Sean Murphy

My selection is on the 'over' between Oregon and USC at 10:30 pm ET on Wednesday.

USC has been struggling recently, dropping back-to-back games straight up and failing to cover the spread in seven consecutive contests. Despite their issues, the Trojans are likely to have plenty of scoring opportunities on Wednesday as Oregon's defense has been allowing opponents to get off 62 or more field goal attempts in five of its last six games.

Meanwhile, the Ducks' offense has been firing on all cylinders, making good on 25 or more field goals in all eight games this season, contributing to their perfect 8-0 start. USC's defensive struggles have been apparent, as they’ve allowed six straight opponents to connect on 25 or more field goals, with three of those teams surpassing 30 makes.

With Oregon’s high-octane offense and USC’s defensive vulnerabilities, this game sets up as a high-scoring affair.

Take the 'over.' Projected score: Oregon 84, USC 79.

MAAC Game of the Month. My selection is on Rider plus the points over Fairfield at 7 pm ET on Wednesday.

Rider has been tested against a grueling schedule to open the season, with challenging matchups against the likes of UCLA, Iowa and Villanova. The Broncs returned home for the first time this season on Saturday and fell by six points to Delaware. While their shooting performance in that game was subpar, expect improvement on Wednesday as they settle into a more favorable matchup.

Fairfield has struggled to contain its opponents despite playing at a slower pace. Over its last four games, the Stags have allowed opponents to knock down 26, 33, 22, and 26 field goals, highlighting defensive vulnerabilities. Rider, on the other hand, has shown resilience defensively, holding two of its last three opponents to 24 or fewer made field goals despite facing tough competition.

With Rider's battle-tested defense and potential for offensive improvement, this matchup sets up well for the Broncs to stay competitive.

Take Rider plus the points. Projected score: Rider 67, Fairfield 65.

My selection is on the 'under' between Orlando and Philadelphia at 7:30 pm ET on Wednesday.

Orlando may have had a defensive lapse last night in New York, but the Magic remain one of the league's premier defensive teams. They've held an astounding 19 consecutive opponents to 87 or fewer field goal attempts and have limited 13 of their last 16 opponents to 41 or fewer made field goals. Their commitment to slowing the pace should be on full display in this matchup.

Philadelphia's offensive struggles have been a consistent theme this season, as the 76ers have connected on 42 or fewer field goals in all but one game. Their defense, however, has improved significantly, holding seven of their last eight opponents to 41 or fewer made field goals. Additionally, only one of their last nine opponents has surpassed 88 field goal attempts, reflecting their ability to dictate a slower pace.

Expect a methodical and low-scoring affair in this one.

Take the 'under.' Projected score: Orlando 103, Philadelphia 97.

My selection is on the 'under' between Minnesota and Los Angeles at 10:30 pm ET on Wednesday.

Minnesota's offensive struggles have been evident, as the Timberwolves have managed just 74, 75, and 81 field goal attempts in their last three games. Their scoring output has been equally underwhelming, with the team being held to 42 or fewer made field goals in seven straight contests, including 37 or fewer in four of those games.

The Clippers, while inconsistent offensively, have made up for it with strong defensive pacing. They've held 10 consecutive opponents to 88 or fewer field goal attempts and limited all but two of their last 10 foes to 41 or fewer made field goals. With both teams emphasizing defensive control, this game shapes up as a low-scoring affair.

Take the 'under.' Projected score: Los Angeles 105, Minnesota 98.

My selection is on Milwaukee minus the points over Atlanta at 8 pm ET on Wednesday.

Atlanta enters this matchup riding a four-game winning streak but has been highly suspect defensively, allowing five straight opponents to hoist up at least 93 field goal attempts. That kind of defensive vulnerability could spell trouble against a Milwaukee squad firing on all cylinders offensively. The Bucks have connected on 43 or more field goals in five of their last six contests, showcasing their ability to capitalize on opportunities.

Defensively, Milwaukee has been stout, limiting four straight and seven of its last eight opponents to 41 or fewer made field goals. That defensive edge, combined with their potent offense, gives the Bucks a decisive advantage heading into this contest.

Look for Milwaukee to exploit Atlanta’s defensive lapses and cruise to a comfortable victory.

Take Milwaukee. Projected score: Milwaukee 122, Atlanta 110.

Eastern Conference Total of the Week. My selection is on the 'over' between Indiana and Brooklyn at 7:40 pm et on Wednesday.

Indiana has been one of the most offense-oriented teams in the league, often turning games into high-scoring affairs, regardless of their opponents. The Pacers are fresh off a 122-111 loss in Toronto last night, marking their third straight defeat. Their defense has been consistently porous, allowing five consecutive opponents to connect on at least 44 field goals. Offensively, while Indiana fell short of its usual production last night, snapping a streak of 10 straight games with over 40 made field goals, the Pacers are primed for a bounce-back effort.

Brooklyn’s offensive struggles have been evident, but this matchup with Indiana provides a perfect opportunity for the Nets to find their rhythm. The Pacers' up-tempo style and defensive lapses should enable Brooklyn to put up points, especially considering the Nets have given up 40 or more made field goals in four of their last five contests.

This matchup sets up as a fast-paced, high-scoring game.

Take the 'over.' Projected score: Indiana 125, Brooklyn 119.

Wednesday NHL Free play. My selection is on Los Angeles over Dallas at 10 pm ET on Wednesday.

The Kings come into this matchup well-rested, having not played since Saturday’s 5-2 home victory over Ottawa, extending their home record to an impressive 8-2-1 this season. Los Angeles has thrived on home ice and will benefit from catching a Dallas team that is in the middle of a road trip after a hard-fought 2-1 win in Utah on Monday.

While the Stars have been competitive, they’ve struggled to maintain consistency away from home, posting a 6-7 road record. With the Kings also enjoying a favorable schedule, not playing again until Saturday, they should bring the focus and intensity needed to secure a fourth straight victory.

Take Los Angeles. Projected score: Los Angeles 4, Dallas 2.