Free Picks: Service Plays for Friday January, 25

Ben BurnsFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Vancouver vs. Anaheim
Pick: VancouverFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
The Canucks will be looking for payback here, as the Ducks embarrassed them on opening night, at Vancouver.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
The Canucks got the monkey off their back with a win over Calgary on Wednesday.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
That should take the pressure off a little and give them some confidence going into this evening's "rematch."

The Canucks have been the best "regular season" team in hockey in back-to-back seasons. They've had no trouble winning away from Vancouver.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Note that the Canucks were 39-23 (+10.3) the past couple of seasons, when playing a road game with an O/U line of 5.5. During the same stretch, they were also 25-11, after playing their previous three games at Vancouver.

Consider that the Canucks were -145 favorites the last time that they played here (Vancouver won that one by a score of 5-2) and that they've been favored every time that they've played here the last two seasons.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
We're getting them as (slight) underdogs here and I feel that's providing very fair value. Consider Vancouver.

Sean MurphyFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Pittsburgh vs. Winnipeg
Pick: UnderFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
What to expect: Marc-Andre Fleury and Ondrej Pavelec will steal the show on Friday night in the 'Peg as the Penguins and Jets are involved in a lower-scoring game than most are anticipating. The last two meetings in this series produced 13 and 12 goals, so it's no real surprise that we're being offered a plus-money return with the 'under'. However, it's also worth noting that the two meetings in Winnipeg last year totaled only three and five goals. The Penguins made it look easy in Philadelphia and New York last weekend, but ran into some trouble against Toronto last time out, falling by a 5-2 score. This isn't a team that's going to get rattled by one loss, but I do think we'll see them continue to lag a bit offensively. The Jets busted out with a four-goal performance in Washington on Tuesday, but were held to only one goal in each of their first two games. While the Pens are known for their offense, they also possess a pretty solid defensive corps, and they should bring the proper level of focus to the table after allowing five goals against the Leafs. This one goes down to the wire, and the winner tops out at three goals.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Final verdict: Winnipeg 3 Pittsburgh 2

Art AronsonFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Pittsburgh vs. Winnipeg
Pick: PittsburghFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
I think we are getting some good value with a Pens team that is arguably the best team in the East and is hungry off a bad loss.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
The Penguins were uncharacteristically sloppy in a loss on home ice to the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Pens took eight minor penalties and left goalie Marc-Andre Fleury out to dry on a lot of opportunities. I think we see a bounce back from a Pens team that is well coached and poised to be one of the better teams in the league this year.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
A good sign for the Pens was that that superstar Sidney Crosby got on the board for his first goal and multiple points game of the year. I think he keeps it going with the already hot Malkin as line mate.

Winnipeg got its first win of the season but still are struggling at home were they have lost five in a row dating back into last season.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
The Penguins have won 12 of the last 13 meetings between these two franchises going back into the Atlanta Thrasher days.

Marc-Andre Fleury has a 12-2 record against the Jets with a 2.06 GAA all-time. Meanwhile Jets goalie Ondrej Pavelec has lost 10 of 11 starts against the Penguins and has a 6.68 GAA in those games.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Think we are paying a decent price here for Pittsburgh here.

Marc LawrenceFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Detroit vs. Miami
Pick: MiamiFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
We realize the Heat aren't hitting on all cylinders these days but this finale on a two-game home stand should find them firing on all 'Pistons' as they take to the road for a tough four-game trip once this one is in the books After all, Detroit made the mistake of beating the Heat, 109-99, in the Motor City one month earlier and series history clearly suggests payback is in order as Miami is 7-1 ATS in this matchup with same-season revenge. Our database also reminds us that: defending champs with double-digit same-season loss revenge are 27-17-2 ATS when hosting an opponent off a same-season revenge contest, including 7-1 ATS when the foe is .482 or less on the season. And with Detroit arriving off a revenger with the Bulls, those numbers apply tonight in South Beach. In fact, the Pistons are long-term losers in games after battling Chicago, logging a 36-61-1 ATS mark. Yes, it may be surprising to find us laying double-digits with a struggling team but remember: Miami is 30-6 SU and 24-11-1 ATS in their last 36 home games and there's no known ointment for northern teams who develop South Beach sunburn this time of year. Simply apply more Heat and the rest is icing. We recommend a 1-unit play on Miami.

David ChanFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Detroit vs. Miami
Pick: DetroitFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Detroit is 16-26 SU and 20-22 ATS; it's coming off an 85-82 loss at Chicago as a 6.5 point underdog on the 23rd. The loss snapped a two game win streak. The Pistons are getting solid play up and down their lineup though right now, and I believe they'll give Miami everything it can handle tonight.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Will Bynum came off the bench to score 25 points and add 10 assists in his team's 109-99 win over the Heat on December 26th.

And note that Detroit is 10-9 ATS on the road this year, and 11-9 ATS vs. teams with winning records.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Miami is 27-12 SU and 19-20 ATS; it's coming off a 123-116 OT win over Toronto as a 10 point favorite on the 23rd.

Dwayne Wade had 35 points; LeBron James had 31 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds; Ray Allen had 18 points.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Note though that Miami is just 4-6 ATS this season in revenging a loss vs. an opponent.

The Heat have a bad habit of overlooking their competition, and are also just 17-20 ATS this year when playing the role of favorite.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
The oddsmakers are drastically underestimating this improving Pistons team, and I believe the Heat will as well; grab the points!

Chris ElliottFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Ottawa vs. Tampa Bay
Pick: OttawaFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
The Sens are 3-0 after winning Thursday night with no time to rest at T.B. in b2b games in this one. Backup Bishop will get the start while starter Anderson has been amazing with 83 saves on 85 shots in the first 3 games. T.B. boasts 2 top notch lines up front while GM Yzerman did a tremendous job bringing in Brewer, Carle and Salo to shore up the back end. Brewer wore a "C" last season while Carle and Salo were "A"S.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
The Senators are 3-0 on the season while outscoring their opponents 11-2 in the process. They are coming off a 3-1 road victory over lowly Florida (1-3). Jason Spezza scored his first goal of the season against Florida, into an empty net to seal a tightly contested affair. G Craig Anderson has been lights out to start the season saving 83 of 85 shots to start all 3 games so far. You have to expect coach MacLean to go with backup goalie Bishop against the Lightning after back to back starts for Anderson.

The Lightning are 2-1 on the season while they are 1-0 at home, with a 6-3 victory over Washington. Tampa Bay has 2 time Maurice Richard Trophy winner in the lineup Steven Stamkos who has scored a league leading 156 goals in the past 3 seasons with perennial all star playmaker Martin St. Louis (career 852 points) making a great living setting him up. The team has an established 2nd line with veteran C Vinny Lecavalier and young winger Teddy Purcell (combined 114 points last season).
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
What impresses me the most about the Lightning is what GM Steve Yzerman was able to do in the offseason, bringing in 3 top notch defensemen in Matt Carle, Eric Brewer and Sami Salo. All three players are leaders in the dressing room with Carle and Salo wearing "A"'s with Philly and Vancouver respectively while Eric Brewer was captain of the St. Louis Blues. All 3 have made tremendous contributions already to the squad.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Take a look at the Lightning at home to get it done straight up over the Ottawa Senators.

Jesse SchuleFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Utah vs. L.A. Lakers
Pick: UtahFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
My amazing run with FREE hoops plays continued on Wednesday, with another winner on the Grizzlies over the Lakers, extending the streak to a SIZZLIN' 14-1 in 2013! Those of you that have followed my free plays during that time will already know that several of those winners were bets against the Lakers.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
After watching L.A. struggle in Memphis, and hearing the post game comments from Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol and Dwight Howard, I really see no reason not to continue to fade the Lakers.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Howard left the game against the Grizzlies with a shoulder injury, however the Lakers are now saying that he is listed as day to day, and the injury is not very serious. You might have to wonder if Howard is just sandbagging it.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
The Jazz won four of five against the Lakers in 2012, including a pair of games in Los Angeles. Utah is also playing great basketball in recent weeks, winning eight of their last 10 games overall. They have been a great bet during that time, covering the points in seven of those eight victories.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
It remains to be seen if Howard will show up to play "physically" on Friday, and even if he does, it's not likely that he will be 100% mentally. It looks like things have gone from bad to worse for the Lakers, and Howard may well be on his way out.

Jack JonesFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Cleveland Cavaliers +4½FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
The Milwaukee Bucks are getting too much respect from oddsmakers as a 4.5-point favorite at Cleveland tonight. I'll gladly side with the value and the home underdog Cavaliers in this one.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Cleveland has really started to play well over the past week. It has won two of its last three with a road win at Portland and a home victory over Boston. Its lone loss during this stretch came at Utah by 11, which is a tough place to play.

Milwaukee comes in overvalued due to its 3-game winning streak that has come against the likes of the struggling Suns, Blazers and 76ers. In fact, the Bucks have only beaten one team currently with a winning record in January, so they have really benefited from an easy schedule.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
The Cavaliers have outperformed the Bucks in two meetings this season. They lost at home to Milwaukee 86-90 as a 3-point dog in their first meeting on December 14th, but would get their revenge with a 94-82 road win on December 22nd as an 8-point dog.

This play falls into a system that is 59-29 (67%) ATS over the last 5 seasons. It tells us to bet against favorites of 3.5 to 9.5 points (MILWAUKEE) - hot team - having covered 6 or 7 of their last 8 against the spread, with a winning percentage of between 45-55% on the season.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Milwaukee is 46-74 ATS after 3 or more consecutive wins since 1996. The Bucks are 6-17 ATS revenging a home loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons. The Cavaliers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 vs. Eastern Conference opponents. Bet Cleveland Friday.

Jim Feist

Minnesota Timberwolves at Washington Wizards
Pick: Washington Wizards

Washington is finally healthy and home from a nice road trip, winning at Portland and Denver as a dog. In fact, they are on a sizzling 8-0 ATS run and 10-1 ATS run, getting sparkplug guard John Wall more time each game. The Wizards are 18-6-2 ATS in their last 26 games overall and 15-5-1 ATS in their last 21 vs. the Western Conference. Minnesota is banged up with injuries and the Timberwolves are 5-14 ATS in their last 19 games vs. a team with a winning percentage below .400 and 0-4-1 ATS in their last 5 road games. The Timberwolves are 3-9 ATS in the last 12 meetings, including 1-6 ATS in the last 7 meetings in Washington. Play Washington!

Dave Cokin

St. Peter's at Iona
Pick: Iona

Backing big chalk is not my favorite way to play, but sometimes it simply makes sense to take the plunge and surrender a boatload of points. I'll put Friday's St. Peter's-Iona clash in that category. The Peacocks just aren't much good at all, but their best win of the season came against Iona. That means the Gaels aren't likely to simply take them for granted. In that earlier meeting, Iona had a double digit lead at the half and blew it. That should result in a little more focus over the full 40 tonight, and it gets even better with Iona coming in off a loss at Rider last time out. There's certainly no value in the number, as the same season revenge has been built in by the oddsmakers. That said, this is a legit opportunity for some serious payback, so I'll give Iona minus the points the nod tonight.

Rob VincilettiFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Loyola Maryland vs. Manhattan
Play: Loyola MarylandFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
We cashed big with Loyola earlier in the week and we will back them again here tonight as we note that they have covered 10 of the last 12 in the series with Manhattan and are a solid 28-10 vs losing teams. When they play teams that struggle to score and average 64 or less points per game they are 21-5 straight up, including a perfect 8-0 this season. When installed as a road favorite of 3 or less Loyola has won and covered 8 of 12 times. They have played well the past few years in January winning 19 of the last 24. Manhattan has lost 9 of 10 as a dog this season and have been mediocre as a home dog of 3 or less going 4-9 straight up to and to the spread. When playing winning teams they have dropped 6 of the last 7. Look for Loyola to win and cover.

Scott SpreitzerFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Nets / Grizzlies Over 177.5FOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
I understand both of these teams can play a stingy brand of defensive basketball. But the total set for tonight's game is too low, simply put. Brooklyn Net games have not dipped into the 170s, as far as posted totals are concerned this entire season...not even once. And in fact, the three times the total dipped below 184, the Nets and their opponents finished Over the total all three times. Two of those games were against Indiana, the stingiest defense in the NBA in points allowed per game and the Washington Wizards, who're the league's worst offensive team. The third came against an Orlando team that's not exactly known for high scoring shootouts. Memphis heads into this one having won and covered three of their last four games. Under Lionel Hollins, the Grizzlies are 30-16 to the Over in this situation, with an average of 202 ppg scored in those contests. And Memphis will play higher scoring games against decent opposition...or against teams that will look to attack on the offensive end. We saw 199 points combined against the Lakers and recent games against San Antonio, the Clippers, and the Mavericks saw the winning side score 103, 99, and 104 ppg. I believe the total has been set too low and I'm playing the Over between the Nets & Grizzlies on Friday night.

Tony GeorgeFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Memphis -4.5FOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Oddsmakers begging you to take the Red Hot Nets here, and this is totally a line play from my perspective, which means when it looks too good to be true, it ain't. I am not drinking the kool aid here and taking the points but going against the grain alittle and taking the Grizzlies at home. Memphis has played some great ball the last 5 and turing it around from a rough stretch, and playinmg great defense along the way. Memphis 16-6 SU at home this year and allowing 85 ppg on defense their last 5. I am taking the home fav here on a trap line and laying the wood on Friday Night.

JR O'DonnellFREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Siena +7.5FOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Let's play the nasty nasty dog here gang as the Aces will have there hands full tonight @ the Times Union Center Maac battle. These Purple Aces are far and away a better ball club , how ever we will grab the points as the Saints will keep it close.... Power Rated @ Aces - 4 flat here gang.... Aces drilled the Saints by almost 20 less than 2 weeks ago and now a 7.5 chalk.