The New Orleans Pelicans are the worst team in the Western Conference with a 12-41 record. Yet, the Sacramento Kings are a team they have had success against. Last year they won all five matchups, and this season have covered both matchups as 6.5-7 point underdogs. This includes the most recent matchup on February 8th where the Pelicans led throughout until the fourth quarter. Take the Pelicans on the value of a nine game losing streak and Zion Williamson possibly sitting.

Loyola Maryland will host Army for their second matchup on the season. In the first matchup Army had a clear advantage for the first thirty minutes, leading by 17 points at halftime and double digits until the final three minutes. Loyola went on a furious run and missed a potential game winning three at the buzzer. Look for the Greyhounds to execute better a second time around. Take ML or -1.5

One of the few conferences where steamed money can be utilized is the Patriot League. It’s a conference that does not have a true dominant team, and low spreads are offered consistently. Holy Cross at the beginning of conference play was actually the conference leader, they’ve since stumbled to a big decline. Colgate after losing four straight games is coming off a resounding win. Look for their offense to carry over against Holy Cross. 

The Detroit Pistons will meet the Chicago Bulls in consecutive games before their All Star break. This is an important moment for a Pistons team that has a chance to go three games above .500 into break. They also defeated the Bulls in their first matchup just nine days ago on February 2nd,  using a late second half surge to win by eight points. Lay it with the Pistons tonight.

George Mason will be put to the test tonight as they go into their third road game over their last four outings. They will also be in a one day rest disadvantage against Saint Louis who played on Friday. Yet, throughout the Patriots nine game winning streak they have had a knack of closing out games. They’ve had six wins by seven points or fewer including two in overtime. Take George Mason 

Southeast Louisiana has played excellent conference basketball in Southland play. They have won three straight games, but have survived close calls in their latest two. In Saturday’s victory against Incarnate Word they squandered an eight point lead, and barely held on. Houston Christian is a matchup problem for them, as was witnessed in their last loss to the Huskies four games ago. Take the Huskies as the small favorite.

Out in Southland Conference play a team that has been struggling is Northwestern State. They lost to a three win East Texas A&M team by twenty two points, and are coming off scoring just fifty points in Saturday’s loss to McNeese. This is a case where the line is a bit to high off of the recent struggles of the Demons. Look for a competitive game against a Nicholls team they defeated in early January 68-66. ..

After missing the prior game against Loyola Maryland, Lafayette got their top player back in Justin Vander Baan in Saturday’s win over Navy. Despite being in the bottom half of the Patriot League standings, they find themselves as a short underdog on the road against conference leader American. Expect Lafayette to get revenge on a matchup they let slip away late on January 29th. Grab the points here with Lafayette.

The Milwaukee Bucks have been on a prolonged slump that has featured a 2-6 stretch. Without Giannis in the lineup we saw how much of an issue it can be in their latest game against the Atlanta Hawks. Still, this matchup is on their home court and Philadelphia has had their own internal issues that spilled over between Kelly Oubre Jr. and Joel Embiid. Take the Bucks even minus Giannis.

An ugly loss can be the fuel for a team in their next outing. Expect that today on a light college basketball board on Super Bowl Sunday for UMass. The Minutemen had Saint Louis on the ropes up ten late, but could not execute and finish off the job. Today, they will face a La Salle team they routed by twenty two points January 19th. Take UMass to complete the season sweep.

The Oklahoma City Thunder may be atop the Western Conference standings, but Memphis has been the better team as of late. They’ve won nine out of ten games and are 21-5 on their home floor. Look for the Grizzlies to continue their surge especially with the Thunder in a back to back spot.

A team that has been hurt via injuries and trades over their last two games are the Golden State Warriors. They have lost to both the Utah Jazz and the Lakers, but that was a 24-hour period after a heavy trade losing three role players. Expect the addition of Jimmy Butler to ignite them at Chicago, even if Butler plays limited minutes. Lay it with the Warriors.

The Orlando Magic return from a road trip they lost five out of six games. Even facing a Spurs team in a back to back spot expect further trouble. In each of their last four losses they have failed to crack 100 points. Take the Spurs who are aiming for their first winning streak since January 3rd.

Out in the Big South there could be a slow start for the home team in Gardner Webb. Just two nights ago they had the conference leader in UNC Asheville in a tight game up until the final five minutes. Yet, I expect Gardner Webb to recover against a Charleston Southern team that is poor at the free throw line and one dimensional with Take Kelly. Lay it with Gardner Webb.

Wofford has been a tricky team to figure out. They’ve had blowout road wins over UNC Greensboro and Furman, but have also had a poor home loss to VMI. After a strong start to Southern conference play that featured a 5-2 mark with the two losses by two points, they have faded. They are just 1-3 over their last four games, and this is a revenge spot for Mercer who scored just 49 points in the first matchup to Wofford. Take the home dog here.

Now that we are in the month of February there are key spots for inevitable let downs. It’s the final full month of conference play, and teams are going to be more susceptible in road spots. Look for that to be the case today for Saint Louis that has allowed key spurts to the opposition over their last two games against Dayton and Mass. Expect Saint Joseph’s to perform much better a second time seeing Saint Louis. Lay it with the Hawks.

Milwaukee multiple times this season has rode extreme waves of winning and losing. After a four game losing streak, they did their job in Wednesday’s win over the Charlotte Hornets. Tonight, they get another opportunity against a below .500 team in the Atlanta Hawks who have dropped nine of ten games. Take the Bucks with new pieces to build upon their Hornets performance.

Portal defects hit San Diego hard this season, as they have gone just 4-20 on the season. Losses have mounted as they go into tonight’s matchup against Pacific on a ten game losing streak. Throughout the losses they have been competitive with close losses against Santa Clara, Loyola Marymount, and Washington State. They even showed resilience in what looked to be a blowout loss last week against Pepperdine. Take the Torreros who are being over adjusted ATS due to their losing streak and road spot at Pacific.

The LeMoyne Dolphins will go into their third straight road game tonight against St. Francis. They come in on a three game losing streak, where they have struggled in second halves. This came to light in their latest loss against Wagner where they led at halftime. Expect LeMoyne to step it up against a St. Francis team that has had a full week off of action.

Exactly two weeks ago Lafayette went on the road and dismantled Loyola Maryland 80-59. The twenty one point win was the Leopards best win on the season over a division one school. It was a game that the big run occurred right before halftime, and the Greyhounds were never able to recover. Look for a stronger effort defensively as that was the most points any team scored in-conference against Loyola. Grab the points here.

In the Lakers last game they pulled off a big upset at Madison Square Garden over the Knicks. Returning from an East Coast road trip is often difficult, and now elevated for the Lakers post Anthony Davis trade. Look for a bit of sloppy play as the Clippers take advantage on both ends of the court. Lay it with the Clippers.

The Houston Rockets go into the daunting task of playing their seventh game over the last eleven days. With heavy road travel involved they have lost three straight games, including losing to the Brooklyn Nets at home 110-98. The Rockets delve deeper into their bench rotation last night in preparation for a back to back. Expect Cam Whitmore, Aaron Holiday, and Tari Eason to flourish and give the Rockets an edge.

Saint Louis is coming off two big home games in which they rode the emotional wave of a great win over VCU, only to falter in a televised spot against Dayton. Now they will play three of four games on the road, starting with tonight’s matchup against UMass. The Minutemen may be 10-12 but they have grown in-conference winning four out of their last five games. Take UMass to protect their home floor as the slight underdog.

The Utah Jazz ended an eight game losing streak on Saturday by defeating the Orlando Magic by fourteen points. That’s been a hidden bright spot on the Jazz season is facing Eastern Conference teams. They are 6-2 ATS over their last eight matchups against an Eastern Conference opponent. All six of their wins since December 19th have come against Eastern Conference teams. Grab the points with the Jazz.

Iowa State just a week ago last Monday was on the verge of a win at Arizona. With Caleb Love sending in a beyond half court shot, the Cyclones lost in overtime. That loss spilled over into a pathetic showing Saturday at home against Kansas State. Look for the Cyclones to regroup against a Kansas team that is showing the inability to compete for forty minutes.

Southeast Louisiana has had a home stretch that is going into its fourth straight tonight. That has lifted their value a bit to high tonight based on winning seven of their last eight games. Lamar with their depth and steady guard play is one of the few Southland conference teams that can combat the Saturday to Monday road elements in-conference. Take the Cardinal who swept won both matchups last season.

Out in the SWAC Alabama State has had consecutive poor losses. Last Monday they had a poor second half defensive effort against Texas Southern, and Saturday nearly dug themselves a huge hole against Bethune Cookman. They showed fight in nearly coming back Saturday, and I expect that effort to carry over on the road against Florida A&M and end the Rattlers five game winning streak.

In the Southern Conference Furman has a stand out 17-5 record. That is not indicative of their struggles in-conference where they are 5-4 overall. Coming off a win against the top Southern Conference team in Samford, look for Furman to focus on ending their inconsistencies on the road. Over their last four road games they have went 1-3 ATS, but clamped the Bucs defensively in the final five minutes of their January 15th victory.

When it comes to the WCC the two stalwarts have been Gonzaga and Saint Mary’s. The Zags took awhile to gel with their talent and suffered consecutive conference losses. They have since regrouped and will be ready to give Saint Mary’s half court defense a test for forty minutes. Grab the Zags as they end Saint Mary’s 9-0 conference start.

A matchup over the years that tends to be low scoring and close is Wofford versus UNC Greensboro. Expect that to be the case once again as the two already had a two point decision earlier this season, 68-66. Wofford also has not lost three straight games since losing to Duke in their fourth game of the season on November 6th. Grab the value here with the Terriers.

Friday night, the San Antonio Spurs get a rematch against the Milwaukee Bucks. The teams met earlier in the month on January 8th, which was a lopsided Bucks victory 121-105. That was a tough stretch for the Spurs who were playing their fourth game in six nights. Look for the road issues to plague the Bucks this time around, who are below .500 on the road and have key game time decisions tonight. Back the Spurs.

Saint Louis is coming off a huge victory over a VCU team that had been 16-4, and defeated them prior in conference play. Sometimes that big victory can lead to a slow start the following game. Dayton is in a dire spot off a twenty two point road loss Tuesday against St. Bonaventure. Expect Dayton to get back to the level we saw in non-conference when they defeated UConn and Marquette. Grab the points with the Flyers.

On the season the Denver Nuggets have avoided a three game losing streak. Tonight that will be put to the test as they come in on a multi-game losing streak, blown out by Minnesota and a poor loss to Chicago. Expect Denver to come out focused in what is also a revenge spot as Denver lost at home 145 to 118 to the Knicks in November. Grab the points with Denver

Out in the Patriot League, American has rose their market with five straight wins overall. During the process they ended a season long road winless streak where they have now won consecutive games. Lafayette off an embarrassing 86-47 loss should be poised for an all around effort at home. They played five of their last seven on the road, and should be rejuvenated on their home court.

For years when it comes to SWAC play it’s been a dominant run for Texas Southern. Once again they are showcasing value in the betting market with a five game conference winning streak. Tonight will be a tricky spot for the Tigers as they are coming off an overtime win Saturday. Alabama State is also eager to end a six game losing streak to the Tigers. Lay the small number here.

Tonight presents one of the top peak spots to go against a team in the Houston Rockets. Houston is coming off consecutive wins over the top team in the NBA in the Cleveland Cavaliers. In those wins they had issues in the fourth quarter. Gave up 47 points in Saturday’s fourth quarter, and the prior game scored just 15 in the fourth. Boston is also 3-0 when facing their former Coach Ime Udoka, including a 109-86 victory this season. Lay it with Boston.

The Sacramento Kings have an uncanny ability to stay in games despite large deficits. That’s not seen throughout the NBA almost halfway through the season. It’s allowed for steep comebacks against the Warriors, and a near comeback cover in their last game against Denver. Expect high energy from the Kings tonight in New York with or without D’Aaron Fox. Take the Kings plus the points. 

The Orlando Magic enter today on a five game losing streak. They’ll face a surging and confident Detroit Pistons team that beat them New Year’s Day, and has won the first two games on their current road trip. This is the game where the Magic have to dig in and avoid the flat low scoring second halves. Expect their defense to also be heightened in a game they need desperately.

Despite winning four out of their last five games, Portland State is not garnering love from the oddsmakers. Their heavy guard line up can tend to struggle in the Thursday to Saturday quick conference turn around in Big Sky play. Expect the focus meter for Idaho State to be extremely high after a let down loss Thursday at Sacramento State.

Under first year Coach Gerry McNamara Siena has been a pleasant surprise. They are coming off a resounding home win over Mount St. Marys, and the offense has picked up as of late. Iona is one of the few teams in conference that gave them problems, leading virtually the entire second half in their first matchup. Take the value on the Gaels here.

Utah Valley has had one of the strongest surges from a smaller conference. After beginning the year 4-5, they have won nine out of their last ten games. Yet, they have had a home friendly schedule and in their first two conference road games were fortunate to win by two points. This is also a night time televised game that should motivate California Baptist. Lay it with the home team

Out in the Big Sky look for Weber State to finally flip the switch on close losses. The Wildcats have lost six of their last seven games, but three of those losses have been by four points or fewer. Portland State is also playing in their first home game since January 11th. Expect them to be tight on the offensive end of the floor. Grab the points with Weber State.

The Miami Heat once again will endure a suspension from Jimmy Butler. As a team I expect them to respond off a poor home effort against the Portland Trailblazers. The Heat also may have found something by pairing rookie big man Kel’el Ware with Bam Adebayo. He is averaging 22 point sand 12 rebounds in his two starts. Take the value on the Heat against the Bucks.

Responding off an overtime loss can be tough in your next matchup. Ole Miss must regroup after going down Saturday in overtime against Mississippi State. Today they will face a Texas A&M Aggies team that is bolstered with the return of Wade Taylor. The Aggies also had Ole Miss’s number last season defeating them twice late in the season, and the road loss earlier in conference to the Rebels was just by three points. To much of an over adjustment on the Aggies side based on Taylor’s return and last year’s results. Tail Ole Miss.

Both the Minnesota Timberwolves and Dallas Mavericks are dealing with injuries. For the Timberwolves they have lost three out of four games as they adjust to being without Donte Divencenzo. Rookie Rob Dillingham has started to emerge off the bench averaging twelve points over his last three games. This matchup still has bad blood from the Twolves postseason loss, and we saw Minnesota get revenge on Christmas at Dallas 105-99. Take the road favored Twolves.

Despite being just 2-7 over their last nine games, Lafayette is garnering the respect of oddsmakers today against Loyola Maryland. The Leopards may be losing but they have been in a majority of their conference games outside of their latest loss to Colgate. Prior in their five conference games they won two, and the other three were decided by three points or less. Grab Lafayette plus the points.

A team that should be fired up off a bad loss is BYU. The Cougars had their opportunities as the Utes shot just 53 percent from the free throw line, but could not prevail in an overtime loss. Winless on the road this year this is an opportune spot to take out their frustrations on a Colorado team that is 0-6 in Big 12 play. Lay it with the Cougars.

UNLV has surged in Mountain West play with a 5-2 overall record, that included upsetting a top twenty five team in Utah State. They are a team that’s offense can be an issue, and makes for a tough lay as a sizable favorite. Although Wyoming has lost four of five games I believe this will be a slower pace game. Grab the Cowboys in a value spot off the Rebels conference surge.

A rare overnight release for me in the NBA, as I believe this line will only go down. The Wizards may have the fewest wins in the NBA but it’s resulted in bloated spreads. They’ve covered three of their last four, including Jordan Poole facing his old team in the Warriors. That is in play with Kyle Kuzma, and the biggest angle is Anthony Davis questionable with a calf issue. There’s a good chance he may rest against the lowly Wizards. Grab the underdog.

Out in the Missouri Valley Indiana State has been torched defensively over their last two games. They surrendered 118 points to Bradley and are coming off an 18 point loss to Drake. With losses in six of their last seven games now is the time for a value spot on the road against Illinois State. Illinois State’s last three games have been decided by six points or fewer. Grab the Sycamores on an inflated line.

Teams on losing streaks are going to give the effort. The question comes with lapses that the opponent can take advantage of. UT Rio Valley Grande is in their first year in the Southland conference, and with losses in three of four games are adjusting. Expect Incarnate Word to have difficulty against a UT Rio Valley Grande team that loves to run and plays bigger then their lineup’s size. Grab the points here with UT Rio Valley Grande. 

The Golden State Warriors are in a poor spot today even on their home floor against the Boston Celtics. The Celtics for one will be fired up after losing to the Atlanta Hawks in their last game. Expect intensity right off the bat against a Warriors team that has been playing short handed for the last several weeks. Lay it with the Celtics.

In the NBA there are not to many regular season rivalry matchup. One that is identifiable is the New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks. Atlanta is coming off a big road win over the Boston Celtics, and have defeated the Knicks twice this season. With New York being banged up look for the bench play to be key. Cameron Payne is coming off an 18 point game, and Miles McBride put in 16 in the first matchup against Atlanta. Back the Knicks on their home floor.

On a very light Sunday college hoops slate the Horizon League will have an interesting battle. Cleveland State comes in on a nine game winning streak, and is atop the conference with a 7-1 record. During their win streak their closest victory was against IU Indianapolis, a six point victory. Look for the Jaguars to be motivated on their home floor to end the Vikings win streak. Grab the points here with the IU Jaguars.

Another value spot on Sunday’s slate lies in the Atlantic 10. UMass is coming off a thrilling four overtime game winning 120-118. An abnormal game like that leads to value the following with bettors attracted to the mindset a team will be tired. Yet, UMass has won two of their last three games and being on their home floor is key. Take the Minute Men to pull off another victory and cover.

The Big Sky’s conference schedule can make it difficult for road teams from Thursday to Saturday games. Portland State is in that scenario for the first time this season after losing to Northern Colorado on Thursday. That may have caused to high of a line move on NAU’s side, who is coming off a clinic performance against lowly Sacramento State. Value play here a I expect Portland State to sneak within the rising spread.

Two key pieces amongst the Minnesota Timberwolves and New York Knicks trade are in doubt tonight. Donte Divincenzo is out and Karl Anthony Towns is questionable. The Knicks may be twelve games above .500 but are just 5-5 over their last ten games. They are also coming off an overtime matchup against a 76ers team that was in a back to back spot. Grab the points as the Timberwolves seek revenge from their worst loss of the season of 26 points to the Knicks.

The Oklahoma City Thunder and Cavaliers will meet in a rematch of just eight days ago. The biggest change has been the Thunder losing big man Hartenstein, but this Thunder team has adapted without a big before. Last week’s matchup the x-factor was Cavaliers reserve Ty Jerome who put in fifteen points in twelve minutes, including a key eight points in the fourth quarter. He is questionable with an illness, but I expect the Thunder to tighten up defensively overall. Grab the home team in the Thunder

Out in the MAAC, Marist has jumped out in front of the conference with a 14-3 record. In their last matchup against Fairfield they had a rest advantage, that was not noticeable until the final five minutes when Marist pulled away. Saint Peter’s won last year’s home game over Marist by nine points, and have limited their last three opponents to an average of 59 points. Back the home team here in Saint Peter’s.

Just seven days ago Marshall defeated tonight’s opponent James Madison in a thriller with two free throws in the final second. In the win Marshall lost their leading scorer Obinna Anochili-Killen who was in a walking boot in Marshall’s last game. This has caused too aggressive of a line move. Watch out for Marshall guard Jalen Speer who went 7 for 7 from beyond the arc against James Madison, and scored 19 second half points. Grab Marshall on the over aggressive line adjustment.

The New Orleans Pelicans have now won two out of their last three games. With nine wins on the season tonight is an opportunity win their tenth game. The Dallas Mavericks are depleted as Kyrie Irving will be out, and they’ve played consecutive up and down fast pace games against Denver. Take the Pelicans at home.

Small road underdogs against a top level team can be a tricky scenario. That is the case today for Duquense who as a below .500 team are a small underdog to 13-3 George Washington. Yet, conference play creates different power ratings for teams, and Duquesne showed this last season by winning the Atlantic 10 conference tournament. As a better in-conference team grab the points as they look to improve to 3-1 in A-10 play.

Over the last several seasons Samford has been amongst the top teams in the Southern Conference. Last year they made the March Madness tournament and this season they are off to another fantastic start at 14-3. Look for Mercer to respond off of consecutive losses, including losing to a a five win Western Carolina team. Grab the points here with Mercer.

The Phoenix Suns are on the upswing having won four out of their last five games, including three straight. One of those victories was against tonight’s opponent in the Atlanta Hawks. Phoenix had one of their more fluid balanced games as four players scored over twenty points in Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, Grayson Allen, and Bradley Beal. Take the Suns to cover and get their fourth straight victory.

In both college basketball plays today I’m backing teams coming off season lows in points. Valparaiso scored just forty seven points in their loss to Murray State. Yet, they’ve showed fight in-conference taking Bradley and Indiana State to overtime. Belmont has also been susceptible over their last nine games three have been losses, and six wins were all by seven points or fewer. Grab the underdog here with Valparaiso.

A season ago the Buffalo Bulls were one of the worst teams in division one with a record of 4-27. They have now lost seven straight games against division one opponents, and are coming off as season low forty nine points. This is a buy low spot as the Bulls trailed by just four points to Kent State at halftime in their last game, and will correct their offensive issues against Bowling Green. Grab the points here with Buffalo.

Loyola Maryland is a talented team that may go on a run in the Patriot conference. Currently though early in conference play they are struggling with close games. Each of their last four games has been decided by six points or less, and three decided by two points or less. Although American is winless on the road this season at 0-8, look for the number to be a factor against Loyola Maryland once again. Grab the points.

Readjusting to a key star returning to the lineup is difficult. We are seeing that with the Orlando Magic who dropped their first game with Paulo Banchero back against the Bucks. The loss is the Magic’s sixth loss in nine games. They’ve also lost five straight games at home. Take the 76ers to continue the Magic’s despair.

Wright State comes into today’s matchup against Robert Morris with momentum having won consecutive games. On the season though they have failed to win three straight games. Traveling on the road is one of the main reasons they are just 9-8 on the year, as they have lost four out of their last five road games. Grab Robert Morris who has revenge on their mind from losing to Wright State by 25 and 30 points last season.

Marist has won seven straight games and is the only MAAC team above .500 besides conference newcomer Mount St. Mary’s. That’s caused a steep rise from an ATS stand point in what is a big rest advantage spot for Marist. They’ve been off for seven days while Fairfield just played two days ago against Iona. Look for the patented big start from Marist before Fairfield chips away. Marist may have a seven game winning streak, but six of their wins have been within this spread. Grab Fairfield.

Typically there are not many spots for a low win team seeking revenge from a game they should of won. The lowly Toronto Raptors who are 1-17 on the road, are coming off a close loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. In both matchups this year against Detroit they had opportunities to win losing by four and two points. Look for the Raptors to play another hard fought game against Detroit win or lose. Grab the points.

Tonight’s game between the Mavericks and Portland has been moved up due to weather. Look for that to impact a Portland team that has been very inconsistent off a win. Dallas, has been a team with their depth that can manage key players being out. Due to a bug that hit most players, we did not see that during a five game losing streak. Take the value here on the Mavericks to win convincingly consecutive games for the first time since December 23rd.

A team that has struggled with portal transfers and overall play has been Oakland. They lost Trey Townsend to Arizona, and are just 5-11 to begin the season. One of their wins came against Wright State on December 5th. Look for the Golden Grizzlies to lean on that performance to at least keep it within the number tonight. Play Oakland.

Sometimes conference play can ignite a team that ended non-conference play poorly. American lost four straight games, but is coming off a double digit victory over Holy Cross. Look for the confidence to show on the road today against a Boston team that has performed below their capabilities. The Eagles are also looking to avenge two losses last season against Boston. Grab the points here.

Arkansas will try and avoid losing consecutive games for the first time this season. In Saturday’s loss to Tennessee they scored just 52 points, as Johnell Davis was scoreless off the bench in twenty five minutes of action. Look for Ole Miss to continue to give Arkansas problems on the defensive end of the floor, as opponents are averaging just 64 points per game. Grab the underdog here with Ole Miss. 

Over the years the Southern Conference has lost their high end coaches to power schools, as well as talent to the portal. Still, it is a balanced conference which can be tricky on small spreads. Mercer after beginning the year just 1-4 against division one schools, has won six of their last eight. Deeper into conference play look for their flaws from early in the season to be exposed against an East Tennessee State team that won both games last season. Lay the small number here.

The Minnesota Timberwolves appeared to be going the right direction after they boosted their record to 17-14. Yet they have reversed course again losing three straight games, including Saturday against a Pistons team that was in a back to back spot. The Clippers last two matchups at Minnesota have hindered the Timberwolves offensively to 93 and 88 points. Grab the Clippers as Minnesota’s struggles continue.

Under first year Coach Gerry McNamara Siena has had their moments of a program going upward. Probably the peak is now as the Saints are coming off defeating Cornell as a double digit underdog. Now they’ll face a conference opponent in Manhattan that is well rested, as they have not played since December 21st. They’ve also covered in their last three road games. Grab the points here with Manhattan.

Conference openers can be tricky spots to attack road favorites. Lipscomb despite only being 8-5 are large favorites today against Jacksonville. The Bisons have won six of their last seven games, and utilized a proper scheduling strategy. Early in non-conference play they faced the big boys in Arkansas and Kentucky. At the end they have had tune up games against non division one schools, including their last game against Asbury. Look for the Bisons to be sharp as a result against a Jacksonville team that is not as balanced offensively as a season ago.

When it comes to the Big South, Longwood has been consistently amongst the top teams in the conference. It’s led to an attraction on their numbers from the betting market. Today’s opponent in Presbyterian they have won seven of the last eight matchups. The Blue Hose have actually lost five straight games against division one opponents, and have not recorded a win since November 23rd over a division one school. Take the value here on Presbyterian to at least keep the game within the spread.

Valparaiso has been involved in some crazy games lately. In their last two games alone they played Bradley to overtime, and came from behind down twenty two points with under seven minutes left to win over Western Michigan. Expect the Beacons to use those gritty performances to play a close game against a Missouri State team they went 0-2 against last season. Grab the points with Valparaiso.

The Oklahoma City Thunder have won eleven straight games to push their overall record to 26-5. During their last six wins each team has had issues with key players out. That won’t be the case tonight against a Timberwolves team aiming to match a season high four straight wins. Improved play and Minnesota also split the series last year. Grab the points here with the underdog.

Last season North Texas had one of the biggest meltdowns against today’s opponent in UAB. Leading by 17 points in the first half, they lost their focus and ended up losing in overtime. Expect the coaches to emphasize that reminder and for the Mean Green to utilize their holiday break properly. Lay the points with North Texas

Fordham comes into their Atlantic 10 opener on a season best five game winning streak. It has been a nice recovery for the Rams who once were 3-5 overall. For St. Louis it has been the opposite they have lost four out of their last five games against division one opponents. But the opening of conference play is a chance to start fresh. Take St. Louis to get their first road win of the season.

In a college basketball season there is typically a pre holiday or in-conference wall. For UC Irvine they hit it before their holiday break, with losses against Oregon State and Duquesne. Look for the Anteaters to regroup tonight against California Baptist after a nine day layoff. Lay the small number with UC Irvine.

After a holiday layoff two games in three days can be difficult. Loyola Marymount is coming off a fifteen point road loss at San Francisco Saturday, and now will face Washington State. The Cougars will play their conference games in the WCC, and that presents a challenge to the Lions who are not familiar with playing in Pullman. Expect a slide similar to the way the Lions began the season 0-3 against division one opponents. Lay it with Washington State.

Houston enters Big 12 conference play in unchartered territory based on their prior seasons. Typically they have been a stout top five team, but this year they already have three losses. From a personnel stand point they have not been able to figure out the mix of high end defense and timely offense. Yet, in-conference I trust the Cougars to elevate their play even on the road in Stillwater. Lay the big number with Houston.

The Chicago Bulls ended a three game losing streak on Saturday by defeating the Milwaukee Bucks. Health played a big role as both Lonzo Ball and Josh Giddy came back. Giddy had a triple double, and over his last four games for the Bulls is averaging nine assists. Additionally, the Bulls limited the Hornets to a season low 95 points on December 13th. 

The Golden State Warriors after beginning the season 12-3, have spiraled to just one game above .500 at 15-14. In last night’s loss they were without both Steph Curry and Draymond Green, but had some positive take aways. The backups fought hard to nearly erase a nineteen point deficit. Look for the Warriors to grow with the recent new changes of Trayce Jackson-Davis and acquisition of Dennis Schroder having more time on the floor. Lay it with the Warriors.

Post holiday’s the first game for a team struggling presents value. Chicago has been torched their last two home games in which they lost by twenty points or more to Milwaukee and Boston. Yet, their prior three games on the road they have won outright. Expect a competitive game against an Atlanta team they have already defeated twice including a 125-113 victory on the road.

The Milwaukee Bucks managed in their last outing to gain a victory minus Giannis and Damian Lillard against the lowly Washington Wizards. With both status’s up in the air Monday night oddsmakers have given room for the normal -1.5 to plus 1.5 to 2 point swing that will likely occur if Giannis is ruled out. Take Chicago as they have split the season series this year, and the lone loss Giannis put in 41 points. 

Two teams on extreme lows will meet tonight in the NBA with the Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves. The Warriors are coming off losing by fifty one points to the Memphis Grizzlies, in a game where Steph Curry scored just two points, and Draymond Green went scoreless. Look for the Warriors to bounce back against a Timberwolves team that clearly has internal issues. Grab the points with the Warriors.

Saturday, we get another rare spot of two teams playing for the second time already on the season. Earlier this week I attacked the same victorious team with UNC Asheville over North Florida. Today, I’m going to back the team that lost in the first matchup with Fresno State. They took California Baptist to overtime in a neutral site Palm Springs game. This was after fighting a ten point halftime deficit. Take the home underdog in Fresno State to use the second half energy they had in Palm Springs, and cover at home.

Conference play continues to begin throughout college basketball. On a smaller Thursday slate the Ohio Valley takes center stage with the majority of teams in play. Tennessee Tech is desperately searching for a win as they have dropped four straight and six of their last seven. Tennessee Tech amongst their ten wins and two conference road wins last season defeated Lindenwood. Take the slight underdog here.

After a 3-0 start the Pacific Tigers are just 2-7 over their last nine games. Part of that has been due to a rigorous schedule. They dropped away games against Arkansas and Missouri, and have faltered three other road games against Colorado, Illinois State, and UNLV. Back home look for Pacific to settle in against a heavy jump shot shooting team in Portland State. Back Pacific.

A bit of an under the radar quality matchup is on the schedule tonight as San Francisco travels to take on Bradley. This is the Dons first true road game of the season and will test their 9-2 record against 8-2 Bradley. San Francisco excels in the half court game and has shot makers all over the floor, including 6’6 freshman Tyrone Riley. Riley is averaging 11 points along with 5 rebounds. Grab the Dons as they battle in their first true road game of the season.

Wagner comes into today’s matchup against Manhattan on a four game win-streak. They are also undefeated at home, but that aspect is downgraded on the short travel distance for the Jaspers. Wagner also ranks as one of the lowest scoring teams in all of college basketball, averaging just 58 points per game. This leaves little room for error over a forty minute span. Take the points with Manhattan.

UMass is supposed to be one of the stronger state colleges in the northeast region. They have disappointed with losses to Central Connecticut and UMass Lowell. Over their last ten games they have just two wins over division one schools. Today look for a get right spot as Northeastern is playing back to back road games for the first time this season. Tail the small favorites here in UMass. 

Road stretches in the month of December can be tough to evaluate, especially with the smaller schools. Tonight, Lamar will compete in their fourth straight road game and will face a Southern Miss team that is 4-0 at home. Look for the Cardinal to maybe struggle early but have adjustments to pull away from the number late. Take Lamar as they win their fifth straight game.

Towson has dropped five straight games, which culminated in a poor effort their last time out against Duquesne. They scored just 47 points and lost 65-47. The beginning of their losing streak was a tough tournament played in Canada which saw them go 0-3 against Kent State, Kennesaw State, and UC Irvine. Look for the losing streak to end against a favorable opponent in Robert Morris. Lay the short number.