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TOP RATED 10* MLB PLAY OF THE DAY (TOTAL)

The Cincinnati Reds and the San Diego Padres battled out a low-scoring affair Friday night. I think runs will be few and far between here in Saturday's matchup as well. 

Reds right-hander Luis Castillo (1-1, 1.46 ERA) has had a blistering start to the year, allowing just four runs with 32 Ks through 24 2/3 innings of work. Except for a 14-0 win over Miami, the run support has however been meager with Cincinnati scoring just nine runs in his other three starts. Under is 8-1 in Castillo's last nine starts overall.

The Padres counter with 23 year old southpaw Eric Lauer (2-2, 4.91 ERA) who tossed six scoreless innings of a 2-0 triumph over San Francisco in his season opener. He has not been quite as sharp in recent starts, but we can note that under is 9-0 in Reds last nine games vs. a left-handed starter. Lauer faced Cincinnati twice last year and held the club to one run with 12 Ks through nine innings of work. 

Under is 23-6 in Reds last 29 road games. Under is 8-3 in Padres last 11 home games.

10* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NHL): MIKE'S TOP RATED TOTAL

The last two games have been low-scoring affairs, and I think that will be the case once again here with the Winnipeg Jets backed into a corner down 3-2 in the series. They will want to make sure not to fall behind as that could prove devastating, and I think the Jets will come out with a very defensive approach. 

The St. Louis Blues will be looking to secure their spot in the Western Conference Semifinals with a win, and the gameplan is clear: "We're just staying with it," Jaden Schwartz told NHL.com after a come from behind 3-2 win in Game 5. "We believe in each other, we believe in the system, and we work as a team. When the team has success, we know that we all get rewarded. We're all playing the same, we're working hard, we're tight defensively, and the power play had a big goal to give us momentum."

It certainly doesn't sound like the Blues have any intentions of turning this into a free flowing game of hockey ... 

Under is 9-1-2 in Blues last 12 Saturday games. Under is 12-5 in Blues last 17 games as a home favorite.

10* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (SOCCER): MIKE'S BEST SOCCER SIDE FOR APRIL

The Wolverhampton Wanderers are in a four-team race for 7th place in the Premier League. While worth little more than the prestige, it would mean a lot for a small club like Wolves. 

They've been extremely successful home at Molineux Stadium lately with victories in seven of their last eight home games in all competitions, drawing the other. 

Brighton are battling to avoid relegation, but they're doing a poor job and have suffered five straight defeats without scoring a single goal. They've lost 12 of their last 18 overall and dropped six of their last eight away from home. 

10* play on Wolves. 

TOP RATED 10* BLAZERS @ THUNDER BOOKIE BREAKER TOTAL

The first two games of this series at Portland were both low-scoring affairs, and that's a trend I expect to continue here in Game 3 at Chesapeake Energy Arena Friday night. 

The Thunder really struggled to put points on the board and were held to sub-100 points in both contests. Under is 6-2 in Thunder last 8 vs. a team with a winning straight up record and 4-0 in their last four Conference Quarterfinals games.

The Blazers averaged 118.2 ppg at home during the regular season but that number dropped significantly to 111.1 ppg on the road. Under is 6-2-1 in their last nine away from home and 6-2 in their last eight vs. a team with a winning straight up record.

The Thunder need to win this game to avoid falling into an 0-3 hole. They're probably smart enough to realize they can't outscore Portland, and I expect the home team to come out and play lock-down defense and try and slow down the tempo. 

10* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (MLB): MIKE'S TOP RATED MLB TOTAL FOR APRIL

The Colorado Rockies will host the Philadelphia Phillies for Game 2 of a four-game series Friday night. I think the total looks way high for this contest, and I'm going with a BIG BET on the under. 

Rockies right-hander German Marquez (2-1, 2.00 ERA) has been excellent through his first four outings in 2019. He was roughed up by Atlanta on April 9 but has allowed just one run covering a total of 22 innings in the other three starts. Last time out, he tossed a complete game, one-hit shutout against the Giants and under is 13-3-2 in Marquez's last 18 starts overall. 

Marquez has posted a 3.32 ERA in three career starts against the Phillies who turn to Vince Velasquez (0-0, 2.25 ERA). The 26 year old right-hander has made three appearances (two starts) here in 2019. In the the two starts, Velasquez held Miami and Washington to a combined three runs on six hits and three walks covering 11 innings of work. He has posted a poor 5.23 ERA in six career starts against the Rockies, but they've struggled to produce runs home at Coors Field this season. 

10* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE YEAR (NBA): MIKE'S BEST NBA PLAYOFFS SIDE FOR 2019!

The Golden State Warriors were cruising to an easy 2-0 lead in this Western Conference Quarterfinals series as they owned a 31-point lead halfway through the third quarter. Then complacency kicked in, and they ended up losing 135-131 ... 

The Warriors are 5-1 ATS in their last six games following a straight up loss, and oh boy, will they be fired up for this contest as the series move to LA all tied at 1-1. 

"We have a lot of experience," Warriors guard Klay Thompson said of the two-time defending champions. "This is the first time we've been tied in a series (since Game 7 of last year's Western finals against Houston, which Golden State won). I know we'll bounce back. We're too prideful not to."

Warriors are 27-10 ATS in their last 37 Conference Quarterfinals games. Clippers are 4-9 ATS in their last 13 Conference Quarterfinals games.

10* play on Golden State Warriors. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA): WEDNESDAY NIGHT MAJOR WAGER ALERT

The fourth-seeded Houston Rockets put a 122-90 beating on the fifth-seeded Utah Jazz in Game 1 of this Western Conference first-round series on Tuesday. They're now 9-4-1 ATS in the last 14 head-to-head meetings and I expect that dominance to continue here in Game 2. 

Utah's defensive scheme to contain James Harden failed miserable in the series opener as he had 29 points with 10 assists helping seven Rockets players to reach double digits in scoring.

Houston shot 15-of-41 (36.6%) from behind the arc, and while the Jazz are expected to make some adjustments for this contest, I just don't see them keeping up with this Rockets side. 

These sides clashed in the Western Conference semifinals last season, a series the Rockets opened with a win only to drop Game 2. They should have learned their lesson this time around. "It's only one game," Harden said. "They're going to make adjustments, we have to make adjustments and play that much harder and smarter. We'll let it sink in and get ready to go."

10* play on Houston Rockets. 

EARLY TOP RATED METS @ PHILLIES BOOKIE BREAKER

The Philadelphia Phillies dropped Game 1 of this series by a score of 7-6, but they bounced back in a big way on Tuesday. A 10 run first frame certainly didn't hurt, and I think they'll score plenty today as well coming up against a depleted Mets bullpen and a starter with a bloated ERA. 

Mets right-hander Zack Wheeler (1-1, 7.47 ERA) is coming off his best outing of the season, six innings of two-run ball at Atlanta. He did however struggle with his command again and has issued 11 walks in 15 2/3 innings. Wheeler was tagged with seven runs in two starts covering 11 2/3 innings against the Phillies last season 

Phillies right-hander Jake Arrieta (2-1, 2.25 ERA) meanwhile is off to an excellent start to the year and fanned eight through seven innings of one-run ball at Miami last time out. In 2018, Arrieta held the Mets to just five runs in 18 1/3 innings of work and he owns a 2.34 ERA in 10 career starts against the club.

10* play on Philadelphia Phillies.

TOP RATED 10* CLIPPERS @ WARRIORS BOOKIE BREAKER

We have seen most games go under the total so far in the first round of the NBA playoffs, and that's a trend I like to continue here as the Golden State Warriors take on the LA Clippers in Game 2 of their playoffs series. 

The Warriors won the first matchup 121-105, and in that neighbourhood is where I think the final score for this contest will land as well. 

The Clippers have averaged a healthy 115.0 ppg on the season, but they match up poorly offensively against Golden State and have averaged just 97.3 ppg through the last three head-to-head meetings (all three went under the total). 

Under is 6-2 in Clippers last 8 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Under is 19-7 in Warriors last 26 overall.

10* play on UNDER. 

ORIOLES @ RED SOX RUNLINE RIPPER

The Boston Red Sox have taken two of the first three games of this four-game series following a dominant 4-0 triumph on Sunday. I like them to pick up an easy win here in the series finale Monday afternoon with right-hander Hector Velazquez on the mound. 

Velazquez (0-0, 2.79 ERA) was 1-0 with a 3.09 ERA in five outings (two starts) covering 11 2/3 total innings against Baltimore last season. While this will be Velazquez second start of the season, note that he pitched three shutout innings as the starter in a 1-0 win over the Diamondbacks last Sunday. 

The Orioles turn to Dan Straily (0-1, 19.29 ERA) who is 0-1 with a 6.00 ERA in two career starts against the Red Sox. Straily was tagged with five runs on eight hits in just 3 1/3 innings of a 10-3 loss to Oakland last time out. On the season, he has served up four homers through 4 2/3 innings of work. 

10* play on Boston Red Sox. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NHL): MAJOR WAGER ALERT ON THE ICE

The Tampa Bay Lightning dominated the regular season but have their backs against the wall just two games into the first round of the NHL playoffs following a pair of home losses to the Columbus Blue Jackets. 

"We’re in a tough position, but we’re not going to quit," Tampa Bay captain Steven Stamkos told reporters. "We’ve got to take a page out of their book and go on the road and win a hockey game. We just got to focus on Game 3. … It’s not from lack of effort, guys are working hard, we’re just not working smart enough. They’re executing their game plan a lot better than we’re executing ours."

The Lightning had won six straight meetings with the Jackets heading into this series and are 6-1 in the last seven meetings at Nationwide Arena. No reason to overthink this one; let's back the best team in the hockey in what can only be described as do-or-die situation. 

10* play on Tampa Bay Lightning. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (TOTAL): MIKE'S TOP RATED TOTAL

The Portland Trail Blazers closed out the regular season with a 136-131 win over Sacramento. Here they'll face an OKC Thunder team that kept the scorekeepers busy during their five-game winning streak down the stretch. 

The Thunder put a 127-116 beating on Milwaukee in the regular season finale, and playoffs or not, I expect both teams to let offense rule this game. Particularly Portland is likely to struggle to stop OKC in the paint on the defensive end with big man Jusuf Nurkic out for the season. 

We can also note that three of four regular season meetings between these two teams surpassed the posted total for this contest. 

10* play on OVER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (MLB): MIKE'S TOP RATED MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Tampa Bay Rays saw a five-game winning streak come to an end with a 3-1 loss at Toronto on Saturday. I like them to bounce back to their winning ways with a triumph in the rubber-match of this three-game series Sunday afternoon. 

The Rays hand the ball to Charlie Morton (2-0, 2.25 ERA). The Rays have won two of his three starts on the season, and the veteran right-hander has been solid with only four earned runs allowed and 21 Ks through 16 innings of work. Morton held the Blue Jays scoreless through seven innngs of four-hit ball last year. 

The Jays counter with Marcus Stroman (0-2, 2.41 ERA) who has pitched well, but with nothing to show for it as he has received extremely poor run support through his first three starts of the season (two runs in total). Stroman was tagged with five runs on 11 hits in two starts covering 6 2/3 innings against Tampa Bay last year.

Rays are 9-0 in their last 9 Sunday games. Rays are 16-5 in their last 21 games following a loss. Blue Jays are 0-4 in their last 4 Sunday games. Blue Jays are 1-5 in their last 6 games following a win.

10* play on Tampa Bay Rays. 

TOP RATED 10* SPURS @ NUGGETS BOOKIE BREAKER

The San Antonio Spurs closed out the regular season strong to earn the No. 7 seed and avoid avoid a matchup with the Golden State Warriors in the first round of the playoffs.

"We ended off strong," DeRozan told The San Antonio Express-News. "Our confidence is high. ... I think we've got our mindset where it's supposed to be heading into the playoffs." They have an experienced roster and a top notch head coach in Gregg Popovich who has won five titles and made six trips to the NBA Finals. 

The No. 2 Denver Nuggets on the other hand struggled down the stretch, splitting their last 10 games. While they have plenty of talent, they lack the experience of the Spurs team they'll face here. Only three of the Nuggets' main rotation players have been to the playoffs before ... 

Spurs are 5-2-1 ATS in their last 8 road games. Spurs are 21-8 ATS in the last 29 meetings in Denver. Nuggets are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 home games. Nuggets are 0-7 ATS in their last 7 Conference Quarterfinals games.

10* play on San Antonio Spurs. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (MLB): MIKE'S TOP RATED MLB TOTAL

This contest will be played at Estadio de Beisbol Monterrey in Monterrey, Mexico, and I expect both teams to entertain the crowd with their bats rather than their pitching. 

The Reds are coming off a three-game sweep of Miami during which they scored 21 runs with eight homers. The Cards are coming off a an have scored 30 runs during a five-game winning streak and put an 11-7 beating on the Dodgers last time out. Over is 9-1 in Cardinals' last 10 after scoring five runs or more in their previous game.

Cards' right-hander Adam Wainwright (1-0, 4.50 ERA) has posted a 5.09 ERA in 29 appearances (24 starts) against the Reds. Joey Votto is 14-for-46 with three homers and eight RBI off Waino. 

Tanner Roark (0-0, 5.79 ERA) will take the ball for Cincinnati. He has posted a gaudy 6.58 ERA through seven career appearances (five starts) against St. Louis. Marcell Ozuna has had decent success against Roark, going 13-for-41 with a homer and seven RBI.

10* play on OVER. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB BIG HITTER

The Tampa Bay Rays are coming off a three-game sweep as they knocked the Chicago White Sox's pitching staff around to the tune of 24 runs on 38 hits before getting Thursday off to recharge the batteries. 

Here they'll face Toronto rookie right-hander Trent Thornton (0-0, 1.59 ERA) who has fanned 15 while allowing just a pair of runs through his first 10 2/3 innings of work in the big leagues, but I don't think he's ready for this Rays team and their red hot bats. 

The Rays' pitching staff owns a combined 1.98 ERA and tonight's opener, Ryne Stanek (0-0, 1.50 ERA), has certainly pulled his weight. Toronto has struggled to score runs here at the start of the season, entering Friday with a poor 3.00 rpg average. 

The Rays are 14-6 in the last 20 meetings and 5-1 in Stanek's last six starts vs. Blue Jays.

10* play on Tampa Bay Rays. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB BIG HITTER

The New York Mets managed to snap a two-game slide with a rather dominant 9-6 home victory over Minnesota Wednesday night. I think they'll find it hard to follow that up with another win here against a hot Atlanta Braves team that has won seven of eight games since an 0-3 start to the season. Additionally, the Braves should be pumped up to play again after getting Wednesday's matchup with the Rockies postponed due to rain. 

Atlanta right-hander Kevin Gausman (1-0, 0.00 ERA) has made just one start this season, but it was a dominant outing as he tossed seven scoreless innings of two-hit ball of a 4-0 triumph over Miami Friday night. 

The Mets turn to left-hander Steven Matz (0-0, 0.87 ERA) who is without a winning decision on the season despite allowing just one earned run through 10 1/3 innings of work. He has not recieved much help from a Mets' bullpen that owns a 6.37 ERA and we can also note that the Braves have hit a respectable .292 against southpaws this season. 

The Mets are 3-7 in Matz's last 10 starts vs. a team with a winning record. The Braves are 11-2 in their last 13 home games and a perfect 6-0 in Gausman's last six home starts.

10* play on Atlanta Braves. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

The Detroit Pistons sleepwalked through three quarters of yesterday's matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies and as a result trailed by 22 points at halftime and by 15 points as they entered the fourth quarter.

The Pistons did however come through when it really mattered and outscored their opponent 36-14 in the final period to earn a crucial victory. The job is not done yet, but at least they do control their own destiny heading into the regular season finale. A win and Detroit is in. A loss to the lowly Knicks combined with a Charlotte win over Orlando would see the Hornets overtake them for the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference. 

The banged up Knicks are coming off a 96-86 triumph at Chicago last night, but can they really muster up that kind of energy and motivation two nights in a row? My money is on NO, and we can note that the Pistons have won the first three meetings with the Knicks this season by an average of 12.3 points.

10* play on Detroit Pistons. 

SUPER EARLY MLB BIG HITTER (RUNLINE)

The Tampa Bay Rays have opened the season with nine wins in 12 games and they're 4-1 in the road. That includes a 10-5 win over the Chicago White Sox Tuesday afternoon, and I expect the Rays bats to stay hot here against White Sox right-hander Reynaldo Lopez. 

Lopez (0-1, 10.00 ERA) was tagged with six runs and six hits over five innings. He'll go toe-to-toe with Rays' right-hander Tyler Glasnow (2-0, 0.82 ERA) who was poor during spring training but has turned up the heat when it matters. Glasnow has allowed just one earned run on nine hits through 11 innings and shut out the Giants over six frames last time out.

The White Sox's relievers rank dead last in the major leagues with a 6.72 ERA. Let's roll with the Rays for a second straight day. 

10* play on Tampa Bay Rays. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA): MIKE'S TOP RATED 10* SIDE

The Houston Rockets are winners of six straight and 20 of their last 23 to move just 1/2 game behind Denver for the No. 2 seed in the conference. Here they'll visit an OKC Thunder team that was heading in the opposite direction but has managed to get on track somewhat with three consecutive wins. 

Still, OKC is just 7-17 ATS in its last 24 games overall and 3-13 ATS in its last 16 vs. Western Conference foes. The Rockets meanwhile are 6-0 ATS in their last six overall and 8-2 ATS in the last 10 meetings at Chesapeake Energy Arena. 

I expect Houston to come fired up here in its regular season finale, particularly as a loss could see it drop to fourth place in the conference. 

10* play on Houston Rockets. 

EARLY TOP RATED 10* MLB RUNLINE RIPPER

The Tampa Bay Rays are 8-3 on the season following a 5-1 victory in the opener of a three-game series against the Chicago White Sox on Monday. They're 5-2 SU and against the runline as a favorite on the season, and I think we're getting good value on the Rays to win by at least two runs today. 

The White Sox hand the ball to right-hander Ervin Santana (2018: 0-1, 8.03 ERA) for his team debut. Santana made just five starts with Minnesota last year due to various injuries and might be on a pitch count in this contest. He has posted a 5.31 ERA in 17 starts versus the Rays and I think they'll chase him off the mound early here, only for one of the worst bullpens in baseball to take over. 

The Rays counter with veteran right-hander Charlie Morton (1-0, 1.64 ERA) who has opened the season strong, allowing just a pair of runs with 14 strikeouts through 11 innings of work.

The White Sox are 2-11 in their last 13 after allowing five runs or more in their previous game and 1-7 in their last 8 home games vs. a right-handed starter.

10* play on Tampa Bay Rays. 

TOP RATED NCAA TOURNEY CHAMPIONSHIP GAME ATS ANNIHILATOR

The Texas Tech Red Raiders' elite defense has shut down some of the most explosive offenses in the nation on their way to the NCAA Tournament Championship Game. They held Michigan State to 15-of-47 (31.9%) shooting from the field in their 61-51 triumph in the semifinals, and I like Texas Tech to come through with another upset win here in the final against Virginia. The Cavaliers have not impressed on their way to the final and needed three last-second free throws to beat Auburn 63-62 in the last round. They've covered the spread in only two of their last six games.  

10* play on Texas Tech Red Raiders. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB BIG HITTER

The Seattle Mariners have scored scored eight or more runs in six games on their way to a 9-2 record. They scored a total of 29 runs through their three-game series against the Chicago White Sox over the weekend, and I like the Mariners to stay hot at the plate here against KC right-hander Homer Bailey. 

Bailey (0-0, 5.40) was tagged with three runs in five innings against Minnesota in his season opener. He might not be able to count on much back up from a Royals' pen that has allowed 21 runs on 29 hits and 21 walks in 23 1/3 innings for an 8.10 ERA. 

Felix Hernandez (1-0, 1.69 ERA) will take the ball for Seattle. The veteran right-hander posted a 5.55 ERA last year but was sharp in his first start of 2019, giving up just one earned run over 5 1/3 innings against the Dodgers. Hernandez owns a 3.26 ERA in 16 career starts against the Royals. 

The Mariners are 5-0 in the last five head-to-head meetings with KC.

10* play on Seattle Mariners. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA): MIKE'S TOP RATED TOTAL

The Denver Nuggets defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 119-110 home at Pepsi Center Friday night. Each of the last three meetings in the series have gone over the total, and I predict another relatively high-scoring affair here at Moda Center Sunday night. 

The Blazers have been held to fewer than 110 points in just one of their last nine games, a 99-90 loss at Detroit on March 30 which was their second game of a back-to-back situation. Over is 19-5-2 in Trail Blazers last 26 games playing on one day of rest and 13-2-1 in their last 16 home games.

The Nuggets have been involved in somewhat low-scoring affairs lately with only two of their last seven going over the total. However, with both teams playoff position still to be decided I expect to see a wide open affair and both teams trying to outscore the other rather than winning with good defense. 

10* play on OVER. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA ATS PLAY OF THE DAY

The Charlotte Hornets have been in "must-win" mode for quite some time and have managed to stay in playoff contention with back-to-back wins over New Orleans and Toronto. They still find themselves on the outside looking in at 10th place in the conference, two games back of No. 8 seed Detroit Detroit with three games to play. 

The Pistons have won just two of their last eight and enter Sunday desperate to end a three-game slide. To be fair, they closed all but three of those eight games as underdogs and have delivered the goods more often than not when favored all season. 

The Pistons are 21-13 ATS as a favorite on the season and 11-1 ATS in their last 12 home games. The Hornets are 6-15 ATS in their last 21 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. This looks like a great spot to trust the home favorite. 

10* play on Detroit Pistons. 

GAME OF THE YEAR (NHL): MIKE'S TOP RATED REG SEASON MONEYLINE

The Winnipeg Jets are just 2-5-1 through their last 10 games, but I like the price we get on the visitors here at Gila River Arena Saturday night as they enter the last day of the regular season fighting Nashville and San Jose for the division title. 

The Arizona Coyotes have also stumbled down the stretch, losing seven of their last 10 games. They got eliminated from playoff contention as recently as a couple of days ago and I doubt the Yotes can muster up all that much motivation for this contest. 

The Jets are 17-5 in their last 22 games as a road favorite of -110 to -150 and I expect the Jets to flex their muscle here to try and and the division title. 

10* play on Winnipeg Jets. 

GAME OF THE YEAR (CBB): MIKE'S TOP RATED NCAA TOURNEY SIDE

The Texas Tech Red Raiders have defeated both Michigan and Gonzaga straight up as underdogs on their way to the Final Four in the NCAA Tournament. I think they look good to at the very least cover the spread here against the Michigan State Spartans. 

The Red Raiders own an elite defense and rarely turn over the ball which should lead to a slow game, bad news for a Spartans team that is at its best in fast-paced contests. This will be Michigan State's first time against the Red Raiders D, and I don't think they have the key to unlock it. 

Texas Tech shut down the nation’s top scoring offense (Gonzaga) in the Elite Eight round while shooting 39.1% (9-for-23) from behind the arc in its 75-69 win.

10* play on Texas Tech Red Raiders. 

EARLY TOP RATED 10* MLB BIG HITTER

The St. Louis Cardinals took a 5-3 loss to San Diego in their home opener Friday afternoon. I like the Cards to bounce back and even the three-game series with a triumph today with Michael Wacha on the mound. 

Wacha (0-0, 1.50 ERA) has limited the Padres to nine runs (eight earned) on 24 hits and 11 walks with 20 Ks through five career starts covering 31 frames. He held Milwaukee to one run through six innings in his season debut. 

The Friars counter with rookie right-hander Chris Paddack (0-0, 1.80 ERA) who was solid in his MLB debut, holding the Giants to one run and two hits in five innings of work. We can however note that San Francisco has scored only 19 runs in eight games on the season, and this will be much tougher test for Paddack who will face a Cards team that has averaged a respectable 4.71 rpg in seven games. 

Cardinals are 7-2 in Wacha's last nine home starts. Padres are 6-21 in their last 27 during Game 2 of a series.

10* play on St. Louis Cardinals. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (SOCCER): MIKE'S TOP RATED PREMIER LEAGUE SIDE

Both Crystal Palace (13th) and Newcastle (14th) are still running the risk of relegation, although it's extremely unlikely at this point. 

Five consecutive Premier League triumphs home at St. James' Park have allowed Newcastle to build a seven point gap down to 18th-placed Cardiff. We can also note that they could overtake Palace in the standings with a win here. 

Crystal Palace have lost three of their last four games overall, only beating league-worst Huddersfield during that stretch. 

Newcastle have won 10 of the last 16 head-to-head meetings, and with Palace scoreless in six of the last seven encounters at Newcastle I really like the price we get on the Magpies in this matchup.

10* play on Newcastle United. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

The Miami Heat are in desperate need of Ws as they enter Friday half a game on the wrong side of the playoff bubble following back-to-back losses to the Boston Celtics. 

Tonight's opponent looks way easier with the Minnesota Timberwolves already eliminated from playoff contention and 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games overall. The Wolves have admittedly played their best basketball home at Target Center (24-14 SU), but Miami is a very capable road team and 26-12 ATS away from home on the season. 

The Heat are 6-0 ATS in the last six meetings in Minnesota and I'm well happy to back them as a small favorite here. 

10* play on Miami Heat. 

EARLY TOP RATED 10* MLB BIG HITTER

The Seattle Mariners are off to the best start in franchise history, entering Friday 7-1 on the season. 

I think we're getting good value on the M's here Friday afternoon as they visit a Chicago White Sox team that will send out right-hander Reynaldo Lopez to the mound. 

The 25 year old Lopez (0-1, 9.00 ERA) was tagged with five runs in five innings against Seattle in 2018. He gave up four runs on six hits and four walks through four innings of an 8-6 loss at Kansas City in his season debut.

Left-hander Yusei Kikuchi (0-0, 2.53 ERA) will take the ball for Seattle for his third major league start. He held both Oakland and Boston in check through the first two and owns an 8/1 K/BB ratio over 10 2/3 innings of work. 

The White Sox are 2-9 in their last 11 home games and we can note that they have committed a total to eight errors in five games this season.

10* play on Seattle Mariners. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA): MIKE'S TOP RATED SIDE

This looks like a very tough spot for the Philadelphia 76ers who will be playing on no rest after closing out a three-game road trip with a 130-122 loss at Atlanta Wednesday night.

They'll host a well rested Milwaukee Bucks team that has been off since posting a 131-121 win at the Brooklyn Nets Monday night. The Bucks sit top of the Eastern Conference and could look in the No. 1 seed with a win against Philly. 

The Bucks are 10-2 ATS in their last 12 road games vs. a team with a winning home record and 5-1-2 ATS in their last eight games playing on two days rest. The 76ers are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games playing on zero days rest.

10* play on Milwaukee Bucks. 

SUPER EARLY TOP RATED 10* MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The New York Mets are 5-1 on the season and have scored 6+ runs in three straight games. They picked up an 11-8 win at Washington last week in a matchup where both Stephen Strasburg and Noah Syndergaard allowed four runs over six innings. I predict another Mets win today. 

Syndergaard (0-0, 6.00 ERA) went 8-1 behind an 2.87 ERA in 13 home starts last season while fanning 80 through 78 1/3 innings of work. Particularly impressive considering he more often than not were opposed by elite pitchers. Syndergaard held the Nats to four runs in 12 innings over two outings.

Strasburg (0-0, 6.00 ERA) was tagged with four runs through six innings against the Mets in 2018. The Nats bullpen has been very suspect so far this season and ranks in the bottom three of the major leagues with a 6.60 ERA. Even if the Mets can't get to Strasburg, I'm sure they'll score plenty late in the game to earn the win. 

10* play on New York Mets. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

The Portland Trail Blazers have been one of the hottest teams in the NBA in recent weeks. They've won nine of its last 11 contests but will be looking to bounce back from a loss here following a 99-90 setback to Detroit Saturday night. The Blazers are 9-4 ATS in their last 13 games following a straight up loss and still have plenty to play for as they battle Houston for 3rd place in the conference. "Especially on the road, we can't relax," said Portland center Enes Kanter. "We need to finish the job."

The Minnesota Timberwolves' season has been all but over for a while already. They've dropped seven of their last nine outings and failed to cover the spread in all those losses. The Timberwolves are 1-6 ATS in their last seven games vs. a team with a winning straight up record and I expect Portland to run away with this game. 

10* play on Portland Trail Blazers. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (MLB): MIKE'S TOP RATED MARCH MLB TOTAL

As if there was ever any doubt, both teams have proven well capable of scoring runs here early in the season. The Mariners claimed the series opener 12-4 before Boston tied the series with a come-from-behind 7-6 triumph Friday night, and I think Game 3 will see plenty of action over the plate as well. 

Boston left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez (2018: 13-5, 3.82 ERA) was reached for seven runs (six earned) on 13 hits in 10 innings of work against Seattle last season. Over is 4-0 in Mariners last four home games vs. a left-handed starter.

The Mariners turn to Mike Leake (10-10, 4.36 ERA) who posted a 3.21 ERA covering 14 innings in a pair of starts against the Red Sox last season. The right-hander has however struggled throughout spring training and was charged with 11 earned runs over his last three starts. Over is 12-4-2 in Red Sox last 18 games vs. a right-handed starter.

Xander Bogaerts was 1-for-3 with a homer in Friday's matchup and has five hits in 12 at bats against Leake. 

10* play on OVER. 

TOP RATED 10* ELITE EIGHT PLAY OF THE DAY

This will no doubt be an interesting contest with the Gonzaga Bulldogs, who own the nation's No. 1 offense, taking on Texas Tech Red Raiders and their top rated defense. 

The Zags have won their two recent games by double-digits to advance to the Elite Eight. They average 88.2 points per game while shooting 52.8 percent from the field, but can also play D as shown in their 72-58 victory over Florida State in the Sweet 16. They forced 14 turnovers while holding the Seminoles to 39.3 percent shooting from the field, including 3-of-20 from 3-point range. 

The Bulldogs have already faced several tough teams like Duke, North Carolina and Tennessee in the non-conference play, which might've served as important lessons. "We saw early on, Tennessee and North Carolina were physical and athletic in both the offensive and defensive end, and I think it prepared us a lot," said guard Zach Norvell Jr. "And also us taking those losses, we understood what it took to come out with a game like that -- you want to bring the fight to them and be more physical for 40 minutes."

Texas Tech completely shut down Michigan in a 63-44 rout last time out but will find it tough to slow down Gonzaga's explosive offense.

10* play on Gonzaga Bulldogs. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

The LA Clippers are 6-1 ATS in their last seven games following a straight up loss and look good to bounce back with a big performance here following a 128-118 loss at Milwaukee last time out. 

The Clippers should be fired up here, returning home from a trip out East to play in front of their home fans for the first time since March 19. They'll host a Cleveland Cavaliers team that is 1-4 ATS in the last five meetings with the Clippers and 4-11-1 ATS in its last 16 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. 

The Clippers have a playoff berth locked in but are still battling to try and earn the best possible seed. They are 27-12 ATS as a favorite this season, and with motivation and class favoring the home team this an easy play on the Clippers.

10* play on LA Clippers. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (SOCCER): MIKE'S BEST PREMIER LEAGUE BET FOR MARCH

West Ham United are unbeaten through their last six league games at the London Stadium and have scored a total of nine goals in the last three. That string of games include a win over Arsenal and a draw against Liverpool. Here they'll host an Everton side that is winless in its last 10 league games played in London and it has picked up just 15 points in as many away games this season. The Toffees beat Chelsea last time out but might've lost the momentum due to the international break.  

With both teams in the middle of the table you would think they've got nothing but pride to play for this late in the season, but both are actually in a position to catch Wolves for 7th place (and Europa League qualification games).  

This is too good of a price on a motivated home team to pass up on. 

10* play on West Ham. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA): MIKE'S TOP RATED 10* SIDE

The Charlotte Hornets are just 11-24 SU (15-20 ATS) on the road this season. They do however travel to LA desperate for Ws and must feel pretty confidence following four straight victories, including a win at Toronto 

The recent surge has kept the Hornets in postseason contention but they still have a lot of ground to make up with five teams battling for the final three Eastern Conference playoff berths.

Here they'll face a Lakers team that saw a two-game winning streak come to an end with a 115-100 rod loss at Utah Wednesday night. LeBron James was rested but figures to be back in action tonight. Still, the Lakers are just 4-10 ATS in their last 14 games overall and 7-25-1 ATS in their last 33 vs. Eastern Conference.

The Hornets are a superb 19-6-1 ATS in their last 26 Friday night games and will be looking to avenge a 128-100 home loss to the Lakers on Dec. 15.

10* play on Charlotte Hornets. 

TOP RATED 10* LATE NIGHT BATTERS BONANZA (TOTAL)

The Seattle Mariners' bats have been spitting fire through their first three games of the season. They opened the campaign by scoring 14 runs in pair of wins against Oakland in Japan and put a 12-4 beating on the Boston Red Sox on the "official" Opening Day on Thursday.

Here they'll face right-hander Nathan Eovaldi (2018: 6-7, 3.81 ERA) who admittedly was excellent in the postseason and a big reason Boston eventually won the World Series, but note that over is 6-2 in Eovaldi's last eight road starts. 

Seattle turns to Yusei Kikuchi (0-0, 1.93 ERA) who limited the A's to two runs (one earned) and four hits through 4 2/3 innings in his MLB debut. Another relatively short start will put a lot of pressure on Mariners' bullpen, and I think the Red Sox will get to the rookie early. 

Over is 8-3 in umpire Alfonso Marquez's last 11 games behind home plate in games involving Boston and 5-2 in his last seven games behind home plate in games involving Seattle. Over is 18-6-2 in Red Sox last 26 games following a loss.

10* play on OVER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (CBB): MIKE'S TOP RATED SIDE

The Virginia Tech Hokis beat the Duke Blue Devils 77-72 home in Blacksburg back in February. 

Duke freshman Zion Williamson missed that contest, but he's back here and has together with RJ Barrett combined for 99 points through the first two rounds of the Big Dance.

Now, I can see why the public like VT here as Duke has looked sluggish lately, and the line has dropped since the opener, but I don't think the undersized Hokies will have any chance of stopping a fired up and physically superior Duke team with revenge on its mind. 

10* play on Duke Blue Devils. 

TOP RATED 10* SWEET 16 BOOKIE BREAKER

The Gonzaga Bulldogs handled their first two opponents in the NCAA Tournament with ease, first brushing off Fairleigh Dickinson by almost 40 points followed by a 12-point win over Baylor. They failed to cover the spread against the Bears but are 5-2 ATS in their last seven games following a ATS loss. We can also note that Gonzaga is 20-12 ATS as a favorite this season. 

Here the Bulldogs will face a Florida State Seminoles side that also is coming off a pair of dominant displays, but this is a big step up in competition compared to beating up on Vermont and Murray State.

These teams met in the Sweet 16 a season ago, with the Seminoles besting the Bulldogs 75-60. This is payback time for the Zags as their offensive firepower will prove too much for FSU to handle. 

10* play on Gonzaga Bulldogs. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NHL): MIKE'S TOP RATED MONEYLINE

The Chicago Blackhawks managed to stay in the playoff picture as they snapped a three-game skid with a 2-1 OT win over the Colorado Avalanche on Sunday. They're still five points back with seven games to go and would not only have to leapfrog the Avs, but also Minnesota and Arizona who trails Colorado by just two points. 

The Arizona Coyotes are coming off an 0-3-1 road trip and took a 2-0 loss Sunday against the host New York Islanders, despite out-shooting their opponent 31-26. "I thought we played our hearts out in this game," Coyotes defenseman Jason Demers told NHL.com. "We battled. Obviously back-to-back (games) on the road is always tough, but I thought we weathered the storm in the first, and I thought in the second and the third we kind of took over the game. Their goalie made some big saves ... but our guys didn't quit until the end. That's what we've got to take from that game. We've just got to dust ourselves off and get back at it."

The Yotes must feel good about returning back home to Gila River Arena as they're 8-2 in their last 10 home games vs. a team with a losing road record and will host a Blackhawks side that is 16-18-3 away from home on the season. 

10* play on Arizona Coyotes. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

The Orlando Magic are coming off five straight wins and recorded their third 20-point victory during that stretch with a 119-98 rout of Philadelphia on Monday.

All those five games took place at Amway Center though, and I don't think the Magic will have as much success when visiting the Miami Heat Tuesday night. 

While the visitors will be playing on no rest, Miami has had two days off since defeating Washington 113-108 on Saturday. The Heat closed that contest as a 1-point dog and are 12-4 ATS off an upset win as an underdog this season. 

There will be plenty at stake here as last night's victory moved Orlando within 1/2 game of the Heat who currently own the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. I think Miami's rest advantage will be a huge factor here though, and we can also note that the Magic are 0-4 ATS in their last four road games.

10* play on Miami Heat. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA BOOKIE BREAKER TOTAL

The Phoenix Suns have topped 103 points in only one of their last six games, an OT win at New Orleans. The under is 8-2 in their last 10 games and here they'll face a Utah team that is allowing just 106.2 ppg on the season and held the Bulls to 83 points on 35.9% shooting (including 2-of-16 from 3-point range) last time out. "I liked how we started the game. I thought we were focused on the defensive end," Utah coach Quin Snyder told the team website. "I just want us to keep getting better."

Under is 6-2 in Utah's last eight games overall and 7-1 in its last eight vs. Western Conference foes. 

The Jazz have a playoff spot locked in but are in a tight race for the No. 5 (and possibly No. 4) seed in the West. Under is 23-9 in the last 32 meetings with the Sun who they've beaten twice this season, winning 116-88 on Feb. 6 and 114-97 on March 13. I think this will be another relatively low-scoring affair. 

10* play on UNDER. 

TOP RATED 10* SUNDAY NIGHT NIT ATS ANNIHILATOR

The Nebraska Cornhuskers have been money against the spread lately and had covered in four straight games prior to coming up just short in their 80-76 win over Butler in the first round of the NIT. 

The No. 4 seed is 8-2 ATS in non-conference games on the season and pumped up for the NIT tournament. "Last year, we felt like it was a letdown to be in the NIT because of the season we had, winning 23 games, fourth in the Big Ten," Isaiah Roby told reporters. I'm not going to lie the locker room was down about playing in the NIT. This year, we went to Chicago (Big Ten Tournament) and we feel like we earned our spot in the NIT. This year we are definitely playing to win it all."

The top-seeded TCU Horned Frogs meanwhile probably felt they should be competing in the Big Dance and didn't look particularly sharp in their win over Sam Houston State last time out. The Horned Frogs are 3-7 ATS through their last 10 games and I wouldn't be surprised to see them lose this one outright. 

10* play on Nebraska Cornhuskers. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NHL): MIKE'S TOP RATED MONEYLINE

The Colorado Avalanche are riding a four-game winning streak, the most recent victory a 4-2 triumph over the Blackhawks on Saturday. I think they'll complete the home-and-home sweep when visting Chicago here the following night. 

The Hawks are losers of three straight and have faded since a strong late-season push put them back in the playoff race. They enter this contest six games back of the Avs who currently hold down the last playoff spot in the Western Conference with Arizona and Minnesota just one point behind. 

The Blackhawks have not scored more than two goals in any of their last four games and have converted on just one of their last 24 opportunities to play with the man advantage while the Avs have allowed just four goals through their winning streak.  

You'll hear it's tough to sweep a home-and-home series, but at this price I think it's a no-brainer play on a hyper motivated Avs team. 

10* play on Colorado Avalanche. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA BOOKIE BREAKER TOTAL 

The Denver Nuggets travel to Indiana riding a six-game winning streak. They've held opponents to an average of 102 ppg during that run and held the Knicks to 37.8 percent shooting from the field last time out.

Under is 18-5 in Nuggets last 23 overall, and here they'll visit a Pacers team that has averaged only 99 ppg through a four-game losing streak. Indiana was held to 38.5% shooting from the field in a 112-89 loss at Golden State last time out. Under is 8-1 in Pacers last nine overall and 20-6 in their last 26 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.

Both teams are involved in tight battles for home-court advantage in their respective conferences, and I think we'll see a competitive, low-scoring game with a postseason feeling to it here at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on Sunday. 

10* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (CBB): MIKE'S TOP RATED NCAA TOURNEY SIDE

A late run allowed the Baylor Bears to get past Syracuse in their first-round matchup. They are thrown a much bigger punch here in the top-seeded Gonzaga Bulldogs who made light work of their first round opponent. 

The Zags took a 60-47 loss as a 15-point favorite against St. Mary’s in the WCC Tournament title game but bounced back with an 87-49 rout of Fairleigh Dickinson Thursday night. 

Gonzaga has been asked to cover big spreads all season long and has rarely disappointed, going 22-12 ATS in games as a 14-point favorite or more. 

The Bears are just 1-5-1 ATS in their last seven games overall while the Bulldogs are 14-5 ATS in their last 19 games following a straight up win of more than 20 points and 9-3-1 ATS in their last 13 vs. teams from the Big 12.

Baylor is a decent team defensively, but has nowhere near the offensive firepower to compete with Gonzaga. 

10* play on Gonzaga Bulldogs. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

Write up posted shortly. 

10* play on Miami Heat. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA): MIKE'S TOP RATED TOTAL

Both teams have been involved in relatively low-scoring contests lately with under is 9-2 in Spurs last 11 overall and 8-2 in Rockets last 10 overall.

This contest is important for both teams as San Antonio is in a dogfight with the Utah Jazz, Los Angeles Clippers and Oklahoma City Thunder for the No. 5 seed in the West, so it will most certainly be motivated to bounce back from a 110-105 loss to Miami. The Spurs had won nine in a row prior to that setback and have produced a 104.1 defensive rating over the past 10 games. "Defense -- and understanding that's what's going to take us to get to the next level and beyond," Mills said in explaining the Spurs' recent run. 

The Rockets are fighting to hold off Portland for the No. 3 seed in the conference and will also be looking to bounce back from a defeat after taking a 126-125 OT loss at Memphis last time out. They had won eight of nine prior to that setback while never allowing more than 106 points. 

We can also note that under is 5-1 in the last six meetings overall and 12-3 in the last 15 meetings in Houston. The Rockets won the last meeting 108-101 with a total closing at 217.5 points, and I think this game will stay under the total as well. 

10* play on UNDER. 

TOP RATED THURSDAY NIGHT NCAA TOURNEY BOOKIE BREAKER

Neither of these two teams played particularly well down the stretch with Baylor Bears losing each of their last four and Syracuse going 4-6 in its last 10 games, but note that two of those losses came against Duke ...

The Orange have performed alright against the spread lately and are 8-1 ATS in their last nine games following a straight up loss and 9-2-1 ATS in their last 12 Thursday games. They'll be without PG Frank Howard, who has been suspended indefinitely for "a violation of athletic department policy." The Bears meanwhile have really struggled since losing Tristan Clark, a 6-foot-9 forward, to an ACL injury and are 1-8-2 ATS in their last 11 games overall. 

Baylor ranks 264th in the nation in offensive turnover percentage and I think it'll struggle to put points on the board against a Syracuse team that ranks 10th nationally in defensive turnovers forced.

10* play on Syracuse Orange. 

TOP RATED WEDNESDAY NIGHT NCAA TOURNEY NO-BRAINER

The Arizona State Sun Devils look like a solid favorite here in their First Four matchup with the St. John’s Red Storm in Dayton, Ohio Wednesday night.

Arizona State has won six of its last eight, only losing to a surging Oregon team twice including an OT loss in the Pac-12 Tournament semifinals. The Sun Devils are 4-0 ATS in their last four games following a straight up loss and 5-2 ATS in their last seven games vs. a team with a winning straight up record. They recorded some big wins during the regular season, including victories over Kansas, Utah State, Washington, Mississippi State and Utah State.

Here they'll face a St. John's team that shot just 32.8% from the floor as it fell to Marquette in the second round of its conference tournament and has lost four of its last five games. We can also note that St. John owns the 12th worst offensive rebounding percentage in the nation and is one of the worst defensive squads in this year's Tournament. 

Arizona State is out-rebounding opponents by 4.8 a game and should be able to out-muscle this Red Storm team to advance to the next round and face Buffalo in Tulsa, Oklahoma on Friday. 

10* play on Arizona State Sun Devils. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

The San Antonio Spurs are the hottest team in the NBA and undefeated through nine games since taking an 85-101 loss at Brooklyn on Feb 25. They're 8-1 ATS during that stretch and coming off a solid won over defending NBA-champion Golden State at home on Monday. 

Here the Spurs will face a Miami team that has played its best basketball on the road (17-16) and is coming off an upset win at Oklahoma City. Miami is desperate for wins, sitting in the No. 8 spot in the East 1 1/2 games ahead of the Orlando Magic with 12 regular-season games to play, but I think it'll come up short here. 

Note that Spurs are one of the best home teams in the league and 18-4 ATS in their last 22 home games vs. a team with a winning road record and 26-5 ATS in revenge spots this season, which this certainly is with the Heat winning the last meeting in the series 95-88 back in November. 

10* play on San Antonio Spurs. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA)

Both the Sacramento Kings and the Brooklyn Nets are in desperate need of wins, the former more than the latter though as they enter Tuesday six games behind the Los Angeles Clippers for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. They snapped a three-game losing streak (all on the road) with a 129-102 rout of Chicago on Sunday in improve to 15-4 ATS as a favorite on the season. 

"Whether we talk about it or not, it feels like every game is a must-win coming out of the (All-Star) break," Sacramento coach Dave Joerger told reporters after the victory. "Just to have a little bit of mental relief is good for us at this point in the season."

The Nets have some margin for error as they are in seventh place in the Eastern Conference. They have however dropped the first three contests of a seven-game road trip and will be facing a Kings team that is 12-3-1 ATS in its last 16 home games. We can also note that the Kings will be looking to avenge a 123-94 loss at Brooklyn back in January and that they're 23-14 ATS in revenge spots this season. 

10* play on Sacramento Kings. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA TOTAL 

The Golden State Warriors fell to Phoenix Suns on March 10 but have bounced back with a pair of wins at Houston and Oklahoma City Thunder while allowing an average of just 96 ppg.

"I think the loss to Phoenix opened our eyes a little bit," Golden State coach Steve Kerr told reporters. "And I think our guys just felt threatened on the road. We've played two great teams, we've got another one, maybe the hottest team in the league in San Antonio coming up, so anytime they're threatened, I think our guys tend to play better."

Under is 9-1 in the Warriors last 10. and here they'll face a San Antonio team that has won eight straight games and held all but one of those opponents (Milwaukee) to fewer than 105 points. The Spurs lead the league in scoring defense during their winning streak, allowing just 99.8 points per 100 possessions.

The Warriors put a 141-102 beating on San Antonio last month, but you better believe Spurs coach Gregg Popovich will have his team better prepared defensively for this one. 

10* play on UNDER. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA SUNDAY NIGHT BOOKIE BREAKER

The Sacramento Kings are in desperate need of wins and will be looking to make the most of a soft patch in the schedule, starting with a matchup with the Chicago Bulls Sunday night. 

The Kings are six games out of a playoff spot following a 123-114 loss in Philadelphia on Friday, but note that they're 13-3 ATS in their last 16 games following a straight up loss and 11-2 ATS in their last 13 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400. "We're playing hard, we're playing the right way, we're playing together," Kings coach Dave Joerger assured reporters after the most recent setback. "The wins are going to come."

Here they'll face a Chicago Bulls team that is just 19-51 SU on the season and 1-4-1 ATS in the last six meetings with Sacramento. With nothing to play for I don't see the Bulls keeping up with the home team here in Sac Town. 

10* play on Sacramento Kings. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (NHL): MIKE'S TOP RATED 10* TOTAL

The Colorado Avalanche host the New Jersey Devils at Pepsi Center Sunday afternoon. The Avs are trying to hold on to their ever-slimming postseason hopes but have dropped three of their last four games and been shut out twice during that stretch.

"We have to win hockey games. We can't keep letting games slip away," Colorado defenseman Ian Cole said after the most recent loss. "Not only do you have to beat the teams that we should beat, which I guess at this point is up in the air, but we need to win games, and that's really all there is to it."

I think the Avs will come out playing tight defense to make sure they don't fall behind, leading to a low-scoring matchup with a New Jersey team that had scored just 11 goals through an 0-6-1 slide before coming up with back-to-back wins at Edmonton and Vancouver. 

Under is 19-6-5 in the last 30 meetings overall and 4-0-1 in the last five meetings in Colorado.

10* play on UNDER. 

TOP RATED 10* SATURDAY NIGHT NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

This looks like a tough spot for the Portland Trail Blazers who will be playing their second road game in two nights following a 12-point triumph at New Orleans team without Anthony Davis Friday night. They're 2-5 ATS in their last seven games playing on zero days rest and 3-9 ATS in the last 12 meetings with the Spurs at AT&T Center. San Antonio will also be playing on no rest but do not have to travel anywhere after putting a 109-83 beating on the Knicks at home Friday night. 

The Spurs are playing their best basketball of the season and own the league's longest active winning streak with seven straight victories. "It just feels good," San Antonio forward Rudy Gay said. "Things are clicking. Playing defense. Even when the ball is not going in like we want it to, we're still getting wins, and that's how you know we're getting better as a team." 

The Spurs are a solid 26-7 SU (21-12 ATS) in front of the home town crowd on the season and should be fired up for this one as they try to avenge a nine-point loss at Portland on Feb 7. They're 23-5 ATS in revenge spots this season, and I fully expect Spurs to run away with this game. 

10* play on San Antonio Spurs. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (CBB): MIKE'S TOP RATED 10* SIDE

The Houston Cougars have averaged a scorching hot 86.3 ppg through a three-game winning streak. They're however not all about offense, as they also boast one of the best defenses in the nation entering this contest 10th in scoring defense and 2nd in defensive FG%. 

The Cougars limited the UConn Huskies to 26-percent shooting from the field in a 84-45 rout Friday afternoon, and I think they'll come through with another complete effort here against the Memphis Tigers Saturday afternoon.  

They'll face a Memphis team that is playing its best basketball of the season and advanced to the semifinals of the AAC tournament with an upset win over UCF on Friday, but keep in mind that the Tigers lost by 13 at Houston in early January. 

Memphis has improved since and will have homecourt advantage with this contest taking place at FedExForum, but it simply won't be enough to overcome this Houston team. The Cougars are 7-1 ATS in their last eight neutral site games, 22-8-1 ATS in their last 31 games vs. AAC opponents and 13-3 ATS in their last 16 Saturday games. Back Houston to get the job done. 

10* play on Houston Cougars. 

GAME OF THE YEAR (NBA): MIKE'S TOP RATED 10* SIDE

The LA Clippers had won five in a row prior to taking a 21-point loss to Portland Tuesday night. 

The loss didn't come as a complete surprise though as they were in a letdown spot and playing on no rest after putting a 140-115 beating on the Boston Celtics the previous night. 

The Clippers have now had two days to rest and prepare for Friday night's matchup with the Chicago Bulls, and I think they'll get back to their winning ways with an easy victory. 

The Bulls will also be playing on two days rest, but they're trending in the opposite direction of the Clippers going 1-5 SU and ATS through their last six games. They'll face an angry Clippers side that is 6-0 ATS in its last six games following a straight up loss and a phenomenal 21-5 ATS in its last 26 Friday night games.

10* play on LA Clippers. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA): MIKE'S TOP RATED 10* TOTAL

The Indiana Pacers should be farily well rested here following 103-98 win over New York at home Tuesday night.

They've struggled to put points on the board of late though, averaging only 98.8 ppg through their last four but have limited opponents to a league-best 103.9 ppg on the season.

Under is 24-11 in Pacers' games home at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. They enter this contest off four straight unders and under is 16-5 in Pacers' games after three or more consecutive unders this season. 

The OKC Thunder will be playing on no rest after defeating the Nets last night. They have failed to cover the spread in each of their last three playing on zero days rest while Indiana is 4-0 in its last four against opponents playing on back-to-back nights. Under is 13-3 in OKC's games as underdogs this season and 19-10 when playing against a team with a winning record.

10* play on UNDER. 

SUPER EARLY BIG TEN DAYTIME DESTROYER

The Indiana Hoosiers will clash with the Ohio State Buckeyes at United Center in the second round of the Big Ten Tournament Thursday afternoon. The Hoosiers put an 89-73 beating on Rutgers on Sunday to improve to 6-0 ATS through their last six games. They've won four in a row straight up, three of those as underdogs. 

The Buckeyes meanwhile took an OT loss to Wisconsin in their last game of the regular season to fall to 1-4 SU and ATS through their last five games. Ohio State's leading scorer and rebounder, sophomore center Kaleeb Wesson, has missed the last three games due to suspension but is expected to be back here. 

I still don't think that'll be enough for the Buckeyes though, facing a red hot Indiana team more or less forced to win to have any change of making the NCAA Tournament. 

8* play on Indiana Hoosiers. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NHL): MIKE'S TOP RATED 10* NHL MONEYLINE

Two slumping teams will clash at Rogers Arena Wednesday night as the Vancouver Canucks host the New York Rangers.

The Nucks have dropped five of their last six, but they were sizable underdogs (+150 or more) in all those six games and all but two of those contests were on the road. They beat Anaheim 4-0 their last game closing as a favorite and have had three days to rest and recover since taking a 6-2 loss to Vegas Saturday night. 

The New York Rangers on the other hand will be playing their third game in four nights after taking a 3-2 OT loss at Edmonton Monday night. They've lost seven of their last eight, with the lone win during that stretch as a -175 favorite against New Jersey. The Rangers are 7-20 in their last 27 games as a road underdog of +110 to +150. 

Great spot to back the Canucks to get a much needed win.

10* play on Vancouver Canucks. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

The Memphis Grizzlies turned over a lot of their roster at the trade deadline, but that have only had a positive effect so far. They enter this contest as winners of four of their last five (5-0 ATS), with the lone SU loss as a 10-point underdog at Oklahoma City. 

Here the Grizzlies will be playing on two days rest since a 105-97 win over Orlando on Sunday and are 10-3 ATS in their last 13 games playing on two days rest.

The Atlanta Hawks will also play on two days rest after snapping a three-game losing streak with a 128-116 win over New Orleans on Sunday. They're 6-19-1 ATS in their last 26 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points though, and note that the Hawks are playing with some minute restrictions for key players late in the season. 

With both teams well rested I expect to see aggressive defense from both sides, and that will fit Memphis and its superior defense just fine. Take Grizzlies. 

10* play on Memphis Grizzlies. 

TOP RATED 10* PISTONS @ NETS BOOKIE BREAKER

The Detroit Pistons are one of the hottest teams in the NBA with 12 wins through their last 14 games. They'll be playing on no rest tonight but didn't have to burn all that much fuel in their 131-108 rout of the Chicago Bulls early Sunday afternoon. 

Coach Dwane Casey could afford to rest Blake Griffin, Andre Drummond and Reggie Jackson for the entire fourth quarter after finishing the third with a 23-point lead. "That was huge, because we're playing in Brooklyn tomorrow and then we go to Miami," Casey said. "We're not in a position to use what they are calling load management to give our players a night off, so being able to sit them in the fourth is a bonus."

The Brooklyn Nets have followed a three-game skid with three straight wins, but they've mostly been taking advantage of lesser teams and are just 1-5 ATS through that six-game stretch. 

This is an important contest for both teams with 6th-placed Detroit just 1/2 game ahead of the 7th-placed Brooklyn in the Eastern Conference standings and both teams looking to distance themselves from the playoff bubble. The road team is 7-0 ATS in the last seven meetings, and I'm well happy to take the points on the white hot Pistons here. 

10* play on Detroit Pistons. 

TOP RATED 10* CBB BOOKIE BLASTER

The Ball State Cardinals have been absolutely atrocious against the spread lately, failing to cover in each of their last seven games and going 3-14 ATS through their last 17. 

Here they'll face an Eastern Michigan team that won the last meeting in the series 68-61 on March 5 and have covered the spread in each of their last three games. 

The Eagles fell 64-58 at Toledo last time out (as a 10-point dog), but note that they're 6-1 ATS after scoring 60 points or fewer this season and 4-1 ATS in their last five games following a straight up loss. 

Great spot to back Eastern Michigan to bounce back with a big performance against a reeling Ball State side. 

10* play on Eastern Michigan Eagles. 

TOP RATED 10* SUNDAY NIGHT NBA TOTAL 

The Phoenix Suns will head to Oakland with their heads held high as they had won three on the bounce before taking a 127-120 loss at Portland on Saturday. Under is 8-4 in Phoenix games with total of 230+ points this season and I think we'll see a relatively low-scoring affair as they visit the Golden State Warriors Sunday night. 

The Suns had allowed just 103.3 ppg during their winning streak and limited the Milwaukee Bucks to 105 points Monday night. Here they'll face a Golden State Warriors team that is coming off a 122-105 win over Denver to make it six unders through their last seven games. The Warriors have not played particularly well of late and will most likely not do much more than needed to get the W here. 

Golden State claimed the first meeting of the season 117-107 about a month ago and has won 18 straight meetings in the series. The Warriors have outscored Phoenix by an average of 16.4 points during that stretch, and I think we'll see Golden State run up the score early and then slow down the tempo in the 4th quarter. Who will cover is tough to say as the Suns might get the backdoor cover, but I'm confident this game will stay under the total. 

10* play on UNDER. 

TOP RATED 10* BIG TEN BOOKIE BREAKER

The Wisconsin Badgers are coming off a dominant 65-45 win over Iowa. They're 6-2 ATS in their last eight games vs. a team with a winning straight up record and I expect the Badgers to win and cover the spread here at Ohio State Sunday afternoon. 

The Buckeyes have lost five of their last seven and have averaged just 50.5 ppg in back-to-back blowout losses, by 35 points at Purdue and 18 at Northwestern. That two-game slide has coincided with the suspension of their leading scorer and rebounder in sophomore Kaleb Wesson who will be forced to sit this one out as well. 

Buckeyes are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600 and 1-5 ATS in their last six home games vs. a team with a winning road record. 

OSU's woes without Wesson continues and Wisconsin runs away with this game.

10* play on Wisconsin Badgers. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (SOCCER)

Manchester United's transformation since replacing Jose Mourinho with caretaker manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been has nothing short of extraordinary. They've won 15 of 18 games under OSG, travelled to Paris without 10 players and still managed to knock out PSG of the Champions League with a 3-1 victory Wednesday. 

Nothing is impossible for the Red Devils at the moment, and you better believe the players will be fired up for this rivalry game with Arsenal. Playing at Emirates sure won't scare the visitors who are on a club record run of nine successive away victories in all competitions, and we can note that Arsenal took a 3-1 loss at Rennes i the Europa League on Thursday. 

10* play on Manchester United. 

EARLY TOP RATED 10* NBA DAYTIME DESTROYER

The Sacramento Kings are desperate for wins to stay in contention for a postseason berth. They have lost four of their last five but a tough schedule has been a factor. The Kings only win during that stretch 115-108 home triumph over the New York Knicks on March 4, and I think they'll pick up an easy win here at MSG Saturday afternoon.  

The Kings are just 12-18 SU on the road overall but 5-1 SU and ATS as road favorites. They're 8-2-1 in their last 11 road games overall and 9-3 last 12 games following a straight up loss, which they are here after taking a tight loss to Boston Wednesday night.

The Knickerbockers are 2-7 ATS in their last nine home games vs. a team with a losing road record. They took a 107-96 loss to Phoenix last time out and are 4-9 ATS in their last 13 games following a straight up loss. As an organization. the Knicks have very little incentive to win games as they rather look to improve their chances of getting the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft. 

10* play on Sacramento Kings.

GAME OF THE YEAR (CBB): MIKE'S TOP RATED EARLY BIG 12 BET

I absolutely love the Texas Longhorns home at Frank Erwin Center Saturday afternoon. The visiting TCU Horned Frogs are a complete mess, entering this contest as losers of six of their last seven games (SU and ATS). The Longhorns will smell blood and not doubt look forward to the opportunity to revenge a 65-61 loss at TCU back in January. 

We can also note that a Longhorns win would put them at .500 in conference play for some additional motivation for the home team.  

Texas is 1-3 SU through its last four games but had covered the spread in four straight prior to a blowout loss at Texas Tech last time out.

The Longhorns are 5-0 ATS in their last five games following a straight up loss and put a 69-57 beating on Oklahoma State their last time out as a favorite to improve to 5-1 ATS L6 as favorites.

10* play on Texas Longhorns.  

GAME OF THE MONTH (NBA): MIKE'S TOP RATED TOTAL

The Golden State Warriors are in need of a solid defensive outing following a 128-95 blowout loss to Boston Tuesday night. Only one of their last six games have gone over the total total and under is 8-2 in Warriors last 10 games after allowing more than 125 points in their previous game. Tonight they'll face Denver team that seen each of its last seven games go under the total.

Both the Nuggets and the Warriors are obviously very capable of putting up good numbers, but neither side is playing particularly well at the moment. I expect to see a tight playoff-like affair as they jostle for the top spot in the conference and home-court advantage throughout the Western playoffs. 

10* play on UNDER. 

TOP RATED 10* BIG TEN BOOKIE BREAKER

This looks like a great time to back the Maryland Terrapins as they seek to rebound from back-to-back losses to Penn State and Michigan. They're 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games following a ATS loss and have covered the spread in six of the last eight meetings with the Minnesota Golden Gophers (including a 82-67 win on Jan. 8). 

The Golden Gophers are in a letdown spot following a 73-69 upset victory over ninth-ranked Purdue on Tuesday. Minnesota is just 6-15 ATS in its last 21 games following a ATS win and I expect the home team to run up the score here at XFINITY Center Friday night.

10* play on Maryland Terrapins. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (CBB): MIKE'S BEST BIG EAST TOTAL

The Creighton Bluejays host the Providence Friars at CHI Health Center Omaha Wednesday night. Under is 8-1 in the last nine meetings, and I think this will be another relatively low-scoring affair.

Providence had played back-to-back unders (against St. John's and Marquette) before going over at Butler last time out, but only because the game went to OT.

Under is 10-1 in Friars last 11 vs. a team with a winning straight up record, and here it'll face a Creighton team that held conference-leading Marquette to 60 points last time out.

Under is 3-0 in Bluejays games where they held their previous opponent to 60 point or fewer this season and 9-1 in their last 10 overall.

10* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA): MIKE'S TOP RATED NBA SIDE

The Detroit Pistons are playing their best basketball of the season right and have won nine of their last 11 after defeating Toronto 112-107 on Sunday.

They're 7-1 ATS in their last eight games playing on two days rest, and here they'll take on a reeling Minnesota team that had lost four of five prior to an 11-point triumph over OKC Tuesday night.

Detroit has covered the spread in seven straight meetings in the series, and with momentum and rest favoring the Pistons I expect nothing less than a blowout win for the home team here at Little Caesars Arena Wednesday night. 

10* play on Detroit Pistons. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (NHL)

The Montreal Canadiens enter Tuesday in the second wild-card slot in the Eastern Conference and had won four of six games before Saturday taking a 5-1 home loss to Pittsburgh on Saturday. They're 4-0 in their last four games playing on two days rest, 23-7 in their last 30 games following a home loss of three or more goals and 5-1 in their last six games as a road favorite. 

Here the Habs will face a LA Kings side that is in a major letdown spot after snapping a 10-game losing streak with a 6-3 victory over Chicago on Saturday. "Just awesome," All-Star defenseman Drew Doughty proclaimed after the streak-busting victory. "It feels really good. But it's hard to look past all those losses we had." 

I really don't expect LA to go on a run, and this looks like a more than reasonable price on a motivated Montreal team. 

10* play on Montreal Canadiens. 

TOP RATED 10* SEC BASKET BRAWLER

The Kentucky Wildcats took a 71-52 loss at No. 4 Tennessee on Saturday to fall to third place in the SEC standings. They're still 10-4 ATS through their last four games, and here the Wildcats will face an Ole Miss Rebels side they've owned in recent years, winning nine in a row straight up while going 6-1 ATS through the last seven meetings. 

Ole Miss lost a heart breaker 74-73 to Arkansas on Saturday for its third loss in four games. I think the Rebels find it extremely tough to reset mentally and bounce back against an angry Cats side that lost in a blowout last time out. 

Kentucky senior forward senior forward Reid Travis has missed the last three games after injuring his knee in a win over Missouri on Feb 16. "That’s all up to the medical staff," Wildcats assistant coach Tony Barbee said Monday when asked if Travis could return for this contest. I don't expect Travis to play tonight (if he plays it's just a bonus), but Kentucky has enough quality to win and cover the spread here either way. 

10* play on Kentucky Wildcats. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

The Chicago Bulls have played slightly better lately than their 18-46 record would indicate in winning five of their last seven games. They have however still struggled against tough opposition and are 1-4 ATS in their last five games vs. a team with a winning % above .600. 

Here the Bulls will face an Indiana Pacers team that sits 3rd in the East with 41-23 record, but will be desperate to get back on track after dropping three of their last four games.

The Pacers took a 117-112 loss to the Orlando Magic last time out and Pacers coach Nate McMillan was not pleased with his players' mentality. "You can talk about a call, but after you talk about that call, you've got to get back to calm," McMillan said to the Indianapolis Star. "The officiating was a distraction. There's been a couple games since this (All-Star) break where we are looking at the officiating. We kind of get drunk on emotions out there. Everything is rushing. You're not clear about what you need to do."

The Pacers are 7-0 ATS in their last seven home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400 and 22-9 ATS in their last 31 games following a straight up loss. I think McMillan will have his team ready to go for this one. 

10* play on Indiana Pacers. 

TOP RATED 10* BIG 12 BASKET BRAWLER

To say that the No. 11 Texas Red Raiders are red hot would be an understatement. They enter this contest on a seven-game winning streak during which they're 6-1 ATS and they've put up 80+ points in four straight games. 

On Saturday Texas Tech shot 56.9 percent from the field to earn an 81-66 victory at TCU. The Red Raiders can not afford to take a breather just yet though as  Kansas State is keeping pace with them atop the Big 12 standings. 

The visiting Texas Longhorns are in a letdown spot after ending a two-game slide with a dominant 17-point win over Iowa State on Saturday. Easy play on the home team here IMO. 

10* play on Texas Tech Red Raiders. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

The Brooklyn Nets are holding on to 7th place in the Eastern Conference despite a three-game slide (SU and ATS). They'll need to get back to their winning ways ASAP though with several teams within striking distance behind.

"This is kind of like playoff time and teams raise their level, so just playing good defense isn't good enough," Nets coach Kenny Atkinson said after Saturday's 117-88 setback at Miami. "We have to take another step up, and the contests have to be a little better, the individual defense has got to be a little better. We've got to turn it up a notch. Just being OK, or good isn't good enough right now with teams desperate to get in the playoffs."

I like the Nets to put an end the slide tonight as they take on a Dallas team which heads to Brooklyn with six losses (SU and ATS) in its last seven games. The Mavs took a 111-81 beating by Memphis last time out. That loss came at home, and now they'll have to go on the road where they're a pathetic 6-24 SU on the season.   

The Mavericks won the first meeting of the season 119-113 home in Dallas back in November. The Nets are 25-12 ATS in revenge spots this season and I expect a blowout win for the home team in this contest. 

10* play on Brooklyn Nets. 

TOP RATED 10* NHL MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Winnipeg Jets recorded a 5-3 win over Nashville on Friday, but they've won just four of their last 12 games and have not recorded back-to-back wins for three weeks. 

Here they'll face a Columbus Blue Jackets team that will be looking to bounce back from a 4-0 loss to Edmonton on Saturday for their second loss in three games. "It's below our standard, which can't happen this time of year," Columbus forward Nick Foligno said following the defeat. "We're moving right by it. I'm not gonna pick it apart, talk about what's good or bad, we're moving right by it,"  coach John Tortorella told reporters.

The favorite is 6-2 in the last eight meetings, and I think the price is right to back the home team to come through with a win despite the rest disadvantage. 

10* play on Columbus Blue Jackets. 

TOP RATED 10* WOLVES @ WIZARDS BOOKIE BREAKER

We'll see two reeling teams desperate to get back on track and remain relevant in the playoff hunt clash at Capital One Arena Sunday night. The Minnesota Timberwolves are heading to D.C. with just one win through their last four games, but they're still in better shape than the Wizards who are 1-5 through their last six. 

The Wolves have had two days off since a 122-115 loss at Indiana on Thursday. Karl-Anthony Towns scored a season-high 42 points in the loss and has averaged 37.7 points, 18.7 rebounds and 4.0 assists over the past three games. The Wolves are 6-2 ATS in their last eight games overall and 4-1 ATS in their last five road games vs. a team with a winning home record.

The Wizards took a 107-96 loss at Boston Friday night and are just 2-7 ATS in their last nine games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points.

Minnesota is 12-6 ATS when the total is greater than or equal to 230 while the Wizards are 6-10 ATS in such spots.

10* play on Minnesota Timberwolves. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA): MIKE'S TOP RATED EASTERN CONF TOTAL

This will be the 2nd leg of a back-to-back set for the Detroit Pistons, but they didn't have to spend too much energy in a comfortable 129-93 win over the short-handed Cleveland Cavaliers Saturday afternoon. 

Under is 25-8-1 in their last 34 games playing on zero days rest and the Pistons should have plenty of gas left in the tank to play good defense in this matchup with the Toronto Raptors. "We played as well as we expected," Detroit coach Dwane Casey said. "I wouldn't put anything into the amount of points or the point differential. I promise it's not going to be that type of game tomorrow."

Toronto is coming off a high-scoring 119-117 triumph over Portland Friday night, but they had played two straight unders prior to that and under is 7-2 in their last nine vs. Eastern Conference foes. 

The Pistons defeated the Raptors 106-104 in Toronto on Nov. 14 and under is 3-1-1 in the last five meetings in the series.

10* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (CBB): MIKE'S BIG TEN ATS ANNIHILATOR

The No. 17 Maryland Terrapins took a 78-61 beating at Penn State on Wednesday, perhaps a result of looking ahead to this matchup with the No. 9 Michigan Wolverines home at XFINITY Center Sunday afternoon. 

They'll face a Michigan team that is coming off an 82-53 rout of Nebraska and has covered the spread in 11 of its last 15 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. 

The Wolverines recorded a 65-52 win over Maryland on Feb. 16 and are 11-2 ATS in their last 13 Sunday games. The Terrapins are 1-6-1 ATS in their last eight Sunday games.

Michigan is allowing just 58.2 ppg on the season, and the Terps shooting was far from sharp last time out, going just 2-of-19 from downtown. The visitors superior defense will earn them the win here. 

10* play on Michigan Wolverines. 

GAME OF THE YEAR (CBB): MIKE'S BEST 2018/2019 REG SEASON TOTAL

The No. 4 Kentucky Wildcats put an 86-69 beating on the No. 7 Tennessee Volunteers three weeks ago and have won an additional three straight games since. They've played great defense during that four-game stretch, holding opponents to an average of 61.5 ppg. 

The Vols had won 19 straight prior to that defeat, and you better believe the home side will be angry and hungry for revenge here in the rematch at Thompson-Boling Arena Saturday afternoon. They've struggled to put points on the board lately though, scoring just an average of 70 ppg through their last four contests (including an 80 point OT outing at LSU). 

Under is 7-1 in Wildcats last eight overall and 13-5-2 in Volunteers last 20 vs. a team with a winning straight up record. Under is 13-5-2 in the last 20 meetings.

Kentucky, Tennessee, and LSU are tied at the top of the SEC with identical 13–2 records, so this is a lot at stake here. I expect to see a tense, low-scoring affair. 

10* play on UNDER. 

TOP RATED 10* CLIPPERS @ KINGS BOOKIE BREAKER

This is a huge contest for both teams with the LA Clippers two games ahead of the Sacramento Kings for the final Western Conference playoff spot. 

The Clippers took a 111-105 loss at Utah on Wednesday and have found it hard to get in the groove since trading leading scorer Tobias Harris to Philadelphia at the trading deadline. 

The Kings will be even more desperate for a win after losing four of their last five, the most recent a 141-140 OT home loss to Milwaukee on Wednesday. They've been underdogs in all those five games though and beat Phoenix by 13 points their lsat game as a favorite. On the season, Sacramento is 14-1 SU and 13-2 ATS as a favorite. 

The Clippers have won 13 straight meetings at Sacramento, but the Kings are having a solid season and I think the value is on the home team in this matchup. 

10* play on Sacramento Kings. 

TOP RATED 10* CBB ATS ANNIHILATOR

The Quinnipiac Bobcats beat St. Peter's by 19 points home at People's United Center about a month ago. They're coming off a 68-56 triumph at Monmouth-NJ to improve to perfect 4-0 SU and ATS through their last four on the road and the the Bobcats are a solid 10-4 ATS away from home on the season. 

I don't think they'll have any trouble to take care of business here Friday night, facing a Peacocks team that may have won back-to-back games but had lost eight straight prior to that. 

St. Peter's is just 4-7-1 ATS at home on the season and has dropped four of its last five home at Yanitelli Center outright. 

10* play on Quinnipiac Bobcats. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA): MIKE'S TOP RATED SIDE

This looks like too many points for the Golden State Warriors to cover. They're 1-7 ATS through their last eight games overall will be playing on no rest here following a 126-125 loss at Miami last night. Warriors are 0-5-1 ATS in their last six games playing on zero days rest and 3-13 ATS in their last 16 Thursday night games.

The Magic have won eight of their last 11 contests overall and are 6-2 ATS L8 despite a lackluster outing last time out, a five-point loss at New York. It's very likely the Magic looked past the lowly Knicks though, and I have no doubt they'll be fired up for this matchup with the reigning champions. 

Golden State has won 11 straight vs. Orlando but won by just six home in Oakland back in November. Bank on the host to keep it close at Amway Center Thursday night. 

10* play on Orlando Magic. 

TOP RATED 10* PACERS @ MAVERICKS BASKET BRAWLER

The Indiana Pacers have won eight of their last 10 straight up but took a 113-109 loss at Detroit on Monday to fall to 3-9 ATS in their last 12 road games. Here they'll visit a Mavericks team that is 20-10 SU and 19-10-1 ATS home at American Airlines Center, and I'm well happy to back the home team in this matchup. 

The Mavs certainly won't lack motivation as they seek to end a five-game SU and ATS slide. They've played a tough schedule lately though and were without rookie sensation Luka Doncic (ankle) for a couple of games. Doncic was back in action Monday and contributed 28 points in Dallas' 121-112 road loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. 

Note that Dallas will be seeking to avenge a 12-point loss at Indiana back in January and that the Mavs are 24-14 ATS in revenge spots this season.

10* play on Dallas Mavericks. 

TOP RATED 10* MARYLAND @ PENN STATE BOOKIE BREAKER

The Maryland Terrapins picked up a 66-65 triumph at Iowa last time out on the road on Feb 19 to improve to 8-3 ATS in their last 11 road games and followed that up with a 10-point triumph over Ohio last Saturday.

The Nittany Lions have won three of their last four following an 83-76 win at Illinois on Saturday, but they're 3-8 ATS in their last 11 home games and 2-6-1 ATS in their last nine games following a straight up win.

Maryland is 7-1 ATS and Penn State 0-3 ATS in games with a total of 130 - 139.5 points this season. 

The Terps won the first meeting of the season 66-59 without even playing that well, and they've covered the spread in each of the last three meetings with Penn State. I think the visitors will come through with a win here. 

10* play on Maryland Terrapins. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NHL): MIKE'S TOP RATED MONEYLINE

The Calgary Flames travel to New York riding a five-game winning streak, including a 4-2 win over New York Islanders last Wednesday. It's however worth noting that the Flames were heavily favored in all but one of those games, and I think this looks like a good spot to back the Islanders to get revenge. 

The Flames barely squeeked by the Senators at Ottawa as a -225 favorite on Sunday, scoring the winning goal with just 41 seconds left in regulation. They are 3-12 in their last 15 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600, and here the Flames will run into an Islanders team that is a solid 18-7-1 as a home team on the season and blanked the Canucks in a 4-0 triumph at Vancouver last time out.

The favorite is 9-1 in the last 10 meetings, and I expect that team to the Islanders come game time. 

10* play on New York Islanders. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (CBB): MIKE'S TOP RATED ACC TOTAL

The Under is 8-2 in the Duke Blue Devils last 10, 18-6-2 in their last 26 and 7-0 in their last seven Tuesday night games. 

Zion Williamson (knee sprain) has been ruled out for this contest and I expect another relatively low-scoring contest for the Blue Devils tonight as they face a Virginia Tech team that held Notre Dame to 32.8 percent shooting from the field in a 67-59 triumph last time out. 

Under is 13-3 in Hokies last 16 vs. a team with a winning straight up record and 13-3 in the last 16 meetings with Duke. 

10* play on UNDER. 

TOP RATED 10* BIG 12 BOOKIE BREAKER

This looks like a good spot to back No. 12 Kansas Jayhawks as they need a quick bounce back from an embarrassing 91-62 loss at Texas Tech on Saturday. 

It was their worst loss in a Big 12 game in the 16-year Bill Self era, and I think KU will come out sharp tonight. "Coach talked about getting ready for K-State. He said, ‘Can’t get this one back. Worry about the next one.’ I think we’ll bounce back pretty well," KU junior forward Dedric Lawson said, adding, "Sometimes a loss can be a blessing in disguise."

On the other end of the spectrum we have a Kansas State Wildcats team in a letdown spot after beating Oklahoma State by 39 points last time out. It's also worth noting that the Jayhawks will be seeking to avenge a 74-67 loss in Manhattan, Kansas on Feb. 5. 

The Jayhawks are 8-0 ATS in their last eight games following a straight up loss of more than 20 points and the favorite is 18-6-2 ATS in the last 26 meetings with Kansas State.

10* play on Kansas Jayhawks. 

TOP RATED 10* BIG EAST BOOKIE BREAKER

The Villanova Wildcats recorded an 85-75 triumph over Xavier on January 18, and I think another matchup with the Musketeers will help them end a two-game slide (losing as favorites at St. John's and Georgetown). 

The Wildcats are still 9-3 ATS in their last 12 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600 and here they'll face a Xavier team that is often overrated by the books home at Cintas Center, going 5-11-3 ATS in its last 19 home games. The Musketeers are on a nice run having won three on the bounce, but they had lost and failed to cover the spread in six straight prior to that. 

Villanova is one game behind Big East-leading Marquette while Xavier is trying to stay in contention for the big dance, so neither team will lack motivation. I think Villanova will prove too strong though and I'm happy to give the points and back the visitors.

10* play on Villanova Wildcats. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NHL)

The New York Islanders look like great value here at Vancouver as they seek to end a two-game slide, first losing 4-2 at Calgary followed with a tough 4-3 OT loss at Edmonton. 

"It's a couple of tough games for us, it's going to be important here that we bounce back and re-focus and get back to playing the way we need to play," defenseman Ryan Pulock said after the most recent defeat. 

Here the Islanders will face a reeling Vancouver team that is 2-5-2 in its last nine games and just lost at home to the Arizona Coyotes. The Islanders are 5-1 in the last six meetings and should get the job done once again.

10* play on New York Islanders. 

TOP RATED 10* BIG EAST BOOKIE BREAKER

The Georgetown Hoyas are coming off an impressive 85-73 upset win over Villanova. They still have their work cut out for they want to make the NCAA Tournament, and a loss here would be devastating. "We have to build on this, it can't be just a one-game thing," coach Patrick Ewing told the media. "We have five more games to go and our dreams and our goals are to make the NCAA Tournament."

Creighton had lost four straight before finally breaking out of the slump with a 79-67 win at DePaul last time out. The Bluejays are 8-6 SU but just 5-8 ATS at home on the season and 3-9 ATS in their last 12 games overall vs. a team with a winning % above .600.

Creighton has won each of the last four meetings SU (3-1 ATS), but I would not be surprised to see Georgetown winning this one straight up and I'm well happy to take the points on the visitors in this matchup. 

10* play on Georgetown Hoyas. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA): MIKE'S TOP RATED TOTAL

The Nuggets won the first meeting of the season 126-118 home at Pepsi Center, but I think we'll see far fewer points on the board here in the rematch at Dallas Friday night. 

Under is 15-5-1 in the Mavs last 21 overall and they' allowed just 106.3 ppg home at American Airlines Center. Denver meanwhile is playing just .500 basketball on the road, and one reason is a big drop in points scored compared to home, 107.7 ppg vs. 112.0 ppg). 

Also keep in mind that this is both teams first game back from the All Star break, so rust and sloppy shooting can be expected.

10* play on UNDER. 

TOP RATED 10* MID-AMERICAN BOOKIE BREAKER TOTAL

The Buffalo Bulls are coming off a 114-67 rout of Ohio and have played three straight overs. They're scoring an average of 85.8 ppg overall which ballons to 90.3 ppg in front of the home town crowd at Alumni Arena. 

The Kent State Golden Flashes took an 84-74 loss at Central Michigan last time out and over is 7-2 in their nine games vs. teams that averages 77+ points/game. 

Over is 9-3 in the Bulls last 12 Friday night games and I think points will come fast and easy for both sides in this contest. 

10* play on OVER. 

TOP RATED 10* PAC-12 BOOKIE BREAKER

The Washington Huskies are a perfect 5-0 SU and ATS home at Alaska Airlines Arena in PAC-12 play this season.

Here they get get an opportunity to show off for the home town crowd for the first time in almost three weeks, and I expect the home team to come out focused and run away with this game rather comfortably. 

Utah had a three-game winning streak come to an end with a 98-87 home loss to Arizona State on Saturday and has given up 90+ points in two of its last three games. Sure, Utah can put points on the board, but such sloppy defending will make it extremely difficult to keep up with a Washington side that has averaged 73.3 ppg while holding opponents to 59.9 ppg for a +13.4 point differential in its own building.

The Utes took a 69-53 beating by Washington as a 1.5-point home underdog on January 10. They are 3-10 ATS in their last 13 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600 while the Huskies are 7-1-1 ATS in their last nine games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.

10* play on Washington Huskies.