Date | Match Up | Rating | Score | Result | Profit | Lead Time | Analysis |
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02-25-22 | Spurs v. Wizards OVER 223 | 157-153 | Win | 100 | 8 h 49 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between San Antonio and Washington at 7:10 pm et on Friday. Despite a pre-trade deadline fire sale of sorts, the Spurs went into the All-Star break having scored 109+ points in four straight games. The problem is, they also allowed 104 points or more in 14 consecutive games prior to the break. Meanwhile, the Wizards come out of the break after scoring 100+ points in six straight games. Like the Spurs, they haven't done a great job of defending their own basket, giving up 113+ points in four of their last six contests, only avoiding that fate against the likes of the Pistons and Nets (without all of their stars). Note that the Spurs check in averaging 112.0 points per game when coming off an ATS loss over the last two seasons. Washington on the other hand has averaged 118.8 points per contest when coming off a double-digit win over the same time frame (20-game sample size). I expect to see both teams race up and down the floor with considerable success on Friday. Take the over (8*). |
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02-24-22 | Buffalo v. Northern Illinois UNDER 148.5 | 79-68 | Win | 100 | 11 h 56 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Buffalo and Northern Illnois at 8 pm et on Thursday. Buffalo has been on a blistering scoring pace lately, scoring 80+ points in six consecutive games. I do think Northern Illinois has a shot at knocking the Bulls off balance a little bit here, noting that the Huskies have limited opponents to just 53 field goal attempts per game here at home this season. None of NIU's last four opponents have gotten off more than 54 field goal attempts but the problem is it has allowed its last two foes to shoot 52% and 59% from the field. The good news is, the last time the Huskies allowed consecutive opponents to shoot better than 50% they followed it up with a 64-58 win over Ball State in which they held the Cardinals to 35% shooting. Buffalo allowed 84 points against Miami-Ohio last time out, barely escaping with a two-point win. Note that the Bulls have given up just 64, 74, and 69 points in their last three conference games after giving up 80+ points in their previous game. NIU certainly isn't an imposing offensive threat here at home where it averages 25 made field goals per game including only six from beyond the arc, while getting to the free throw line 19 times and knocking down an average of 13 of those freebies. Take the under (8*). |
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02-24-22 | Celtics v. Nets +8 | 129-106 | Loss | -110 | 11 h 58 m | Show | |
My selection is on Brooklyn plus the points over Boston at 7:30 pm et on Thursday. While these two teams are at somewhat opposite ends of the spectrum given the current state of affairs for the Nets with Kevin Durant injured, Kyrie Irving unable to suit up in the state of New York and Ben Simmons still working his way back, I simply feel that the Celtics are being asked to lay too many points in this first game back out of the All-Star break. Here, we'll note that Boston is just 10-22 ATS when coming off four or five ATS wins over its last six games over the last two seasons, outscored by 1.8 points on average in that spot. That situation has come up 16 times previously this season, and the Celtics have been outscored by an average margin of 0.7 points. While the Nets are a woeful 4-12 ATS when coming off an ATS loss this season, they've actually managed to outscore opponents by 0.4 points on average in that situation. Note that they've outscored opponents by an average margin of 1.1 points on 40 previous occasions where they've come off four or five losses over their last six games over the last three seasons. Again, I simply feel the C's are laying a few too many in this spot. Take Brooklyn (8*). |
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02-24-22 | Cleveland State v. Detroit OVER 144 | Top | 67-74 | Loss | -110 | 10 h 12 m | Show |
Horizon League Total of the Year. My selection is on the 'over' between Cleveland State and Detroit at 7 pm et on Thursday. Cleveland State is on an incredible 'over' run right now, with seven of its last eight games finding their way 'over' the total with one 'push' mixed in. The Vikings have scored 85, 84, 75, 83, 98, 78 and 79 points over that stretch and I don't see the Detroit Titans doing much to slow them down here. I do think the Titans can stick around, however, and I'm certainly not alone with this pointspread sitting near a pk'em. The Titans play reasonably fast at home, and get off an average of 30 three-point attempts per game, knocking down 12 of them. If they play their cards right, they should also be afforded plenty of opportunities at the free throw line, with Cleveland State sending opponents to the charity stripe an average of 22 times per game on the road this season. The first meeting between these two teams this season totalled just 142 points but that contest was played at a slower pace than I'm anticipating tonight, not to mention the fact that Detroit knocked down only 4-of-21 three-point attempts, a performance I'm certain it can and will improve on here. Note that the 'over' is a perfect 6-0 with Cleveland State coming off a double-digit victory over a conference opponent this season, leading to an average total of 167.2 points. Take the over (10*). |
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02-23-22 | Cincinnati v. UCF UNDER 141.5 | Top | 61-75 | Win | 100 | 11 h 17 m | Show |
AAC Total of the Year. My selection is on the 'under' between Cincinnati and UCF at 9 pm et on Wednesday. Cincinnati has seen the 'over' cash in six straight games entering Wednesday's matchup with the Golden Knights in Orlando. The Bearcats have scored 70+ points in five straight games but clearly what they're doing right now isn't working as they've lost five of their last eight contests, going 2-6 ATS over that stretch. I do think that UCF will be able to slow the Bearcats down, noting that the Knights allow an average of only 23 made field goals and 14 free throw attempts per game here at home this season. The 'under' has cashed in UCF's last two games and it checks in having given up fewer than 70 points in five of its last seven contests. Only one of the two games where the Knights did allow 70 or more points over that stretch found its way 'over' the total. Interestingly, Cincinnati has been at its absolute best defensively on the road this season, giving up only 23 made field goals including just three made threes per game away from home. With that being said, it has had an issue with sending opponents to the charity stripe, yielding 23 free throw attempts per game on the road. Can the Knights exploit that? I'm not so sure. UCF averages only 17 free throw attempts per contest overall and just 14 per game at home. This will be the first matchup between these two teams this season and it's worth noting that we're working with a higher posted total than we saw in either of last season's two meetings. Those two games went 'over' the total but only one eclipsed the number we're working with here. That being said, seven of the last eight meetings between these two quads here in Orlando have stayed 'under' the total. Take the under (10*). |
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02-23-22 | TCU v. Texas UNDER 126.5 | 66-75 | Loss | -110 | 9 h 42 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between TCU and Texas at 7 pm et on Wednesday. We won with the 'under' in Texas' most recent game - a 61-55 loss at home against Texas Tech on Saturday. I won't hesitate to go back to the well with the same play here as the Longhorns look to bounce back against another in-state rival in TCU. As I noted in Saturday's analysis, Texas has done an incredible job playing defense at home this season, allowing only 19 made field goals including only five made threes per game, also sending opponents to the free throw line just 15 times per contest. TCU doesn't figure to be a team that will easily break down the Longhorns defense. When these two teams met back on January 25th at TCU, the Horned Frogs scored only 50 points, knocking down just 18 field goals including only two shots from beyond the arc. Were it not for 21 trips to the free throw line, that could have been a truly embarrassing offensive performance (it was already bad enough considering TCU lost by a score of 73-50). Texas actually got off an uncharacteristically-high 65 field goal attempts in that contest, helping boost their scoring output. Consider the Longhorns average just 55 FG attempts per game, 54 per contest here at home. Here, we'll note that the 'under' is 8-2 with Texas coming off an ATS loss this season, resulting in an average total of only 116.2 points. Take the under (8*). |
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02-22-22 | Kansas State +12.5 v. Kansas | Top | 83-102 | Loss | -110 | 10 h 52 m | Show |
My selection is on Kansas State plus the points over Kansas at 9 pm et on Tuesday. I'll grab the generous helping of points with the underdog Wildcats as they head to Allen Fieldhouse to challenge the rival Jayhawks on Tuesday night. Kansas State enters this game off three consecutive ATS wins but dropped a three-point decision at Oklahoma on Saturday, just staying inside the pointspread in the SU defeat. The Wildcats have shot sub-40% from the field in their last two games - one game shy of their longest such streak of the season. Note that they've gone 4-1 SU and ATS when coming off consecutive games shooting below 40% from the field this season. They allowed Oklahoma to shoot 51.9% from the field in Saturday's narrow loss. That's happened only twice previously this season and in their next game they've allowed opponents to shoot just 40-for-109 (36.7%) from the field. I realize they're facing a difficult challenge here against an elite Kansas squad. However, it is worth noting that the Jayhawks come into this game having scored 70+ points in six consecutive games. Prior to that stretch, Kansas had scored 70+ points in just four of its first seven Big 12 contests this season. Obviously, it would be an uphill battle for the Jayhawks to cover a pointspread as large as the one we're looking at tonight without scoring 70+ points. It's also notable that the Jayhawks have held three straight opponents to fewer than 70 points. They did so just once previously in Big 12 play this season and in their next game posted a close 78-75 win over tonight's opponent, Kansas State. The difference in that game was a 30-18 (21-11 made) free throw disparity in favor of the Jayhawks. I do have confidence that Kansas State can narrow that gap in tonight's game, while also keeping the game's pace in check, much like it did in the first meeting this season, helping ultimately keep the final score inside the number. Here, we'll note that the Jayhawks are 0-6 ATS after giving up 65 points or less in consecutive games this season, as is the case here, outscoring opponents by just 3.7 points on average in that spot. Take Kansas State (7*). |
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02-21-22 | Eastern Illinois v. SIU-Edwardsville UNDER 128 | 52-66 | Win | 100 | 10 h 52 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Eastern Illinois and SIU-Edwardsville at 8 pm et on Monday. Eastern Illinois has been one of the best 'under' bets in the country this season, with 19 of its 26 lined games staying 'under' the total. Few teams play at a slower pace, as the Panthers rank 296th in the country in adjusted tempo (according to KenPom). To compound matters, they rank a dreadful 357th in adjusted offensive efficiency. SIU-Edwardsville plays at a faster pace but doesn't fare much better offensively, ranking 327th in adjusted offensive efficiency. Both teams have had a penchant for turning the basketball over. In fact, Edwardsville turned it over 19 times in the first meeting between these two teams this season yet Eastern Illinois still only managed to score 53 points despite all of those extra possessions. On the road, we've seen the Panthers average just 19 made field goals including an average of only six from beyond the arc. That's not to mention only eight made free throws per road game. In a game where SIU-Edwardsville figures to control proceedings and perhaps take the air out of the basketball with a sizable lead in the second half, I'm comfortable playing the 'under', even at a lower number than we saw in the first meeting this season (that game totalled only 119 points). Take the under (7*). |
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02-21-22 | Liberty v. Central Arkansas OVER 150.5 | Top | 85-66 | Win | 100 | 11 h 49 m | Show |
CBB Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'over' between Liberty and Central Arkansas at 8 pm et on Monday. Central Arkansas checks into this game off three consecutive 'under' results but remains one of the fastest-paced teams in the entire country, ranking 13th in adjusted tempo according to KenPom. A look at its home conference games shows totals of 181, 177, 167, 188, 154, 148 and 159 points. Liberty is coming off a tougher-than-expected 88-82 win over Stetson on Saturday. The Flames don't play at nearly the same break-neck pace as Central Arkansas but as we saw on Saturday, they're certainly capable of hanging a crooked number on the scoreboard. That's thanks in large part to the fact that they knock down 11 three-pointers per game with not much of a drop-off in production at all on the road this season. Central Arkansas will certainly afford Liberty plenty of opportunities in this contest, noting that it yields 24 three-point attempts and 20 trips to the free throw line at home this season. It's worth noting that it has held three straight opponents to fewer than 80 points as it marks the first time that has happened all season. Don't count on the Bears accomplishing that feat for a fourth consecutive game on Monday. Take the over (10*). |
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02-20-22 | Team Durant v. Team LeBron OVER 320.5 | 160-163 | Win | 100 | 58 h 47 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Team Lebron and Team Durant at 8 pm et on Sunday. I would recommend jumping on this play early as the total is only going to rise leading up to tipoff on Sunday. Last year's All-Star Game actually totalled only 320 points. In fact, since the format changed to Team Lebron vs. Team 'insert name here', we've only seen one of four games go 'over' the total we're working with this year. I believe we're going to see a throwback to the games of 2016 and 2017, when we saw point totals up around 370 points. The talent on these two rosters is incredible (I don't need to tell you that). I also think we have two squads more than willing to push the pace at every opportunity. Team Lebron is favored for a reason. The mix of scorers and distributors should make for some very appealing offensive basketball. With that being said, you can be sure guys like Ja Morant, Trae Young and Devin Booker will ball out on the other side and should be able to keep within arm's reach all night long. I have this one soaring 'over' the total - always nice to make a little money if we're going to sit down and watch a glorified exhibition game in the middle of February. Take the over (10*). |
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02-20-22 | Providence -3 v. Butler | 71-70 | Loss | -110 | 5 h 15 m | Show | |
My selection is on Providence minus the points over Butler at 1 pm et on Sunday. The Big East picture has certainly crystallized with teams like Providence, Villanova and UConn at the top and Butler, DePaul and Georgetown pulling up the rear. With Providence coming off a tough home loss to Villanova, I look for the Friars to take advantage of this bounce-back matchup against Butler on Sunday. The Friars already took the first meeting between these two teams this season but failed to cover the spread. Here, we're working with a more manageable spread, despite the fact that Butler has been an awful bet at home this season, going 4-9 ATS. While the Bulldogs are capable of staging an upset here at home, I'm confident the Friars will have their guard up off the loss to 'Nova - just their third defeat of the season. Take Providence (8*). |
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02-19-22 | Stetson v. Liberty -15 | 82-88 | Loss | -110 | 11 h 2 m | Show | |
My selection is on Liberty minus the points over Stetson at 7 pm et on Saturday. We've had some success playing Stetson 'overs' this season but here I won't hesitate to switch gears and play the side, fading the road Hatters as they head to Liberty Arena to face the Flames. Liberty already defeated Stetson by 16 points on the road this season. It shot well in that contest but certainly didn't do anything special. In fact, Stetson ended up getting off three more three-point attempts and also got to the line 11 more times than Liberty in that contest. I'm confident we'll see the flip script in those two departments here. Liberty is coming off consecutive outright road losses as a favorite, dropping close games against Jacksonville and North Florida. It will be more than happy to take its frustrations out on Stetson here, noting that Liberty is 10-1 on its home floor this season, outscoring opponents by nearly 27 points per contest. Take Liberty (8*). |
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02-19-22 | SIU-Edwardsville v. Belmont -21.5 | 62-73 | Loss | -110 | 9 h 57 m | Show | |
My selection is on Belmont minus the points over SIU-Edwardsville at 5 pm et on Saturday. Belmont enters this game on the heels of nine straight wins but has actually gone 0-5 ATS over its last five contests. Look for that latter streak to come to an end here. We certainly saw signs of the Bruins breaking out of their recent malaise last time out as they crushed Eastern Illinois by 24 points - still failing to cover as a monster 27-point favorite. The Bruins broke loose for 60+ field goal attempts in that game - knocking down an impressive 59% of them and now get to stay home to host an Edwardsville squad that has done nothing to slow opposing offenses away from home (or anywhere for that matter) this season. The last couple of meetings between these two teams have been a little closer than expected but keep in mind, we're just two and three meetings removed from Belmont wins by 32 and 52-point margins. Take Belmont (7*). |
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02-19-22 | Ball State v. Bowling Green -3 | Top | 91-82 | Loss | -110 | 8 h 27 m | Show |
MAC Game of the Year. My selection is on Bowling Green minus the points over Ball State at 5 pm et on Saturday. We faded Bowling Green last Saturday and were rewarded with a lopsided win by Miami-Ohio. That was on the road, where the Falcons have struggled all season. They do at least own a winning record at 8-5 here at home. They'll be looking to avenge a tough 81-80 loss on the road against Ball State back on New Year's Day. The two teams were virtual mirror images of one another on that day, with the exception being Ball State was able to knock down a few more of its shots. Here, we'll note that the Cardinals have struggled on the road this season, going 3-10 SU and 4-9 ATS. While Ball State was able to keep pace with Bowling Green at home, we should see a different story unfold here. Note that the Falcons average a blistering 87.2 points per game on their home floor. Ball State, meanwhile, has allowed opponents to shoot just shy of 47% from the field on the road, giving up north of 82 points per contest. With Ball State checking in a woeful 3-13 ATS when listed as a road underdog or 'pk going back to last season, we'll confidently back the hometown Falcons here. Take Bowling Green (10*). |
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02-19-22 | Houston Baptist v. Nicholls State -12 | 70-84 | Win | 100 | 8 h 52 m | Show | |
My selection is on Nicholls State minus the points over Houston Baptist at 4 pm et on Saturday. Houston Baptist enters this game off three consecutive ATS wins while Nicholls State has dropped the cash in four consecutive games. With that being said, Nicholls State continues to win, having recorded six straight victories. Houston Baptist has done a nice job masquerading as a quality offensive team lately, putting up 80+ points in three of its last four games but I expect that scoring run to grind to a halt here. Note that Nicholls State has held opponents to just under 67 points per game on sub-40% shooting here at home this season. It has done that while also playing at a blistering pace offensively, getting off an incredible 72 field goal attempts per game on its home floor, knocking down better than 50% of them. The first meeting between these two teams this season went Nicholls State's way by only 12 points, but the margin would have been much larger had it been able to knock down more than two of its 16 three-point attempts. Take Nicholls State (8*). |
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02-19-22 | Texas Tech v. Texas UNDER 126.5 | 61-55 | Win | 100 | 5 h 56 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Texas Tech and Texas at 12:30 pm et on Saturday. The first meeting between these two in-state rivals totalled 141 points back on February 1st. I don't think the Longhorns want any part of a similar type of contest here, noting that they allowed 77 points in that lopsided loss. Keep in mind, this is a Texas team that gives up just a shade over 50 points per game at home this season, on a ridiculously-low 49 field goal attempts. Texas Tech can play some defense too, as we saw in its impressive home win over Baylor earlier this week. The Red Raiders have held the opposition to 38% shooting on the road this season. This is without a doubt a low total, but it's actually higher than the closing number we saw in the first meeting between these two this season. With injury doubts for the Red Raiders (Kevin McCullar could miss again), I believe they'll be comfortable getting involved in a slugfest here. Expect an NCAA Tournament-like atmosphere for this one. Take the under (9*). |
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02-17-22 | 76ers v. Bucks UNDER 224.5 | 123-120 | Loss | -110 | 10 h 55 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Philadelphia and Milwaukee at 8:30 pm et on Thursday. The Bucks enter this game on the heels of six consecutive 'over' results while the Sixers are fresh off a high-scoring game of their own - an unthinkable 135-87 blowout loss at home against Boston. Here, we'll note that the 'under' is 26-11 with the Sixers having lost four or five of their last six games ATS over the last two seasons, resulting in an average total of just 210.0 points. Better still, the 'under' is 17-4 when Philadelphia checks in off five or six ATS losses in its last seven contests over the same stretch, leading to an average total of only 207.7 points scored in that situation. As for the Bucks, they've seen the 'under' cash at a 15-5 clip when coming off two losses in their last three games this season, producing an average total of 213.3 points. In the rest of their games, the Bucks have posted a 23-16 o/u mark. Take the under (9*). |
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02-16-22 | Boise State v. Air Force +10.5 | 85-59 | Loss | -110 | 12 h 30 m | Show | |
My selection is on Air Force plus the points over Boise State at 10 pm et on Wednesday. When these two teams met back on January 18th in Boise, the Broncos prevailed by just six points. That was despite a wide 32-14 disparity in terms of free throw attempts in favor of the hometown Broncos, not to mention the fact that Air Force turned the basketball over a whopping 20 times. I would anticipate the Falcons improving in both of those areas with the scene shifting to Colorado Springs for Wednesday's rematch. Note that while the Falcons come into this game on the heels of five straight losses, Boise State has a streak of futility of its own having gone 0-4 ATS over its last four contests. Off a home loss to Colorado State on Sunday, the Broncos will simply be looking to pick up a 'W' and move on against a stingy opponent in Air Force on Wednesday. Winning by margin is of little consequence but we're being given a generous helping of points with the home underdog. Note that Air Force has done a tremendous job of slowing the pace down to a crawl and frustrating the opposition here at home this season, allowing an average of just 50 field goal attempts per contest. Also note that the Falcons are a solid 7-1 ATS when seeking revenge for a loss against an opponent this season, outscored by an average margin of just 2.2 points in that situation. Take Air Force (8*). |
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02-16-22 | Baylor v. Texas Tech UNDER 137 | Top | 73-83 | Loss | -110 | 12 h 43 m | Show |
Big 12 Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'under' between Baylor and Texas Tech at 9 pm et on Wednesday. Both of these teams are coming off 80+ point performances in winning efforts on Saturday. I don't expect either side to sniff out that number on Wednesday, however. Those respective 'over' results snapped two-game 'under' streaks for both teams. They also served to give us a bit of a higher total to work than we might have otherwise seen here considering the first meeting between the Bears and Red Raiders this season saw a closing total of just 135.5 in a game that totalled only 127 points. Texas Tech pulled off a stunning 65-62 upset victory in that one, thanks in large part to shooting just shy of 51% from the field. It will be hard-pressed to repeat that performance here as Baylor has locked in defensively ever since that 83-59 loss in Kansas a week-and-a-half ago. Since then, the Bears have held Kansas State and Texas to 60 and 63 points, respectively, on a combined 41-of-115 (35.6%) shooting. You would have to go back six games to find the last time Texas Tech allowed more than 70 points. It has done a tremendous job on defense here at home this season, limiting the opposition to just 20-of-52 shooting on average while giving up just a shade over 58 points per game. In last year's meeting on this floor, Texas Tech held Baylor to just 68 points on 41.8% shooting but ultimately fell by a 68-60 score. Take the under (10*). |
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02-16-22 | Pistons v. Celtics UNDER 214.5 | Top | 112-111 | Loss | -110 | 12 h 42 m | Show |
NBA Eastern Conference Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'under' between Detroit and Boston at 7:40 pm et on Wednesday. The Celtics are arguably the hottest team in the league right now and enter this game off a 135-87 drubbing of the Sixers in Philadelphia last night. With this being their last game prior to the All-Star break, I expect them to 'manage' proceedings wisely. Yes, last night's 135-point outburst was impressive but let's face it, the Sixers simply didn't show up, essentially laying down after falling behind early. Offensively explosions like that haven't been commonplace for the C's. They did have another similar performance in Brooklyn last week but followed it up by scoring just 108 and 105 points during a brief two-game homestand. Boston has actually been a slightly lower-scoring team at home compared to only the road this season, averaging 108.1 points per game. The 'under' is 18-12 at TD Garden this season with an average total of just 210.8 points. As for the Pistons, they managed to score only 94 points against a struggling Wizards squad last time out. They're just three games removed from scoring 86 points in a lopsided loss in Dallas and put up only 93 points at home against these same Celtics back on February 4th (that game totalled only 195 points). They've shot sub-38% in three of their last six games overall. Here, we'll note that the 'under' is 33-21 with the Pistons seeking revenge for a same-season loss against an opponent over the last two seasons. Meanwhile, the 'under' is a perfect 9-0 with the Celtics coming off consecutive ATS wins as a favorite over the last two seasons, with that spot producing an average total of only 203.2 points. Take the under (10*). |
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02-15-22 | Clippers v. Suns UNDER 223.5 | 96-103 | Win | 100 | 13 h 53 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Los Angeles and Phoenix at 10 pm et on Tuesday. The last time we saw these two teams meet they combined to score just 195 points, staying well below the closing total of 222. We're dealing with an even higher total this time around, largely due to the Suns recent high-scoring results. In fact, the 'over' is 4-0 in the Suns last four games and has cashed in six of their last seven contests overall. I'm not convinced that's a sustainable trend when you consider the 'under' is still 28-27-1 in all Suns games this season with an average total of 219.1 points scored. The Clippers are coming off a relatively high-scoring game of their own last night against Golden State (we missed cashing our 'under' ticket by a single point). The 'over' has now come through in six of their last seven games as well. After shooting better than 52% in consecutive games, I look for the Clippers offense to come back to Earth in this back-to-back spot, as they continue to play without newly-acquired Norm Powell, and could miss Luke Kennard again as well. Last night we saw Tre Mann go off for the Clips, pacing their 119-point outburst. Keep in mind, that was their highest point total since back on January 19th. They average just 105.6 points per game on the road this season, where the 'under' has gone 15-13-1. The Suns have done a terrific job of smothering opposing offenses lately, holding seven straight opponents to 90 or fewer field goal attempts. The Clippers don't play at all that quick of a tempo to begin with and I certainly don't anticipate them shooting the lights out against a Suns squad that limits opponents to 105.3 points per game on 43.7% shooting at home this season. Take the under (9*). |
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02-15-22 | Hornets v. Wolves UNDER 243.5 | 120-126 | Loss | -110 | 11 h 16 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Charlotte and Minnesota at 8:10 pm et on Tuesday. This game features one of the highest posted totals in the NBA this season. I believe it will prove too high. The Hornets enter this game off consecutive 'over' results. Their last game against the Grizzlies on Saturday only crept 'over' the total thanks to Memphis carrying a 31-point lead into halftime and then essentially laying down defensively in the second half, allowing Charlotte to score a whopping 75 points. I'm certainly expecting a more competitive affair between these two relatively evenly-matched teams tonight. Despite those to recent 'over' results, the 'under' remains 18-8 in the Hornets last 26 games. The T'Wolves are coming off a ridiculously high-scoring four-game road trip, with the 'over' cashing in all four of those games. Here, we have a 'catalyst for change' as Minnesota returns home, where it has played to considerably lower-scoring results with the 'under' cashing at a 15-11 clip. In fact, the T'Wolves average 4.1 points per game below their season scoring average while allowing 6.5 ppg less here at home. Their home games have averaged a total of just 214.4 points. It's also worth noting that the 'under' has gone 9-1 in the Hornets last 10 games played on two days' rest going back to last season, with that spot producing an average total of just 108.5 points. Take the under (9*). |
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02-15-22 | Villanova v. Providence +4.5 | 89-84 | Loss | -110 | 9 h 8 m | Show | |
My selection is on Providence plus the points over Villanova at 8 pm et on Tuesday. Providence almost got caught looking past DePaul on its home floor on Saturday but ultimately prevailed by three points in overtime, never sniffing out an ATS cover in that contest. I think in some ways as a result of that sleepy performance, we know get to grab almost a handful of points with the Friars at home - where they're 14-0 this season - against Villanova. The Wildcats were involved in a tough game of their own on Saturday, outlasting Seton Hall by six points. Providence always seems to give Villanova trouble on this floor - even weaker Friars squads of years' past. Last season, Providence won by two points as a four-point home underdog. In 2019 and 2020 they lost by six and four points, respectively. In 2018, the Friars upset the Wildcats as a 9.5-point underdog. You get the picture. It's certainly worth noting that five of Villanova's six losses this season have come on the road, where they've outscored opponents by an average margin of only 3.5 points per game. Providence checks in a perfect 7-0 ATS in an underdog role this season, actually managing to outscore opponents by 6.0 points on average in that situation. With super sixth-man Jared Bynum taking his game to another level over the last two games, leading the Friars in scoring on both contests, I like Providence's chances of keeping it rolling ahead of a return date against 'Nova on March 1st. Take Providence (6*). |
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02-15-22 | Celtics v. 76ers +1.5 | Top | 135-87 | Loss | -110 | 11 h 48 m | Show |
NBA Atlantic Division Game of the Year. My selection is on Philadelphia plus the points over Boston at 7:30 pm et on Tuesday. The Celtics are absolutely rolling right now, winners of eight games in a row, going 5-2-1 ATS over that stretch. Keep in mind, they were favored by at least six points in all eight of those contests. They'll face their toughest challenge in weeks on Tuesday night, as they go up against a rested 76ers squad that hasn't taken the floor since posting an impressive double-digit win over the Cavs on Saturday night. It seems as though the Philadelphia bandwagon was cleared thanks to last week's home loss to the Suns. That's not to mention the fact that James Harden remains sidelined after coming over in last week's blockbuster trade with the Nets. Note that Boston is just 13-15 SU on the road this season, including a 111-99 loss here in Philadelphia back in mid-January - a game that wasn't as close as the final score indicated. The 76ers are a modest 16-12 at home this season but have outscored opponents by an average margin of 3.9 points per game. Here, we'll note that Boston is a woeful 5-16 ATS when coming off a double-digit victory over the last two seasons, as is the case here, outscored by an average margin of 2.9 points in that spot. Philadelphia on the other hand has gone a terrific 40-26 ATS when playing consecutive home games over the last two seasons, outscoring the opposition by 6.7 points on average in that situation. Take Philadelphia (10*). |
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02-15-22 | Buffalo v. Bowling Green OVER 163 | 112-85 | Win | 100 | 10 h 30 m | Show | |
CBB Total of the Week. My selection is on the 'over' between Buffalo and Bowling Green at 7 pm et on Tuesday. While there are times the oddsmakers can't set the total low enough (case in point our play on the Virginia-Virginia Tech 'under' last night - a sub-120 total), there are also situations where the number simply can't be set high enough. The latter is the case here in my opinion. We won a big play on a Buffalo 'over' last week - a game that reached 166 points despite its extremely lopsided nature against Eastern Michigan (Buffalo won 102-64). Here, I'm anticipating a far more competitive affair for the Bulls, but ultimately a game that will be equally, if not even higher scoring. Buffalo has taken its aggressiveness on offense to a whole new level lately, hoisting up 70+ field goal attempts in three of its last five games. The only two contests were it didn't get off 70+ shots came in lopsided affairs at Ohio (a 21-point loss) and at home against Central Michigan (a 20-point win). Bowling Green can run and gun with the best of them. In fact, only four other teams in the country rank higher in terms of adjusted tempo this season (according to KenPom). We successfully faded the Falcons in their most recent game as they fell by a 92-78 score at Miami-Ohio on Saturday. They've had no interest in trying to limit opponents scoring opportunities here at home, allowing 74.6 points per game on an average of 64 field goal attempts per contest. Offensively, the Falcons have been hard to handle here on their home floor, hoisting up a whopping 68 field goal attempts per game, resulting in north of 87 points per contest. These two teams met back in January in Buffalo - a game that totalled 187 points. We didn't see anything particularly out of the ordinary in that game, perhaps other than Buffalo getting to the free throw line 35 times (and making 33 of those). Even if we do temper expectations on that front, we still have plenty of wiggle room with this total sitting in the low-160's (at the time of writing). Take the over (10*). |
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02-14-22 | Warriors v. Clippers UNDER 222.5 | Top | 104-119 | Loss | -110 | 14 h 12 m | Show |
NBA Division Total of the Week. My selection is on the 'under' between Golden State and Los Angeles at 10:40 pm et on Monday. I'm not convinced either of these teams want to get involved in a track meet on Monday night. The Warriors will be playing for the fourth time in the last six nights after dropping two of their last three games. The 'over' has cashed in their last two contests as they uncharacteristically struggled to contain the Knicks and Lakers offenses, allowing 116 and 115 points. Here, they'll catch the Clippers just one day removed from a hard-fought 99-97 win in Dallas to snap a three-game skid. L.A. isn't going to be at full strength for this game with newly-acquired Norman Powell sidelined due to a toe injury and Luke Kennard questionable to play as well. Note that the 'under' has gone 18-8 with the Warriors coming off an ATS loss this season with those games totalling an average of just 209.3 points. Meanwhile, the Clippers have seen the 'under' cash at a 14-4 clip after losing three of their last four games ATS this season, resulting in an average total of just 205.2 points in that spot. Take the under (10*). |
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02-14-22 | Oklahoma State v. Kansas UNDER 143.5 | 62-76 | Win | 100 | 11 h 2 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Oklahoma State and Kansas at 9 pm et on Monday. The first meeting between these two teams totalled just 137 points in a game where both teams played faster than usual. We're dealing with a slightly lower total for this one than we saw in that previous encounter but I'm not sure enough of an adjustment has been made. It's unlikely Kansas is going to shoot better than it has over its last four games, incredibly knocking down better than 51% of its field goal attempts in each of those four contests. Oklahoma State is fresh off a strong offensive showing of its own, scoring 81 points on 48% shooting but that came at the expense of West Virginia at home. Lost in that strong offensive performance was the fact that the Cowboys held the Mountaineers to just 31.7% shooting. That marks the second time in the last three games that Oklahoma State has held the opposition to sub-40% from the field. Note that the 'under' is on a long-term 24-15 run in this particular series. Take the under (8*). |
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02-14-22 | Virginia v. Virginia Tech UNDER 119.5 | 53-62 | Win | 100 | 9 h 43 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Virginia and Virginia Tech at 7 pm et on Monday. At first glance, this looks like a pretty low total. In fact, it doesn't just look like a low total, it is. With that being said, it's warranted in my opinion. These two in-state rivals have met four times since the start of 2020 with those four games totalling 104, 109, 116 and 106 points with the latter result coming earlier this season. Both teams are rolling right now. The Cavaliers have won four in a row including a stunning upset win at Duke while the Hokies are winners of five straight games. The question will be which defense blinks first in this one as both are more than capable of stymieing the opposing offense. There have certainly been situations lately where the oddsmakers have gone a little too far in setting low totals in games involving these teams as Virginia has seen the 'over' cash in four of its last five games while Virginia Tech has posted a 6-2 o/u mark over its last eight. I don't expect that to be the case here as neither team gives an inch in this rivalry showdown. Take the under (7*). |
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02-13-22 | Colorado State v. Boise State UNDER 133.5 | Top | 77-74 | Loss | -115 | 5 h 24 m | Show |
CBB Mountain West Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'under' between Colorado State and Boise State at 4 pm et on Sunday. Boise State is one of the stingiest home teams in the country, allowing just 53 field goal attempts per game (17 from beyond the arc) while sending opponents to the free throw line only 14 times per game. Yet here the Broncos are, coming off four consecutive 'over' results, with their last two games being played right here in Boise. I believe that has helped push this total a little too high. Colorado State isn't going to overwhelm anyone with its pace. In fact, the Rams play at an almost identical tempo to that of the Broncos. While they do average 73 points per game away from home, I don't see them coming close to that number against a Boise State defense that allows less than 60 points per game here at home. The Rams are fresh off a game that totalled just 115 points in a lopsided victory over Fresno State. They actually check in having shot 51% or better from the field in consecutive games but again, I don't see them approaching that level of success here. Note that the 'under' is a perfect 7-0 with Colorado State involved in a game with a total set between 130 and 139.5 points, as is the case here. Take the under (10*). |
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02-13-22 | Stony Brook v. Maine UNDER 139.5 | Top | 85-74 | Loss | -115 | 7 h 40 m | Show |
CBB America East Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'under' between Stony Brook and Maine at 1 pm et on Sunday. The first meeting between these two teams this season totalled 152 points but that's been far from the norm in this series with the last 10 matchups averaging a total of just 130 points. Stony Brook enters this game off a wild 87-85 win over UMass-Lowell - also not the norm for the Seawolves this season, noting that their previous three contests had all stayed 'under' the total. Stony Brook has had a bit of a difficult time controlling opponents' tempo on the road but shouldn't have such trouble here against a Maine squad that doesn't tend to get out and run here at home, averaging 56 field goal attempts per game (20 from three-point range) and gets to the free throw line an average of just 14 times per contest. Take the under (10*). |
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02-12-22 | Magic v. Suns UNDER 225.5 | 105-132 | Loss | -110 | 13 h 4 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Orlando and Phoenix at 9:10 pm et on Saturday. We won with the 'under' in Orlando's loss in Utah last night and I won't hesitate to go back to the well with the same play here. Phoenix is coming off three straight 'over' results including a 131-107 win over the Bucks in an NBA Finals rematch on Thursday. I expect to see the Suns use this matchup to catch their break, to to speak, following a stretch of five games in eight nights (in five different cities). After this contest, Phoenix will get a couple of days off before a back-to-back set against the Clippers and Rockets. Orlando has now been held under 100 points in two of its last three games and doesn't figure to show much improvement against a terrific defensive opponent here, especially considering it will be playing its fifth game in the last eight nights (in four different cities). While Orlando has allowed 110.7 points per game on the road this season, it has actually given up just 105.2 points per contest when playing away from home after losing three of its last four games ATS, as is the case here. That situation has produced an average total of just 212.8 total points (10-game sample size). Take the under (9*). |
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02-12-22 | Clippers +7 v. Mavs | Top | 99-97 | Win | 100 | 12 h 22 m | Show |
NBA Revenge Game of the Week. My selection is on Los Angeles plus the points over Dallas at 8:40 pm et on Saturday. We settled for a push with the Clippers in the front half of this two-game set in Dallas. We were somewhat fortunate as the Clips trailed that game virtually the entire way and Luka Doncic went off for 51 points. Here, I'm confident in Los Angeles' ability to make the necessary adjustments and close the gap in a quick rematch on Saturday. Despite Doncic's incredible performance, there actually wasn't all that much separating the two teams on Thursday. Dallas knocked down four more threes (on 16 more attempts) and also made good on five more free throws. Note that the Clippers are a terrific 9-1 ATS when playing on the road after losing five or six of their last seven games ATS over the last two seasons, outscoring opponents by 13.4 points on average in that situation. In 35 previous occasions where Dallas played at home off an ATS win over the last two seasons, it has only managed to outscore the opposition by an average margin of 1.5 points. After allowing 105 points or less in their previous contest this season, the Mavs have outscored opponents by just 1.2 points on average (30-game sample size). Take Los Angeles (10*). |
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02-12-22 | Dartmouth v. Princeton OVER 139.5 | 40-85 | Loss | -110 | 6 h 54 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Dartmouth and Princeton at 4 pm et on Saturday. Dartmouth has a tendency to yield to whatever tempo its opponent chooses to set, as we saw in the previous meeting between these two teams this season - a game that Princeton won by an 84-80 score. In this case, I'm confident we'll see the Tigers continue to push the pace, just as they have in their last four games, hoisting up 67, 64, 65 and 68 field goal attempts. Dartmouth got off 62 field goal attempts but couldn't make the most of them in a 62-60 loss at Brown last time out. Note that the Big Green have scored fairly consistently on the Ivy League road this season, racking up 71, 68, 76, 69 and 60 points in five conference road tilts. Princeton hasn't been held to fewer than 72 points since way back on November 24th at Monmouth. The Tigers have been ultra-efficient at the offensive end of the floor here at home this season, shooting better than 50% from the field and knocking down 11-of-28 three-point attempts per contest. With Dartmouth playing its fourth straight game away from home, it will need to push the pace itself in order to keep up. The good news is, the Big Green have actually shot better from beyond the arc on the road this season, knocking down an average of 10 triples per game. Take the over (9*). |
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02-12-22 | Bowling Green v. Miami-OH -1 | 78-94 | Win | 100 | 6 h 27 m | Show | |
My selection is on Miami-Ohio minus the points over Bowling Green at 3:30 pm et on Saturday. I expect Miami-Ohio to have opportunities abound in this one as it looks to post a second straight win after snapping a five-game losing streak with a win over Western Michigan last time out. Bowling Green has managed to go just 4-8 SU and 5-7 ATS on the road this season as it has had no luck at all trying to contain opposing offenses. The Falcons check in allowing 62 field goal attempts per game, 28 of those from three-point range and 22 free throw attempts on the road this season. Not surprisingly it all adds up to giving up just shy of 81 points per game away from home. While the Redhawks have struggled as a whole lately, and certainly from an ATS perspective, they do continue to do a good job of buttoning up opposing offenses here at home. By contrast, they allow just 57 field goal attempts and give up only 15 trips to the free throw line here on their home floor. Bowling Green took the first meeting between these two teams by an 87-83 score at home in early January. The only real difference in that one was that the Falcons had a 23-9 disparity in terms of free throw attempts, knocking down 12 more of those freebies than the Redhawks. Miami-Ohio got off a whopping 44 three-point attempts in that game, making good on 15 of them. Look for the Redhawks to get their revenge at home on Saturday. Take Miami-Ohio (9*). |
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02-12-22 | Sacred Heart -1.5 v. Fairleigh Dickinson | Top | 75-82 | Loss | -110 | 5 h 16 m | Show |
CBB NEC Game of the Year. My selection is on Sacred Heart minus the points over Fairleigh Dickinson at 1 pm et on Saturday. You'd be hard-pressed to find a worse Division I college basketball team than Fairleigh Dickinson this season. KenPom ranks them ahead of only eight other teams in the country and I think even that is a fairly forgiving ranking. The Knights lone victory since the start of January came against another awful NEC squad in Central Connecticut State. Sacred Heart certainly doesn't bring much 'wow factor' either but it has at least been playing competitive basketball in-conference. Just one week ago it pulled out a hard-fought overtime win on the road against St. Francis-Brooklyn and just two nights prior to that took LUI-Brooklyn down to the wire in a 79-75 road loss. These two teams just met back on January 15th with Sacred Heart prevailing by a score of 77-71. FDU lost that game by six points despite getting off a whopping 70 field goal attempts compared to Sacred Heart's 56. The Knights also won the turnover battle by a 14-11 margin in that game. I don't expect them to repeat either of those feats on Saturday as I look for Sacred Heart to dictate the tempo and ultimately pick up a win to gain some ground in the NEC (it enters Saturday's action just a half-game out of fifth place while FDU sits in last place). Take Sacred Heart (10*). |
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02-11-22 | Magic v. Jazz UNDER 222.5 | 99-114 | Win | 100 | 13 h 39 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Orlando and Utah at 9:10 pm et on Friday. With a four-game winning streak intact and fresh off a 26-point rout of the Warriors two nights ago, I see this as a game we see the Jazz 'manage' on Friday night at home against the lowly Magic. Orlando checks in off a blowout win in Portland. Keep in mind, that victory came after the Blazers dealt C.J. McCollum among others earlier in the day. While the Magic scored 113 points in that victory, they're just a game removed from an 83-point effort against the Celtics. I expect them to have a tough time scoring against a Jazz squad that is locked in defensively, having held their last three opponents to 41%, 38% and 36% shooting. Note that the first meeting between these two teams this season totalled only 207 points in an upset victory by the Magic in Orlando. That game saw a closing total of 211 points. I simply feel too much of an adjustment has been made here. Take the under (9*). |
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02-10-22 | Bucks +4 v. Suns | Top | 107-131 | Loss | -105 | 14 h 37 m | Show |
NBA on TNT Game of the Year. My selection is on Milwaukee plus the points over Phoenix at 10 pm et on Thursday. The Bucks are playing as well as any team in the league right now, winners of four straight games both SU and ATS, scoring 130+ points in each of their last three contests. Ordinarily, I might look to fade a team on such a run but not in this spot as Milwaukee wraps up its four-game road trip with a game it will have no difficulty getting up for against the team in defeated in last year's NBA Finals - the Phoenix Suns. The Suns are playing well. They've lost just one game going all the way back to January 11th. With that being said, they're just an even 5-5 ATS over their last 10 games. The Bucks might be without Grayson Allen for this game after he suffered a hip injury but the Suns continue to play on without underrated contributor Cam Payne as well. While the Bucks might be a little road weary at the end of this trip, the Suns will be playing their fifth game in the last eight nights, in five different cities. Phoenix is obviously one of the best teams in the league - at times THE best team in the league this season. However, the Bucks found a way to make the Suns look very ordinary in reeling off four straight wins (after falling behind 2-0) in last year's Finals. Phoenix has outscored its opponents by an average margin of 7.6 points this season. However, it has only outscored opponents by 4.4 points on average when coming off three or more consecutive wins over the last two seasons. The Bucks have been an excellent 'positive momentum' play having averaged 120.2 points per game, outscoring opponents by an average of 9.9 points when coming off consecutive double-digit victories over the last three seasons (48-game sample size). Take Milwaukee (10*). |
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02-10-22 | Clippers +7 v. Mavs | 105-112 | Push | 0 | 12 h 30 m | Show | |
My selection is on Los Angeles plus the points over Phoenix at 8:40 pm et on Thursday. The Clippers limp into this game off back-to-back losses but there's no need to push the panic button as those two losses came against two of the league's best teams in the Bucks and Grizzlies. L.A. has now dropped the cash in four straight games but I believe that's affording us a very generous helping of points with it as it heads to Dallas to face the surging Mavs on Thursday. Dallas has won three games in a row, both SU and ATS, including a 30-point rout of the Pistons last time out. Here, we'll note that Jason Kidd has not fared well in this situation over the course of his head coaching career, with his teams going 16-33 ATS when coming off three or more consecutive wins, outscored by an average of 4.4 points in that situation. The Clippers meanwhile, are 36-21 ATS when playing on the road off an ATS loss over the last three seasons. Better still, they're 9-1 ATS when playing on the road after losing four of their last five games ATS over the last two seasons, as is the case here, outscoring opponents by an average of 15.5 points in that situation. This will be the 13th meeting between these two teams going back to the start of last season. I believe the Mavs are simply laying too many points in this spot. Take Los Angeles (9*). |
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02-10-22 | Hofstra v. Drexel -1 | Top | 83-73 | Loss | -110 | 10 h 5 m | Show |
CAA Game of the Year. My selection is on Drexel minus the points over Hofstra at 7 pm et on Thursday. These two teams have been polar opposites in the luck department this season and as a result Hofstra checks in with the better overall record and a one-game edge in the Colonial Athletic Association. In fact, Hofstra ranks 106th in the country in luck rating - a metric developed by KenPom - while Drexel checks in 291st. With that being said, both teams come in off consecutive wins. I believe Drexel is better positioned to keep it going on Thursday, however, as it looks to avenge an earlier three-point loss at Hofstra back on January 17th. Note that the Dragons are 13-5 ATS as a favorite over the last two seasons, outscoring opponents by 8.7 points on average. Better still, they're 10-2 ATS when seeking revenge for a loss against an opponent over the last two seasons, outscoring foes by an average margin of 4.6 points in that spot. Note that Hofstra gets to the free throw line five fewer times per game on the road than Drexel does at home, while also averaging one less made three-pointer per contest on two more attempts. Off consecutive emotional wins at home (one came in overtime against James Madison and the other by two points against UNC-Wilmington), I look for Hofstra to come up short on the road on Thursday. Take Drexel (10*). |
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02-09-22 | Warriors v. Jazz -3 | Top | 85-111 | Win | 100 | 14 h 39 m | Show |
NBA Western Conference Non-Division Game of the Month. My selection is on Utah minus the points over Golden State at 10:10 pm et on Wednesday. The Jazz have reeled off three straight wins on their current homestand but can't afford to let their guard down after they had lost 11 of their previous 13 contests. The Warriors, on the other hand, can afford to 'manage' things on a game-to-game basis and will once again sit Klay Thompson for this front half of a back-to-back set at the Jazz and back home against the Knicks. Remember, one week ago tonight the Warriors rested Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and Andrew Wiggins, essentially 'punting' the game against the Spurs but San Antonio was extremely forgiving, coughing up a 15-point fourth quarter lead in a four-point loss. I don't expect the Jazz to be nearly as forgiving on Wednesday. Utah has been one of the most streaky teams in the league from an ATS perspective in recent years and checks into this one having gone 18-7 ATS when coming off three or more consecutive wins over the last three seasons, outscoring opponents by 13.3 points on average in that spot. The Jazz have undoubtedly had this game circled on their calendar since dropping a tough 94-92 decision in San Francisco back on January 23rd. Utah could have certainly used Donovan Mitchell in that game. In two games since returning from a concussion, Mitchell has contributed 59 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists in just 56 minutes of action. The Warriors have actually taken both previous meetings in this series this season and four in a row going back to last season. That sort of run of success in this series hasn't been common, however. You would have to go back to 2017 to find the last time Golden State won five straight matchups against the Jazz, and that included a four-game series sweep in the playoffs. Look for Utah to get back at the Warriors on Wednesday. Take Utah (10*). |
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02-09-22 | High Point v. Presbyterian UNDER 128 | Top | 79-70 | Loss | -110 | 7 h 28 m | Show |
CBB Big South Conference Total of the Year. My selection is on the 'under' between High Point and Presbyterian at 7 pm et on Wednesday. These two teams are coming off very different results last time out as High Point outlasted UNC-Asheville by a 91-83 score in overtime while Presbyterian fell by a 74-69 score at Hampton. That most recent game was at home for High Point. It has struggled mightily on the road, winning just once in 10 tries. Presbyterian has proven to be a very frustrating team to play against, particularly on this floor, where it has held opponents to just 50 field goal attempts per game. For its part, High Point has had a tough time getting into any sort of rhythm on the road, getting off just 51 field goal attempts per contest. The Panthers also get to the free throw line five times less than their season average away from home. With all of that being said, High Point has also done a nice job of controlling the tempo on the road, giving up just 51 field goal attempts per game. In other words, I'm not expecting a free-flowing affair here. Presbyterian is actually coming off consecutive 'over' results - the first time we've seen that since December 6th and 12th. High Point's most recent game also found its way 'over' the total. We haven't seen consecutive games involving the Panthers go 'over' the total since December 29th and 31st with those two games coming against Michigan State and Kentucky (High Point allowed 81 and 92 points in those two games). Presbyterian has allowed just 57.7 points per game when playing at home off a loss by six points or less over the last two seasons (six-game sample size), as is the case here. Meanwhile, the 'under' is 16-6 with High Point having lost two of its last three games over the last two seasons (22-game sample size). Take the under (10*). |
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02-08-22 | Pistons v. Mavs OVER 213.5 | Top | 86-116 | Loss | -110 | 11 h 13 m | Show |
NBA Non-Conference Total of the Year. My selection is on the 'over' between Detroit and Dallas at 8:40 pm et on Tuesday. I don't think a lot of bettors are rushing to back the 'over' in this low-key Tuesday non-conference affair. With that being said, I love the way the situation sets up. The Mavs have let their defense do the talking in their last two games, holding the 76ers and Hawks under 100 points in fairly comfortable victories. Here, I think Dallas will need its offense to do some of the heavy-lifting, noting that the Pistons have actually scored over 100 points in nine of their last 10 games, employing an up-tempo style, getting off 90+ field goal attempts in each of their last three games. Keep in mind, Detroit scored 117 and 105 points in a pair of matchups with Dallas last year with both of those contests flying 'over' the total. Here, we'll note that the 'over' is 21-11 with Detroit coming off a game in which it scored 105 points or less this season, as is the case here, with that spot producing an average total of 219.1 points. Better still, the 'over' is 12-4 with the Pistons off consecutive games scoring 105 points or less, leading to an average total of 220.9 points. As for the Mavs, the 'over' is a long-term 70-45 when they come off consecutive home victories, which is also the case tonight. The Mavs haven't been forced to play on consecutive nights since January 29th and 30th and inexplicably won't do so against until the third week of March. In other words, there's no need for them to 'manage' this game in the same way the Warriors did last night (as I noted in my analysis of that play on the GS-OKC 'under'). While Dallas is missing some key contributors, including Kristaps Porzingis and Tim Hardaway Jr., it has still managed to score more than 100 points in six straight games. It's worth mentioning that the Mavs are also without one of their best defensive players in Maxi Kleber. The Pistons aren't slowing anyone down these days, allowing over 100 points in 12 consecutive contests and will be hard-pressed to improve on last year's two performances against Dallas in which they gave up 127 and 115 points. Finally, I'll note that the 'over' is 4-1 with the Pistons playing on the road off consecutive 'under' results this season. Take the over (10*). |
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02-08-22 | Eastern Michigan v. Buffalo OVER 148.5 | Top | 64-102 | Win | 100 | 11 h 47 m | Show |
CBB MAC Total of the Year. My selection is on the 'over' between Eastern Michigan and Buffalo at 7 pm et on Tuesday. Buffalo enters this game off consecutive 'under' results. I expect that streak to be short-lived, however. No team has struggled more to control tempo (perhaps I should word that another way given the Bulls actually prefer to play at a fast pace), as Buffalo has allowed opponents to get off an incredible 68 field goal attempts per game here at home this season. Not surprisingly, Bulls home games have averaged north of 149 points per contest. Eastern Michigan doesn't operate at a blazing fast pace but it has picked it up after a couple of dismal campaigns, averaging just over 71 points per game this season. The Eagles are going to have to keep pace with the Bulls if they want to snap their current three-game skid on Tuesday. Note that Eastern Michigan has been held to 71 points or less in three straight games but this is a team that has scored 90+ points on three previous occasions this season and an arguably worse Eagles squad did manage to score 77 points (in a game that totalled 169) points in last year's meeting here in Buffalo. As I mentioned, the Bulls are coming off consecutive relatively low-scoring affairs. Keep in mind, the first of those two games came against one of the MAC's better teams in Ohio and the other against one of the conference's worst squads in Central Michigan. I look for a big bust-out performance from the Buffalo offense, noting that it averages just shy of 80 points per game at home this season, where it averages 28 three-point attempts per game (two more than its season average) and gets to the free throw line an average of 22 times per contest (four above its season average). EMU has allowed 80+ points in four of its last five games and has given up 90 or more points on three previous occasions this season. Here, we'll note that the 'over' is 8-1 with Eastern Michigan coming off consecutive double-digit losses against conference opponents over the last three seasons with that spot producing an average total of 150.9 points. Take the over (10*). |
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02-07-22 | Warriors v. Thunder UNDER 212 | Top | 110-98 | Win | 100 | 10 h 34 m | Show |
NBA Western Conference Non-Division Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'under' between Golden State and Oklahoma City at 8:10 pm et on Monday. This is a game that Golden State can and likely will 'manage' as it begins a stretch of three games in four nights (in three different cities) between now and Thursday. The Warriors have been lighting it up offensively but actually check in having allowed consecutive opponents to shoot better than 50% from the field. Considering they've only allowed four opponents to shoot better than 50% all season, that's notable. What better opponent to button things up defensively against than Oklahoma City? The Thunder have been held under 100 points in five of their last nine games overall and average just a shade over the century mark in terms of points per game at home this season. Oklahoma City is at home playing its third game in four nights tonight and doing so without a number of key contributors with the most notable being Shae Gilgeous-Alexander. Lu Dort remains questionable to play due to a nasal fracture but it does sound more likely that he'll be able to go. Nevertheless, the Warriors have held the Thunder to just 98 and 82 points in two previous meetings this season. In fact, they've held the Thunder under 100 points in four straight meetings in this series. Here, we'll note that the 'under' is 27-14 with Golden State in the role of favorite this season and 32-15 in its last 47 games when playing on the road off a double-digit win over a division opponent. Meanwhile, the 'under' is 30-17 when the Thunder seek revenge for a double-digit loss against an opponent over the last two seasons, as is the case here. Take the under (10*). |
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02-07-22 | NC-Wilmington v. Hofstra OVER 145 | Top | 71-73 | Loss | -110 | 9 h 55 m | Show |
CBB Colonial Athletic Association Total of the Year. My selection is on the 'over' between N.C. Wilmington and Hofstra at 5 pm et on Monday. This will be the second meeting between these two teams in as many weeks after Wilmington prevailed by a 78-72 score at home on January 29th. The Seahawks are the surprising leaders in the CAA right now with head coach Takayo Siddle squeezing every last drop out of the talent he has at hand. As expected, Wilmington is playing fast and comes into this game off a 92-point explosion against William and Mary last time out. Of course, going up-tempo plays right into the hands of Hofstra, which checks in ranked 112th in adjusted tempo (according to KenPom). Aaron Estrada has absolutely gone off for the Pride, most recently pouring in 35 points in Saturday's overtime win over James Madison. The Pride have scored 70+ points in six of their last seven games and come into this one on the heels of three straight 'over' results. Note that in that first meeting with Wilmington, the Pride knocked down only three of 18 three-point attempts. Considering they shoot 10-of-28 from beyond the arc here at home, I would expect a vast improvement over that performance here. Note that the Seahawks have held just one conference opponent to fewer than 70 points on the road this season, that being a highly-disappointing Northeastern squad in a game that still found its way 'over' the total. The 'over' has cashed in five of Wilmington's last seven games overall. Note that the second meeting between these two teams has been higher scoring than the first in each of the last three years in this series. Take the over (10*). |
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02-06-22 | Pacers +5.5 v. Cavs | Top | 85-98 | Loss | -110 | 11 h 39 m | Show |
NBA Central Division Game of the Month. My selection is on Indiana plus the points over Cleveland at 6:10 pm et on Sunday. |
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02-06-22 | Washington v. Stanford -4.5 | 69-87 | Win | 100 | 8 h 50 m | Show | |
My selection is on Stanford minus the points over Washington at 4 pm et on Sunday. I like the way this spot sets up for Stanford as it comes off a disappointing home loss against Washington State and hosts a Washington squad fresh off three straight wins, both SU and ATS, including an upset win at Cal last time out. Note that the Huskies have gone winless in two previous tries coming off a road win this season, failing to cover the spread in both of those games as well. Meanwhile, Stanford is a solid 88-63 ATS after losing four or five of its last six games ATS, as is the case here. The Cardinal improve on their terrific 9-2 home record here. Take Stanford (8*). |
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02-06-22 | Akron v. Miami-OH +3.5 | 71-59 | Loss | -110 | 4 h 43 m | Show | |
My selection is on Miami-Ohio plus the points over Akron at 4 pm et on Sunday. It's certainly been a rough ride for the Redhawks of Miami-Ohio lately as they've lost four games in a row SU and nine straight ATS entering Sunday's rematch with Akron (the Zips took Friday's meeting by a 66-55 score at home). Note that Akron has closed as a road favorite just once previously this season, winning that game by just four points as a 12.5-point favorite against Central Michigan. Despite their recent struggles, the Redhawks are still a winning team at home this season at 6-5 SU. The Zips, meanwhile, are 4-5 SU and ATS on the road. The Redhawks actually got off seven more field goal attempts than the Zips on Friday but Akron ultimately held a 17-7 edge in terms of free throw attempts and shot 50% from the field in the win. Take Miami-Ohio (7*). |
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02-06-22 | Pistons +12 v. Wolves | 105-118 | Loss | -110 | 6 h 42 m | Show | |
My selection is on Detroit plus the points over Minnesota at 3:40 pm et on Sunday. These two teams are clearly heading in opposite directions right now with the Pistons losers of three games in a row (1-2 ATS) and the T'Wolves having won three straight (3-0 ATS) including a 128-117 win in Detroit on Thursday. Keep in mind, that meeting was closer than the final score indicated as the Pistons were actually within five points with less than a minute remaining. Here, we'll note that Detroit checks in a highly-profitable 26-13 ATS off three or more consecutive losses over the last two seasons while Minnesota is 11-23 ATS at home against non-conference opponents over the last three seasons and 25-40 ATS in their last 65 games following a win. Take Detroit (9*). |
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02-06-22 | Wisc-Milwaukee +10.5 v. Cleveland State | 71-84 | Loss | -111 | 3 h 6 m | Show | |
My selection is on Wisconsin-Milwaukee plus the points over Cleveland State at 3 pm et on Sunday. Milwaukee enters this game on the heels of four straight losses, both SU and ATS, with all four of those setbacks coming by double-digit margins. Keep in mind, their previous season-high in terms of consecutive double-digit losses was three. The schedule obviously plays a role and here Milwaukee plays its fourth consecutive Horizon League road game. Needless to say, the Panthers will have no trouble getting up for Cleveland State - one of the best teams in the conference. Here, we'll note that the Vikings are a miserable 1-7 ATS after winning two of their last three games ATS this season, as is the case here. They're also 4-14 ATS when coming off a game in which they shot 55% or better from the field, also the situation here after their blowout win over Wisconsin-Green Bay on Friday. Take Wisconsin-Milwaukee (8*). |
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02-06-22 | Marist +4.5 v. St. Peter's | 50-66 | Loss | -110 | 6 h 58 m | Show | |
My selection is on Marist plus the points over St. Peter's at 2 pm et on Sunday. The Marist Red Foxes check into this game off four consecutive losses, both SU and ATS but I'm confident we'll see them give St. Peter's a serious run on Sunday afternoon. The Peacocks easily dispatched Quinnipiac here at home on Friday - their fourth straight ATS victory. Here, they'll have their hands full with a Marist squad that has gone 15-6 ATS when coming off a road loss over the last three seasons while St. Peter's owns a woeful 34-53 ATS mark when playing consecutive home games. While Marist dropped the first meeting between these two teams in late January, it hasn't lost consecutive matchups with St. Peter's since 2019-20. Take Marist (9*). |
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02-06-22 | Green Bay +10 v. IUPU Ft Wayne | 55-71 | Loss | -110 | 3 h 8 m | Show | |
My selection is on Wisconsin-Green Bay plus the points over IUPU-Fort Wayne at 2 pm et on Sunday. Wisconsin-Green Bay enters this game off four consecutive losses - all on the road - but I expect it to hang tough in Fort Wayne on Sunday afternoon, noting that it has gone a perfect 6-0 ATS when coming off four or more consecutive losses over the last two seasons. Green Bay 'only' lost by 16 points against a superior Cleveland State squad on the road last time out, despite allowing the Vikings to shoot a blistering 63.5% from the field. It won't be difficult for Green Bay to get up for this one but I think it will be for Fort Wayne, which checks in off a double-digit home win over Wisconsin-Milwaukee on Friday. Take Wisconsin-Green Bay (8*). |
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02-06-22 | Providence v. Georgetown +7 | Top | 71-52 | Loss | -105 | 4 h 9 m | Show |
Big East Game of the Month. My selection is on Georgetown plus the points over Providence at 12 noon et on Sunday. Providence has now won six consecutive games, including an upset victory at St. John's last time out. Since defeating Georgetown by eight points (but failing to cover) on January 20th, the Friars have been involved in four straight highly-contested games against Butler, Xavier, Marquette and St. John's. It's going to be very difficult for Ed Cooley's team to avoid a letdown here. Meanwhile, the Hoyas haven't won a game since December 15th against Howard. They do check in 3-2-1 ATS over their last six games though and catch the Friars laying points on the road for the first time this season. Take Georgetown (10*). |
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02-05-22 | Bucks v. Blazers OVER 227.5 | 137-108 | Win | 100 | 12 h 54 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Milwaukee and Portland at 10:10 pm et on Saturday. We missed with the 'over' in the Blazers loss at home against the Thunder last night. The pace was absolutely there, however, noting that Portland got off a whopping 101 field goal attempts in that contest (while allowing 87). The Blazers know they're going to have to step it up offensively tonight if they want to have any chance of keeping up with the Bucks. Portland has now been held under 100 points in three consecutive games but still averages 111 points per game at home this season (four points per game above its season average). Keep in mind, in two meetings between these teams last season, the Bucks hung 134 and 127 points on the board. After a stretch that saw it held to under 100 points in four of eight games, the Bucks have now reached the century mark in three straight. Note that the 'over' has gone 38-23 and the Bucks have averaged 115.9 points per game when playing on the road off an 'under' result over the last three seasons. Meanwhile, the 'over' is 18-6 with the Blazers coming off consecutive 'under' results over the last two seasons, with that situation producing an average total of 231.6 points, even including last night's low-scoring result. Take the over (8*). |
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02-05-22 | Thunder v. Kings OVER 216.5 | Top | 103-113 | Loss | -110 | 12 h 7 m | Show |
NBA Western Conference Total of the Week. My selection is on the 'over' between Oklahoma City and Sacramento at 10:10 pm et on Saturday. We missed with the 'over' in the Thunder's 96-93 win in Portland. I won't hesitate to go back to the well with the same play here, however. The pace was there but neither the Thunder or Blazers shot well in last night's game. In fact, both teams shot sub-40% from the field. I expect a different story to unfold on Saturday. The Thunder are going to need to perform better offensively if they want to secure a third straight win as the Kings have scored 112 and 114 points over their last two games, most recently shooting north of 52% in a tough road game at Golden State on Thursday (we won with the 'over' in that game). On the flip side, the Kings have allowed at least 103 points in 18 consecutive games. Even with the Thunder's flaws offensively (noting they're without Shae Gilgeous-Alexander), they should benefit from facing a Sacramento squad that allows just under 112 points per game at home this season. Considering Kings home games have averaged 221.6 total points this season and four meetings between these two teams here since the start of 2020 have totalled 220, 224, 228 and 228 points, I believe this total will prove too low. Take the over (10*). |
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02-05-22 | Western Illinois v. UMKC | 82-91 | Win | 100 | 7 h 14 m | Show | |
My selection is on UMKC minus the points over Western Illinois at 8 pm et on Saturday. We won with the 'over' in Western Illinois' most recent game - a stunning upset win on the road against Oral Roberts on Thursday. Here, I suspect it will be in tough trying to replicate that performance against a surging UMKC squad on Saturday night. Western Illinois has had no ability whatsoever to control the tempo, or at least keep it in check on the road this season. Nor has it had any interest in doing so. That spells trouble here, though, as it faces a UMKC team that is just as comfortable playing an up-tempo game at home, where it averages just shy of 79 points per game on north of 47% shooting. UMKC enters this game having won five of its last six overall, going 4-2 ATS over that stretch. That includes an eight-point victory at Western Illinois earlier this week. The Roos won that game despite a 10-point disparity in favor of the Leathernecks at the free throw line. While Western Illinois would love go get some quick revenge here, it will be in tough as the Roos have done a tremendous job of controlling the tempo of opponents here at home, allowing only 49 field goal attempts per contest. Add in the letdown factor with the Leathernecks having shot well above their season average in that most recent game against Oral Roberts and I like the value being offered with UMKC at a virtual pk'em price here. Take UMKC (8*). |
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02-05-22 | UNLV v. Utah State UNDER 139 | 75-90 | Loss | -110 | 9 h 24 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between UNLV and Utah State at 6 pm et on Saturday. Utah State got off an uncharacteristically-high 67 field goal attempts in its most recent game - a 78-62 rout of lowly San Jose State on Thursday. Off that 'over' result, we'll go the other way and back the 'under' on Saturday, noting that the 'under' has cashed on both occasions that situation has come up in conference play involving the Aggies this season. Utah State enters this game having scored 70+ points in four straight games. While UNLV isn't known for its defense, it has actually held opponents to a slightly slower pace on the road compared to at home this season, giving up fewer field goal and free throw attempts per game. The Rebels don't play at a particularly fast pace themselves, checking in 181st in the nation in adjusted tempo (according to KenPom). They've gotten off 60+ field goal attempts in four of nine Mountain West games this season but scored more than 55 points in just two of those contests, with those coming against two of the conference's weakest teams in New Mexico and San Jose State. Utah State has not surprisingly done a terrific job of defending here at home this season, holding opponents to just 18 three-point attempts per game (five below their season average allowed) and 15 free throw attempts per contest. Note that the 'under' is 15-6 with Utah State coming off consecutive double-digit wins over the last three seasons, as is the case here, with that spot producing an average total of just 132.5 points. Take the under (9*). |
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02-05-22 | Sacred Heart v. St Francis NY OVER 142.5 | Top | 66-62 | Loss | -105 | 8 h 23 m | Show |
CBB Northeast Conference Total of the Year. My selection is on the 'over' between Sacred Heart and St. Francis (NY) at 4 pm et on Saturday. This is a rematch of a game between these two teams on January 27th. St. Francis took that meeting by a 71-66 score in a game that stayed 'under' the closing total. As a result we're dealing with a slightly lower total here, but I'm not sure the move is warranted. That game was played at a relatively slow pace with both teams hoisting up sub-60 field goal attempts and a combined 26 trips to the free throw line. I expect a different story to unfold on Saturday. Sacred Heart hasn't had a hope of slowing down opponents on the road, particularly of late. It has yielded 62, 69, 63 and 65 field goal attempts in four road games since New Year's Eve and while St. Francis (NY) doesn't play at all that quick of a pace, it does play considerably faster at home and I expect it to be afforded plenty of good looks in this one. Note that opponents are shooting a ridiculous 49.3% against Sacred Heart in its road games this season, where it allows just shy of 80 points per game. I do think that Sacred Heart can stay competitive in this one, however. It shot a miserable 5-of-16 from beyond the arc in that first meeting this season but that could be considered an anomaly as the Pioneers average nine made threes per game on the season, with that average holding steady on the road. Noting that St. Francis sends opponents to the free throw line 19 times per game on average, I would also anticipate Sacred Heart improving on its 10 free throw attempts in the first matchup. When these two teams last played on this floor last February they combined to score 170 points in a wild 88-82 Sacred Heart victory. That was the back half of a two-game set with the front-end resulting in 164 total points. Noting that both teams bring plenty of returning experience to the table, I'm anticipating another relatively high-scoring affair on Saturday afternoon. Take the over (10*). |
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02-04-22 | Thunder v. Blazers OVER 214 | Top | 96-93 | Loss | -110 | 14 h 40 m | Show |
NBA Northwest Division Total of the Year. My selection is on the 'over' between Oklahoma City and Portland at 10:10 pm et on Friday. These two teams just met on Monday night in Oklahoma City with the Thunder rolling to a 98-81 victory - one of the lowest-scoring games for both teams this season. I expect a much different story to unfold on Friday night in Portland, however. Oklahoma City continues to play on without Shae Gilgeous-Alexander among others, but it does bring some confidence to the table off consecutive wins over the Blazers and Mavs. While the Thunder did hold Portland to just 81 points earlier this week, they've proven to be a considerably weaker defensive team on the road, where they allow 2.3 points per game above their season average and have had no luck controlling tempo, allowing opponents to get off an average of 93 field goal attempts per game away from home. In Monday's matchup, Portland knocked down just 7-of-38 three-point attempts and got to the free throw line only eight times. Perhaps that sleepy performance shouldn't have come as a surprise as it was playing the second of back-to-backs after a wild 130-116 loss in Chicago the night previous. A return home should help the Blazers cause, noting they average 3.5 points per game above their season average and make good on an average of 15 threes while getting to the free throw line 23 times per contest. Those are far more encouraging numbers than what we saw in OKC on Monday. The Thunder are undermanned right now but I'm confident guys like Lu Dort, Tre Mann and Josh Giddey can continue to pick up the slack. While the Blazers have held consecutive opponents under 100 points, that could be chalked up as an anomaly as they had given up over 100 points in 10 of their previous 11 games. Here, we'll note that the 'over' is 18-5 with the Blazers coming off consecutive 'under' results over the last two seasons, with that spot producing an average of 233.4 points. The 'over' is also 24-11 with Portland seeking revenge for a loss against an opponent as a favorite over the last three seasons, as is the case here, leading to an average total of 231.2 points. Take the over (10*). |
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02-04-22 | Nets v. Jazz OVER 228.5 | 102-125 | Loss | -110 | 12 h 21 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Brooklyn and Utah at 9:10 pm et on Friday. The Nets are coming off an ugly loss in Sacramento two nights ago as their woes continued on their current trip, which has seen them go 0-3 so far, part of a six-game skid overall. In that loss, James Harden shot 2-of-11 from the field and didn't get to the free throw line a single time. For his part, Kyrie Irving scored only 14 points. It was a generally lackadaisical offensive effort from Brooklyn, which hoisted up only 25 three-point attempts (it averages 32 attempts per game on the road this season) and got to the charity stripe just 14 times (it averages 21 attempts per game on the road this season). The Nets know they'll need to go on the attack and ramp up their offensive production if they want to have any hope of tasting victory on Friday. That's because their defense has incredibly allowed 100 points or more in 27 straight games. While the offense, or lack thereof, has been taking a lot of the heat lately, Brooklyn hasn't played a lick of defense on this trip (you could make the argument it held up ok at Golden State - notably without James Harden in the lineup), allowing 110, 121 and 112 points. Utah has had its share of struggles lately as well but snapped a five-game losing streak with a 108-104 win over Denver two nights ago and now it is expected to get Donovan Mitchell back after he missed time due to a concussion. After being held under 100 points in four of eight games, the Jazz have now put up 109, 106 and 108 points over their last three contests and I look for them to improve on those numbers here. Last time out against Denver, Utah scored 108 points despite shooting an ugly 7-of-29 from beyond the arc (it averages 15 made threes per game at home this season). Here, we'll note that the 'over' is 15-5 with the Nets coming off an outright loss as a road favorite over the last three seasons, as is the case here, with that spot producing an average total of 235.8 points. The 'over' is 12-2 with the Jazz playing at home off a win this season, leading to an average total of 232.8 points scored in that situation. Take the over (8*). |
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02-04-22 | Princeton v. Cornell OVER 157.5 | Top | 83-88 | Win | 100 | 12 h 18 m | Show |
CBB Ivy League Total of the Year. My selection is on the 'over' between Princeton and Cornell at 7 pm et on Friday. The first meeting between these two teams this season stayed comfortably 'under' the total as Princeton prevailed by a 72-70 score at home. There were some notable takeaways from that game. Cornell got all the looks it wanted but simply couldn't knock down enough shots, noting that it shot 43% from the field on 62 attempts. It's worth mentioning that the Big Red were playing their second game in as many days on that occasion. Here, we'll see a rested Big Red bunch having not played since last Sunday (in typical Ivy League scheduling). As further illustration to how many points Cornell left on the table in that first meeting, it made just 9-of-26 three-point attempts and got to the free throw line an uncharacteristically-low nine times (but did make nine of those freebies). The Big Red check in an impressive seventh in the nation in adjusted tempo according to KenPom and will certainly look to dictate the pace against a very beatable Princeton defense here. On the flip side, the Tigers should be more than happy to be along for the ride in a potential track meet, noting that they've scored 70+ points in 13 consecutive games. This isn't the same fundamentally-sound Princeton defense we've been accustomed to seeing, however, as it has allowed 80, 76, 81, 73 and 80 points in five road games this season. The fact that the Tigers baited a slow Dartmouth squad (334th in adjusted tempo) into a game that totalled 164 points in their most recent road game is telling. Princeton is more than capable of shooting the lights out and I suspect it will be even more set on pushing the pace after Cornell was seemingly the more aggressive offensive side in the last meeting. It's worth noting that the Tigers were without sharp-shooter Jaelin Llewellyn in the first meeting, which certainly hampered their offense. He knocked down six threes in Princeton's most recent game - an 80-74 loss to Yale last Saturday. Take the over (10*). |
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02-03-22 | Kings v. Warriors OVER 223.5 | Top | 114-126 | Win | 100 | 11 h 30 m | Show |
NBA Pacific Division Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'over' between Sacramento and Golden State at 10:10 pm et on Thursday. The Warriors are absolutely rolling offensively right now. Even last time out, in a game in which they sat Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and Andrew Wiggins, they still managed to post a 30+ point fourth quarter in a stunning 124-120 win over a full strength Spurs squad (we unfortunately lost with San Antonio +2.5 after playing it before the news of Curry and Wiggins' absence came out). Here, there's little reason to expect anything other than an offensive onslaught against a Kings squad playing the second of back-to-backs and for the third time in four nights, in three different cities. Note that the Kings have allowed over 100 points in 18 consecutive games. They did manage to upset the Nets at home last night, however, and should carry some confidence into this one as a result. For their part, the Warriors have scored 130, 124, 110, 122 and 124 points over their lats five games, clearly benefiting from Klay Thompson shaking off the rust, and the re-emergence of Andrew Wiggins as a go-to scorer. On the flip side, Golden State has now given up over 100 points in four straight games. This will be a rematch of a mid-December meeting between these two teams that went the way of the Warriors 113-98. Note that the 'over' is 36-23 with the Kings seeking revenge for a loss where their opponent scored 110+ points over the last two seasons, with that situation producing an average total of 234.1 points. The 'over' is also 33-18 with the Kings coming off six or seven losses in their last eight games over the last three seasons, leading to an average total of 231.0 points. Take the over (10*). |
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02-03-22 | Lakers v. Clippers -154 | 110-111 | Win | 100 | 9 h 21 m | Show | |
My selection is on the Clippers moneyline over the Lakers at 10 pm et on Thursday. The Lakers prevailed by a 99-94 score over the Trail Blazers last night. That sets them up in poor position here, noting that they've gone a miserable 6-16 ATS after an ATS win this season, outscored by 4.5 points on average in that spot. Worse still, they're 4-16 ATS after giving up 95 points or less in their previous game over the last two seasons. The Clippers betting bandwagon was cleared after a six-point loss in Indiana to wrap up a long eight-game road trip on Monday. By all accounts, it was a successful trip as the Clips went 4-4 SU and 5-3 ATS. Los Angeles hasn't suffered consecutive ATS losses since January 13th and 15th. While it sounds like Anthony Davis will play for the Lakers on Thursday, the fact is he hasn't played in a back-to-back since mid-November. Lebron James is questionable at best to play on Thursday. Noting that the Clips are 23-11 ATS after a loss by six points or less over the last three seasons and have owned the Lakers, going a perfect 4-0 in this series since the start of last season, we'll back the home side to take this one straight-up. Take the Clippers moneyline (6*). |
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02-03-22 | UCLA v. Arizona OVER 146.5 | Top | 66-76 | Loss | -110 | 12 h 51 m | Show |
Pac-12 Total of the Year. My selection is on the 'over' between UCLA and Arizona at 8 pm et on Thursday. We saw a closing total north of 150 points in the first matchup between these two teams last week. That game ultimately fizzled with just 134 points as UCLA rolled to a double-digit victory. The Wildcats followed up that loss with another unimpressive offensive showing, albeit in a double-digit win of their own over Arizona State, scoring just 67 points on 32% shooting. Keep in mind, Arizona still ranks second in the nation in adjusted tempo and 13th in adjusted offensive efficiency (both according to KenPom). I expect a strong bounce-back performance from the Wildcats offense in this one. UCLA hasn't posted monster offensive numbers away from home, but that's had a lot to do with the opposition they've faced. The Bruins simply haven't had to ramp it up offensively in order to secure road victories. Again, I expect a different story to unfold here. While the Bruins defense has been terrific, it also checks in 17th in the country in adjusted offensive efficiency. Here, we'll note that Arizona has averaged 82.1 points per game when coming off consecutive 'under' results over the last three seasons, as is the case here, with those games totalling an average of 148.2 points (16-game sample size). The fact that Arizona shot just 30% on a whopping 75 field goal attempts in the last meeting indicates plenty of points were left on the table in that one. Also note that the game featured a grand total of just 16 free throw attempts. Noting that last year's meeting in Tucson totalled 157 points, I'm quite comfortable playing the 'over' in this rematch. Take the over (10*). |
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02-03-22 | Western Illinois v. Oral Roberts OVER 161.5 | Top | 90-85 | Win | 100 | 9 h 47 m | Show |
CBB Summit League Total of the Year. My selection is on the 'over' between Western Illinois and Oral Roberts at 8 pm et on Thursday. I don't expect either of these teams to pump the breaks one bit in this rematch of a wild 87-86 Oral Roberts victory in January. We're talking about two teams that rank well inside the nation's top-50 in terms of adjusted tempo (according to KenPom) with neither boasting a great deal of defensive prowess. Western Illinois scored 'only' 75 points in a disappointing home loss against UMKC last time out. The Leathernecks left plenty of points on the table in that game as they turned the ball over 15 times and shot just 44% from the field. That marked the second time in their last four games that they allowed an opponent to shoot better than 56% from the field. Oral Roberts is coming off a two-game road trip that saw it score 100 and 89 points in wins over Nebraska-Omaha and Denver. While Western Illinois will pose a more difficult challenge, the Golden Eagles should be up for it. They average an incredible 87.7 points per game at home this season. That's on the strength of 13-of-31 shooting from beyond the arc. You could argue that Western Illinois was fortunate to only lose by a single point in the first meeting between these two teams this season as ORU knocked down just nine three-pointers in the game. Speaking of that contest, Western Illinois shot a woeful 40% from the field but isn't likely to shy away from pushing the pace again here, noting that it did get plenty of good looks on 64 field goal attempts, not to mention 30 free throws in that narrow loss. While this total has been adjusted by a couple of points, I don't believe it will be enough. Take the over (10*). |
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02-03-22 | Wolves v. Pistons +7.5 | 128-117 | Loss | -110 | 8 h 16 m | Show | |
My selection is on Detroit plus the points over Minnesota at 7:10 pm et on Thursday. Teams don't have an easy time getting up for trip to Detroit to face the lowly Pistons. That's a big reason why Detroit has managed to hang tough at home, going 13-11 ATS, outscored by just 4.5 points on average despite dropping 16 of 24 games SU. Since the beginning of January alone, the Pistons have defeated the likes of the Spurs, Jazz, Raptors and Cavs while also taking the Nuggets down to the wire in a five-point loss. For Minnesota, the situation is compounded by the fact that it is coming off consecutive home wins over the Nuggets and Jazz. While the T'Wolves are 15-10 SU at home this season, they've gone just 11-15 on the road, outscored by 1.0 point per game along the way. Here, we'll note that they're just 17-29 ATS when coming off a win over the last two seasons, outscored by an average of 1.4 points in that situation. Meanwhile, the Pistons are 25-12 ATS when coming off a home loss over the last two seasons and also 40-24 ATS after scoring 105 points or less over the same stretch, as is the case here. Take Detroit (8*). |
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02-02-22 | Wizards v. 76ers -10 | Top | 106-103 | Loss | -105 | 9 h 41 m | Show |
NBA Revenge Game of the Month. My selection is on Philadelphia minus the points over Washington at 7:10 pm et on Wednesday. This one sets up nicely for the 76ers as they look to avenge a 117-98 loss in Washington on Martin Luther King Jr. Day (we won with the Wizards in that game). Washington is in the second of back-to-backs after fading late in a 14-point loss in Washington last night. The Wizards scored just 98 points in that game despite getting a season-high 20 points on 9-of-15 shooting from Montresz Harrell off the bench. Already without Bradley Beal, the Wiz also lost Thomas Bryant in that game. Bryant isn't generally a major factor but he does eat 15-20 minutes per game and did contribute 15 points in Washington's win over Philadelphia a couple of weeks ago. The 76ers managed to outlast the Grizzlies here on Monday, despite giving Joel Embiid the night off. Embiid should be back for this one. Note that while Philadelphia has scored over 100 points in seven straight games, Washington has been held under the century mark in three of its last four and things aren't likely to improve until Bradley Beal can return. Prior to that sleepy matinee affair in Washington on MLK Day, the Sixers had put up 117, 129, 114, 132, 120, 125, 127 and 141 points in their previous eight meetings with the Wizards. Note that the Wiz have given up an average of 120.8 points when playing the second of back-to-back road games over the last two seasons, as is the case here. Take Philadelphia (10*). |
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02-02-22 | Binghamton v. Stony Brook OVER 141 | 77-61 | Loss | -115 | 9 h 48 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Binghamton and Stony Brook at 7 pm et on Wednesday. We saw 145 total points in the first meeting between these two teams this season, a game that was closer than expected with Stony Brook going on the road and winning by a 74-71 score. Stony Brook left a ton of points on the table in that game as it shot a miserable 34% from the field, knocking down only five three-pointers. Binghamton essentially bailed the Seawolves out, sending them to the free throw line a whopping 34 times. I'm confident we'll see Stony Brook stay aggressively offensively and this time around, absolutely go off against a Binghamton squad that generally doesn't play a lick of defense, ranking 268th in the country in adjusted defensive efficiency (according to KenPom). Note that Stony Brook ranks 114th in the country in adjusted tempo and should relish the opportunity to get loose after facing a tough three-game stretch that included matchups against Albany, Vermont and New Hampshire. The Seawolves are averaging just shy of 75 points per game, getting off 63 field goal attempts per contest here at home this season. On the flip side, I do think Binghamton can be along for the ride offensively here. It's certainly worth noting that the oddsmakers are anticipating another reasonably competitive affair with the spread holding steady in single-digits. Stony Brook, while one of the America East's elite teams, ranks 291st in the country in adjusted defensive efficiency. Binghamton averages over 72 points per game the last six times it plays on the road off a conference loss, as is the case here. It should be able to get off plenty of scoring opportunities here against a Stony Brook squad that despite forcing an average of 14 turnovers per game here at home, still gives up 60 field goal attempts per contest on average. Take the over (8*). |
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02-02-22 | Hartford v. New Hampshire -4.5 | Top | 64-70 | Win | 100 | 11 h 56 m | Show |
CBB America East Game of the Year. My selection is on New Hampshire minus the points over Hartford at 7 pm et on Wednesday. These teams may be heading in opposite directions from an ATS perspective, with Hartford having gone 5-1 ATS over its last six games and New Hampshire managing just one ATS victory in its last seven, but I look for the Wildcats to right the ship and deliver a convincing victory on Wednesday. This is a rematch from a game played in Hartford back on January 19th. The Hawks prevailed by double-digits in that game, turning in a near-perfect offensive performance, shooting better than 52% from the field while turning the ball over just six times. Since then, Hartford has only managed to split its last four games but does come into this one off a 12-point victory at lowly Maine - its second consecutive win. New Hampshire has been alternating wins and losses over its last nine games and checks in off a seven-point home loss but that came against one of America East's elite teams in Stony Brook. Consecutive games against Hartford and Maryland-Baltimore County will give the Wildcats a chance to gain some traction in the conference before a return date against Stony Brook next week. They've certainly had this home game against the Hawks circled since that earlier loss in Hartford. UNH didn't bring its 'A' game on that night, shooting a miserable 37% from the field. The shots simply weren't falling but I expect a different story to unfold here in New Hampshire on Wednesday. Credit the Wildcats for managing to shoot just shy of 47% in that most recent loss to Stony Brook. It undoubtedly catches Hartford in a letdown spot here after the Hawks shot a blistering 60% from the field against a weak Maine squad last time out. Take New Hampshire (10*). |
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02-01-22 | Providence v. St. John's OVER 146 | 86-82 | Win | 100 | 7 h 16 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Providence and St. John's at 9 pm et on Tuesday. I expected this total to get bet up considerably in the morning hours on Tuesday but that simply hasn't been the case. Noting that the first meeting totalled 156 points earlier this season - with a load of points left on the table - I'm comfortable playing the 'over' in Tuesday's rematch. The Friars are coming off consecutive 'under' results while the Red Storm have seen each of their last three contests stay 'under' the total. That serves to give us some value with the 'over' on Tuesday. Note that St. John's still ranks top-four in the country in adjusted tempo (according to KenPom). The Red Storm will certainly look to run the Friars out of the gym in this one with Providence playing on just one day of rest after successfully avenging an earlier loss against Marquette. In that first matchup between these two teams this season St. John's shot just north of 41% from the field, including 5-of-22 from beyond the arc. It also missed nine of 17 free throw attempts. The Friars hung 83 points on the board despite shooting just 3-of-16 from three-point range. Note that the Red Storm are allowing an average of nine made threes per game here at home this season, not to mention the fact they send opponents to the free throw line an average of 20 times per contest (Providence gets to the charity stripe 21 times per game and shoots better than 73% from there). Take the over (9*). |
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02-01-22 | Warriors v. Spurs +2.5 | Top | 124-120 | Loss | -110 | 12 h 15 m | Show |
NBA Western Conference Game of the Week. My selection is on San Antonio plus the points over Golden State at 8:40 pm et on Tuesday. The Spurs essentially 'punted' Sunday's game in Phoenix, sitting Jakob Poeltl, Dejounte Murray and Derrick White, yet still managed to give the Suns a serious run in an eventual five-point loss. Here, the shoe is on the other foot, with the Warriors in a back-to-back spot off a double-digit win in Houston. Klay Thompson won't play on Tuesday. The Warriors have played at least every other day since January 9th so it's obviously been a bit of a grueling schedule. As much as they would like to get some revenge for an earlier home loss against the Spurs, I'm not convinced we'll see them go 'flat out' in this one. While the Spurs are just 10-16 at home this season, they've actually outscored their opponents by 0.7 points on average. Having faced the Grizzlies, Bulls and Suns over their last three games, the Spurs are certainly battle-tested heading into this one. I look for them to give the Warriors all they can handle on Tuesday. Take San Antonio (10*). |
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02-01-22 | Boston College v. Virginia -8.5 | Top | 55-67 | Win | 100 | 9 h 55 m | Show |
ACC Game of the Month. My selection is on Virginia minus the points over Boston College at 6 pm et on Tuesday. The Cavaliers are coming off a tough road loss at Notre Dame on Saturday. They've now alternated wins and losses over their last eight games and I expect them to successfully bounce back once again here as they host Boston College on Tuesday. The Eagles delivered a double-digit win over Pitt on Sunday. I simply don't feel Boston College's ceiling in terms of offensive production is high enough to pose much of a challenge against the Cavaliers defense here. The Eagles generally play at Virginia's preferred pace. Boston College has actually relied quite heavily on getting to the free throw line for offensive production this season, averaging 18 attempts per game. Virginia has been stingy in that department, however, particularly here at home where they play tough defense but do so with plenty of discipline, sending opponents to the free throw line just nine times per contest. Virginia certainly isn't known for its offense but it does come into this game having shot better than 45% in three of its last four games, scoring 63 points or more in all four games. I'm expecting the Cavaliers to get well into the 60's again in this one and that will prove to be enough for the win and cover. Take Virginia (10*). |
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01-31-22 | New Mexico v. San Diego State UNDER 139.5 | Top | 47-72 | Win | 100 | 12 h 49 m | Show |
Mountain West Conference Total of the Year. My selection is on the 'under' between New Mexico and San Diego State at 10 pm et on Monday. I'm expecting a lower-scoring game than most in this Mountain West matchup on Monday night as San Diego State looks to bounce back from a disappointing lopsided loss at Utah State. That game was played last Wednesday night so the Aztecs have had five days to chew on it and I expect them to come out with plenty of fire as a result on Monday. Whether that fire leads to offensive success is up for debate but I'm confident the Aztecs will put their best foot forward defensively. Note that off its four previous losses this season, San Diego State allowed just 63, 47, 56 and 55 points in its next game with the 'under' going a profitable 3-1. The only game that didn't stay 'under' the total still reached just 135 points. Given how well New Mexico has been playing (7-1-1 ATS over its last nine games) I don't expect it to let San Diego State run up the score here. The Lobos are by no means an elite defensive team, but they're a confident bunch right now and I do feel they can handle San Diego State's very manageable pace. Note that the Aztecs average just a shade over 67 points per game at home this season and 70.8 points per game when coming off a loss. The Aztecs did score 80 points on 52% shooting in a win over UNLV in their most recent home game, but they're also just two games removed from an ugly 37-point on 28% shooting performance against Boise State on this same floor. Here, we'll note that the 'under' is 9-1 with San Diego State priced as a home favorite of between -12.5 and -15 points over the last three seasons with those games totalling an average of just 125.5 points. Take the under (10*). |
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01-31-22 | Eastern Washington v. Weber State OVER 156 | 84-90 | Win | 100 | 8 h 15 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Eastern Washington and Weber State at 9 pm et on Monday. If Eastern Washington wants to snap out of its two-game mini slide, it's going to have to keep up with one of the fastest-paced teams in the nation in Weber State on Monday. The Wildcats enter this game as hot as any team in the country shooting the basketball, knocking down 55%, 52%, 50% and 58% of their FG attempts while scoring 95, 92, 85 and 79 points over their last four games. While they 'only' got to 79 in their most recent contest that was only due to the lopsided nature of their win over Sacramento State. I do expect Eastern Washington to pose more of a challenge here. The Eagles opened their current road trip with an 89-point explosion at Idaho State but then got bogged down in a pair of games against Montana State and Montana. After shooting sub-39% in consecutive contests I look for the Eagles to get back on track here. They can run with the best of them, ranking 43rd in the country in adjusted tempo. Take the over (9*). |
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01-31-22 | Kings +5.5 v. Knicks | Top | 96-116 | Loss | -110 | 10 h 28 m | Show |
NBA Non-Conference Game of the Week. My selection is on Sacramento plus the points over New York at 7:40 pm et on Monday. The Kings have endured a miserable road trip so far, losing all four games, but managing to go 2-2 ATS. They enter Monday's game on a season-long six-game losing streak but I fully expect them to hang tough against the struggling Knicks in this one. Keep in mind, Sacramento has taken quality opponents in the Bucks and most recently the 76ers down to the wire on this trip. Here, they catch a Knicks squad that has lost six of its last seven games, going 1-2 SU and ATS as a favorite over that stretch. On nine previous occasions, the Kings have played on the road off a straight-up loss but ATS cover as an underdog over the lat two seasons, and in that situation they've lost by just 2.3 points on average. That's certainly an improvement over their overall performance away from home this season, where they've been outscored by an average margin of 8.2 points while going 6-17 SU. On the flip side, the Knicks have only managed to outscore opponents by an average margin of 1.8 points when coming off a loss over the last two seasons (60-game sample size). Take Sacramento (10*). |
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01-30-22 | Cavs v. Pistons UNDER 210 | Top | 105-115 | Loss | -110 | 10 h 7 m | Show |
NBA Central Division Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'under' between Cleveland and Detroit at 6:10 pm et on Sunday. This first meeting between these two teams totalled just 176 points back in mid-November and I believe Sunday's posted total will prove too high as well. This is the start of a grueling week for the Cavs as they'll play five games between now and next Sunday. I can certainly see them 'managing' this one knowing they'll be back on the floor at home against the Pelicans tomorrow night. Detroit checks in having scored over 100 points in five straight games, although it just barely got over that number in three of those games. That marks a season-long streak of the sort for Detroit, one that should be in jeopardy against the Cavs on Sunday. Note that Cleveland has held its last three opponents to just 99, 93 and 87 points and comes into this game well-rested having not played since Wednesday, when it rolled to a 115-99 win over the Bucks at home. While the Pistons are by no means a top-flight defensive team, they have managed to hold opponents to 4.1 points per game below their season average here at home. Like the Cavs, they're rested, playing just their second game in the last five days. Take the under (10*). |
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01-30-22 | New Orleans +1.5 v. McNeese State | Top | 84-78 | Win | 100 | 7 h 10 m | Show |
CBB Revenge Game of the Month. My selection is on New Orleans plus the points over McNeese State at 6 pm et on Sunday. This is a big revenge spot for New Orleans after it suffered a strange 92-82 loss to McNeese State back on January 6th - a game in which UNO knocked down just one three-pointer and one that saw a whopping 88 combined free throw attempts from the two teams. Since then, New Orleans has reeled off seven straight wins while McNeese State 3-4 SU and 2-4 ATS in lined contests. It's also worth noting that New Orleans turned the basketball over 18 times compared to McNeese State's 13 in that earlier meeting. On the season, UNO averages two fewer turnovers per contest. New Orleans has consistently drummed this McNeese State defense, putting up 82, 99 and 82 points in the last three meetings, winning two of those games. Simply put, too much weight is being placed on that earlier matchup between these two. Look for New Orleans' talent and experience to win out in this one. Take New Orleans (10*). |
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01-29-22 | Wizards v. Grizzlies UNDER 228.5 | Top | 95-115 | Win | 100 | 12 h 7 m | Show |
NBA Revenge Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'under' between Washington and Memphis at 8:10 pm et on Saturday. I look for the Grizzlies to 'manage' this game after securing a double-digit win over the Jazz on this same floor last night and before heading out on a three-game road trip beginning on Monday night in Philadelphia. The Wizards are reeling right now, losers of four games in a row including that stunning setback at home against the Clippers after leading by 30+ on Tuesday. The Wiz couldn't buy a basket when they needed it most in the fourth quarter in that one and are just one game removed from an ugly 87-point effort against the Celtics. Keep in mind, Washington averages 2.7 points below its season scoring average on the road, where its games have totalled an average of just 214.6 points. Here, we'll note that the Grizzlies have posted a 1-13 o/u record when seeking revenge for a loss by 20+ points against an opponent over the last two seasons, as is the case here, with that spot producing an average total of just 213.0 points. That's worth noting given the most recent meeting between these two teams went the way of the Wizards by a 115-87 score in Washington back in early November with that contest easily staying 'under' the 220.5-point total. We're dealing with an even higher number here and I don't believe it's warranted. Take the under (10*). |
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01-29-22 | Eastern Kentucky v. Stetson OVER 139.5 | Top | 95-113 | Win | 100 | 7 h 49 m | Show |
Atlantic Sun Total of the Year. My selection is on the 'over' between Eastern Kentucky and Stetson at 4 pm et on Saturday. There's a lot of upside playing this one 'over' the total with the number sitting in the high-130's. We'll certainly see a contrast in styles here as Eastern Kentucky ranks top-25 in the country in adjusted tempo according to KenPom while Stetson sits well north of 300th in that category. With that being said, Stetson is just two games removed from a 91-point performance in a narrow two-point home loss against Florida-Gulf Coast. There's reason to believe we'll see Stetson push the pace a little more than usual here after it was held to just 47 points on 28% shooting last time out against Bellarmine. Despite its break-neck place, Eastern Kentucky hasn't posted an 'over' result since the first week of December. Keep in mind, it has regularly seen totals posted in the 150's and 160's. We're dealing with a much lower total here. Stetson has high hopes this season after appearing in the CBI Tournament last April and returning a wealth of talent. Rob Perry being sidelined hasn't helped its cause but in theory there is plenty of depth - particularly at the guard position - to make up for his absence. Regardless, I believe the Hatters will be afforded plenty of good looks against a 'defense-optional' Eastern Kentucky squad here as both teams do their part in helping this one 'over' the very reasonable total. Take the over (10*). |
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01-29-22 | West Virginia +8.5 v. Arkansas | 68-77 | Loss | -112 | 4 h 1 m | Show | |
My selection is on West Virginia plus the points over Arkansas at 2 pm et on Saturday. I like the way this one sets up for the Mountaineers as they look to snap a four-game skid. They should be happy to get out of the Big 12 for a game at least, even though they catch Arkansas off five consecutive victories. Give West Virginia credit for its 13-6 overall record as it has faced the 20th toughest schedule in the country (according to KenPom). Here, we'll note that these two teams average an identical number of made threes per game despite West Virginia attempting two fewer per contest. The Mountaineers also send opponents to the free throw line three fewer times per game and force three more turnovers per contest. (despite playing at a slower pace). I simply don't believe there's as much separating these two teams as the oddsmakers would lead you to believe. Take West Virginia (9*). |
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01-28-22 | Jazz +4.5 v. Grizzlies | Top | 109-119 | Loss | -110 | 8 h 20 m | Show |
NBA Underdog Game of the Week. My selection is on Utah plus the points over Memphis at 8:10 pm et on Friday. The Jazz continue to struggle, losers of nine of their last 11 games entering Friday's showdown in Memphis. They check in off consecutive hard-fought losses against the Suns. While they're on a three-game losing streak, those three losses have come by only a combined 16 points. Utah is always tough on Memphis. In fact, you would have to go all the way back to 2017 to find the last time the Grizzlies were favored in a matchup in this series. Memphis was red hot in late December into early January. However, it checks in just 3-3 SU and ATS over its last six contests. Over that stretch, the Grizzlies were held to 91 points or less on two occasions. On the flip side of that, Memphis has allowed north of 100 points in 10 straight and 13 of its last 14 games. Here, we'll note that the Jazz are a long-term 136-99 ATS when playing on the road after losing four or five of their last six games, which is the case here. I don't expect them to let the Grizzlies off the hook easy as they look to open this road trip on a positive note. Take Utah (10*). |
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01-28-22 | Wyoming v. Air Force +8 | 63-61 | Win | 100 | 10 h 59 m | Show | |
My selection is on Air Force plus the points over Wyoming at 6 pm et on Friday. Tough spot for Wyoming here as it just had its six-game winning streak snapped in a narrow 65-62 loss at Boise State two nights ago (we won with the Cowboys plus the points in that game). Air Force has certainly been a 'tough out' in Mountain West Conference play and checks in riding a 6-1 ATS hot streak, including a 10-point win as a short underdog at San Jose State two nights ago. The Falcons can certainly be a frustrating team to play against, as the Cowboys found out first hand in a 72-69 loss as a road favorite here in Colorado Springs last January (before responding with a 19-point rout on the same floor two nights later). With a big showdown against Colorado State coming up at home on Monday, I see this as a spot where the Cowboys simply look to secure a win and move on with winning by margin being of little consequence. Take Air Force (8*). |
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01-27-22 | Wolves v. Warriors OVER 228.5 | Top | 115-124 | Win | 100 | 11 h 23 m | Show |
NBA on TNT Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'over' between Minnesota and Golden State at 10 pm et on Thursday. I'm high on both of these teams entering this nationally-televised matchup on Thursday night. While we're dealing with a fairly high total at first glance, I believe it will prove too low. The T'Wolves have now given up over 100 points in each of their last 18 road games. They're giving up just shy of 115 points per game away from home this season. Golden State is coming off its second highest-scoring performance of the season, putting up 130 points in a rout of the Mavs two nights ago. Klay Thompson appears to be getting more comfortable with each passing game (he had actually sat the previous two games before Tuesday's blowout win). Here, we'll note that the 'over' is 64-29 the last 93 times the Warriors played at home seeking revenge for a 20+ point loss, as is the case here after they suffered a 119-99 setback in Minnesota less than two weeks ago. Keep in mind, the Warriors elected to rest a number of their starters in that game at the tail-end of a four-game road trip. The T'Wolves are playing as well offensively as any team in the league right now, having scored 108 points or more in nine straight games. They're just one game removed from a 136-point outburst against Brooklyn. There's little reason for them to shy away from the challenge at hand here as the T'Wolves have scored 108, 111, 126, 110 and 119 points in five meetings in this series going back to the start of 2021. Note that the 'over' is 23-10 in Minnesota's last 33 games when playing on the road after losing four or five of their last six games ATS over the last three seasons, producing an average total of 235.5 points in that situation. Take the over (10*). |
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01-27-22 | California v. UCLA UNDER 130 | Top | 57-81 | Loss | -105 | 12 h 20 m | Show |
CBB Pac-12 Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'under' between California and UCLA at 9 pm et on Thursday. Cal is coming off a dreadful performance against Arizona in which it was ripped for 96 points. That could be considered an outlier, however, as the Bears had only allowed more than 65 points once in five previous Pac-12 contests this season. UCLA came up with a stunning 16-point upset win over Arizona two nights ago which obviously sets it up in a bit of a letdown spot here. The Bruins are locked in defensively right now, allowing 65, 58, 65 and 59 points over their last four contests. Since the start of 2020, they've held Cal to 40, 56, 57 and 52 points with the latter coming in a 60-52 victory earlier this month. With both teams adept at taking care of the basketball, I look for much of this one to be played in the half-court, much like we saw in the first meeting between these two squads this season. Take the under (10*). |
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01-27-22 | Wisconsin v. Nebraska OVER 145 | Top | 73-65 | Loss | -109 | 9 h 39 m | Show |
CBB Big Ten Total of the Week. My selection is on the 'over' between Wisconsin and Nebraska at 5 pm et on Thursday. I don't believe for a second that Nebraska's defense can contain Wisconsin's offense in this game. The Badgers, more often known for their patient, methodical offense have shifted into another gear this season. They check in averaging well north of 70 points per game and come into this game in a foul mood after dropping an 86-74 decision against Michigan State last time out. This is an ideal bounce-back spot as the Cornhuskers don't play a lick of defense, allowing 87, 79, 93, 81, 92 and 78 points over their last six games with the 'over' cashing at a 5-1 clip along the way. Desperate for a victory off six consecutive losses, I'm confident we'll see Nebraska throw everything it has at the Badgers defense in this one. We've certainly seen cracks in that Badger defense as they've given up a very un-Wisconsin-like 43.9% shooting on the season. The Huskers should find their opportunities, noting that they rank 21st in the nation in adjusted tempo this season (according to KenPom). Last year's two meetings between these two teams were low-scoring. Different story here. Take the over (10*). |
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01-26-22 | Suns v. Jazz UNDER 223.5 | Top | 105-97 | Win | 100 | 11 h 5 m | Show |
NBA Western Conference Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'under' between Phoenix and Utah at 10:10 pm et on Wednesday. We just saw these two teams combine to score 224 points in Phoenix two nights ago. The Jazz were undermanned but battled hard in a tight six-point loss. While they're getting healthier, they're still missing a big part of their offense in the form of Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell. The Suns check in having allowed over 100 points in five straight games, matching their longest such streak of the season. Note that the only other time that happened, they allowed just 94 points in a blowout win in Memphis in their next game - a contest that easily stayed 'under' the total, reaching just 213 points. Here, we'll note that the 'under' is 31-17 when the Suns play on the road with a total of between 220 and 229.5 points over the last three seasons. In fact, the 'under' is 14-8 in all Suns road games this season. The Jazz are just one game removed from allowing only 94 points in a game against the Warriors that totalled just 186 points in San Francisco. Utah doesn't have the weapons to prevail in a track meet against the Suns right now and it knows it. Note that the last meeting between these two teams in Utah totalled only 201 points. Take the under (10*). |
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01-26-22 | Marquette v. Seton Hall OVER 145.5 | Top | 73-63 | Loss | -110 | 10 h 23 m | Show |
CBB Big East Total of the Year. My selection is on the 'over' between Marquette and Seton Hall at 8:30 pm et on Wednesday. These two teams just met on January 15th. That game totalled 145 points, staying comfortably below the closing total of 152.5 points. Now that both teams come in riding three-game 'under' streaks, I believe this total has swung too far in the other direction. Note that in that previous meeting Seton Hall scored 72 points despite turning the basketball over a whopping 20 times. The Pirates average only 12 turnovers per game (despite ranking 53rd in the nation in adjusted tempo according to KenPom). I expect a far more efficient offensive performance from Seton Hall here, especially after shooting sub-40% from the field in consecutive games. As for Marquette, it ranks 42nd in the country in adjusted tempo and is playing its best basketball of the season, reeling off six straight wins both SU and ATS. The Golden Eagles scored 75 points in a win over Xavier last time out but that's really only scratching the surface offensively as they started their current win streak by scoring 88, 92 and 87 points in consecutive games. After holding their last two opponents under 39% shooting, I look for some regression from the Golden Eagles defense here, noting that they've allowed 89 points at Wisconsin and 80 points at Xavier earlier this season. Take the over (10*). |
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01-25-22 | Fresno State v. New Mexico +5.5 | 65-60 | Win | 100 | 9 h 18 m | Show | |
My selection is on New Mexico plus the points over Fresno State at 9 pm et on Tuesday. The New Mexico Lobos are coming off two of their best efforts of the season but unfortunately have nothing to show for it as they fell in consecutive road games against Colorado State and Wyoming. We actually missed the mark fading the Lobos on Saturday at Wyoming, as they took the Cowboys down to the wire in an eventual 93-91 loss. I won't hesitate to switch gears and back New Mexico here as I feel this is a winnable home game against a Fresno State squad that had been playing a little over its head in my opinion prior to last Friday's loss at Nevada (we won with the Wolf Pack in that game). To say the Lobos are hungry would be an understatement as they haven't tasted victory since way back on December 21st against Norfolk State. Save for an ugly 29-point loss at UNLV on January 12th there's no shame in any of their recent losses, however. I actually like the fact that New Mexico played, and excelled offensively, on Saturday while Fresno State has been idle since Friday's loss at Nevada. The Bulldogs are just 1-2 on the road in Mountain West Conference play with their lone win coming by five points at UNLV. I believe the Lobos can make the Bulldogs uncomfortable with their up-tempo style and are brimming with confidence after Saturday's performance. Take New Mexico (8*). |
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01-25-22 | Kings +8.5 v. Celtics | 75-128 | Loss | -110 | 10 h 10 m | Show | |
My selection is on Sacramento plus the points over Boston at 7:40 pm et on Tuesday. The Celtics are coming off a blowout win in Washington on Sunday but stringing together strong performances hasn't exactly been commonplace for them this season. The Kings have posted two of their six highest-scoring games of the season over their last two contests, most recently falling just short in Milwaukee on Saturday, losing by six points in a wild, high-scoring affair. Sacramento has proven to be a tough out against the Celtics in recent years. You would have to go back seven meetings, all the way to March of 2018 to find the last time the Celtics defeated the Kings by more than six points. In fact, the Kings have won the last two meetings in this series outright and haven't lost to the Celtics by more than a point in any of the last four matchups between the two teams. Despite their miserable 6-14 road record, the Kings have only been outscored by 5.8 points on average. As for the Celtics, they're just 11-14 at TD Garden this season, outscoring opponents by an average margin of only 2.2 points. I don't see this as a real 'get up' spot for Boston as plays this single home game - a rather uninspiring Tuesday night game against a non-conference, non-playoff team in Sacramento - before heading out for a back-to-back road set in Atlanta and New Orleans later this week. Take Sacramento (9*). |
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01-25-22 | Lakers v. Nets +2.5 | Top | 106-96 | Loss | -110 | 10 h 51 m | Show |
NBA on TNT Game of the Month. My selection is on Brooklyn plus the points over Los Angeles at 7:30 pm et on Tuesday. Fading the Nets fell just short of my card on Sunday, a regretful decision as they ended up losing by double-digits as a short underdog in Minnesota. Here, I won't hesitate to switch gears and back Brooklyn as it looks to bounce back from that loss at home against the Lakers. Simply put, I'm not buying what Los Angeles is selling right now. Yes, the Lakers are expected to have Anthony Davis back on the floor for this game but how much he can contribute in his first game back remains to be seen. Los Angeles is fresh off a beatdown in Miami on Sunday (it ultimately rallied late to make the final score far less unflattering). The Lakers are just 2-5 SU and ATS over their last seven games and find themselves four games under .500 on the road. The Nets are a woeful 5-17 ATS here in Brooklyn this season but the problem certainly hasn't been failing to cover spreads in an underdog role. In fact, the Nets have been listed as a home underdog just once previously this season and ultimately won that game 114-105 over the 76ers back on December 16th. It does appear that Brooklyn may have put its pointspread woes behind it in the short-term picture, entering this game having gone 4-3 ATS over its last seven contests. Of course, the Nets won't have Kyrie Irving for this game, as is the case when they play at home, but that's certainly been factored into this line. I look for James Harden to relish the opportunity to step up, especially off a poor performance on Sunday in Minnesota, and dispatch the struggling Lakers. Take Brooklyn (10*). |
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01-25-22 | Clippers +4.5 v. Wizards | Top | 116-115 | Win | 100 | 10 h 54 m | Show |
NBA Non-Conference Game of the Week. My selection is on Los Angeles plus the points over Washington at 7:10 pm et on Tuesday. So many people wrote off the Clippers after Paul George was lost to injury, with Kawhi Leonard of course already sidelined for the season. This is a well-coached team that is by no means devoid of talent, however, and we've certainly seen that as they've gone 5-3 ATS over their last eight games, including an upset win in Philadelphia on this road trip. The Wizards have been a train-wreck from an ATS perspective, going 1-9 ATS over their last 10 games. While this should be an ideal bounce-back spot in theory as they come in off of three straight home losses and try to salvage the finale of their current homestand, it's also a prime bounce-back spot for the Clippers coming off an eight-point loss in a sleepy matinee affair against the Knicks on Sunday in Manhattan. Here, we'll note that the Clips are 29-16 ATS when playing on the road off a loss over the last three seasons, outscoring opponents by an average margin of 6.4 points in that situation. As for the Wizards, they're a woeful 7-15 ATS as a favorite this season. Take Los Angeles (10*). |
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01-24-22 | Pacers v. Pelicans OVER 215.5 | 113-117 | Win | 100 | 10 h 44 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Indiana and New Orleans at 8:10 pm et on Monday. There are a number of key contributors missing due to injury on both sides but I still think this one finds its way 'over' the reasonable total on Monday. Let's keep in mind, the Pacers have scored 133, 111, 121 and 103 points in splitting the first four games on their current road trip. The problem for Indiana is it has thrown defense out the window for an extended period of time, allowing over 100 points in 19 consecutive games. As for the Pelicans, they've put up over 100 points in 15 of their last 16 games. The only occasion where they didn't reach the century mark was on the road in a three-in-four situation in Boston last Monday (in a sleepy matinee affair). While the 'under' has gone 11-9-1 in Pelicans home games this season, those contests have totalled an average of 217.8 points. Here, we'll note that the 'over' has gone 41-26 with the Pacers coming off a loss over the last two seasons, with that spot producing an average total of 225.6 points and 23-10 with the Pelicans playing at home off a win over the last three seasons, with that situation resulting in an average of 235.6 total points. Take the over (9*). |
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01-24-22 | Louisville v. Virginia UNDER 124.5 | Top | 52-64 | Win | 100 | 7 h 18 m | Show |
ACC Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'under' between Louisville and Virginia at 7 pm et on Monday. I love the way this one sets up as a prime bounce-back spot for both defenses. Louisville just gave up 82 points on a ridiculous 63% shooting in a loss to Notre Dame on Saturday, marking its fourth loss in its last five games. There's no reason to expect a repeat performance here as the Cardinals look to contain a Virginia team that hasn't sniffed 70 points over its last five games, topping out at 66 points and scoring sub-60 in three of those contests. For its part, Virginia allowed N.C. State to score 77 points on 60% shooting in a loss on Saturday. The 'over' has now cashed in each of the Cavaliers last two games. That situation has come up three times previously this season, and on each occasion the 'under' has cashed in the next game. We know the Hoos' can play defense. Here at home they're allowing just 57.5 points per game on 40.6% shooting. The Cardinals don't figure to be able to expose any sort of weaknesses, noting that they average right around three points below their season scoring average on the road, where they shoot just a shade over 40% from the field. The last time these two teams met on this floor they combined to score just 111 points. Expect more of the same on Monday. Take the under (10*). |
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01-23-22 | 76ers v. Spurs OVER 220 | Top | 115-109 | Win | 100 | 9 h 23 m | Show |
NBA Non-Conference Total of the Week. My selection is on the 'over' between Philadelphia and San Antonio at 7:10 pm et on Sunday. I'm anticipating a high-scoring affair between the 76ers and Spurs on Sunday evening as both teams look to bounce back from disappointing losses last time out. Philadelphia blew a big lead in a 102-101 home loss to the Clippers on Friday. The Sixers should know better than to take their foot off the gas but that's essentially what happened in that contest. While they're generally a solid defensive team, they've allowed over 100 points in three straight games and figure to struggle to contain a Spurs offense that has put up over the century mark in six straight games and averages just shy of 114 points per contest at home this season. To say that San Antonio has had its hands full with the Sixers offense in recent meetings would be an understatement. It has allowed 122, 115, 132, 134, 113 and 119 points in the last six matchups in this series going back to the start of 2019. Interestingly, the Spurs have been a weaker defensive team at home than on the road this season, allowing opponents to score 112.8 points per game on 46.5% shooting. The 'over' has gone 10-2 with San Antonio in the role of home underdog this season with that spot producing an average total of 226.4 points. Take the over (10*). |
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01-22-22 | New Mexico v. Wyoming -10 | 91-93 | Loss | -110 | 9 h 41 m | Show | |
My selection is on Wyoming minus the points over New Mexico at 7:30 pm et on Saturday. New Mexico has quietly been a force ATS-wise this season, going 11-5 ATS in lined contests this season including underdog covers in its last two games against Boise State and Colorado State. The Lobos have faced one of the toughest schedules in the country this season, ranking 76th in adjusted strength of schedule according to KenPom and it doesn't get any easier here as they go up against a red hot Wyoming squad. I like the fact that this line has moved in our favor. The Cowboys have gone a perfect 5-0 SU and 3-1-1 ATS over their last five games, essentially playing every other day since the middle of the month. Here, they face a Lobos squad that is sending opponents to the free throw line a whopping 23 times per game this season. New Mexico has faced an average of just 20 three-point attempts per game and figures to get a bit of a 'shock to the system' here against Wyoming as the Cowboys hoist up 28 three-point attempts per game at home, knocking down an average of 12 per game. Wyoming took last year's two meetings in this series by nine and 12-point margins. Look for the Cowboys to extend their dominance of the Lobos with a convincing win here. Take Wyoming (8*). |
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01-22-22 | Houston Baptist v. Texas A&M Corpus Christi -12.5 | Top | 77-71 | Loss | -110 | 8 h 19 m | Show |
CBB Blowout Game of the Week. My selection is on Texas A&M Corpus Christi minus the points over Houston Baptist at 4:30 pm et on Saturday. We won with Texas A&M Corpus Christi last Saturday as the Islanders rolled to a 16-point win over Incarnate Word. I won't hesitate to go back to the well with the same play this afternoon as they stay at home for a fourth straight game to host lowly Houston Baptist. The Islanders are coming off a narrow four-point win over McNeese State on Thursday. That tight result wasn't all that surprising as it was a quick rematch after the Islanders won the first meeting by 13 points back on January 8th. Here, Corpus Christi will be getting its first look at Houston Baptist this season. The Huskies own a 5-10 overall record this season but that's a little flattering as four of their five victories came against non-Division I opponents. The other came by just three points against aforementioned 4-15 Incarnate Word on Thursday night. While the Huskies have been playing a little better lately, I don't believe it will be enough to stay within arm's reach of the Islanders on Saturday. Take Texas A&M Corpus Christi (10*). |
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01-21-22 | Fresno State v. Nevada | 73-77 | Win | 100 | 17 h 7 m | Show | |
My selection is on Nevada over Fresno State at 11 pm et on Friday. Nevada has been playing uneven basketball lately, alternating losses and wins over its last five games. Here, I look for the Wolf Pack to make a statement against a red hot Fresno State team that has won three games in a row in conference play. It's not as if those three consecutive wins by the Bulldogs were a big accomplishment as they came at home against San Jose State and Utah State and on the road against UNLV. Note that Fresno has faced the 178th toughest schedule in the country this season according to KenPom. Nevada checks in having faced the 66th toughest. These two teams play at a much different tempo and with the Wolf Pack having the benefit of playing at home, I believe they can impose their will. Note that they've gone 30-15 ATS the last 45 times they've come off a home loss against a conference opponent and 10-1 ATS the last 11 times they've come off two losses in their last three games, as is the case here. Credit the Bulldogs for racking up some wins lately, but I still think they're a step below Nevada in the Mountain West. Take Nevada (9*). |
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01-21-22 | Nets v. Spurs +3 | Top | 117-102 | Loss | -110 | 12 h 24 m | Show |
NBA Revenge Game of the Week. My selection is on San Antonio plus the points over Brooklyn at 8:40 pm et on Friday. We won with the Nets as a short underdog in Washington two nights ago and were fortunate to do so as they did everything they could to cough up the lead in the fourth quarter. Here, I'll go the other way and fade the Nets as they continue their road trip in San Antonio. The Spurs will be looking to avenge a 121-119 overtime loss in Brooklyn back on January 9th. They were in a tough spot on that day, playing near the end of a long eastern road trip but battled hard and ultimately forced overtime before falling by a bucket. Here, we'll note that San Antonio is 22-11 when seeking revenge for a road loss against an opponent over the last two seasons, outscoring opponents by 1.0 point on average in that spot. Meanwhile, the Nets are a woeful 3-13 ATS when coming off an ATS loss this season, outscored by 4.7 points on average in that situation. While the Spurs are just 2-3 on their current homestand there's been no real shame in losses to the Rockets (who have been playing their best ball lately), Cavs and Suns. Take San Antonio (10*). |
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01-20-22 | CS-Fullerton v. Cal-Irvine -6 | Top | 65-63 | Loss | -110 | 10 h 54 m | Show |
Big West Conference Game of the Month. My selection is on Cal-Irvine minus the points over Cal-State Fullerton at 10 pm et on Thursday. This price has shifted right into our lap on Thursday as the Anteaters look to snap out of a 1-4 slide at home against red hot Cal-State Fullerton. Irvine started the season with a very manageable schedule but things have gotten a lot tougher lately. They're coming off an outright loss by double-digits at Hawaii one week ago tonight so they've had ample time to sit and stew over that setback and get ready for this very winnable matchup against Fullerton. The Titans have won five straight games but that's had as much to do with a weak schedule rather than anything else. While Irvine was projected by most to finish top-two in the Big West at the outset of the season, Fullerton was pegged as a middle-of-the-pack team. There's certainly still time for that to play out and I look for the Anteaters to take a step in the right direction with a convincing win on Thursday. Take Cal-Irvine (10*). |
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01-19-22 | Rockets v. Jazz OVER 230.5 | Top | 116-111 | Loss | -110 | 12 h 22 m | Show |
NBA Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'over' between Houston and Utah at 9:10 pm et on Wednesday. This total has been dropping in our favor, not surprisingly, as bettors realize the Jazz will be without Donovan Mitchell on Wednesday night. I'm expecting nothing short of a track meet in Salt Lake City. The Rockets are playing better basketball than they had been, recording two wins in their last three games, scoring 128, 114 and 118 points over their last three games. They're as healthy as they've been all season and should come out with an attacking mindset against a suddenly-struggling Jazz squad. Utah has lost five of its last six games and has posted its two lowest-scoring games of the season over its last three contests. Even without Mitchell, this is a fine 'get right' spot for the Jazz, particularly at the offensive end of the floor. The Rockets are one of the league's worst defensive teams and check in having allowed 130, 141, 111, 124, 126 and 112 points over their last six games. To say the 'over' has been a solid bet in Rockets games would be a massive understatement as they've posted a 21-7 o/u record over their last 28 games. While Utah carries a reputation of being a solid defensive team, it has actually given up over 100 points in 18 consecutive games. The 'over' is 20-9-1 in the Jazz's last 30 contests. Finally, I'll point out that the last meeting between these two teams here in Utah took place last May and totalled a whopping 240 points. Take the over (10*). |