20* Florida/Miami ESPN No-Brainer on Miami +10.5

The Florida Gators are grossly overvalued this season after winning the National Championship last season.  They lost all their best guards from that team that led them to the title.  And they are failing to live up to expectations thus far.

The Gators are 2-1 SU & 0-3 ATS this season.  They lost outright to Arizona as 3.5-point favorites, failed to cover as 43.5-point favorites against North Florida, and escaped with a 2-point win over Florida State as 17.5-point favorites.  They should not be double-digit favorites here against Miami.

The Hurricanes will be one of the most improved teams in the country this season.  They had the money to spend and did so in bringing in Auburn transfer Tre Donaldson, Indiana transfer Malik Reneau and New Mexico transfer Tru Washington.  5-star recruit Shelton Henderson won gold with USA U-18 and flipped from Duke to Miami.

The Hurricanes are 3-0 SU & 2-1 ATS this season.  They opened with a 17-point win over Jacksonville as 19-point favorites to barely miss the cover.  They blasted Bethune-Cookman by 40 as 16.5-point favorites and covered in a 41-point win over Stetson as 34.5-point favorites.  That's the same Bethune-Cookman team that took Auburn to OT and only lost by 9 at Dayton.

Reneau (21.3 PPG), Donaldson (16.3 PPG, 6.0 APG), Washington (14.0 PPG) and Henderson (12.3 PPG) have bene awesome thus far and the chemistry is clearly there already.  The Hurricanes will give the Gators a run for their money tonight.  Bet Miami Sunday.

20* NBA Non-Conference TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Bulls/Jazz OVER 243

The Utah Jazz are a dead nuts OVER team.  They play fast and they rank 25th in defensive rating allowing 118.3 points per 100 possessions.  They face an even more OVER team in the Bulls, who play at the 4th-fasted pace in the NBA this season.

Utah is 5-1 OVER in its six home games scoring 131.3 points per game and allowing 126.3 points per game, combining to average over 257 points per game at home this season.  The Jazz and their opponents have combined for 233 or more points in all six home games, including 280 with the Pacers and 254 with the Hawks in their last two home games.

The Bulls are 7-4 OVER despite playing without Coby White all season and Josh Giddey for the last few games.  Well, Giddey is back tonight, and White could make his season debut.  The Bulls play at a break-neck pace and are much more efficient when Giddey is on the court running the offense.  

The OVER is 4-1 in the last five meetings finishing with 243 or more combined points in three of them.  Bet the OVER in this game Sunday.

15* NBA Western Conference PLAY OF THE DAY on Blazers/Mavs OVER 233.5

The Blazers are a dead nuts OVER team ranking 2nd in the NBA in pace.  The Mavericks have made a move to play faster ranking 5th in pace this season.  So this is a matchup between two Top 5 teams in pace, and there will be a ton of possessions as a result.

The Blazers are 9-3 OVER in their 12 games this season finishing with 238 or more combined points in five of their last six games overall.  The Mavericks are 3-0 OVER in their last three games finishing with 230 or more combined points in all three.  They are having to play more small ball this season with injuries to their big men.  Bet the OVER in this game Sunday.

20* CBB Sunday Undervalued Underdog on Akron +20

This is a fade of Purdue in a horrific spot.  The Boilermakers are coming off a 87-80 upset road win at Alabama.  They have Memphis on deck.  That makes this a sandwich spot for them, and I don't expect them to put forth their best effort today.

This will be Akron's 'national championship' game with the opportunity to face a Power 4 team in-state.  And the Zips brought back three key players from last season who are leading the team this season.  Amari Lyles (16.0 PPG, 7.7 RPG), Shammah Scott (14.3 PPG, 4.3 APG) and Tavari Johnson (13.3 PPG, 4.7 APG) are three seniors and won't be phased by this road atmosphere.

Akron is 3-0 this season beating James Madison by 14 and Princeton by 35 at home.  That's the same Princeton team that only lost by 19 at Kansas as 22.5-point dogs last time out.  Purdue only beat Oakland by 10 in its last home game.  That's the same Oakland team that lost by 43 to Michigan and by 33 to Houston.  Bet Akron Sunday.

15* NBA Sunday Total DOMINATOR on Clippers/Celtics UNDER 221

This is a matchup between the two slowest-paced teams in the NBA.  The Celtics rank dead last (30th) in pace and the Clippers rank 29th.  This game will be played at a snail's pace today to say the least, and I like betting UNDERS in these early afternoon NBA games because teams aren't used to playing this early in the day.  It only happens on Sunday's, and teams tend to sleep walk through them.

The Clippers and Celtics have combined for 220 or fewer points at the end of regulation in each of their last three meetings.  They have combined for 206, 220 and 211 points.  It will be more of the same here in their first meeting of the 2025-26 season.  Bet the UNDER in this game Sunday.

15* Notre Dame/Ohio State FS1 ANNIHILATOR on Notre Dame +10.5

Notre Dame is one of the most improved teams in the country this season.  The Fighting Irish brought back three starters this season including their two best players in Burton (21.3 PPG LY) and Shrewsberry (14.0 PPG LY).

The Fighting Irish are off to a 3-0 SU & 2-1 ATS start this season with three blowout wins all by 20 points or more.  Burton is averaging 19.3 points per game while Shrewsberry is averaging 13.0 points per game thus far.  I look for them to give Ohio State a run for its money today.

I haven't been impressed with the Buckeyes during their 3-0 SU but 1-2 ATS start against a very soft schedule.  They only beat a bad IU Indy team by 16 at home, barely covered by 2 against IPFW.  They also failed to cover against App State.  The Buckeyes went 17-15 last season.  Bet Notre Dame Sunday.

15* Lakers/Bucks NBA TV ANNIHILATOR UNDER 230.5

Both the Lakers and Bucks played in the NBA Cup last night and both will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back.  That means both are likely to rest their stars tonight.  Don't be surprised if Giannis sits for the Bucks, while Doncic and/or Reaves sit for the Lakers.

Giannis will almost certainly sit after beating the Hornets in OT last night and playing 40 minutes.  Doncic played 40 minutes and Reaves 39 for the Lakers last night.  These offenses are going to struggle without these guys if they do sit, and I don't hate the UNDER if they don't because they will be on tired legs and the shooting will be affected.  Bet the UNDER in this game Saturday.

15* NBA Saturday Total DOMINATOR on Nuggets/Timberwolves UNDER 235

The Nuggets will be without Christian Braun (11.4 PPG) and Cam Johnson (7.2 PPG) tonight.  They also could be without Nikola Jokic (28.8 PPG, 10.9 APG), who is questionable with a wrist injury.  Their offense will be hampered without Braun and Johnson, and it will be non-existent if Jokic sits.

The Timberwolves are coming off a 124-110 win over the Kings last night in the NBA Cup.  They could elect to wrest Anthony Edwards and possibly more guys after all five starters played at least 30 minutes last night.  Either way, I like the UNDER in this matchup.  Bet the UNDER in this game Saturday.

15* NBA Saturday No-Doubt Rout on Toronto Raptors -6.5

The Indiana Pacers are a dumpster fire.  They are 1-11 this season and coming off five straight troubling losses with no help in sight.  They were upset at home by the Nets as 6.5-point favorites, they lost by 17 in Denver as 9-point dogs, lost by 31 in Golden State as 13-point dogs, lost by 24 at Utah while giving up 152 points to the Jazz, and last time out lost by 35 at Phoenix.

To add insult to injury the Pacers just lost Aaron Nesmith (15.5 PPG) to a long-term knee injury in that loss to the Suns.  They were already without Benndict Mathurin (31.0 PPG), Obi Toppin (14.0 PPG), Tyrese Haliburton, Kam Jones, Quenton Jackson (11.8 PPG) and Johnny Furphy.  There's just no help in sight for this team.

The Raptors are rolling right now going 6-1 SU & 6-1 ATS in their last seven games overall with upset road wins over Cleveland by 13, Cleveland by 11 and Atlanta by 12 during this stretch.  They also blew out the Bucks by 28 and the Grizzlies by 13 at home.  They will make easy work of the short-handed Pacers tonight.  Bet the Raptors Saturday.

15* CBB Saturday No-Doubt Rout on Marquette -7

Maryland is a rebuilding team with first-year head coach Buzz Williams.  The Terrapins will be without three key players in G Myles Rice, F Solomon Washington and G George Turkson Jr.  It has been an unimpressive start for the Terrapins to say the least.

They are 0-3 ATS beating Coppin State by 22 as 28.5-point favorites, losing outright at home to Georgetown by 10 as 5-point favorites, and only beating Alcorn State by 20 as 29.5-point favorites.

Marquette's lone loss came to Indiana, and that's an Indiana team that is one of the best in the country.  They beat Albany by 27 as 24-point favorites, Southern by 18 s 24.5-point favorites and Arkansas-Little Rock by 40 as 21.5-point favorites.  The Eagles will make easy work of the Terrapins at home today.  Bet Marquette Saturday.

15* Butler/SMU CW ANNIHILATOR on OVER 163

Two dead nuts OVER teams square off Saturday when Butler visits SMU.  Butler ranks 64th in adjusted tempo and 8th in average length of offensive possession getting a shot up every 13.7 seconds.  SMU ranks 94th in adjusted tempo and 17th in average length of offensive possession getting a shot up every 14.2 seconds.  There will be a ton of possessions in this game.

SMU is coming off a 102-91 win over Murray State for 193 combined points.  The Mustangs also topped this total in a 96-76 win over Tarleton State for 172 combined points.  Butler scored 88 points on Southern Indiana, 112 on IU Indy and 98 on Chicago State.  They finished with 192 combined points with IU Indy and 164 with Chicago State.  Their defense is not good, and it will get exposed by this high-octane SMU offense loaded with firepower.  Bet the OVER in this game Saturday.

20* CBB Saturday Total DOMINATOR on UMKC/Texas OVER 156

UMKC went from one of the slowest teams in the country to one of the fastest this season.  That big change in philosophy has their totals listed too low here early in the season.

UMKC lost 101-78 at Southern Illinois for 179 combined points with a 141.5-point total.  UMKC lost 105-91 at home to Iona for 196 combined points with a 156-point total.  Both totals went over by basically 40 points, and this one won't be close either.

Texas will score 100 points here just like Southern Illinois and Iona did.  The Longhorns nearly got to 100 in their last two games scoring 97 against Lafayette and 93 against Fairleigh Dickinson.  They want to play fast too and will welcome it from UMKC at home today.  Bet the OVER in this game Saturday.

20* Arizona/UCLA CBB Friday Late-Night BAILOUT on Arizona -2.5

This is a play against UCLA.  The Bruins are one of the most overrated teams in the country.  Their results are shocking to this point.  They only beat Eastern Washington by 6 as 30-point home favorites, Pepperdine by 11 as 29.5-point home favorites and West Georgia by 21 as 30.5-point home favorites.  They have failed the cover the spread by a combined 52 points in their first three games.

Arizona beat defending national champ Florida 93-87 in its opener to prove it will be a contender this season.  The Wildcats followed it up with blowout wins of Utah Tech by 26 and Northern Arizona by 35.  They will make easy work of this overmatched UCLA team tonight.  Bet Arizona Friday.

15* NBA Friday Total DOMINATOR on Warriors/Spurs OVER 235

The Spurs are now a dead nuts OVER team since getting De'Aaron Fox back from injury to run the PG position.  He made his return three games ago in a 126-119 win over the Pelicans for 245 combined points.  That was a Pelicans team missing two of its best players in Zion Williamson and Jordan Poole, too.  The Spurs then beat the Bulls 121-117 for 238 combined points two games ago.  

Last time out, the Spurs lost to the Warriors 125-120 for 245 combined points.  The Spurs are 6-0 OVER in their last six games overall going for 231 or more combined points in all six games.  The Spurs will play a lot faster with Fox moving forward.  Nobody in the NBA gets from one rim to the other faster than Fox.  He will get the Spurs in their offense faster, and they will play with much more pace.

The Warriors are an OVER team as long as Steph Curry is healthy.  He is healthy now, and he had 46 points going 5-of-16 from 3-point range in that 125-120 win over the Spurs on Wednesday.  The Warriors shot 57 3-pointers, and it should be more of the same here with a lot of fast break opportunities for Fox and the Spurs on the misses.  Bet the OVER in this game Friday.

20* Warriors/Spurs NBA Late-Night BAILOUT on San Antonio -2

San Antonio is a young team that cares about winning the NBA Cup.  Golden State is a veteran team that's more focused on a championship and won't get up for these NBA Cup games like the Spurs will.  Adding to San Antonio's motivation is a 125-120 home loss to the Warriors on Wednesday, and they feel like this would be the ultimate revenge to beat the Warriors in the NBA Cup.

The Warriors needed a huge 2H comeback to beat the Spurs.  They also hit 21 3-pointers and went 32-of-36 from the FT line, while the Spurs went just 14-of-16 from the FT line.  I suspect the Warriors won't get the benefit of the whistle like they did in that meeting Wednesday, and the FT disparity won't be nearly as high.

The Spurs are 5-1 SU at home this season, so that was their lone home loss adding to their motivation for revenge.  The Warriors are 1-6 SU & 1-6 ATS in their last seven road games.  Bet the Spurs Friday.

15* CBB Friday No-Doubt Rout on Georgia -15

Georgia is a wagon this season.  The Bulldogs are 3-0 SU & 3-0 ATS beating Bellarmine 104-59 as 23-point favorites, UMES 94-29 as 34-point favorites and Morehead State 120-81 as 29-point favorites.  The Bulldogs covered the spread in those three games by a combined 63 points in those three games.

Georgia Tech has been far less impressive.  The Yellow Jackets only beat that same UMES team 56-52 as 28.5-point favorites in their opener.  Georgia beat UMES by 65!  That common opponent is a big reason I'm on the Bulldogs.  Also, Georgia Tech struggled to get by SE Louisiana in a 10-point win as 15-point favorites.  The Yellow Jackets have no shot of keeping this game competitive.  Bet Georgia Friday.

15* NBA Eastern Conference PLAY OF THE DAY on Hornets/Bucks OVER 239

The Hornets are a dead nuts OVER team as long as La'Melo Ball is healthy, and he is making his return to the lineup tonight for this NBA Cup game.  The Bucks are a dead nuts OVER team as long as Giannis is healthy, and he is making his return to the lineup for this NBA Cup game tonight.  This total of 239 is too short.

Ball is averaging 23.3 points, 9.8 assists and 7.8 rebounds per game this season.  Their offense plays a lot faster and is a lot more efficient with him running the show, but their defense gets worse.  The Hornets will be without C Ryan Kalbrenner tonight, so their defense takes a hit without his size inside.  They will have to go more small ball.

Giannis is off to an MVP-caliber start averaging 33.4 points, 11.9 rebounds and 6.2 assists per game.  G Ryan Rollins has emerged as a playmaker, and the Bucks have a lot of shooting surrounding Giannis to make them a very efficient offense.  They will be without one of their best wing defenders in Taurean Prince tonight as well.  Bet the OVER in this game Friday.

15* CBB Friday Total DOMINATOR on IU Indy/Eastern Michigan OVER 185.5

IU Indianapolis brought in West Liberty DII head coach Ben Howlett to try and turn around the program.  At the very least, the Jaguars will be one of the most fun teams to watch in the country.  He brings a brand of positionless basketball with him, running a player-driven motion offense and 40-minute pressure on defense.  The goal is to play as fast as possible and speed the opponent up.

West Liberty averaged over 100 points per game last season under Howlett.  He brought three West Liberty transfers with him.  The Jaguars are off to an eye-opening start, losing 118-102 to Ohio State for 220 combined points while sailing OVER the 171.5-point total by nearly 50 points.  Oddsmakers are going to struggle to set their totals high enough in the early going, including tonight.

IU Indy came back with a 94-90 loss to Long Island last time out in a game that really slowed down late due to poor shooting.  It still finished with 184 combined points.  They came back with a 112-82 loss to Butler and 192 combined points.  And last time out they beat IUPUC 121-77 for 198 combined points.

Eastern Michigan played two teams that like to play slow in Georgia State and Pitt in its first two games.  EMU wants to play faster, and they will welcome this up-tempo game with IUPUI in a classic stat padder, playground-style game.  Bet the OVER in this game Friday.

20* NBA TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Hawks/Jazz OVER 233.5

The Utah Jazz are a dead nuts OVER team.  They play fast and they rank 25th in defensive rating allowing 117.9 points per 100 possessions.  They face an Atlanta Hawks team with a similar profile that also likes to play fast tonight.  This game should sail OVER this 233.5-point total.

Utah is 4-1 OVER in its five home games scoring 133.2 points per game and allowing 125.2 points per game, combining to average over 258 points per game at home this season.  The Jazz and their opponents have combined for 233 or more points in all five home games, including 280 with the short-handed Pacers last time out.

The Hawks are thriving offensively even without Trae Young.  They have scored at least 122 points in four of their last seven games overall, and I expect them to get to at least that number tonight to pave the way in us cashing this OVER 233.5 ticket.  The Jazz just hung 152 points on the Pacers and they have scored at least 129 points in four of their five home games this season.  

The OVER is 3-0 in the last three meetings between the Hawks and Jazz finishing with 281, 245 and 246 combined points.  Bet the OVER in this game Thursday.

20* Lakers/Thunder ESPN No-Brainer on OVER 228.5

The Lakers are a dead nuts OVER team.  They are 9-2 OVER in their 11 games this season finishing with 228 or more combined points in 10 of those 11 games.  This despite playing without LeBron James the entire way, and multiple games without both Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.

Reaves (30.3 PPG, 9.0 APG) is back after missing three games in a row.  The Lakers have been pretty dangerous with him and Luka Doncic (37.1 PPG, 9.4 RPG, 9.1 APG) on the court at the same time.  They are one of the most efficient offensive teams in the NBA, but they are also one of the worst defensive teams.

The Thunder are 5-2 OVER in their last seven games overall.  They have gone for 228 or more combined points with their opponents in six of those seven games.  This total of 228.5 is very short for a game involving the Lakers and Thunder right now.  Bet the OVER in this game Wednesday.

15* CBB Wednesday Undervalued Underdog on Weber State +22.5

Weber State returns three players who averaged at least 6.2 points per game last season.  All three played big roles in their 130-38 dismantling of West Coast Baptist in the opener.  Trevor Henning had 20 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists, Nigel Burris had 14 points and 7 boards, and Viljami Vartiainen had 11 points and 4 assists.  Newcomers Jace Whiting (19 points), David Hansen (15 points) and Bourgeoius Tshilobo (12 points, 6 boards) also played big roles.

I backed Weber State as 15.5-point underdogs in their next game at Utah and they nearly pulled off the outright upset in a 92-89 (OT) loss.  Through two games, the Wildcats have six different players averaging in double-figures scoring.  They are the definition of team basketball, and I fully expect them to give Utah State a run for its money tonight.

It's a good time to 'sell high' on the Aggies after a 26-8 record last season.  They did it with smoke and mirrors with some good luck in close games.  The losses are big as they lose four players who averaged at least 6.4 PPG last season, including leading scorer Ian Martinez (16.4 PPG).

Utah State took care of Westminister 110-54 before surviving a 80-77 win over VCU as 3-point favorites on a neutral.  That's a rebuilding VCU team with a first-year head coach who had to replace all five starters who all averaged at least 9.7 PPG last season.  I don't think the Aggies have any business laying 22.5 points to this game Wildcats team that already showed they could go on the road and play with Utah.  Bet Weber State Wednesday.

20* CBB TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Weber State/Utah State OVER 155

Utah State is all offense and no defense.  The Aggies ranked 2nd in the MWC averaging 79.9 PPG last season and 1st in assists (17.1 APG).  They are fun to watch on offense, but not very good on defense.  That was on display in their 80-77 win over VCU last time out.  That's a rebuilding VCU team with a first-year head coach who had to replace all five starters who all averaged at least 9.7 PPG last season, and they allowed 77 points to the Rams.

Weber State is coming off a 92-89 (OT) loss at Utah in a game that was tied 84-84 at the end of regulation for 168 combined points.  The Wildcats have a ton of sharp shooters with six players averaging double-digits scoring through two games.

Weber State likes to play fast ranking 88th in average length of offensive possession.  The Aggies will welcome the up-tempo style in what should be one of the highest-scoring games of the night.  Bet the OVER in this game Wednesday.

15* NBA Wednesday Total DOMINATOR on Warriors/Spurs OVER 231.5

The Spurs are now a dead nuts OVER team since getting De'Aaron Fox back from injury to run the PG position.  He made his return two games ago in a 126-119 win over the Pelicans for 245 combined points.  That was a Pelicans team missing two of its best players in Zion Williamson and Jordan Poole, too.  The Spurs beat the Bulls 121-117 for 238 combined points last time out.  The Spurs are 5-0 OVER in their last five games overall going for 231 or more combined points in all five games.

The Spurs will play a lot faster with Fox moving forward.  Nobody in the NBA gets from one rim to the other faster than Fox.  He will get the Spurs in their offense faster, and they will play with much more pace.  That was evident against the Pelicans and Bulls, and it will continue to be the case tonight against the Warriors.

Steph Curry is expected to play tonight, and as long as he is in the lineup the Warriors profile more of an OVER team.  The Spurs and Warriors have combined for at least 230 points in six of their last nine meetings.  Bet the OVER in this game Wednesday.

15* NBA Wednesday No-Doubt Rout on San Antonio Spurs -4

The San Antonio Spurs are one of the most improved teams in the NBA this season.  They have gone 8-2 SU & 5-4-1 ATS this season, including 5-0 SU & 4-1 ATS at home.  I fully expect them to make it 6-0 at home to start the season given the favorable spot they are in against the Warriors tonight.

The Warriors will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back after a 126-102 road loss at Oklahoma City last night.  They will also be playing their 6th game in 9 days, which is about as tough as it gets.  The Warriors are 0-6 SU & 0-6 ATS in their last six road games including blowout losses to the Blazers by 20, the Nuggets by 25 and the Thunder by 24.  Kuminga has been downgraded to questionable.

The Spurs are rolling despite only having De'Aaron Fox for the last two games.  He has averaged 22.5 points per game in those two games since returning, and the Spurs will only continue to get more and more comfortable with him with each passing game moving forward.  They will handle their business tonight.  Bet the Spurs Wednesday.

15* NBA Wednesday Night BLOWOUT on Miami Heat -5.5

The Miami Heat are one of the most underrated teams in the NBA.  They have opened 7-4 SU & 8-3 ATS and their change of philosophy to play at the fastest pace in the entire NBA is giving teams trouble.

It gave the Cavaliers trouble the other night in a 140-138 (OT) win by Miami on Monday.  And that was with a healthy Cavaliers team.  Now the Cavs have no chance of keeping this game competitive with all the players that will be sitting out for the rematch tonight.

The Cavs will be without Mitchell (30.4 PPG), Mobley (20.1 PPG), Garland (13.0 PPG) and Tyson (11.1 PPG).  I trust Erik Spoelstra and these Miami players not to take them lightly tonight.  If they don't, this will be one of the biggest blowouts of the season.  Bet the Heat Wednesday.

20* NBA Eastern Conference GAME OF THE WEEK on Chicago Bulls ML +105

The Bulls are one of the most underrated teams in the NBA this season.  They are 6-4 SU & 7-2-1 ATS despite playing without Coby White the entire season, and Josh Giddey for multiple games.  They are proving they are one of the deepest teams in the NBA, and their ultra fast pace gives opponents problems.

It will certainly cause problems for the short-handed Detroit Pistons tonight.  Several players got injured in their 137-135 (OT) win over Washington on the 2nd of a back-to-back as 11-point favorites on Monday.  Now it looks like they are going to rest some key players tonight.

The Pistons were already going to be without Tobias Harris, Ausar Thompson and Isaiah Stewart tonight.  Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren both missed shootaround, a sign that neither will play tonight.  The Pistons will be running out basically a G League team if that's the case.  The Bulls have lost three straight coming in so they will not take them lightly if these guys sit.  Bet the Bulls on the Money Line Wednesday.

20* Magic/Knicks ESPN No-Brainer on OVER 226.5

The Knicks are rolling offensively going 5-0 SU & 5-0 ATS in their last five games overall while scoring at least 119 points in six consecutive games.  The OVER is 6-1 in Knicks last seven games overall finishing with 232 or more combined points in six of those seven games.  This total of 226.5 is too low for a game involving the Knicks right now.

The Magic have changed philosophy to try and play faster and their offense has been much better with the addition of Desmond Bane and the return to health of Jalen Suggs.  The Magic rank in the top half of the league in pace.  But they have slipped big-time defensively this season.

The Magic and their opponents have combined for at least 227 points in five of their last seven games overall.  So this total of 226.5 is also pretty low for a game involving the Magic right now.  Bet the OVER in this game Wednesday.

15* CBB Wednesday No-Doubt Rout on Virginia Tech -12

Virginia Tech will be one of the most improved teams in the country this season after a 13-19 campaign last year including 8-12 in ACC play.  The Hokies return four starters in Tobi Lawal (12.4 PPG, 7.0 RP), Tyler Johnson (6.7 PPG, 4.8 RPG), Benn Hammond (5.6 PPG) and Jaden Shutt (7.7 PPG).  They added in UNLV transfer Jailen Bedford, WVU transfer Amani Hansberry and a pair of talented freshmen in Christian Gurdak and Neoklis Avdalas.

The Hokies easily covered as 18.5-point favorites in their opener beating Charleston Southern 98-67.  Lawal led the way with 20 points and 12 rebounds and Hansberry had 19 points and 13 boards.  Bedford had 13 points and 5 rebounds, while six other players had at least 6 points in the win.

The 107-101 (OT) win over Providence in Game 2 was the coming out party for Greece freshman G Neoklis Avdalas.  The 19-year-old recorded 33 points, 6 assists and 5 rebounds to lead the Hokies to victory.  The 6-9 guard will prove to be one of the best players in the country.  Providence went on to blast Penn 106-81 as 19-point home favorites, making that win look even stronger.

Steve Donahue took over at St. Joe's only two months ago after previous head coach Billy Lange bolted for an assistant coaching role with the Knicks.  The Hawks were already without their top three scorers from last year in Brown (17.6 PPG), Reynolds (16 PPG) and Fleming (14.7 PPG).  That's a lot of production lost, which is why I'm not very high on St. Joe's this season.

I think the Hawks are getting too much respect for a pair of home wins over Lafayette (85-76) and Drexel (76-65).  This will be a much tougher opponent and their first true road game of the season tonight.  Drexel went on to lose 90-83 at Colgate as a 4-point dog.  Lafayette went on to lose 97-60 as 25-point dogs at Texas, so those wins aren't aging very well.  Bet Virginia Tech Wednesday.

20* CBB DOG OF THE WEEK on UTRGV +18

UTRGV is catching too many points tonight against Boise State.  The Vaqueros went 16-15 in Kahil Fennell's first season last year and look like one of the more improved teams in the country this season.

UTRGV opened with a 96-81 loss at Baylor as 24.5-point dogs.  That's a Baylor team that went on to cover in a 78-69 win as 6-point favorites over a solid Washington team.  The Vaqueros went on to rout Southern Utah 95-72 as 1.5-point road favorites last time out, covering the spread by 21.5 points.  That's a Southern Utah team that only lost by 17 at Arizona State in their opener.

Boise State tipped its hand with just how much a rebuilding year this is going to be with a shocking 79-78 loss to Hawaii Pacific in the opener.  A 101-77 win over Utah Valley as 11.5-point favorites last time out doesn't ease that fact.  Utah Valley is a rebuilding team of its own that lost four starters including all of its double-digit scorers from last season.

Boise State loses three starters including its two best players in Tyson Degenhard (18.3 PPG, 6.1 RPG) and Alvaro Cardenas (11.5 PPG, 6.9 APG) from last season.  It's going to continue being a rocky ride for the Broncos tonight to open non-conference play.  Bet UTRGV Tuesday.

20* Celtics/76ers NBC No-Brainer on Philadelphia ML -115

Tough break with Joel Embiid getting ruled out out of nowhere since I released this play.  But I still think the 76ers have the goods to get the job done as they have gotten used to playing without Embiid for the last two seasons.  If anything I'd just downgrade this to a 15* instead of a 20*.

The 76ers want revenge from a 109-108 home loss to the Celtics in the NBA Cup on October 31st.  They will want this game more, and I could see the Celtics having a letdown here after already beating the 76ers.  I also just don't think this Celtics team is that good with who they are putting on the court this season with the losses of Tatum, Porzingis, Holiday and Horford.

The 76ers are 3-2 SU at home this season with their two losses coming by a combined 4 points, so they are very close to being 5-0 at home.  The Celtics are 3-3 SU on the road with two of their wins coming by a combined 5 points and the other coming against one of the worst teams in the NBA in the Pelicans.  They lost by 13 to the Magic and by 10 to the Knicks.

The Celtics will be playing their 10th game in 17 days as they haven't had two days off in a row once this season.  The 76ers will be playing just their 3rd game in 6 days.  Bet the 76ers on the Money Line Tuesday.

15* CBB Tuesday No-Doubt Rout on SMU -10

SMU is one of the most talented teams in the ACC.  It's Year 2 under Andy Enfield after he went 24-11 in his first season with the Mustangs.  Three starters are back in Boopie Miller (13.2 PPG, 5.5 APG), Samet Yigitoglu (10.0 PPG, 6.2 RPG) and BJ Edwards (9.9 PPG, 4.7 RPG).

Miller (17.0 PPG), Edwards (13.0 PPG) and Yigitoglu (12.0 PPG, 9.0 RPG) are off to solid starts through two games this season.  Jacksonville State transfer Jaron Pierre Jr. (16.5 PPG) and Wichita State transfer Corey Washington (14.5 PPG) are showing they can contribute right away as this is one of the better starting 5's in the country.

Murray State is in a rebuilding year off a 16-17 campaign last season that led to the firing of Steve Prohm.  The Racers have a first-year head coach in Ryan Miller, a Creighton assistant.  They will be breaking in an entirely new roster with three Creighton transfers.

I think we are getting SMU cheap tonight because they have opened 0-2 ATS, while Murray State has opened 2-0 ATS against Omaha and Mississippi Valley State.  This is a big step up in class for the Racers and their first true road game.  I don't expect it to go well for them.  Bet SMU Tuesday.

15* NBA Tuesday No-Doubt Rout on New York Knicks -9.5

The New York Knicks fully healthy right now and showing what they are capable of when that's the case.  The Knicks are 4-0 SU & 4-0 ATS in their last four games overall beating the Bulls by 12 as 7.5-point favorites, the Wizards by 17 as 13-point favorites, the Timberwolves by 23 as 3.5-point favorites and the Nets by 36 as 15.5-point favorites.

The Knicks will continue their string of double-digit blowout victories against a Memphis Grizzlies team that is one of the most overrated in the NBA.  The Grizzlies are 4-7 SU & 3-8 ATS this season.  JA Morant acts like he doesn't even want to be in Memphis anymore, and he just doesn't have much help outside of Jaren Jackson Jr.

The Grizzlies have rarely even been competitive this season as five of their seven losses have come by 13 points or more.  That includes road losses to the Warriors by 16 and the Raptors by 13, as well as home losses to the Thunder by 14, the Rockets by 15 and the Heat by 32.

The rest situation favors the Knicks, too.  They will be playing just their 2nd game in 6 days, while the Grizzlies will be playing their 11th game in 19 days and have not had two days off in between games all season.  Bet the Knicks Tuesday.

20* NBA BLOWOUT GAME OF THE WEEK on Toronto Raptors -10

The Brooklyn Nets are a dumpster fire this season.  They are 1-9 SU & 3-7 ATS with their lone win coming against the short-handed Indiana Pacers, who are an equal dumpster fire.  The Nets have six losses already by 16 points or more, so laying this 10-point spread isn't that big of a stretch at all.

That's especially the case with how well the Toronto Raptors are playing right now.  The Raptors are 4-1 SU & 4-1 ATS in their last five games overall with their only loss coming on the 2nd of a back-to-back at Philadelphia after beating the Hawks by 12 on the road in the NBA Cup the night prior.  It was a clear letdown spot.

Now the Raptors are rested and ready to go tonight after having the last two days off.  Their last four wins have all come by 11 points or more, so laying 10 here is not a big stretch.  Those four wins came against the Hawks, Bucks, Grizzlies and Cavs all by double-digits, so it was a tough schedule as well.  The Raptors are fully healthy with the exception of backup F Agbaji.

The Nets will be without second-leading scorer Cam Thomas (21.4 PPG) and key role player Day'Ron Sharpe (6.7 PPG, 5.3 RPG).  The Nets rank dead last in the NBA in defensive rating allowing 126.6 points per 100 possessions.  The Raptors are 3-0 SU & 3-0 ATS in their last three meetings with the Nets winning by 11, 30 and 17 points.  Bet the Raptors Tuesday.

20* NBA Non-Conference TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Spurs/Bulls OVER 236.5

The Bulls are a dead nuts OVER team.  They rank 6th in pace this season while going 5-2 OVER in their last seven games overall.  They have gone for 236 or more combined points in six of their last seven games, including 250 with the Cavs, 244 with the Knicks, 260 with the Knicks and 251 with the Hawks.  This total of 236.5 is pretty low for a game involving the Bulls.

The Spurs are now a dead nuts OVER team since getting De'Aaron Fox back from injury to run the PG position.  He made his return last time out in a 126-119 win over the Pelicans for 245 combined points.  That was a Pelicans team missing two of its best players in Zion Williamson and Jordan Poole, too.

The Spurs will play a lot faster with Fox moving forward.  Nobody in the NBA gets from one rim to the other faster than Fox.  He will get the Spurs in their offense faster, and they will play with much more pace.  That was evident against the Pelicans, and it will be amplified tonight against a Bulls team that will welcome them to run.  Bet the OVER in this game Monday.

15* Mississippi State/Iowa State ESPNU ANNIHILATOR on OVER 150

Iowa State consistently gets respect for how good its defense is but not enough respect for how good its offense is, plus the fact that head coach T.J. Otzelberger has had a change in philosophy to play much faster since last season.

The Cyclones rank 83rd out of 365 teams in average length of offensive possession this season despite playing in two blowouts.  They continue to play fast even when they are way ahead.  After a 88-50 win over Fairleigh Dickinson in their opener, they came back with a 102-62 win over Grambling State for 164 combined points.

Mississippi State is coming off a 86-62 win over South Alabama for 148 combined points.  But both teams shot poorly as the Bulldogs shot 31-of-71 (43.7%) while North Alabama shot 24-of-65 (36.9%).  The pace was there, but the shooting wasn't.  The Bulldogs are 109th in average length of offensive possession.

The pace will be there tonight, and both teams should shine offensively.  The Cyclones returned three starters and all three are cooking in Lipsey (14.0 PPG, 5.5 APG), Jefferson (17.0 PPG) and Moncilovic (20 PPG, 5 made 3's/game).  Josh Hubbard (27 PPG) is one of the best scorers in the country and back to lead the Bulldogs.  Bet the OVER in this game Monday.

20* NBA Eastern Conference TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Cavs/Heat OVER 247

Two dead nuts OVER teams square off Monday when the Cleveland Cavaliers visit the Miami Heat.  The Heat rank 1st in pace with their new brand of basketball while the Cavaliers rank 7th in pace, carrying over what they did last season that made them one of the most efficient offensive teams in the NBA.

The Heat are 6-4 OVER in their 10 games this season finishing with 246 or more combined points five times.  The Cavs are 3-0 OVER in their last three games finishing with 250 combined points with the Bulls, 263 with the Wizards and 253 with the 76ers.

The Cavaliers recently got both Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland back from injury and have been thriving on offense since, scoring 132 points against the 76ers, 148 against the Wizard and 128 against the Bulls.  They will hang a big number on the Heat, who are missing their best defender in Bam Adebayo and playing much more small ball now.

The Heat are coming off a 136-131 home win over the Blazers for 267 combined points.  Having Norman Powell back healthy opens up their offense, and their bench is deep with Jovic (29 points) and Jacquez Jr. (14) providing offensive production when they come in.  This figures to be one of the highest-scoring games of the season.  Bet the OVER in this game Monday.

15* NBA Monday Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on Lakers/Hornets OVER 231

The Lakers are a dead nuts OVER team.  They are 8-2 OVER in their 10 games this season finishing with 228 or more combined points in nine of those 10 games.  This despite playing without LeBron James the entire way, and multiple games without both Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.

Reaves (31.1 PPG, 9.3 APG) is back from a 3-game absence tonight.  The Lakers have been pretty dangerous with him and Luka Doncic (37 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 9.5 APG) on the court at the same time.  They are one of the most efficient offensive teams in the NBA, but they are also one of the worst defensive teams.

The Hornets also profile as an OVER team ranking 4th in pace this season and 24th in defensive rating.  They will get Miles Bridges (20.7 PPG) and Collin Sexton (16.1 PPG, 5.3 APG) back tonight, and they should be able to do enough offensively even without La'Melo Ball.  This total would easily be in the 240's if Ball was playing, and I think it has been adjusted down too much for the fact that he's not.

The OVER is 5-3 in the last eight meetings finishing with 231 or more combined points in six of those eight games.  Bet the OVER in this game Monday.

15* NBA Monday UPSET SHOCKER on Portland Trail Blazers +2.5

The spot really favors the Portland Trail Blazers tonight.  They had yesterday off and will be playing just their 2nd game in 5 days with a short trip from Miami to Orlando.  Meanwhile, the Magic will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back and their 3rd game in 4 days after a 111-107 loss to the Celtics last night after beating the same Celtics team in the NBA Cup on Friday.

The Magic have already announced they will be without Jalen Suggs tonight due to rest.  Suggs had 20 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists against the Celtics yesterday and was finding his footing in his return from injury this season.  The offense is just lost without him as he gets everything going for them.  The other four starters all played at least 32 minutes last night for the Magic, and I question how much they'll have left in the tank tonight.

The Blazers will test those tired legs by playing at the 2nd-fastest pace in the NBA this season.  They have been one of the more underrated teams in the NBA going 5-4 SU & 6-3 ATS this season with upset wins over the likes of the Thunder, Nuggets, Warriors and Lakers thus far.

The Magic have been one of the most overrated teams in the NBA, going 4-6 SU & 3-7 ATS in their 10 games.  Wrong team favored here.  Bet the Blazers Monday.

15* CBB Monday Total DOMINATOR on Indiana State/SIU-Edwardsville OVER 157.5

Indiana State played at the 9th-fastest tempo in the country last season and took 49.4% of its shots from 3-point range.  It will be more of the same this season in the 2nd year under Matthew Graves as head coach.  They return four key contributors from that team plus added in some nice transfers.

Indiana State opened with a 92-76 loss to Charlotte for 168 combined points that sailed OVER the 153-point total.  They came back with a 104-73 win over Illinois Tech and 177 combined points.  This total of 157.5 is too low tonight for a game involving the Sycamores.

SIU-Edwardsville is among the favorites to win the Ohio Valley this season.  It's easy to see why with three key players coming back from a team that went 22-12 last season.  The Cougars added Oral Roberts PG Darius Robinson and Southern Indiana PG Jack Campion on the offseason.

The Cougars opened with a 119-50 win over East-West University for 169 combined points.  They came back with a 77-60 win over UTSA.  The pace was there, but UTSA is dreadful offensively hitting just 20-of-71 (28.2%) from the field.

Indiana State is 33rd in adjusted tempo thus far and hitting just 26.9% from 3-point range which can only get better moving forward.  SIU-Edwardsville takes a big step up in competition here at least defensively and won't be able to sustain these defensive numbers.  Bet the OVER in this game Monday.

15* NBA Sunday PLAY OF THE DAY on New York Knicks -15.5

The Brooklyn Nets are a dumpster fire this season.  They are 1-8 SU & 3-6 ATS with their lone win coming against the short-handed Indiana Pacers, who are an equal dumpster fire.  The Nets have five losses already by 16 points or more, so laying this 15.5-point spread isn't that big of a stretch at all.

That's especially the case with the New York Knicks fully healthy right now and showing what they are capable of when that's the case.  The Knicks are 3-0 SU & 3-0 ATS in their last three games overall beating the Bulls by 12 as 7.5-point favorites, the Wizards by 17 as 13-point favorites and the Timberwolves by 23 as 3.5-point favorites.

The Knicks have been off since Wednesday so they are on three days' rest and primed for a big effort.  They will have no mercy for the Nets, who they currently have a 10-game winning streak against and will keep that going in blowout fashion today.  Bet the Knicks Sunday.

15* CBB Sunday PLAY OF THE DAY on VMI +24.5

VMI is loaded this season with four returning starters from a team that went 15-19 last season.  They improved by 11 wins last season and now have one of the most experienced rosters in the country.  They return nine players who scored at least 3.5 points per game last season.  Five returning players combined to make more than 200 3-point shots last season.

VMI opened with a 122-58 win over Johnson & Wales Charlotte.  Eight players scored at least 9 points in the win.  They came back with a 78-74 road win at Southern Indiana as 2.5-point favorites.  TJ Johnson went off for 32 points to lead the way and is averaging 25.5 points per game through two games this season.

While I'm high on VMI early in the season, I'm low on the Missouri Tigers.  They have been far from impressive thus far beating Howard 88-67 as 19.5-point favorites barely covering despite shooting 55.7% from the field.  They didn't even come close to covering as 25.5-point favorites against SE Missouri State in a 89-84 win despite shooting 59.3% from the field.  They committed 19 turnovers and allowed SEMO to shoot 46%.  They remain sloppy with the basketball and a leaky defense again this season.  Bet VMI Sunday.

15* NBA Saturday Undervalued Underdog on Indiana Pacers +12

I love the spot for the Indiana Pacers tonight.  They have had the last two days off, while the Denver Nuggets will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back after a 129-104 home win over the Golden State Warriors who were without Steph Curry last night.

This will also be the 4th game in 6 days for the Nuggets, who could decide to rest some guys tonight.  That was their first win in their last four games by more than 10 points.  They are laying too many points here given the spot.

The Pacers are just 1-7 SU but 5-3 ATS this season and have been competitive in almost every game.  Only two of their losses have come by more than 9 points this season.  There's a chance they get Andrew Nembhard back from injury as he has been upgraded to questionable, which is a good sign he makes his return tonight.  Bet the Pacers Saturday.

15* NBA Saturday No-Doubt Rout on Portland Trail Blazers -2.5

I love the spot for the Portland Trail Blazers tonight.  They have had the last two days off, while the Miami Heat will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back after a 126-108 win over the Charlotte Hornets, who were without three of their best players in Ball, Sexton and Miller.  It will also be the 5th game in 7 days for the Heat, about as tough of a spot as it gets.

Making matters worse for the Heat is they were already without their two best players in Herro and Adebayo, and I wouldn't be surprised to see them rest Norman Powell after he suffered an ankle injury last night.

The Blazers will be playing just their 3rd game in 8 days, so they couldn't possibly be fresher.  They are playing well too going 4-1 SU in their last five games overall including wins over the Thunder, Nuggets and Lakers.  They are 6-2 ATS in all games this season and one of the most undervalued teams in the NBA.  Bet the Blazers Saturday.

20* NBA Non-Conference GAME OF THE WEEK on Los Angeles Lakers -3

I love the spot for the Los Angeles Lakers tonight.  The Lakers have had the last two days off, while the Atlanta Hawks will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back after a 109-97 home loss to the Toronto Raptors in the NBA Cup last night.

The Hawks are already without Trae Young so they are short-handed.  All five starters played at least 30 minutes for the Hawks last night.  There's a chance they decide to rest some guys here on the 2nd of a back-to-back.

The Lakers are rolling right now going 7-1 SU & 7-1 ATS in their last eight games overall with their only loss coming on the 2nd of a back-to-back.  Luka Doncic is playing at an MVP level, and JJ Redick is in the running for Coach of the Year honors with what he is doing with this team without LeBron James.  Bet the Lakers Saturday.

15* CBB Saturday Undervalued Underdog on Weber State +15.5

Weber State returns three players who averaged at least 6.2 points per game last season.  All three played big roles in their 130-38 dismantling of West Coast Baptist in the opener.  Trevor Henning had 20 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists, Nigel Burris had 14 points and 7 boards, and Viljami Vartiainen had 11 points and 4 assists.  Newcomers Jace Whiting (19 points), David Hansen (15 points) and Bourgeoius Tshilobo (12 points, 6 boards) also played big roles.

But this is more of a fade of Utah than anything.  The Utes are coming off a lackluster 84-75 win as 12.5-point favorites against a rebuilding San Jose State team.  Speaking of rebuilding, the Utes have a first-year head coach in Alex Jensen and lose all five starters from last year.  The Utes have just two returning scholarship players.  It's going to continue to be ugly for the Utes early in the season.  Bet Weber State Saturday.

15* CBB Saturday Total DOMINATOR on IU Indy/Butler OVER 191

IU Indianapolis brought in West Liberty DII head coach Ben Howlett to try and turn around the program.  At the very least, the Jaguars will be one of the most fun teams to watch in the country.  He brings a brand of positionless basketball with him, running a player-driven motion offense and 40-minute pressure on defense.  The goal is to play as fast as possible and speed the opponent up.

West Liberty averaged over 100 points per game last season under Howlett.  He brought three West Liberty transfers with him.  The Jaguars are off to an eye-opening start, losing 118-102 to Ohio State for 220 combined points while sailing OVER the 171.5-point total by nearly 50 points.  Oddsmakers are going to struggle to set their totals high enough in the early going, including tonight.

IU Indy came back with a 94-90 loss to Long Island last time out in a game that really slowed down late due to poor shooting.  It still finished with 184 combined points, and now the Jaguars take on a Butler team that is known for offense and no defense under Thad Matta.

That was on display in a 88-58 win over putrid Southern Indiana in their opener.  The Bulldogs scored 88 points despite not shooting it great.  The Bulldogs were a dead nuts OVER team last season ranking 6th in the Big East in scoring but 11th in scoring defense.  They were 4th in shooting percentage and 3rd in 3-point percentage in the league.  They will relish this opportunity to pad the stat sheet against IU Indy today.  Bet the OVER in this game Saturday.

20* CBB DOG OF THE WEEK on Virginia Tech +2.5

Virginia Tech will be one of the most improved teams in the country this season after a 13-19 campaign last year including 8-12 in ACC play.  The Hokies return four starters in Tobi Lawal (12.4 PPG, 7.0 RP), Tyler Johnson (6.7 PPG, 4.8 RPG), Benn Hammond (5.6 PPG) and Jaden Shutt (7.7 PPG).  They added in UNLV transfer Jailen Bedford, WVU transfer Amani Hansberry and a pair of talented freshmen in Christian Gurdak and Neoklis Avdalas.

The Hokies easily covered as 18.5-point favorites in their opener beating Charleston Southern 98-67.  Lawal led the way with 20 points and 12 rebounds and Hansberry had 19 points and 13 boards.  Bedford had 13 points and 5 rebounds, while six other players had at least 6 points in the win.

Kim English has been a major disappointment in his two seasons at Providence.  He went 12-20 last season including 6-14 in Big East play.  He may be in over his head here.  The Friars lose four starters including their top three scorers in Hopkins (17 PPG), Joseph (13.2 PPG) and Pierre (12.3 PPG).  The only returning starter is Corey Floyd Jr. (9.2 PPG).

Providence opened with a lackluster 89-79 home win over Holy Cross a 23.5-point favorites, failing to cover the spread by 13.5 points.  Wrong team favored here.  Bet Virginia Tech Saturday.

15* NBA Friday Late-Night BAILOUT on Thunder/Kings OVER 229.5

Two dead nuts OVER teams square off Friday in what should be a shootout between the Thunder and Kings.  The Thunder are 4-0 OVER in their last four games overall finishing with 233 or more combined points in all four games.

The Kings are 4-0 OVER in their last four games overall finishing with 237 or more combined points in all four games.  The Kings get back Zach LaVine tonight and have a deep bench with Russell Westbrook and Malik Monk, who both provide a lot more on offense than they do on defense.

The Thunder have also gotten healthier in recent weeks with Isaiah Joe and Chet Holmgren both back in the lineup, and both provide a lot more on offense than they do on defense.  Jalen Williams is out and Lu Dort is questionable, which are arguably OKC's two best defenders.  Bet the OVER in this game Friday.

15* NBA Friday Undervalued Underdog on Sacramento Kings +11

The Sacramento Kings are 3-5 this season but they have been competitive in every game.  That includes their 107-101 road loss at OKC as 9-point dogs in their first meeting this season.  They gave up a 14-4 run to end that game and blow it.  They now want revenge in the rematch in the NBA Cup catching 11 points this time around.

The Kings get Zach LaVine back healthy tonight and there's a chance Domantas Sabonis returns as well.  They have shown off their depth as Monk is one of the best 6th men in the league, and Russell Westbrook still has it coming off a 23-point, 16-rebound, 12-assist triple-double.

The Thunder opened 8-0 this season with smoke and mirrors winning two OT games plus escaping with narrow wins over the Kings and Mavericks.  They finally had their perfect season come to an end with an upset loss at Portland last time out.  They will now be playing their 7th game in 12 days and are a tired, banged up team.

The Thunder can't be favored by double-digits on the road here considering they are going to be without Jalen Williams, Aaron Wiggins and could be without Lu Dort, who is questionable.  These injuries are a big reason they have played in so many close games this season.  Bet the Kings Friday.

20* CBB GAME OF THE WEEK on VMI -1.5

VMI is loaded this season with four returning starters from a team that went 15-19 last season.  They improved by 11 wins last season and now have one of the most experienced rosters in the country.  They return nine players who scored at least 3.5 points per game last season.  Five returning players combined to make more than 200 3-point shots last season.

VMI opened with a 122-58 win over Johnson & Wales Charlotte.  Eight players scored at least 9 points in the win.  Now I fully expect them to make easy work of a rebuilding Southern Indiana team tonight.

Southern Indiana went 10-20 last season including 5-15 in OVC play.  The Screaming Eagles lose all five starters from that team and return just one player who averaged more than 2.6 points per game last season.  Their 88-58 loss at Butler as 23-point dogs where they shot just 29.2% from the field is a sign of things to come for this team.  Bet VMI Friday.

15* CBB Friday Night BLOWOUT on Texas Tech -27.5

Texas Tech beat Lindenwood 98-60 as 29-point favorites in the opener even without two of their best players in JT Toppin (18.2 PPG, 9.4 RPG LY) and LeJuan Watts (11.6 PPG 66 career games), a transfer from Washington State.  Both have been ruled in tonight, which prompted me to add Texas Tech -27.5 to the card.

Returnees Christian Anderson Jr. and Donovan Atwell combined for 56 points to lead the way in Toppin and Watts' absence in the opener.  The Red Raiders are going to be even more potent tonight with those two returning and show the country why they are a Top 10 team this season.

Sam Houston State has 5 new starters this season and is a rebuilding team.  The Bearkats will get their doors blown off tonight in what will prove to be likely their toughest game of the season.  Bet Texas Tech Friday.

15* NBA Friday No-Doubt Rout on Orlando Magic -3

It's a good time to 'buy low' on the Orlando Magic tonight.  Many though they would contend in the East this season, but they have opened just 3-5 SU & 2-6 ATS.  The talent is there for a quick turnaround and I think we will see them put their best foot forward at home in the NBA Cup tonight.

The Boston Celtics were expected to have a down year with the loss of Jayson Tatum, Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford.  They have held their own to this point at 4-5 SU & 3-6 ATS, but most of their wins have come against bottom feeders.  I think they will get worked tonight against a Magic team that has a lot more talent and depth than the Celtics this season.  Bet the Magic Friday.

15* CBB Friday No-Doubt Rout on Buffalo -5

Buffalo should be improved in Year 3 under George Halcovage III.  The Bulls return two starters including their best player in Ryan Sabol (14.4 PPG, 79 3-pointers LY).  They add in SG Angelo Brizzi who followed Halcovage III from Villanova.  They also added Wisconsin transfer Daniel Frietag and a pair of scorers from the DII level in Ezra McKenna, Michael Pocknett and Derrick Tarlton Jr.

Buffalo opened with a 85-79 win as 2.5-point home favorites over Southern Miss.  Sabol went off for 32 points to lead the way.  Brizzi had 18 points and fellow returning starter Noah Batchelor had 12 points and 11 rebounds.  Freitag, McKenna and Talton Jr. all contributed in the win.

But this is more of a play against Green Bay than anything.  The Phoenix went 4-28 last season including 2-18 in the Horizon League.  Doug Gottlieb is one of the worst head coaches in the country and isn't going to get things turned around this season.  He returns just one double-digit scorer and lose two including Anthony Roy (25.7 PPG).

Only one player scored in double figures in a 94-51 loss as 30.5-point dogs at Kansas in the opener.  It may go a little easier against Buffalo tonight, but it won't be easy enough to stay within this 5-point spread.  Bet Buffalo Friday.

15* Clippers/Suns NBA TV ANNIHILATOR on Phoenix ML -122

The injury situation really favors the Phoenix Suns tonight.  They get Jalen Green into the lineup for the first time this season as he comes over from the Rockets in the Kevin Durant trade.  They are fully healthy with the exception of Dillon Brooks now.

The Clippers will be without their two best players in James Harden (23.3 PPG, 8.6 APG) and Kawhi Leonard (24.3 PPG).  The Clippers have been overvalued all season and continue to be overvalued here as a short road underdog without these two.  They are 3-4 SU & 1-6 ATS this season and it won't get better until these two return.  Bet the Suns on the Money Line Thursday.

15* CBB Thursday UPSET SHOCKER on Illinois State ML +105

Illinois State is coming off a 22-win season and looks like a contender to win the Missouri Valley this season.  The Redbirds return three starters including their two leading scorers in Chase Walker (15.2 PPG, 6.2 RPG) and Johnny Kinziger (14.6 PPG, 78 3-pointers).  They also return Landon Wolf (6.3 PPG), Ty Spence (7.4 PPG, 4.0 RPG) and Jack Daugherty (6.3 PPG, 59 3-pointers).  They are one of the most experienced teams in the country.

Ohio went 16-16 last year and figures to be worse off this year.  That's because they lost three of their top four scorers from last year in Clayton (14.0 PPG), Brown (13.2 PPG) and Mitchell (13.2 PPG).  That's a lot of production to replace, and the Bobcats are off to a rough start.

Ohio lost the opener 89-85 to Arkansas State as 3.5-point home favorites.  That's a Arkansas State team rebuilding with a first-year head coach.  The Red Wolves have five new starters this season, so the fact that they beat Ohio on the road is a bad sign for the Bobcats.  Wrong team favored here.  Bet Illinois State on the Money Line Thursday.

15* CBB Thursday Total DOMINATOR on Long Island/IU Indy OVER 182

IU Indianapolis brought in West Liberty DII head coach Ben Howlett to try and turn around the program.  At the very least, the Jaguars will be one of the most fun teams to watch in the country.  He brings a brand of positionless basketball with him, running a player-driven motion offense and 40-minute pressure on defense.  The goal is to play as fast as possible and speed the opponent up.

West Liberty averaged over 100 points per game last season under Howlett.  He brought three West Liberty transfers with him.  The Jaguars are off to an eye-opening start, losing 118-102 to Ohio State for 220 combined points while sailing OVER the 171.5-point total by nearly 50 points.  Oddsmakers are going to struggle to set their totals high enough in the early going, including tonight.

Long Island also likes to play fast and is coming off a 89-67 loss at Notre Dame which went OVER the 136-point total by 20 points.  That's a ND team that likes to play slow, too.  Long Island has some nice chemistry with three starters and four key reserves back from a team that went 17-16 last year, including their top two scorers in Malachi Davis (17.7 PPG) and Jamal Fuller (12.5 PPG).  They added two-time JUCO All-American Greg Gordon who is an elite scorer.  They will all relish this opportunity to pad the stat sheet against IUPUI.  Bet the OVER in this game Thursday.

15* NBA Wednesday Late-Night BAILOUT on Thunder/Blazers OVER 228.5

The Portland Trail Blazers are a dead nuts OVER team.  They rank 3rd in pace and have gone 5-2 OVER in their seven games this season while finishing with 230 or more combined points in five of their seven games.  This total of 228.5 is very low for a game involving the Blazers right now.

The Thunder have overcome a lot of injuries for a 8-0 start this season.  They are much healthier now with key offensive weapons Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Joe back healthy.  They should start playing much faster with all these guys back.

The Thunder are 5-3 OVER in their eight games this season finishing with 233 or more combined points in three straight coming in.  They rank 4th in offensive rating and will make their way to 1st in that department as the season goes on as long as they stay healthy.  Bet the OVER in this game Wednesday.

20* NBA GAME OF THE WEEK on Miami Heat +9.5

The Miami Heat have been impressive with their new strategy of playing at the league's fastest pace to open the season.  Whoever gets the rebound is taking it up themselves to get into the offense as fast as possible.  They are also pressuring teams full court, and it's a tough style to game plan for.

The Heat have opened 4-3 SU & 5-1-1 ATS this season.  They crushed Memphis 146-114 on the road as 3-point dogs, beat the Knicks 115-107 as 3.5-point home dogs, crushed the Hornets 144-117 at home as 4.5-point favorites and upset the Clippers 120-119 as 7.5-point road dogs.  This is the most undervalued team in the NBA right now.

The Denver Nuggets have been very disappointing in their last two games.  After getting upset as 5.5-point road favorites by the Blazers in the NBA Cup, they came back off two days' rest and only beat the Kings by 6 as 11.5-point home favorites.  Asking them to win this game by double-digits to beat us is asking too much.  Bet the Heat Wednesday.

20* NBA TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Heat/Nuggets OVER 240.5

The Miami Heat have been impressive with their new strategy of playing at the league's fastest pace to open the season.  Whoever gets the rebound is taking it up themselves to get into the offense as fast as possible.  They are also pressuring teams full court, and it's a tough style to game plan for.

Playing at the league's fastest tempo produced a 125-121 loss to the Magic for 246 combined points and a 146-114 win over the Grizzlies for 260 combined points in their first two games of the season.  They have since gone for 261 combined points with the Hornets, 250 with the Lakers and 239 with the Clippers in their last three games to improve to 5-2 OVER in their seven games this season.  These games are sailing OVER the total.

Denver also looks like a dead nuts OVER team with an elite offense and poor defense.  The Nuggets are 4-2 OVER in their six games this season going for 241 or more combined points in all four overs.  The Nuggets rank 2nd in offensive rating this season averaging 121.2 points per 100 possessions.

The Heat and Nuggets went OVER the total in both meetings last season combining for 257 and 246 points.  Bet the OVER in this game Wednesday.

15* Timberwolves/Knicks ESPN ANNIHILATOR on OVER 227.5

The Minnesota Timberwolves are 5-2 OVER in their seven games this season finishing with 227 or more combined points in six of their seven games, and 231 or more in five of them.  The Knicks are 3-1 OVER in their last four games finishing with 232 or more combined points in three of the four.  This total of 227.5 is very low for a game involving the Knicks and Timberwolves right now.

That's especially the case with Anthony Edwards expected back after missing basically the last five games for the Timberwolves.  It looks as though both teams are fully healthy right now, and both are two of the better offensive teams in the league when that's the case.  Minnesota is 9th in offensive rating while New York is 13th.  Bet the OVER in this game Wednesday.

15* NBA Wednesday Undervalued Underdog on Brooklyn Nets +6.5

It's a great time to 'buy low' on the Nets tonight after a 0-7 start to the season.  The Nets have one of their best chances to get their first win of the season tonight against the injury-ravaged Indiana Pacers.

The Pacers are 1-6 this season.  They opened the season without Haliburton and McConnell, and they have since lost Mathurin, Nembhard, Toppin, Jackson and Furphy to injury.  They are basically a G League team right now and have no business being a 6.5-point favorite here.  Bet the Nets Wednesday.

15* NBA Tuesday Late-Night BAILOUT on Golden State Warriors -11

The Golden State Warriors are going to be highly motivated for a win tonight following two straight upset road losses to the Pacers and Bucks. Now they are back home where they are 3-0 SU & 3-0 ATS this season. The Warriors also have the rest advantage after having the last two days off.

It's time to 'sell high' on the Suns following three straight covers at home. Now the Suns are back on the road where they are 0-3 SU & 0-3 ATS this season, losing to Utah, Denver by 22 and the Clippers by 27.

The Suns remain without Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks and Ryan Dunn and I don't give them much of a chance of keeping this game competitive without those three. The Warriors are nearly fully healthy with the exception of Al Horford, who isn't much of a loss at this point in his career. Bet the Warriors Tuesday.

15* CBB PLAY OF THE DAY on Iowa -22

The Iowa Hawkeyes finally have the coach they need to get over the hump. They hired Drake's Ben McCollum who went 31-4 at Drake last year and is one of the most underrated head coaches in the country.

McCollum brought several players with him from Drake including his best player in Bennett Stirtz. He is a great recruiter, but he is even better at developing his talent. The Hawkeyes are in good hands with McCollum, and it will show in their opener tonight with a blowout win over Robert Morris.

The Colonials lost all five starters from last season including four double-digit scorers and a 5th that averaged 9.1 points. This is a clear rebuilding year as they only bring back one player that averaged more than 1.0 points per game. Bet Iowa Tuesday.

20* NBA Eastern Conference GAME OF THE WEEK on Toronto Raptors -4.5

I love the spot for the Toronto Raptors tonight. They are coming off consecutive blowout wins over Memphis by 13 at home and Cleveland by 11 on the road. They had yesterday off, and now they want revenge on the Bucks after losing by 6 to them on October 24th in their first meeting.

The Bucks are coming off a buzzer-beater 117-115 win over the injury-depleted Indiana Pacers last night. They will now be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back and they haven't had consecutive days off yet this season, so they are a tired team. This is a clear letdown spot for the Bucks after that thrilling win last night, plus having already beaten the Raptors by 6 in their first meeting. Bet the Raptors Tuesday.

20* NBA Monday Late-Night BAILOUT on Portland Trail Blazers -3

This is a great spot for the Portland Trail Blazers and a terrible one for the Los Angeles Lakers. The spot justifies the Blazers being the favorite here as they should easily get the win and cover because of it.

The Blazers have had the last two days off and have won three in a row coming in as one of the more underrated teams in the NBA. That includes a 122-108 road win over the Lakers are identical 3-point favorites. Now they are at home and 3-point favorites in the rematch as well.

The Lakers will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back after a 130-120 home win over the Miami Heat last night. Doncic and Reaves both played 38 minutes, and I wouldn't be surprised to see one or both sit in this game. The Lakers will also be playing their 6th game in 9 days tonight. Bet the Blazers Monday.

15* NBA Monday Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on Detroit Pistons -4.5

The Memphis Grizzlies are a dumpster fire right now. They suspended JA Morant for one game, and though he could return tonight the chemistry in the locker room is not good.

The spot is also not good for the Grizzlies. They will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back after a 117-104 loss in Toronto last night. They will also be playing their 7th game in 11 days here. They are already lacking depth without Edey, Clarke, Pippen Jr. and Jerome due to injuries.

The Pistons are 4-1 SU & 4-1 ATS in their last five games overall and playing very well. They upset the Rockets as 6.5-point road dogs, while also beating the Celtics by 6, Magic by 19 and Mavericks by 12 at home. Bet the Pistons Monday.

15* NBA Eastern Conference PLAY OF THE DAY on Milwaukee Bucks -6

The Indiana Pacers are decimated with injuries right now. They opened the season without Haliburton and McConnell, and they have since lost Mathurin, Nembhard and Toppin to injury. They cannot be competitive with a team like the Bucks without these guys.

The Bucks are fully healthy with the exception of Kevin Porter Jr., who was lost in the opener. The Bucks have played well without him and have a healthy Giannis now and should make easy work of the short-handed Pacers. I like that the Bucks are coming off an upset loss to the Kings to refocus them after an upset win over the Warriors in their previous game.

Milwaukee is also playing with playoff revenge after getting knocked out by the Pacers last season. Bet the Bucks Monday.

20* CBB Season Opener on St. John's -26

St. John's is the type of team I don't mind laying big numbers with early in the season. They pressure the opponent for 40 minutes and thus continue to pour it on late in games even when it's a blowout.

That's what Rick Pitino has brought to St. John's is a culture where you out work your opponent for 40 minutes and let the chips fall where they may. And he has turned the Red Storm into a Top 10 preseason team with his results thus far.

Second-leading scorer Zuby Ejiofor (14.7 PPG, 8,1 RPG) is back from last year, and the shooting should be much better with the additions of Joson Sanon (ASU), Ian Jackson (UNC) and Bryce Hopkins (Providence) through the transfer portal.

Quinnipiac lost three starters from last year including a pair of double-digit scorers. I don't see them being able to hang for 40 minutes with the Red Storm as this will likely be their toughest game of the season. Bet St. John's Monday.

15* NBA Sunday Total DOMINATOR on Heat/Lakers OVER 233.5

The Miami Heat have been impressive with their new strategy of playing at the league's fastest pace to open the season.  Whoever gets the rebound is taking it up themselves to get into the offense as fast as possible.  They are also pressuring teams full court, and it's a tough style to game plan for.

Playing at the league's fastest tempo produced a 125-121 loss to the Magic for 246 combined points and a 146-114 win over the Grizzlies for 260 combined points in their first two games of the season.  They also came through with a 144-117 home win over the Hornets last time out for 261 combined points. These games are sailing OVER the total.

The Lakers really profile as an OVER team with an elite offense led by Doncic and Reaves, but a terrible defense. The Lakers are 5-1 OVER in their six games this season. Bet the OVER in this game Sunday.

20* Heat/Lakers NBA Late-Night BAILOUT on Miami +5

The Miami Heat have been impressive with their new strategy of playing at the league's fastest pace to open the season.  Whoever gets the rebound is taking it up themselves to get into the offense as fast as possible.  They are also pressuring teams full court, and it's a tough style to game plan for.

The Heat have opened 3-2 SU & 4-0-1 ATS this season with their two losses coming by 4 and 6 points to the Magic and Spurs, respectively.  They crushed Memphis 146-114 on the road as 3-point dogs, beat the Knicks 115-107 as 3.5-point home dogs, and crushed the Hornets 144-117 at home as 4.5-point favorites.  This is the most undervalued team in the NBA right now.

The Lakers are 4-1 in their last five games overall but have done it against a very soft schedule. They are coming off consecutive narrow road wins over the Timberwolves by 1 and Grizzlies by 5 in the NBA Cup. They are primed for a letdown spot here after that NBA Cup win.

The Heat are the much fresher team after having the last two days off, while the Lakers will be playing their 5th game in 8 days. Bet the Heat Sunday.

15* NBA Sunday Undervalued Underdog on Atlanta Hawks +6.5

The Atlanta Hawks are proving they are one of the deepest teams in the NBA. They have managed to win their last two games without Trae Young. He got hurt in the 1st quarter of their 117-112 win at Brooklyn. The Hawks went on to beat the Pacers 128-108 on the road last time out without Young.

The Cleveland Cavaliers are banged up right now which explains their blowout losses at Boston by 20 and at home to Toronto by 11. But they continue to get a lot of respect from the books based on what they did last season. They just aren't that team right now.

The Cavaliers are without Garland and Strus right now, and Donovan Mitchell and Jarrett Allen remain questionable. I would like the Hawks either way, but this line will crash if Mitchell is ruled out again. Bet the Hawks Sunday.

15* NBA Sunday No-Doubt Rout on Toronto Raptors -4.5

The Memphis Grizzlies are a dumpster fire this season and now JA Morant is suspended. The Grizzlies are 3-3 SU but 2-4 ATS in their six games this season. They lost by 13 to the Warriors and by 32 to the Heat.

The Raptors are one of the most underrated teams in the NBA in my opinion and should make easy work of the Morant-less Grizzlies tonight. Memphis also remains without Jerome, Pippen Jr., Clarke and Edey to really take away their depth.

Toronto is coming off a 112-101 road win at Cleveland and has played a pretty tough schedule this season. They have played four road games and two home games, while the Grizzlies have played four home games and two road games. The Raptors will be motivated for their first home win of the season here. Bet the Raptors Sunday.

15* NBA Saturday Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on Houston Rockets -5.5

This is a great spot for the Houston Rockets and a terrible one for the Boston Celtics.  The Rockets come in on two days' rest, while the Celtics will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back after a thrilling NBA Cup win over the 76ers by a final of 109-108 on the road last night.  It will also be the 5th game in 7 days for the Celtics.

They will have nothing left in the tank for the Rockets tonight.  Brown, Pritchard and White are good players but they just can't carry this team in these spots.  They are starting Queta and Minott and have arguably the worst big men in the league.  Sengun, Adams and company will dominate them inside.

Houston has shown its potential after two tough losses to start the season by a combined 5 points, including a road loss to OKC by 1 in OT.  The Rockets have bounced back with a home win over the Nets by 28 and a road win over the Raptors by 18.  They will get margin on these tired Celtics tonight, too.  Bet the Rockets Saturday.

20* NBA BLOWOUT GAME OF THE WEEK on Golden State Warriors -10.5

This is a great spot for the Golden State Warriors and a terrible one for the Indiana Pacers.  The Warriors had yesterday off while the Pacers were playing in a NBA Cup game against the Atlanta Hawks, so they will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back.

The Pacers can't handle back-to-backs right now with how short-handed they are.  They started the season without Haliburton and McConnell, and they have since lost Mathurin, Nembhard and Topping to injury.  It's no wonder they have opened the season 0-5, and it's not going to get any easier for them tonight.

The Warriors will be fully focused after letting down their guard in an upset loss to the Milwaukee Bucks last time out when the Bucks ruled out Giannis right before the game.  The Warriors thought they could just show up and win.  They won't have that mindset again tonight, and they will win with plenty of room to spare.  Bet the Warriors Saturday.

15* NBA Friday Late-Night BAILOUT on Los Angeles Clippers -10.5

The New Orleans Pelicans are a dumpster fire this season.  They are 0-4 SU & 0-3-1 ATS in their four games while getting outscored by 19.0 points per game.  There isn't much to like about this team other than Zion Williamson, who is already banged up to start the season.  This is one of the worst rosters in the league.

The Clippers have one of the best rosters in the league.  The starting 5 of Harden, Leonard, Zubac, Beal and Dunn is elite.  And the bench of Collins, Jones Jr., Collins, Lopez, Batum and Paul is about as good as it gets.

The Clippers have been impressive in their two home games this season beating the Suns by 27 and the Blazers by 7.  They lost their two road games to Utah and Golden State.  They are coming off a blowout loss to the Warriors where they went ice cold in the 2H.  They have had the last two days off to correct their mistakes, and they should be fired up to bounce back here against the weakest opponent they have faced yet this season.  

Look for them to take out their frustration on the Pelicans tonight, and they have incentive to get margin with this being a NBA Cup game and point differential a key tiebreaker.  Bet the Clippers Friday.

20* NBA Western Conference TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Nuggets/Blazers OVER 238.5

Friday marks the start of the NBA Cup.  These games are played much differently than any normal regular season game.  Point differential is a tiebreaker to determine which teams advance, and it comes into play a lot.  Teams have incentive to win by as many points as possible, so they don't take their foot off the gas when they are ahead.  The same can be said for the trailing teams as they push harder to try and cut into deficits in the 4th quarter.  As a result, these games tend to be more high-scoring.

Both the Blazers and Nuggets are dead nuts OVER teams as it is.  The Blazers are 4-1 OVER in their five games this season, including 270 combined points at the end of regulation with the Jazz last time out.  The Nuggets are 3-1 OVER in their four games this season finishing with 241 or more combined points in three of their four games.

The Blazers rank 2nd in pace this season as they are playing a frenetic brand of basketball.  They will control the tempo playing at home.  The Nuggets rank 3rd in offensive rating and should be fully healthy coming into this one.  They are scoring 128.3 points per game on 52.7% shooting and should get whatever they want against the Blazers in this one.

The OVER is 6-0 in the last six meetings between the Nuggets and Blazers finishing with 237 or more combined points in five of those six meetings.  Bet the OVER in this game Friday.

15* Lakers/Grizzlies NBA ANNIHILATOR on OVER 238

Friday marks the start of the NBA Cup.  These games are played much differently than any normal regular season game.  Point differential is a tiebreaker to determine which teams advance, and it comes into play a lot.  Teams have incentive to win by as many points as possible, so they don't take their foot off the gas when they are ahead.  The same can be said for the trailing teams as they push harder to try and cut into deficits in the 4th quarter.  As a result, these games tend to be more high-scoring.

Both the Grizzlies and Lakers are dead nuts OVER teams as it is playing great offense and terrible defense.  The Lakers are 5-0 OVER in their five games this season despite playing without Luka Doncic and LeBron James.  Well, Doncic is expected back tonight for the NBA Cup.  The Lakers rank 18th in defensive rating and will be one of the worst defensive teams in the NBA this season.

The Grizzlies are 3-2 OVER in their five games this season finishing with 249 or more combined points three times.  Memphis ranks 3rd in pace and will control the tempo playing at home tonight.  The Grizzlies rank 17th in defensive rating at this point.

The OVER is 7-1 in the last eight meetings between the Lakers and Grizzlies finishing with 240 or more combined points in seven of those eight meetings!  Bet the OVER in this game Friday.

15* NBA Eastern Conference PLAY OF THE DAY on Knicks/Bulls OVER 233.5

Friday marks the start of the NBA Cup.  These games are played much differently than any normal regular season game.  Point differential is a tiebreaker to determine which teams advance, and it comes into play a lot.  Teams have incentive to win by as many points as possible, so they don't take their foot off the gas when they are ahead.  The same can be said for the trailing teams as they push harder to try and cut into deficits in the 4th quarter.  As a result, these games tend to be more high-scoring.

The Bulls are a dead nuts OVER team.  Their trend of playing faster last season has continued this season as they rank 6th in pace.  They went for 239 combined points with the Kings and 251 with the Hawks in their last two games coming in.

The Knicks are loaded offensively this season and will be up against a Bulls defense that will be the weakest they have faced yet after having to go up against the Cavs, Celtics, Heat and Bucks to this point.  I think the Knicks will put up their highest point total of the season tonight.

The OVER is 4-1 in the last five meetings between the Bulls and Knicks finishing with 239 or more combined points four times, including 265, 247 and 245 in three of them.  Bet the OVER in this game Friday.

15* NBA Thursday Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on Heat/Spurs OVER 232.5

The Miami Heat have been impressive with their new strategy of playing at the league's fastest pace to open the season.  Whoever gets the rebound is taking it up themselves to get into the offense as fast as possible.  They are also pressuring teams full court, and it's a tough style to game plan for.

Playing at the league's fastest tempo produced a 125-121 loss to the Magic for 246 combined points and a 146-114 win over the Grizzlies for 260 combined points in their first two games of the season.  They did go for just 222 combined points against the Knicks in their next game, but the Knicks shot 39% from the field and 28% from 3.  They came back with a 144-117 home win over the Hornets last time out for 261 combined points.

The Heat rank 7th in offensive rating this season and take on a Spurs team that ranks 6th in offensive rating.  The Spurs have a lot of talent surrounding Victor Wembenyama, who has been a monster offensively to start the season.  Castle, Vassell, Johnson and Dylan Harper have played well to start, and this team has pretty good offensive chemistry former from late last season.

But this is a big step up in class for this San Antonio defense after getting to face the Raptors, Nets, Pelicans and Mavericks.  I don't think they will be ready for what the Heat bring to the table here playing at a breakneck pace.  Bet the OVER in this game Thursday.

15* NBA Thursday Undervalued Underdog on Miami Heat +6

The Miami Heat have been impressive with their new strategy of playing at the league's fastest pace to open the season.  Whoever gets the rebound is taking it up themselves to get into the offense as fast as possible.  They are also pressuring teams full court, and it's a tough style to game plan for.

The Heat have opened 3-1 SU & 4-0 ATS this season with their lone loss coming by 4 in their opener at Orlando as 8-point dogs.  They came back and crushed Memphis 146-114 on the road as 3-point dogs, beat the Knicks 115-107 as 3.5-point home dogs, and crushed the Hornets 144-117 at home as 4.5-point favorites.  This is the most undervalued team in the NBA right now.

You could make the argument that the Spurs are undervalued as well, going 4-0 SU & 3-0-1 ATS to start the season.  But it's the Spurs that are 6-point favorites here when this line should be much closer to PK.  And this will be a big step up in class for the Spurs after beating four of the worst teams in the NBA in the Mavericks, Pelicans, Nets and Raptors to start the season.  Those four teams are a combined 3-16 this season!

The Heat own the Spurs, going 9-1 SU in their last 10 meetings including five consecutive victories.  Their lone loss came by 4 points.  Bet the Heat Thursday.

15* NBA Thursday Total DOMINATOR on Magic/Hornets OVER 239

Two dead nuts OVER teams square off tonight when the Orlando Magic visit the Charlotte Hornets.  The Magic are 3-2 OVER this season with 251, 260 and 246 combined points in their three OVERS.  The Hornets are 4-0 OVER this season with 253, 246, 252 and 261 combined points in their four games.

The Hornets will remain a dead nuts OVER team as long as La'Melo Ball is healthy.  They rank 4th in pace, 4th in offensive rating and 21st in defensive rating.  The additions of Collin Sexton (18.5 PPG, 58.1% FG's) and Kon Knueppel (16.0 PPG, 52.3% FG's) have only added more firepower for them offensively.

The Magic were previously a dead nuts under team.  But they completely changed their offensive philosophy this season.  They rank 9th in pace and are making a point of playing faster.  It has hurt them defensively as they rank 23rd in defensive rating.  They allowed 135 points to the Pistons, 136 to the 76ers and 121 to the Heat.  Both teams will get whatever they want offensively in this game, and it will see a ton of possessions with two Top 10 teams in pace.  Bet the OVER in this game Thursday.

15* NBA Wednesday Total DOMINATOR on Blazers/Jazz OVER 233

The Blazers are a dead nuts OVER team this season.  They rank 6th in pace and have one of the best young rosters in the NBA.  The Jazz have some offensive firepower, but they are one of the worst defensive teams in the NBA this season.

The Blazers are 3-1 OVER this season going for 230 or more combined points in three of their four games.  The only game that stayed under was against the Clippers, who are a dead nuts under team playing at one of the slowest paces in the NBA and also one that plays sound defense.

The Jazz are 2-1 OVER in their three games including 237 combined points with that same Clippers team and 248 at the end of regulation against the Suns.  Both of those games were at home, where they tend to score more.

The OVER is 5-1 in the last six meetings between the Blazers and Jazz finishing with 236 or more combined points in four of the last five meetings.  Bet the OVER in this game Wednesday.

15* NBA Wednesday Night BLOWOUT on Chicago Bulls -4.5

The Chicago Bulls are one of the most underrated teams in the NBA to start the season.  The Bulls are 3-0 SU & 3-0 ATS with three upset wins over the Hawks, Magic and Pistons.  They remain undervalued here as only 4.5-point favorites at home over the Kings, especially when you consider the favorable spot they are in.

The Bulls had yesterday off and will be playing just their 4th game in 8 days.  The Kings will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back and their 5th game in 8 days after a tough 107-101 road loss at Oklahoma City last night.  They gave up a 17-4 run at the end.

I was on the Kings +10.5 last night because it was a good spot for them as the Thunder were short-handed and playing the 2nd of a back-to-back.  But now I'm fading them here as I question how much they'll have left in the tank for the Bulls, who will test their tired legs by playing at a frenetic pace tonight.  All five starters played at least 30 minutes for the Kings last night.

The Kings are 1-3 SU with their lone win coming by a single point at home against the lowly Utah Jazz.  They also lost to the short-handed Suns, the short-handed Lakers and the short-handed Thunder at the time they played them.  The Bulls are at near full strength tonight and will blow the Kings out of the building.  Bet the Bulls Wednesday.

20* NBA TOTAL OF THE MONTH on Hawks/Nets OVER 235.5

The Atlanta Hawks are a dead nuts OVER team.  They play fast and they play no defense.  Now they face a Brooklyn Nets team that also plays no defense.  This game should sail OVER this 235.5-point total tonight.

The Nets rank dead last (30th) in defensive rating allowing 131.2 points per 100 possessions.  The Hawks are 24th allowing 118.1 points per 100 possessions.  But the Hawks are elite offensively, and the Nets have some scoring punch in the likes of Cam Thomas, Michael Porter Jr. and Terance Mann.

The Nets are 3-1 OVER in their four games this season combining for 253 points with the Hornets, 255 with the Cavs and 246 with the Rockets, who are a dead nuts under team that plays at the slowest pace in the NBA.  The Hawks went for 256 combined points with the Raptors and 251 with the Bulls.

The OVER is 3-0 in the last three meetings with 236 or more combined points in all three meetings.  Bet the OVER in this game Wednesday.

20* Clippers/Warriors NBC Late-Night BAILOUT on Los Angeles +1.5

This is a very favorable spot for the Los Angeles Clippers tonight.  The Clippers had yesterday off and haven't had to play a back-to-back yet this season.  They have two more days off after this game, so they will be fully focused and ready to go.

This is a terrible spot for the Warriors, who will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back after a 131-118 home win over the Memphis Grizzlies last night.  It will be their 2nd back-to-back already this season.

I wouldn't be surprised to see the Warriors rest some guys tonight.  All five starters played at least 27 minutes last night, and I question how much they'll have left in the tank for the Clippers, who are one of the deepest teams in the NBA this season.

The Clippers simply own the Warriors.  They have gone 7-0 SU & 6-1 ATS in the last seven meetings.  Wrong team favored here.  Bet the Clippers Tuesday.

15* NBA Tuesday Undervalued Underdog on Sacramento Kings +10.5

The Oklahoma City Thunder are very fortunate to be 4-0 this season.  They beat the Rockets and Pacers in OT, and they only beat the Mavericks by 7.  They should not be favored by double-digits tonight given all their injuries and their disadvantage in the rest department.

The Thunder couldn't possibly be more tired than they are right now.  Those two OT games took a lot out of them, and now they'll be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back after a 101-94 win at Dallas last night.  All five starters played at least 30 minutes last night.

The Thunder will be without Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Joe tonight.  These injuries are a big reason the Thunder haven't been blowing teams out on the regular like they did last season.

The Kings couldn't be more rested as they had yesterday off and will be playing just their 4th game of the season.  They are also highly motivated for a win after opening 1-2 with both losses coming by 4 and 7 points.  The Kings are also pretty much fully healthy with a very good starting lineup and two nice pieces off the bench in Monk and Westbrook.  Bet the Kings Tuesday.

15* NBA Tuesday Total DOMINATOR on Hornets/Heat OVER 239.5

This is a matchup between two dead nuts OVER teams that should be one of the highest-scoring games of the season by the end of regulation.  Both the Heat and Hornets want to play fast this season, and that will be on display tonight.

The Miami Heat have been impressive with their new strategy of playing at the league's fastest pace to open the season.  Whoever gets the rebound is taking it up themselves to get into the offense as fast as possible.  They are also pressuring teams full court, and it's a tough style to game plan for.

Playing at the league's fastest tempo produced a 125-121 loss to the Magic for 246 combined points and a 146-114 win over the Grizzlies for 260 combined points in their first two games of the season.  They did go for just 222 combined points against the Knicks in their next game, but the Knicks shot 39% from the field and 28% from 3.

Charlotte ranks 5th in pace this season and will play at one of the fastest paces in the NBA as long as La'Melo Ball is healthy and running the show.  The additions of rookie Knueppel and Collin Sexton from the Jazz give this offense some more juice.  The Hornets actually rank 2nd in offensive rating this season.

The Hornets went for 253 combined points with the Nets, 246 with the 76ers and 252 with the Warriors for a 3-0 OVER start to the season.  This total of 239.5 actually isn't that high for a game involving the Hornets, especially when you factor in they are playing the team that ranks No. 1 in pace this season in the Heat.  Bet the OVER in this game Tuesday.

15* Blazers/Lakers NBA Late-Night BAILOUT on OVER 226.5

The Lakers are 3-0 OVER in all games this season going for 228 combined points with the Warriors, 238 with the Timberwolves and 247 with the Kings.  And that effort against the Kings came without both Luka Doncic and LeBron James.  Their bench is terrible defensively but they can provide some offense, which is why they remain an OVER team.

The Blazers played at the fasted pace in the NBA in the preseason, and they currently rank 7th in pace through three games despite playing three teams that like to play slow while also playing great defense in the Clippers, Warriors and Timberwolves.  They went for 232 combined points with the Timberwolves, 258 with the Warriors and 221 with the Clippers.

The pace was there to cash the OVER against the Clippers last night, but the shooting was not.  The Blazers short 37% from the floor and 11-of-41 (27%) from 3-point range.  They will clearly shoot much better against the Lakers, one of the worst defensive teams in the NBA.  Bet the OVER in this game Monday.

20* NBA BLOWOUT GAME OF THE WEEK on Portland Trail Blazers -2.5

The Los Angeles Lakers are a in a world of hurt right now without their two best players in Luka Doncic and LeBron James.  They managed to beat the Kings last night without these two thanks to a career game from Austin Reaves, who scored 51 points.  But he won't be able to do that again, and the Lakers will struggle on the 2nd of a back-to-back here.

Reaves played 39 minutes, Hachimura played 40 and Ayton 36 last night.  The Lakers also lost starting G Gabe Vincent to injury in that game and he is out for this one now.  They are just so short-handed right now, and the Blazers will test those tired legs playing at one of the fastest paces in the NBA.

The Blazers hung tough in a 7-point road loss to the Clippers last night.  So there is no travel involved which will keep them fresh.  The Blazers are one of the youngest, deepest teams in the NBA so they will be able to handle this situation better than the Lakers.

The Blazers are 1-2 SU but 3-0 ATS this season only losing by 4 to the Timberwolves, beating the Warriors by 20 and losing by 7 to the Clippers.  So they have played a brutal schedule thus far, and this is a big step down in class for them here against a Lakers team without three starters.  Bet the Blazers Monday.

15* NBA Monday No-Doubt Rout on Denver Nuggets -5.5

This is a very favorable spot for the Nuggets.  They had yesterday off and will be playing just their 3rd game of the season.  The Timberwolves will be playing the 2nd of a back-to-back and their 4th game of the season already.

Making matters worse for the Timberwolves is that they lost their best player in Anthony Edwards for two weeks in their 114-110 win over the Pacers last night.  They will be pretty lost without him as Edwards just doesn't miss games and has played through injury his entire career thus far.

That was a very short-handed Pacers team last night and the Timberwolves struggled to put them away.  All four starters other than Edwards played at least 34 minutes, so they won't have much left in the tank for the Nuggets tonight.

The Nuggets are fully healthy to open the season and one of the best teams in the NBA when that's the case.  Jokic, Gordon, Murray and Braun are back and they replaced Michael Porter Jr. with Cam Johnson, who is a more consistent performer night in and night out.  I like the depth they added on the bench with Hardaway Jr, Brown and Valanciunas to go along with Peyton Watson.  The rested Nuggets will make easy work of the short-handed, tired Timberwolves tonight.  Bet the Nuggets Monday.

15* NBA Monday Total DOMINATOR on Magic/76ers OVER 226.5

The Magic have transformed into more of an OVER team this season with the addition of Desmond Bane and the return to health of Jalen Suggs.  They have made a point of playing faster, as evidenced by them ranking 6th in the NBA in pace to this point.

The 76ers are 2-0 OVER in their two games this season going for 233 combined points with the Celtics and 246 with the Hornets.  They have two great guards in Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe, and they have to go smaller without Joel Embiid tonight.  That should help with the OVER.  The 76ers are 7th in offensive rating and 22nd in defensive rating this season.  Bet the OVER in this game Monday.

15* Lakers/Kings NBA Late-Night BAILOUT on OVER 229.5

Both the Kings and Lakers look like dead nuts OVER teams this season with all offense and no defense.  The Lakers rank 4th in offensive rating and 24th in defensive rating through two games. The Kings rank in the middle of the pack in both.

The Lakers are 2-0 OVER in their two games this season combining for 228 points with the Warriors in their opener and 238 points with the Timberwolves last time out.   Luka Doncic had 49 points against the Timberwolves and is all offense and no defense again this season.

The Kings combined for 236 points with the Suns in their opener.  They only went for 209 with the Jazz last time out, but both teams shot very poorly.  The Jazz shot 13-of-41 from 3, and there were very few fouls called and easy points for both teams.

Both teams have pretty small lineups, particularly the Kings who are going with LaVine, Schroder, DeRozan, Jones and Sabonis and bringing Monk, Westbrook and Ellis off the bench.  The Lakers go Doncic, Reaves, Hachimura, Vincent and Ayton, who is a good offensive big man but doesn't provide much defensively.  I also like LaRavia who is instant offense off the bench.

The Lakers and Kings have gone for at least 227 combined points in 12 of their last 14 meetings, including 234 or more in 10 of them.  Bet the OVER in this game Sunday.

20* NBA Western Conference TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Blazers/Clippers OVER 225.5

The Portland Trail Blazers are a dead nuts OVER team, and this total of 225.5 is very low for a game involving them.  The Blazers played at the fasted pace of any team in the preseason, and they are currently 5th in pace through two games this season.

Portland lost 118-114 at home to Minnesota for 232 combined points and beat Golden State 139-119 for 258 combined points in its first two games this season.  This is a young, deep lineup that likes to get out and run and force the pace with pressure defense as well.

The Clippers lost 129-108 to the Jazz for 237 combined points and beat the Suns 129-102 for 231 combined points.  They played at a snail's pace in both games and still easily topped this total.  It was played slower because of the blowout nature of the two games as starters were pulled in the 4th quarter of both.

This should be a competitive game so both teams should be playing their starters deep into the 4th quarter.  The OVER is 6-2 in the last eight meetings between the Blazers and Clippers with 232 or more combined points in five of those eight meetings.  Bet the OVER in this game Sunday.

15* NBA Saturday Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on Thunder/Hawks OVER 235.5

The Atlanta Hawks will be a dead nuts OVER team this season.  They are loaded with talent offensively but will be one of the worst defensive teams in the NBA once again this season.  They will play at one of the fastest paces in the NBA again, and they will control the tempo playing at home tonight.

The Hawks ranked 3rd in the NBA in pace last season.  They ranked 4th in NBA in pace in the preseason.  They are loaded offensively this season with Trae Young, Dyson Daniels, Zacharie Risacher, Jalen Johnson and Kristaps Porzingis.  They also added shooters in Luke Kennard and Nickeil Alexander-Walker.

The Hawks lost 138-118 at home to the Raptors in their opener for 256 combined points.  They came back with a 111-107 win at Orlando for 218 combined points.  But both teams shot terrible from 3-point range in that game.  The Hawks shot 8-of-29 (28%) while the Magic shot 9-of-31 (29%) and it still got to 218 points.

The Thunder ranked 5th in pace and 3rd in offensive rating last season.  They will be a juggernaut again with basically everyone back.  They will be without Jalen Williams and Isaiah Joe for this one, and Williams was one of their best defenders last year.  No question they will miss both on offense, but they are one of the deepest teams in the NBA.  They will also be without Alex Caruso, who brings a lot more to the table defensively than he does on offense.

The OVER is 5-0 in the last five meetings with 243 or more combined points in four of those five meetings.  Bet the OVER in this game Saturday.

15* NBA Saturday Total DOMINATOR on Hornets/76ers OVER 233.5

The Charlotte Hornets are a dead nuts OVER team when La'Melo Ball is healthy and running the show.  Well, he's healthy to start the season, and we saw how potent the Hornets can be offensively with a 136-117 win over the Nets in their opener for 253 combined points.  What's amazing about that is there were only 45 combined points in the 4th quarter due to the blowout nature of the game.

Ball had 20 points and 8 assists in 33 minutes.  Brandon Miller is back healthy this season and had 25 points.  Ryan Kalkbrenner had 10 points and 11 rebounds, MIies Bridges has 18 points and rookie Knueppel had 11.  In fact, the Hornets had nine different players score in double figures.  I love that Collin Sexton comes off the bench to run the 2nd team so there isn't a huge drop off from Ball to him.  The Hornets will play fast, and they will be an elite offensive team and terrible defensive team again this season.

The 76ers are coming off a 117-116 road win over the Celtics in their opener for 233 combined points.  That's a Celtics team that lacks a lot of firepower due to injuries and personnel losses, and one that managed just 95 points against the Knicks in their next game out.

Philadelphia has a healthy Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid to start the season.  Maxey had 40 points against the Celtics and is a sleeper to win MVP.  But the real story is the sleeper to win Rookie of the Year in Baylor's VJ Edgecombe, who had 34 points in the opener.  And that dynamic backcourt duo is a reason the 76ers are going to be an OVER team this season.  Bet the OVER in this game Saturday.

15* NBA Friday Late-Night BAILOUT on Los Angeles Clippers -9.5

The Los Angeles Clippers have one of the most talented, deepest rosters in the NBA this season.  Back are James Harden, Kawhi Leonard, Ivaca Zubac, Kris Dunn and Bogdan Bogdanovic.  They nabbed one of Utah's best players in John Collins, and they added Bradley Beal to make up for the loss of Norman Powell.  They also added Chris Paul and Brook Lopez.  They are easily going to be able to go 10-12 deep, and there isn't going to be much of a drop off when they turn to their bench.

In their last preseason game which they played their starters, the Clippers crushed the Kings 119-101 who were also playing their starters big minutes.  They actually led that game by 29 points entering the 4th quarter, which is a sign of things to come for this team this season as they are an absolute wagon.

But after a stunning 129-108 road loss as 9.5-point favorites at Utah in their opener, it's time to 'buy low' on the Clippers tonight.  This will be their home opener, and they will be playing with a chip on their shoulder to make amends for that defeat.

The Suns are 'fat and happy' off a 120-116 home win over the lowly Kings who were without Domantas Sabonis.  This will be a big step up in class for them, and they are without Jalen Green, who they were going to rely on to be Devin Booker's sidekick this season.  The Suns are lacking offense this season.  Their starting 5 is Booker, Brooks, Ighodaro, Dunn and Allen and there's not a lot to like off the bench, either.  I give them little chance of keeping this game competitive tonight.  Bet the Clippers Friday.

20* NBA TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Hawks/Magic OVER 228.5

The Atlanta Hawks will be a dead nuts OVER team this season.  They are loaded with talent offensively but will be one of the worst defensive teams in the NBA once again this season.  They will play at one of the fastest paces in the NBA again, and they will control the tempo playing at home tonight.

The Hawks ranked 3rd in the NBA in pace last season.  They ranked 4th in NBA in pace in the preseason.  They are loaded offensively this season with Trae Young, Dyson Daniels, Zacharie Risacher, Jalen Johnson and Kristaps Porzingis.  They also added shooters in Luke Kennard and Nickeil Alexander-Walker.

The Hawks lost 138-118 at home to the Raptors in their opener for 256 combined points.  This total of 228.5 is very low for a game involving the Hawks this season.

The Magic have a reputation of being an under team which is keeping their totals lower than they should be early in the season.  But they added Desmond Bane to give them some much-needed offensive punch, and Jalen Suggs is healthy to start the season which is huge as he is the floor general for this team.

The Magic opened the season with a 125-121 home win over the Heat for 246 combined points.  That was a Heat team without leading scorer Tyler Herro due to injury as well.  Bane had 23 points in his debut, while Banchero and Franz Wagner each had 14.  Suggs has 14 on 6 of 7 shooting.  The Magic will hang a big number on the Hawks, and Atlanta will be able to keep pace in a shootout tonight.  Bet the OVER in this game Friday.

20* NBA GAME OF THE WEEK on Toronto Raptors PK

The Toronto Raptors are my favorite sleeper in the NBA this season.  They added Brandon Ingram and brought back their core of RJ Barrett, Scottie Barnes, Immanuel Quickley, Jakob Poeltl, Grady Dick, Jamal Shead, Ochaei Agbaji and Jonathan Mogbo.  The Raptors ranked 1st in the NBA in defensive rating after the All-Star Break last season while going 27-16 ATS over their final 43 games.  Ingram will add some offensive punch to this lineup.

So far so good as the Raptors went into Atlanta and beat a Hawks team that was getting a lot of hype coming into the season.  They beat them thoroughly to boot, winning 138-118 as 5.5-point underdogs.  It was a balanced effort with seven players finishing in double figures scoring.  The Raptors remain undervalued as a PK at home against the Bucks tonight.

The Bucks are without Damian Lillard this season, and Kevin Porter Jr. was supposed to have a huge season in his place.  But Porter Jr. suffered an ankle injury in the opener and is now out for this game.  He had 10 points in just over 9 minutes before exiting, so it's a big blow to the Bucks with how much they were planning on relying on him to be Giannis' sidekick this season.

The Bucks were still able to win and cover in a 133-120 victory over the Wizards as 10-point favorites in the opener, but the Wizards are one of the worst teams in the NBA this season.  This will be a big step up in class for them against the Raptors tonight.  Barnes is one of the best defenders in the NBA and one of the few guys that can hold his own against Giannis.  Bet the Raptors Friday.

20* Thunder/Pacers ESPN No-Brainer on Indiana +7.5

The Oklahoma City Thunder were already without Jalen Williams and Isaiah Joe when they were fortunate to escape with a 125-124 (2 OT) win over the Houston Rockets in their opener on Ring Night.  That was a special night for them, and this will be a letdown spot for them going on the road to face the team that they already beat in the NBA Finals.

This is a step up spot for the Pacers, who want revenge on the Thunder after losing in 7 games last year.  They don't have to wait long to get that revenge, and they will be fully focused and motivated to get it.  They are in the favorable spot here with the Thunder playing the 2nd game in 3 days off a double-OT thriller.

So the Thunder were already without Williams (21.6 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 5.1 APG, 1.6 SPG last season) and Joe (10.2 PPG LY), and then they lost Alex Caruso (7.1 PPG) to a concussion against the Rockets.  They also had both Lu Dort (10.1 PPG) and Cason Wallace (8.4 PPG) suffer injuries to the Rockets, and both are questionable.  So they could be without three starters and up to five key rotational players tonight.

That helps the Pacers make up for the loss of Tyrese Haliburton as they have been planning all preseason to play without him.  The Pacers were one of the deepest teams in the NBA last season which is a big reason they made the run they did to the NBA Finals.  The core is back with Nembhard, Mathurin, Nesmith and Siakam in the Starting 5 and I'm confident they can all take their games to the next level.  Isaiah Jackson is ready for the featured role at center, and they still have Ben Sheppard and Obi Toppin coming off the bench.  I expect a big effort from Indiana tonight.  Bet the Pacers Thursday.

15* Spurs/Mavs ESPN ANNIHILATOR on UNDER 225

The Dallas Mavericks are a dead nuts UNDER team this season going with the rare 2-big lineup of Anthony Davis and Derek Lively II.  They will be without Kyrie Irving to start the season, so they are even more of an UNDER team until he returns.  But they should be one of the best defensive teams in the NBA, and they will be playing slower with the 2-big lineup.

The San Antonio Spurs ranked 24th in pace in the preseason and won't be playing fast until De'Aaron Fox returns from injury.  He is a dead nuts OVER player as an elite scorer and terrible defender, so not having him on the court makes the Spurs an UNDER team.  Stephon Castle will have to run the offense until he returns.  Victor Wembanyama anchors what should be a pretty good San Antonio defense.

And that's another reason to like the UNDER because there may be no other team in the NBA that matches up as well with Wembanyama as the Mavericks, who can stick Lively II and Davis on him.  And vice versa, Wembanyama will make life tough on Davis when he is on him.  Bet the UNDER in this game Wednesday.