NCAAMB: No. 10 Iowa State at Cincinnati (-1.5)

It’s no secret that there’s a major home court advantage when it comes to major college basketball programs. And historically speaking, Cincinnati is one such program.

But what makes this Tuesday night matchup so intriguing, is that Iowa State (18-5 overall, 7-3 in the Big 12) ventures into Bearcat Country with 18 wins and a No. 10 national ranking; yet, the oddsmakers believe Cincinnati (15-8, 4-6 in the Big 12) should win the game. In other words, the Cyclones – who look like a lock for March Madness – are a 1.5-point underdog against Cincinnati, a team with work to do if they intend to make any dancing plans.  A No. 10 team that’s not favored against a “bubble” team that sits outside the top-25? What gives? It’s certainly worth further examination.

Making matters more interesting is the fact that both teams are trending in opposite directions. Cincinnati is a very tepid 4-6 in their last 10 games and haven’t found a rhythm on offense. In fact, the Bearcats per-game scoring average in that same stretch is 7.5 points lower than their season-long average.

Iowa State hasn’t been scoring up-to-par either, but the Cyclones have still found a way to win behind a defense that might be one of the best in the country. Without flowing on offense, they’re still 7-3 in their last 10 (and 7-3 ATS for what it’s worth). The Cyclones also have three players who average more than 12.5 points per game (Tamin Lipsey-13.2, Keshon Gilbert-13.9, Milan Momcilovic: 12.6), which makes it tough for opposing defenses attempting to shut down just one primary weapon.

Betting on this game comes down to one simple question: Do you believe in Iowa State’s No. 10 national ranking? If you do, the wager is simple.

Hoops Harlan’s Pick: Iowa State +1.5 (-110)

Home court advantage is real, especially in college basketball. But at the same time, so are the Cyclones – as in, they’re for real. Furthermore, the road hasn’t been too unkind to them, going 3-3 away from home this season. Even those three losses can be forgiven, as they were all suffered against teams in the top-25 (Oklahoma, BYU and Baylor).

Cincinnati is no pushover, and the Bearcats have only lost three home games all season. Still, as March rapidly approaches, this feels like a game in which Iowa State can make a statement. Defense travels, so take the Cyclones and happily swipe up the +1.5.

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NBA: Oklahoma City Thunder (-2.5) @ Orlando Magic 

The Oklahoma City Thunder (36-17) will look to win their second consecutive game when they travel to Orlando to take on the Magic (29-24) on Tuesday night. The Thunder have been one of the best teams in the NBA all season and are currently pegged as the No. 3 seed in the NBA’s Western Conference. Anchored by a youth revolution that includes MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander along with fellow young bucks Chet Holmgren and Josh Giddy, the Thunder have one of the brightest futures in the league and have shown that throughout the season to this point. The Thunder are 6-4 over their last 10 games and enter this matchup fresh off a win against the Sacramento Kings following a two-game skid.

On the flip side, they take on a Magic team that has been better than expected this season. The Magic have their own youth movement going on in Orlando, led by Paolo Banchero, Jalen Suggs, Markelle Fultz, Franz Wagner, and Wendell Carter Jr. The Magic have done a great job protecting their home floor, posting a 17-7 record in Orlando. Wagner is fresh off back-to-back 30-point performances that helped the Magic win. He has scored 30+ points in three of his last four games, and to no surprise, Orlando emerged victorious winning all three of those matchups. The Magic are hot, having won six of their last eight games. Furthermore, they will have an additional day of rest heading into this matchup and are in the middle of a homestead, having last played Saturday in an overtime victory against the Chicago Bulls. Let’s make a pick for the Thunder vs. Magic matchup on Tuesday night…

Jason Schlefsky’s Pick: Thunder -2.5 (-110)

The Magic are a fun team, but the Thunder are the better group collectively. If Wagner pops off again, that could be trouble for the Thunder. That said, if OKC considers itself to be a true contender in the West, this is a game it should be able to win. The advanced metrics favor the Thunder, as they rank within the top 5 in net rating, true shooting percentage, offensive rating, and defensive rating. The Thunder will need to force somebody outside of Wagner to beat them in this matchup. Let’s look for the Thunder to step up on defense, hit their shots, and beat the Magic on the road.

And Keep an Eye On…

NHL: Colorado Avalanche @ Washington Capitals (Tuesday, 7 p.m. ET)

Prior to the NHL All-Star Game, the Colorado Avalanche were one of the hottest teams in hockey, winning four of their five games leading up to the break. Apparently the time off did not serve Colorado well, however, as the Avs have suddenly dropped four straight games. It hasn’t helped that the Avs were treated to a six-game east coast swing after the break, and Washington represents game No. 5 (the Lightning will follow on Thursday, before the Avalanche finally return back to Colorado). In theory, the Caps – with just 23 wins and 54 points – should be just what the doctor ordered for Colorado. Then again, this feels like a “must win” game for the Avs, who will desperately try to snap this recent streak of futility.

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NCAAMB: No. 11 South Carolina @ No. 13 Auburn Tigers (Wednesday, 8:30 p.m. ET)

Surely no love will be lost in this Valentine’s Day SEC grudge match. Then again, what’s not to love? The Gamecocks already have 21 wins while Auburn sits on No. 19. With those win totals, both teams should be tournament bound, so this one provides a March Madness preview of sorts. South Carolina has won seven games in a row, but Auburn has yet to lose a home game. Something has to give on Wednesday night, as both squads jockey for position in the SEC Tournament and beyond.

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NBA: L.A. Clippers @ Golden State Warriors (Wednesday 10 pm ET)

With 35 wins in tow, the once dysfunctional Clippers can possibly head into All-Star weekend sitting atop the Western Conference standings. To put it mildly, L.A.’s “other” team is has been clicking on all cylinders having won eight of their last 10. But on Wednesday night, they’ll face a Warriors team that rarely goes quietly into the night. No, these aren’t the Warriors of old – they’re barely hovering over .500 – but they’re still the Warriors. They’ve got a bunch of rings, Steph Curry and some catching up to do. This one should be a thriller.