Sean Murphy

My selection is on Boston minus the points over Chicago at 8 pm ET on Saturday.

This is a prime bounce-back spot for the Celtics after suffering a stunning 117-108 loss to the Bulls as 14.5-point favorites in Boston two nights ago. While the Celtics have struggled against the spread recently, going 1-5 ATS over their last six contests, this matchup presents an opportunity for them to regroup and assert themselves against a surging Bulls squad.

Chicago enters this game riding high on the heels of three consecutive wins, but that momentum could set up a potential letdown here. The Bulls’ offensive output has been inconsistent, as evidenced by their inability to surpass 43 made field goals in four straight games. Meanwhile, Boston’s defense remains solid, having limited three straight opponents to 42 or fewer made field goals and achieving that mark in 10 of their last 12 outings.

With Boston eyeing a challenging upcoming schedule, including a matchup against Orlando on Monday and a marquee Christmas Day clash with the 76ers, expect the Celtics to sharpen their focus and deliver a strong performance to build confidence.

Take Boston. Projected score: Boston 120, Chicago 105.

My selection is on Purdue plus the points over Auburn at 4:30 pm ET on Saturday.

This matchup sets up well for Purdue to bounce back after a tough four-point loss against Texas A&M last week. The Boilermakers have had plenty of time to refocus and prepare for this high-profile clash. Purdue's ability to grind through adversity and its balanced approach should serve it well in this contest.

Auburn, meanwhile, is riding a wave of momentum with three straight wins, both SU and ATS, as part of an impressive start to the season. However, this game presents a much tougher challenge, as the Tigers face a disciplined and determined Purdue squad on a neutral floor in Birmingham. While Auburn has been sharp, it has not consistently faced teams of Purdue’s caliber, making this a potential trap spot.

Expect Purdue to make this game a battle, utilizing its size and ability to control the tempo. The Boilermakers have a track record of performing well in competitive settings and will relish the opportunity to challenge a red-hot Auburn team.

Take Purdue. Projected score: Auburn 74, Purdue 72.

My selection is on Creighton minus the points over Villanova at 4 pm ET on Saturday.

Villanova enters this matchup on a roll, having notched five straight victories, covering the spread in four of those contests. However, it’s worth noting that the Wildcats haven’t faced a true road environment since mid-November when they dropped an 83-76 decision at St. Joseph’s. While Villanova’s 8-4 record is respectable, the level of competition they’ve faced doesn’t match Creighton’s challenging schedule.

The Blue Jays come into this game off consecutive road losses to quality opponents, Alabama and Georgetown. Despite the setback at Georgetown, this is a prime bounce-back spot for Creighton, returning home to face a conference foe. Creighton has demonstrated resilience this season and will be eager to respond in front of its home crowd, where it has performed well in previous outings.

Villanova's winning streak has been fueled by favorable matchups and home-court advantage, but the Wildcats will be tested in a much tougher setting on Saturday. Look for Creighton to capitalize on this opportunity and reassert itself with a convincing victory.

Take Creighton. Projected score: Creighton 78, Villanova 68.

My selection is on Evansville plus the points over Ball State at 2 pm ET on Saturday.

While both teams enter this matchup with underwhelming records, Evansville holds the edge in terms of the quality of opposition faced so far. The Purple Aces have endured a tough schedule, and their current four-game losing streak (including three ATS defeats) likely inflates the spread for this contest. However, this matchup offers an excellent bounce-back opportunity for Evansville as it looks to regain momentum before resuming Missouri Valley Conference play next week.

Ball State, meanwhile, comes in off a narrow 86-82 win over Bellarmine last Saturday, snapping a brief two-game skid. While the Cardinals have shown offensive capability, they’ve struggled to separate from opponents, even against less challenging competition. Additionally, with an extended break looming after this game, Ball State could lack the urgency to dominate a non-conference matchup.

Expect a competitive outing, with Evansville’s effort and tougher schedule helping it prevail in this spot.

Take Evansville. Projected score: Evansville 74, Ball State 70.

ACC Game of the Month. My selection is on Clemson minus the points over Wake Forest at 2 pm ET on Saturday.

Clemson is well-positioned for a strong performance here, returning home after consecutive "upset" losses against formidable Memphis (home) and South Carolina (away) teams. The Tigers have faced a challenging stretch but now find themselves in a favorable spot to rebound on their home floor. Clemson has been tough at home this season and should take advantage of this opportunity to right the ship.

Wake Forest, on the other hand, comes in off a two-game winning streak, including a convincing 75-58 home victory over James Madison. However, it's worth noting that those victories came on their home court. When the Demon Deacons have stepped up in competition on the road, the results have been less favorable, suffering double-digit losses at both Xavier and Texas A&M in their last two true road games.

This sets up as a game where Clemson's defensive intensity and home-court advantage can overwhelm Wake Forest, especially given the disparity in recent road performances for the Deacons. Expect Clemson to make a statement here.

Take Clemson. Projected score: Clemson 77, Wake Forest 62.

My selection is on Indiana minus the points over Chattanooga at 12 noon ET on Saturday.

Indiana should come into this matchup motivated and refreshed following an extended break after its tough loss at Nebraska last Friday. The Hoosiers have had ample time to regroup and prepare, making this an ideal bounce-back spot. Meanwhile, Chattanooga finds itself in a far different scenario, playing its third game in eight days after two blowout wins against Alabama A&M and Tennessee Wesleyan—opponents that are far from the caliber of Indiana.

The Mocs enter this contest on a three-game winning streak, but their schedule to date has been far weaker than what the Hoosiers have faced. This significant step up in competition, combined with Indiana’s rest advantage and determination to rebound from a disappointing performance, should lead to a dominant showing by the Hoosiers.

Take Indiana. Projected score: Indiana 82, Chattanooga 63.

Saturday NHL Free play. My selection is on Calgary over Chicago at 4 pm ET on Saturday.

The Blackhawks are riding a three-game winning streak, but all those victories came on home ice. Now, they face a challenging road environment, where they've struggled this season, posting a poor 5-11-2 record. Chicago's attention could also be partially focused on a divisional matchup against Minnesota looming on Monday, potentially making this a tough spot for the Blackhawks.

Meanwhile, Calgary enters this game on the heels of consecutive overtime losses at home, where they've otherwise been solid with an 11-4-3 record. The Flames will look to head into the holiday break on a high note as they won't play again until December 28th, when they embark on a two-game road trip. With a motivated Flames team seeking to rebound and Chicago's road woes continuing to linger, this sets up as an advantageous spot for Calgary.

Take Calgary. Projected score: Calgary 3, Chicago 2.

My selection is on Vancouver over Ottawa at 10 pm ET on Saturday.

The Senators enter this matchup riding a five-game winning streak, including victories in the first two games of their current road trip. While Ottawa has been finding ways to win, it's worth noting their offensive production remains modest—they've scored three goals or fewer in nine of their last 10 contests and average just 2.6 goals per game on the road. Their road record sits at an unremarkable 7-7-1.

The Canucks, on the other hand, should be motivated following consecutive losses earlier this week in Utah and Las Vegas. Vancouver has demonstrated strong play at home recently, evidenced by a 3-1 victory over Colorado in its most recent home game. Starting a three-game homestand, the Canucks have an excellent opportunity to reset and gain momentum against a manageable slate featuring Ottawa, San Jose, and Seattle.

With the Senators due for regression and Vancouver eager to respond in a favorable home setting, I'll back the Canucks to get the win here.

Take Vancouver. Projected score: Vancouver 4, Ottawa 2.

My selection is on Sacramento minus the points over Los Angeles at 6:10 pm ET on Saturday.

We'll back the Kings to deliver a strong performance in a quick revenge spot. Sacramento fell short against Los Angeles two nights ago, dropping a 113-100 decision. That game marked the Lakers' second consecutive upset victory, while Sacramento struggled offensively, making just 37 field goals.

The Kings have shown resilience in bouncing back from similar offensive struggles. In the last four instances where they were held to fewer than 40 field goals, Sacramento responded by converting 42, 47, 51, and 49 field goals in its following games. This demonstrates the Kings' ability to adjust and elevate their offensive output after an off night.

Meanwhile, Los Angeles remains offensively limited, having been held to fewer than 40 made field goals in four straight contests. This lack of efficiency on the offensive end, coupled with Sacramento's proven ability to respond in rematch scenarios, sets the stage for a commanding Kings performance on their home floor.

Take Sacramento. Projected score: Sacramento 116, Los Angeles 103.

AFC North Game of the Month. My selection is on Pittsburgh plus the points over Baltimore at 4:30 pm ET on Saturday.

The Steelers and Ravens consistently produce tight, hard-fought games, and this matchup should be no different. Pittsburgh claimed the first meeting between these AFC North rivals in a defensive battle, 18-16, back on November 17th. Despite coming off a rough loss in Philadelphia, the Steelers have shown resilience on the road this season, boasting a 5-3 SU and ATS record away from home. Optimism surrounding the return of T.J. Watt, who resumed practicing on Thursday, only adds to their chances of a bounce-back effort.

The Ravens, meanwhile, rolled past the struggling Giants last week but have been inconsistent, alternating wins and losses over their last four games and going 2-3 ATS in their last five. Baltimore remains a formidable opponent, yet its offensive line faces a stiffer challenge in this matchup compared to the Giants' underwhelming front.

Pittsburgh’s defense, especially with the potential presence of Watt, should be able to apply pressure and keep Baltimore’s offense in check. Given the Steelers' knack for performing well on the road and the Ravens’ tendency for up-and-down play, I anticipate another close contest, making the points valuable in this spot.

Take Pittsburgh. Projected score: Baltimore 20, Pittsburgh 17.

My selection is on Ohio State minus the points over Tennessee at 8 pm ET on Saturday.

Ohio State comes into this game with something to prove after a shocking 13-10 loss to rival Michigan on November 30th. That disappointing defeat as a heavy 19-point favorite ended the Buckeyes' five-game winning streak, during which they went 3-2 ATS. It's worth noting that their only other loss this season came in a nail-biter on the road against eventual Big Ten champion Oregon, highlighting the quality of their campaign.

While Tennessee closed out the season with consecutive wins and covers, those victories came against overmatched opponents in UTEP and Vanderbilt. When last truly tested, the Volunteers fell by 14 points to Georgia on November 16th. That loss was part of a larger trend, as Tennessee managed just a 3-5 ATS record over its last eight games following a flawless 4-0 start both straight-up and against the spread.

Ohio State has faced the tougher schedule overall and brings superior talent to the table. The Buckeyes will be eager to rebound in a big way in this spot and I anticipate them overpowering a Tennessee team that hasn’t consistently delivered against top-tier competition.

Take Ohio State. Projected score: Ohio State 38, Tennessee 21.

My selection is on Texas minus the points over Clemson at 4 pm ET on Saturday.

The Longhorns enter this matchup looking to bounce back after a tough loss to Georgia in the SEC Championship Game. That defeat marked Texas' second loss to the Bulldogs this season, accounting for their only blemishes on an otherwise stellar campaign. Notably, Texas has faced one of the toughest schedules in the nation, which should have them well-prepared for this contest.

Clemson, meanwhile, has been inconsistent, going just 2-5 ATS in its last seven games, including two outright losses. While the Tigers deserve credit for their ACC Championship win over SMU, that came in a favorable spot following an emotional loss to South Carolina. This matchup is a different story, as Clemson steps up significantly in class against a Texas team that boasts superior talent and physicality on both sides of the ball.

With Texas eager to finish the season strong and erase the sting of its SEC title game loss, I expect the Longhorns to control this game from the outset and cover the number with room to spare.

Take Texas. Projected score: Texas 37, Clemson 20.

My selection is on the 'under' between SMU and Penn State at 12 noon ET on Saturday.

This total seems inflated given the context of the matchup. Both teams are coming off high-scoring 'over' results, with Penn State riding a streak of four straight 'overs.' However, this early kickoff in Happy Valley sets up for a more measured, defensive battle.

SMU's offense has been electric, scoring 30+ points in all but three games this season, including a strong showing in the ACC Championship Game against Clemson. However, they'll face a much tougher test here against a Penn State defense that has been one of the nation's best, holding nine opponents to 20 points or fewer this season. The Nittany Lions will be looking to bounce back after a rare defensive lapse in the Big Ten Championship, where they allowed 45 points to Oregon.

The two-week layoff for both teams could lead to some offensive rust early in the contest, particularly against Penn State's disciplined defense. On the other side, SMU's defense has shown improvement as the season has progressed and will likely benefit from the added preparation time to scheme against Penn State's balanced but not overly explosive offense.

Expect a lower-scoring game than most anticipate in this matchup.

Take the under. Projected score: Penn State 27, SMU 20.