San Antonio at L.A. Lakers 10:30 ET

Spurs (+) over Lakers- The Los Angeles Lakers have won three last three meetings including twice already this season and eight of the past nine meetings. San Antonio has dropped their last three games and this will be their third straight road game. Both of these clubs are midland teams that will stay around the break even mark all season. The Lakers of course because of the fires in LA had one game canceled and of all things even with LA head coach JJ Riddick’s house turning to ashes the Lakers are playing in LA as opposed to some other venue. It doesn’t help today as distraction in the smog laden city  isnworse than ever. Take SAN ANTONIO!

UCLA at Rutgers 6:30 ET

Scarlet Knights (+) over Bruins- Both of these clubs won for ‘us’ earlier in the season but have disappointed us lately and both are on three game skids. Rutgers has been without their top player Dylan Harper who has to return to form tonight. UCLA is another team that has been affected by the wild fires in LA and they are not professionals like the Rams and Lakers and it should weigh heavy on their heads. Take SCARLET KNIGHTS!

Sacramento at Chicago 3:30 ET

Bulls (+) over Kings- This price seem a bit off to me but I could not turn down a play on Chicago as they are battling tough having won five of their last seven games. But, the hottest team in the NBA aside from the super teams has to be Sacramento who has won six straight which came on the heels of a six-game losing streak. The winning streak by the Kings influenced to number and I better understand the line. The Kings under new coach Doug Christie are playing their best basketball of the season as these two meet for the first time this year. Kings off of a road win at Boston on Friday and will not have the same intensity here. Take CHICAGO!

Michigan State at Northwestern 12:00 ET

Wildcats (+) over Spartans- This seems to me to be a very short number for Michigan State to be favored after all they have won eight straight and 11 of 12 . Northwestern just dropped a pair on their most current road trip to Purdue and Penn State. The Wildcats have gotten the best of the Spartans against the number covering the last for meetings. For some unknown reason no matter who good MSU is or how bad NW might seem they always play  tough against  this opponent. Take NORTHWESTERN!

Tennessee at Texas 6:00 ET

Longhorns (+) over Volunteers- Texas is finding out that playing basketball in the SEC can be very treacherous as playing an SEC football schedule. The Longhorns are 0-2 in conference play while Tennessee the No. 1 team in the nation was taken apart at Florida 73-43 on Wednesday. Texas has also dropped their last two games to Texas A&M and at home to Auburn (they made it close but were never in it). The Volunteers have done it with the No. 2 ranked defense allowing just 57.1 PPG but it is a different game on the road. Take TEXAS!

Florida at Arkansas 4:00 ET

Razorbacks (+) over Gators- The Florida Gators bounced back from their first loss of the season after 13 straight wins with a convincing 73-43 beat down of Tennessee. Arkansas is 8-1 SU at home with the lone loss to Mississippi which happened on Wednesday as they enter this fray having dropped the last two one of which was at Tennessee 76-52. So, the Gators crush Vols, Razorbacks get crushed by Vols. Hence...take ARKANSAS!  

Connecticut at Georgetown 2:00 ET

Huskies (-) over Hoyas- Can this really be happening...no not so much the Connecticut is now allowing others the play with the ball, but Georgetown...is this real. They have been so bad for so long it is difficult to give them the respect that they most assuredly deserve. The Hoyas are 12-3 (a half game better than UConn) and have been doing it the way of the past with defense. They once possessed one of the best full court pressure defenses and they are doing it again with only four of their 15 games going over the total. Connecticut has had some injury issues which continue today and they have yet to find that mesh which led them to two straight National Championships. Take GEORGETOWN!

Kansas at Cincinnati 2:00 ET

Bearcats (+) over Jayhawks- Waddled with three losses already the prideful Jayhawks look to straighten out their issues and they started with defense in the 2nd half allowing Arizona State 13 total points. Cincinnati who was 10-1 and ranked in the Top-25 have dropped three straight including getting blown away 68-48 at Baylor on Tuesday. There were a number of logistic problems that arose in Waco  before and after the game and they never got focused and never were in it. This time the will be ready for their biggest challenge of the season. Take CINCINNATI!

UCLA at Maryland 8:00 ET

Terrapins A(-) over Bruins- The New Year has not been good for either of these clubs as they have both lost a pair of contests. UCLA lost at Nebraska and against at home against Michigan while Maryland got swept on their west coast swing losing at Oregon and Washington. The Bruins were goods to us while defeating Oregon, Arizona and Gonzaga as their defense wasn’t up to par. he Terrapins are happy to return East where a team from the left coast now has to make adjustments. Take MARYLAND!

Oklahoma City at New York 7:3 0ET

Knicks (+) over Thunder- OKC has had their way with New York winning the last three meetings and six of the past seven including a home win and cover last Wednesday and are looking to even the score at MSG. The Thunder just had their 15 game winning streak end at Cleveland as the NBA’s best as of now took them down 129-122. NY is 12-5 at home and are rarely an underdog here. Take NEW YORK!

Golden State at Indiana 7:00 ET

Pacers (-) over Warriors- It seems that the more action I see being wagered on Golden State the larger the Pacers become as favorites. Indiana has beaten the Warriors the past two meetings and five of six including a win two days before Christmas 111-105 at Golden State. The Warriors have to be just that as they are a bunch of walking wounded and will be without Andrew Wiggins for personal reasons. Take INDIANA!

New Orleans at Philadelphia 7:00 ET

Pelicans (+) over 76ers- Poor New Orleans it is either one thing or another that destroys the city and the basketball team and even come to think of it to the football team as well. The Pelicans are beginning to mend as they get healthy with the return of oft injured Zion Williamson. Philadelphia has also had to deal with injuries and have been very inconsistent. The Pels have dropped two straight at home but have defeated the 76ers the last two meetings. Take NEW ORLEANS!

Purdue at Rutgers 6:00 ET

Scarlet Knights (+) over Boilermakers- Leave it to educators (I used to be one) to once again have their number bass-ackwards. Rutgers has played 15 games and has seven losses and yet they are ranked on the Top-25. Like in Football when the Big Ten has 18 teams and the Big -12 has 16 teams and the Pac-12 has two teams, so I guess a team with seven losses isn’t a stretch to be ranked. Purdue (11-4) who is ranked No. 20 have posted three straight conference wins after losing their opener at Penn State. The Scarlet Knights have dropped their last two games and 3 of 4 but have one Big Ten win and it is over Penn State. Take RUTGERS!

Penn State at Illinois 9:00 ET

Nittany Lions (+) over Illini- Penn State enters this Big Ten fray as a beaten favorite falling to Indiana 77-71 at home ending a four-game win streak. No. 13 Illinois returns home after a pair of West coast wins over Washington and Oregon but has lost the last four meetings against the Nittany Lions and are 3-7 ATS in the last 10 meetings. Both of these clubs are high scoring with the better defense being played by the Illini but not that big a difference. Take PENN STATE!

Oklahoma City at Cleveland 7:00 ET

Thunder (+) over Cavaliers- A battle between the NBA’s best (Boston might have something to say about that before it is all said and done) who are head and shoulders about the rest of the field. Cleveland got off to that record setting start and at 30-4lead the NBA with Oklahoma City close behind at 30-6 SU. Both are stellar ATS with OKC 24-9-3 and the Cavaliers 24-10 ATS. The difference in styles comes from the Thunder playing defense while Cleveland is looking to outscore you. That 15-0 start by the Cavs has been met by the Thunder who will make it 16 straight with a win tonight. Take OKLAHOMA CITY!

Mississippi at Arkansas 8:00 ET

Rebels (+) over Razorbacks- Now coaching Arkansas John Calipari took over a squad that has defeated Mississippi seven of the past nine meetings and hold a 52-34 all-time series record. The Razorbacks were just beaten 76-52 by No. 1 Tennessee last time out on Saturday while the Rebels opened SEC play with a 63-51 win over Georgia at home on Saturday. More of the same here. Take MISSISSIPPI!

Michigan at UCLA 10:00 ET

Bruins (-) over Wolverines- UCLA suffered their first Big Ten basketball defeat at of all places but Nebraska, who are not known for the cage play but their gridiron action of course. The Bruins were without their top shooting and play making guard Eric Dailey Jr. UCLA is a perfect 8-0 SU at home while the Wolverines are 2-0 in true road games Take MICHIGAN!

Nebraska at Iowa 8:00 ET

Hawkeyes (+) over Cornhuskers- Iowa is coming off of one of their worst losses in decades as Wisconsin destroyed the Hawkeyes 116-85 in Madison. Nebraska coach Fred Hoiberg has his club playing great defense as the just shut down UVLA on Saturday holding the Bruins to their season low shooting just 36%. Iowa does not play defense on the same level as the Cornhuskers. Take NEBRASKA!

Cincinnati at Baylor 8:00 ET

Bears (-) over Bearcats- Both of these clubs are coming off of losses and are looking to regroup. Cincinnati fell from their Top-25 ranking after their second straight defeat while Baylor was annihilated by Iowa State. Cincinnati plays really tough defense and have allowed just 60.5 PPG and that will be the difference as Bearcats are just 2-10 to the over. Take CINCINNATI!

Phoenix at Charlotte 7:00 ET

Hornets (+) over Suns- This has been a one sided series for a while now as Phoenix has won the past seven meetings and 9-of-10 and this will be the their first meeting of the season. he Suns ended a four game losing streak last night as our Power Play winner last night while the Hornets have dropped 10 straight games but have the return of two starters LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller who have been out over a week. Take CHARLOTTE!

Arizona at West Virginia 7:00 ET

Mountaineers (+) over Wildcats- These two will meet for the second time this season with West Virginia already having defeated the Wildcats 83-76 in overtime in the Battle-4 Atlantis tournament. Things are different this time around as Arizona has fallen out of the Top-25 and West Virginia has moved in. The Wildcats offense will be the difference as the average 85 PPG ranking No. 17 ans No. 13 in rebounds while the Mountaineers average 75.6 ranked No. 179. Revenge is sweet. Take ARIZONA!

Kentucky at Georgia 7:00 ET

Bulldogs (+) over Wildcats- These two SEC clubs are both 12-2 on the season with Kentucky having beaten three teams ranked in the Top-1p defeating Florida, Duke and Gonzaga. Georgia just lost their SEC opener to Mississippi Saturday ending a seven-game winning streak. The Bulldogs shot just 2-for-18 from the three point stripe and they’ll do better than that tonight. Take GEORGIA!

Miami at Sacramento 10:00 ET

Heat (+) over Kings- Bye bye love...the Heat have cooled off with the suspension of Jimmy Butler but what did they expect? haven’t this happened everywhere he has been. Well Miami has dropped three in-a-row and the are off a mugging of Golden State 129-99 last night. The Kings return home after a one game road trip and have won their last four so the number is very inviting but I believe the Heat have more grit...Take MIAMI!

LA Clippers at Minnesota 8:00 ET

Timberwolves (-3) over Clippers- Wolves will be going for the series sweep as they have defeated LAC twice already with wins five days apart in Nov. 29 & Dec 4. This will be LA’s second game with the return of Kawhi Leonard and they won his debut 131-105 over Atlanta. The Wolves have dropped their last three and are off of a Saturday loss at Detroit. But, times is a charm...take MINNESOTA!

Phoenix at Philadelphia 7:00 ET

Suns (+) over 76ers- I resisted giving this game so much that I realized it had to be a play (kinda twisted but it might work). Phoenix has lost seven of the last eight and it looks to be getting worse as players are moping around admitting their ‘vibes were low’. After a very slow start Philadelphia has won 11 of the last 16 as Ebiid increases his playing time. But, it is time for the Suns to shine...take PHOENIX!

Wisconsin at Rutgers 7:00 ET

Scarlet Knights (+) over Badgers-  Rutgers has been able to hang with the Badgers winning three of the past five meetings including the last time they played in New Jersey as a 3-point underdog winning 57-56 outright. The Scarlet Knights had a rough spell without Dylan Harper but he returns and teams up with Ace Bailey who already holds the freshman single game scoring record. Take RUTGERS!

Sacramento at Golden State 8:30 ET

Kings (+) over Warriors- These two met four times last year and Golden State  won the first meeting but Sacramento rallied and won the final three games between the two. Off of a six game losing streak the Kings have posted three straight wins and are a respectable 7-7 SU on the road. This line seem rather shallow as Golden State was a 6.5-point favorite over the Kings just over a year ago. Take SACRAMENTO!

LA Lakers at Houston 7:00 ET

Lakers (+) over Rockets- The Rockets are on the upswing and believe it or not so are The Los Angeles Lakers who have won four-in-a-row and 7-of-8 while also going 7-1 ATS. This is the first meeting of the season and these two split four games last season and in the last meeting Houston was a 1-point dog at home and won big 135-119. But now they are laying points and James and Davis will keep it close. Take the LA LAKERS!!

Maryland at Oregon 4:00 ET

Terrapins (+) over Ducks- Both clubs are coming off losses but the beating that No. 7 Oregon took made the record books. Illinois pounded the Ducks 109-77 for the largest margin of victory ever over a Top-10 ranked team. The Terrapins at the same time were being taken down by Washington 75-69 ending a mini 3-game winning streak and a 8-of-9 run. The Terps offense scores more and their defense allows less. Take MARYLAND!

New York at Chicago 8:00 ET

Bulls (+) over Knicks- New York went all out to win their game at Oklahoma City last night with every starter playing at least 40 minutes. The Knicks were on a nine game win streak and held a nine-point lead entering the final quarter and then tired legs gave out and they were out-scored by 37-19. The Knicks reserves were outscored 44-5. In today’s game they should be entitled to time off as a management break. These two have split their last six meetings with the Bulls capturing a win in mid November. Take CHICAGO!

Texas at Texas A&M 8:00 ET

Longhorns (+) over Aggies- A pair of SWC teams, oh wait, no more...these two SEC teams have added quality to an already pumped up conference. No. 19 Texas chases and old rival under a different banner but the intensity is the same. Texas has been taking it to the Aggies in head-to-head action winning six of the last seven meetings and 43 of the last 53 meetings. These two clubs are on a par on defense as A&M only allows 62.6 PPG ranking No. 21 while the Longhorns allow 62.0 points ranking No. 16. But, it is on offense that Texas has the advantage averaging 84.5 ranking No. 29 while the Aggies score 76.2 ranking No. 176. Take TEXAS!

Arizona at Cincinnati 2:30 ET

Bearcats (-) over Wildcats- How is it at 7-5 that Arizona is ranked No. 24 in the nation and they had to win their last three in get where they are. The Wildcats have a pair of 7-foot centers and as a matter of fact their 7’2” center Krivas is out. Cincinnati (11-2) is off to a great start but are coming off of a lost at Kansas State 70-67 where they surrendered 11 points above their defensive average. The Bearcats keep opponents to 59.5 PPG ranking No. 5 in the nation. Defense rules but the Wildcats lay it to and have experience.! Take ARIZONA!

Duke at SMU 2:30 ET

Mustangs (+) over Blue Devils- New to the ACC SMU made a splash in football and look to impress in basketball but the difference in ACC action between football and basketball is dramatic. Staying on the hardwood it is the Mustangs that lead the conference in scoring averaging 87.2 points per game while Duke is the ACC’s top defensive team allowing only 59 points per game. The Blue Devils are ranked No. 4 in the nation and the bookies have a time  making them favorites. That to me is a no confidence! Take SMU!

UCLA at Nebraska 2:00 ET

Cornhuskers (+) over Bruins- UCLA has been bery, bery good to us! We had them as winners against Arizona. Gonzaga and Oregon and against them in their loss to North Carolina. Nebraska is sporting the same 11-2 SU record going 8-5 ATS while the Bruins have covered nine of 13.  In a match up of styles these two are very similar making defense the focal point of their game. This should be a low scoring affair in which free throws may spell the difference and it is the weakest part of the Bruins game hitting just 68% while the Huskers are hitting 77%. Take NEBRASKA!

New York at Oklahoma City 8:00 ET

Knicks (+) over Thunder- These two clubs have won 22 straight games between them as New York is on a nine-game win streak and the defending division champions have won 13 straight and one more win will equal the franchise high which was established while the team was in Seattle. The Knicks are the highest scoring team in the NBA averaging 117.9 points per game. Take NEW YORK!

Iowa at Wisconsin 7:00 ET

Hawkeyes (+) over Badgers-A pair of 10-3 Big Ten contenders face off in Wisconsin where the Badgers will host Iowa. The Hawkeyes have won three straight after dropping a pair to Michigan and No. 3 Iowa State. Wisconsin enters off of a pair of wins after three straight defeats to Michigan, Marquette and Illinois and are 0-2 in Big Ten conference play as they have gone from a defense first team to an offensive threat. Take IOWA!

Rutgers at Indiana 8:30 ET

Scarlet Knights (+) over Hoosiers- Sometimes in this crazy world we call sports betting we see trends and factors that for some reason have no explanation. Take the fact that a relative new comer to the Big Ten, Rutgers has dominated Indiana in head-to-head meetings winning eight of the past 10 also going 8-2 ATS. The Hoosiers does not had the national attention it once demanded and will get ambushed by this under-rated squad from New Jersey. Take RUTGERS!

Northwestern at Penn State 7:00 ET

Wildcats (+) over Nittany Lions- Penn State has been a ‘comer’ of late and now is looks as if that role has been taken over by Northwestern. The Wildcats are ready to challenge the Nittany Lions here as they have won the past two meetings and showed that the can compete as witnessed by their outright win over Illinois. Penn State has won three straight and has only lost to Clemson and Rutgers but have dropped the last two meetings with the Wildcats. This one should come down to the final horn. Take NORTHWESTERN!

Phialdephia at Saramento 10:00 ET

Kings (-) over 76ers- Philadelphia has now won four in-a-row and 10 of 13 after a 3-14 start. Sacramento made a coaching change after practice before boarding a plane and promptly went out and lost their sixth in-a-row. In his second coaching contest Doug Christie posted his first win Monday night over Dallas 110-100 and he has instilled a fresh attitude. Well, anyway the bookie’s believe that they are ready, just look at this ridiculous line. Take SACRAMENTO!

Atlanta at Denver 9:00 ET

Hawks (+) over Nuggets- Atlanta started slowly and at one time was 7-11 but have circled the wagons and have won 11-of-15 since November 1. The Hawks who have been streaky all season are currently on a six game win streak after dropping three in-a-row. Denver has won the last four meetings and seven of the past eight and were heavy favorites in all. The only time the spread was this low (Nuggets were always favored) thee Hawks won. Take ATLANTA!

Dallas at Houston 8:00 ET

Mavericks (+) over Rockets- Houston is starting to develop a bad habit and that is blowing late double-digit leads.  Twice in this five game home stand the Rockets gave up a 16-point lead ti Minnesota and a 12-point lead to Miami. Dallas has dropped three of four games as they have had to go with four starters out and it is something they will learn to live with because Luca Doncic is out a month. The Rockets won the only meeting thus far this season on Halloween in Dallas as a 6.5 point underdog 108-102. turnabout...take DALLAS!

North Carolina at Louisville 6:00 ET

Cardinals (+) over Tar Heels- These two traditional basketball powerhouse programs are meeting in an ACC battle in the KFC Center in Louisville. North Carolina (8-5) has had the best of the series between these two and have won the five meetings and seven of eight since February 2019. The lines on these meetings has always had the Tar Heels favored and sometimes by as much as 21 points as a high (last meeting Jan. ‘24) and as low as -1.5 like it is Sunday. North Carolina won both games at Louisville as 1-point favorites but this NC club does not have the same talent level as those teams and already have five losses. Take LOUISVILLE!

Cleveland at LA Lakers 9:00 ET

Lakers (+) over Cavaliers- Cleveland is on another winning streak and at 28-4 they have had plenty of them. The Cavaliers are playing the second of back-to-back games as the defeated Golden State on the road last night and are in LA tonight. Los Angeles has won five of six and although just 17-13 on the season when Anthony Davis and LeBron James get it going the Lakers are very hard to beat. Take the points at home here. take LA LAKERS!

St. John’s at Creighton 4:00 ET

Red Storm (-) over Bluejays- I think that this Creighton team may not be what we have come to expect from the Bluejays. But, St. John’s is on a mission after being left out of the NCAA tournament last season. It was a matter of numbers as the former Redmen were rated 26th in the nation but got squeezed out by automatic bids. Coach rick Pitino was so incensed he refused the NIT bid as the number one seed. This Red Storm club is the best Pitino has had there and the best in Queens in over two decades. A win here will go a lone way. Take ST. JOHN’S!

Seton Hall at Xavier 2:00 ET

Pirates (+) over Musketeers- These two Big East members are not going to be a threat to the conference title and neither most likely will get to the Big Dance. Seton Hall enter 5-8 both SO and ATS and have dropped four straight withntheir last win coming against New jersey Institute of ztechknogy. Befoere that the lost at home to monmouth. Xavierbha lost three straight and 4-of 5 butbhas played tougher competition losing to Connecticut, Cincinnati and by two points against Marquette. They should recover enough to win close if at all. Take SETON HALL!  

VCU at St. Bonnies 2:00 ET

Rams (+) over Bonnies- maybe Shaka Smart if gone but the Virginia Commonwealth University continues to put a quality program together on the basketball court. The Rams are 10-3 SU and facing their toughest opponent of the season in the 11-1 Bonnies. St, Bonaventure has not been this highly regard since the days of Bob Lanier. They have even started to dominate this series winning five of the last six meetings Both clubs play great defense and that should keep this in doubt until the final buzzer. Take VCU

Kings (+) over Mavericks- Sacramento just return from a loss at the LA Lakers and after going 0-5 SU and ATS in a five-game homestand from Dec. 16-26. That make six straight losses and seven straight no covers. Mile Brown was fired Friday and Doug Christie is now the head coach and is looking to instill a fresh attitude.  Dallas will be with Luca Doncic but the 7-3 SU when he is sidelined. That is just the opening the Kings need. Take SACRAMENTO!

Cleveland at Golden State 10:00 ET

Warriors (+) over Cavaliers- I could say these are two teams moving in different directions but Cleveland has been moving in just one direction and that is i to the winners circle. The Cavaliers have won six straight and 9-of-10 while posting a fabulous 22-9 ATS record. Golden State has won just two of the past eight games and they are the same 2-6 ATS. In head-to-head action the Cavaliers have won the last three meetings including a 136-117 home victory the first week of November. But, tonight the Warriors even the season series. Take GOLDEN STATE!

LA Clippers at New Orleans 8:00 ET

Pelicans (+) over Clippers- New Orleans lost nine of their last ten and 18 of 19 games and has only won a pitiful five games on the season while losing 27. Now, some teams with a losing record still manage to be competitive with the points and may actually have a decent ATS record. Not so much with the Pelicans. If you examine the ‘birds’ roster you will find plenty of talent, the trouble is getting them healthy. Not having a lead at any time in the last two games has the Pelicans anxious for a good start. Take NEW ORLEANS!

Cincinnati at Kansas State 7:00 ET

Wildcats (+) over Bearcats- Cats are wild here and that’s better than bears...Oh well maybe next time. Cincinnati has been very good to us already this season so maybe it is time to fade them a bit. The Bearcats have won their last four and their only flub was a loss to Villanova and they have done it with defense as they are 1-9 to the over. The Wildcats have dropped their last three games as the level of competition gets stiffer as they are just 3-8 ATS. Returning home after a loss at Wichita State the Wildcats have had nine days to ready themselves. take KANSAS STATE!

Atlanta at Toronto 3:30 ET

Raptors (+) over Hawks- Atlanta has won their last three all at home while Toronto has dropped their last nine games and it doesn’t really matter where they play. Oh, maybe not so much as they are 1-14 on the road whereas they have won six games out of 16 at home. These two have split their last 10 meetings with five wins each and it was the raptors that won the last meeting in Atlanta last February. Try this on the 17-15 SU Hawks are 14-18  ATS while the 7-24 Raptors are 19-11-1 ATS. Take TORONTO!

Brooklyn at Orlando 6:00 ET

Nets (+) over Magic- Orlando has defeated Brooklyn the last five times that they have met including three times this season all results covering the number. Meanwhile the Nets are 3-9 in their last 12 games overall and are off a home loss to San Antonio where they scored a season low 87 points. I expect a better performance on offense with the return of Ben Simmons and Cameron Johnson. Take BROOKLYN!

Sacramento at LA Lakers 10:30 ET

Kings (+) over Lakers- Considering that the Los Angels Lakers opened the season with a 131-127 home win over the Kings and then won both December meetings in Sacramento this line seems awful short to me. The Kings had won five straight meetings until this year’s opener and now will have a new coach leading the way as Mike Brown was let go yesterday. Maybe that is the wake-up call the Kings needed to jump start their defensive attitude. At 13-18 SU and 10-20 ATS the Kings can use a spark that new coach Doug Christie can provide. Brown ran practice Friday and was informed of his firing before boarding the plane for LA. Take SACRAMENTO

Phoenix at Golden State 9:30 ET

Warriors (-) over Suns- Both of these clubs are at .500 have split their first 30 games with 15 wins and losses. Against the points Phoenix has yet to meet the odds makers level of confidence as they have ‘covered’ just 10 of 30 games. The Warriors are like their record at a break-even mark. Golden State has even split road and home games going 8-8 away and 7-7 at home. The Suns took the first meeting as hosts in late November and have won 8-of-10 meetings. In those 10 meetings the Warriors were never more than a -3.5-point favorite and now...why is the number this high. Take GOLDEN STATE

Milwaukee at Chicago 8:00 ET

Bulls (+)  over Bucks- On Monday when these two met in Chicago I went out of my way to let everybody know that I was releasing in a very ‘special’ Megabucks and I fell flat on my face with the Bulls getting pounded by 31 points. The Bulls have now lost three straight and are trying to even the season series at 2-2 as they showed that they can defeated the Bucks opening the season 133-122 in Milwaukee. Take CHICAGO!

Utah State at San Diego State 6:00 ET

Aggies (+) over Aztecs- No. 20 San Diego State has made their mark on the college basketball scene making it to the Final game before being put in their place by Connecticut. The Aztecs have just a pair of losses to NCAA powerhouses, losing to Oregon and Gonzaga but have wins over Creighton and No. 4 Houston. But, this time out they are they target as Utah State has the goods to pull off the outright upset. These two split a pair of games played at Utah State last season and the Aztecs had won five straight prior to last season’s split. Utah State is 11-1 and averaging 85.3 PPG while SDS ranks No. 195 averaging just 75.2 PPG. Take UTAH STATE!

Gonzaga at UCLA 4:00 ET

Bruins (+) over Bulldogs- I love this Bruins team even after their 76-74 loss to North Carolina which ended their nine game win streak. With back-to-back wins over Oregon and Arizona UCLA broke into the Top-25 and are currently No. 22. Gonzaga now like Boise State in football is not going to surprise anyone and are actually a bit over-rated right now. The Bulldogs have won four straight meetings and are 6-1 SU against the Bruins. This encounter pits one teams strength against the other’s strongest suit. Gonzaga is No. 2 in the nation in points scored per game averaging 89.2 while UCLA is No. 8 in defensive scoring allowing just 58.4 points per game. It is easier for a defensive team to force a good offensive team to be a little off their game. Take UCLA!

Cleveland at Denver 9:00 ET

Nuggets (+) over Cavaliers- Cleveland is starting a four game road trip and it is supposed to be the toughest stretch they have faced this season. The Cavaliers have won five in a row and come to Denver an underdog who has won five of seven and are righting the ship so to speak after a slow start. The Cavs post a home win over the Nuggets earlier this year and now turnabout is fair play. Take DENVER!

Dallas at Phoenix 9:00 ET

Mavericks (+) over Suns - This will be the third meeting of the season between these two and Phoenix has posted a pair of victories winning 114-102 at home and posting a 114-113 in Dallas. The Suns will once again be without Devin Booker and one special Mavs guard will take advantage. The Mavericks are starting to pick up the pace and when they are healthy they are very tough to beat but they will be without Luca Doncic so expect Kyrie Irving to make up the difference. Take DALLAS!

Minnesota at Houston 8:00 ET

Timberwolves (+) over Rockets- If this line doesn’t raise an eyebrow then you really do not under stand what is going on...right or wrong any ‘player’ would pick up on it. Here is Houston winners of four straight and 6-of-7 leading the Southwest with a 21-9 record returning home after a 3-game road sweep and they are barely favored against a struggling Timberwolves club. Minnesota a floundering 15-14 have yet to recover fully from the trading away Karl-Anthony Towns. Maybe their victory at Dallas will spurn them on. Take MINNESOTA!

Oklahoma City at Indiana 7:00 ET

Pacers (+) over Thunder- It seems from what I hear Oklahoma City was upset that they were passed over on Christmas Day. Most would love that day off to spend time with family but last year’s No. 1 seed in the West feels disrespected. The Thunder have won eight in-a-row and are 12-1 in their last 13 games overall. Indiana is on a winning streak of their own pocketing six straight and are return home after a 3-game West Coast road trip defeating Phoenix, Sacramento and Golden State outright as underdogs. Pacers have won the past three meetings and 8-of-the-last-10.  Take INDIANA!

Miami at Orlando 7:00 ET

Heat (+) over Magic- Five days ago a meltdown of epic proportions took place in Miami when in the fourth quarter the Heat blew a 25-point lead and for good measure lost the game by seven points. The Heat scored just eight total points and just kept throwing up 3-pointers and lost their ‘mojo’ as they went cold and then it was Magic as they scored 37. Bad for Orlando as they lost their third started when Mo Wagner went down on Saturday and Jimmy Butler has sat out the past two games but should make an appearance tonight. Take MIAMI!

LA Lalkers at Golden State 8:00 ET

Lakers (+) over Warriors- Last season the Lakers won the first of four meeting last season 145-144 in overtime and then Golden State responded by winning the next three meetings  and going 3-0 ATS. The Warriors have dropped 4-of-5 and have gone 3-9 after a 12-3 start. James is back and playing as good as ever in the minutes he puts out. LeBron minutes believe it or not are increasing and so our chances. Take LA LAKERS!

Philadelphia at Boston 5:00 ET

76ers (+) over Celtics- Two of the worse points spread team in the NBA this season as Boston the defending champions who may just be sleepwalking until the playoffs or at last until the All-star game are 11-18 ATS awhile the beleaguered 76ers are 10-17 ATS. Philadelphia f course is with and without Joel Embiid who was tossed for the game Monday against San Antonio and will be seeing red on Christmas. Celtics have had control in the series but this a funky time for them. Take PHILADELPHIA!

Minnesota at Dallas 2:30 ET

Timberwolves (+) over Mavericks-What did they expect? Did the brass making the decisions actually think that they were improving their club by trading Karl-Anthony Towns away. We can understand financial decisions but the NBA is plenty rich and no club suffers because of all the international and USA TV contracts. Dallas has started to play the level of basketball expected with their talent level but every once in a while Kyrie Irving steps off the edge of the Earth (the flat part) and goes MIA. Sometimes he’s on the floor and he’s Missing in Action. Take MINNESOTA!

Detroit at LA Lakers 10:30 ET

Pistons (+) over Lakers- Los Angeles has put together a three game winning streak (two of which were against Sacramento) with the return of LeBron James as they rebound from a 3 and 11 stretch. James with be 40 years old in seven days and his minutes are becoming fewer and fewer with each passing day. Detroit has shown vast improvement from their franchise worst record last season and they broke a 7-game losing streak to the Lakers in early November. The Pistons are off their season high in points in their 133-125 win at Phoenix and will be ready. Take DETROIT!

LA Clippers at Memphis 8:00 ET

Clippers (+) over Grizzlies- This is the first meeting of the season between these two with Memphis taking the first meeting and LA winning the last three. The Grizzlies have won the last two and 6-of-7 and 8-of-10 entering this contests. But, they once again will be without Ja Morant while LA has yet to see Kawhi Leonard on the floor. These are two of the better point spread teams with the Griz at 20-9 ATS and the Clippers are 17-11-1 ATS. Take the LA CLIPPERS!

Milwaukee at Chicago 8:00 ET

Bulls (+) over Bucks- ‘There is something wrong in Mudville’ and Casey is swinging the bat for the Milwaukee Bucks. Explain to me hoe the Bucks the NBA Cup Champions can be a virtual pick-em against the Chicago Bulls who just lost to the Celtics by 25-points 123-98 on Saturday while the Bucks were cruising against the Wizards. Even if the ‘Greek Freak’ doesn’t play this line seems bogus to me. Take CHICAGO BULLS!

Indiana at Sacramento 6:00 ET

Pacers (+) over Kings- After the was Indiana closed the 2023-24 season much more has been expected then what they have delivered this year. The Pacers are under .500 but are starting to reach their expected level of play winning their last three and 4-of-5. Sacramento has dropped their last three and are 0-4 ATS in their last four games overall. Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton returns to play against the club that drafted him No.1 and then traded him to the Pacers. In his second trip back to Sacramento and he’ll get a small measure of revenge. Take INDIANA!

LA Clippers at Dallas 8:00 ET

Clippers (+) over Mavericks- These two met Thursday in Dallas and the Clippers toyed with them for a quarter and then took over the rest of the way out scoring them 94-64. I don’t expect Dallas to respond to the loss and most likely are going to drop a pair of games at home to the smooth sailing Clippers. Take the LA CLIPPERS

Golden State at Minnesota 8:00 ET

Warriors (+) over Timberwolves- hey how about those Warriors...Stephen Curry and Draymond game just finished playing a game against Memphis where neither of them scored a field goal. After a game like that these veteran professionals will respond like the true champions they are. The Timberwolves have yet to put it together since unloading Karl-Anthony Towns and the Warriors rebound. Take GOLDEN STATE!

Memphis at Atlanta 7:00  ET

Hawks (+) over Grizzlies- Memphis has been lurking in the shadows but quietly are 19-9 and must lways be considered a they as long as Ja Morant is able to step on the court. The Grizzlies are the NBA’s top scoring club and Atlanta’s defense is the fourth worse. These grizzlies held both Steven Curry and Draymond Green without field goal their last time out. The Grizzlies are a little too pleased with themselves. This is the first meeting of the season between these two  with them splitting their last eight meetings.It’s the Hawks turn tonight. Take ATLANTA!

Ohio State vs Kentucky 5:30 ET

Buckeyes (+) over Wildcats- There is one thing that you can be sure of with basketball teams from Ohio State (8-3) and that is they will remain inconsistent. No. 4 Kentucky (10-1) has a first year coach in Mark Pope and this is his first trip to Madison Square Garden and he has a pair of injured stars that are questionable. Two of the Buckeyes losses were blowouts to ranked Auburn and Maryland (at the time). This time they man-up take OHIO STATE!

Utah at Iowa 6:00 ET

Utes over Jawkeyes- The price of this game offered to the public seems a bit off as the 8-3 Hawkeyes will confront Utah for the first time in South Dakota they met in last’s years NIT with the Utes prevailing 91-82. Iowa feels that it i slumming after already having played two Big Ten games while Utah is looking to build a resume on the Hawkeyes shoulders and want this one more. Take UTAH!

Purdue at Auburn 4:30 ET

Boilermakers (+) over Tigers- Purdue has dropped 2-of-3 and are off of a loss to Texas A&M and faces No. 2 Auburn (10-1) in Birmingham and are off a 100-59 romp over Georgia State. I always like to fade good teams after they have played and crushed a nobody before they meet some real competition. The Boilermakers are 2-2 against ranked teams this season and already have a win over a No. 2 as they defeated Alabama. Take PURDUE!

Dayton vs Cincinnati 8:30 ET

Bearcats ( -) over Flyers- This is one of those games at is not listed as a home game but give one side a distinct advantage. These two schools have a rich basketball history that including NCAA and NIT championships. Dayton (10-2) the invader is ranked No. 22 and defeated No. 6 Marquette last Saturday while No. 19 Cincinnati (8-1) won but didn’t cover against cross town rival Xavier. Last season the Flyers won 82-68 after 13 year break in the series a lull sees the Bearcats winning 60 of the previous 91 meetings.Take CINCINNATI!

Milwaukee at Cleveland 8:00 ET

Cavaliers (-) over Bucks- The Milwaukee Bucks have won 4-in-a-row and are fresh off their NBA Cup victory over Oklahoma City in Las Vegas. These two are meeting for the third time this season with Cleveland winning both and have now won the last three meetings and six of eight meetings. The Cavaliers were off to their best start in franchise history and have kept up the pace even against the number where they are 19-8 ATS. The Cavaliers are a heavy price here but it will be worth it. Take CLEVELAND!

New York at Minnesota 9:30 ET

Knicks (+) over Timberwolves- Neither of these clubs have hit their stride as of yet but Minnesota has won and covered their last two games and six of seven. New York has alternated wins and losses their last four games but are 7-3 SU and ATS in their last 10  outings. These two have split their season series one win apiece in each of the past four seasons. Karl-Anthony Towns returns to Minnesota where he spent nine seasons and must keep his emotions in tact. The Knicks since ‘Tibs’ came over have been known for defense but now have transformed and are No. 2 in offense. Take NEW YORK!

LA Clippers at Dallas 8:30 ET

Clippers (+) over Mavericks- A contrast in styles will be on display in Dallas as the high power Mavericks offense ranked No. 4 in the NBA will be facing one of the tougher defenses in the league ranking No. 5 defensively allowing just 107.8 points per game. Starting slow the at 5-7 the Mavs have picked up the pace and have won 12 of 14. LA rebounded from a three game losing streak by scoring 144 points a season high with a win over Utah. Still waiting for Kawhi Leonard’s 2024 debut but, James Harden has taken over the offensive leadership. Take LA CLIPPERS!

Utah at Detroit 7:00 ET

Jazz (+) over Pistons- Detroit is just three wins shy of meeting the number of wins that they posted lat season which was the franchise worst season ever with just 14 wins. The Pistons are off of a win over Miami but have put together back-to-back wins just twice this season. Utah looks like last years’ Pistons and have lost 12 of 14 including the last three. But the Jazz have Detroit’s number having beaten them in the last three meetings and 8-of-10. Take UTAH!

Michigan vs. Oklahoma 9:00 ET

Wolverines (-) Sooners- This of course would always be a great football battle and on the hardwood they are both very competitive and will both be invited to the Big Dance come March. No. 14 Oklahoma (10-0) is met and defeated Arizona, Louisville, Georgia Tech and Providence and face the Big Ten. No. 24 Michigan (8-2) is rebounding from one of their worst basketball seasons in over five decades. The Sooners have won every game by at least 15 points while the Wolves have had four one possession finals. Take MICHIGAN!

Memphis at Virginia 7:00 ET

Cavaliers (+) over Tigers- The is no question it is a down year for Virginia as the once proud ACC contender has turned into a midland kind of team that always have a chance to surprise anyone anytime. Talk about different styles, these two clubs couldn’t approach the game any differently. Memphis is the flash and high scoring and free wheeling club the averages over 81 points each time out while Virginia scores a meager 61.4 PPG. Of course it is reversed on the other end as the tigers surrender over 77 PPG ranking 317 on defense while the Cavaliers will keep you to your season low in points scored allowing just 60.2 PPG ranking No. 19. Take VIRGINIA!

Creighton at Georgetown 6:30 ET

Hoyas (+) over Blue Jays- From what I have seen so far this season in college basketball is that Georgetown (8-2) is clawing it’s way back to respectability. Their Power Play win at Syracuse on Saturday was a huge step moving forward. Although Creighton has won six straight meetings was ranked as high as No. 14 before they dropped three straight to Texas A&M, Nebraska and San Diego State but rebounded with wins over Notre Dame and No. 1 Kansas. Coach Greg McDermott claims that the Blue Jays are playing short-handed and I see the Hoyas taking advantage. Take GEORGETOWN!

Milwaukee vs. Oklahoma City 8:30 ET

Bucks (+) over Thunder- Great match-up for the NBA Cup in Las Vegas where NBA Superstars will face each other in this contrived in season tournament. Milwaukee started the season slowly but have picked up momentum winning 12 of their last 15. The Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo can dominate any game anytime and the Thunder will try and counter with their own superstar in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The Bucks had won six straight in the series between the two but the Thunder won the last meeting in April but have dropped eight of 10 overall to the Bucks.Take MILWAUKEE!

Florida vs. North Carolina 7:00 ET

Tar Heels (+) over Gators- It has been over 19 years since Florida made the national scene contending and winning a pair of NCAA Championships and have been also-rans for the most part ever since...until now. At 10-0 the Gators Are ranked No. 7 and play a tough brand of defense ranking allowing just 65.1 PPG. North Carolina can score averaging 86.8 PPG but are lacking on defense. But, tough place to play bring an undefeated record into Charlotte. Take NORTH CAROLINA!

Philadelphia at Charlotte 7:00 ET

Hornets (+) over 76ers- The way things look to me, the 76ers are having a mirror season to what the 49ers are going through in the NFL. Injuries and a general drop off in production have hampered any chances of getting thing moving forward. For Philly there is no Joel Embiid or rookie sensation Jared McCain. Each team has seven wins with two of the Sixers’ victories have already come against Charlotte. These two will meet for a fourth time Friday in Philadelphia with the Hornets playing the Wizards Thursday night. But, tonight...take CHARLOTTE!

Memphis at LA Lakers 9:30 ET

Lakers (+) over Grizzlies- This will already be the third meeting between these two with each club holding serve at home with the Grizzlies collecting the money each time. With or without Ja Morant Memphis has won four in-a-row and 9-of-10 while LA has dropped 4-of-5. LeBron James has taken some personal time but is expected to return tonight. If he does or does not return may affect the line but not the side. Take LA LAKERS!

Gonzaga vs Connecticut 8:00 ET

Huskies (+) over Bulldogs- This should be  good one with two-time defending National Champion No.18 Connecticut (7-3) squaring off with Gonzaga (9-1) at Madison Square Garden. In this battle of dogs the Huskies have won five of seven meetings including a win in the NCAA Elite Eight two years ago and in Seattle last season. UConn dropped three straight when their big man Alex Karaban was sidelined with a concession. He’s back and will be the difference. Take CONNECTICUT!  

Marquette at Dayton 7:00 ET

Flyers (+) over Golden Eagles- Marquette (9-1) rebounded from their lone loss at Iowa State with a win over ranked Wisconsin while Dayton is riding a 3-game win streak the includes a win over Connecticut. The Flyers lost back-to-back games one to North Carolina and also dropped their encounter against Iowa State losing 89-84. But, they have responded with three straight wins. This line seems awful short for a No. 6 ranked team coach by Shaka Smart against an un-ranked opponent. Take DAYTON!

Tennessee at Illinois 5:30 ET

Illini (+) over Volunteers- No. 1 Tennessee (9-0) has won every game by at least 13 points leading the nation in field goad percentage at 52.1. Meanwhile, the twice beaten Illini who fell at Northwestern and Alabama on the road and are undefeated (6-0) at home. Illinois has won three of four times when hosting the No. 1 team and they are one of the best defensive teams allowing opponents to shoot just 37% from the field. Take ILLINOIS!  

UCLA vs Arizona 3:00 ET

Bruins (+) over Wildcats- Arizona (4-4) has been one of the more disappointing teams to take the NCAA court this season having met four power conference teams and lost all four encounters to West Virginia, Oklahoma, Duke and Wisconsin. It is good to be able to schedule tough opponents but you have got to win some of those contests. UCLA (8-1) is one of the toughest defensive teams in the nation comes into this fray on a seven game win streak after losing to New Mexico in Las Vegas. The Bruins are the top defensive team in the national allowing just 55.1 PPG and are No. 1 in defensive field goal percentage allowed. Take UCLA!

Georgetown at Syracuse 2:30 ET

Orange (-) over Hoyas- This will be the 100 meeting between these two as the had battles over the years for the Big East and National Championship. The both won the title as member of the Big East but Syracuse who holds a 54-45 edge has moved to the Atlantic Coast Conference and without Jim Boeheim running the program the Orange have fallen off the charts. Georgetown stayed in the conference but lost John Thompson and it has been down hill ever since. Both of these current clubs struggle offensively but the Hoyas play a better brand of defense. Take GEORGETOWN!

Xavier at Cincinnati 2:00 ET

Bobcats (-) over Musketeers- The great Queen City rivalry continues with the 92nd meeting between Xavier (8-2) and No. 22 Cincinnati (7-1). The Musketeers trail the all-time series 51-40 but have won the last five and 9-of-11 while only going 4-7 ATS. The Bearcats will be better rested while Xavier come off of 119-58 over Morgan State the biggest margin of victory in school history. The cream will rise here as the Bobcats returning players are a better group playing together than are the transfers at Xavier. Take CINCINNATI!

San Antonio at Portland 10:00 ET

Trailblazers (+) over Spurs- Portland has dropped four games in-a-row and failed to cover the number in all four games and 6-of-the-last-7. In head-to-head action San Antonio has won the last two meetings including a 118-105 victory at home back in the first week of the season. The problem here  for the Spurs is the availability of Victor Wembanyama who has been missing time due to back issues. Aside from ‘The Alien’ being questionable the Spurs have three others who will be sidelined leaving them short handed. Take PORTLAND!

Sacramento at New Orleans 8:00 ET

Pelicans (+) over Kings- New Orleans has dropped 13 of their last 14 and 20 of the past 23 but have livened up ATS going 5-4 in the last nine games. Now, here is the freaky part...the Pelicans have beaten the Kings six straight times and 8-of-10 going 8-2 ATS. Sacramento comes into town have scored 141 and 140 points in their last two games against Utah and San Antonio. This one should come down to the final buzzer. Take NEW ORLEANS!

Iowa State at Iowa 7:30 ET

Hawkeyes (+) over Cyclones- Iowa State has been good to us ever since T.J. Otzelberger left UNLV and took over in Ames as the Cyclones has ascended to No. 3 in the polls. State is looking for their fifth win in-a-row but the Hawkeyes have been waiting since their 85-83 loss to Michigan (Power Play) on Saturday. Iowa hold a huge series advantage 48-29 and have gone 6-2-1 ATS in the last nine meetings. Foul shooting a concern for the home squad as it cost them against the Wolverines. Take IOWA!

Dallas at Oklahoma City 9:30 ET

Thunder (-) over Mavericks- Dallas has had the best of this series between these two winning the past three and five of the last six meetings including a 121-119 win three weeks ago in Oklahoma City. This is the first round of the NBA Cup Knockout stage and last season the Mavericks knock off OKC in the playoffs 4-2. Isaiah Hartenstein is back and and producing in Chat Holmgren’s spot. Take OKLAHOMA CITY!

Arkansas vs. Michigan 9:00 ET

Razorbacks (+) over Wolverines- Michigan who is rebounding from one of the school’s worst season’s in five decades has won eight straight games after opening the year with a loss to Wake Forest. Arkansas under their ‘new’ coach John Calipari have been defeated twice losing to Illinois and Baylor who were both ranked at the time. This is a homecoming of sorts for Calipari with this match up at Madison Square Garden. Take ARKANSAS!

Cleveland at Miami 6:00 ET

Heat (+) over Cavaliers- After suffering a pair of road losses to Boston and Toronto Miami has returned home and posted victories over Phoenix and the Lakers. Cleveland who was off to a record setting start has recovered from a pair of losses to Atlanta with four straight wins and covers. The Cavs average 121.8 points per game and have not scored less than 101 points in any single game. The Heat turn up the defensive pressure and get the cash here. Tame MIAMI!

UCLA at Oregon 6:00 ET

Bruins (+) over Ducks- These two former PAC-12 rivals has split the season series the past two years with UCLA winning 4-of-6 meetings. Undefeated (9-0) No. 12 ranked Oregon and have had a number of narrow victories and have won nine straight since an opening night loss to Creighton. The Bruins have won six consecutive games since a loss in Las Vegas to New Mexico and all their wins have been by double-digits. They also play some of the toughest defense in the land as they don’t turn the ball over and average 19 takeaways a game. Take UCLA!