Denver has scored 133 and 140 in their last two games. So the oddsmakers have to post a big number here. But we think this one will go well under the posted number. Denver is on a back-to-back and averages only 105 PPG in these situations. Utah has been giving up a lot of points but this team has traditionally been one of the best defensive teams, and we think they know they need to step up on defense tonight in order to have a chance to win. They are also getting defensive help as Gobert should return tonight. Denver has been playing strong defense and has held 3 of 4 opponents under the century mark.

10 Unit Play. Take #148 Dallas Cowboys over San Francisco 49ers (4:30p.m., Sunday, January 16 CBS) The 49ers have the Rams number but that is not the case with the Cowboys. Dallas is the No. 1 scoring offense averaging close to 30 points per game. Dallas has beaten San Francisco 5 of the last 7 postseason meetings. San Francisco went 4-5 straight-up against teams with a winning record. The 49ers are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 playoff road games. Dallas is 16-5 ATS in their last 21 games. Both teams come in hot, but the different in this game will be the Cowboys offensive firepower.

The Sharks have had the Kings number in recent meetings but we think these teams are going in the opposite directions. The Kings have found a spark and have won four straight, and they are playing with lots of confidence and swagger right now. The Sharks have lost two straight. Those losses came after a three-game winning streak, but the opposition wasn’t great and they needed OT in wins against the Red Wings and Flyers. San Jose has been overrated by the oddsmakers this season and they have drained nearly $1500 from bettors bankrolls, while the Kings have been one of the best betting teams and have made their blind backers more than $1K on the season. They have a Top 5 defense for goals allowed this season, and that is a big reason for their success at the window. They also have a winning record on the road, so we feel confident backing them in this rivalry spot.

6 Unit Play. Take #848 Illinois over Purdue (12p.m., Monday, January 17 FOX) The Illini can take firm control of the Big 10 with a win today at State Farm Center. Purdue is the higher ranked team, but they have not played like it this season especially during conference play. The Illini have won 6 straight games, all of them coming by double digits. Illinois has the size to matchup with Purdue down low and I feel Purdue will have to make shots from the arc to win this game. The home team is 6-1 ATS (1 push) in the last 8 games between Purdue and Illinois. Purdue is 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games against teams with a winning record. Illinois is 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games as a home favorite.