dec. 23. Much has changed since then. Butler is the better team.
The Bulldogs are 4-1 in their last five games with their only defeat in this time frame coming on the road to top-ranked Connecticut. Butler covered as a 14 1/2-point road 'dog in that game, losing, 71-62. The Bulldogs have covered in their last four games.
Providence lost Bryce Hopkins, its third-leading scorer, shortly after beating Butler. The Friars are 4-5 since losing Hopkins. They are off a 91-87 overtime victory against Creighton at home this past Wednesday. But that could cause a letdown in this spot.
|
02-10-24 |
Vanderbilt v. South Carolina -11 |
|
60-75 |
Win
|
100 |
11 h 49 m |
Show
|
Before the season, the SEC media picked Vanderbilt to finish 11th in the conference and South Carolina to place last. Vanderbilt has held true to that prediction with a 1-8 SEC mark.
But not South Carolina. The 15th-ranked Gamecocks are tied for first in the conference thanks to a six-game winning streak.
I don't see South Carolina having any trouble hosting Vanderbilt. The Gamecocks hold huge edges on the frontcourt and depth-wise. Vanderbilt is 1-8 in its last nine games with its last six defeats all occurring by 13 or more points.
|
02-10-24 |
Creighton v. Xavier +1.5 |
|
78-71 |
Loss |
-115 |
10 h 27 m |
Show
|
Xavier is playing well and in revenge mode for an 85-78 road loss to Creighton on Jan. 23.
The Musketeers are 6-2 in their last eight games, including winning three in a row. Xavier is 7-1 in its last eight home games with its lone loss during this span coming to top-ranked Connecticut.
Creighton has to get over a tough, 91-87, overtime road loss to Providence this past Wednesday. The Bluejays are 1-6 ATS in their last seven games, including 0-4 ATS during their past four games.
|
02-09-24 |
Hornets +14.5 v. Bucks |
|
84-120 |
Loss |
-115 |
10 h 34 m |
Show
|
As bad as the Hornets are, the Bucks are in no position to lay this many points to them. Milwaukee is 1-5 SU and 1-5 ATS in its last six games. The Bucks carry a high fatigue rating, have key injuries and Doc Rivers has been a near-disaster so far as the Bucks' coach.
This is the Bucks' fifth game in seven days and second in two days after they were buried, 129-105, by the Timberwolves at home last night. Damian Lillard and Khris Middleton, the Bucks' second and third-best players, missed that game because of ankle injuries.
The Hornets have lost nine in a row, although they've covered in their last two games. Charlotte also has injuries, but have Cody Martin back. Clearly, though, my handicap is a fade on the Bucks, who have failed to cover 17 of 21 times against sub .500 opponents this season.
|
02-09-24 |
Dayton -1.5 v. VCU |
Top |
47-49 |
Loss |
-110 |
20 h 6 m |
Show
|
Dayton is 18th-ranked in the country, leads the Atlantic 10 Conference and has won 16 of its last 17 games. But this matchup against VCU holds special meaning for the Flyers.
It's their revenge game of the year. VCU defeated Dayton, 68-56, in the Atlantic 10 title game last season.
VCU is good again this season at 15-8, 7-3 in conference. But 19-3 Dayton is better. The Flyers are a better offensive team than they were when they lost to VCU last season. The Flyers average three points more per game than the Rams and rank fifth in the nation in 3-point accuracy. Dayton's DaRon Holmes II leads the A-10 in scoring at 19.7 points per game.
The oddsmaker agrees that Dayton is the superior team, opening the Flyers a road favorite. I'm going to back Dayton on the money line with the line as short as it is.
|
02-08-24 |
Nuggets v. Lakers +3.5 |
Top |
114-106 |
Loss |
-105 |
12 h 15 m |
Show
|
The Lakers have picked up their pace winning eight of their last 12 games. This includes three straight victories to close out a six-game road trip. Sometimes it's dangerous to back a team playing their first home game following a lengthy road trip. That certainly was the case with the Clippers last night. They lost to the Pelicans by 11 points as a 6 1/2-point home favorite. The Clippers had been playing well, too.
But this is a different case and much different situation. The Clippers only had one day of rest after returning to Los Angeles. The Lakers concluded their road swing this past Monday giving them two full days of rest and preparation.
This also is the Lakers' biggest game of the season and it isn't just because they're playing the defending world champion Nuggets.
It's a special night because the Lakers organization will be honoring the late Kobe Bryant before the game unveiling a statue of him. The game is going to be heavily attended with many dignitaries. It is being shown nationally on TNT.
"Win one for Kobe,'' will be the Lakers' motto. So I'm expecting maximum motivation and effort.
The Nuggets are off back-to-back home victories against the 15-35 Trail Blazers. Not exactly a worthy opponent. Denver has lost in its two previous road games, falling to the Thunder and getting blown out by the Knicks.
|
02-08-24 |
Pistons v. Blazers -5.5 |
|
128-122 |
Loss |
-110 |
12 h 47 m |
Show
|
The Pistons are 3-20 on the road this season. Their latest road victory came last night in a 133-120 upset of the Kings. The Pistons achieved this unlikely victory without injured Cade Cunningham and Bojan Bogdanovic leaving them with only nine players.
I don't see the Pistons, losers of 43 of 50 games, pulling off another upset on consecutive nights even if Cunningham, the team's leading scorer, returns to their lineup. Bogdanovic was traded to the Knicks today leaving the Pistons short-handed again.
Portland is 15-35, but playing better. The Trail Blazers upset both the Bucks and 76ers at home before traveling to Denver to play two straight road games against the Nuggets. They lost both of those games to the defending world champions, but covered each game. Portland is 6-2 ATS in its last eight games.
Now the Trail Blazers return home, while stepping way down in class. They have had ample rest and preparation time, too, having last played this past Sunday.
|
02-08-24 |
Washington State v. Oregon State +9 |
|
64-58 |
Win
|
100 |
10 h 60 m |
Show
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Forget Oregon State being just 3-8 in the Pac-12 Conference and 11-11 overall. The Beavers are much stronger when playing at home. They are 11-2 at Gill Coliseum. One of the victories was an 83-80 win against then ninth-ranked Arizona on Jan. 25. The Beavers were 18 1/2-point 'dogs in that game. As home underdogs this season, the Beavers are 3-2 SU, 4-1 ATS. Washington is mediocre on the road with a 3-3 SU and ATS mark.
Oregon State gave Washington State a battle in Pullman, Wash., on Jan. 4 losing, 65-58. The Beavers were missing their third-leading scorer, Dexter Akanno, in that game.
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02-07-24 |
Pelicans +6.5 v. Clippers |
Top |
117-106 |
Win
|
100 |
22 h 43 m |
Show
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The Pelicans are in prime position to ambush the Clippers.
The Clippers returned to Los Angeles on Tuesday after finishing a seven-game, 11-day road trip with a victory against the Hawks in Atlanta this past Monday night. There were 293 points scored in the Clippers' crazy, 149-144, victory against the Hawks. Kawhi Leonard and James Harden each played more than 37 minutes in that game.
Now the Clippers have to get used to being home having played in a different arena for the past seven games. LA has to be feeling good having gone 6-1 on its road trip. The Clippers are not only in a letdown spot, but their concentration could be off having been gone for so long. They also might be dealing with dead legs in action for the third time in four days and fourth time in six days.
New Orleans is playing well, too, riding a three-game win streak. The Pelicans don't have nearly the fatigue factor LA does. This is just the Pelicans' second game in five days.
The teams are meeting for the third time this season. The road team has won each of the first two games. Attendance could be less than normal for the Clippers because of the heavy rains that hit southern California.
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02-07-24 |
Spurs +8 v. Heat |
|
104-116 |
Loss |
-105 |
9 h 1 m |
Show
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Miami hasn't gotten going this season, losing eight of its last 11 games. But the Heat did win a satisfying game beating in-state rival Orlando, 121-95, last night.
The Heat are 1-3-1 ATS the past five times when playing without rest. They also have been terrible in the role of a large home favorite failing to cover 17 of the past 22 times when laying five or more points.
This is the start of the Spurs' nine-game rodeo trip so they'll want to get off to a good start.
Prior to their win against the Magic, the Heat were averaging 101.7 points in their previous 13 games. The Spurs are averaging 114.6 points in regulation during their last 15 games.
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02-07-24 |
Furman -2.5 v. Mercer |
|
69-78 |
Loss |
-115 |
19 h 16 m |
Show
|
Furman is in better form than Mercer and has too much offense for the Bears to stay close.
The Paladins rank 33rd in the nation in scoring averaging 81.3 points a game. They have scored 82 or more points in five of their past eight games.
Mercer averages 11 points fewer per game than Furman. The Bears also are one of the worst free throw shooting teams in the country making only 65.6 percent. They are 2-6 in their last eight games.
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02-06-24 |
St. Mary's v. Pacific +21.5 |
|
84-43 |
Loss |
-110 |
14 h 35 m |
Show
|
Saint Mary's probably could name its score. The Gaels did that when these two teams met on Jan. 25. The Gaels embarrassed Pacific, 76-28.
So why back Pacific in the rematch besides the Tigers being at home this time?
The timing. Not only can the Gaels be forgiven if they enter this matchup overconfident, but it's also a huge flat spot for them.
Saint Mary's is off a monster, 64-62, road upset victory against its major rival, Gonzaga, this past Saturday night. It's going to be extremely difficult for the Gaels to get motivated for this matchup.
The Gaels are 18-6 and lead the West Coast Conference with a 9-0 mark. However, they are just mediocre point spread-wise with an 11-11 ATS record.
It's asking a lot for Saint Mary's to cover this large number given the situation and that its offense averages just 72.5 points. The Gaels rank 254th in field goal percentage and 289th in free throw percentage.
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