Free Picks: Service Plays for Friday December, 14

Ben BurnsFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Sacramento vs. Oklahoma City
Pick: UnderFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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This O/U line has climbed since its opener and I believe that the current number is providing us with very fair value.
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The Thunder are off a 92-88 win over New Orleans, on Tuesday. Naturally, that game stayed well below the total. It also marked the sixth time in its last eight games in which OKC held its opponent to double-digits in scoring.
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Hosting a Sacramento team which has only hit triple-digits once in it last eight games, I expect the Thunder to again have some success on the defensive end of the floor. During that stretch, the Kings have only averaged 92.5 points.
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As bad as it sounds, that 8-game average of 92.5 is actually more points than the Kings average on the road. In nine road games, they're averaging just 90.9 points, hitting a mere 40.3% from the field.
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As one would expect, the Thunder are heavy favorites here. Therefore, its worth noting that the "under" is a perfect 7-0 the last seven times that they were listed as home favorites in the 12.5 to 15 range. Take a look at the UNDER.

Stephen NoverFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Golden State Warriors vs. Orlando Magic
Play: Golden State WarriorsFREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Golden State no longer is an under-the-radar team. Not after upsetting Miami on the road this past Wednesday. The Warriors beat the Heat, 97-95, despite Stephen Curry scoring only nine points. Curry had scored at least 20 points in eight straight games.
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The Warriors are looking to go 6-0 on their current road trip - and I'm going to jump on their ride. The Warriors are playing great, their confidence is sky high and there should not be a letdown since this is a revenge game. The Magic surprised the Warriors winning by eight in Oakland back on Dec. 3. That's the last time the Warriors lost and it's their only defeat in their past nine games. The Magic played one of their best games of the season in that game. Arron Affalo and J.J. Redick combined to shoot 16-of-29 (55 percent) from the floor. On the season, Redick is shooting 43 percent from the field while Affalo is hitting 44.7 percent from the field.
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While Golden State is playing its finest ball, the Magic are slumping dropping three of their last four. Orlando is averaging just 85.3 points per game during its last four games.
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The Magic are just 3-7 ATS at home with five straight non-covers in Orlando. Affalo has come out and said the Magic have focused much better on the road where they are 7-3-1 ATS.
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Golden State is 22-7-1 ATS in its last 30 away contests. The Warriors have covered in eight of their last 10 games versus Eastern Conference foes.
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David Lee is having an All-Star season. He's averaging 24.2 points and 13.4 rebounds during the Warriors' current road streak and won't lack for incentive returning to Florida. Lee is a former Florida Gator star. He should thrive against the Magic's weak frontcourt.

Rob VincilettiFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Celtics vs. RocketsFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Play: Under 206FOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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This game fits a Nice totals system that plays to the under and has won 10 of 12 times. We want to play the Under in games where the home favorite of 4 points or less, Houston in this case, comes in off a game where they scored 90 or more points as a home favorite of 10 or higher and are taking on an opponent, Like Boston in this case that scored 110 or more points as a home favorite of 5 or more in their last game, which Boston did in their home win vs Dallas. The Rockets have played under all 3 times as a home favorite of 3 or less. The Celtics have stayed under in 10 of 15 as a road dog of 3 or less and 3 of 4 after allowing 105 and 3 of 4 after scoring 105 or more. In the series between these two teams 11 of 14 have played under. Look for this game to follow suit tonight.

Jim FeistFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Philadelphia 76ers at Indiana PacersFREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Pick: Philadelphia 76ersFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Philly has a winning record overall and is a .500 road team because of stellar defense. The 76ers are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 road games. Indiana is having trouble shooting this season, ranked 28th in field goals while averaging just 91 ppg. The Pacers are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games following a win and 4-11 ATS in their last 15 vs. the NBA Atlantic. And when these Eastern rivals meet the underdog is 5-2 ATS in the last 7 meetings. Play the 76ers!

JR O'DonnellFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Oklahoma City -13FOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Will run the 7-14 Sac Kings right out of the building...These Okie Thunder have been a 12-2 Winning Prop & are 7-0 the last 7 home matchups since relocating from Seattle vs the Kings. The J Oster has this Power Rated @ a - 17 point Blow Out .... Kings are 0-4-1 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600. 110-93 final.

Bobby Conn

Utah Jazz vs. Phoenix Suns
Play: Under 200½

Utah only gave up 96 points to the Spurs the other night and the Suns haven't scored more than 100 in nearly a month. Phoenix is also coming off a 82-80 defensive battle against Memphis, so I think having this total posted above 200 seems a little high. Take the Under.

Jimmy Boyd

Sacramento Kings +13

The Thunder are getting a little too much respect here considering they have defeated the Kings by more than 13 points just once in the past five meetings.

The Kings have lost back-to-back games both SU and ATS since winning three in a row, but they didn't have leading scorer and rebounder DeMarcus Cousins in their most recent contest (missed due to suspension). It bodes well for Sacramento that Cousins is expected to return to the lineup since he has been a handful for Oklahoma City. He had 32 points in the Kings' most recent matchup with Oklahoma City, and they only lost that game on the road by eight points.

It is also worth noting that road underdogs of 10 or more points that have failed to cover the spread in two or more consecutive games, provided they have won just 25.0 to 40.0% of their games and are matched up against a team that has a winning record, are 146-90 ATS since 1996. These teams have been underdogs of 12.3 points on average but have lost by just 10.7 points on average.

In addition, the Kings are on an impressive 16-5 ATS run in road games versus top caliber teams that outscore their opponents by 9.0 points or more per game. They have lost to these teams on average but only by 7.2 points. Bet the Kings.

WunderdogFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Sacramento at Oklahoma CityFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Pick: Sacramento +13FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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There is nothing about the 7-14 Sacramento Kings, who are also 1-8 on the road, that is going to get the blood thumping for the Thunder in this one. The betting public sees otherwise with nearly 70% in the Oklahoma City camp. While the Kings have posted just seven in the win column, three of those have come in the last five games. Oklahoma City should be on cruise control tonight as they are on a nine game winning streak, and will be eyeing their next contest vs. the Spurs who they consider their biggest threat in the West. The Thunder are just 3-7 ATS vs. losing teams in their last 10, and an even worse 2-6 ATS vs. a team under .400 in their last eight. Sacramento will stick around here against a big number. Back Sacramento in this game.

Jeff Scott Sports

3 UNIT PLAY

Old Dominion/ Central Florida Over 132: UCF's games have averaged 131.5 ppg this year, but a closer look shows that it is really just one game that has brought that average down. That game was vs Savannah State and A look at the Tigers stats shows that their games have averaged just 109.4 ppg, so a low scoring game could be expected in that one. Now if we take out that game then their games have averaged 139.3 ppg. A big jump. Central Florida averages a solid 68.5 ppg on 50.7% shooting and they are 98th in the nation in points vs possession and will be facing an ODU defense that is 284th in the nation in defensive points per possession. Overall the ODU defense is 270 in points allowed (71.3 ppg) and 307th in defensive FG% (46.3%), plus 313th at defending the 3-ball (38.3%). I fully expect somewhere in the mid 70's from UCF. On offense ODU is not all that good (63.3 ppg), but they have averaged 65.6 ppg in their last 5 games, while The Knights have allowed 69.5 ppg in their last 4 games, so I would expect somewhere in the mid 60's from ODU. Neither team plays a slow down game and both offenses should be able to take care of some struggling defenses and put around 140 on the board in this one.

SPORTS WAGERS

Ross Pearson +105 over George Sotiropoulos

There will be no love lost on Friday night as the coaches of the latest international version of The Ultimate Fighter finally square off in the octagon. During this season, the bad blood between team UK's Pearson (15-6) and Team Australia's Sotiropoulos (14-4) was apparent. Look for both men to be eager to put the other away. Stylistically, both fighters are very different in how they will approach this fight. Pearson, who is also the winner of The Ultimate Fighter: US vs. UK, enters this fight off of a loss to Cub Swanson and has alternated wins and losses in his last six contests. As a striker with decent wrestling, look for Pearson to want to keep the fight standing and avoid the ground where Sotiropoulos has the advantage.

Despite Sotiropoulos being the better ground tactician, in his previous fights he has shown that he can struggle to actually get the fight to the ground. We feel that Pearson's wrestling will be more than able to defend any takedown attempts by Sotiropoulos and with the fight on the feet, Pearson should be able to attack Sotiropoulos with little resistance and earn the victory.

SPORTS WAGERS

WASHINGTON +6 over L.A. Lakers

The Lakers lost to the Knicks by nine last night but that score was flattering as L.A. was down by 20 most of the game. They needed a furious second half rally to make it respectable and only accomplished that after Carmelo Anthony was injured and had to leave the game. Those expecting the Lakers to bounce back may be expecting a lot.

The Lakers are old and slow. Kobe is trying to do it all on his own. That’s not going to work. The Lakers, who have won just 14 of their past 35 games, dating back to last year’s playoffs, have lost eight of their past 11 games and are now 2-8 on the road. L.A. used up a ton of energy in an attempt to not be laughed out of New York and now they’ll play in an arena with a fraction of the excitement of last night’s tilt. The Wizards will be ready. To them, this game is huge. Washington has been competing against some very good clubs lately with a win over Miami and near wins in Atlanta and Houston. The effort from the host will certainly be there while we’re not so sure about the Lakers.

Dallas -5 over TORONTO

The Raptors have lost 12 of 13. They are without Andrea Bargnani, Kyle Lowry and five others. They recently returned home from an 0-5 road trip in which they lost the final game by 18 points to a Blazer team that went 0-20 in that game from 3-point land. Until the Raps show us something different, we’re glad to fade them spotting a beatable number.

Dallas has won three of four with only loss over that span occurring by two in OT in Boston. They’ve scored 115 or more in three straight and we can’t imagine the lifeless Raptors keeping pace with them here.

Jack JonesFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Washington Wizards +6FOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Once again, the Los Angeles Lakers are getting too much respect from oddsmakers. Meanwhile, the Washington Wizards remain one of the most underrated teams in the league at this point. I'll side with the value and back the home dog in this one Friday.
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The Lakers have now dropped four straight and six of their last seven to fall to 9-14 on the season. They have no business being favored tonight with the way they have been playing of late. That's especially the case considering they will be a tired team, playing the second of a back-to-back and their 3rd game in 4 days.
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Washington has quietly gone a perfect 3-0 ATS in its last three games. It won at New Orleans 77-70 and lost to Golden State and Houston both by 6 points or less. The Wizards have a much deeper roster than they get credit for, and they don't miss John Wall as much as the betting public believes.
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The Lakers are 16-35-1 ATS in their last 52 games vs. a team with a losing S.U. record. Los Angeles is 5-21 ATS in its last 26 after scoring 100 points or more in its previous game. The Wizards are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a S.U. loss. The Lakers are 5-17 ATS in their last 22 games vs. Eastern Conference foes. Bet the Wizards Friday.

Steve JanusFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Milwaukee Bucks -2.5FOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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The Bucks are showing some great value as a small favorite against a very poor Cavaliers team. Cleveland has gained some respect from the oddsmakers with their 100-94 home win over the Lakers on Tuesday, but when you consider just how bad Los Angeles is playing that win doesn't really mean anything. Cleveland came back on Wednesday and lost to the Pacers by 15-points.
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The return of Kryie Irving definitely makes the Cavaliers a more competitive team, but they are just 2-9 in the 11 games that he has played this year.
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Cleveland really seemed to wear down in that second half against the Pacers, where they managed to score just 23 points over the final 24 minutes. While they will be playing on a full days rest, this will be their fifth game in the last eight days. Hard to see them playing with a lot of energy tonight, especially with a huge showdown against the Knicks on tap tomorrow at Madison Square Garden.
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The Bucks enter this game on a three game winning streak, which included a 97-88 win at Brooklyn. They come in having won eight straight against the Cavaliers.
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Milwaukee is a solid 31-16 ATS in their last 47 road games off a home win, while the Cavaliers are just 1-9 ATS in home games off a road loss by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.

DAVID BANKS

Memphis Grizzlies +1

The Memphis Grizzlies (14-5, 12-6-1 ATS) are coming off their first two-game losing steak of the year while the Denver Nuggets (11-12. 13-10) are just happy to be home at the Pepsi Center in Denver, CO when the teams meet Friday night at 10:30 ET on ESPN. The Nuggets are 5-1 at home this season but they are returning home from a five-game road trip and have played eight of their last nine games on the road, where they are just 6-11. Thus, Denver is one game under .500 overall Still, is just being home enough to knock off one of the better teams in the league in a revenge spot?

The Grizzlies had the best record in the NBA at 14-3 before losing their last two games vs. the hot Atlanta Haws at home and to the Phoenix Suns on the road, and one of those first three losses came back home in Memphis to these Nuggets 97-92 on November 19th. The Grizz would now like nothing better than to repay that favor on the Nuggets' own home floor in the altitude. And they are certainly capable of doing it too as the Memphis defense is allowing the fewest points in the NBA at just 90.7 per game while ranking fourth in field goal percentage against and eighth in three-point defense. Even during the two-game losing streak, the defense has continued to be great as the Grizzlies have lost by scores of 93-83 and 82-80 respectively. It is the Memphis offense that has hit a bit of a lull, but the team is still averaging a commendable 97.2 points overall led by Rudy Gay and his 19.1 points per game, and the Grizzlies have a chance to bounce back here vs. a Denver defense that is allowing a generous 101.0 points per contest to rank 25th in the league in that department.

Although the Nuggets play so much better at home, teams returning home from long road trips vs. mostly the opposite conference are often a bit lethargic in their first game back home, making this a rather tricky spot for Denver especially having only one day off since ending its trip with a back-to-back at Detroit and Minnesota on Tuesday and Wednesday. Granted Minnesota was a conference game but the trip began in Atlanta and the first four games of the trip were all vs. Eastern Conference opponents. All that recent travel may negate the edge that the altitude usually gives the Nuggets in this building. Besides, the Grizzlies are 5-3 on the road and they did win on their last trip to Denver last season.

While the Nuggets have been good a home generally, they have been far from automatic vs. the better teams in the league going a disappointing 3-8-1 ATS in their last 12 home games vs. teams with winning road records. Denver ended its trip with a 108-105 loss in Minnesota, and the Grizzlies are 15-7 ATS in their last 22 games when their opponent had scored at least 100 points in its previous game.