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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Michigan enters with the #1 defense in the country, but USC brings two 20-PPG scorers to Ann Arbor. We dive into the efficiency metrics and rebounding splits to find the best bet for this Jan 2 marquee matchup.
The Knicks are laying 7.5 at MSG, but with Josh Hart out and Atlanta playing much better on the road at 10-8, this spread looks inflated. Jalen Johnson’s breakout season and the Hawks’ road identity make them a live dog getting nearly eight points.