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At times this season Loyola Chicago has looked like the best team in the Atlantic 10. Yet, oddsmakers have ignored a clear rest advantage in today’s matchup against Saint Louis. The Ramblers will be stepping on the court for the first time in six days, while the Billikens played yesterday. That has to do with Saint Louis controlling both matchups this year against Loyola Chicago. They defeated them by 31 points on March 1st, and had Loyola on the ropes in the first matchup late before folding in the final minutes. Take the Billikens who probably are the most confident against Loyola then any other A-10 team.

A neutral site spread that seems steep is Boise State against San Diego State. On assumption this spread would figure to be closer to a pick based on their seasons, and the fact San Diego State blew out Boise 64-47. Since the Broncos made lineup changes and won five of their final six games. Look for those lineup changes to spark Boise State as they revenge their loss to the Aztecs.

Teams on poor streaks going into conference tournaments often have new life. For South Florida they have lost seven of eight games. They’ll face a Wichita State team they played well during their two matchups, a 19 point victory and close five point loss. The Shockers may have had the big upset win over Memphis, but were susceptible just 8-10 in conference. Grab the points here with South Florida.

For the Phoenix Suns time is running out on closing the gap and sliding a spot in the play-in. They blew a golden opportunity in their last matchup against a depleted Grizzlies team and lost by two points. Overall though they have fought on their current road trip. They took Denver to overtime and covered the number against Dallas. As impressive as the Rockets are on their home floor, give me the Suns to fight within the number.

The SEC tournament will once again be hosted in Nashville, which is the city of Vanderbilt’s campus. While the Commodores may have a fan edge against Texas, they may have peaked with a three game winning streak over ranked teams in Ole Miss, Texas A&M, and Missouri. They concluded the season with back to back losses where they have struggled defensively. Grab Texas to avenge their earlier loss to Vanderbilt and cover the small number. 

The Horizon League championship will take place tonight against Youngstown State and Robert Morris. Both teams had to come from behind in tough victories in their semi-finals matchups yesterday. Look for the Colonials to finish off a tremendous run where they have won 15 of 16 games. A lower spread here based on Youngstown State defeating Robert Morris by 14 points and losing by just two in the second matchup. Different outcome tonight, lay it with Robert Morris.

The Philadelphia 76ers have lost twelve out of the last thirteen games. Despite that they are sizable favorites today against the Utah Jazz, and this will likely be the last instance of the season as this big of a favorite. Utah is also short handed and typically East coast road trips take their toll on Western Conference teams. Grab the home favorite here in Philadelphia.

Of the remaining four teams in the Southern Conference bracket, it’s clear which team does not belong. VMI has a 15-18 record and finished below .500 in conference play. They will take on a Wofford team that clicked on all cylinders in yesterday’s win over East Tennessee State. The Terriers also defeated Wofford on February 19th 82-43, in one of the most lopsided conference losses of the entire season. Yet, they defeated Wofford in January, and I believe can hang around enough to cover a steep spread. Grab the points here.

The Miami Heat will host the Chicago Bulls tonight in a back to back spot. For the Heat they have been playing solid basketball lately. They pushed the Cavaliers in a close loss, took the Knicks to overtime, and had another close loss yesterday against the Timberwolves. Better competitive play I expect to be on the showcase for the Heat against a Bulls team they should have the edge on both defense and offense. Take the Heat.

Today out in the SWAC I’m expecting a slow start in the first half to hit Alabama State. It may come pre-half as the Hornets are coming off defeating Southern for the second time this season, who are the top team in the SWAC. Grambling State gave Alabama State a rare double digit loss early this season when they won by ten points. Closer game but same result as Grambling State gets the win.

The WCC conference tournament continues Friday with two matchups. All four of Pepperdine’s conference wins came against the bottom two teams in the league in Pacific and San Diego. They were 0-14 against everyone else, including today’s opponent in Portland. In both defeats they lost by twenty points, but did lead in last week’s matchup by four points at halftime. Look for the Waves to play a more complete game this time around, and cover the small number.

Conference tournaments are underway today throughout the country. Out in Las Vegas the WCC’s first game will be San Diego versus Pacific. The Toreros had just two conference wins the entire season but showed competitive spirit over their final five games. This resulted in ending their sixteen game losing streak in a victory over Portland to end the year. Pacific is also a good opponent for the Toreros who they split the season series against. Take the points here with San Diego.

A year after being the darlings of the NCAA tournament, the NC State Wolfpack have sunk to the bottom of the ACC. They are just 4-14 in league play and will not be apart of the ACC tournament. This gives a little extra incentive to the upperclassmen to finish out the season on a positive note. Their last two home games they have won against Wake Forest and Boston College. Look for good effort once again on their home floor as home underdogs against Pittsburgh.

Today, the Atlantic Sun conference tournament continues for a second day of action. Time and time again postseason play harkens the phrase a team will have a hard time defeating the same opponent a third time. Typically in college basketball that task would be reserved for a neutral court setting. Not in the Atlantic Sun as Jacksonville hosts an Eastern Kentucky team they defeated in both matchups. Expect the atmosphere on their home court to put a bit of pressure on the home team. Take the underdog here in Eastern Kentucky.

The Governors have two recent ugly losses against the worst teams in the Atlantic Sun, a 6-25 West Georgia team, and a 5-26 Bellarmine team. Yet, Austin Peay defeated North Florida by eight points in the first matchup, and a big factor for me is today’s arena. North Florida which ranks tops in college basketball in three pointers made per game, shot poorly from beyond the arc at Flowers arena in the regular season (8 for 33). Take Austin Peay as the line move went the wrong way here.

Illinois has dropped out of the Top 25, and now surprisingly has double digit losses with eleven overall. Often times in any sport once a great streak ends, the momentum fades for a mini stretch for that team. I’m expecting that here with Michigan who continues to toe the line of close wins, with their last nine wins by four points or fewer. Take the Illini here plus the points.

It has been a frustrating season for Greg Paulus and Niagara who saw their up and coming team last season, get hit hard by the transfer portal. The Purple Eagles have shown fight against top level teams in-conference, including defeating Quinnipiac. Three out of their last four losses have been by less then three points. Look for Manhattan to put an end as they build off their seven point win over Niagara earlier this season.

I’ve touched on Marist not playing up to the standards they have shown throughout MAAC conference play. The grind of playing a Friday to Sunday game catches all teams. Marist has had issues scoring in three out of their last four games where they have scored sixty four points or less. Saint Peter’s also held them to fifty six points in their first meeting. Take the underdog here with Saint Peters.

Out in the Southern Conference, Western Carolina has seen their defense suffer where opponents have scored 90 or more points in three straight games. They’ll take on a Mercer team they defeated in their first matchup 85 to 82.  That’s a confidence booster for the Catamounts, who also have incentive to be prepared for the SoCon conference tournament. This is a cemented round one matchup Friday on a neutral court in Asheville, North Carolina. Grab the points here with Western Carolina.

Out in the MEAC Coppin State travels to face Delaware State. In their first matchup the Eagles lost 84-61. Since that performance Coppin State has picked up two conference wins, and are now 5-21. From an ATS perspective take the Eagles, as Delaware State is in a mini slump ATS failing to cover in three straight. Grab the underdog with Coppin State.

Much like the Phoenix Suns the Miami Heat are untrustworthy on a game to game basis. Expect their success off a win against the Atlanta Hawks to be short lived. The Heat have not been successful in consecutive victories since January 27th. Grab the Pacers whose last three wins have been by double digits.

A team that is reeling in Sun Belt league play is Old Dominion. The Monarchs have dropped six straight games, and seven out of their last eight. Tonight they will take on a Coastal Carolina team that has shown life with two of three wins. Yet, on the season in smaller conference action one of the more lopsided games I’ve watched was the Monarchs 74-52 win over Coastal Carolina. It may not come as easy as the first matchup, but take the Monarchs to end their six game losing streak.

A pattern this season more then most is dominant conference teams have been winning as slight road underdogs. Tonight I’ll side step that notion with Sacred Heart hosting Marist. Marist sits atop the MAAC conference with a 13-3 record, but much like Michigan out of the Big Ten they win by close margins. Look for the Pioneers to take advantage and end the four game winning streak of Marist.

The Golden State Warriors are 6-1 since trading for Jimmy Butler. Post All Star break all three wins have been by 24 points or more. Today, they travel to Orlando and may get off to a slow start in the first game of the night, with the time zone change. Yet, Jimmy Butler is accustomed to facing the Magic, and Orlando has been woeful ATS against Western Conference teams. They are 0-6 ATS over their last six games against Western Conference opponents.

The Miami Heat have dropped six out of their last seven games. Throughout the down play they were favored in back to back road spots against Dallas and Atlanta. Expect that faith from the oddsmakers to come to fruition tonight, as the Heat are fully rested. It’s also a welcome home game as the Heat endured nine out of their last ten games on the road. Lay the small number here with the Heat.

Out in the Southern Conference Wofford finds themselves steep favorites over Western Carolina. Today’s spread is actually higher then their eight point road win in the first matchup against Western Carolina. The Catamounts just had their streak of six straight games of wins or losses by nine points or fewer snapped in a 21 point loss to Samford. After back to back games of giving up more then 90 points, lay it here with Wofford.

A misnomer in the betting markets is expecting a losing team to magically win facing a below average team. Lasalle has lost five straight games and has made the announcement that Coach Fran Dunphy will not return after the season. Inspirational play can be had by the Explorers but not enough to finish off the Dukes. Lay the road favorite here with Duquesne.

The Houston Rockets are coming off a down performance where they lost outright to the Utah Jazz. They are also dealing with Fred Van Vleet being out, and Dillon Brooks questionable with an illness. Still, the Bucks may be on a four game win streak but they have had to erase deficits to for comeback wins in their last three victories. Look for that dynamic to play its hand for the Rockets who are excellent on their home floor with an 18-9 record.

The Missouri Valley is one of the early conference tournaments that will begin in early March. A team like Indiana State knows their fate, but can still take advantage of finishing out the season on a positive note. They have lost four of five games but end the season with two opponents they can win against. Tonight’s opponent in Murray State they defeated by ten points as an early December 18th conference game. Take the points here with the Sycamores.

Two teams in the Atlantic Ten searching for momentum pre-conference tournament meet today in Saint Louis and Davidson. Saint Louis three weeks ago appeared as a possible threat to win the regular season conference title. They have since went 2-4 with road losses in are below .500 in league play on the road. Yet, Davidson has had issues starting and finishing games against above .500 teams in conference. Take Saint Louis here on the road.

One of the toughest spots in college basketball is bouncing back after a long streak ends. Akron had their 13-0 MAC conference streak snapped in a bad way losing by seventeen points to Ohio. This was seen coming as Akron had a couple of shaky performances prior. Look for the Zips to use that loss as a wake up call to avoid a downfall, as the MAC conference will be a one-bid conference tourney league winner only. Lay it here with Akron.

One of the strangest and strongest ATS streaks in all of college basketball lies in the SWAC with Florida A&M. They have covered eleven straight games, but are coming off a tough one point road loss on Saturday against Alabama State. Depending on offense to the level of their first matchup against Alabama A&M is where I believe the tide swings on their ATS streak. Look for the Bulldogs to play better defensively from the 95 points they surrendered in the first game. Take the home dog here with Alabama A&M.

Winning streaks that end on the road can carry extra on the spread in that first home game back. Kansas State had a strong six game winning streak before losing their last two games on the road against BYU and Utah. Expect Arizona State to fight hard to end their six game losing streak against a Wildcats team they lost by just one point at home. They also started that game with a 15 to 0 lead. Take Arizona State.

A lack of defense has hurt UMass in the Atlantic 10. They have dropped four out of their last five games, where they have declined offensively in three straight. This culminated in just a fifty one point performance against VCU. Yet, today’s matchup against George Washington has those factors included in the spread, and the market has driven it up further. Grab the points as the Minutemen had two conference victories by double digits, with one being against George Washington.

 Now at the back end of conference play opponents are seeing teams for a second time. Western Michigan after losing in the first matchup blew out the Buffalo Bulls by thirty three points on Tuesday. Look for Ball State to up their game from their thirteen point road victory over the Bulls earlier in conference. Lay the points.

The Penn State Nittany Lions are a showcase of how non-conference can be meaningless from a record stand point. After rolling to a 12-2 start, which included a win over Purdue, the Nittany Lions have won just two out of their last thirteen games. Today is an two-fold opportunity for Penn State, one they can get their first win streak since January 2nd. Secondly, they can avenge a home loss to Minnesota. Expect a tighter game as Penn State disrupts one of the top ATS teams in the country.

Every team has their vulnerability stretch in conference play. Out in the MAC that has occurred with Miami Ohio as they have lost two games in a row to lower level competition in Eastern and Western Michigan. They’ll need to regroup against a Kent State team that has won five straight games. Look for Miami Ohio to reenforce the defensive edge they had in the first matchup where they limited Kent State to just 61 points. Lay the small number here with the home team.

Tonight Northern Kentucky concludes their longest road trip of the season of three straight games. That sometimes can be a disadvantage, but the Horizon League is a conference where travel is minimal as all the schools are in close proximity. Wright State is also coming off one of the top poor losses of the season losing to Green Bay. Look for a slow start from the home team as Northern Kentucky covers the road number.

The first two matchups between the Celtics and 76ers have featured covers by Philadelphia. This included a matchup to begin the month of February where the Celtics traveled to Philadelphia, and found themselves down 26 points in the late third quarter. They stormed back to win by eight points. Look for the Celtics to avoid a repeat of two weeks ago, and get a resounding win over Philadelphia.

A spread that is certainly higher today based on a team’s latest game is Austin Peay at Queens. Austin Peay not only lost to a 3-24 Bellarmine team, but were annihilated 94-68. I’ll step in and buy on the dip on Austin Peay, who lost by seven in the first matchup against Queens. Grab the points here with the underdog.

A personnel angle of mine is to attack a side I lost in the first matchup. That is in play today as LeMoyne hosts St. Francis Pennsylvania. In the first matchup I mentioned the layoff of a full week for St. Francis, and that ended up being a huge catalyst for an explosive first half for the Red Flash. Yet, LeMoyne closed the gap and had a chance to tie late. They also come in on a two game winning streak, and will seek their first three game winning streak of the season. Lay it with LeMoyne.

One of the more flat performances in-conference this season was when Cincinnati hosted West Virginia. As 6.5 point favorites it was never a contest as West Virginia led by double digits halfway through the first half, and never looked back. That ugly performance sparked the Bearcats as they have won three out of their last four games. Offensively they have scored 70 or more points in four straight games. Take the Bearcats plus the points.

Two struggling teams will meet in the Atlantic 10, as LaSalle hosts the Richmond Spiders. Richmond began conference play 2-0, and has since dropped seven out of their last nine games. Since January 4th’s win at Mass, Richmond has dropped all four road conference games by double digits. Off a win Saturday against Fordham, look for the Spiders to take advantage of a rare opportunity for consecutive wins. Grab the points with Richmond.

Out in the Atlantic Sun Jacksonville will head on the road to take on Florida Gulf Coast. The Dolphins are 3-3 over their last six games, but still are in third place in the Atlantic Sun standings. Heading into their third road game in a row, expect Florida Gulf Coast to dictate the game early. After all they erased a 24 point deficit to comeback and defeat Jacksonville in the first matchup. Lay the points here with Gulf Coast.

Lamar has been on a great streak in Southland conference play where they have won seven out of their last eight games. During that stretch the one loss came playing in a Monday road spot, after playing on the road Saturday. That is the scenario tonight against a Northwestern State team I expect to perform better offensively then the fifty nine points scored in the first matchup against Lamar. Take Northwestern State.

St. Johns comes into today’s matchup with one loss in 2025, and that was their latest game against Villanova. Prior their last loss had been on New Year’s Eve to this Creighton team. It was a low scoring affair 57-56. I expect scoring to bump up tonight, but look for Creighton to hang around closer to the original spread of 4.5. Grab the points on the spread increase.

Out in Horizon League action Cleveland State will host Youngstown State.  The Vikings have had a dip in scoring over their last handful of games, and as a result come in having lost two of three.  Look for a get right spot on their home floor as they even the season series over Youngstown State. Lay the small number.

A team that is typically atop the Big South Conference is Longwood. While they have an above .500 record overall, they are below .500 in conference play after four straight losses. Presbyterian was their first conference opponent in what was an eight point win for the Blue Hose. As desperate as Longwood is grab the points for an underdog cover from Presbyterian.

For the second time in a week the Miami Heat had a disastrous fourth quarter performance. After a nine point fourth quarter performance against Brooklyn, the Heat dipped one point lower to the Thunder with eight fourth quarter points last night. Look for the Heat to take their frustrations out on the court tonight, against a Mavericks team that exerted a lot of energy in their win over the Warriors. The Heat are also getting more comfortable and adjusted to their new trade acquisitions in Andrew Wiggins and Davion Mitchell. Lay it with the Heat.

Out in the Ohio Valley Conference, Morehead State has dropped four out of their last five games. This includes three straight at home, and tonight they will embark on their first road game since January 25th. Yet, they scored a conference high 82 points in defeating Lindenwood on January 18th. Lindenwood has also had a steep drop off their last two games in second halves. They scored just 15 points through the first thirteen minutes in Saturday’s loss to Tennessee State, and six points through the first twelve second half minutes against UT Martin. Lay it with Morehead State. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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