Sports Handicapper Sean Murphy's Picks & Predictions

My selection is on Philadelphia plus the points over Milwaukee at 7 pm ET on Sunday.

The 76ers are looking to halt their five-game losing streak, including a 115-102 setback in Indiana last night. While the back-to-back spot is challenging, Philadelphia has shown resilience in limiting opponent opportunities, holding four consecutive opponents to 86 or fewer field goal attempts and 10 of the last 12 to fewer than 90 attempts. Their defensive approach should keep them competitive against a Milwaukee team riding high after three straight blowout wins both SU and ATS.

The Bucks' defensive lapses have allowed their last three opponents to surpass 90 field goal attempts, which could give the 76ers a chance to capitalize. Milwaukee may also be at risk of a slight letdown after a strong recent stretch, making this a spot where Philadelphia can surprise as an underdog.

Take Philadelphia. Projected score: Milwaukee 114, Philadelphia 110.

My selection is on the 'under' between Denver and Orlando at 6 pm ET on Sunday.

Both teams enter this game following consecutive 'over' results, but the setup suggests a return to a lower-scoring contest. Denver's offensive explosion on Friday—hitting 50-of-92 field goal attempts—feels like an outlier rather than the norm. Just one game prior, the Nuggets managed only 40 made field goals in a home loss to Houston, highlighting their potential for offensive variance.

Meanwhile, Orlando has been a defensive force, holding 11 of its last 12 opponents to 83 or fewer field goal attempts. That level of defensive intensity should help limit Denver's offensive opportunities. The Magic's struggles on offense are well-documented, with the team failing to record 40 made field goals in 13 straight games, a trend that isn't likely to change against a solid Nuggets defense.

The slower pace and emphasis on defense from both teams, coupled with Orlando's offensive inefficiency, set the stage for a low-scoring affair on Sunday.

Take the 'under'. Projected score: Denver 108, Orlando 104.

My selection is on Memphis minus the points over Charlotte at 3 pm ET on Sunday.

Memphis enters this contest with a solid 13-4 record but is looking to bounce back after a surprising road loss at Temple on Thursday, which snapped a four-game winning streak. While the Tigers have failed to cover the spread in their last three games, I see this as a prime rebound spot against a struggling Charlotte squad.

The 49ers have dropped six straight games and managed to end a four-game ATS skid in a loss to Wichita State on Tuesday. Despite covering in that matchup, Charlotte's offensive struggles were evident once again, as they rank among the weakest scoring teams in the nation. Their 7-11 overall record is particularly concerning given the relatively light schedule they've faced compared to Memphis.

With superior talent, depth, and motivation to get back on track, I expect the Tigers to dominate and cruise to a comfortable double-digit victory in this one.

Take Memphis. Projected score: Memphis 79, Charlotte 61.

Sunday CBB Free play. My selection is on Michigan minus the points over Northwestern at 12 noon ET on Sunday.

Michigan enters this contest looking to rebound after a surprising upset loss as a double-digit road favorite against Minnesota on Thursday. That defeat snapped an impressive five-game SU and ATS winning streak for the Wolverines. I expect them to respond in a big way on Sunday as they return home, where they've been a far more consistent team this season.

Northwestern, meanwhile, snapped a three-game losing streak with an upset win at home against Maryland on Thursday. While that was an encouraging result, the Wildcats have struggled to maintain momentum this season, particularly when stepping up in class. Despite facing a difficult slate of opponents, Northwestern has not fared as well as Michigan, which has also endured a tough schedule yet still boasts the superior record.

Look for the Wolverines to capitalize on home-court advantage and deliver a decisive victory as they aim to get back on track.

Take Michigan. Projected score: Michigan 74, Northwestern 60.

My selection is on Nebraska plus the points over Maryland at 12 noon ET on Sunday.

While both teams enter this matchup on ATS skids, Nebraska has endured a particularly rough stretch, dropping three straight games both SU and ATS. I expect the Cornhuskers to respond with maximum effort here as they aim to halt their slide before returning home to face USC next week. Nebraska has battled through a far tougher schedule than Maryland to this point, which should prepare it well for Sunday’s challenge.

Maryland comes off a split week, with a hard-fought home win over Minnesota and a close road loss at Northwestern. Those contests may have taken a toll, leaving the Terrapins vulnerable to a letdown against a Nebraska squad that should play with a sense of urgency. While Maryland could come away with the victory, I anticipate the Cornhuskers keeping things close and staying inside the generous spread.

Take Nebraska. Projected score: Maryland 68, Nebraska 64.

Divisional Round Game of the Year. My selection is on Philadelphia minus the points over Los Angeles at 3 pm ET on Sunday.

This is a tough spot for the Rams, who must travel cross-country on a short week after their Monday night 'upset' victory over the Vikings. The physical and emotional toll of that game, combined with the travel, puts Los Angeles at a disadvantage against a well-rested and focused Eagles squad.

Philadelphia has already proven its superiority over the Rams with a decisive road victory earlier in the season. Now, the Eagles return home, where they’ve been a dominant force this season, buoyed by their relentless defense and potent ground game. The forecasted cold, windy, and snowy conditions are likely to favor the Eagles' style of play, which emphasizes controlling the line of scrimmage and pounding the football.

Expect Philadelphia to stick to its strengths and wear down the Rams, capitalizing on their travel fatigue and the challenging weather conditions to secure a convincing victory and advance to the NFC Championship Game.

Take Philadelphia. Projected score: Philadelphia 27, Los Angeles 16.