Michael Alexander

Rating: 2 Units

The spread is currently set at 12 points in favor of Maryland and that arguably is not enough. With that in mind, the Terrapins are one of the hottest teams in both the Big 10 and in the entire nation. They improved to 10-5 in the conference after their win against Iowa and have won 9 of their last 11 games. The Terrapins have been dominant inside with their 2 big men Darik Queen and Julian Reece. We expect that pair to take over this game and lead Maryland to a blowout win. According to KenPom, USC’s defense is ranked 271st in two-point percentage and their offense is ranked 275th in rebounding percentage. We do not see the Trojans being good enough on the interior to keep this game close, so take Maryland win by double digits.

Rating: 2 Units

Ohio State is looking to wash the bad taste out of their collective mouths after an 86-83 loss at home against rival Michigan last Sunday. The Buckeyes have alternated losses and wins in each of the past 6 games since January 20. As far as the total is concerned, the Buckeyes know a thing about Over results lately, too. The total has cashed high in 3 in a row, while going 6-3 across the previous 9 outings. In this series between Northwestern and Ohio State, the Over is 4-2 in the previous 6 meetings since December 26, 2020, and it is 2-1 in the past 3 meetings in Columbus. Expect another high-scoring shootout between these teams once again.

NBA Free Pick - Phoenix at San Antonio

Rating: 1 Unit

San Antonio is 2-5 ATS in their last seven contests, averaging just 111 ppg in six games without Wembanyama this season. They’re 2-4 straight up without him with Phoenix winning the first head-to-head matchup at home 104-93 with Wemby active. The Spurs will likely keep it close throughout most of the game, but expect the Suns to pull away in the fourth quarter with San Antonio sitting bottom three in fourth quarter points scored per game at home on the season.

Michael is coming off yet another WINNER on the NBA hardwood and is now on a current run of 55-44 (56%) while making his $100 per unit clients OVER $1,000!  Join him tonight as he has a HUGE card of NBA WINNERS all lined up for the taking!

NBA Streak:   5-1   83%   $780.00

NBA Past 7 Days:   5-1   83%   $780.00

NBA Past 30 Days:   55-44   56%   $1030.00

Rating: 2 Units

The Trail Blazers have struggled with injuries all season long. Jerami Grant and Scoot Henderson could return against the Lakers, but Deandre Ayton will remain on the shelf for a few more weeks. On the other side, the Lakers need to figure out a few things following the Luka Doncic trade. They are thin at center, but this Los Angeles team can score and hit threes at a high level. Keep tracking the injury report because LeBron James was listed as questionable for Wednesday’s clash against Charlotte. Without Ayton, the Blazers will struggle to take full advantage of the Lakers’ flaws. Hereof, I’m backing Purple-and-Gold, although they have to deal with fatigue on the second night of a back-to-back. The Lakers are 4-0 SU and ATS in their last four dates with the Trail Blazers. 

Rating: 2 Units

This has blowout written all over it as the Hornets are on the end of a back-to-back and Denver is the worst place to play in this spot due to the altitude. The Nuggets are also as healthy as they've been in a while with the expected returns of Westbrook and Gordon. With all of that said, the Nuggets continue to play with their food at times, and it has led to some disappointing results. Also, despite the Hornets not being good, they're coming off a big upset over the Lakers and are now 9-3 ATS in their last 12 games as a double-digit underdog. Massive line. I'll take another shot with the Hornets.

Rating: 2 Units

With more than a week off after the All-Star Break, I expect Antetokounmpo to be in the lineup on Thursday night. The Clippers should be at full strength as well with the break, meaning Leonard should be available. The Bucks can flex their new lineup on Thursday with Kuzma, Giannis and Lillard all on the floor at the same time. Kuzma, at this stage of his career, is an upgrade from Middleton both offensively and defensively. Middleton has turned into more of a point forward for the Bucks this season while Kuzma will provide scoring and rebounding that the Bucks lack. They are currently just 25th in the NBA in rebounding but Kuzma should improve that number. The Bucks are ranked 12th in the NBA in scoring but will see a bump there as well. That will be critical against a Clippers team that defends well but struggles to put points up on the board, ranked 21st in the NBA in scoring. I'll take the Bucks at home here with more offensive punch and improved defense.

Rating: 2 Units

The Nets have won each of their eight previous games against the Cavaliers at Barclays Center following a win and have covered the spread in each of their last four night games against eastern Conference opponents that held a winning record. While the Cavaliers have failed to cover the spread in each of their last three games on the first leg of a back-to-back against the Nets.

Rating: 2 Units

The Memphis Grizzlies are not as dominant on the road where they are only three games above .500 on the season. They lost by 14 points against the Clippers in their previous game. The Indiana Pacers have won three of their past four home games. The Grizzlies defense has been shaky. They gave up 125 points against OKC and  128 points against the Clippers within their past three games. Indiana has the scoring punch to exploit them. Indiana is shooting a dazzling 48.8% on the season. I expect the Pacers to contain Memphis. They attempt an average of 36 threes per game and the Pacers are keeping opponents to 35.7% shooting from deep.

Rating: 2 Units

When UTEP's defense is not generating turnovers, the Miners have a massive issue defending the paint. In conference play, opponents are shooting 56-percent from two-point range against UTEP, which is five percent above the national average. Since New Years, Kennesaw is 9-4 against the spread. Look for the Owls to follow the blueprint that other conference foes have laid out in their second meeting against the Miners.