Free Picks: Service Plays for Friday, January 24

DUNKEL INDEX

Vermont at Stony Brook
The Catamounts visit Stony Brook tonight coming off a 57-40 win over New Hampshire and carrying a 4-1-1 ATS record in their last 6 games after holding an opponent under 50 points in the previous game. Vermont is the pick (+3 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the game Even. Dunkel Pick: Vermont (+3 1/2)

Game 827-828: Detroit at WI-Milwaukee (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 53.951; WI-Milwaukee 54.834
Dunkel Line: WI-Milwaukee by 1
Vegas Line: WI-Milwaukee by 4
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (+4)

Game 829-830: Rider at Manhattan (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Rider 51.774; Manhattan 60.267
Dunkel Line: Manhattan by 8 1/2; 156
Vegas Line: Manhattan by 10 1/2; 149
Dunkel Pick: Rider (+10 1/2); Over

Game 831-832: Marist at Niagara (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Marist 52.597; Niagara 49.535
Dunkel Line: Marist by 3
Vegas Line: Niagara by 2
Dunkel Pick: Marist (+2)

Game 833-834: Quinnipiac at Iona (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Quinnipiac 53.955; Iona 62.924
Dunkel Line: Iona by 9
Vegas Line: Iona by 6
Dunkel Pick: Iona (-6)

Game 841-842: Vermont at Stony Brook (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Vermont 60.995; Stony Brook 60.707
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: Stony Brook by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Vermont (+3 1/2)

Jimmy Boyd

Brooklyn Nets -2

The Nets have really turned their season around since the start of the New Year. Brooklyn has won eight of its last nine games both straight up and against the spread. A big reason for Brooklyn's recent success has been its outstanding play on the defensive end of the court. Over their last five games the Nets have held opponents to a mere 94.2 points per game. They Mavericks on the other hand have allowed 110.6 points per game over their last five games.

The Net's defense has really stepped up recently, and so has the offense. They are averaging 103 points per game over their last five games. They have covered the spread in six of their last seven games when being listed as a favorite by the oddsmakers. Brooklyn is facing a Mavericks team that has lost three of their last five games. The Nets are a streaky team, and have a 24-12 ATS record after two or more consecutive wins. Dallas is playing its third consecutive road game and their fourth game in the past seven days. With home court advantage the Nets should be able to cover such a small number in this game.

Justin Bay

Phoenix vs. Edmonton
Play: Over 5½

Phoenix Coyotes
- Average 2.4 goals/game on the road
- Allow 3.00 goals/game on the road

Edmonton Oilers
- Average 2.7 goals/game @ home
- Allow 3.48 goals/game @ home

**According to our system, this game should end with a final score of 4-3.**

Brandon Shively

Thunder vs. Celtics
Play: Under 198

We will be going UNDER the TOTAL tonight when the Thunder visit the Celtics. The Thunder are coming off back-to-back tough games (vs. Portland, @ Spurs) and I don't think they will be in a hurry to push the pace tonight, especially with their 4th game in 5 nights coming up on Saturday. For the Celtics, they just do not have the offensive talent to score consistently. Now that Avery Bradley and Jerryd Bayless are injured, depth is thin at the guard spot. If Rondo plays, he is still rusty, and that leaves Phill Pressey basically alone in the back court. Jeff Green just put up 39 points on Wednesday, including 8-for-16 from the 3 point line. The Thunder will not let that happen in this game. For the Thunder, Durant has been on fire and has been carrying his team. There is just not much production coming from anywhere else besides Durant. I expect for both teams to go 'cold' from the floor as this will turn into a defensive game. Look for the TOTAL to end in the 187-190 range tonight.

Trends:
• Under is 5-0 in Thunder last 5 games playing on 1 days rest.
• Under is 6-2 in Thunder last 8 overall.
• Under is 33-16-2 in Thunder last 51 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
• Under is 4-0 in Celtics last 4 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
• Under is 4-0 in Celtics last 4 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
• Under is 5-1 in Celtics last 6 games playing on 1 days rest.
• Under is 4-1 in Celtics last 5 home games.
Play on : Oklahoma City/ Boston UNDER the TOTAL

Brandon Shively's Featured Package

Jim Feist

New Orleans Pelicans vs. Detroit Pistons
Play: New Orleans Pelicans +5

Detroit is favored but not playing well, off a loss at pitiful Milwaukee, 104-101. This team ranks 17th in points scored, 25th in points allowed. Detroit is one of the worst teams in the NBA in field goal shooting defense allowing .467% (25th). They are 7-14 SU at home and the Pistons are 8-26-1 ATS in their last 35 vs. the Western Conference. The Pistons are also 1-6 ATS in their last 7 home games. New Orleans has a decent young frontcourt with Anthony Davis and Jeff Withey. The last game Davis scored 16 points and blocked four shots, and New Orleans rookie center Jeff Withey had a career-high 14 points. They are a good bounce back team, with the Pelicans are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 games following a double-digit loss at home, plus 28-11-1 ATS in their last 40 games following a loss of more than 10 points. Detroit is just 2-7 ATS in their last 9 games vs. a team with a losing record, so grab the dog in this close one. Play the New Orleans Pelicans.

Marc LawrenceFOR FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Oklahoma City Thunder at Boston CelticsFSERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Prediction: Boston CelticsFOR FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Here we are, trashing OKC, this time as a favorite against the Eastern Conference after taking on the Spurs, a role in which they are 5-10 ATS. The Thunder is also 1-9 SUATS in games before facing Philly, losing SU five times as a favorite. But the big story here is the return of Rajon Rondo from major knee surgery. Boston head coach Brad Stevens said that Rondo would be restricted to 18-20 minutes in his first few games, but by tonight?s contest, anything is possible. We recognize the desire this guy possesses to regain his spot among the game?s elite, and we can also toss in the fact that the C?s dropped a 119-96 decision to the Thunder in OKC 19 days ago. Still, Boston is 10-4 SUATS in the T.D. Garden versus the Thunder, including 4-0 SUATS with revenge from a loss of 6 or more points. Rondo versus Reggie (not Russell), plus royal revenge, equals a Boston upset. Celtic pride kicks in here as Boston is 17-6-1 ATS as a dog with revenge from a loss of more than 20 points when facing a .627 or greater foe. Again. We recommend a 1-unit play on Boston.

Larry Ness
INSTEAD OF LEACHING OFF OTHERS WORK GO GET IT YOURSELF VIKESFAG
Los Angeles Lakers at Orlando Magic
Pick: Orlando Magic
INSTEAD OF LEACHING OFF OTHERS WORK GO GET IT YOURSELF VIKESFAG
The Orlando Magic have lost of 12 of their last 13 games and are expected to be without center Nikola Vucevic (13.0-11.0) for a 10th straight game due to a concussion. However, the good news is that they get an opportunity to face a tired and depleted team when they host the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday.
INSTEAD OF LEACHING OFF OTHERS WORK GO GET IT YOURSELF VIKESFAG
Los Angeles dropped to 2-3 on its seven-game road trip with the 109-102 loss to Miami on Thursday and will finish up at the New York Knicks after dealing with Orlando. Pau Gasol has scored at least 20 points in six straight and 10 of the last 12 (plus is averaging 12.2 rebounds this month), but he is often the lone frontcourt player on the floor in a small-ball lineup that has trouble getting stops.
INSTEAD OF LEACHING OFF OTHERS WORK GO GET IT YOURSELF VIKESFAG
The Lakers relying heavily on three-point shots from the likes of Nick Young, Jodie Meeks and Ryan Kelly but LA allowed the Heat to shoot 57.7 percent from the floor on Thursday and has surrendered an average of 114.5 PPG while dropping eight of the last 10.
INSTEAD OF LEACHING OFF OTHERS WORK GO GET IT YOURSELF VIKESFAG
Vucevic is expected to miss his 10th straight game with a concussion (Orlando is 1-14 in games the big man has missed this season) and the Magic went to a smaller lineup with Jameer Nelson (13.5-6.7 APG), Victor Oladipo (13.7-4.4-3.9) and Arron Afflalo (20.2-4.5-3.8) starting in the backcourt together against the Hawks. They got a combined 47 points and 17 assists out of the trio but that could not make up a 42-33 disadvantage on the boards. Tobias Harris is averaging 15.9 points and 8.4 rebounds in the last nine games without Vucevic, but he and Glen Davis (13.6 & 7.2 on the season) together have not been able to replicate Vucevic’s consistent double-double output.
INSTEAD OF LEACHING OFF OTHERS WORK GO GET IT YOURSELF VIKESFAG
The good news for Orlando here is, the Lakers are almost solely a perimeter team these days (except for Gasol) and as noted above, a terribly weak defensive squad. Yes, the Lakers have covered all FIVE games on this current seven-game road trip but they've been getting 10 1/2, 7, 9, 8 1/2 and 11 1/2 points in those games. The Lakers will have to win here to cover.
INSTEAD OF LEACHING OFF OTHERS WORK GO GET IT YOURSELF VIKESFAG
While the Lakers are off a hard-fought loss vs the defending champs, the Magic had last night off. LA will be playing its seventh game in the last 11 nights and the Magic KNOW this is a real opportunity for a win. The Orlando Magic own the fewest wins in the NBA since New Year's Eve but expect them to take advantage of their road-weary guests, en route to a rare and much-needed win

Jesse SchuleFOR FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Capitals at DevilsFOR FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Pick: UnderFOR FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
There aren't many teams that scorer fewer goals than the Devils, who rank 26th in the league in scoring. New Jersey didn't have any trouble filling the net in it's last game, a 7-1 blowout win over St. Louis. I wouldn't count on another offensive explosion from the Devils here in this game, as the Caps are a desperate hockey team riding a six game losing streak, and they should come to play tonight. Four of those six games saw the total land of five goals or fewer. New Jersey likely won't need much offense the way Corey Schneider has been playing. He's posted a miniscule 1.11 GAA over his last seven starts. The Caps have bulged the twine just seven times during their six game losing streak, and Alex Ovechkin has been sidelined with an injury, and he's listed as doubtful to play here in New Jersey. "We'd love to have him out there, but we don't have him right now," right wing Troy Brouwer said. "Even when he was in the lineup the last few games we still haven't been scoring goals.

Bryan PowerFOR FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Washington vs. New JerseyFREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Pick: New JerseyFOR FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
I've made the case that the Devils are a team likely to move up in the weak Metropolitan Division. They certainly flashed their potential w/ a 7-1 win over St. Louis Tuesday night. Meanwhile, the Caps are heading in the other direction. They've lost six in a row and 10 of 12, six of those losses coming in regulation.....
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
This losing streak has dropped Washington all the way down to 7th in the Metropolitan. Offense had never been an issue for the Capitals, but it has been of late w/ the team getting shut out 2-0 by Ottawa Tuesday after scoring just seven times total the previous five games. Alex Ovechkin had scored three of those goals, but he's currently out due to a lower body injury. Making life even more difficult is that this will be the first of five straight road games for the club.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
New Jersey comes in allowing just 1.9 goals per game at home this season and over the last five games the team is averaging 3.2 goals per game. They have prevailed six of the last eight times they've met Washington, including 5-4 earlier this year in the Nation's Capital. Look for them to send the Caps to another loss here.

Indian CowboyFOR FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Antonio / Atlanta UnderFOR FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
This game is intriguing and fantastic for several reasons. For starters, its teacher versus student. Coach Pop faces his former protégé, who is now the head coach of the rising Hawks (despite Horford being injured) and it is also a classic east vs. west matchup. Atlanta is likely to be a small underdog in this game, and they are likely to be an active underdog that on a Friday night will likely to bury the public. But, the Hawks are a different type of active underdog when they face Western conference opponents (explained below). If there is anyone who knows how the Spurs play, it is long time assistant Mike Budenholzer, who was by Coach Popovich's side for many years. General Manager Danny Ferry of the Hawks, who has ties to the Spurs organization himself, brought Budenholzer when he came to the Hawks organization. By the way, give Ferry credit for getting rid of Joe Johnson's horrible contract to the Nets, freeing up cap space, bringing in Millsap and securing Jeff Teague. The Hawks have a great nucleus, including a solid wing player in Korver who continues his 3-point shooting streak as well. As per this game, the Hawks have gone under the posted total when they face Western Conference opponents throughout this year. For example, when they faced Dallas earlier this year at home (88-87) this year the game went under 202, note, the Clippers game in Atlanta did go over, but OKC contest went under (101-92), the Golden State contest went under (101-100), Houston contest went under (83-80), and now this team faces the Spurs at home. See, when the Hawks are underdogs to Western Conference foes, the games have traditionally gone under the posted total. Look for that trend to continue as the Hawks face another top-flight opponent at home, and similar to the Rockets, Warriors or Mavericks contests, look for this contest to also go under the posted total.

Wunderdog

Memphis at Houston
Pick: Memphis +6

The Memphis Grizzlies have put their backs to the wall with a horrible start, but they have finally started to play more like the team we saw late last season. Memphis has used a 5-1 run to get to .500, and they have actually played better on the road, than at home where they are 9-7 this season. They have double-revenge against Houston, who they lost to by 7 and 8 points this season, but are playing at a much higher level right now, and are 5-0 ATS in their last five off a loss. This is the first of a home-and-home vs. Houston, and the Rockets have San Antonio after that, so they may find themselves complacent here. Take the points on Memphis.

Carlos Salazar

Washington Wizards at Phoenix Suns
Play: Washington Wizards +3

The Wizards head out west for an important road trip as they try once again to get above .500. Look for them to start the trip off with a win on Friday night against a depleted Phoenix team.

Carlos Salazar's Featured Package

DAVE COKINFOR FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
SAN ANTONIO SPURS AT ATLANTA HAWKSVlSlT THESPREAD.COM
PLAY: SAN ANTONIO SPURS -4.5FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
There’s no question in my mind that the simple method isn’t going to get a bettor in the black long term. Playing the obvious will have you paying the price over the long haul. But that doesn’t mean that there aren’t those occasional situations where if it isn’t broken, don’t try to fix it becomes the best rule to follow.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
The San Antonio Spurs are having another strong NBA campaign. There are a couple of teams that have given the Spurs big trouble, and that seems to be a matchup issue that the Spurs just can’t get around. Aside from that, it has been business as usual for this perennial powerhouse and tonight San Antonio is in a scenario where they’ve been pure money in the bank.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
I’ve always like the idea of playing elite teams off a bad result. Patience is a virtue when it comes to this angle, but playing that waiting game can really pay off with a very small handful of teams. The Spurs off a loss are certainly one such example this season.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
There’s nothing especially complicated here. The Spurs have yet to lose two in a row all season. They’re a perfect 10-0 straight up following a defeat, and they’ve covered the spread in all but one of those games.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
San Antonio visits Atlanta tonight off the loss to the Thunder. Had they won that game, this might well have been a spot to back the Hawks as the Spurs have a big game with Miami on deck. But with San Antonio off the loss, they fall into a play on situation that has been about as good as it can get. I’ll go with the flow and will back the Spurs minus the points to get the best of the Hawks tonight.

Doug Upstone

Milwaukee Bucks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
Play: Cleveland Cavaliers -8

On Friday, Play Against teams like Milwaukee revenging a loss when the opponent (Cleveland) scored 110 or more points and they are off an upset loss to a division rival as a home favorite. In the past five years, this free NBA play is 25-5 ATS, 83.3 percent.