It all comes down to this, Game 7, on Sunday, June 22, 2025, in Oklahoma City as the Oklahoma City Thunder host the Indiana Pacers for the NBA Championship. Both teams have shown why they belong here, but the Thunder enter as heavy favorites. OKC was the NBA’s top regular-season team (68-14), and MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been nearly un-guardable, averaging over 30 points per game in the Finals and leading a home-court charge that includes eight playoff wins at Chesapeake Energy Arena this postseason. Yet Indiana has refused to fold, overcoming early deficits and clinching a lopsided Game-6 win (108-91) behind clutch play from Tyrese Haliburton and spark from T.J. McConnell.

Turning to the betting angle, Jim Feist, known for his sharp player-prop instincts, has pegged this as a high-scoring affair and is backing the “over” for the total points. With both teams playing up-tempo, trading baskets, and leaning on their star guards (SGA and Haliburton) along with efficient role players like Jalen Williams, Bennedict Mathurin, and Pascal Siakam, the projection makes sense. The over/under is set around 214 to 215 points, the highest for a Finals Game-7 ever.

Why Jim playing the over? First, history favors this outcome. Every team to force a Game-7 after winning Game-6 has gone on to win, and Game-7s tend to produce fireworks. Home teams typically prevail, but road dogs bring no fear-and Indiana plays its brand of fast-paced, passing-heavy basketball that pushes tempo. Both offenses thrive under pressure: OKC pours in points with SGA and Williams combining for 70-plus in Game 5, while Indiana’s bench and Haliburton’s playmaking have unlocked efficient scoring bursts.

Second, Game-7 intensity often flips defense to offense-teams push harder, pace quickens, shots come faster. Jim figures SGA’s knack for fouls, quick baskets, and Haliburton’s clutch shot-making (ask Game-1 or Game-3) will grease the scoring wheels.

Players like McConnell, Mathurin, and Siakam. who can explode offensively if left unchecked. add to the confidence in crossing 215. The big question: can the defenses clamp down, slow things down? That would be needed to hold things under the total. 

So, Jim Feist playing the over isn't a flier. it's a bet on two high-octane teams locked in at do-or-die levels, underpinned by star talent and explosive bench depth. Expect Game 7 to be a back-and-forth, full-throttle slugfest, with the over flashing green.

Enjoy the game, it’s gonna be one for the ages.

Jim's Play: 513. Pacers/Thunder OVER

Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis will host Game 3 of the 2025 NBA Finals between Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers with the series evenly matched at one game each. Oklahoma City Thunder turned the tables in Game 2 with a commanding 123-107 win after Indiana Pacers snatched Game 1 in a nail-biting finish. Oklahoma City MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads them to maintain resilience throughout the season with an 18-2 record regardless of losses. The Thunder's offensive production tends to decrease during away playoff games compared to home games and Indiana plans to take advantage of this pattern.

Indiana's quick offensive style and excellent three-point shooting were essential to their surprising Game 1 victory. Tyrese Haliburton must excel in playmaking because his skill in generating plays for teammates takes precedence over his own scoring reputation. Indiana receives a significant home-court advantage because they maintain strong playoff performances at Gainbridge Fieldhouse with a 6-2 record straight up and 5-3 against the spread. Indiana's role players who excel at shooting three-pointers need to improve their performance because their combined long-range shooting proved pivotal during Game 1. 

The Thunder will use their tough perimeter defense to prevent Indiana from succeeding with long-range shots and push them into difficult positions. The upcoming Game 3 outcome will depend on which team best executes their strategy while leveraging their home-court advantage after proving their adaptive skills in previous games. 

I look for the Pacers to get many more points here at home and the Thunder to keep pace. I'm taking the OVER here in game 3. 

Jim's Play: 505 Pacers/Thunder OVER 228

6/08 05:00 PM PT / 8:00 PM ET 

NBA   (503) INDIANA PACERS  VS  (504) OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER

503. Pacers/Thunder OVER 227.5 (5 PT / 8 ET) 

Game 2 of the NBA Finals between the Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder is set for Sunday, June 8, at 5:00 PM PDT at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. The Thunder are 11-point favorites, with the over/under set at 227.5 points. 

In Game 1, the Pacers pulled off a remarkable comeback, overcoming a 15-point fourth-quarter deficit to win 111–110. Tyrese Haliburton's game-winning jumper with 0.3 seconds left capped the rally, marking Indiana's fifth postseason win after trailing by 15 or more points—an NBA record in the play-by-play era.  

Despite the Thunder's strong defense and MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's 38-point effort in Game 1, the Pacers' balanced offense and depth have been effective. Indiana leads the playoffs in assists (28.1), field goal percentage (49.7%), and three-point shooting (40.1%). Their ability to distribute scoring responsibilities among starters and bench players like Andrew Nembhard and Obi Toppin makes them a challenging opponent. 

Given both teams' offensive capabilities and the high-scoring nature of Game 1, betting on the over in Game 2 is my total play in this game.

Jim's Play: OVER the Total

6/05 05:30 PM PT / 8:30 PM ET  

NBA   (501) INDIANA PACERS  VS  (502) OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER

Take: 501. Pacers/Thunder OVER 230.5

Game 1 of the 2025 NBA Finals tips off Thursday night in Oklahoma City, where the top-seeded Thunder host the Indiana Pacers. The Thunder are heavy favorites, but the Pacers have been defying expectations all postseason. For bettors, this game presents an intriguing opportunity: Backing a big dog or favorite play or playing the over/under on the total points. 

The Thunder boast the league's best record at 68–14 and have dominated the playoffs with a 12–4 run. Led by MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who averaged 32.7 points per game during the regular season, Oklahoma City has been nearly unbeatable at home, going 8–1 in the playoffs with an average margin of victory of 21.3 points.  

However, the Pacers have been on a remarkable journey. After a 10–15 start to the season, they turned things around, finishing with a 50–32 record. Indiana's offense, orchestrated by Tyrese Haliburton and bolstered by Pascal Siakam, has been potent, leading the league in assist percentage and true shooting percentage. Their depth and resilience have been evident throughout the playoffs, culminating in a 125–108 victory over the Knicks to clinch their first Finals appearance since 2000.  

The over/under is set at around 230.5 points. Given both teams' offensive capabilities and recent trends, playing the over seems like a solid bet. The Pacers have consistently hit the over in their playoff games, and the Thunder's home games have been high-scoring affairs. 

In summary, I belieive the likelihood of a high-scoring game will be what we see here in games one. I'm taking the OVER the total in this one. 

Jim's Play: 501. Pacers/Thunder OVER 230.5

Saturday, May 31, 2025 will feature a crucial Game 6 between the New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis during the Eastern Conference Finals. The Indiana Pacers hold a 3-2 series lead while pursuing their first NBA Finals appearance since 2000 but must face the New York Knicks who need a Game 6 today and Game 7 victory at Madison Square Garden to punch their ticket to the NBA Finals. 

The Knicks secured a decisive 111-94 win during Game 5 with Jalen Brunson scoring 32 points while Karl-Anthony Towns added 24 points and 13 rebounds to their performance. Their performance played a key role in preventing elimination and restored momentum for New York. Throughout the series Brunson consistently displayed offensive dominance by averaging 33.0 points per game.

The Pacers showed weakness in Game 5 when they turned the ball over 20 times and couldn't stop the Knicks' strong attack. Despite his Game 4 triple-double performance Tyrese Haliburton recorded only eight points and six assists during Game 5. Despite the Game 5 setback, Haliburton remains confident about the team's ability to recover because of their demonstrated resilience and preparedness to face pressure situations.

The Pacers displayed exceptional home performance this season with a 29-11 record while scoring an average of 115 points across their two home games in this series. The Pacers aim to use their home-court advantage and fan support to finish the series.

The Knicks will need to keep their defensive intensity while reducing turnovers to prolong the series. The team needs to reduce turnovers through simplified play according to Coach Tom Thibodeau who emphasized that risky passes have been a consistent problem.

The knowledge of what's at stake ensures that Game 6 will be an intense matchup between both teams. The series outcome will depend on Brunson and Haliburton's performances combined with each team's execution of their strategies.

The Pacers are a high scoring team on their home court and that means the Knicks will need to keep up on Saturday. I'm taking the OVER here on Saturday. 

Jim's Play: Take: 555. Knicks/Pacers OVER 219.5

Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Minnesota Timberwolves will take place at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City on Wednesday, May 28, 2025. Standing at a 3-1 lead in the series, the Thunder need only one more win to reach the NBA Finals since their last appearance in 2012. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET, with the game airing on ESPN.

After enduring a 42-point defeat in Game 3 Oklahoma City achieved a close 128-126 win in Game 4 which demonstrated the determination and skill of their youthful team members. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander recorded 40 points with 10 rebounds and nine assists to lead his team while Jalen Williams scored 34 points and Chet Holmgren added 21 points along with seven rebounds and three blocks.

To prolong the series Minnesota must receive extraordinary performances from their leading players while facing elimination. Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle need to improve after scoring only 16 and five points respectively in Game 4. The Minnesota bench shined during their last match as Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Donte DiVincenzo scored a total of 44 points together.

Oklahoma City holds an 8.5-point advantage while the total points projection stands at 220.5. Oklahoma City stands strong with their depth and defensive capabilities while benefiting from home-court advantage yet the Timberwolves have demonstrated their ability to perform well when facing challenges. I'm turning to the total here tonight as I look for this game to get over the posted number. 

Jim's Play: 549. T’Wolves/Thunder OVER 220.5

The Eastern Conference Finals will continue with Game 4 between the New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. 

Indiana Pacers hold a 2-1 advantage in the current seven-game series. The Pacers triumphed in Games 1 and 2 with a 138-135 victory followed by a 114-109 win. The Knicks managed to close the series gap by winning Game 3 with a score of 106-100.

The Knicks showed exceptional determination in Game 3 by turning around a 20-point disadvantage to achieve their inaugural postseason victory at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Since 1997 no team in the play-by-play era has managed three playoff victories from deficits of 20 points or more like the Knicks did in this game.

Karl-Anthony Towns scored 20 fourth-quarter points to make a key contribution to the comeback. However, a challenge persists: Whenever Jalen Brunson and Towns share time on the court together their defensive performance often results in negative outcomes.

The Pacers under Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam leadership look to recover from their Game 3 second-half breakdown. Indiana relies on Haliburton to lead their offensive efforts after he took personal responsibility for their defeat.

Indiana forward Aaron Nesmith remains undecided for Game 4 participation because of a right ankle injury he suffered during Game 3. Nesmith delivered his best game with a career peak of 30 points in Game 1 but has struggled to maintain that level of scoring in later matches.

The Knicks perform better defensively during road games which have a defensive rating of 110.1 compared to their home games with a rating of 114.6. Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart credit their achievements to the increased focus and team unity they build in challenging environments.

I once again look for the Knicks to flex their defensive muscles here on Tuesday. In a slower paced game I like the UNDER in this one. 

Jim's Play: 547. Knicks/Pacers UNDER 

Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals will see the New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers compete tonight at Gainbridge Fieldhouse with the Pacers leading the series 2-0 based on their narrow wins in New York. 

The Pacers maintained their high offensive output from the regular season where they averaged 117.4 points per game into the postseason. The quick offensive approach led by Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam has proved dominant against their opponents. Indiana scored 138 points in Game 1 while their Game 2 performance resulted in 114 points with Siakam achieving a playoff career-best 39 points. The Pacers' top-tier ability to operate quickly on offense combined with their scoring proficiency makes betting on the over appealing.

The Knicks depend on Jalen Brunson who scored 43 points in the first game and 36 points in the second game. The Knicks maintained close scores in their games and showed effective offensive performance despite their defeat. The Knicks demonstrate strong performance in playoff road games with a 5-1 record showing they can succeed without playing at Madison Square Garden. The potential for high scoring from both teams together with past game totals of 138-135 and 114-109 makes betting on the over a sound decision.

Indiana's explosive offense combined with New York's scoring potential led by Brunson indicates that Game 3 will likely produce high total points. The over on 223.5 points emerges as a strong wager based on current trends and team performances.

Jim's Play: 543. Knicks/Pacers OVER

The New York Knicks welcome the Indiana Pacers to Madison Square Garden for Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals tonight at 8:00 PM ET. The Pacers took a 1–0 series lead after defeating the Knicks 138–135 in overtime by surmounting a 14-point deficit with less than three minutes to go. The Pacers mounted their comeback thanks to Aaron Nesmith's six fourth-quarter three-point shots and Tyrese Haliburton's 31 points with 11 assists.

The Knicks look to bounce back from their Game 1 defeat behind Jalen Brunson's 45 points and Karl-Anthony Towns' 35 points with 12 rebounds. Head coach Tom Thibodeau stressed the importance of learning from late-game errors while maintaining constant focus during each game.

This postseason opponents have struggled to defend Indiana's quick offensive plays directed by Haliburton. The Pacers have shown exceptional execution when facing high-pressure situations throughout their playoff campaign.

I still believe these teams will look to slow the pace here tonight, especially by the Knicks who don’t want to get into another run and gun showdown like they did in game one.

Jim’s Play: Under the Total 

The Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks renew their storied rivalry tonight in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals at Madison Square Garden, tipping off at 8:00 p.m. ET on TNT. This marks the ninth playoff meeting between the two franchises, with the Pacers holding a 5–3 edge in prior series. The Knicks won two of the three regular-season matchups this year, including a commanding 123–98 victory in the opener. 

New York enters the series riding high after a decisive six-game triumph over the defending champion Boston Celtics. Jalen Brunson has been the engine of the Knicks' offense, averaging nearly 29 points and over seven assists per game in the postseason. Karl-Anthony Towns has provided a strong interior presence, averaging 19.8 points and 11.3 rebounds per game. The Knicks' supporting cast, including OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, and Josh Hart, has contributed significantly, with Hart notably recording a triple-double in the series-clinching win over Boston.  

The Pacers arrive in New York after a convincing five-game series win over the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers. Tyrese Haliburton has been instrumental, averaging 19 points and nine assists per game, and delivering in clutch moments. Pascal Siakam brings championship experience and versatility, averaging 20.2 points and 6.9 rebounds per game. Myles Turner adds a defensive anchor, contributing 16 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks per game.  

Tthe Pacers' depth and offensive versatility could pose significant challenges for the Knicks. The game is expected to be a physical battle, reminiscent of the intense matchups between these teams in the 1990s.  

With both teams aiming for their first NBA Finals appearance in over two decades, tonight's game sets the stage for what promises to be a thrilling series. 

Jim is taking the UNDER here in game one.  Maybe nerves, physicality of the game should contribute to a lower scoring game one. 

Jim’s Play: Under the Total. 

The upcoming Game 6 matchup between the Knicks and Celtics at Madison Square Garden promises to be a high-point total contest. The Knicks who are leading the series 3–2 have the opportunity to secure their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance in 25 years. The Celtics show their fight spirit even when Jayson Tatum is absent from the game.

Boston's offense has been impressive lately. Boston achieved a 127-point game total during Game 5 with Derrick White taking an important role without Jayson Tatum. During the conference semifinals Derrick White has been putting up an average of 23 points while collecting 6 rebounds and dishing out 3 assists per game. The Celtics have maintained efficient shooting alongside Jaylen Brown's substantial performance.

Jalen Brunson remains an essential player for the Knicks. He has maintained postseason averages of 29.4 points and 7.8 assists despite his difficult performance in Game 5. The Knicks rely on Brunson and supporting play from Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby to match Boston's scoring output.

Tonight's over/under point total stands at approximately 211 The recent history of high-scoring matches combined with the strong offensive strengths of both teams shows me this game should go over, even without Tatum. Both teams will push the tempo in this fast-paced game which will result in higher total points. 

Jim’s Play: 509. Celitcs/Knicks OVER 

The Western Conference Semifinals of the 2025 NBA Playoffs begin tonight when the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder hosts Game 1 against the defending champion Denver Nuggets at Paycom Center. 

Oklahoma City approaches the series after completing their first-round sweep against Memphis Grizzlies on April 26 and enjoying full rest. The Oklahoma City Thunder showed strong offensive skills and defensive determination under the leadership of MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander who averaged 32.7 points per game during the regular season. The team has achieved success this season thanks to their balanced offensive approach and roster depth.

After enduring an intense seven-game battle with the Los Angeles Clippers that ended with a decisive 120-101 win on May 3 in Game 7 the Denver Nuggets enter the series. The three-time MVP Nikola Jokic has led Denver by averaging a triple-double in the regular season while maintaining top-level performance throughout the postseason. The Nuggets' offensive rhythm depends heavily on Jamal Murray's scoring performance .

The regular-season match-up between these two teams ended with each team winning two games to demonstrate their equally matched abilities.

OKC has had plenty of rest while Denver coming off that hard fought 7-game win of the Clippers. I look for this game to have plenty of scoring tonight.

Jim’s Play: OVER the Total

Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland will host the opening game of the Eastern Conference Semifinals series between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Indiana Pacers on Sunday, May 4, 2025. Tip-off is scheduled for 6: The game will begin at 6:00 PM ET (3:00 PM PT) and will be broadcast across the nation on TNT.

The Cavaliers head into this match with renewed confidence after achieving their largest point differential against the Miami Heat in a first-round series sweep. Donovan Mitchell distinguished himself as a key player by scoring 23.8 points per game during the first round. Mitchell will break Michael Jordan's record for consecutive 30-point playoff opening performances if he scores 30 points during Game 1.

The Cleveland Cavaliers face potential uncertainty as All-Star guard Darius Garland remains day-to-day with a toe injury. Garland did not attend practice on Saturday but took part in a full-contact session on Friday. His status will be a game-time decision .

After securing a five-game series victory against Milwaukee Bucks, the Pacers now head to their matchup in Cleveland. Tyrese Haliburton has played a critical role in Indiana Pacers' winning streak by delivering 17.6 points and leading the playoffs with an average of 11.6 assists per game. The Cavaliers' defense must focus on stopping his playmaking abilities which enable him to generate scoring chances for his teammates.

The Pacers' defensive approach concentrates on reducing three-point shot attempts while they usually refrain from switching screens and maintain less emphasis on protecting the paint. 

Cleveland ranks first in the league with 121.9 points per game while Indiana holds seventh place with 117.4 points per game in offensive scoring throughout the regular season. The series is expected to produce many points while the Cavaliers maintain their lead by controlling Haliburton's playmaking skills and using their offensive depth to their advantage.

As the series begins fans will closely monitor Darius Garland's condition and how teams adjust their strategies to neutralize each other's strengths. I do expect a lot of points in this series and tonight I'm taking game one OVER the Total. 

Jim's Play: OVER the Total 

The Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California will host the decisive Game 6 between the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday, May 1, 2025. Jamal Murray scored 43 points with Nikola Jokic recording a triple-double as the Denver Nuggets achieved a commanding 131-115 victory in Game 5 to take a 3-2 series lead.

While Game 5 ended with high scoring totals the next matchup is expected to result in fewer points overall. The Clippers maintain a reputation for defensive discipline which propels them to top rankings in league points allowed per game and they anticipate intensifying their defense to prevent elimination from the series. The Clippers plan to break Murray's game flow and limit Jokic's playmaking abilities which should push Denver into making difficult and less effective shot attempts.

As the Clippers fight to avoid elimination with desperation tactics and the Nuggets work to finish the series with control and poise both teams will focus more intensively on half-court execution and defensive plays. The high stakes and playoff environment of Game 6 will turn this Western Conference showdown into a battle of endurance rather than a game of speed which makes betting 'under' my choice.

TAKE: Nuggets/Clippers UNDER the Total 

Game 3 between the Boston Celtics and Orlando Magic of their first-round NBA playoff series will take place at the Kia Center in Orlando on April 25, 2025. The Celtics lead their playoff series 2-0 after winning their initial two home games and aim to maintain this advantage with another win on the road.

Boston managed to secure a win in Game 2 without their star forward Jayson Tatum who is currently doubtful for Game 3 because of a right wrist bone bruise. Jaylen Brown delivered an impressive performance by scoring 36 points and grabbing 10 rebounds while dishing out five assists. Kristaps Porzingis delivered 20 points and 10 rebounds while Derrick White scored 17 points through key three-pointers during the final period. The Celtics demonstrated their team depth and resilience to handle Orlando's physical defense while keeping the series lead.

While implementing an aggressive defensive strategy, the Magic have failed to establish any offensive flow. Paolo Banchero's 32 points and Franz Wagner's 25 points could not compensate for the team's poor 24% shooting percentage from the three-point line. The Magic can prevent a 3-0 deficit by increasing their shooting precision and reducing turnovers while utilizing their home crowd's support.

Boston aims to stay dominant in Florida to advance to the second round while the Magic have a critical chance to regain control and maintain their playoff chances.

Even though Orlando struggled offensively at the start of the series they demonstrated potential scoring abilities through Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. Boston may have to continue without Jayson Tatum after consecutive challenging victories which creates an excellent opportunity for the Magic to strike back in their home arena. The Magic are expected to start the game with high intensity while both teams maintain a fast pace which will favor the over in this crucial matchup. I look for the OVER to come into play here in game three. 

Jim's Play: Over the Total

The NBA Playoffs open on Saturday, April 19, 2025 with an exciting first-round Eastern Conference series between the No. 4 seed Indiana Pacers and the No. 5 seed Milwaukee Bucks. The first game between Indiana Pacers and Milwaukee Bucks starts at 1:00 PM ET at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Indiana Pacers head into the playoffs as a strong team by winning 14 out of their last 17 regular-season games. Indiana's offense demonstrates considerable potency under the leadership of All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton and forward Pascal Siakam through its top league standings in field-goal percentage and assists. Indiana maintains home-court advantage which becomes vital considering their impressive home performances after the All-Star break. 

As the regular season came to a close the Bucks had eight consecutive victories. Giannis Antetokounmpo maintains his dominance as a two-time MVP by delivering averages of over 30 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists for every game he plays. Damian Lillard will miss the start of Game 1 because of a calf injury but hopes remain high for his participation in subsequent games. Milwaukee managed to secure victories in three out of four matchups with the Pacers during the regular season which demonstrated their capability to handle Indiana's rapid style of play.

Indiana and Milwaukee's upcoming series will showcase a fierce competition between Indiana's roster depth together with their home-court advantage juxtaposed with Milwaukee's playoff-hardened team and Antetokounmpo's exceptional talent. 

Typically NBA playoff games tend to lower scoring games then regular season.  That being said, this is the one game on Saturday that stands out to me for an under play. 

Play: Bucks/Pacers UNDER

After a long college basketball season that started back in November, we have finally arrived at the NCAA Championship game between Houston and Florida.  The 2025 NCAA Men's Basketball National Championship features a compelling clash between two No. 1 seeds: the Florida Gators (35-4) and the Houston Cougars (35-4). Both teams showcased resilience in the Final Four, each mounting significant comebacks to secure their spots in the title game. Florida overcame a nine-point deficit to defeat Auburn 79-73, while Houston rallied from a 14-point shortfall to edge out Duke 70-67. The Cougars were down 11 points with under two minutes to play and had that improbable comeback late. Florida boasts a potent offense, averaging 85 points per game this season. Senior guard Walter Clayton Jr. has been instrumental, delivering back-to-back 30-point performances in the Elite Eight and Final Four, a feat last achieved by Larry Bird in 1979. The Gators demonstrated grit, notably overcoming a 10-point deficit with under six minutes remaining against Texas Tech in the Elite Eight. Houston prides itself on a stifling defense, leading the nation by allowing just 58 points per game. Graduate guard L.J. Cryer has been pivotal, scoring 26 points against Duke, including crucial free throws in the final moments. The Cougars' path has been marked by resilience, highlighted by their dramatic comeback against Duke, closing the game on a 9-0 run.  Florida's Offense vs. Houston's Defense: The Gators' high-scoring offense, led by Clayton Jr., will be tested against the Cougars' top-ranked defense. Houston's ability to contain Clayton will be crucial. Both teams excel in rebounding. Florida ranks fifth nationally in offensive rebounding percentage (38.9%), while Houston's physicality under the boards has been a hallmark. This championship showdown promises an exhilarating battle between Florida's dynamic offense and Houston's formidable defense. Both teams have displayed remarkable resilience throughout the tournament, setting the stage for a memorable conclusion to the 2025 NCAA Men's Basketball season. This game looks to be a great defensive battle and as such I'm taking the UNDER tonight in this contest.

The Dallas Mavericks (38-40) are set to face the Los Angeles Clippers (45-32) on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. This game marks the second of a back-to-back series between the two teams, with the Clippers having secured a 114-91 victory on Friday night. The Mavericks are currently 9th in the Western Conference, striving to maintain their position in the play-in tournament. They currently hold a slim half game lead over No 10 Sacamento and 2 1/2 games lover No 11 Phoenix. The team has faced significant injury challenges, notably the season-ending torn ACL suffered by Kyrie Irving in early March. Additionally, center Daniel Gafford is sidelined with a Grade 3 MCL sprain, and Dereck Lively II is out due to a foot fracture. Anthony Davis, who has been instrumental since his return, was ruled out for Friday's game due to a left adductor strain, and his status for Saturday remains uncertain. The Clippers are positioned tied for 7th with the Grizzlies in the Western Conference, aiming to secure a direct playoff spot and avoid the play-in tournament. They only trail No 6 Minnesota by one game and are within two games of No 3 LA Lakers. So every game is a big one for the Clippers. They have been in strong form, winning 12 of their last 15 games. Kawhi Leonard has been a consistent performer, contributing 20 points in Friday's win. However, the Clippers are managing injuries as well, with Amir Coffey (knee inflammation), Jordan Miller (hamstring tendinopathy), and Ben Simmons (knee injury management) all listed as out. With the Mavericks potentially missing Anthony Davis and Dereck Lively II, the Clippers' Ivica Zubac, who recorded a double-double with 14 points and 13 rebounds on Friday, could have an advantage in the paint. The Mavericks will rely on players like Naji Marshall, who led the team with 22 points in the previous game, to counter the offensive threats posed by the Clippers' wings, including Kawhi Leonard and Norman Powell. The Clippers' recent form and home-court advantage position them as favorites in this matchup. The Mavericks' performance will heavily depend on the availability of Anthony Davis. If Davis is unable to play, Dallas may struggle to contain the Clippers' frontcourt and generate sufficient offense. Conversely, if Davis is active, his presence could significantly impact the game's dynamics, providing the Mavericks with a much-needed boost on both ends of the floor. Either way, Davis or no Davis, I'm taking this game OVER tonight. I had the Clippers last night and the game got to just 205 total points. I expect a better showing tonight from Dallas as this one goes OVER the total. 

The stage is set for a thrilling Final Four clash between two of college basketball’s elite programs: the Houston Cougars and the Duke Blue Devils. It’s a showdown of contrasting styles—Duke’s offensive firepower meets Houston’s lockdown defense. Duke enters the contest boasting the most efficient offense in the nation. Leading the charge is freshman phenom Cooper Flagg, who’s been sensational throughout the season, averaging 18.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game. Supporting him is fellow freshman Kon Knueppel, a reliable scorer with 14.4 points per game and a 40.1% shooting clip from three-point range. Houston counters with the nation’s top-ranked defense and an elite 3-point shooting percentage (39.7%). Senior guard L.J. Cryer leads the way offensively with 15.4 points per game, hitting nearly 42% of his shots from deep. Junior guard Emanuel Sharp adds 12.7 points per game, giving Houston multiple perimeter threats. Cooper Flagg vs. Joseph Tugler: This battle in the paint is one to watch. Flagg will be tested by Joseph Tugler, a strong, physical defender with a massive 7-foot-6 wingspan. Tugler's defensive presence could disrupt Flagg’s rhythm and alter Duke’s offensive flow. Both teams are lethal from long range. Houston features sharp-shooters like Milos Uzan (44.5%), Cryer (41.9%), and Sharp (41.5%). On the other side, Duke counters with Tyrese Proctor (41.2%) and Knueppel. Whichever team can get hot from beyond the arc may swing the momentum. Duke is averaging close to 92 points per game during the tournament, showcasing explosive scoring capabilities. Houston, however, has held opponents to just 56.5 points per game over its four tournament victories. This is a textbook matchup between offensive firepower and defensive grit. Duke’s Defense is No Slouch. While known for its explosive offense, Duke also ranks among the top defensive teams in the country, giving up only 62.6 points per game—seventh nationally. Their ability to limit second-chance opportunities and contest shots effectively adds another layer of resistance. Houston thrives on a deliberate, methodical tempo that limits the number of possessions per game. They prefer to grind games out in the half court, emphasizing defensive execution and forcing opponents into uncomfortable offensive sets. This slower pace often keeps scoring totals down, even against more potent offenses. Both teams are great defensively and I look or Houston to do it's best to slow this game down and not get into a run and gun shootout. Take the UNDER.

The stage is set for a high-octane SEC showdown as the Florida Gators and the Auburn Tigers battle for a spot in the national championship game. Both teams have had dominant seasons and bring explosive offenses and disciplined coaching into this Final Four matchup. Under head coach Todd Golden, Florida posted a 34-4 record and finished second in the SEC. The Gators are one of the nation’s most potent offensive teams, averaging 85.4 points per game, good for fourth nationally. Senior guard Walter Clayton Jr. has been the engine of their attack, averaging 18.1 points and 4.2 assists per game. Led by veteran coach Bruce Pearl, Auburn compiled a 32-5 record and won the SEC regular-season title. They average 83.2 points per game (12th nationally) and are anchored by dominant forward Johni Broome, who averages 18.7 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per contest. Florida holds a slight edge on offense, averaging 85.4 points to Auburn’s 83.2. Auburn allows 69.2 points per game, slightly better than Florida’s 69.7. 

The Tigers have shown exceptional consistency on the defensive end, allowing 70 points or fewer in all six of their SEC and NCAA Tournament games leading up to the Final Four. Their ability to control tempo and limit quality looks has been a major factor in their postseason success. Florida ranks among the nation’s best in defending both the two-point and three-point shot. Their perimeter defense makes it difficult for opponents to get hot from deep, and their length inside challenges finishes at the rim. The game will be played at the Alamodome, a large football stadium converted for basketball. These types of venues can affect shooting accuracy due to unusual sightlines and depth perception issues, especially on three-point attempts. In high-pressure games like the Final Four, teams often emphasize defensive execution and deliberate offensive sets over fast-break scoring. That leads to fewer possessions and lower-scoring outcomes, especially in the early stages of the game when nerves are high. Both teams proved they can play defense and with the stadium being a converted football stadium and the stakes at hand, I'm sticking with the UNDER here today. 

Take : UNDER the Total

The Timberwolves are in the thick of the Western Conference playoff hunt, currently tied for the sixth seed. Securing a top-six finish is key to avoiding the Play-In Tournament. Minnesota enters this matchup riding a three-game winning streak, including a dramatic 140-139 double-overtime victory over the Denver Nuggets. In that game, Anthony Edwards led the way with 34 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists, continuing his strong season. While already eliminated from playoff contention, the Nets are coming off back-to-back wins over the Washington Wizards and Dallas Mavericks. In their most recent outing, a 113-109 win over Dallas, Keon Johnson led with 24 points and D'Angelo Russell added 18 points and 11 assists. The Nets are giving increased minutes to their young core as they look toward the future. Anthony Edwards has emerged as one of the league’s premier young scorers, averaging 27.3 points per game. The Nets will need to prioritize defensive schemes to try to slow him down, though that’s easier said than done given his current form. D'Angelo Russell’s experience and court vision make him a central figure for Brooklyn. However, Minnesota’s defense ranks among the league’s best, making his job more difficult. The Timberwolves rank sixth in defensive efficiency, and they’ve been tough on opposing guards. Minnesota enters this game with momentum and something to play for, while Brooklyn is experimenting with lineups and developing young talent. With the Timberwolves’ playoff aspirations driving their intensity—and the Nets struggling defensively—Minnesota is expected to control the game and score enough points to get this game OVER the total. 

The UCF Knights and the Cincinnati Bearcats are set to clash in the quarterfinals of the College Basketball Crown tournament on Thursday, April 3, 2025, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The UCF Knights (18-16) secured their spot in the quarterfinals with a narrow 76-75 victory over Oregon State. In that game, three players—Tyler Hendricks, Nils Machowski, and Darius Johnson—each contributed 15 points. Notably, leading scorer Keyshawn Hall, who averages 18.8 points per game, did not participate in the matchup against Oregon State. The Cincinnati Bearcats (19-15) advanced by defeating DePaul 83-61 in their opening game of the tournament. Cincinnati showcased a balanced offense with six players scoring in double figures, led by Dillon Mitchell's 15 points and seven rebounds. UCF averages 79.2 points per game, shooting 42.4% from the field and 33.8% from three-point range. Cincinnati averages 70.9 points per game with a field goal percentage of 44.8% and 32% from beyond the arc. Knights allow an average of 80 points per game, while the Bearcats have a stronger defensive record, conceding 65.6 points per game. Cincinnati has dominated recent matchups, winning the last five games against UCF. Their most recent encounter was on February 5, 2025, where the Bearcats triumphed 93-83. I expect much the same this time around as we should see plenty of points scored in this contest. Play the OVER.

The Orlando Magic (36-40) head to the Frost Bank Center to face the San Antonio Spurs (31-43) in a matchup with a projected total set at 220.5 points. Both teams bring contrasting recent form and defensive tendencies that make a compelling case for the over. The Magic have picked up wins in four of their last six games, showing improved offensive execution. In a recent high-scoring win over the Kings, they dropped 121 points, shooting nearly 50% from the field and over 46% from deep. When this team finds rhythm early, their pace and ball movement create open looks, especially from beyond the arc. The Spurs, on a four-game losing streak, have struggled to contain opponents, recently surrendering 148 points to the Warriors. Their season average in total points per game is nearly 229, signaling a high-tempo game environment and a vulnerable defense prone to breakdowns—particularly in transition and against perimeter shooting. The over has hit in the last two meetings between these teams, and both clubs have had games this season where defensive execution gave way to shootouts. The Spurs’ willingness to push pace, paired with Orlando’s ability to capitalize on a porous defense, suggests another contest leaning toward high total scoring. The way the Spurs have given up points in recent games should have the Magic coming in around 120 points. I'm taking the game OVER. 

The 2025 NCAA Tournament’s South Regional Final brings a high-stakes clash between two powerhouse programs as the No. 2 seed Michigan State Spartans face off against the No. 1 seed Auburn Tigers on Sunday in Atlanta. Tip-off is set for 5:05 PM ET at State Farm Arena, and a trip to the Final Four in San Antonio is on the line. Michigan State Spartans (30-6) under Tom Izzo has once again led his Spartans deep into March, relying on a disciplined, defense-first approach. Michigan State has allowed just over 67 points per game this season while holding opponents to 40% shooting from the field. Offensively, they average 78 points per game, with solid ball movement and efficient perimeter play. Freshman guard Jase Richardson has emerged as a clutch performer, dropping 20 points in the Sweet 16 win over Ole Miss. Tyson Walker and A.J. Hoggard provide veteran leadership in the backcourt, while Malik Hall anchors the frontcourt with grit and experience. The Auburn Tigers (31-5) led by Bruce Pearl. The Tigers have ridden a high-octane offense to the brink of the Final Four. Auburn averages nearly 84 points per game, powered by a deep and athletic rotation. In their Sweet 16 comeback win over Michigan, the Tigers showed resilience behind Johni Broome’s 22 points and 16 rebounds. Guards Denver Jones and freshman sensation Tahaad Pettiford have given Auburn perimeter scoring punch, while their defense has held opponents to under 70 points per contest. Auburn also boasts one of the nation’s top shot-blocking teams, averaging six swats per game. Both teams are battle-tested. Michigan State thrives in gritty, close games, while Auburn can explode offensively in spurts. Whichever team dictates pace will hold the upper hand. Expect a physical, tightly contested battle with shifting momentum. Michigan State’s defense will slow Auburn’s tempo early, but the Tigers’ athleticism and depth may wear down the Spartans over 40 minutes. This looks to be a grind out game with every point being important. I'm taking the UNDER. 

The Midwest Region's Elite Eight matchup features the No. 2 seed Tennessee Volunteers (30–7) against the No. 1 seed Houston Cougars (33–4). Both teams are renowned for their defensive prowess and disciplined playstyles, setting the stage for a highly competitive battle with a Final Four berth at stake. Tennessee Volunteers are 30–7 under Head Coach Rick Barnes. Tennessee secured their Elite Eight spot by defeating Kentucky 78–65, showcasing their defensive strength and balanced scoring. Houston is 33–4 under Head Coach Kelvin Sampson. Houston advanced by narrowly edging out Purdue 62–60, demonstrating resilience and clutch performance in critical moments. Houston allows 88.0 points per 100 possessions. Tennessee allows 89.3 points per 100 possessions. Houston averages 123.4 points per 100 possessions. Tennessee averages 121.1 points per 100 possessions. Pace of play: Houston 61.6 possessions per 40 minutes. Tennessee: 63.7 possessions per 40 minutes. Both teams exhibit elite defenses and methodical offensive approaches, often resulting in low-scoring, possession-controlled games. Tennessee Volunteers: Zakai Zeigler (Guard): Instrumental in the Sweet 16 victory over Kentucky with 18 points and 10 assists, Zeigler's playmaking and defensive tenacity are vital for Tennessee's success. Chaz Lanier (Guard): Contributed 17 points against Kentucky, providing a reliable scoring option from the perimeter. Felix Okpara (Center): Anchors the defense with shot-blocking ability and added 11 rebounds in the previous game, effectively controlling the paint. Houston Cougars: L.J. Cryer (Guard): Averaging 15.3 points per game, Cryer's scoring prowess and experience are crucial for Houston's offensive rhythm. Milos Uzan (Guard): Delivered a game-high 22 points, including the game-winning layup against Purdue, showcasing his clutch performance under pressure. Jamal Shead (Guard): Provides leadership and stability in the backcourt, facilitating the offense and contributing defensively. This Elite Eight clash is anticipated to be a defensive battle, with both teams excelling in limiting opponents' scoring opportunities. Houston's slight edge in offensive efficiency and superior three-point shooting (39.8%) could be pivotal. This looks to be a close game and slow pace. I'm taking UNDER as my Elite 8 Total of the Year. 

The Elite Eight clash between the No. 1 seed Duke Blue Devils and No. 2 seed Alabama Crimson Tide is set for Saturday night at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, with tipoff at 8:49 p.m. ET. Duke comes in with a 34-3 record, driven by an efficient and balanced roster. Freshman sensation Cooper Flagg has led the way, averaging 19 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. His performance in the Sweet 16 — 30 points, six rebounds, seven assists, and three blocks — was nothing short of elite, proving he’s built for March. Alabama (28-8) brings one of the most potent offenses in the country, fresh off a 113-88 win over BYU where they set an NCAA Tournament record with 25 made three-pointers. Senior guard Mark Sears exploded for 34 points, hitting 10 from beyond the arc. Alabama’s experience and tempo-heavy attack make them a unique threat. The defining battle could be between Duke’s top-ranked two-point defense (holding opponents to 43.2%) and Alabama’s explosive two-point offense (converting 60.1%). Another critical factor will be Alabama’s outside shooting against Duke’s strong perimeter defense, which has limited opponents to around 30% from deep. Duke leads the all-time series 8-3 and has won seven straight matchups against Alabama. However, these teams haven’t met since 2013, and both programs have evolved significantly since then. This game pits Duke’s polished, defensive-minded approach against Alabama’s free-flowing, high-octane offense. The outcome may depend on whether Duke can limit Alabama’s three-point barrage and slow down their pace. Either way, this one has all the makings of a classic.  I look for both teams to dictate the pace at times. And as such, I'm expecting this game to get enough points to go over the total. 

The No. 1 seed Florida Gators face off against the No. 3 seed Texas Tech Red Raiders in a high-stakes Elite Eight showdown at the Chase Center in San Francisco. Tipoff is scheduled for 6:09 p.m. ET. Florida rides into this game on a nine-game win streak, including a dominant 87-71 Sweet 16 victory over Maryland. The Gators showed off their depth with six players scoring in double figures and a +18 margin on the glass. They’ve been one of the tournament’s most efficient offensive teams, averaging 85.4 points per game heading into the round. Florida’s success comes from balance — several players are shooting 35.7% or better from beyond the arc — and a stingy defense that has held opponents to just 25.8% shooting from deep during the tournament. Texas Tech punched their ticket to the Elite Eight with an 85-83 overtime comeback win over Arkansas, erasing a 16-point deficit. JT Toppin, Darrion Williams, and Christian Anderson combined for 62 points, carrying the Red Raiders through a nail-biting finish. However, Texas Tech’s outside shooting has dipped in the tournament. They’ve connected on just 25.0% of their three-point attempts, down from a season average of 36.7%. The possible absence of guard Chance McMillian due to an oblique injury could also impact their rotation. The spotlight will be on how Texas Tech’s offense handles Florida’s elite defense. Florida ranks second in adjusted offensive efficiency (129.2 points per 100 possessions) and ninth in adjusted defensive efficiency (92.9 points allowed per 100 possessions). One key battle will be at point guard: Elijah Hawkins for Texas Tech vs. Walter Clayton Jr. for Florida. Whoever controls the pace and tempo could shift the game’s direction dramatically.  Florida is an offensive machine and I don't see anyone keeping them down. Tech will have to keep pace or get blowout on Saturday. I'm taking OVER.

The NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament's Sweet 16 features the No. 3 seed Texas Tech Red Raiders and the No. 10 seed Arkansas Razorbacks on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at the Chase Center in San Francisco. Tip-off is scheduled for 10:09 PM ET, with television coverage on TBS and truTV. Texas Tech Red Raiders (27-8) have showcased a strong offense throughout the season, ranking fifth nationally in offensive efficiency. They possess a balanced attack, capable of scoring both inside and from the perimeter. Notably, forward J.T. Toppin has been a dominant presence in the paint, averaging 18.1 points and 9.3 rebounds per game. In their recent victory over Drake, Toppin recorded a double-double with 25 points and 12 rebounds. Arkansas Razorbacks (22-13) have embraced the underdog role, advancing to the Sweet 16 with impressive victories over higher-seeded teams. Their defense has been particularly effective, limiting opponents' shooting percentages and disrupting offensive rhythms. Offensively, Arkansas has been solid but will need to improve their three-point shooting and rebounding to compete effectively against Texas Tech. The Razorbacks' defense will be tested by the Red Raiders' versatile offensive strategies, which can adapt to both interior and perimeter scoring. Containing Toppin in the paint while defending against Texas Tech's three-point shooters will be crucial for Arkansas. Arkansas prefers an up-tempo game, capitalizing on fast breaks and transition opportunities. Conversely, Texas Tech is adept at controlling the tempo, often slowing down the game to execute their half-court offense efficiently. The team that dictates the pace is likely to gain a significant advantage. Red Raiders offense has been formidable and I expect them to control this game today. That will force Arkansas to match them with their up-tempo offense. I'll be on the over in this game today. 

The NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament's Sweet 16 features the No. 1 seed Duke Blue Devils and the No. 4 seed Arizona Wildcats on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Tip-off is scheduled for 9:39 p.m. ET, with television coverage on CBS. This is a rematch from earlier in the season where Duke prevailed, 69-55. Duke Blue Devils (33-3) have  demonstrated dominance throughout the season, currently on a 13-game winning streak. Their offense is led by standout freshman Cooper Flagg, who has fully recovered from an earlier ankle injury and is expected to play without limitations. They average 83.2 ppg while allowing just 61.7 ppg. The Blue Devils have also benefited from a strategic lineup change, with Sion James replacing Caleb Foster, enhancing their performance significantly. Arizona Wildcats (24-12) have shown resilience, overcoming a 15-point deficit to defeat Oregon 87-83 in the Round of 32. Caleb Love has been a pivotal player, delivering consistent performances and leading the team's offense. Arizona's defense has improved notably, preparing them for the physicality of the NCAA Tournament. Arizona averages 82.2 ppg. These are two of the highest scoring teams in the tournament and as such I'm looking for a pretty good shootout today. I'm taking the OVER. 

The NCAA Tournament continues Thursday with a the high-octane Alabama Crimson Tide and the disciplined BYU Cougars. Both teams have looked sharp in the opening rounds and bring very different styles to the court, setting the stage for a classic clash of pace and precision. BYU Cougars — No. 5 Seed (Big 12) are 25-10 and coming off a win over No. 4 seed Kansas State. The Cougars have ridden their perimeter shooting and disciplined ball movement to reach the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2011. Head coach Mark Pope has this team playing smart, unselfish basketball. BYU ranks among the top teams in the nation in assists and three-point attempts, often stretching defenses thin with five-out lineups. Jaxson Robinson — The senior wing has been electric from deep, averaging over 17 points per game in the tournament and shooting above 40% from three. His ability to hit contested shots and create space will be vital. Alabama Crimson Tide — No. 1 Seed (SEC) are 29-6 and coming off a win over No. 8 seed Texas A&M. The Tide enter the Sweet 16 after rolling through their first two opponents with their signature blend of pace, spacing, and athleticism. Nate Oats’ squad continues to be one of the fastest-paced teams in the country, looking to score early and often with a deep arsenal of shooters and slashers.  Mark Sears — The veteran guard has been the engine of Alabama's offense, combining elite shot-making with excellent vision. His ability to break down BYU’s defense and control tempo will be crucial. Alabama wants to run; BYU wants to control tempo. Alabama has been scoring big in this tournament and BYU might have to open it up a bit here to stay close. I'm taking the OVER here in this Sweet 16 matchup. 

The Los Angeles Lakers (43-28) are set to face the Indiana Pacers (42-29) on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET, and the game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN. The Lakers are currently on a three-game losing streak, including a recent 118-106 loss to the Orlando Magic. They are aiming to snap this skid and improve their road performance. LeBron James, despite dealing with a left groin strain, is listed as probable and is expected to play. His leadership, alongside Luka Doncic, will be crucial in this matchup. The Pacers are riding a five-game winning streak and have been formidable at home, boasting a 24-10 record at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Tyrese Haliburton has been instrumental in their recent success, providing significant contributions on both ends of the floor.  The Lakers will rely heavily on the performances of LeBron James and Luka Doncic to penetrate the Pacers' defense. The effectiveness of this duo could determine the Lakers' ability to score efficiently. Indiana prefers an up-tempo style of play, which has been effective during their winning streak. The Lakers will need to control the pace to avoid being overwhelmed by the Pacers' fast breaks and quick transitions. This matchup presents contrasting team dynamics, with the Lakers seeking to end their losing streak and the Pacers aiming to extend their winning momentum. I expect the Pacers to dictate the pace of this one and that means a high scoring game. I'm taking the OVER. 

The No. 8 seed Connecticut Huskies (24-10) are set to face the No. 1 seed Florida Gators (31-4) in the second round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament on Sunday, March 23, 2025. The game will tip off at 12:10 PM Eastern Time at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, North Carolina, and will be broadcast on CBS. The Huskies advanced to the second round after a hard-fought 67-59 victory over Oklahoma. Sophomore guard Solo Ball played a pivotal role, contributing 14 points and five rebounds. Ball's development has been instrumental for UConn, especially after limited play as a freshman. Junior forward Alex Karaban, the only remaining starter from UConn's previous two national championship teams, added 13 points and seven rebounds in the win. The Gators showcased their offensive prowess with a dominant 95-69 win over Norfolk State in the first round. Senior guard Walter Clayton Jr., a first-team All-American, led the charge with 23 points, five rebounds, and two steals. Clayton's decision to transfer to Florida has paid dividends, solidifying his status as one of the nation's premier guards and an NBA draft prospect. Fifth-year senior guard Alijah Martin also made significant contributions, scoring 17 points and adding two assists. Historically, UConn leads the series 5-1, including a 75-54 victory in their last meeting on December 7, 2022. Notably, UConn defeated Florida during the 2013-14 season, both in the regular season and in the Final Four. Florida boasts the nation's top-rated offense, averaging nearly 86 points per game. UConn's defense will need to be at its best to contain the Gators' high-scoring attack. U Conn knows they can't get into a scoring match here on Sunday. As such look for the Huskies to slow the pace down. I'm going to take UNDER with U Conn taking the tempo.

The NCAA Tournament's East Region features an intriguing first-round matchup between the No. 4 seed Arizona Wildcats and the No. 13 seed Akron Zips on Friday, March 21, 2025, at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle.  Arizona Wildcats (22-12, 14-6 Big 12) under head coach Tommy Lloyd, Arizona boasts a high-octane offense, averaging 81.7 points per game. The Wildcats are led by guard Caleb Love, who contributes 16.6 points per game, and forward Henri Veesaar, a 7-foot sophomore known for his efficiency around the rim. Arizona's size advantage is notable, with a roster featuring multiple players over 6-foot-3. Akron Zips (28-6, 17-1 MAC): enter the tournament on a hot streak, having won 21 of their last 22 games. The Zips are known for their fast-paced play, ranking 16th nationally in adjusted tempo, and average 84.6 points per game. Guard Nate Johnson leads the team with 14.0 points per game, while Tavari Johnson adds 13.0 points and 3.9 assists per game. Despite their offensive prowess, Akron's roster is relatively undersized, with most contributors standing 6-foot-3 or shorter. Pace of Play: Both teams favor an up-tempo style, which could lead to a high-scoring affair. Arizona ranks 55th in adjusted tempo, while Akron sits at 16th. This alignment suggests both teams will be comfortable pushing the pace. Both teams should be running and gunning in this game. Play the OVER. 

The NCAA Tournament's first-round matchup between the No. 6 seed BYU Cougars and the No. 11 seed VCU Rams is scheduled for Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 4:05 PM ET at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. BYU Cougars (24-9) boast a high-octane offense, averaging 81 points per game. They are particularly effective from beyond the arc, ranking 15th nationally in three-point shooting percentage. Richie Saunders leads the team with 16 points per game, while Dallin Hall contributes 9.3 points per game. The VCU Rams (28-6) are renowned for its defensive prowess, allowing just 62.4 points per game, which ranks eighth nationally. Offensively, they average 77 points per game. Max Shulga is the team's leading scorer, averaging 15.1 points per game, and Jack Clark adds 13.7 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. Both teams rely heavily on three-point shooting. BYU ranks 15th nationally in three-point shooting percentage, while VCU ranks 27th. Defensively, VCU excels at guarding the perimeter, holding opponents to 30.6% shooting from beyond the arc, whereas BYU allows opponents to shoot 34.8%. VCU's defense is adept at creating turnovers, ranking 32nd nationally in opponent turnovers per possession. BYU, however, has struggled with ball security, ranking 205th in turnovers per possession. Here is an interesting fact, No 11 seeds have been very good since 2011, going 29-27. Can they do it again here. I'll take VCU and we'll see. 

The Mount St. Mary's Mountaineers (22-12) are set to face the American University Eagles (22-12) in the NCAA Tournament's First Four on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at UD Arena in Dayton, Ohio. Under the leadership of first-year head coach Donny Lind, the Mountaineers clinched the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) title by defeating Iona 63-49. They have won nine of their last 11 games, including four straight, showcasing a strong finish to their season. The Eagles, guided by second-year head coach Duane Simpkins, secured the Patriot League championship with a decisive 74-52 victory over Navy. They have won eight of their last 10 games, including four consecutive wins, demonstrating strong form entering the tournament. Mount St. Mary's is led by Dola Adebayo who leads the team with 13.2 points and 6.9 rebounds per game, shooting 51.9% from the field. American University's top scorer is Matt Rogers with 17.0 points per game, along with 5.6 rebounds, shooting an impressive 55.6% from the field.  This First Four matchup features two teams with identical records and recent championship victories. American's experience and continuity, coupled with their defensive strengths, position them favorably. However, Mount St. Mary's momentum and balanced scoring could challenge the Eagles, suggesting a closely contested game. For me, I'm sticking with the UNDER here on Wednesday. 

The Pistons hold a 37-31 record, placing them sixth in the Eastern Conference. They average 114.8 points per game (12th in the league) and allow 113.2 points per game (14th). Their rebounding average stands at 45.3 per game (9th). The Pelicans have struggled this season with an 18-50 record, ranking 14th in the Western Conference. They average 110.8 points per game (23rd) and concede 119.0 points per game (26th). Their rebounding average is 43.5 per game (21st). Pistons: Cade Cunningham: 25.6 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 9.3 APG and Malik Beasley: 16.3 PPG, 2.7 RPG lead the team. Pelicans are led by Zion Williamson: 24.2 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 5.3 APG and Trey Murphy III: 21.6 PPG, 5.2 RPG. Pelicans: Zion Williamson (personal reasons), Kelly Olynyk (finger), and Yves Missi (ankle) are questionable. Brandon Boston Jr. (ankle) is out. Herbert Jones (shoulder) and Dejounte Murray (Achilles) are out for the season. I look for the Pistons to score a lot here on Monday and push this game over the total. 

The Alabama Crimson Tide and the Florida Gators are set to clash in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Tournament semifinals on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. Tip-off is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. CT (3:30 p.m. ET), with the game broadcast on ESPN. Alabama Crimson Tide are 25-7 overall, 13-5 in SEC play, averaging 91.4 points per game while allowing 80.7 points per game. The Crimson Tide are renowned for their high-octane offense, leading the nation in scoring with an average of 91.4 points per game. Their up-tempo style is complemented by a deep roster, allowing them to maintain intensity throughout games. In their recent quarterfinal matchup, Alabama dominated Kentucky with a 99-70 victory, showcasing their offensive prowess. Florida Gators are 28-4 overall, 14-4 in SEC play, averaging 84.8 points per game and allowing 68.6 points per game. The Gators have been impressive on both ends of the floor, combining a potent offense with a stifling defense. Their balanced approach has led them to a strong season, including a recent 95-81 victory over Missouri in the quarterfinals, where Clayton Jr. led with 18 points and six assists. Even though this is one of the highest totals we'll see in college hoops, these two teams are built to score a lot and go over this number. Play OVER. 

The Western Michigan Broncos (12-19, 9-9 MAC) are set to face the Kent State Golden Flashes (21-10, 11-7 MAC) in the quarterfinals of the Mid-American Conference (MAC) Tournament on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio, with tip-off scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET. This season, the Broncos and Golden Flashes split their two regular-season meetings, each securing a victory on the road. On January 14, Western Michigan triumphed 94-83 at Kent State, while the Golden Flashes edged out a 77-76 win in Kalamazoo on March 4. The Broncos secured their tournament berth with a narrow 64-63 victory over Bowling Green in their regular-season finale. Junior guard Chansey Willis Jr., recently named to the All-MAC Second Team, has been instrumental for Western Michigan, averaging 17.0 points and 5.8 assists per game. He has scored in double figures in 21 of his 23 games this season. The Broncos have also been strong on the boards, leading the MAC in offensive rebounds with 13.3 per game. The Golden Flashes enter the tournament on a positive note, having won two consecutive games, including a 76-70 victory over Eastern Michigan. Kent State boasts a balanced offensive attack, averaging 74.1 points per game, with key contributions from VonCameron Davis (15.2 points per game) and Jalen Sullinger (15.1 points per game). Defensively, they have been solid, allowing 68.3 points per game, and they excel in rebounding, outrebounding opponents by an average of 5.0 boards per game. This game looks to be a tight contest and lower scoring. I'm on the UNDER here tonight. 

The Kennesaw State Owls (18-13, 10-8 CUSA) are set to face the New Mexico State Aggies (17-14, 10-8 CUSA) in the Conference USA (CUSA) Tournament quarterfinals on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville, Alabama, with tip-off scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET. The Owls have shown resilience this season, highlighted by recent back-to-back road victories against Liberty and Jacksonville State. Their defense has been notably effective, ranking 44th nationally in field goal percentage defense at 41.1%. Offensively, they average 76.4 points per game, with freshman guard Adrian Wooley leading the charge at 18.5 points per game. The Aggies concluded their regular season with a 76-69 loss to Sam Houston. They possess a strong defense, allowing just 65.5 points per game, ranking 27th nationally. Offensively, they average 69.4 points per game, with guard Christian Cook contributing 13.0 points per game.  This season, the teams split their regular-season encounters, each winning on the road. Kennesaw State secured a 69-56 victory on January 24, while New Mexico State responded with a 60-49 win on February 22.  Defense: Both teams excel defensively. Kennesaw State's field goal percentage defense ranks 44th nationally, while New Mexico State allows just 65.5 points per game, ranking 27th. Two defensive teams meet here today. Both previous games have been low scoring and I don't see that changing here today. Take the UNDER. 

The Indiana Pacers (33-24) are set to face the Atlanta Hawks (27-32) on March 6, 2025, at State Farm Arena in Atlanta. This matchup marks their second meeting this season, with the Pacers securing a narrow 132-127 victory over the Hawks on February 1, 2025. The Pacers have been in strong form recently, winning 10 of their last 12 games. They currently hold a .579 win percentage, placing them third in the Central Division. Their offense averages 116.6 points per game (PPG) on 49.1% shooting, while allowing 115.3 PPG defensively. Conversely, the Hawks have struggled, losing seven consecutive games prior to their recent matchups. They stand at a .458 win percentage, ranking third in the Southeast Division. Offensively, Atlanta matches Indiana with an average of 116.6 PPG but has a less efficient shooting percentage of 46.3%. Defensively, they concede 119.5 PPG, indicating challenges in their defensive setups. The Pacers are led by Pascal Siakam with 20.3 PPG and 7.3 rebounds per game (RPG). Trae Young leads the Hawks, contributing 23.9 PPG and leading the league with 11.4 APG, though his shooting efficiency has been a concern at 40.6%. Both these teams can score and their first game flew over the total. No reason this one shouldn't do the same. Play the OVER.

The West Virginia Mountaineers (17-12, 8-10 Big 12) are set to face the Utah Utes (16-13, 8-10 Big 12) on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at the Jon M. Huntsman Center in Salt Lake City. The Utes are averaging 75.7 points per game while allowing 71.3 points to opponents. They excel in rebounding, securing 35.4 boards per game, which ranks 31st nationally. Offensively, Utah shoots 45.4% from the field and 33.2% from beyond the arc. However, free throw shooting has been a weakness, with the team converting only 63.8% of their attempts, placing them last in the Big 12. The Mountaineers average 68.2 points per game and are known for their strong defense, limiting opponents to 64.6 points per contest, ranking 19th nationally. They shoot 42.4% from the field and 32.6% from three-point range. Rebounding has been a challenge, as they have a negative rebounding margin and rank 300th in total rebounding percentage. Utah guard Gabe Madsen leads the team with 15.2 points per game, while forward Ezra Ausar contributes 12.4 points and 4.8 rebounds per game. West Virginia guard Javon Small is the team's leading scorer, averaging 18.2 points along with 5.5 assists and 4.1 rebounds per game. Forward Amani Hansberry adds 9.8 points and 6.4 rebounds per contest. Both teams are tied for 9th in the Big 12 with 8-10 records. The top eight seeds receive a bye in the conference tournament, making this game crucial for positioning. This contest looks to be a tough, highly contested game with the strong West Virginia defense and Utah limiting second chances with their rebounding skills. I'm taking the UNDER here today. 

The Minnesota Timberwolves are set to face the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday, February 27, 2025 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The Lakers currently hold a 35-21 record, placing them fourth in the Western Conference, and are on a three-game winning streak. The Timberwolves, with a 32-27 record, sit seventh in the conference. In their most recent matchup, Minnesota secured a 97-87 victory over Los Angeles on December 13, 2024, leading the season series 2-1. The Timberwolves are dealing with significant injuries: Julius Randle: Out with a right adductor strain, expected to miss at least two weeks. Donte DiVincenzo: Sidelined indefinitely due to a Grade 3 left toe sprain. Anthony Edwards: Listed as questionable with a right calf injury. The Lakers' LeBron James: Managing left ankle soreness, which is expected to persist throughout the season. LeBron James continues to be a pivotal player, recently contributing 26 points, seven rebounds, and 11 assists against the Charlotte Hornets. The Wolves with Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo out, and Anthony Edwards questionable, players like Naz Reid and Jaden McDaniels may need to step up. Despite their injuries, the Wolves are coming off a split with Oklahoma City in which the two teams combined for 259 and 253 points. In fact, the Wolves have scored 110 or more in 11 of their last 13 games. The Lakers have also been high scoring with 16 of their last 18 games having 110 or more points. I expect both teams to put up a lot of points here tonight. Take the OVER.

The USC Trojans (14-13, 6-10 Big Ten) are set to host the Ohio State Buckeyes (15-13, 7-10 Big Ten) on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at the Galen Center in Los Angeles. Both teams are aiming to halt three-game losing streaks and bolster their positions as the regular season nears its conclusion. The Trojans are on a three-game skid, with their latest defeat being a 95-85 loss to Rutgers. In that game, junior guard Desmond Claude delivered an impressive 30-point performance, while redshirt freshman Wesley Yates III added 23 points. Despite these individual efforts, USC has struggled defensively, allowing an average of 74.3 points per game this season. The Buckeyes have also faced challenges, recently falling 69-61 to UCLA. Junior guard Bruce Thornton leads the team with 17.3 points and 4.3 assists per game, showcasing his pivotal role in the Buckeyes' offense. Redshirt junior forward Devin Royal contributes significantly with 13.3 points and a team-high 7.0 rebounds per game. Ohio State's defense has been commendable, limiting opponents to a 29.4% three-point shooting percentage, ranking second-best in the Big Ten. The duel between USC's Desmond Claude and Ohio State's Bruce Thornton is poised to be a highlight. Both guards are prolific scorers and primary playmakers for their respective teams. Both teams are eager to reverse their recent fortunes, making this a crucial matchup. USC's home-court advantage and offensive firepower, led by Claude and Yates III, should make for an exciting and high scoring game. I'm taking the OVER here tonight. 

The Boston Celtics (38-16) are set to host the San Antonio Spurs (23-28) on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at TD Garden in Boston. The Celtics have been in strong form, winning six of their last seven games. They are currently second in the Eastern Conference, trailing the Cleveland Cavaliers by 5.5 games. In their recent victory over the Miami Heat, Jayson Tatum led the team with 33 points. The Spurs, on the other hand, have faced challenges, losing nine of their last 13 games. They are 12th in the Western Conference, three games behind the Golden State Warriors for the final play-in spot. In their recent win against the Washington Wizards, Victor Wembanyama scored a game-high 31 points. Boston Celtics: Jayson Tatum leads with 26.9 points and 8.6 rebounds per game. He also averages 5.5 assists per game. San Antonio Spurs: Victor Wembanyama averages 24.3 points and 10.9 rebounds per game. Chris Paul contributes 8.1 assists per game, while De’Aaron Fox, acquired from Sacramento, adds 18.3 points per game. Offense: The Celtics rank sixth in scoring, averaging 117.2 points per game, and are 10th in three-point shooting at 36.8%. The Spurs average 112.8 points per game, ranking 16th, and are 22nd in three-point shooting at 35%. Defense: Boston allows 108.2 points per game, ranking fourth in defense, and holds opponents to 45% shooting. San Antonio concedes 114.3 points per game, ranking 19th, with opponents shooting 46.4%. I expect the Celtics to get plenty of points tonight. The Spurs will have to play keep-up in this one. I'll take the OVER. 

The Minnesota Timberwolves take on the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday, February 10, 2025, at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland. The Cavaliers have been dominant this season, holding a 42-10 record, including an impressive 24-4 mark at home. The Timberwolves stand at 30-23, with a solid 15-11 road record. These teams last met on January 18, when Cleveland secured a 124-117 victory in Minnesota.

Injury Report: Timberwolves: Anthony Edwards (hip) and Mike Conley (finger) questionable. Julius Randle (groin) and Donte DiVincenzo (toe) out. Cavaliers: Isaac Okoro (shoulder) and Dean Wade (knee) out. De'Andre Hunter is expected to debut after a recent trade. 

Team Breakdown:

Cavaliers Offense: Leads the NBA in offensive efficiency, averaging 122.4 PPG on 49.8% FG and 39.5% from three.

Cavaliers Defense: Allows 112.1 PPG.

Timberwolves Offense: Averages 111.7 PPG, shooting 46.4% FG and 38.4% from deep.

Timberwolves Defense: Gives up 108.0 PPG.

The over/under is set at 228.5 points, and with Cleveland’s elite scoring ability and Minnesota’s respectable offensive efficiency, this game has strong potential to go OVER.

I’ll take the OVER in this matchup.

The Utah State Aggies (20-3, 10-2 MWC) travel to Fresno, California, to take on the Fresno State Bulldogs (5-18, 1-11 MWC) on Friday, February 7, 2025, at the Save Mart Center.

Utah State has been one of the most dominant teams in the Mountain West, averaging 81.0 points per game while allowing just 68.3. The Aggies are led by Ian Martinez (16.5 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 3.0 APG) and Mason Falslev (14.5 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 3.7 APG). They have also been solid on the road, boasting a 6-1 record away from home.

Fresno State has endured a tough season, averaging 72.6 points per game while allowing 82.2—a defensive weakness that has contributed to their five-game losing streak. Guard Zaon Collins leads the team with 13.0 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game, while Jalen Weaver adds 12.2 points and 4.0 rebounds per contest.

These teams met earlier this season on January 4, with Utah State securing an 89-83 victory. Both teams shot well from the field—Utah State at 48.4% and Fresno State at 48.3%—with the Bulldogs holding a 40-35 rebounding advantage. Despite their struggles, Fresno State has a history of bouncing back at home, winning five of their last six games at the Save Mart Center following an overtime loss.

This game features one of the highest totals of the night, set well over 150 points. While Utah State can light up the scoreboard, Fresno State knows they can’t afford to get into a fast-paced shootout. Expect the Bulldogs to slow the tempo and control possessions, keeping the game more competitive on their home court. The best play here is the UNDER.

The San Antonio Spurs (22-26) take on the Charlotte Hornets (12-36) on Friday, February 7, 2025, at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte. Both teams are looking to turn things around after recent struggles.

San Antonio has won just three of its last ten games, slipping to 12th place in the Western Conference. However, they are coming off a narrow 126-125 victory over the Atlanta Hawks, with Victor Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox each scoring 24 points. Despite the win, the Spurs have struggled offensively, ranking 24th in paint scoring and 25th in the league with an average of 109.3 points per game.

Charlotte is on a six-game losing streak, most recently falling 112-102 to the Milwaukee Bucks. Nick Smith Jr. led the Hornets with 23 points, while Miles Bridges and KJ Simpson each added 15 points. Defensively, Charlotte has had trouble containing opponents, allowing teams to shoot over 50% from the field in recent matchups.

San Antonio Spurs: Victor Wembanyama: 20.7 PPG, 10.5 RPG. De’Aaron Fox: 24.0 PPG, 13.0 APG

Charlotte Hornets: Nick Smith Jr.: Led the team with 23 points vs. Milwaukee. Miles Bridges & KJ Simpson: 

With both teams struggling defensively, this game sets up well for a high-scoring contest. While the Spurs may have the edge, the best play is on the OVER, as both teams should be able to put up points throughout the game. Take the OVER in this matchup.

The Virginia Cavaliers take on the Pittsburgh Panthers this Monday at the Petersen Events Center, with Pitt favored by 12 points and the over/under set at 133.5.

Virginia (10-12, 3-8 ACC) has struggled offensively, putting up just 63.3 PPG, ranking near the bottom nationally. They shoot 44% from the field and 37.3% from deep, but their defense keeps them competitive, allowing 65.2 PPG on 42.6% opponent shooting.

Pittsburgh (14-7, 5-5 ACC) counters with a high-powered offense, averaging 79.6 PPG on 46.8% shooting, including 35.7% from three. Defensively, the Panthers allow 70.9 PPG, with opponents shooting 42.9% from the field and 33.5% from beyond the arc.

While Pitt’s offensive firepower is undeniable, Virginia’s slow, methodical pace and defensive mindset could dictate the tempo, keeping the total score lower than expected. The Cavaliers struggle to generate points, which could make hitting the over 133.5 a tough task.

I’m taking the UNDER 133.5 in this matchup! Good luck!

The Milwaukee Bucks (26-19) are set to face the San Antonio Spurs (20-24) on Friday at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. The Bucks have a 22-23-1 record against the spread (ATS) this season, going 6-2 ATS in their last eight games. They have hit the over in 24 of their 44 games. The Spurs are 21-23 ATS this season. Their games have gone over the total in 24 of 44 matchups. Milwaukee has been potent offensively, averaging 118.6 points per game in January, with a field goal percentage of 50.3%. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard are combining for 57 points per game. San Antonio's defense has struggled, allowing 121.8 points per game in January. Opponents have been shooting 48.3% from the field and 39.7% from three-point range against them. Given the Bucks' offensive efficiency and the Spurs' defensive struggles, the over/under line of 233.5 points is noteworthy. I look for these two teams to get this total over the number. The posted total is high, but the way these teams have played of late should get us there. Play the OVER.

The #16 Oregon Ducks (16-4, 5-4 Big Ten) are set to face the UCLA Bruins (15-6, 6-4 Big Ten) on Thursday at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles. Oregon is coming off a 77-69 loss to Minnesota, where Brandon Angel led the team with 18 points. Despite this setback, the Ducks have been strong on the road, holding a 4-1 record away from Eugene this season. UCLA recently secured an 82-76 victory over USC, with Eric Dailey Jr. contributing 16 points. The Bruins have been formidable at home, boasting a 10-1 record at Pauley Pavilion. Oregon: Brandon Angel has been a significant contributor, leading the team in scoring during their recent game against Minnesota. UCLA: Eric Dailey Jr. has been instrumental in the Bruins' offense, leading the team in their recent win over USC. Both teams should be able to get decent points here tonight. My own number has this game about five points higher. I'll be on the OVER tonight.

The UCLA Bruins and USC Trojans are set to face off in a Big Ten matchup on Monday at the Galen Center in Los Angeles. The game is scheduled to tip off at 10:00 PM ET (7:00 PM PT) and will be broadcast on FS1. UCLA enters the game with a 14-6 overall record and a 5-4 mark in Big Ten play, riding a three-game winning streak. The Bruins have been strong defensively, ranking 16th in adjusted defensive efficiency and allowing an average of 64.5 points per game. Notably, they limit opponents to 28.2 two-point attempts per game, the fifth-lowest in the nation. USC stands at 12-7 overall and 4-4 in the conference, having won three of their last four games, including a notable victory over Illinois. UCLA's strong defense is a significant factor. Their ability to limit high-percentage shots and control the pace of the game often results in lower-scoring contests. UCLA also has injury concerns with forward Tyler Bilodeau, averaging 13.9 points and 4.6 rebounds per game, questionable due to an ankle injury sustained in the previous game against Washington. His potential absence could impact the Bruins' offensive output. Eight of the last ten meetings between these teams have stayed under the total, including both matchups last season. Additionally, only one of their last five games had a closing total above 135 points, making the current over/under of 139.5 appear relatively high. Considering their history, I'm sticking with the UNDER here on Monday.

The Phoenix Suns take on the Brooklyn Nets tonight. The Suns (21-21) are aiming to conclude their five-game road trip on a positive note. Despite a recent 118-92 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, Kevin Durant has been a consistent scorer, recently posting 23 points. Devin Booker, averaging 25.5 points per game, had a streak of five consecutive 30-point games before being limited to 15 points against the Cavaliers. Bradley Beal, contributing 14.7 points per game off the bench, is questionable for this matchup due to a sprained left ankle. The Nets (14-30) are struggling, currently on an eight-game home losing streak and holding a 5-20 record since their last meeting with the Suns. In their recent 99-95 loss to the New York Knicks, the team shot 37.2%, their second-lowest percentage this season. D'Angelo Russell and Cameron Johnson combined for 39 points but were inefficient, shooting 12-of-37 from the field. With offensive talents like Durant and Booker, the Suns have the potential for high-scoring games. However, their recent performance against the Cavaliers indicates possible inconsistencies. The Nets have struggled offensively, being held under 100 points for the 12th time this season in their last game. The Nets are 29th in the NBA in scoring with a 106.4 ppg average while the Suns come in at 14th in scoring with a 112.7 ppg average. The Nets will continue to struggle offensively and with that I'm looking at another low scoring game here on Wednesday. Take the UNDER.

The Los Angeles Clippers (20-17) are set to host the Miami Heat (20-17) on Monday at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. The Clippers are coming off a 126-103 loss to the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday. Prior to that, they had won three consecutive home games, showcasing strong performances at Intuit Dome. The Heat secured a 119-98 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday, indicating positive momentum as they continue their road trip. Norman Powell leads the Clippers with an average of 23.5 points per game (PPG). The Heat are led by Tyler Herro with 23.6 PPG, shooting 46.9% from the field and 86.2% from the free-throw line. The Heat are 20-17 O/U this season while the Clippers are 13-24. The Clippers have the worst over record in the NBA while the Heat are a top 8 over team. A bit of a contrast in styles here tonight but I look for the Heat to control the tempo. Today's total is right at 215 and the Clippers have at least 214 total points in their last four games with 229 or more in two of the last three games. I'm going to take the OVER here tonight.

The Oklahoma City Thunder (31-6) are set to face the Washington Wizards (6-30) on Sunday, January 12, 2025, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. The Thunder are leading the Western Conference with a 31-6 record, showcasing a strong season performance. They secured a 126-101 victory against the New York Knicks in their most recent game on Friday. In contrast, the Wizards are at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings with a 6-30 record. They are currently on a five-game losing streak, including a 138-105 loss to the Chicago Bulls on Friday. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads Oklahoma City with impressive averages of 31.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game. Jordan Poole is Washington's top scorer, averaging 21.8 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game. Given the Thunder's dominant form and the Wizards' ongoing struggles, Oklahoma City enters this matchup as the clear favorite. The Wizards will need a significant turnaround to challenge the high-flying Thunder and snap their current losing streak. I'll be looking at the total here today. The Thunder can score a lot of points but you have to believe starters will get a lot of rest in this matchup. Plus the Wizards will have issues against a very good Thunder defense. I'll take the UNDER here on Sunday.

The New York Knicks are set to host the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday at Madison Square Garden. This matchup features two of the NBA's top teams, each aiming to assert dominance in their respective conferences. New York Knicks (25-13): The Knicks recently snapped a three-game losing streak with a 112-98 victory over the Toronto Raptors. Prior to this skid, they had been on a nine-game winning streak, showcasing their potential as a formidable force in the Eastern Conference. Oklahoma City Thunder (30-6): The Thunder are leading the Western Conference standings. Their recent ten-game winning streak was halted by a 129-122 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, the top-ranked team in the East. The two teams last met on January 3, 2025, where the Thunder secured a 117-107 victory over the Knicks, marking their third consecutive win against New York. Both teams boast excellent defensive units and that's what I expect here today, a lower scoring contest. Play the UNDER.

The Atlanta Hawks (19-18) are set to face the Phoenix Suns (16-19) on Thursday at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. The Atlanta Hawks (19-18), are 7th in the Eastern Conference. Recent Performance: The Hawks ended a three-game losing streak with a 124-121 victory over the Utah Jazz in their last outing. Trae Young (PG) averages 20.7 points and 12.0 assists per game, Young is the engine of Atlanta's offense. De'Andre Hunter (SF): Contributes significantly on both ends of the floor. The Suns (16-19) are 12th in the Western Conference. The Suns have struggled recently, losing seven of their past eight games. Kevin Durant (PF) leads the team with 25.8 points per game, Durant remains a dominant scoring threat. Devin Booker (SG) averages 25.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game, Booker is crucial to the Suns' offensive output. The Suns have made strategic adjustments to their lineup in an effort to reverse their recent slump. Reports indicate that Bradley Beal and Jusuf Nurkic will move to the bench, with rookie Ryan Dunn and veteran Mason Plumlee expected to start. The Hawks average 117.3 points per game, ranking 6th in the NBA. The Suns average 111.8 points per game, placing them 15th in the league. The Hawks usually have high scoring games, but tonight's total is around 238 and with a struggling Phoenix team my numbers bring this game in around 227. I'm taking the UNDER here tonight.

The East's 2nd place Boston Celtics take on the West's No 4 Team in the Denver Nuggets. The Celtics have been one of the most dominant teams this season, driven by their potent offense and strong defense. They are averaging 119.3 points per game, ranked 4th in the league, and are allowing only 108.4 points per game (6th in the league). Boston's balanced play makes them a threat on both ends of the floor, especially with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown leading the charge. The Nuggets, led by reigning MVP Nikola Jokic, are a team that relies heavily on their star center. Jokic is averaging 31.5 points per game and orchestrating the offense, making him a constant threat. The Nuggets are more inconsistent than the Celtics but still boast a solid team with players like Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. Denver's offense ranks higher than their defense. The Celtics are among the best defensive teams in the league, holding opponents to just 108.4 points per game. Their defense will be put to the test against Jokic. Both teams are capable of playing fast, but the Celtics might prefer a more controlled pace. Given their defensive prowess and depth, they will want to slow the game down and take advantage of Denver's defensive vulnerabilities. With both teams possessing strong defenses and tendencies to slow down the tempo when necessary, I'm looking at this game to go under the total of 235.5 points. Boston has shown they can control the pace and limit high-scoring affairs, so expect a relatively lower-scoring contest than the over/under suggests.

The Dallas Mavericks (19-10) are set to face the Phoenix Suns (14-14) on Friday at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. Dallas is 19-11 and has seven of its last 10 games. The Mavs average 118.2 ppg while allowing 111.8 ppg. Luka Doncic (Guard) is leading the team with an average of 28.6 points, 7.9 assists, and 1.8 steals per game. The Phoenix Suns are 15-14 and in 8th in the Western Conference. The Sun are coming off a win and have won four of their last 10 games. Kevin Durant (Forward) is averaging 25.8 points and 1.5 blocks per game, Durant remains a pivotal figure in the Suns' lineup. The Mavericks have demonstrated a potent offense, scoring 113 points or more in nine of their last 10 games, The Suns rebounded from their 90 points scored in their loss at Denver with 110 points in the rebound game at home against Denver. This team can score lots of points with with four times in the last eight games that they have eclipsed 120 points. I like the offenses of both teams and this game looks to have lots of end to end action. I'll take the OVER.

It's the Penthouse vs the Outhouse here on Monday in the NBA as the high-flying Cleveland Cavaliers take on the cellar dwelling Utah Jazz. The Cleveland Cavaliers (25-4) host the Utah Jazz (7-20) on Monday at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. The Cavaliers are currently on a four-game winning streak, while the Jazz are looking to build momentum following a rare recent victory. Cleveland 25-4, leads the Eastern Conference. Utah Jazz (7-20) are positioned near the bottom of the Western Conference standings. Cleveland is led by Donovan Mitchell (SG) who is averaging 23.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game. Utah Jazz are led Lauri Markkanen (PF) who leads the team with 18.6 points and 6.3 rebounds per game. The Cavaliers are the second-highest scoring team in the NBA, while the Jazz rank 26th in points scored. Defensively, the Cavaliers are 19th, and the Jazz are 21st in points allowed. Considering the Cavaliers' potent offense and the Jazz's defensive struggles, it's plausible that Cleveland could contribute significantly to the total score. However, the Jazz's lower offensive output may impact the overall scoring. I still like the OVER here tonight, even if the Cavs are the one that need to push it over the posted line. Play the OVER.

The No. 9 Marquette Golden Eagles (10-2, 1-0 Big East) are set to face the Xavier Musketeers (8-4, 0-1 Big East) on Saturday at the Cintas Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. Marquette holds a 10-2 overall record, including a 1-0 mark in Big East play. They have alternated wins and losses in their recent games, indicating some inconsistency. Xavier stands at 8-4 overall and 0-1 in conference play. The Musketeers have faced challenges recently, losing four of their last six games, and are dealing with the significant absence of their leading scorer, Zach Freemantle, due to injury. Marquette guard Kam Jones leads the team with averages of 20.3 points and 6.3 assists per game, playing a pivotal role in Marquette's offensive schemes. Ryan Conwell (Guard) has had to step in and lead Xavier with the loss of Freemantle. Conwell average 23 points in their recent overtime loss to UConn. Losing your leader can definitely throw a wrench in the offense. We have a high total here today in the 150's and I'm taking this game UNDER.

 The Colorado Buffaloes (7-2) are set to host the South Dakota State Jackrabbits (8-4) on Friday at the CU Events Center in Boulder, Colorado. Undefeated at home with a 6-0 record, the Buffaloes are on a seven-game home winning streak. They average 35.3 rebounds per game, ranking fifth in the Big 12 Conference. Forward Trevor Baskin leads the team with 7.0 rebounds per game. The Jackrabbits average 77.4 points per game, outscoring opponents by an average of 10.1 points. They are coming off a 77-63 loss to Nevada on December 11, where senior center Oscar Cluff, who averages 17.3 points and 11.0 rebounds per game, was limited to six points due to an ankle injury. Colorado forward Andrej Jakimovski is averaging 13.0 points per game, Jakimovski is a significant offensive contributor. SD State's Oscar Cluff (Center) leads the team with 17.3 points and 11.0 rebounds per game but is nursing an ankle injury. Colorado aims to extend its home winning streak to eight games, leveraging its strong rebounding and home-court advantage. South Dakota State will look to rebound from their recent loss, depending on the health and performance of key players like Oscar Cluff. SD State has seen recent games trend under as they score much less on the road. Colorado's defense has been good at home and with Cluff nursing a injury I expect the rabbits to get under their scoring average tonight. Take the UNDER.

The New York Knicks (15-9) are set to host the Atlanta Hawks (13-12) in the NBA Cup quarterfinals on Wednesday at Madison Square Garden. Currently fourth in the Eastern Conference, the Knicks have won 12 of their last 17 games. They average 117.8 points per game, ranking seventh in the league, and allow 111.0 points per game defensively. Seventh in the Eastern Conference, the Hawks have shown resilience, including a recent six-game winning streak. They average 117.1 points per game (eighth in the NBA) but have defensive challenges, allowing 119.8 points per game. Jalen Brunson (PG) leads the Knicks with a average of 25.4 points and 7.7 assists per game, Brunson is pivotal in orchestrating the Knicks' offense. Karl-Anthony Towns (C) is contributing 25.1 points and 13.2 rebounds per game, Towns is a dominant force in the paint. Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young leading the league with 12.2 assists per game and averaging 20.9 points, Young is the engine of the Hawks' offense. This quarterfinal matchup is expected to be a high-scoring affair, featuring a compelling point guard duel between Jalen Brunson and Trae Young. Both teams should rack-up the points here on Wednesday. Take the OVER.

The Dallas Mavericks (13-8) will host the Memphis Grizzlies (14-7) on Tuesday, at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. This Western Conference matchup features two teams in strong form, each aiming to improve their standings. The Mavericks have won three consecutive home games, bolstering their confidence. Their offense is spearheaded by Luka Doncic, who recently returned from a wrist injury to deliver a stellar performance with 36 points, 7 rebounds, and 13 assists in a 137-131 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers. The Grizzlies are on a six-game winning streak, elevating them to the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference. Ja Morant's return from an eight-game absence due to a hip injury has been pivotal; he contributed 22 points and 11 assists in a recent 123-98 win over the Portland Trail Blazers. Dallas Luka Doncic is veraging 28.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game, The Grizzlies go when Morant is in the lineup, evidenced by his 20.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 9.1 assists per game, Morant's dynamic play energizes the Grizzlies. With Morant back in the lineup I look to OVER in this game. Both teams should be running up and down the court. Play the OVER.

The Northwestern Wildcats (6-2) will face the Iowa Hawkeyes (6-1) on Tuesday at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa. This game marks the Big Ten opener for both teams, each aiming to establish early conference momentum. Both clubs coming off excellent non-conference schedules. The Wildcats have demonstrated a strong defensive identity this season, allowing an average of 60.5 points per game. Offensively, they have been effective, with notable contributions from guard Jalen Leach, who scored 21 points in a recent 68-50 victory over Pepperdine. The Hawkeyes boast a high-powered offense, averaging 110 points in their latest game against USC Upstate. They have a history of success against Northwestern, winning the last three meetings in Iowa City by an average of 17.3 points. Northwestern guard Jalen Leach is averaging significant points per game, Leach is a pivotal figure in Northwestern's offense. I have to take the Iowa offense with a grain of salt since those big scores came against lower level teams. However, Northwester is a excellent defensive team and that should keep this game under check. Take the UNDER.

Reason: The Chicago Bulls (7-11) are set to face the Washington Wizards (2-13) on Tuesday at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. Both teams have encountered challenges this season, with the Bulls losing four of their last six games and the Wizards enduring an 11-game losing streak. The Bulls have struggled defensively, allowing an NBA-worst 123.9 points per game. Offensively, they rank second in the Eastern Conference with 28.7 assists per game, led by Josh Giddey averaging 6.6 assists. The Wizards are allowing 122.9 points per game, ranking 29th in team defense. They average 12.0 made three-pointers per game, slightly below the 13.4 that the Bulls allow. Historically, the Bulls have a favorable record against the Wizards, leading the all-time series 133-110. In their most recent encounter on April 12, 2024, the Bulls edged out the Wizards 129-127. The Bulls are led Coby White who is averaging 19.1 points and 4.8 assists per game, playing a pivotal role in the Bulls' offense. Washington is led Jordan Poole who leads the Wizards with averages of 21.2 points, 4.9 assists, and 1.9 steals per game. Both of these teams have horrible defenses and we should see a lot of points here on Tuesday. The total is one of the highest we'll see this year at 244. I might be crazy, but I'm going to take this game OVER the total as both teams get into the 120's in this one. Play over.

The Indiana Pacers are set to face the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin as part of the NBA's In-Season Tournament, with both teams aiming to improve their standings in Group B. The Pacers hold a 6-8 overall record and are 2-6 in away games. They are currently on a one-game losing streak, having been defeated by the Miami Heat 124-111 in their first In-Season Tournament game. In that game, Obi Toppin led the team with 21 points, while Tyrese Haliburton contributed 18 points and eight assists. The Bucks have a 5-9 overall record and are 4-3 at home. They secured a 99-85 victory over the Toronto Raptors in their first In-Season Tournament game, with Giannis Antetokounmpo leading the team with 23 points and seven assists. The Pacers have been efficient in field goal shooting, ranking fourth in the league at 48.9%. However, they attempt fewer three-pointers than the league average. The Bucks allow the fifth-most three-point attempts per game, presenting an opportunity for the Pacers to increase their perimeter shooting. The Pacers' defense has struggled, allowing 118.4 points per game, ranking them sixth-last in the league. Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to be a dominant force for the Bucks, averaging 31.4 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game. For the Pacers, Tyrese Haliburton leads with 16.1 points and 8.5 assists per game. This is a perfect matchup to see a lot of points scored. The Pacers were the highest scoring team in the NBA last year and now how one of the best shooting percentages. The Bucks and Pacers should play a fast paced contest here on Friday. Play the OVER.

 Good ole Michigan basketball here on Thursday between two non-conference opponents has the Eastern Michigan Eagles set to face the Oakland Golden Grizzlies at the Athletics Center O'rena in Rochester, Michigan. The Eagles enter the game with a 1-1 record. They began the season with a 64-44 loss to Texas State but rebounded with an 83-58 victory over Siena Heights. In their win against Siena Heights, the Eagles showcased a balanced offensive attack, with multiple players contributing significantly. The Golden Grizzlies hold a 1-1 record. They secured a 75-52 victory over Defiance College but suffered a 75-52 loss to Defiance College. In their win against Defiance, Oakland demonstrated strong defensive capabilities, limiting their opponent's scoring opportunities. Eastern Michigan's ability to distribute scoring among players will be crucial against Oakland's defense. Eastern Michigan has a balanced offensive approach and should be an issue for this Oakland team. Both team should score plenty here on Thursday to push this game OVER the total.

Myrtle Beach Invitational here on Thursday has the South Florida Bulls set to face the Portland Pilots at the HTC Center in Conway, South Carolina. The Bulls enter the game with a 2-2 record. They began the season with losses to Florida and Charleston but have since secured victories against Arkansas-Pine Bluff and West Georgia. In their recent 74-55 win over West Georgia, the Bulls showcased a balanced offensive attack, with multiple players contributing significantly. The Pilots hold a 1-2 record. They secured a 75-52 victory over Defiance College but suffered losses to Oregon and Long Beach State. In their recent 75-52 loss to Long Beach State, the Pilots struggled offensively, highlighting areas needing improvement. The neutral site will add some intrigue to this matchup and I expect to see a high scoring contest. I'm taking the OVER.

The Utah Jazz are set to face the Sacramento Kings on Saturday at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. The Jazz have struggled early in the season, holding a 3-8 record. They are averaging 106.5 points per game, ranking 28th in the league, while allowing 118.5 points per game, placing them 26th defensively. The Kings have been more successful, with a 7-6 record. They are averaging 117.2 points per game, ranking 7th in the league, and allowing 113.8 points per game, placing them 19th defensively. De'Aaron Fox leads the team with 27.3 points per game, while Domantas Sabonis contributes 20.2 points and 12.5 rebounds per game. The Kings' high-scoring offense, led by Fox and Sabonis, will challenge the Jazz's defense, which has struggled to contain opponents. The Jazz will need to improve their defensive strategies to limit Sacramento's scoring opportunities. Both teams have had defensive challenges, but the Jazz's higher points allowed per game indicate a more pressing need for defensive adjustments. I look for a high scoring affair here late on Saturday night. Play the OVER.

 In this Eastern Conference clash, the unbeaten Cleveland Cavaliers (12-0) face off against the struggling Philadelphia 76ers (2-8) at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. The Cavaliers are on a remarkable run, averaging 122.4 points per game, with Donovan Mitchell leading the way at 23.8 points per game. They're also solid defensively, allowing just 110.4 points on average. Meanwhile, the 76ers have had a rough start, scoring an average of 106.2 points per game, with Tyrese Maxey as their top scorer at 27.6 points per game. Defensively, they're allowing 114.2 points per game, and the absence of Joel Embiid due to a knee injury may further weaken their interior defense. Given the Cavaliers' potent offense and the 76ers' challenges, especially without Embiid, Cleveland could capitalize in the paint and maintain their high-scoring momentum. Expect a high-scoring game on Tuesday, making the OVER a promising play.

Extra board action here on Wednesday has the Albany Great Danes and the Dartmouth Big Green meeting from the Edward Leede Arena in Hanover, New Hampshire. The Albany Great Danes (1-1) and their offense has averaged 74.0 points per game over their first two games. They secured a victory against Oneonta with a score of 89-69 but suffered a loss to Army with a score of 67-59. The Great Danes have allowed an average of 68.0 points per game, indicating a solid defensive performance thus far. The Dartmouth Big Green (2-0) has been impressive offensively, averaging 105.0 points per game. They opened the season with a commanding 129-47 win against Northern Vermont University-Lyndon and followed up with an 81-76 victory over Sacred Heart. Though we have to take those games with a bit of salt as they are against such weak opponents. The Big Green have conceded an average of 61.5 points per game, again against two weak opponents. Kind of have to discard those first two games for Dartmouth and as such I'm looking for a much lower scoring contest here on Wednesday. Both teams have shown some good defense and that will be more on display here on Wednesday. Take the UNDER tonight.

The Dallas Mavericks take on the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday at the Chase Center in San Francisco. The Golden State Warriors have started the season strong, holding an 8-2 record, placing them third in the Western Conference. Their offense has been prolific, averaging 115.6 points per game, while their defense allows 108.3 points per game. Stephen Curry continues to lead the team, averaging 28.4 points and 6.2 assists per game. The Dallas Mavericks have a 5-5 record, positioning them 11th in the Western Conference. They average 112.3 points per game offensively and concede 110.7 points per game defensively. Kyrie Irving has been a standout performer, notably scoring 43 points in a recent game against the Denver Nuggets. Klay Thompson's return to the Bay Area as a member of the Mavericks after 13 seasons in Golden State adds a compelling narrative to this game. This will be his first game against the Warriors, making it an emotional and significant event for both Thompson and Warriors fans. Thompson will add another dimension to this Mavs backcourt and should boost the scoring significantly. I'm looking at the OVER here on Tuesday as both teams should score plenty. Play the OVER.

The Los Angeles Clippers (6-4) are set to face the Oklahoma City Thunder (8-2) on Monday at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. The Los Angeles Clippers are currently on a four-game winning streak, including a recent 105-103 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Saturday. They have been effective on the road, boasting a 3-0 record away from home this season. Guard Norman Powell has been a standout performer, averaging 25.5 points per game and shooting an impressive 49.4% from three-point range. James Harden has also contributed significantly, averaging 21.2 points, 9 assists, and 8.1 rebounds per game. The Oklahoma City Thunder have had a strong start to the season, holding an 8-2 record. However, they are coming off a 127-116 loss to the Golden State Warriors on Sunday. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads the team with an average of 26.1 points, 6.2 assists, and 5.8 rebounds per game. The Clippers have been efficient from beyond the arc, with Powell and Harden leading the charge. I'm looking at the over here on Monday. Both teams have been playing well and with the way Harden and Powell have been hitting from the three-point arc they should be able to drive this game over.

The Auburn Tigers are set to face the Houston Cougars on Saturday at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. The Auburn Tigers (1-0) began their season with a commanding 94-43 victory over Vermont on November 6. In that game, forward Johni Broome led the team with 15 points, nine rebounds, and four blocks, showcasing his dominance in the paint. The Houston Cougars (1-0) opened their season with a decisive 97-40 win against Jackson State on November 4. Guard Milos Uzan contributed eight points, seven rebounds, ten assists, and four steals, highlighting his all-around performance. Auburn is led by Johni Broome (F-C) who is averaging 15.0 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 4.0 blocks per game. Houston is led by Milos Uzan (G) who is averaging 8.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, 10.0 assists, and 4.0 steals per game, Uzan plays a pivotal role in Houston's backcourt. The last meeting between these teams was on March 18, 2023, during the NCAA Tournament Round of 32, where Houston secured an 81-64 victory over Auburn. Both teams have demonstrated strong starts to their seasons with dominant opening victories. Auburn's frontcourt, led by Broome, will challenge Houston's interior defense. Both teams have excellent defenses and as such I'm taking the UNDER here on Saturday.

The Southern Miss Golden Eagles are set to face the UAB Blazers on Thursday at Bartow Arena in Birmingham, Alabama. In their season opener on November 4, Southern Miss secured a victory against Bowling Green, winning 85-82. This win sets a positive tone for their season as they prepare to face UAB. UAB also began their season on November 4, 2024, with a game against Vermont at Bartow Arena. However, they suffered a close loss, falling 67-62. Southern Miss Guard Austin Crowley is a pivotal player for the Golden Eagles. In the previous season, he averaged 16.0 points per game, along with 4.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists. His performance will be crucial in leading Southern Miss's offense. UAB Forward Yaxel Lendeborg is a standout for the Blazers. Last season, he averaged 13.9 points and 10.7 rebounds per game, showcasing his ability to dominate the paint. Both teams are coming off contrasting season openers, with Southern Miss getting the win and UAB facing a loss. Both teams looked to be high scoring teams last season. Southern Miss will set a fast pace in this game, lets hope UAB can keep up and that will drive this game OVER the Total. 

 There are 68 games on this opening day of college basketball and I'm looking to the extra board for one game. The Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils are set to face the Iowa State Cyclones at Hilton Coliseum in Ames, Iowa. The Iowa State Cyclones are ranked preseason No. 5 in the polls. The Cyclones are coming off a successful season with a Sweet 16 appearance. They return key players such as junior guard Tamin Lipsey, who averaged 12.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game last season, and senior guard Keshon Gilbert, who led the team with 13.7 points per game. Sophomore forward Milan Momcilovic, who averaged 10.9 points per game, is also expected to make significant contributions. The team is under the guidance of head coach T.J. Otzelberger, who has a record of 70-35 over three seasons at Iowa State. Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils are looking to improve upon their previous season's performance. They have a challenging schedule ahead, starting with this game against a top-ranked opponent. The team is led by head coach George Ivory and will rely on both returning players and new talent to make an impact this season. Iowa State's roster boasts experienced players who have competed at high levels, providing them with a depth. Iowa State returns lots of talent and they are ranked for a reason. They are good. For me, I'm taking this game over the total.

For the Oklahoma City Thunder and Chicago Bulls matchup on October 26, 2024, both teams come in with early-season momentum. Oklahoma City is bolstered by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's standout performances, averaging 28 points, and Chet Holmgren's impressive interior defense and rebounding. The Bulls, led by Zach LaVine's 26 PPG, are coming off a high-scoring win over Milwaukee but need to handle OKC's strong perimeter and interior play. With both teams emphasizing fast-paced, high-scoring games, I look for this game to go OVER the total on Saturday.

Game 4 of the NBA Western Conference Finals and the Dallas Mavericks are on the verge of going to the NBA Finals to meet the Boston Celtics. The Mavs lead this series 3-0 and no team has come back from that deficit to win a series. All three games have gone over with 113, 117 and 123 points scored. The Timberwolves had the top defensive team in the league this year, but they have not been able to stop the Mavs shooting thus far. Injuries are a concern for Dallas with Maxi Kleber questionable, Luka Doncic having knee issues and now Dereck Lively. Lively is one of their star defensive players and he's out for tonight which should open up some scoring opportunities for the Wolves. The Wolves are done in the series, but lets see if they have some life left tonight. I'm taking the OVER.

NBA Western Conference Finals game three tonight moves venues to Dallas. The Minnesota Timberwolves are in a must win situation tonight as they are down 0-2. The Wolves lost both games at home and now in the tough spot of winning on the road. Both games one and two went over the total with 217 and 213 total points scored. Minnesota averaged 112.3 ppg in the regular season and allowed 105.8 ppg. They were the fourth best defensive team in the regular season with Dallas being the 6th best defensive team. The Mavericks are the 2nd best defensive team in the playoffs with the Wolves being fourth best. Defense has been the key for both teams in the postseason even though both first two games have gone over. Luca Doncic is hurting for the Mavs with a knee issue, though he should see action tonight. I am looking for the first game of the series to go under tonight as both teams exert their defense prowess. Play the UNDER.

It's game one of the NBA Eastern Conference Championship with a trip to the NBA Finals as the prize. The Pacers and Celtics face off here in game one from Boston. The Pacers completed a comeback in their series with the Knicks. Down 2-3 they won game six 116-103 and then won the big game seven at New York 130-109 on Sunday. Four of the seven games went over the total. The Pacers were the highest scoring team in the regular season as they scored 121.9 ppg. However, they were also one of the worst defensive teams, allowing 119 ppg. Those numbers went down in the playoffs, like most teams numbers did. They averaged 114.2 ppg and allowed 110.8 ppg during the playoffs. The Boston Celtics dispatched the Cleveland Cavaliers in five games with the clincher coming last Wednesday, 113-98. The Celtics saw three of their five games with the Cavs go over the total. The Celtics averaged 119.2 ppg and allowed 107.9 ppg during the regular season. Those numbers also dropped during the playoffs to 108.1 ppg for and 96.7 ppg against. The Boston Celtics are well rested for game one on Tuesday. They also will be focused on one goal and that's the NBA Championship. This matchup will be the Pacers offense vs the Celtics defense. The Celtics being the 2nd best defensive team during the playoffs. The Pacers ability to hit the three-point shot will be a key factor. They score a lot of points from beyond the 3-point arc. In both of the Celtics losses in the playoffs this year they gave up a lot of 3-pointers. No doubt the Celtics are the prohibitive favorites and hold most edges in this matchup. But if the Pacers can hit their three-pointers they could make these games close. Here in game one I look for the Celtics to score plenty of points and if the Pacers can hit some three's then this game will be high scoring. I'm taking the OVER in game one.

Game six of this NBA Western Conference 2nd Round series between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks. The Thunder are down 2-3 and in a must win spot here on Saturday. They are coming off a loss at Oklahoma City in game five, 92-104, as a 4.5 point favorite. Four of the five games in this series have gone UNDER as we've seen the total start at 218.5 and slowly drop to today's lowest total of 209.5. The Thunder averaged 118.5 ppg during the regular season and have dropped to 104.6 ppg in the playoffs. They have also seen their defense go from allowing 111.2 ppg to just 97.4 ppg. Dallas averaged 116.4 ppg during the regular season and 105.5 ppg in the playoffs. They have allowed 114 ppg in the regular season to 102 ppg in the playoffs. This has been a low scoring series and I don't see much to change that outcome here on Saturday. Expect to see defense continue to shine here in game six on Saturday. Play the UNDER.

A pivotal game five of this best of seven Western Conference clash has the teams tied at 2-2 as the Clippers host the Mavericks here on Wednesday. The Mavericks took game one, then lost games two and three before winning game four. The team that wins tonight basically has to win just one of the final two games. The Clippers won game four at Dallas, 116-111. Kawhi Leonard missed the game again for the Clips but Paul George and James Harden stepped up with 33 points each in game four. The Clippers almost blew a 31-point lead in that game but held off a big Dallas comeback for the win. That game four was also the first game in the series that went over. In fact, Dallas has gone under in six of their last seven games. Dallas is well below their regular season average of 117.1 ppg as they are scoring just 101.3 ppg. They are also allowing 102 ppg compared to their 115 allowed in the regular season. The Clippers have averaged 102 ppg in the postseason compared to their 115 ppg in the regular season. They are allowing 101.3 ppg in the playoffs compared to their 111.8 ppg in the regular season. I'm sticking with the UNDER tonight, especially if Leonard can't go again for the Clippers. Play the UNDER.

Probably the best series of these first round is this one between the Orlando Magic and Cleveland Cavaliers. Cavaliers opened the series with a pair of wins at home. The Magic answered with two straight at home including last game 112-89. They have seen three of the four in the series go UNDER the total. Now the venue reverts back to Cleveland for game five. Franz Wagner finished with 34 points for the Magic and outscored the Cavaliers all by himself in the third quarter. The Cavs scored 60 points in the first half but could manage just 10 points in the third quarter as the Magic outscored them by 27-points. The Magic have been great at home, winning six straight, but horrible on the road by losing six straight. Orlando has averaged just 100 points in the playoffs compared to its 110 ppg in the regular season. Their defense has been excellent, allowing just 91.3 ppg in the playoffs. The Cavs 91.3 ppg in the postseason is well below their 111.6 ppg in the regular season. The Magic defense has done a great job but still faces going down 2-3 in this series unless they can change their road woes. For me, I'm taking this game under as both teams playing much better defense then offense. Take the UNDER.

The Philadelphia 76ers face elimination in their best of seven series with the NY Knicks. The Sixers are down 1-3 as they return to New York here on Tuesday. The Knicks took game four in Philly, 97-92. They held the Sixers to just 35.4% from the field and 27.3% from the 3-point arc. The Knicks Jalen Brunson had a playoff career high 47 points. As for the Sixers, when Joel Embiid is out of the line they falter badly. That caused him to have to play the entire second half of that game four loss. I'll be looking at the under in tonight's contest. The Sixers have seen their scoring drop dramatically in the playoffs to just 105.4 ppg from a regular season of 114.1 ppg. However, the defense has been much better also, going from 111.2 ppg in the regular season to 106 ppg in the playoffs. The Knicks have also seen the scoring go way down from 112.5 ppg in the regular season to just 106.5 ppg in the playoffs. But like Philly, the defense is better going from 108.1 ppg to 105.5 ppg. Embiid is hurting and he's playing. Good news for the Knicks is that center Robinson should be back tonight and he will give Embiid even more problems. I'll take this game UNDER.

 The LA Lakers staved off elimination in game four of their series with the Denver Nuggets back in LA. After losing the first three games the Lakers won game four, 119-108 covering the +3.5 point spread and going over. The Lakers have been a good over play all season, especially on the road where they are 27-16 O/U. They average 116.1 ppg and allow 119.5 ppg on the road this year. Denver is 4-2-1 O/U in their last six games. They average 118 ppg at home this year while allowing 108.4 ppg. Considering what the Lakers allow on the road, I won't be surprised to see the Nuggets get past the 120 mark. The Lakers are shooting 49.9% from the field against a good defense. Plus the Nuggets attempt way more three-point shots at home then they do on the road. I expect a lot of points in this one as the Lakers go all out to stay alive for one more game. Play the OVER.

The Knicks and Sixers continue their best of seven game series here today from Philadelphia. The Sixers finally got a win in game three, 125-114. The Knicks led at half but a big second half by Sixers star Joel Embiid led to the come from behind and much needed win by Philly. They shot a blistering 54.7% from the field and 48.4% from the 3-point arc. The Knicks could also be without their center Mitchell Robinson who hurt his knee and is listed as questionable for today's contest. Embiid may do even better today if Robinson can't go. He scored 50 points in the Sixers game three win. The loss of Robinson could be huge here today for the Knicks as he's been dominant on the boards. Without him in game three's second half, the Sixers took over on the boards. This looks to be a close game here on Sunday and as such I'm taking the UNDER as both teams will likely slow the pace. Play the UNDER.

Game two of the NCAA Final Four has Alabama taking on powerhouse Connecticut. The Alabama Crimson Tide lost in their conference tourney to Florida, 88-102, but have gained momentum in the NCAA tourney with wins over Charleston (109-96), Grand Canyon (72-61), North Carolina (89-87) and last game over Clemson, 89-82. They have gone over in three of their four NCAA tourney games. In addition they have gone over in six of their last seven games and 13 of their last 15 overall games. This team can score in bunches, evidenced by their 90.6 ppg average this year. They are also 7-1 O/U in their eight tourney games this year. The U Conn Huskies are the odds on favorite to win it all and their play has proved they deserve their title. They have run rough shot over the competition. They not only won their conference tourney over Marquette, 73-57, but have won all four tourney games over Stetson (91-52), Northwestern (75-58), San Diego State (82-52) and last game over Illinois, 77-52. In their game vs Illinois they opened the game up in the first half with a 30-0 run! Now they face the best offensive team they have faced in this tourney. No doubt the Huskies will score and score a lot vs a porous Alabama defense. The question is can they keep the Crimson Tide from scoring like they have. I look for this to be an offensive explosion here tonight. I'm taking the OVER.

The Indiana Pacers look to hold onto their slim lead in the East race as they sit 6th right now with a half game lead over Miami and two game lead over Philly. That 6th spot is important since it's the final guaranteed playoff spot without having to go to the play-in round. The Pacers still lead the NBA in scoring with a 122.9 ppg average. They also are one of the worse defense teams, allowing 120.4 ppg. The Pacers have won two straight games after beating Brooklyn in their last game, 133-111, as a 12.5-point favorite. They went over their last game and are 3-2 O/U in their last five games. The Pacers away games have averaged 242.5 points per game. They are also 18-19 O/U on the road this year. The Nets are falling further and further out of the postseason picture. They now trail 10th place Atlanta by 6.5-games after going 3-7 the last 10 games. The Nets have gone over in three of their last four games. They average 113 points at home this year with a 19-18 O/U mark. These teams just met and that game went over. I expect the same here tonight with another over game.

Big game here tonight in the NBA Eastern Conference as the Chicago Bulls host the Atlanta Hawks. These two teams are separated by just 1.5-games in the standings. The Bulls hold the 9th postseason spot while the Hawks have the 10th and final spot. Good news is that the 11 place Nets are a good 5.5-games back. The Hawks had their four game win streak snapped last game at home to the Bucks, 113-122. That concluded a 5-game home stand in which they went 4-1 S/U and ATS. Now they hit the road where they were 1-4 S/U and ATS in their last road swing. In fact, the Hawks are just 12-23 ATS on the road this season. The Chicago Bulls look to turnaround a recent slum that has seen the team go 2-4 S/U and ATS their last six games. They are coming off a big win at Minnesota, 109-101 as a 8.5-point dog. The Bulls are 17-20-1 ATS at home this season. The Hawks have been playing well of late, including a pair of wins over the best team in the NBA the Boston Celtics. Plus the Bulls have a pair of starters who will miss this game in Caruso and Dosunmu both have injuries. Add to that fact that the Bulls are not a deep team. They also are playing the 2nd of a back to back spot here tonight after beating Minnesota last night. That's difficult enough to do let alone missing key elements. Atlanta has a very good offense, ranked 8th in the NBA. That has turned into seven straight over plays for the Hawks. They are 39-33-1 O/U on the season with their games averaging 239.7 ppg. The Bulls have been a good over team of late, going 7 -3 O/U in their last 10 games. They are also 20-18 O/U at home this year. Tough spot to pick a side here, but I do like this game to go over the total with the Hawks setting the pack. Play OVER.

NIT Quarterfinals action here tonight has Georgia travelling to Columbus to face Ohio State. The Georgia Bulldogs improved to 19-16 on the season with a pair of wins in the NIT over Xavier, 78-76, and then their last game over Wake Forest, 72-66, as a 7-point dog. They have gone under in both their NIT games thus far. In fact, the dogs are 2-6 O/U in their last eight games and 1-5 O/U in their six tourney games this year. Ohio State is 22-13 after winning a pair of NIT games. They beat Cornell in their opening game, 88-83, and then Virginia Tech in their last game, 81-73, as a 6-point favorite. Both those games going over their posted total. This is a contrast of styles with the slower Georgia team taking on the faster Ohio State club. This total is pretty high tonight in the 150's and I like Georgia to control the pace. That means the UNDER with this matchup.

The Dallas Mavericks making a push for that final guaranteed playoff spot as they trail Sacramento for 6th place by just a half game. The Suns are tied with the Mavs for that final spot too. If they fall below 6th then it's the play-in round for the Mavs. The San Antonio Spurs have the worst record in the West at 15-53 and are eliminated from postseason play. The Spurs are coming off a win at home over Brooklyn, 122-115, as a 2.5-point dog. The game also went over the 218 total line. The Spurs are 16-14 O/U at home this year as they average 114.3 ppg and allow 119.5 ppg at home. Dallas is coming off a win at home over Denver, 107-105, as a 1-point dog. The Mavs winning that game on a last second shot by Kyrie Irving. They have won five of their last six games and covered all six. The Mavs have been a good over team on the road with a 19-12-1 O/U record. They average 118.1 ppg and allow 119.2 ppg on the road this season. Should be plenty of points scored in this one tonight. Play the OVER.

East vs West here on Monday in the NBA as the Portland Trailblazers travel to the Windy City to take on the Chicago Bulls. The Bulls are 9th in the East, 2.5-games ahead of 10th place Atlanta and 7-games ahead of 11th place Brooklyn. They are also five games back of the last guaranteed playoff spot held by Indiana. The Portland Trailblazers are officially eliminated from the playoffs. They are 19-48. The Blazers have lost two straight games and six of their last eight. They went over in their last game at New Orleans with a 107-126 final. They have gone over in five of their last seven games. They average 107.7 ppg while allowing 115.9 ppg on the season. Chicago is coming off a win at home vs Washington, 127-98. They went over in that game and are 3-0 o/u their last three games. The Bulls average 112.1 ppg while allowing 113.6 ppg. They are 18-16 o/u at home this season. The Bulls will determine the total results here today. If they score a lot, like I expect, then this game will go over. Play the OVER.

 The Boston Celtics continue their West coast swing here tonight at Utah. The Celtics are cruising in the East conference with a 8.5 game lead over 2nd place Milwaukee. The Celtics had little difficulty last night in Portland, as they cruised to a 121-99 win over the Blazers as a 12-point favorite. That makes them 2-1 on this West Coast trip as they lost their opener at Denver, 109-115 then beat Phoenix, 117-107 and then their win last night. The Celtics are averaging 120.8 ppg and allowing 109.7 ppg. The Utah Jazz are 12th in the West, two spots out of the final postseason play-in spot. They are now 6-games back of the postseason and dropping fast as they are just 2-8 their last 10 games. They are coming off a loss at Denver, 121-142, as a 12.5-point dog. They have gone over in four straight games as they allow over 120 ppg on the season. The Jazz are also 17-13-1 O/U at home, mainly because they are scoring 123.2 ppg on their home court. I like this one to go over tonight as both teams should get plenty of points. Play OVER.

West vs East clash here today has the Dallas Mavericks heading to MoTown to take on the Detroit Pistons. Dallas is 8th right now in the West standings, meaning they have a postseason play-in spot right now. However, they are just two games back of 6th place Phoenix and that guaranteed playoff spot. With the Rockets now seven games back of the Mavs they only need to look forward at this point. Detroit hasn't been eliminated from the playoffs, but trailing 10th place Atlanta by 18.5-games means that today could be the day for that to happen. The Pistons are just 10-52 on the season and only Washington is worse with a 10-53 record. I'm looking at the OVER here today. The Mavs are 4-2 O/U their last six games. They average 118.7 ppg on the season and 116.9 ppg on the road. They are also a better over team on the road with a 17-11-1 O/U mark. Detroit has gone over in two straight games vs Miami and last game vs Brooklyn, 118-112. The Pistons give up a lot of points, 120.8 ppg overall and 119.2 ppg at home. I look for plenty of points out of both teams here tonight. Take the OVER.

The Brooklyn Nets are fighting for a postseason spot and right now they are out of the picture. They are 11th in the East, two games back of Atlanta for that final spot. The Nets have won three of their last four games. But tonight I'm looking at their totals. The Nets have gone under in six of their last seven games. They are also 26-34 O/U overall on the season and 10-17 O/U onthe road. The Memphis Grizzlies won't make the playoffs this year. They are 13th in the West, 10.5-games back of the final spot. They have also lost five straight games after dropping two in a row to Portland. They have gone under in four of their last six games. The Grizzlies are also 26-35 O/U on the season. The Grizzlies have scored 100 points or fewer in four of their last five games. With Ja Morant out for the season, this team struggles to find points. I don't play many games under the total, but I will here tonight with these two teams. Play UNDER.

After dropping out of the top scoring spot in the NBA, the Indiana Pacers are back on top with their 125.8 ppg average. They also have the 2nd best average pace at 102.8 and the 2nd best average speed. The problem is defense, the Pacers are the 3rd worst defensive team in the league at 124 ppg average. The Knicks are the third best rebounding team in the NBA at 46.1 rpg. The Knicks are a very good defensive team, ranked 2nd overall at 109.3 ppg allowed. The Pacers had their three game win streak snapped last game by Boston, but did cover the spread. The Pacers currently sit 6th in the East and that's important. If you finish at least sixth, you don't have to play in the NBA play-in tournament at the end of the season. The Knicks are arguably the hottest team in the NBA, having won eight straight games. They made a big trade for forward Anunoby by releasing both Barrett and Quickly. Many did not think this was a good trade, but it has worked out well for the Knicks. The Knicks have been battling injuries as Julius Randle is expected out for a while and Anunoby had to sit out last game vs Utah with an elbow injury but should play tonight. The Pacers won the first matchup between these teams at home by 14-points. This will be a contrast of styles as the fast paced Indiana team will take on the defensive oriented and slow paced Knicks. I've been high on the Knicks of late, but the injuries will be hard to overcome tonight against this high scoring Pacers team. Take the points with Indiana. As for the Total, since I like the Pacers I have to believe they will run and run in this game and being the highest scoring team pull the Knicks into their style. Take the OVER also here on Monday. 

The Toronto Raptors playing in the 2nd of a back-to-back spot here tonight. They jumped out to a big lead early on Wednesday vs the Miami Heat and never looked back in their win, 121-97, as a 3-point dog. Toronto is now 16-25 S/U and 20-21 ATS on the season. Prior to last night's game, the Raptors have gone over in five of their last six and nine of their last 12 games. The Raptor average just over 112 ppg at home and just over 115 points overall. The Bulls had last night off after their loss at Cleveland on Tuesday, 91-109, as a 4.5-point dog. That was their first under in their last five games. The Bulls average 110 ppg and allow 112.4 ppg on the season. They are 6-13 S/u and 7-11-1 ATS on the road and have gone over in 11 of their 19 away games. I expect both teams to get plenty of points in this contest on Thursday. I'll be on the OVER.

PAC 12 Matchup here on Sunday has Washington taking on Utah. The Washington Huskies are 8-4 S/U 7-5 ATS and 6-6 Over/Under. They have averaged 81.8 ppg while allowing 74.3 ppg. On the road the Huskies are 1-1 both S/U and ATS and O/U. They are coming off a loss at Colorado, 69-73, as a 8.5-point dog and the game went under the 156.5 total. That is their second straight under and fourth in the last five games. Utah is 10-2 S/U and 8-4 ATS and averages 80.6 ppg while allowing just 67.6 ppg. At home those number are even better with a 83.6 ppg average and 62.4 ppg against for a +21.1 scoring margin. The Utes are just 2-5 O/U at home this year. The Utes are coming off a home win over Washington State, 80-58, as a 8-point favorite with the game going under. In fact, they have gone under in four straight games. I like the under today. Utah plays very good defense, better at home and this is a big total to get over. Take UNDER.

New life has been breathed back into the Memphis Grizzlies since the return of their star guard Ja Morant. Morant miss all of the season until Dec 19 when he returned from his suspension to score 34 points and the game winning buzzer beater to beat New Orleans, 115-113. The Grizzlies are 3-0 both S/U and ATS since his return and have scored 115, 116 and last game 125 in their win over Atlanta. They play the Pelicans for the 2nd time in the last four games. The Pelicans are 17-13 S/U and ATS. New Orleans averages 115.7 ppg while allowing 113.3 ppg. I look for this game to go over here on Tuesday. The Grizzlies have been much higher scoring team with the return of Morant. Play the OVER.

The early game of our two game package here on Monday has the Milwaukee Bucks travelling to New York to take on the Knicks. The Bucks are the 2nd highest scoring team in the NBA, averaging 124.6 ppg. They are 22-7 S/U and 13-16 ATS on the season. They are also 19-10 over/under overall. The Bucks are just as prolific on the road as they average 122.8 ppg and have a 7-4 o/u record. The Bucks have won seven straight games and have gone over in five of those. They are coming off a win at the Knicks on Saturday, 130-111, but going under the 244.5 total. The Knicks are 16-12 S/U and 15-12-1 ATS on the season. They average 114.6 ppg and allow 112 ppg. While these teams met a few days ago, I'll take them over in this rematch. Play the OVER.