Sean Murphy Handicapper Review & Free Sports Picks

Non-Conference Total of the Week. My selection is on the 'over' between Philadelphia and Chicago at 3:05 pm ET on Sunday.

Both teams have struggled recently, but this matchup presents a good opportunity for both offenses to break out. The Flyers are coming off a brutal stretch against top-tier teams, but they'll be facing a Blackhawks squad that has allowed 3.5 goals per game at home this season. While Philadelphia has been scoring in fits and starts, expect them to find their rhythm against Chicago's porous defense.

On the other side, Chicago is desperate to end a seven-game losing streak and will likely come out with a sense of urgency. Despite their recent scoring woes, the Blackhawks should have chances against a Flyers team that allows 3.5 goals per game on the road. With both teams struggling defensively but possessing the potential to light the lamp, we should see plenty of goals.

Take the 'over'. Projected score: Philadelphia 4, Chicago 3.

My selection is on Cleveland minus the points over Utah at 3:30 pm ET on Sunday.

The Cavaliers have dropped four straight both SU and ATS, but they have a prime opportunity to turn things around against a struggling Jazz squad. Utah's defensive issues have been glaring, as it has allowed 13 consecutive opponents to attempt at least 90 field goals, with the last six making 42 or more shots.

Cleveland's recent struggles have largely come on the defensive end, but Utah isn’t in a position to fully capitalize, having made fewer than 40 field goals in four of its last five games. Look for the Cavaliers to take advantage of this matchup and roll to a much-needed win.

Take Cleveland. Projected score: Cavaliers 127, Jazz 104.

My selection is on Denver plus the points over Houston at 7 pm ET on Sunday.

The Nuggets enter this matchup looking to stop a two-game skid, both SU and ATS, on their current road trip. They'll be highly motivated to close out the trip with a victory and gain some revenge for a lopsided home loss against Houston back in mid-January.

While the Rockets are on an impressive nine-game winning streak, they've covered the spread in just one of their last four outings. Their recent success has led to some inflated lines, and this looks like another spot where they may be overvalued.

Expect a focused effort from the Nuggets as they take this one down to the wire.

Take Denver. Projected score: Rockets 113, Nuggets 111.

Western Conference Total of the Year. My selection is on the 'under' between Oklahoma City and Los Angeles at 9 pm ET on Sunday.

This total is the highest we've seen in this matchup all season, which feels like an overcorrection given how these teams typically play against each other. Their highest previous posted total was 220.5, and that game ended with just 197 total points.

Both squads enter off hot shooting performances, but these are two of the better defensive teams in the league. The Clippers may have hit 132 and 128 points in their last two games, but they attempted just 84 and 78 field goals, indicating a reliance on unsustainable efficiency. Meanwhile, they've limited four of their last five opponents to 40 or fewer made field goals, while the Thunder have held three straight foes to 37 or fewer.

With both teams likely to settle into a more defensive-minded battle, I expect this game to stay under the total.

Take the 'under.' Projected score: Clippers 110, Thunder 107.

Sunday CBB Free play. My selection is on Maryland minus the points over Colorado State at 7:10 pm ET on Sunday.

Maryland made a statement in its tournament opener, dismantling Grand Canyon by 32 points. The Terrapins have been remarkably consistent all season, with their only three losses in their last 16 games coming by a combined seven points. That level of resilience should serve them well against a Colorado State squad that is riding an impressive 11-game SU and ATS winning streak but has faced a weaker overall schedule.

The Rams had to grind out a tough win over Memphis on Friday, and I expect them to have a tough time matching the Terrapins' depth and physicality here. Look for Maryland to impose its will and advance with a convincing victory.

Take Maryland. Projected score: Maryland 77, Colorado State 65.

Second Round Underdog Game of the Year. My selection is on New Mexico plus the points over Michigan State at 8:40 pm ET on Sunday.

New Mexico may have struggled against the spread down the stretch, but its opening-round victory over Marquette suggests it is more than capable of making noise in this tournament. The Lobos’ ability to control tempo and limit opponents' scoring opportunities makes them a tough matchup, particularly for a Michigan State squad that doesn't consistently knock down outside shots.

The Spartans cruised past Bryant in their tournament opener, but they’ll face a much stiffer test here. With New Mexico’s defensive pressure and ability to grind out possessions, I expect this game to remain close throughout.

Take New Mexico. Projected score: Michigan State 68, New Mexico 67.

My selection is on Arizona minus the points over Oregon at 9:40 pm ET on Sunday.

Oregon took advantage of a favorable opening-round matchup against Liberty, which had to make a long trip to Seattle. However, the Ducks won’t have that luxury here against a battle-tested Arizona squad. While Oregon holds a slightly better overall record this season, Arizona has faced the tougher slate of opponents and should be better prepared for this step up in competition.

The Wildcats have proven they can dictate the pace against quality competition, and I expect them to take control of this contest against an Oregon team that may struggle to keep up. Look for Arizona to cover the spread as it advances.

Take Arizona. Projected score: Arizona 81, Oregon 69.

My selection is on Alabama minus the points over Saint Mary's at 6:10 pm ET on Sunday.

We'll back the Crimson Tide as they look to put together a more complete effort after a lackluster showing against Robert Morris in the opening round. Alabama has now suffered consecutive ATS losses and likely still feels the sting of last week's SEC Tournament blowout defeat against eventual champion Florida.

While Saint Mary's does hold a slightly better overall record this season, the discrepancy in strength of schedule is undeniable. Alabama has faced one of the most grueling slates in the nation and is well-equipped to handle this step up in competition. The Gaels stifled their opponent in the opening round, but replicating that success against Alabama’s offensive firepower will be a much tougher task.

Look for the Crimson Tide to take control and cover the spread.

Take Alabama. Projected score: Alabama 78, Saint Mary's 64.