NCAAB: Saturday's play

Play: Brigham Young +13 -102

Time: 10 p.m. ET

TV: ESPN2

Reasoning: The Cougars lead the nation in scoring and actually have better offensive stats away from home. They are 7-3 on the road and in those games they are averaging 83.4 ppg on 47.7% shooting. They hit on 38.3% of their threes and are 81.4% from the line. BYU has four players who average double figures in scoring. Tyler Haws (WCC-leading 22.3 ppg) became the program's all-time scoring leader in the last contest and Kyle Collinsworth (13.3 ppg, 8.6 rpg, 5.9 apg) has posted an NCAA-record five triple-doubles. Gonzaga's leading scorer, Kyle Wiltjer, had just five points in his last appearance. The Bulldogs are an average free-throw shooting team (69.9%), but they make five fewer foul shots per game than the Cougars. BYU makes more threes, collects more steals and should have the rebounding edge.

Record: 298-222-11 (57.3%)
Bankroll: +251.69%

NBA: Friday's 8 p.m. ET plays

Play: Chicago -6.5

Time: 8 p.m. ET

Reasoning: The Bulls won't have Derrick Rose, but they won't need him against Minnesota. The Timberwolves have the worst record in the Western Conference and are 4-29 vs. Top 16 teams. They are allowing 109.6 ppg on the road and Chicago has a tremendous edge on the glass (13.2 orpg). It also commits far fewer turnovers and records nearly twice as many blocks. Expect the Bulls to shoot better than Minnesota, and when the opposition does that the Wolves are 3-42.



Play: L.A.Clippers +5 -105

Time: 8 p.m. ET

Reasoning: Los Angeles has played the tougher schedule and averages more than 106 points both overall and in the home/away splits. Memphis hasn't scored 100 points in eight games. The Clippers shoot better overall and the Grizzlies are below average defending the three. L.A. can hang with Memphis in the rebounding department and the Clippers commit fewer turnovers and block more shots. Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol haven't been themselves offensively, and L.A. super sub Jamal Crawford (16.5 ppg) leads NBA reserves with 21 outings of 20 or more points.



Play: Miami -1.5 -105

Time: 8 p.m. ET

Reasoning: The Pelicans won't have Anthony Davis or Ryan Anderson back until March. The Heat are playing without Chris Bosh (lung), but they've won three of four without him and still have five players averaging double figures in scoring. Miami rallied to beat Orlando on Wednesday when it erased an eight-point deficit in the final minute of regulation. Luol Deng scored 21 in that one and Hassan Whiteside added 15 points and 13 rebounds. Whiteside is averaging 13.9 rpg in his last 12. Newcomer Goran Dragic has averaged 14.3 points and 5.3 assists in his first three games with the Heat. Miami shoots better and totals more free throws and steals.



Record: 296-220-11 (57.4%)
Bankroll: +252.69%

NBA: Friday's 7 p.m. ET play

Play: Washington -8.5 -105

Time: 7 p.m. ET

Reasoning: The Wizards should have Bradley Beal, Paul Pierce and Kris Humphries back for this one. And I like them to get right against a team they beat by 35 on Jan. 19. Washington shot 55.6% in that meeting and the Wizards had seven players score in double figures. The 76ers are 7-20 at home and they turned the ball over 28 times in their last game. They are 2-29 vs. Top 16 teams. Philadelphia also is horrible shooting the ball and has a sizable disadvantage on the boards.

Record: 296-220-11 (57.4%)
Bankroll: +252.69%

NBA: Thursday's 10:30 p.m. ET play

Play: Phoenix +5.5 -110

Time: 10:30 p.m. ET

TV: TNT

Reasoning: Here you have another hot team in Oklahoma City, but I think its recent form has led it to be overvalued for this one. My power ratings say this should be a pick 'em, especially with Kevin Durant (foot) being out indefinitely. Phoenix easily handled Denver 110-96 on the road on Wednesday, allowing the Nuggets to shoot just 38.3%. The Suns also won the offensive rebounding battle 23-10 and they are plus-33 on the boards in their last two contests. They are 4-1 ATS in their last five vs. the Thunder, and OKC is 11-18-1 ATS on the road. Phoenix is well above average shooting overall and it cans 9.5 threes per game. The Thunder allow more threes than most, aren't as good from the line and have the weaker bench. Suns newcomer Brandon Knight has averaged 17.3 points in the three games since coming from Milwaukee. He scored 19 against Denver and Phoneix had six players score in double figures in that tilt. OKC prevailed 137-134 in overtime in the last meeting, on Dec. 31, when Durant scored 44 for the Thunder.
 

Record: 295-219-11 (57.4%)
Bankroll: +253.65%

NBA: Thursday's 8 p.m. ET play

Play: Golden State +4 -110

Time: 8 p.m. ET

TV: TNT

Reasoning: The line is where it is because of Cleveland's recent performance, but my power ratings say the Warriors should be favored by five points in this one. The Warriors have the NBA's best record and are 20-8 on the road. They are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 vs. Cleveland and have won four straight in the Cavaliers' building. Golden State has won five of its last six and the lone loss during that stretch came on Sunday, a 104-98 defeat at Indiana, when it didn't have Stephen Curry (foot). Curry, who is averaging 28.1 ppg over his last 10, played on Tuesday in the 114-107 win at Washington. He totaled 32 points and eight assists against the Wizards and is averaging 26.7 points and 9.7 assists in the last three in this series. The Warriors lead the league in opponents FG percentage (.425). They beat Cleveland 112-94 on Jan. 9 when they limited the Cavs to 40.7% shooting. Curry and Klay Thompson combined to score 47 in that tilt and Golden State shot 50%. It is shooting 47.9% on the season. The Warriors are 19-7 vs. Top 16 teams and Cleveland is 14-14 vs. the Top 16. The Cavs allowed 62 first-half points to Detroit on Tuesday and they trailed by 14 in the third quarter. LeBron James is 2-of-11 from behind the arc in the last two. Cleveland also will be without Shawn Marion (hip) until early March. In addition to being the better shooting team, Golden State is better from the line, can hang with the Cavaliers on the glass, commits fewer turnovers, has the deeper bench and records more steals and blocks than Cleveland.


Record: 295-219-11 (57.4%)
Bankroll: +253.65%

NCAAB: Wednesday's 8 p.m. ET play

Play: Tulane +10.5 -110

Time: 8 p.m. ET

TV: ESPNews

Reasoning: The Green Wave are 5-4 on the road. They played UConn tough at Storrs their last time out and they are better than Tulsa at the line and on the offensive glass. They also generate more steals. Louis Dabney totaled 19 points against the Huskies and guard Jay Hook has turned the ball over only three times in 160 minutes over his last five contests. Payton Henson had 12 points in the Jan. 27 matchup with the Golden Hurricane. James Woodard is Tulsa's lone threat from behind the arc. The rest of the Golden Hurricane are shooting 27.5% on threes. Rashad Smith had a double-double in Sunday's win vs. Temple, but he accumulated only 16 points and 13 rebounds in his prior three contests. Smith also shoots 48.5% from the charity stripe. 

Record: 293-216-11 (57.6%)
Bankroll: +266.65%

NCAAB: Wednesday's 7 p.m. ET plays

Play: UConn -5 -110

Time: 7 p.m. ET

TV: ESPNU

Reasoning: I think the outcome will be similar to the first meeting between these teams. On Feb. 4 the Huskies prevailed 65-52. It would have been worse for East Carolina had they not gone 11-of-21 (52.4%) on threes. Connecticut has a big-time advantage in rebounding and it grabbed 28 boards to the Pirates' 18 in the first game. The Huskies have played a much tougher schedule and allow just 60.8 ppg on 39.8% shooting. Amida Brimah has scored 19 points in each of the last two games (13-of-14 from the field). He leads the AAC in field goal percentage (.711). Ryan Boatright leads the conference in scoring (17.5 ppg).




Play: Virginia -7.5 -110

Time: 7 p.m. ET

TV: ESPN3

Reasoning: The Cavaliers are 9-0 on the road and their only loss this season was a six-point setback to fifth-ranked Duke on Jan. 31. They hold opponents to 50.5 ppg and 35.7% shooting (third nationally). My power ratings say Virginia should be favored by 15 points in this one. Wake Forest, which is 3-7 in its last 10, allowed 88 points to Notre Dame on Saturday. Codi Miller-McIntyre leads the Demon Deacons in scoring, but he's averaging just 9.5 ppg in his last four. Anthony Gill, who scored 19 against Wake in the first meeting, is averaging 13.3 points and 8.0 rebounds in his last four. The Cavs hit 72.2% of their free throws (compared to the Deacons' 64.3%) and they also average five less turnovers.





Play: Indiana -2 -110

Time: 7 p.m. ET


TV: BTN

Reasoning: The Hoosiers destroyed Rutgers 84-54 on the road in their last one and they are 13-1 vs. teams outside the Top 50. They have shot 50 percent from the floor in 11 games. Northwestern, which is 2-8 vs. Top 50 teams, has failed to score more than 60 points in five of its last seven. The Wildcats are susceptible from the perimeter (allowing 37.1% on threes). They also make far fewer free throws than Indiana and they can't hang with the Hoosiers on the glass.





Play: VCU -1.5 -110

Time: 7 p.m. ET

TV: ESPN2

Reasoning: The Rams have won three straight since Treveon Graham's return from injury. Graham racked up 24 points and 10 rebounds on Saturday and Melvin Johnson is averaging 12.8 ppg (64 three-pointers).VCU is 8-2 on the road and has played the tougher schedule. The Rams should dominate on the glass and they record way more steals and blocks than Richmond. 



Record: 293-216-11 (57.6%)
Bankroll: +266.65% 

NCAAB: Tuesday's 11 p.m. ET play

Play: New Mexico +8.5 -110

Time: 11 p.m. ET

Reasoning: The Lobos are 6-2 ATS in their last eight vs. Boise State. New Mexico plays better defense, makes more free throws, has a gigantic advantage on the glass, records more steals and records almost double the number of blocked shots. This is the most points the Lobos have been spotted all season.

Record: 292-215-11 (57.6%)
Bankroll: +266.87% 

NBA: Tuesday's 7:30 p.m. play

Play: Cleveland -6.5 -102

Time: 7:30 p.m. ET

Reasoning: The Cavaliers have won 16 of their last 18 overall (and have the NBA's best record since Jan. 15). They've been victorious in six of their last eight on the road. They've shot a league-best 47.9% and have averaged 108.6 ppg over their last 18. They've also won 10 of their last 11 vs. sub-.500 teams, four of the last five vs. Detroit and each of the last three at The Palace. Since Jan. 16 Kyrie Irving has hit 50% of his 110 three-point attempts and Cleveland has drained 26 threes in its last two contests. It also has shot at least 50.6% from the field in four of its last five. On Sunday the Cavs beat the Knicks by 18 on the road. On Jan. 27 Cleveland beat the Pistons 103-95 on the road and Irving and LeBron James combined for 70 points. Irving missed the loss to Detroit on Dec. 28 and the Pistons won't have Brandon Jennings (ACL) for this one. Jennings had 25 points in that meeting. The Cavs also could have recently-acquired Kendrick Perkins on Tuesday. The Pistons are below average both offensively and defensively, they don't make as many free throws as Cleveland and they will likely lose the battle of the boards here.

Record: 292-215-11 (57.6%)
Bankroll: +266.87% 

NBA: Monday's 10:30 p.m. ET play

Play: L.A. Clippers -4 -110

Time: 10:30 p.m. ET

Reasoning: Memphis won on Sunday night at Portland but I think that took a ton of effort. It needed 60 second-half points and trailed by 13 in the fourth quarter before rallying. Los Angeles is 4-0 SU and ATS in its last four and has averaged 115.6 ppg in its last five. It's outscoring opponents by an average of 9.4 ppg at home. The Grizzlies are below average defending the three, and the Clippers made 14 treys in their last contest, a 126-99 victory over Sacramento. L.A. has played the 11th-toughest schedule in the NBA and Memphis has played the 21st-toughest slate. DeAndre Jordan has averaged 20.8 points and 20 rebounds in his last four and J.J. Redick is averaging 19.7 points over his last three. Zach Randolph hasn’t reached 20 points in any of the seven games this month and Mike Conley is just 9-of-30 shooting over his past three. Courtney Lee had 19 points on Sunday, but he has scored six or fewer points on four of seven occasions in February. The Clippers are a better shooting team, make more free throws and turn the ball over less than the Grizzlies. Memphis also averages just 97.9 ppg in the second of back-to-backs, by far its lowest total in any rest scenario.
 
Record: 292-213-11 (57.8%)
Bankroll: +290.29%

NBA: Monday's 9 p.m. ET play

Play: San Antonio/Utah over 188 -110

Time: 9 p.m. ET

Reasoning: Games involving either of these teams, both in the overall and in the home/away splits, average well above this total. None of the previous 10 meetings had totals even close to this figure. The Spurs have faced a total this low only three times this season. The Jazz have seen only eight totals that were lower, and the over was 4-4 in those contests. Both teams are below average defending three-point shots and San Antonio allowed 17 treys in its last game. Its last two tilts have averaged 226.5 points.


Record: 292-213-11 (57.8%)
Bankroll: +290.29%

NBA: Sunday's 9:30 p.m. ET play

Play: L.A. Lakers +2.5 -105

Time: 9:30 p.m. ET

Reasoning: Boston won't have leading scorer and rebounder Jared Sullinger (foot) and 7-foot center Kelly Olynyk (ankle) is questionable. Everybody who hasn't already been lost for the season (Kobe Bryant, Julius Randle, Steve Nash) is back healthy for the Los Angeles. The Lakers have played the second-toughest schedule in the NBA while the Celtics have played the 23rd-toughest slate. Nick Young leads Los Angeles in scoring (13.3 ppg), but rookie Jordan Clarkson has equaled that scoring figure since joining the starting lineup 11 games ago. Los Angeles gets to the line more, grabs more offensive rebounds and turns the ball over less.


Record: 291-210-11 (58.1%)
Bankroll: +315.82%

NBA: Sunday's 9 p.m. ET play

Play: Portland -3.5 -105

Time: 9 p.m. ET

Reasoning: Memphis hasn't played a game since Feb. 11 because of the All-Star break. Additionally its top two scorers, Marc Gasol (illness) and Mike Conley (ankle), aren't 100 percent. Gasol has missed practices and Conley has struggled in his last two games (5.0 ppg on 3-of-15 shooting and just four assists). The Trail Blazers seemingly got better at the trading deadline, acquiring Arron Afflalo and Alonzo Gee from Denver. Both are expected to play in this one. Portland is 23-5 at Moda Center where it is allowing opponents only 93.1 ppg. The Blazers hit threes and the Grizzlies are below average in perimeter defense. Portland also is better from the stripe and it grabs more offensive rebounds. 

Record: 291-210-11 (58.1%)
Bankroll: +315.82%

NBA: Sunday's 3:30 p.m. ET plays

Play: Milwaukee +4.5 -105

Time: 3:30 p.m. ET

Reasoning: The Bucks have won seven straight at home and nine of their last 10 overall. On Dec. 26 they beat the Hawks 107-77 at Atlanta. The Hawks are 3-4 in February and are giving up 102.9 ppg over that stretch. They committed 23 turnovers and shot 33% in their last game, a 105-80 home loss to Toronto. Milwaukee holds opponents to a lower shooting percentage, is better on the offensive glass, records more steals and blocks and has the deeper bench. And newcomer Miles Plumlee, acquired from Phoenix at the trading deadline, could make his debut.


Play: Washington -1 -105

Time: 3:30 p.m. ET

Reasoning: The Wizards took the first meeting this season 107-103, but Brandon Jennings was a big reason why Detroit kept that one close. Jennings, who has since been lost for the season with a ruptured ACL, had 32 points and 10 assists in that contest at Washington. Detroit is 11-18 at home. At the trading deadline it dealt two of its starters (Kyle Singler and D.J. Augustin). The Wizards shoot better and defend shots better and they have advantages in free-throw shooting and rebounding. 



Record: 291-210-11 (58.1%)
Bankroll: +315.82%

NCAAB: Saturday's 6 p.m. ET play

Play: Brown -1 -105

Time: 6 p.m. ET

Reasoning: The Bears had control for most of the meeting on Jan. 30 before a late comeback by the Big Red. Brown lost that first contest because it shot only 30% overall and 20% from behind the arc. The Bears usually shoot better than Cornell, make more free throws, are better in the rebounding department and are much better on the offensive glass. The Big Red was 1-of-14 on threes in the first matchup and Brown has held opponents to 29.5% shooting from the perimeter in its last five affairs. Cornell has been outrebounded by nearly seven per game in its last five. Prior to the last meeting, the Bears won the previous three by an average of 12.3 ppg.


Record: 290-208-10 (58.2%)
Bankroll: +329.89%

NCAAB: Saturday's 4 p.m. ET play

Play: George Washington +5 -105

Time: 4 p.m. ET

Reasoning: My power ratings say the Colonials should only be getting 2.5 points in this one. And that doesn't account for Richmond's recent loss of Alonzo Nelson-Odoba (7.0 ppg), the team's leading shot-blocker and second-leading rebounder. He is out for the rest of the season with a face fracture. GW has won four of the last five contests. The Colonials play better defense and are well above average in free-throw attempts and makes (the Spiders are below average in those categories). And GW has a laughable advantage in rebounding. The Colonials grab nearly twice as many offensive boards. A huge part of Richmond's game is three-point shooting and GW allows only 31.0% shooting from the perimeter.
 
Record: 290-208-10 (58.2%)
Bankroll: +329.89%

NCAAB: Saturday's 2 p.m. ET play

Play: Buffalo +2 -110

Time: 2 p.m. ET

Reasoning: The thing that stands out the most in this matchup is the free throw shooting. The Bulls total 18.1 makes per game (73.3%). Bowling Green shoots 69.7% from the stripe and is well below average in attempts (17.1) and makes (11.9). Buffalo annihilated the Falcons 88-65 in the last meeting (03/08/14), and the Bulls have played a much tougher schedule this season. Buffalo shoots better, turn the ball over less, records more steals and blocks and it has the rebounding edge. The Bulls also are much better on the offensive glass.

Record: 290-208-10 (58.2%)
Bankroll: +329.89%

NCAAB: Saturday's Noon ET play

Play: South Carolina -1.5 -105

Time: Noon ET

TV: SEC Network

Reasoning: The 'cocks showed they were very game on Tuesday, beating Georgia 64-58 on the road. Here they meet an Aggies team that they beat 80-52 the last time Texas A&M was in Columbia (01/29/14). South Carolina plays better defense and outscores opponents by 12.2 ppg at home. It shoots 74.3% from the line (79.5% at home). The Aggies are a paltry 64.2% from the stripe. The 'cocks are better on the offensive glass and record more steals and blocks. Percentage-wise A&M shoots better from behind the arc, but SC actually makes more threes per contest. The 'cocks have played a vastly more difficult schedule than A&M and they have two wins over Top 25 teams. Plus, you gotta be a fan of SC coach Frank Martin. That genius/maniac gets the most out of his players and he doesn't put up with problem children, as evidenced by his suspensions of Demetrius Henry and Shamiek Sheppard for the rest of the season. Henry and Sheppard (combined 7.9 ppg) won't be missed too much anyway, and for this game the 'cocks could welcome back Marcus Stroman, who has sat out the last three tilts with a throat infection.


Record: 290-208-10 (58.2%)
Bankroll: +329.89%

NBA: Friday's 10:30 p.m. ET play

Play: L.A. Lakers +3 -105

Time: 10:30 p.m. ET

Reasoning: The Lakers should have two of their best players (Jordan Hill and Nick Young) back from injuries. They've also seen rookie Jordan Clarkson grow up before their eyes. Clarkson has started 10 straight and has averaged 13.4 ppg over that span. He also has 15 assists against just one turnover in his last three. Brooklyn has lost three straight overall and six of its last seven road contests. Over their last three tilts, the Nets have averaged only 86.7 ppg while shooting 29.1% from behind the arc. Los Angeles has advantages in three-point shooting, free-throw shooting, rebounds, turnovers, blocks and steals. My power ratings say the Nets should be favored by one in this meeting.

Record: 288-207-10 (58.2%)
Bankroll: +319.12%

NBA: Friday's 10 p.m. ET play

Play: Sacramento -3 -110

Time: 10 p.m. ET

Reasoning: Boston was dealt some bad news on Thursday when it found out that leading scorer and rebounder Jared Sullinger (foot) would be out indefinitely. The Celtics already have been without their third-leading scorer, Kelly Olynyk (ankle) and the center likely will miss his 12th straight game. On the road Boston is 8-16 and it has lost three straight at Sacramento. The home team also is 7-1 ATS in the last eight in the series. The Kings have played the NBA's third-toughest schedule. The Celtics' schedule ranks 23rd. I expect DeMarcus Cousins to go wild in this one. He has 33 double-doubles and is averaging career highs with 23.8 ppg and 12.5 rpg. Sacramento shoots better and has huge advantages at the line and on the glass.

Record: 288-207-10 (58.2%)
Bankroll: +319.12%

NBA: Friday's 7:30 p.m. ET play

Play: Toronto +5 -105

Time: 7:30 p.m. ET

Reasoning: The Raptors (36-17) are good candidates to snap Atlanta's 12-game home winning streak. They entered the All-Star break with the best start in franchise history, have won three straight overall and the last four away from Air Canada Centre. They are 15-8 on the road in 2014-15 and in their last two road tilts they've scored 127 and 120. Toronto also has won three of the last four meetings and is 5-2 ATS in its last seven at Atlanta. The Hawks are 3-3 in their last six. They have a minus-12 rebounding differential over that period and they were beaten on the boards in all three matchups with the Raptors this season. Toronto can neutralize Atlanta's three-point shooters and, in addition to a rebounding advantage, it has an edge in free-throw shooting, turnovers and it has the deeper bench.

Record: 288-207-10 (58.2%)
Bankroll: +319.12%

NCAAB: Thursday's 10 p.m. ET play

Play: UC Santa Barbara -3 -110

Time: 10 p.m. ET

Reasoning: This is a great matchup for the Gauchos. UC Riverside plays horrific perimeter defense (41.4% overall, 42.3% at home, 44.9% last five games) and three-pointers are Santa Barbara's strong point (37.0% overall, 38.5% last five). The Gauchos have played the tougher schedule and won by eight in the first meeting of 2014-15. Had the Highlanders not made 11 threes -- twice their average -- in that contest on Jan. 22, the final margin would have been higher. Santa Barbara has the better assist-to-turnover ratio, is better on the glass and it's better at the line (72.2% overall, 76.5% last five).


Record: 287-206-10 (58.2%)
Bankroll: +320.27%

NCAAB: Thursday's 8 p.m. ET play

Play: Belmont -2 -110

Time: 8 p.m. ET

Reasoning: The Bruins lost the first meeting by 12 on Feb. 5, but that's because Eastern Kentucky shot 57.1% overall and 52.2% on threes and because Belmont turned the ball over 18 times. The Bruins usually take care of the ball better, and they are well above average shooting overall and on threes (40.8% at home). The Colonels are well below average in overall defense and from behind the arc (39.3%). Belmont should control the boards like it did in the first game (28-20) and EKU gets outrebounded by nearly seven per contest. The Colonels are better at the line, but they don't get there as often and only make 1.3 more per game than the Bruins.

Record: 287-206-10 (58.2%)
Bankroll: +320.27%

NCAAB: Wednesday's play

Play: Syracuse +3 -110

Time: 7 p.m. ET

Reasoning: Louisville is coming off of its worst loss of the season, a 74-65 defeat at home against unranked North Carolina State. The Wolfpack entered that contest having lost five of their previous six. Now the Cardinals have to go into the Carrier Dome without senior guard Chris Jones, who was suspended for this one for a violation of team rules. Jones, who led the team with 20 points on Saturday, leads the team in assists and steals. He also is its third-leading scorer (13.6 ppg). In Jones' place will be freshman Quentin Snyder, who averages 2.0 ppg on 30.9% shooting from the field and 20.8% on three-pointers. Louisville has averaged only 61 ppg over its last four. Terry Rozier averages a team-high 18 ppg, but he has shot below 38 percent from the field in four of his last five outings. He had just seven points against N.C. State. The Orange, who are 12-3 at home, are led by senior forward Rakeem Christmas, who averages 17.7 ppg and 9.2 rpg. They also get scoring from junior guard Trevor Cooney (14.6 ppg) and junior forward Michael Gbinije (12.9 ppg). But it's been Gbinije who has stolen the show over the last five contests. Over that period he has averaged 21 points, 4.6 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 2.8 steals while shooting 60.3% from the floor and 51.7% on threes. Gbinije had 27 in Syracuse's last tilt and he leads the ACC in three-point percentage during league games (50.9%). At home the Orange are outscoring opponents by 13.0 ppg and are allowing them just 58.9 ppg on 39.7% shooting (29.3% on threes). Statistically, Syracuse is equal to or almost equal to Louisville in every facet.

Record: 286-206-10 (58.1%)
Bankroll: +309.12%

NCAAB: Tuesday's 9:30 p.m. ET play

Play: San Diego State/New Mexico over 111 -107

Time: 9:30 p.m. ET

Reasoning: The total is right where I expected it to be, given how these teams play defense. In the first meeting on Jan. 6 the total was 114 and the game went way under (98 total points). But this 111 figure still isn't a lot surmount. And I can't see the Lobos shooting under 30% from the field and the Aztecs shooting under 17% on three-pointers like they did in that first tilt. This is the lowest total New Mexico has faced all season and it's the third-lowest for SDSU. The over hit in each of the Aztecs' contests where the total was set lower. SDSU has averaged 65 ppg in its last eight games and the Lobos score 65 ppg at home. Games for both teams easily average more than 111 points overall, in the home/away splits and over each team's last five. The Aztecs also are monsters on the offensive glass (11.2 orpg).

Record: 285-205-10 (58.2%)
Bankroll: +310.24%

NCAAB: Tuesday's 7 p.m. ET play

Play: South Carolina +7 -110

Time: 7 p.m. ET

Reasoning: The Gamecocks are coming off of a beatdown, but that was against Kentucky. They should have a much easier time on Tuesday against the team they beat by 17 on Jan. 31. In that 67-50 win against Georgia, South Carolina held the Bulldogs to only 11 FG and 22.0% shooting. The 'cocks have played the tougher schedule and they have two wins over Top 25 teams. Georgia is 0-3 vs. Top 25 teams. SC plays better defense, is way better at the line and is strong on the offensive glass. The Gamecocks are eighth nationally in FG defense (37.9%). Sindarius Thornwell scored 20 points in the Kentucky loss and is averaging 15.3 points in his past three games. The Bulldogs have lost three of their past five games. In their last one, a home loss to Auburn, they shot only 37.7%. South Carolina guard Marcus Stroman, who has missed the last two games with a throat infection, could suit up for this one. Gamecocks F Laimonas Chatkevicius is shooting 51.2% from the field.


Record: 285-205-10 (58.2%)
Bankroll: +310.24% 

NCAAB: Monday's play

Play: Creighton +3 -110

Time: 9:15 p.m. ET

Reasoning: Butler has played all 25 of its games with the same starting lineup, but that will change on Monday with the injury to Andrew Chrabascz (hand). He will be out 2-4 weeks. Chrabascz scored 13 in Saturday's game against Villanova before breaking a bone in his right hand. Chrabascz (11.1 ppg) scored the go-ahead points at the end of this season's first meeting, a 64-61 nail-biting win by the Bulldogs. Butler lost both games against the Blue Jays last season and fell by 28 in the contest at Creighton. On Janurary 21 against the Bulldogs the Blue Jays committed 19 turnovers and at home they average just 11.1. Creighton, which has won three of its last five, is 9-5 at home and is 170-30 over its last 12 seasons in that building. The Blue Jays have a huge advantage at the line and I think they can hang with Butler on the boards. Creighton's Rick Kreklow made a career-high six three-pointers on Saturday and he is shooting a Big East-best 49.1% from behind the arc.

Record: 284-205-10 (58.1%)
Bankroll: +299.35% 

NCAAB: Sunday's 2 p.m. ET play

Play: Fairfield +9.5 -110

Time: 2 p.m. ET

Reasoning: The Stags won the first meeting 67-54 on Dec. 5. In that one Manhattan committed 21 turnovers and Fairfield racked up 10 steals. The Jaspers were 3-of-15 shooting on threes. The Stags have lost eight straight but a closer look reveals that six of those games were by nine or fewer points, including two one-point losses and one by a deuce. The Stags have played a much better schedule, are better at the line and they can hang with Manhattan in other areas of play.


Record: 283-204-10 (58.1%)
Bankroll: +300.44% 

NCAAB: Sunday's 1 p.m. ET play

Play: Illinois +13.5 -110

Time: 1 p.m. ET

Reasoning: This is the most points the Illini have been spotted all season. Illinois has won four straight and is riding high after taking Michigan to overtime and then crushing the Wolverines 14-2 in the extra session. Illinois shoots 72.2% from the line both at home and away. Its defense has given up more points than Wisconsin but it is statistically better in most areas. The Illini grab more rebounds and steal the ball more. The Badgers also are 1-5-1 ATS in their last seven home contests.


Record: 283-204-10 (58.1%)
Bankroll: +300.44% 

NCAAB: Saturday's 9 p.m. ET play

Play: Arkansas +2.5 -105

Time: 9 p.m. ET

Reasoning: The Razorbacks scored 101 points in their last game and they average an SEC-high 80.3 ppg. But they are no slouches on defense either. They have forced 61 turnovers in their last three games and have advantages in this matchup in blocked shots and steals. In fact, its hard to find a statistical category where Arkansas doesn't either hold an edge or is at least even with the Rebels. Mississippi State shot a very uncharacteristic 56.4% from the field, 53.3% from the perimeter and 86.7% from the line in the first meeting on Jan. 17. I don't think the Rebels can duplicate that feat here, especially with the way that the Razorbacks have been playing on defense. Arkansas has allowed only 60.8 ppg, 36.0% shooting from the field and 26.7% shooting on threes in its last five contests.
 
Record: 279-204-10 (57.8%)
Bankroll: +259.52%

NCAAB: Saturday's 8:30 p.m. ET play

Play: Maryland +1 -105

Time: 8:30 p.m. ET

Reasoning: Think Jon Graham was motivated facing Penn State, his former team, on Feb. 4? The Terrapins' transfer, who averages 2.8 points, had 16 in that meeting and Maryland won 64-58. The Terps (20-5) have played a much tougher schedule than the Nittany Lions and my power ratings say Maryland should be favored in this one by 2.5 points. Penn State is 1-7 vs. Top 50 teams. It has really been hindered shooting threes since John Johnson was suspended indefinitely on Jan .12. The Terrapins have the better offense and defense, they shoot 37.2% from threes and they have a huge advantage on free throws. Maryland dominated the boards in the first meeting and the Nittany Lions have averaged just 58.0 ppg over their last five.

Record: 279-204-10 (57.8%)
Bankroll: +259.52%

NCAAB: Saturday's 2:30 p.m. ET play

Play: Eastern Michigan +1 -105

Time: 2:30 p.m. ET

Reasoning: Akron's big strength is its three-point shooting and 46.6% of its shots come from behind the arc. But the Eagles allow opponents just 30.8% shooting on threes. At home that number is 28.7%. EMU is outscoring opponents by 14.6 ppg at home. The Eagles have a big advantage from the line and they've shot 75.0% from the stripe in their last five contests. The Zips have shot just 59.0% on free throws in their last five.

Record: 279-204-10 (57.8%)
Bankroll: +259.52%

NCAAB: Saturday's 2 p.m. ET play

Play: Kentucky -17.5 -107

Time: 2 p.m. ET

Reasoning: I hardly ever lay this many points, but this is a good spot for a historic Wildcats team. My power ratings say UK should be favored by 23.5 points. The Wildcats (24-0) have played the tougher schedule and are outscoring opponents by 24.2 ppg at home. South Carolina is 1-5 on the road. The Gamecocks shot just 22.6% in the first meeting, a 58-43 home loss, on Jan. 24. The margin would have been worse had Kentucky not gone nine minutes without a field goal in the second half. Also, Willie Cauley-Stein ran into foul trouble in that one and only played seven minutes in the first half.

Record: 279-204-10 (57.8%)
Bankroll: +259.52%

No plays for Friday

Couldn't find one worthy of a 3% bankroll play. Subscribers have been credited another day.

Record: 279-204-10 (57.8%)
Bankroll: +259.52%

NCAAB: Thursday's plays

Play: California +7 -110

Time: 9 p.m. ET

Reasoning: The Golden Bears have won four straight, the last three in the final seconds of each game. They are 4-2 on the road and have shot 46.9% over their last five contests. Colorado is 2-6 over its last eight games and it was blown out in four of those tilts. The Buffaloes have shot just 40.5% over their last five and have allowed opponents 37.0% shooting from behind the arc over that period. Colorado's leading scorer, Askia Booker, missed Saturday's 79-51 drubbing by Utah with multiple hip pointers. He is probable for this one, but how effective will he be?

Play: Illinois -6.5 -110

Time: 9 p.m. ET

Reasoning: Here you have two teams going in opposite directions. The Illini have won four of their last five, including Saturday's 59-54 victory at Michigan State. At home they are 11-1, have allowed opponents only 60.2 ppg and they are outscoring teams by, get this, 19.5 ppg. Michigan has been without two of its top three scorers (guards Caris LeVert and Derrick Walton Jr.) and it has lost four of its last five. The Wolverines are 2-9 vs. Top 50 teams. They score just 63.0 ppg and have major disadvantages in overall shooting, on threes, from the line and in rebounding, blocked shots and steals.


Record: 277-204-10 (57.6%)
Bankroll: +240.92%

NBA: Wednesday's play

Play: San Antonio -6 -105

Time: 7:30 p.m. ET

Reasoning: Detroit won 105-104 in the first meeting of the season on Jan. 6. But take a closer look: Brandon Jennings, the man who hit the winning shot in that one with one-tenth of a second remaining, won't play in this one or for the rest of the season. He tore his Achilles nine games ago. Jennings had 13 points and seven assists in that first meeting. The Spurs led that one by as many as 18, but Kawhi Leonard (hand) didn't play and Tony Parker, who was playing in his first game back after missing five contests with a hamstring injury, only played in the first half. Also, Tim Duncan sat for all but eight seconds in the fourth quarter. Everyone on San Antonio is healthy for Wednesday's tilt, and the Spurs should have a rested Manu Ginobili because he sat out Monday's win at Indiana because it was the second game of a back-to-back. The Pistons are a poor shooting club (42.9%) and San Antonio is above average defensively. The Spurs have the advantage when shooting threes, are better at the line, have a deeper bench and they can hang with Detroit on the boards. The Pistons are 4-9 in the second game of back-to-backs and are 3-9 at home vs. the West. They also are 4-12 vs. Top 10 teams and are 10-17 overall at home. San Antonio is 20-5 vs. Bottom 16 teams.

Record: 276-204-10 (57.5%)
Bankroll: +231.45%

NHL: Tuesday's play

Play: Edmonton +1.5 -115

Time: 7 p.m. ET

Reasoning: New York is 11-21 when giving 1.5 goals. The Oilers are 29-18 when getting 1.5 goals. Both teams are playing their third game in four days. Edmonton has won five of its last nine and four of those victories came on the road as heavy underdogs (at New Jersey, San Jose, Washington and Florida). The Oilers dismantled the Islanders 5-2 on Jan. 4. On Monday Edmonton held the Devils to just 14 shots and won 30 of 49 faceoffs. In their last 10 games the Oilers have allowed 2.90 gpg. New York has allowed 3.3 gpg over its last 10. The Isles are 2-4 in their last six contests and both triumphs were by one goal. They are terrible on the penalty kill (73.1% overall) and have a kill percentage of 57.7% over their last 10 tilts.

Record: 274-204-10 (57.3%)
Bankroll: +214.66%

NCAAB: Tuesday's play

Play: Central Michigan -1 -110

Time: 7 p.m. ET

Reasoning: My power ratings say the Chippewas should be favored by five. They beat Ohio 74-69 on Jan. 31 when they canned 11 of 31 three-pointers and recorded nine steals. Central Michigan actually shot below average from behind the arc in that game (it usually hits 38.8% of its threes) and the Bobcats are below average in perimeter defense. Ohio outscored the Chips 16-11 from the line in that game, and usually CMU is the better free-throw shooting team. The Bobcats, who were blown out by Eastern Michigan (76-40) on Jan. 27, have disadvantages here in rebounding and turnovers. 


Record: 274-204-10 (57.3%)
Bankroll: +214.66%

NCAAB: Monday's play

Play: Oklahoma State +6.5 -110

Time: 7 p.m. ET

Reasoning: The Cowboys have won three of their last four games against ranked league opponents. That includes Saturday's win over Kansas, the team that gave Baylor its lone home loss. Oklahoma State is 6-0 against teams from Texas and it beat the Bears 64-53 on Jan. 27. In that meeting the Cowboys held Baylor to a season-low 34.5% shooting and they hung with the Bears in the rebounding department. Baylor is horrific from the foul line (66.4%). Oklahoma State shoots 72.2% from the stripe. The Cowboys also have the edge in steals and blocks and they turn over the ball less than the Bears. Baylor committed 13 turnovers in the first game and it turned it over 19 times against West Virginia on Saturday. Oklahoma State has the Big 12's top scoring tandem in Phil Forte (17.0 ppg) and Le'Bryan Nash (16.9 ppg). The Cowboys have averaged 10.3 steals over their last four contests.


Record: 273-204-10 (57.2%)
Bankroll: +206.31%

NCAAB: Sunday's 2 p.m. ET plays

Play: Bucknell -5.5 -110

Time: 2 p.m. ET

Reasoning: The Bison are 8-3 at home and Holy Cross is 1-8 on the road. Buckenell has played a much tougher schedule. It shoots 39.1% from behind the arc, 45.9% over the last five games. The Crusaders allow 40.1% shooting on threes, 54.5% over their last five. Holy Cross averages just 56.0 ppg away from home. It also shoots just 30.8% from the perimeter and that figure is only 28.9% on the road. The Bison also have the rebounding edge. 



Play: Rider -2.5 -110

Time: 2 p.m. ET

Reasoning: My power ratings say the Broncs should be favored by five points. Manhattan has played the 294th-toughest schedule and it lost at home to Rider on Jan. 18. The Broncs play excellent defense, take care of the ball and have a rebounding advantage. Rider is well above average on the offensive glass as well. At home the Broncs allow just 59.1 ppg, 38.6% shooting from the field and 30.7% on three-pointers and they outrebound opponents by nearly six per game.



Record: 271-204-10 (57.1%)
Bankroll: +190.47%

NBA: Saturday's play

Play: Washington -6.5 -102

Time: 7 p.m. ET

Reasoning: I think this is the perfect scenario for the Wizards to stop their five-game losing skid. They are at their best playing with one rest day between games and are 18-9 in those situations. Brooklyn played last night and is 3-8 in the second game of back-to-backs. The Nets have been outscored in those contests by an average of 7.2 points. Washington is 18-8 at home and has advantages in every statistical category. And those numbers are even more pronounced in the home/away splits.

Record: 270-204-10 (57.0%)
Bankroll: +182.17%

Friday's 9:30 p.m. ET play

Play: Miami/San Antonio over 187 -105

Time: 9:30 p.m. ET 

Reasoning: The Spurs have faced a total this low only once this season. That other game, against Indiana on Nov. 26, saw a final score of 106-100. San Antonio games average 198.5 points overall and 203.5 points at home. The Spurs scored 110 in their last contest, a win over Orlando on Wednesday. In that game San Antonio got 11 points from Marco Belinelli, who returned after an 11-game absence because of a groin injury. The Heat scored 101 points on Wednesday after Hassan Whiteside poured in 24 on 12-of-13 shooting. Both teams are above average from the field and below average defending against three-pointers.


Record: 270-203-9 (57.1%)
Bankroll: +190.90%

NBA: Friday's 8 p.m. ET play

Play: Houston -6 -105

Time: 8 p.m. ET

Reasoning: The Rockets have won five of their last six and they put up 101 points on Wednesday without the services of Dwight Howard (knee/ankle). Howard isn't expected back until at least the end of the month. During Howard's absence, Donatas Motiejunas has averaged 19.5 points. On Nov. 29 Houston beat the Bucks 117-103 at Milwaukee. The Rockets have big advantages on Friday in three-point shooting, rebounding and made free throws. They also play great perimeter defense. Houston is 13-7 ATS when laying six or more points. The already-shorthanded Bucks may be without leading rebounder Zaza Pachulia (calf) and Ersan Ilyasov (groin) for this one.


Record: 270-203-9 (57.1%)
Bankroll: +190.90%

NBA: Thursday's 10:30 p.m. ET play

Play: Portland -4.5 -107

Time: 10:30 p.m. ET

Reasoning: The Trail Blazers lost to Phoenix on Jan. 21, but LaMarcus Aldridge sat out that game with his thumb issue. Portland also has Robin Lopez back now after the center missed 23 games with a hand injury. Lopez had 11 points and six rebounds in 25 minutes in the win against Utah on Tuesday. The Blazers allow just 93.6 ppg at home. They also normally hit on 36.7% of their threes, so I think their 2-for-25 slump from behind the arc will end.

Record: 267-202-9 (56.9%)
Bankroll: +176.36%

NBA: Thursday's 10 p.m. ET play

Play: Dallas -3 -110

Time: 10 p.m. ET

Reasoning: The Mavericks have won five straight in the series and nine of the last 10 meetings. They are 7-4 and are scoring 105.7 ppg in the second games of back-to-backs. On Wednesday Dallas led Golden State by as much as 22 points. On Tuesday Sacramento lost to the Warriors by 25. The Mavs are 21-4 vs. Bottom 16 teams and the Kings are 4-16 vs. Top 10 teams. Sacramento received only 12 points from eight bench players vs. Golden State. Kings star DeMarcus Cousins, who is dealing with an ankle injury, will be guarded here by Tyson Chandler, a great defender. Chandler poured in 21 points and grabbed 17 boards against the Warriors. Prior to the loss to Golden State, Dallas surrendered just 86.3 ppg in its three previous contests. The Mavs have advantages in shooting, assist-to-turnover ratio, steals and blocks. Sacramento hasn't beaten a Western Conference opponent since Jan. 7.

Record: 267-202-9 (56.9%)
Bankroll: +176.36%

NCAAB: Thursday's play

Play: Cincinnati +6 -110

Time: 9 p.m. ET

Reasoning: SMU's last loss and its only setback vs. an American Athletic Conference foe came against the Bearcats on Jan. 3. In that meeting Cincinnati held the Mustangs to their lowest point total of the season (50) and the Bearcats blocked six shots and recorded 10 steals. They also held Marcus Kennedy, the reigning AAC Player of the Week, to seven points. Cincinnati is fifth in the nation in scoring defense (54.5 ppg). It is a better offensive rebounding club than SMU and has played a much tougher schedule than the Mustangs. The Bearcats are 3-2 vs. Top 50 teams. SMU is 0-4 vs. Top 50 teams.

Record: 267-202-9 (56.9%)
Bankroll: +176.36%

NBA: Thursday's 8 p.m. ET play

Play: L.A. Clippers/Cleveland over 207 -110

Time: 8 p.m. ET

Reasoning: When these squads met on Jan. 16 they combined for 247 points. Los Angeles scored "only" 100 at Brooklyn on Monday, but that's because the Clippers went 8-for-25 from the line. They normally shoot 74.1% from the charity stripe and can 18.4 of those shots. Both teams are above average in shooting from the field, on threes and made free throws.

Record: 267-202-9 (56.9%)
Bankroll: +176.36%

Wednesday's 7 p.m. ET play

Play: Boston College/Notre Dame under 135.5 -110

Time: 7 p.m. ET

Reasoning: If this turns into a laugher, a real possibility, I think it only helps the under. The Fighting Irish allow just 61.4 ppg at home and the Eagles score just 58.4 ppg on the road. Boston College plays excellent perimeter defense and should keep Notre Dame at bay from three-point land. The Eagles also take but can't make threes and the Irish defend the perimeter fairly well. B.C.'s lone scoring threats are guards Oliver Hanlan and Aaron Brown. No one else scores in double digits and, besides Hanlan and Brown, the rest of the team scored just 19 points in the Eagles' last game, a 64-49 loss at Clemson. Notre Dame is awesome on the offensive glass and B.C.'s road contests average just 126.4 points.

Record: 266-201-9 (57.0%)
Bankroll: +177.12%

NBA: Wednesday's 6:30 p.m. ET play

Play: Ohio State -2.5 -110

Time: 6:30 p.m. ET

Reasoning: The Buckeyes attempt 40.4% of their shots from behind the arc and make 39.4% of their threes. Purdue's main weakness is perimeter defense (it is allowing opponents 36.1% shooting on threes). Ohio State destroyed Maryland 80-56 in its last contest. The Bucks are shooting 50.7% from the field and are outscoring opponents by 18.4 ppg. They play better defense than the Boilermakers, are better from the line, can hang with Purdue on the boards and they force turnovers (15.6 per game). Ohio State also is 4-1 ATS in its last five at Purdue and has won six straight in the series.


Record: 266-201-9 (57.0%)
Bankroll: +177.12%

NBA: Tuesday's 10 p.m. ET play

Play: Sacramento +10 -105

Time: 10 p.m. ET

Reasoning: Golden State is 2-5 in its last seven road games. The Kings get to the line and make them (78.2%) and they have a huge rebounding advantage here. They also allow opponents just 33.4% shooting on threes. DeMarcus Cousins scored 28 points and pulled down 11 rebounds in the last meeting, the same contest in which second-leading scorer Rudy Gay (20.4 ppg) was ejected in the second quarter. Sacramento has played the fourth-toughest schedule and the Warriors have played the fourth-easiest schedule.The Kings are 11-7 ATS when spotted five or more points.


Record: 264-199-9 (57.0%)
Bankroll: +178.57%

NBA: Tuesday's 7:30 p.m. ET play

Play: Detroit -4 -109
 
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET

Reasoning: The Pistons are coming off of a 114-101 victory over Houston. In that one Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and D.J. Augustin each scored 28. Those guys are the fourth- and sixth-leading scorers for Detroit. The Pistons are third in the NBA in rebounding and have outrebounded eight of their last nine opponents. Miami is getting outrebounded by 3.6 per game. The Heat also will be without Dwyane Wade (hamstring) for awhile and they have scored just 88.4 ppg over their last five. The Pistons also boast a much deeper bench.


Record: 264-199-9 (57.0%)
Bankroll: +178.57%

NBA: Tuesday's 7 p.m. ET play

Play: Denver -6 -110

Time: 7 p.m. ET

Reasoning: Philadelphia is arguably the worst team in the league. The 76ers played Monday night and managed just 84 points against Cleveland. Additionally, second-leading scorer Michael Carter-Williams suffered an ankle injury against the Cavaliers and he is questionable for this tilt. Denver has had two rest days. It also could have forwards Kenneth Faried and Darrell Arthur back on Tuesday after they both sat out on Saturday because of illnesses. The Nuggets average 12.2 offensive rebounds per game and going into Monday's contest Philadelphia was getting outrebounded by 4.4 per game. Prior to Monday the Sixers were shooting 40.9% from the field, 30.2% on threes and 68.3% from the line. They were averaging 89.6 ppg and they had been outscored by an average of 11.5 ppg.

Record: 264-199-9 (57.0%)
Bankroll: +178.57%

NCAAB: Tuesday's play

Play: Northern Iowa/Indiana State under 125.5 -110

Time: 7:05 p.m. ET

Reasoning: You have two plodding, methodical teams here who are well below average in shots attempted. Both also play excellent defense and are terrible on the offensive glass. The Panthers are in the Top 10 nationally in scoring defense (54.7 ppg). In conference games they are allowing just 50.6 ppg on 35.5% shooting. The Sycamores have held opponents to 39.4% shooting in their last four home games and they held UNI to 40.9% shooting in the first meeting on Jan. 21. The Panthers' offense begins and ends with Seth Tuttle (15.8 ppg). He is the only UNI player to average double-figures in scoring. The last five Northern Iowa games have averaged 114.8 points.

Record: 264-199-9 (57.0%)
Bankroll: +178.57%

NBA: Monday's play

Play: L.A. Clippers -9 -101

Time: 7:30 p.m. ET

Reasoning: I normally don't like laying this many points on the road, but I don't think it's too much given the teams involved. Los Angeles destroyed Brooklyn 123-84 just 12 days ago and it wasn't even that close for much of the game. The Clippers won 105-85 at San Antonio on Saturday. They held Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili and Tim Duncan to a combined 18 points and the Spurs shot just 37.3%. The Nets are an NBA-worst 2-12 since Jan. 4. They have dropped nine consecutive at home and are shooting 23.2% from behind the arc in those contests. Deron Williams (ribs) has missed the last 11 games and he is questionable here. The same goes for Joe Johnson, who missed practice for a personal reason.


Record: 264-198-9 (57.1%)
Bankroll: +187.19%

NFL: Super Bowl

Play: New England pick 'em -110

Time: 6:30 p.m. ET

Reasoning: The Patriots played in a Super Bowl in University of Phoenix Stadium before, following the 2007 campaign when their bid for a perfect 19-0 season was dashed by the New York Giants. This is the sixth Big Game that New England has appeared in under Bill Belichick. Tom Brady, who is two TD passes behind Joe Montana for the most in Super Bowl history, can tie Montana and Terry Bradshaw for the most Big Game victories with one here. The last time the Pats played in this game Rob Gronkowski was hobbled by a high-ankle sprain. He recorded 82 catches for 1,124 yards and 12 TDs this year and has scored a TD in each of his last five games. Gronkowski has 54 TDs in 65 career games. New England can beat you in a number of ways, as evidenced by its two playoff tilts this postseason. The Pats rolled up 80 points in those contests. Against Baltimore in the first one they rallied from a pair of 14-point deficits behind Brady's 367 yards passing and three TDs. In the 45-7 blowout of Indianapolis, New England got 148 yards rushing and three TDs from LeGarrette Blount. After he was cut by Pittsburgh on Nov. 18, Blount joined the Pats and averaged 4.7 yards per carry in the final five regular-season games. Seattle has won eight straight and hasn't allowed more than 73 yards to any running back during that time period. But the Seahawks yielded 159 yards to Jamaal Charles on Nov. 16 in their most-recent defeat. Also at Brady's disposal are Julian Edelman (92 receptions) and Brandon LaFell (74). The Seahawks have concerns in their secondary with Richard Sherman nursing an elbow injury, Earl Thomas dealing with a bad shoulder and Kam Chancellor developing a knee problem on Friday. The Patriots also boast a great pair of cornerbacks in Darrelle Revis and ex-Seahawk Brandon Browner.

Record: 263-195-9 (57.4%)
Bankroll: +206.41%

NBA: Sunday's 2 p.m. ET play

Plays: L.A. Lakers +3 -106

Time: 2 p.m. ET

Reasoning: Los Angeles is 6-17 on the road and the Knicks are 6-17 at home. However the Lakers have a better record overall and have played the tougher schedule. In fact they've played the NBA's toughest schedule and my power ratings say they should be favored by one point in this one. L.A. is coming off of a nice win vs. Chicago. On Thursday they beat the Bulls 123-118 in double-overtime and outscored them 68-56 in the paint. New York was blown out 103-82 at Indiana on Thursday and was outscored 50-26 down low. The Knicks allowed the Pacers to shoot 53.2% and they are 2-4 ATS as favorites this season. They also are averaging just 91.7 ppg at home. Carmelo Anthony is planning to suit up for New York on Sunday, but he has a nagging knee injury. Amar'e Stoudemire has been ruled out of this one because of injuries to his left ankle, wrists and right knee. Rookie Jordan Clarkson, who has started at point guard for the Lakers in their last four contests, has scored 18 points in his last two. Jordan Hill had a season-high 26 points and 12 rebounds against Chicago, and Wayne Ellington added 23 points after scoring a career-high 28 two nights earlier against Washington. Jeremy Lin has averaged 17.5 points on 50% shooting in four tilts against his former team.



Record: 263-195-9 (57.4%)
Bankroll: +206.41%

NBA: Sunday's 1 p.m. ET plays

Plays: Boston -3.5 -102 and Miami/Boston over 186 -110

Time: 1 p.m. ET

Reasoning: This is by far the lowest total the Celtics have faced this season. Their games average 204.9 points overall and 207.3 at home. Heat contests average 189.1 points overall and 187.7 on the road. The over is 11-3 in the last 14 meetings and is 5-1 in the last six at Boston. Dwyane Wade (hamstring) will be out until at least the All-Star break and Luol Deng (calf) has missed the last two games and is questionable on Sunday. Miami is 1-6 ATS in the last seven meetings and is 8-20 ATS in the last 28 at Boston. The Celtics have a deeper bench and a big advantage in rebounding.



Record: 263-195-9 (57.4%)
Bankroll: +206.41%