Jim Feist

A bit of rivalry and bragging rights on the line today when the New York Knicks host their neighbors, the Brooklyn Nets. The Brooklyn Nets are holding onto the 8th spot in the East with a 19-25 record. The Nets have lost seven of their last 10 games. They still hold a 3-game lead over 9th place Chicago. The New York Knicks are 13th in the East with a 12-34 record. The Knicks have lost eight of their last 10 games. This game basically a pick or small favorite either way. The Nets are 8-13 S/U on the road, getting outscored by a 3.7 point margin. The Knicks are 6-17 S/U at home with a -5.6 point differential. I like the home team in this game. The Knicks have been competitive at home, covering recently vs the Raptors, Lakers and Sixers. This is a team they can beat straight-up. Play New York.

Big 10 action here on Sunday has Minnesota hosting the Michigan State Spartans. Michigan State is ranked 11th in the country with their 14-5 S/U and 9-10 ATS record. The Spartans are 6-2 S/U and 4-4 ATS in Big 10 play. However, Michigan State has lost two of their last three, including last time out at Indiana, 63-67 as a 4-point favorite. The Gophers are 11-8 S/U and 12-6 ATS on the season. They are 5-4 S/U and ATS in Big 10 play. The Gophers coming off a big road win at Ohio State, 62-59 as a 8 1/2 point dog. The Gophers are tough at home, covering eight of 11 spreads. We get about 3-points here today at home. I'll take the Gophers as they can win this game outright. Play Minnesota.

Missouri Valley Conference clash here today as Northern Iowa hosts Loyola Chicago. The NIU Panthers are 15-3 S/U and 8-7 ATS on the season. The Panthers are also 5-2 S/U and 2-4-1 ATS in conference play. NIU has not been good at covering spreads at home, evidenced by their 2-5 ATS mark. As for Loyola Chicago, the Ramblers are 14-6 S/U and 10-8 ATS on the season. They are 6-1 S/U and 4-2-1 ATS in conference play. The Ramblers have also won and covered four straight games. Loyola getting 4 1/2 points here today. I like the points in this one, play Loyola Chicago

Big 10 action here early on Sunday has Indiana Hoosiers hosting the Maryland Terapins. Maryland is 17th ranked in the nation and 15-4 S/U and 10-9 ATS on the season. The Terps are 6-4 S/U and 4-6 ATS in Big 10 conference play. They are coming off a win at Northwestern, 77-66 as a 7-point favorite. Indiana is also 15-4 S/U but not ranked. The Hoosiers are 10-9 ATS, 8-5 ATS at home. Indiana is 5-3 S/U and 3-5 ATS in Big 10 play. The Hoosiers have won and covered two straight games, including a nice home win last time out over ranked Michigan State, 67-63 as a 4-point dog. The Hoosiers find themselves a 1 or 2-point favorite here today. I'm going to take the home team here as the Hoosiers have shown they can beat the best in the Big 10 on their home court. Play Indiana.