New York Knicks +8.0 (-110)
Mon Jan 21 ‘08 1:05p
The oft-maligned New York Knicks are playing their best ball of the season right now, and we luck for them the give the conference-leading Boston Celtics all that they can handle in this holiday afternoon affair at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks are 4-1 both straight up and against the spread in their last five games, and they are back home after a 2-1 road trip. In their last two home contests, they embarrassed an excellent Detroit Pistons team 89-65, and they then beat the Washington Wizards by double-digits. Also, remember that they scored just 59 points at Boston in the first meeting between these clubs this season, so they will be looking for redemption here. Now the Celtics are still 32-6, but they have been showing signs of coasting lately. Granted, they looked a lot better in their last two games while winning by double-digits, but both of those outings came at home. The last time they were on the road, they lost outright to the Wizards. Now the Celtics obviously hold a huge talent disparity here, but with the Knicks in raging form right now, we look for an emotional effort in front of the home folks today, resulting in the staying inside this spread at the very least. NBA Basketball Free Pick: Knicks +8
 
Niagara +3.5 (-110)
Mon Jan 21 ‘08 7:30p
This is a key MAAC battle between the Niagra Purple Eagles and the Marist Red Foxes, as these teams sit ties at 5-2 in the conference, one game behind the 6-1 Siena Saints. Niagra put themselves in this position with a surprising loss at Canisius on Friday, but this is a very talented team and we look for them to bounce back strong here. The Purple Eagles have still been one of the better bets in the country despite that Friday upset, as they are an outstanding 11-4 against the spread. Furthermore, they are a perfect 3-0 ATS and 2-1 straight up in this underdog role. Conversely, Marist is just 8-8 ATS, and they come in off of a double-digit loss at Loyola-Maryland. Now they are 6-0 SU at home this season, but Niagra will be the best team they will have faced at home to date. Also, the Eagles already proved they can win here by upsetting the Foxes in this building last season. In fact, the road team won both regular season meetings between these clubs last year, and we would not be surprised if Niagra carries on that tradition tonight. College Basketball Free Pick: Niagra +3.5

CLICK HERE FOR MORE FREE NBA PICKS AND COLLEGE BASKETBALL PICKS