ANALYSIS: The surging and high-powered Hawkeyes have won five straight, with four coming by double figures. However, the Hoosiers have competed well in recent meetings, with a blowout home win and an overtime road loss in the past two seasons. Their strategy seems to be to let All-American Luka Garza have his way but limit the other contributors. Last year, Garza went for 38 points but only one other player reached double figures. What's more, gritty Indiana guard Rob Phinisee has a history of strong outings against Iowa.

ANALYSIS: The erratic Nuggets somehow blew an 18-point lead against the short-handed Nets, but they had shown a bit of improvement before that setback. They should be in a good spot Thursday night to get their record to .500 against a Warriors club coming off a difficult seven-game homestand. Defensive stopper Gary Harris is out again for Denver, but versatile Golden State wing Eric Paschall will also miss a second straight game. Denver's size should give some matchup issues to the Warriors, who will need a standout effort in order to remain close.

ANALYSIS: This one just feels like a Stan Van Gundy special. The grizzled veteran NBA coach has seen his Pelicans team drop three straight games while decrying the lack of defense that allowed them to slip away. They had some extra preparation following a postponed game Monday and no doubt the lack of effort has been a point of emphasis. Now, with Zion Williamson ruled out because of health protocols and Lonzo Ball and Eric Bledsoe missing because of injuries, fading the Pelicans has become a popular move for the late Wednesday game. But look for a determined New Orleans club to sgtay inside the number.

ANALYSIS: These clubs have played two grinders that both went Under, and the circumstances Saturday would seem to bode for another. The Rams have the league's top-rated defense and Seattle's defense cam up big down the stretch. But the Rams have been effective against Seattle this season, they just don't have many points to show for it. Also look for Russell Wilson and friends to break out of their recent funk and send this meager total Over the number.

ANALYSIS: Two of the tree teams that defeated Buffalo, Kansas City and Arizona, found success against the Bills with powerful run games. The Colts have become a run-oriented team and rode rugged rookie Jonathan Taylor to a key stretch run in which they won four of their last five. With the lack of a decisive home-field edge because of the pandemic, this is just too many points to lay on a Buffalo team in the unfamiliar position of being a heavy favorite in the postseason.