Minnesota lays 2 points at Miami in a matchup where the market respects the Heat’s home court and momentum. But once you factor in Edwards’ scoring dominance, Minnesota’s offensive balance, and Miami’s reliance on an outlier Powell performance, that 2-point spread starts to look exploitable. Bash breaks down why the Timberwolves cover at Kaseya Center.
Bryan Bash
Kentucky vs. Alabama Prediction: Can Tide Cover 5.5 in SEC Opener?
Alabama lays 5.5 points at home against Kentucky in a pace-versus-defense showdown. Bash breaks down why the Tide’s elite offense and home court should overwhelm Kentucky’s shooting woes.
Hornets vs Bucks Prediction: Milwaukee’s Efficiency Edge Meets a Vulnerable Spread
The Bucks are laying 6 points at home against the Hornets, but Milwaukee’s 8-9 home record and defensive inconsistency suggest this spread is inflated. With LaMelo Ball, Miles Bridges, and Brandon Miller all capable of scoring 20+, Charlotte has the firepower to keep this game tight. Bash breaks down why the Hornets plus the points is the play.
Trail Blazers vs Pelicans Prediction: Two Struggling Teams, One Surprisingly Tight Line
Portland travels to New Orleans as slight favorites in a matchup of struggling teams. With Jerami Grant out but Deni Avdija and Shaedon Sharpe healthy, the Blazers have the perimeter weapons to exploit a Pelicans defense missing Herbert Jones. At -1, Portland offers value against an 8-27 New Orleans squad that just surrendered 134 points to Chicago.
Notre Dame vs. Cal Best Bet: Is the Fighting Irish’s Road Luck Running Out?
California’s getting 4 to 4.5 points at home against Notre Dame in a late-night ACC clash. Bash breaks down why the Bears’ efficiency edge and three-point advantage make this spread a gift at Haas Pavilion.
Free CBB Picks: Louisville vs. Stanford 1/2/26
Louisville travels to Stanford as 8.5-point favorites, but the efficiency gap suggests this line is too low. Bryan Bash breaks down why the Cardinals’ elite metrics should lead to a comfortable cover at Maples Pavilion.
Orlando Magic vs Chicago Bulls Prediction: Franz Wagner Absence Creates Value on the Wrong Side
The Magic are laying 5.0 on the road without Franz Wagner, and that number doesn’t account for Orlando’s offensive limitations. Bryan Bash breaks down why the Bulls have the matchup advantages to stay within the number at the United Center.
Seattle U vs. Gonzaga Best Bet: Can Zags Cover the 24.5-Point Spread?
Gonzaga lays 24.5 against Seattle U in a WCC showdown, and the efficiency numbers tell a clear story. Bryan Bash breaks down why the Zags’ elite defense and rebounding dominance make this spread more than justified at McCarthey Athletic Center.
Memphis Grizzlies vs Los Angeles Lakers Prediction: Why This Spread Undervalues LA’s Home Edge
The Lakers are laying just 4 points at home against a Grizzlies squad dealing with multiple injury questions. Bryan Bash breaks down why this spread undervalues LA’s offensive firepower and home-court advantage, with Doncic, Reaves, and LeBron combining for over 80 points per game against a Memphis rotation that’s dangerously thin on the perimeter.
West Virginia vs. Iowa State Prediction: Can Mountaineers’ Defense Stifle the Cyclones?
Iowa State lays 16.5 against West Virginia in their Big 12 opener, and the efficiency gap says this spread might be light. Bryan Bash breaks down why the Cyclones’ elite shooting will overwhelm the Mountaineers’ defense at Hilton Coliseum.










