In the night cap we’ll examine the Mountain West matchup of Air Force and San Jose State. Both teams have struggled to win as Air Force has dropped six of their last seven games. In fact, all of their losses during that stretch have been by wide margins of double digits. Yet this is a nice spot against the struggling Spartans. Look for the Falcons to show up ahead of their second matchup on Saturday. Take the Falcons.

Unlike years past this season’s Murray State Racers are not strong contenders in the Ohio Valley Conference. At 6-7 they have struggled in-conference with a 3-5 mark. Yet they are starting to show some positive signs having won two of their last three. Look for the Racers to get off to a big start and run away from a 3-10 Tennessee State team. Grab Murray State.

The LA Clippers continue to be without three main players in Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, and Patrick Beverly. A few nights ago their winning streak ended without their leaders with a nine point loss to the Hawks. It’ll be a tough feat against a Heat team aiming for a win, but look for the Clippers to play a competitive effort. Grab the points here. 

The Southland conference has eight teams with subpar records. Wednesday, 3-11 Central Arkansas will travel to take on 4-11 Southeast Louisiana. The Bears are coming off a 93-58 road loss against Abilene Christian. A positive is the lone two opponents in-conference with subpar records the Bears have defeated. Expect Southeast Louisiana’s turnover issues to lead to a victory for the Bears. Grab Central Arkansas.

Wednesday, the Atlanta Hawks will face the Brooklyn Nets in a back to back scenario. Tuesday they defeated the Clippers 108 to 99. The outing was the latest in a surge of hot shooting performances from guard Trae Young, as he scored 38 points. Expect Young to continue his hot shooting against the Nets, whom the Hawks have covered against in both matchups this season. Play Atlanta.

For the past several seasons a marquee matchup in the Eastern Conference has been the Milwaukee Bucks versus the Toronto Raptors. Thus far on a young season both teams have performed below expectations. The gap in performance is quite different on the Raptors side. In an unprecedented point spread between the Bucks and Raptors grab the Bucks to offset their road woes. Play Milwaukee.

Returning from a lengthy covid layoff has been beneficial ATS-wise for the majority of teams. One that did not have success was East Carolina, as they lost by thirty-seven points to Memphis on Saturday. Expect a better performance today against a Central Florida team still attracting ATS value based on their non-conference wins over Auburn, Florida State, and Cincinnati. Take East Carolina. 

One of the best under the radar games today is Mercer versus UNC Greensboro. After a 6-5 start the Spartans have won and covered four straight. An offensive surge with better execution has been the root of Greensboro’s success. Facing a Mercer team that lacks strong defense should continue the Spartans ATS run. Grab UNC Greensboro. 

One of the few teams to not have any non-conference games because of Covid-19 were the Fordham Rams. They jumped right into Atlantic 10 conference play and the result has been a 1-7 record. Of their seven losses only one was by single digits. The occurrence came against today’s opponent Duquensne, in a 48-45 loss. An added bonus ATS-wise is their Coach in Jeff Neubauer just stepped down yesterday. With an interim in place look for the Rams to be motivated. Grab Fordham.

The Washington Wizards as expected were rusty in their first game back against the Spurs. Yet they played a competitive first half trailing by just two points. Although they’ll remain short handed tonight against the Houston Rockets, they have motivation on their side. Take the Wizards as Westbrook plays well against his old team, and Bradley Beal against his ex-teammate John Wall. 

Toledo heads into Tuesday’s matchup having won ten of their last eleven. They’ll face a Miami-Ohio team that’s on a three-game double digit win streak. Look for the Rockets to neutralize Miami-Ohio with their guard play, and begin their road trip with an ATS cover. Grab Toledo.

Tuesday, one of the marquee matchup’s in college basketball is Oklahoma against Texas. The Longhorns will be without their Coach in Shaka Smart due to Covid-19. That should benefit the Sooners who are coming off a momentum building 75-68 victory over the Jayhawks. Furthermore, the spread is a tad higher based on the Sooners 1-3 road record. Grab the Sooners.

Saturday, Oral Roberts had their hands full against UMKC, winning just 60-58. The win marked their sixth of their last seven. Yet their output of sixty points Saturday was their fewest all season. Expect the pesky UMKC to build off of Saturday’s near victory, and gain another cover Sunday.

Sunday, two teams looking to reverse recent poor stretches will meet as Charlotte visits the Orlando Magic. The Hornets come in having lost four straight while the Magic have dropped seven of eight. Look for the Magic’s recent road trip of five games to affect their return home. Grab Charlotte to end their losing streak.

For the second consecutive weekend Illinois State will aim to avoid being swept on their home floor. To do so they’ll need to avenge a 69-60 loss yesterday to Valparaiso. The victory for the Crusaders was their first in the Missouri Valley conference this season. It also marked just their second division one win this season. Take the value on the Crusaders replicating Saturday’s performance.

Saturday, both the Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks meet after playing games Friday night. The now healthy Dallas Mavericks have won and covered consecutive games. Although the Rockets shot below forty percent Friday night, the win should boost the team’s confidence against a Mavericks team that is susceptible defensively. Play Houston.

Out in the Southland Conference an under the radar matchup exists between Northwestern State and SE Louisiana. Improved play from the Lions has resulted in wins in two of their last three matchups. Boosted play has come from several players, including junior guard Gus Okafor. Okafor is coming off a career-high twenty-six points. Grab the value on the Lions who aim to win consecutive games for the first time this season.

Saturday, Louisiana Monroe and Texas State will meet for the second consecutive day. On Friday, the Bobcats outlasted Louisiana Monroe for a 57-47 victory. Now the Bobcats must avoid road fatigue as today marks their sixth straight road game. In a game that will be tighter grab the Bobcats to outlast Louisiana Monroe.

Sometimes a team can get a big win over a power five school in non-conference play, and not catapult forward. This appears to be the case for UTEP, who won outright at ASU earlier this year. Louisiana Tech has bolstered their record to 11-4 and has to dynamic of a team for the Miners. Take Louisiana Tech.

Thursday, Zack offers a lone play in hoops which comes in the NBA. The Golden State Warriors find themselves in a back to back scenario, after partaking in the late game Wednesday. Expect their hot shooting to continue against a Knicks team thats depth may give them problems, but on a small number take the Warriors. Grab Golden State.

One of the biggest blowout games this season in the NBA was the Clippers defeating the Sacramento Kings, 138-100. In the embarrassing loss Kings role player Glenn Robinson III called out the team’s performance, as they rank last in the NBA in allowing 124 points a game. Lacking defense look for the Kings to play a spirited effort and match the Clippers offensively. Grab the high line which will likely move to ten by game time. 

At the top of the Southland Conference stands Sam Houston State. The Bearkats have rolled off an impressive eight straight wins and stand at 5-0 in-conference. Yet today’s opponent is a different caliber in Abilene Christian. The Wildcats lone two losses were against power five schools Texas Tech and Arkansas. Grab Abilene Christian to end Sam Houston State’s win streak. 

Wednesday, Arkansas and Auburn will meet for the second time this season. In the first matchup Arkansas withstood runs from the Tigers to hold off for a twelve point victory. They did so by forcing 19 turnovers, twelve of which came from the Tigers back-court. Grab the Razorbacks to regroup from a stretch of four of five losses. Take Arkansas. 

Depleted NBA rosters have become the norm this season. For the Miami Heat their limited roster has shown on the court as they’ve lost three of four. Contrary to the Heat the Raptors are healthy and on a three-game win-streak. Still look for the Heat to benefit from a small road trip and play a competitive game. Take the points on Miami.

An under the radar matchup exists in the Southland Conference between SE Louisiana and the McNeese Cowboys. Southeast Louisiana has struggled at scoring, including scoring a season-low forty-two points in their last game. Yet, McNeese does not have a victory over a division one opponent and is a poor defensive team. Take the small dog in SE Louisiana. 

Tuesday, the Jazz and Pelicans meet for the first of consecutive games. Over their last three matchups, two have been decided by two points and another went to overtime. Expect another close matchup as the Pelicans build off ending their five-game losing streak. Take the Pelicans.

In-state conference games are always heightened. Today in the SEC, Mississippi State will host Ole Miss. Close contests have become the norm for the Bulldogs, as four of their last five games have been decided by five points or less. In what may be another tight result look for the Bulldogs to finish off the Rebels at the free throw line.  

The Missouri Tigers return home after a three-game road trip. They’ll face a South Carolina team that has only played six games due to covid issues. In the month of December the Gamecocks cancelled five games, and in their last game Frank Martin and assistant coach Chuck Martin were out because of Covid. The coaching staff returns tonight and should give the Gamecocks a much needed boost against number nineteen Missouri. Take South Carolina. 

Out in the MAC, Kent State has built up a three-game win streak. They’re 6-2 overall ATS-wise, and all three of their losses have been by single digits. Yet, I expect Buffalo to bounce back after a poor Friday showing against Bowling Green. In the contest, the Bulls found themselves down by sixteen points at halftime. Look for a strong effort from the Bulls in today’s first game in college hoops. 

Starters in and out of the lineup have been a big reason for the Pelicans losing five straight. That has not deterred oddsmakers from making them a road favorite tonight against the Kings. Sacramento’s poor defense and the Pelicans need for a win makes this a solid ATS spot. Back the Pelicans to end their losing streak.

A repeat matchup exists today in the Missouri Valley Conference, as Indiana State takes on Illinois State. Saturday the Redbirds allowed the Sycamores to shoot double the free throws, as Indiana State went 22-24 from the line. Room for improvement from the field should elevate Indiana State’s play Sunday. Take the Sycamores.  

The Miami Heat have struggled to find consistency and are coming off two straight losses against the red-hot 76ers. Saturday they return home to face the worst team in the Eastern Conference in the Detroit Pistons. Instead of banking on the Heat regaining their form, take the value on the underdog as the Heat’s struggles continue. Grab Detroit.

The Albany Great Danes have not been on the court in seven days, because of their last matchup against Stony Brook being postponed. Saturday, they’ll take on a New Jersey Institute team coming off a season-low forty-one points. In a game that may get sloppy expect the 1-5 Great Danes to do enough to pull through ATS. Grab Albany.

On Thursday, Florida Atlantic ended a three-game losing streak by topping today’s opponent in Florida International, 81-79. Value exists today on the Owls again, as FAU has failed to win consecutive games over division one schools this season. Furthermore, the Panthers are failing to get proper levels of play from their upperclassmen. Take the Owls here. 

Friday in the NBA value lies with the Utah Jazz against the Hawks. For one Atlanta is coming off extra rest. Not only have they been off for four nights but their prior game their starter’s played minor minutes. This was due to a big blowout over the 76ers. With Utah’s woes at home this line has dwindled from normal levels. Grab the Jazz to respond in a big way tonight. 

The Denver Nuggets nearly swept their east coast trip, but fell after blowing a double-digit lead to the Brooklyn Nets. Thursday, they return home to take on a Warriors team that has adjusted well with a new look lineup. Yet, they’ve declined in points output in each of their last three games. Expect Denver to pull through and get back to .500.

A devalued team ATS are the Bryant Bulldogs. They’re 7-3 ATS, which included a tough one-point loss against the Syracuse Orangemen. Thursday, they’ll take on a St. Francis (PA) team that’s 1-7 record could make this a let down spot for the Bulldogs. Instead, expect the Bulldogs to come out strong and avenge two losses a season ago by twenty points or more against the Red Flash. Take Bryant. 

The Texas Longhorns have ascended to the fourth spot in the top twenty-five. They’ve done so with a knack of winning close games. In fact, they have won four games by a margin of three points or less. Sooner or later that style of play hurts a team, especially in-conference. Grab Texas Tech as their starting lineup is growing more and more comfortable each game on the floor together. 

The Texas A&M Aggies have had difficulties offensively. They’ve dropped three of their last four games, and scored fifty-four points in all three. Furthermore, they are 0-2 on the road with both losses by twenty points or more. Yet, last season the Aggies scored a conference high 87 points against the Bulldogs. Take the value here on A&M.

Wednesday, the Grizzlies will take on a Minnesota Timberwolves team that ended a seven game losing streak with Sunday’s win over the Spurs. The depleted Memphis Grizzlies are down several role player’s and starter’s, including Ja Morant. That has caused Tyus Jones to be inserted into the starting lineup. The former Minnesota guard should be sparked facing his old team. Take the Grizzlies. 

The youth of the Auburn Tigers has not matched up well early in SEC conference play. 0-4, they are dead last in the conference and in dire need of confidence. Tonight they’ll face a Georgia team that’s 7-1 home record is devalued based on a weak schedule. Take the Tigers to get their first conference win. 

After a 1-6 start, Kentucky has began SEC play undefeated at 3-0. The only team that has began conference play stronger is tonight’s opponent in Alabama. Expect Kentucky to take advantage of the Crimson Tide’s low team field goal percentage of forty two percent, and convert opportunities in transition. Grab Kentucky. 

Similar to the Toronto Raptors, the Houston Rockets are in uncharted territories. At 3-5 they are tied for the least wins in the Western Conference with the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Lakers fluid scoring and balance should position them for a 6-0 road start. Grab the Lakers tonight. 

The Denver Nuggets have switched gears on their current east coast road trip. Consecutive wins over the Knicks and 76ers has pushed them back to .500 at 5-5. Re-focused the Nuggets have the arsenal to hand the Nets their third straight loss. Grab Denver to push past the Nets late in the second half. 

The Minnesota Timberwolves played in a competitive game on Saturday, losing 125-122 to the San Antonio Spurs. That’s now seven straight losses as the Timberwolves continue to search for cohesion. Yet, with KAT back in the lineup they should be able to build off of last night’s game. Grab the Timbewolves. 

The Orlando Magic will aim to respond to a poor Friday loss of 132-90 against the Rockets. They are in a back to back scenario against a Dallas Mavericks team that will be under manned. Three key players are in covid protocol, but the biggest star will still be on the floor in Luka Doncic. Doncic has become accustomed to the Mavericks missing key players and will adjust accordingly. Grab the Mavericks.  

Under the radar value lies today in a Big West conference debut for UC San Diego against UC Irvine. Saturday also marks the division one debut of the Titans, who have played just two games this year due to covid issues. Teams that have had limited completed games against non-division one opponents have been fantastic ATS. Grab the Titans as they begin their conference and division one debut with a cover.  

 Saturday, UNC Greensboro will meet Wofford for the second time in four days. On Wednesday, UNC Greensboro Coach Wes Miller made a brilliant adjustment in the second half. Amplified defensive ball pressure forced Wofford point guard Storm Murphy into seven turnovers. Grab UNC Greensboro to build upon Wednesday’s blueprint.  

For the second consecutive day, Florida International will take on Middle Tennessee. Friday, the Panthers used a 10-0 second half run to pull away from a 48-48 tie. Expect a similar result Saturday, as Middle Tennessee’s offense is too sluggish to depend on ATS-wise. Grab FIU.

Rice’s strength of schedule downgrades them today against 5-3 UTEP. Rice has faced lower level competition in the majority of their games. Look for UTEP to take advantage as they have a solid win over ASU, and have the scoring ability to pull away from the number ATS. Go against the line move here and back the favorite. 

East coast road trips are typically not friendly for west coast teams. The Jazz have faltered in consecutive games against the Nets and Knicks, both double-digit losses. Tonight’s matchup against the Bucks marks their fourth straight road game. They have the size and a chip on their shoulder to contend in this one. Take the points. 

A team that was expected to be at the top of the MAC was Ohio. They came into the season with the bullseye on them, and lost three straight in late December. They’ve now bounced back and will step up in competition today against the 4-0 Toledo Rockets in MAC conference play. Look for Ohio to elevate their play and cover the number.

In recent nights the Chicago Bulls have stunned with outright big underdog wins over the Dallas Mavericks and Portland Trailblazers. The reformed Bulls are spreading the basketball around, as seven players scored in double-figures in last night’s win over Portland. Yet this is a sell high spot on the Bulls, and buy-low spot on the Kings. Sacramento should bounce back after losing three-straight road games by an average of fourteen points.  

The Toronto Raptors peculiar start to the season has them at 1-5. Yet they continue to draw small numbers, including for today’s road matchup against the Phoenix Suns. Expect the veteran Raptors to finally rise to the challenge, as they’ve defeated the Suns in six straight matchups. Take the points here on the Raptors.

On the young season the Virginia Cavaliers have yet to defeat a power five team by fourteen points or more. Yet, the Cavaliers continue to get strong numbers from oddsmakers ATS based on their past history. In-conference they execute game plans as good as any team in college basketball. With Wake Forest undermanned expect the Cavaliers to pull away by a significant margin. Grab Virginia. 

Prior to their team coronavirus outbreak the Houston Cougars looked the part of a tier-two national contender. They have not had the same rhythm and look since returning to the court, and that resulted in their first loss of the season. In their last game against SMU they needed to pull away from a game that was closer than the final score. The Shockers have been solid and have yet to lose a game by double-digits. Expect that spectrum to change as the Cougars have enough return time back on the floor to be sharp. Grab Houston. 

One of the more obscure lines of the season lies with today’s matchup of Northwestern State vs Incarnate Ward. With a 1-11 record the Demons find themselves as seven point favorites. Northwestern State has defeated Incarnate Ward in four consecutive matchups since 2017-2018. Lay the points. 

In college basketball teams have yearly patterns that bettors can capitalize on. A season ago, Richmond began 10-1 before losing three of five at the tail end of December and into January. That pattern has lurked once again as the Spiders have lost consecutive home games. Take the value on the underdog as the Rams keep it close.

After a 2-0 start the Minnesota Timberwolves have quickly faded. They’ve lost four straight including their last matchup against the Denver Nuggets, 124-109. In fact, all of their losses have been by double-digits.  Still, their woes are expected but Denver’s have not been. With the same record and the recent matchup result grab the value on the Timberwolves, as bettors continue to chase the Nuggets.

 Tuesday, Rutgers will travel to take on Michigan State in a battle of top twenty-five teams. Close losses in two games are the difference in Rutgers not being a top ten team. They are shooting just sixty percent from the free throw line, which proved costly in their lost against Iowa. With Michigan State just 1-3 in-conference this line is a bit short. Grab the Spartans. 

The Clemson Tigers have one of the best surprise early resumes. They have defeated Purdue, Maryland, Alabama, Mississippi State, and Florida State. That has catapulted them inside the top twenty, but today’s opponent is tricky for them. NC State has torched recent ACC opponents in first halves, with 49 points against North Carolina and 45 against Boston College. Expect another big first half and for Clemson to be in an unfamiliar spot facing a deficit. Grab NC State. 

Pre-season, no mid-major team received more of a boost than Bowling Green when Justin Turner announced he would return to the school. The Falcons have raced out to a 7-2 start and have covered decisively in three-straight road games. Returning home to face Central Michigan is a value spot on the Chippewas to fade the Falcons recent ATS-run. Grab the underdog.

The Mavericks have been helter skelter to begin the year. After an 0-2 start they’ve settled down winning two of their last three. A big part has quietly been improved defense. In wins against the Clippers and Heat they held both teams beneath 83 points. With the Bulls having all types of issues look for the Mavericks to get a second straight win over an Eastern Conference team. 

Two teams that have extended layoffs will meet today in the CAA. Both Morgan State and James Madison have not stepped on the court in nearly two weeks. In the Dukes last loss they nearly pulled off an upset over VCU. Expect that to be fresh in bettors minds but for the layoff to benefit the road team in Morgan State. Take the points here.

Consecutive days of games have seen a familiar pattern. Single digit spreads the team that loses in the first day, typically covers the next. This scenario just happened with Georgia State-Coastal Carolina and South Alabama-Georgia Southern. I expect it to happen in the Missouri Valley Sunday as Northern Iowa’s 2-6 record is not indicative of the type of team they are. Young they are a work in progress and will take a step forward today against Evansville.

One of the surprise teams to start the season have been the Orlando Magic. At 4-1,  one of their wins came against today’s opponent in the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Thunder  have lost three straight games all at home, are struggling to find their identity. Expect a change of scenery from their home environment and revenge to spark the Thunder. Grab the underdog. 

A familiar team has returned to Summit League competition in UMKC. Saturday, after seven years away in the WAC they’ll meet against North Dakota. At 1-8, the Fighting Hawks are coming off their worst loss of the season, 88-55 against Drake. An even level of competition today against UMKC should help elevate North Dakota’s offense. Take the home favorite to spoil UMKC’s return to the Summit League.

A season ago the Dayton Flyers were one of the top choices to make a Final Four run. A cancelled season and a talent drop off has placed uncertainty on this year’s team.  Already 0-1 in conference play, they’ll face a feisty George Mason team Saturday. The Patriots have played four straight games that have been decided by five points or less. Take the points here. 

A strange conundrum has taken place with the Utah Jazz. They are 2-0 on the road and 0-2 at home. Oddsmakers have adjusted for tonight placing them as an underdog against the LA Clippers. In a back to back scenario for the Jazz expect the Clippers to take advantage. Grab the Clippers tonight as one of the final games on the Friday board. 

Two teams that are explosive offensively are Coastal Carolina and Georgia State. The Panthers boast scorers up and down their roster and have a knack for going on crucial decisive scoring runs. I expect that to take fold in the second half even if the Panthers are down early and at halftime. Take the Panthers to pull away in the final minutes.

Two teams that have under performed to in the MAAC have been Rider and Fairfield. They’ll meet today with a combined record of 2-14. An ATS edge is a common opponent in Iona, whom the Stags have their lone win over and a team that Rider lost against. In what may be a sloppy game take the forward thinking value on the road team in Rider. 

The Pelicans were a major dud for myself and a lot of bettors as road underdogs against the Suns a few nights ago. Letdowns are going to happen with a young team and a new Coach. Yet, Stan Van Gundy will get his team to respond. Oklahoma City loses its third straight as their NBA best ATS record in 2019 continues to free fall.

Over the years one of the top teams James Harden has been dominant against are the Sacramento Kings. With all the issues for the Rockets they have played just two games. There’s plenty of time to bounce back. Recent betting bias is in play here as both the Kings and Rockets played against the Nuggets. The Rockets lost in blowout fashion while the Kings won by ten. Play the right side here as the Rockets get their first win.

With Tennessee Tech winning yesterday there are few teams left without a win. One of those plays today in a repeat matchup of Wednesday, as USC Upstate takes on High Point. USC Upstate has had a drastic change over from their days in the Southern Conference six years ago. Talent is down and they struggle mightily with transition defense. Yet, High Point is a slower pace team. This will be closer than yesterday’s eleven point road loss. Grab Upstate.

The Brooklyn Nets have shown two sides of the spectrum to begin the NBA season. With KD and Kyrie on the floor they have been electric with two blowout wins. Without they’re more of the team that took the floor last season. Tonight, expect the return of both to spark ATS value on the road underdog Hawks. Precedent point spreads of -3 against Boston and -7.5 against Golden State have cast value here. Grab the Hawks. 

Eric Musselman has quickly revamped Arkansas, as they are off to an 8-0 start. Yet, they are one of the few power five schools that have not had any true non-conference tests. In fact, the highest rated team they have faced is 4-3 North Texas. Expect Auburn to capitalize on Arkansas weak non-conference schedule as the home underdog. Grab Auburn. 

St. Bonaventure and Rhode Island both head into Wednesday’s matchup off a long holiday break. The Bonnies have not played since December 19th, and Rhode Island since the 18th. The break may have been a good thing for the Rams as they had a fierce non-conference schedule. Working in several transfers takes time. Expect the Rams to show improvement and get one win closer to .500.

 After going undefeated in the bubble the Phoenix Suns have carried momentum into the new season. They’re 2-1, and have caught the eyes of the betting public and sharps. The dynamic has created a value spot tonight with the Pelicans. Under new coach Stan Van Gundy look for the Pelicans mix of veterans and youth to give Phoenix problems. Grab the Pelicans. 

The Toronto Raptors were one of the few contending teams that came into the 2020 season with very few changes. Yet, they’re off to an 0-2 start. Tuesday, they’ll face a revamped Philadelphia 76ers team led by new Coach Doc Rivers. On a small number go against uncharted territories for an 0-3 start for Toronto. Grab Philadelphia.

Senior guard, Tahj Eaddy is one of several small school transfers the USC Trojans have utilized this season. Eaddy played his past two years at Santa Clara, which should be added motivation for the Trojans. Take the Trojans to run away from Santa Clara with their underrated blue chip transfer depth. Grab USC.

A great battle should be on display today in the ACC as Clemson hosts Florida State. In last year’s series the team’s split, including a late February home victory for Clemson. In that matchup the Tigers small ball lineup featured 44 of 70 points from guards Clyde Trapp, Al-Amir Dawes, and John Newman III. Personnel may be different but the Tigers have an uncanny lineup that should get a boost from Fordham transfer Nick Honor. Take the Tigers.

Colorado and Arizona were supposed to meet several weeks ago but had their initial game postponed. They’ll meet tonight in what will be a true barometer test for both teams. One player to keep an eye out on is McKinley Wright. The Buffaloes guard has had particularly solid games against UofA. Look for his play to give the Buffaloes an edge in what should be a tight game. 

Sunday a late add will be on UC Irvine. The Anteaters have not played in eight days and will play their first Big West conference game of the season. In what’s the first of a two-game matchup against UC Santa Barbara look for Irvine to be the aggressor. The Gauchos are a bit over valued thanks to a 4-1 record and an outright upset over Pepperdine. Take Irvine.

Despite three losses, Illinois finds themselves still ranked in the top twenty in college basketball. That’s largely due to their three losses being against top twenty-five teams. Today, they’ll face an Indiana team that played them wire to wire last season in a 67-66 game. Expect another close matchup as Illinois is coming off of four of five road games. Play Indiana. 

The defending NBA champions in the Los Angeles Lakers lost their opening game against the Clippers. Now the pressure is on to avoid an 0-2 start against the Dallas Mavericks. Minus Porzingis the Mavericks were a bit sloppy in their loss against the Suns. Yet, they have pieces that can shine against the Mavericks especially with their second unit. Grab the value on the underdog as the NBA champions go 0-2 ATS to start the year. 

The Iowa Hawkeyes lone loss this year has been against the top team in the country in Gonzaga. Their presence offensively is sparked by one of the best players in the country in Luke Garza. A season ago they demolished Minnesota in one matchup and held on by three points in another. The Gophers weak schedule this year and blowout loss against Illinois has placed value here on them. Grab Minnesota to stand up in the final game tonight in college hoops on Christmas Day. 

 Each year we see a team that jumps higher than they should in the polls off of one big win. Michigan State soared after defeating Duke, but is coming off a fourteen point loss to Northwestern. Expect Wisconsin to continue to expose the Spartans, and redeem themselves from losing their only road game of the season against Marquette. Play the Badgers. 

A team that has lost some pieces from a season ago are the Pelicans. Former coach Alvin Gentry was let go, and Jrue Holiday was sent to the Bucks. In return the Pelicans received Eric Bledsoe, and now will be led by Stan Van Gundy. I expect the changes to be beneficial out the gate. The Raptors strong hold as a home dominant team and Eastern Conference reign is value based here on the underdog. 

Coach Pitino’s return to college basketball to Iona has had early mixed results. At 4-3, Iona has been sporadic as they learn Pitino’s system. Expect an uptick in performance against today’s opponent in Coppin State. The Eagles have lost all five of their road games by a combined average of twenty-six points. Grab Iona.

Rutgers has picked up where they left off in 2019, with a stout 6-0 record. As a result they’ve surged in the polls to 11th place. Wednesday, they’ll face a Buckeyes team that has a knack for keeping games close. In fact, their last four games have all been decided by seven points or less. Grab the Buckeyes as Rutgers loses their first game of the season.

On the young basketball season one team that has struggled has been UT San Antonio. Their three wins have been against non division one competition. All their other games have been double-digit losses. Yet, I expect the continuity to be much more fluid today against Lamar. Grab UT San Antonio to roll.

Friday, the Ohio Valley begins conference play as Southeast Missouri State hosts UT-Martin. Both teams have played one common opponent in Evansville. UT-Martin defeated the Purple Aces, while Southeast Missouri State lost in their last game against Evansville. The fresh loss has devalued this spread slightly. Grab the value here on Southeast Missouri State.

A team that has had difficulties transitioning from graduates of 2019 has been College of Charleston. They’re just 2-3, and have had difficulties replacing the scoring of Grant Riller and Jaylen McManus. Yet, they’ve shown strides in their last two games and will face a Western Carolina team that’s record is masked by weak opponents. Grab College of Charleston. 

Thursday, the San Francisco Dons will face a Pac-12 team for the second consecutive game. In their last matchup against California they surrendered a seven point lead in the final minutes, and lost 72-70. Their reliance on three-point shooting should play into the hands of the Ducks half-court defense, as they’ve forced 19 turnovers or more in consecutive games. Grab the Ducks.

Thursday, Delaware State returns to the court after a lengthy layoff of twenty-two days. The layoff should play into the hands of Coastal Carolina, which features electric guard DaVante Jones. In last year’s matchup against Delaware State, Jones came two rebounds short of a triple-double. Grab Coastal Carolina as they surpass last season’s matchup total of 92 points.

It was just a few short years ago that Middle Tennessee State built a reputation centered around their March Madness run. Times have changed for the Blue Raiders but they do have experience against today’s opponent in Ole Miss. Last year forward Tyson Jackson scored a career-high fourteen points and made all seven of his shot attempts. Take the value here on the home double-digit underdog.

One of the hottest teams in the country for field goal percentage has been Campbell. At 4-0, they have shot the ball over sixty percent in consecutive games, this includes a whopping 21-41 from three-point range. Wednesday, a familiar opponent in Elon should have a proper game plan in-place to derail Campbell. Take the Phoenix to avenge last year’s 60-46 loss. 

 The Mean Green have lost three straight games yet find themselves steep favorites tonight against Arkansas Pine-Bluff. It’s justified as the three losses were all against power five schools in Arkansas, Mississippi State, and West Virginia. In fact, the Mean Green held a 29-21 lead over West Virginia at halftime. Expect a blowout as North Texas cruises past the lowly Golden Lions.

Saturday, Valparaiso hopes to end an 0-3 start on the road. They’ll take on a Central Michigan team that has one common opponent with Valparaiso, in Illinois-Chicago. The Chippewas lost by two points while Valparaiso lost by sixteen against the Flames. The common opponent factor and Valparaiso’s road woes are ATS value indicators. Grab the Crusaders. 

An under the radar small school matchup will take place tonight between George Washington and Delaware. The Colonials are coming off a double-digit loss against UMBC, but closed the gap from a twenty-five point deficit to two points in the final minute. Expect the Colonials to start off faster against a Delaware squad that has just two games under their belt.