Michael Alexander

Rating; 3 Units

Siena enters this matchup with an offensive output of approximately 70.9 points per game, significantly eclipsing Merrimack’s 68.2 points. The Saints also excel in shooting efficiency, boasting a field goal percentage of 47.1 percent compared to the Warriors’ 42.2 percent. This disparity in shooting effectiveness will likely create a challenge for Merrimack’s defense, which may struggle to contain Siena’s efficient attack. Additionally, Siena’s ability to create opportunities is highlighted by their average of 13.4 assists per game, indicating an offensive flow that could exploit any defensive lapses Merrimack might exhibit.

Rating: 4 Units

The Thunder have the edge here because they’re playing very well offensively, scoring more than 119 points per game, while making 49 percent of their shots. They’ve also done a better job at the charity stripe, making over 82 percent of their free throws, while the Nets make less than 80 percent of theirs. They do a good job of finding the open man, and they rebound the ball well, grabbing more than 12 offensive rebounds per game in their last three games, which will give them more scoring chances. They also do a good job of protecting the ball, and won’t give up many easy-scoring chances. The Nets aren’t very good defensively, and they’re giving up more than 115 points per game on the road. They’re also playing on consecutive nights and will be dealing with fatigue, so expect them to have a hard time slowing down the Thunder. Take Oklahoma City to cover.

Rating: 4 Units

The Cavaliers are still missing Max Strus and Nae’Qwan Tomlin, while the Hornets are still playing without the suspended Miles Bridges and they are keeping an eye on Coby White who is listed as a game time decision. These teams have already met three times this season with the Cavaliers winning the last two meetings to lead the series by 2-1. It’s hard to split these two teams at the moment, but I do have to give the edge to the Cavaliers who are almost back to full health which makes them so much more dangerous. Harden has looked great in the Cavs lineup so far and I think they can stay with a win and cover at this reasonable line in what should be a close one.

Rating: 4 Units

Minnesota has already shown it can control this matchup, and Dallas’ offensive issues have only worsened since those earlier meetings. With the Mavericks short-handed and the total inflated, the sharp angle is on the favorite.

Rating: 3 Units

I’ll lean toward Arizona but you could make a case either way. The Wildcats were able to keep a good BYU team at bay in a home win this week, hitting 45.3 percent from the field with a 35-29 rebounding advantage, 16 team assists and just eight turnovers. Arizona really needed that win after a pair of consecutive losses to Kansas and Texas Tech, coming by a combined seven points (one on the road and one in overtime). As for Houston, they’re coming off a tough loss to a great Iowa State team in a road matchup this week. The Cougars shot 42.1 percent from the field in that one with a 33-30 rebounding edge and just five turnovers. Houston wasn’t great from the line though (7-of-11 for 63.6 percent) and got outscored in the paint 28-16.

Rating: 3 Units

The last time these two teams met, Xavier walked away with an 89-75 victory. A major factor in that win was limiting Butler’s impact on the glass, and that will again be a priority – especially with Michael Ajayi looking to make his presence felt inside. Xavier’s 1-7 road record may jump off the page, but this team is far more competitive than that mark suggests. The Musketeers nearly knocked off Villanova, dropped 96 points in a win over Marquette, and took then-No. 17 St. John’s to overtime before falling by five. Tre Carroll has been on fire, averaging 21.7 points per game over his last 10 games. Milicevic is also contributing 14.5 points per game in that span, while Messina-Moore is adding 13.7 into the mix. Xavier has multiple scoring options that can stretch Butler’s defense.

Rating: 4 Units

This is a number you don’t usually see in the NBA, and it’s hard to lay. As horrible as the Kings are, they’re still professionals. The Spurs are also still a young team for the most part, so it wouldn’t be shocking if they allow the Kings to hang around a bit. With all that said, the Kings are who the Kings are: a team that hasn’t won a game since Bill Clinton was president. The Kings are also 20-35-2 ATS on the season and have just 3 road wins. This line didn’t fall out of the sky randomly. It’s Spurs.

Rating: 4 Units

Despite being extremely short-handed, Miami is the better team in this matchup. The Heat will be without several players, but still will have the talent and depth on the floor to overwhelm a bad Memphis team on Saturday. Look for Miami to end its recent skid Saturday night as they do the job to get the win. Take the Miami Heat to get the win and cover Saturday night at home to pick up their 30th victory of the season.

Rating: 4 Units

The Pistons are still keeping an eye on Tolu Smith, who is questionable due to a right knee contusion, while the Bulls have ruled out Zach Collins, with Jaden Ivey listed as questionable. These teams have already clashed three times this season, with the Pistons blowing out the Bulls in the last two meetings to take a 2-1 series lead. These two teams are trending in opposite directions at the moment, and I don’t think that’s going to change after this match, as I have the Pistons coming away with the comfortable win and cover on the road. The line is hefty, but still not high enough to sway me from taking the red-hot Pistons in this spot.

Rating; 3 Units

LIU has been the better team this season, but it’s also had issues covering as a favorite and does have 8 road losses. Mercyhurst has seen 9 of its 13 wins come at home, and it gave LIU a scare on the road last month. Mercyhurst and LIU have played three times over the last 13 months, and the average margin of victory has been 5.3 points. Two of those games went into overtime. LIU has this thing where it allows teams to hang around. Give me Mercyhurst and the bucket.

Rating: 3 Units

I expect both offenses to find rhythm in this matchup. Arizona State averages nearly 79 points per game, while Baylor posts 83 per contest. With both teams shooting efficiently and neither defense consistently shutting down opponents, this game has strong potential to push past the total.

Rating; 3 Units

Both teams have been up and down thus far this season, but Utah Tech will have the edge. Despite Tarleton State playing well as of late, Utah Tech is the better team and will get back to its winning ways in this matchup. Look for the Trail Blazers to control this game on both sides of the floor as they do the job Saturday. Take Utah Tech to get the win and cover on the road against Tarleton State.

Rating; 3 Units

Providence didn’t shoot very well in their loss to St. John’s (33.3 percent) and had 14 turnovers with just 21.7 percent (5-of-23) from 3-point range. The Friars did well on the boards though, and they had 83.3 percent (20-of-24) from the line. Providence has lost consecutive games, giving up a combined 166 points in that pair. These teams last saw each other on February 7 in a 90-72 win for the Friars at home. Providence shot a very nice 58.9 percent from the field in that one with a 39-25 rebounding advantage. The free throws (15-of-25 for 60 percent) could have been better, and the Friars put up 15 turnovers along the way. Still, Providence should have the inside track on a road cover here if all goes well.

Rating: 3 Units

I’ll take a stab on Coppin State but I’m not touching it. There’s not much to get excited about here. The Eagles did get a nice comeback win over South Carolina State this week though, hitting 51.2 percent shooting rom the field alongside a 32-28 advantage on points in the paint. Coppin State did miss a few free throws however, and coughed up 16 turnovers along the way. The Eagles have won three straight games now, but they’ve been below 60 points in consecutive outings. The last time these teams saw each other was a 70-67 road loss for the Eagles back on January 17. In that game Coppin State posted a tepid 41.7 percent shooting with a whopping 20 turnovers. The 95.2 percent (20-of-21) from the line and the 31-19 rebounding advantage were nice touches, though. The Eagles really need to get the mistakes under control in this home rematch.

Rating: 3 Units

Each of Vanderbilt’s last four games have produced a total of 151+ points. Each of Tennessee’s last four day games against Conference opponents have produced a total of 158+ points.

Rating: 3 Units

Michigan is averaging 90.7 points per game, which ranks seventh-best in the nation. While on defense Michigan is allowing 68.8 points per game, which ranks 47th.

Rating: 3 Units

Mercer has earned 2,238 pts this year (82.9 per contest) and they pull down 39.2 rebounds per game. As an offensive team, the Bears are hitting on 45.3% from the field, which is 174th in the nation. While the Bears on defense are ranked 197th in the nation in points allowed per game with 74.3.

Rating: 3 Units

Both teams score the ball well, but the Detroit Pistons’ defense will be the difference on Saturday. Look for Detroit to stifle Chicago from the opening minutes, leading to a defensive onslaught. Consider that Eech of the Bulls’ last four games as home underdogs following a home loss have gone UNDER the total points line. While each of the Pistons’ last four games as favorites following a road win have gone UNDER the total points line.