Free Picks: Service Plays for Tuesday January, 8

Bruce MarshallFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Ohio St. vs. PurdueFREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Pick: Ohio St.FOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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That was a very uncharacteristic performance from Ohio State last Saturday when it was drubbed at Champaign-Urbana by an aroused and hungry Illinois side. In bounce-back mode tonight at West Lafayette, however, expect the "real" Buckeyes to show up. That's partly because host Purdue has some real limitations offensively; fundamental matchups look promising for OSU, which can sick dogged defender G Aaron Craft on the Boilermakers' only consistent offensive weapon, G Terone Johnson (13.4 ppg). Firepower edge to Buckeyes with productive 6'7 F Deshaun Thomas (20.6 ppg), with the savvy Craft pulling the strings from the point. Remember, too, that Purdue has been a mostly mediocre side this season (just 7-7 SU), with few noteworthy efforts.

David ChanFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Phoenix vs. MilwaukeeFREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Pick: PhoenixFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Phoenix is 12-23 SU and 14-19-2 ATS; it's coming off back to back losses including a 92-81 setback as a 4.5 point underdog on the 6th. This is the opening of a four game-trip for Phoenix, and if history is any precedence, it has to be liking its chances, as it has in fact won 37 of the last 42 in this series.
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While the offense has stalled a bit over the last couple of games, a date vs the defensively challenged Bucks is just what the doctor ordered.
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And note that Phoenix is a perfect 4-0 ATS this year after playing three consecutive home games.
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Milwaukee is 16-16 SU/ATS; it's coming off four straight losses, including a 95-80 setback at Indiana as a 4.5 point underdog on the 5th.
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It's been brutal defensive play which has led to the slide, as the Bucks have given up an average of 105.8 PPG. It's also interesting to note that Milwaukee has been outscored by a combined 111-76 in the second half of its last two losses.
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Note that Milwaukee is just 1-9 ATS this year in non-conference games.
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With a victory the Suns will earn their 2,000th win, and with a date vs. Milwaukee at home next Thursday, I believe they have enough significant external factors working in their favor today to sneak in through the back door at the very least; consider a second look at Phoenix in this one!

Jimmy BoydFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Phoenix Suns+5½FOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Both of these teams are struggling right now so I'll take the points with Phoenix against Milwaukee. The Bucks have lost four straight games and three in a row at the pay window and it's due to their suspect defense. Their last three opponents have all reached 95 points or more.
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Phoenix is actually playing decent defense lately but they forgot how to score. They held Philadelphia, Utah, and Memphis to 89, 87, and 92 points, but only scored 161 total points the last two games.
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The Suns get the Bucks at a good time, smashed between divisional road games at Indiana and at Chicago. Milwaukee knows they need to keep pace with those two teams, so their focus might not be 100% there here tonight.
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The Bucks are only 34-55 ATS at home against the Pacific since 1996 and 1-9 ATS against the West this year. I think Phoenix has a real chance at pulling the upset here tonight.

Matt FargoFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Niagara vs. BrownFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Play: BrownFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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This is not a very good spot for Niagara as it is coming off two wins over the weekend in conference action to improve to 3-1 on the season in the MAAC. Going forward, the Purple Eagles have two road games this upcoming weekend within the conference so the last thing they need to be doing right now is playing a meaningless non-conference game sandwiched in-between. They are coming off a big win over Fairfield which is one of the conference favorites and the rematch takes place this Sunday which will be another huge game. Overall, Niagara is 6-1 at home but just 1-6 on the highway including 1-5 in true road games. Heading to Brown is far from a daunting challenge but it comes down to focus and I think the Bears will have more of that here. Brown is coming off back-to-back losses on the road to fall to 2-6 outside of Providence. The Bears are a much more respectable 2-2 at home and that includes a win in their last game against Providence. The schedule has been challenging as this is just the second home game for Brown since the end of November. The current runs are playing a factor in this line and while Niagara can make a case for being a favorite, it should be closer to a pickem than what it is now. The Bears fall into a great situation as well as we play on underdogs that are averaging 63 ppg or less going up against teams allowing between 74 and 78 ppg , after playing a game where both teams scored 65 points or less. This situation is 57-23 ATS (71.2 percent) over the last five seasons.

Ray MonohanFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Ohio St. -7FOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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While the loss to Illinois confirmed for me that this Ohio State team is not quite at the top of the Big Ten this year it also gave provided great value for this road tilt at Purdue. The only thing that worries me is that OSU is 0-2 on the road this season, but lots of team would be too if they were playing at Duke and at Illinois. Purdue beat the same Illinois team that whacked Ohio State on the weekend but everyone could see that the Illini were playing over their head and were likely looking ahead to the Buckeyes. The Buckeyes will rebound, they are 7-1 ATS off a loss and 7-3 ATS against Purdue.

Alex SmartFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Milwaukee Bucks -5½FOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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The Milwaukee Bucks and their new interim coach (Jim Boylan) take on a Phoenix Suns side that has not performed well in an underdog role of late covering only 8 of their last 22 when getting points, which includes hitting only 5 dog opportunities in their L/14 on the road. I know the Bucks have played horribly of late, as is evident by five straight losses, but there are very few situations in the NBA, that wake teams up as quickly, as a coaching change.

Jim FeistFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Brooklyn at PhiladelphiaFREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Pick: UnderFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Philadelphia is struggling, on a 1-5 SU/ATS run because of the offense can't score, getting 89, 85, 89, 85 and 86 points in those defense. The defense is fine, allowing 96.6 ppg -- 8th in the NBA. The under is 5-0-1 in the 76ers last six games. Brooklyn can also play tough defense, 5th in the NBA in points allowed and the under is 19-5-2 in the Nets last 26 road games. And when these teams meet the under is 9-2 in the last 11 meetings in Philadelphia. Play the Nets/76ers under the total.

Dave CokinFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Los Angeles Lakers at Houston Rockets
Pick: Houston RocketsFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Things continue to unravel for the Lakers. They can't play defense, the bench is substandard and now they're hitting the road extremely shorthanded. Making matters worse for the Lakers is that they are still a team that opponents circle wherever they go, and that ought to be the case again tonight as Houston gets to play the host role. The Rockets might be without Chandler Parsons, but that pales in comparison to what the visitors are missing right now. Even with a number that figures to be a little inflated, continuing to fade the Lakers seems like an okay idea, so tonight's comp opinion is on the Rockets minus the points.

Stephen NoverFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Milwaukee Bucks -5½FOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Neither the Bucks nor Suns are playing well. Milwaukee just made a coaching change sacking Scott Skiles. Alvin Gentry probably is on borrowed time for Phoenix.
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I see the Bucks playing with a lot of engergy and motivation for interim coach Jim Boyland. Milwaukee is home and taking on an easy opponent.
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The Suns have lost eight of their last nine games. The Suns rank 25th defensively and second to last in defensive field goal percentage. They are the perfect antidote to the Bucks' struggling offense, which should be fortified with the expected return of Ersan Ilyasova.
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The Suns need to have their offense going to make up for their lack of defense. But Phoenix's offense is in the tank. The Suns have averaged less than 19 points a quarter during the past seven quarters. Only once in their last nine games have the Suns reached triple digits. Phoenix's confidence is at a season low.
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While the Bucks are a disppointing 16-16, they still are a borderline playoff team capable of winning their division. Phoenix, though, has the fifth-worst record in the NBA. The Bucks usually take care of business against such inferior competition covering five of the last six times verus a below .500 foe.

JR O'DonnellFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Wofford -8FOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Terriers short/ sweet & down right ugly tonight @ South Carolina as we go Favorite tonight "Southern Conference" action. LAY THE 8 AS THIS CLUB IS READY TO POUND SOMEBODY.... 24 year Veteran Mike Young will have his troops ready as the Power Forward "Lee Skinner" can hoop! .. #'s powerful Favorite is 4-0-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings. & Appy State 0-4 last 4 trips to SC.... Power rated @ - 10 here flat.

Art AronsonFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Alabama vs. MissouriFREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Pick: MissouriFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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The Tigers are coming off two games where they didn’t necessarily play their best; I expect them come out big here against Alabama.
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Mizz followed up a very tough overtime loss to UCLA with a just a two point win over Bucknell on home court. Junior Guard Phil Pressy helped pace the Tigers with 26 points against the Bison in a game where it perhaps shouldn’t have won.
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With Tiger’s head coach Frank Haith at the helm, the team is now 41-7 and playing this season with something to prove after last year’s early departure from the NCAA tournament.
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I love our attitude and our toughness," Haith said. "You hear these guys talk about toughness and it is something that we emphasize. This is a really good team."
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Missouri is a perfect 8-0 at home this year and are outscoring opponents by an average of 23.2 points per game. Since the 2008, the Tigers have been an outstanding 75-4 on home court.
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Alabama is just 1-2 on the road this year and 20-53 dating back to the 2005 season. The Crimson Tide has lost 12 consecutive road games to teams ranked in top 25.
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Alabama may lead the all-time series 4-1, but that is ancient history as the teams have not met since the 2001 campaign.
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The Tide is 3-4 ATS when facing teams with a winning record and is 1-2 ATS on the road this year.
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Missouri is 4-2 ATS when facing a team with a winning record.

Jesse SchuleFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Brooklyn vs. PhiladelphiaFREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Pick: BrooklynFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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The Nets have new life under P.J. Carlesimo, they are coming off three straight victories, and they are five of six since firing Avery Johnson as head coach. The only loss being a game against the Spurs in San Antonio.
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Brooklyn has had two days off since defeating the Kings at home on Saturday, and they come into Philadelphia well rested. The Sixers may well have tired legs though, tonight's game is the first of a back to back, their fourth consecutive back to back in the last 10 days. Whoever made the schedule this year must not have been a Sixers fan.
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"I have never experienced a road trip like this where it's three back-to-backs in a row and we played some of the best teams in the league and even before that we started off with Brooklyn," said leading scorer Jrue Holiday. "It was tough, but as a team we grew from it."
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The Sixers have looked like a tired team, losing three straight, and five of their last six. They are coming off a horrendous road trip, having played their last eight game away from home.
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The Nets are averaging over 100 points per game since the coaching change, in comparison with an average of fewer than 95 points per game prior. Center Brook Lopez is playing much better basketball, averaging 23.7 points per game and shooting 50% from the field. Brooklyn is also out-rebounding opponents by a margin of +4, while they had been losing the battle on the boards prior to Carlesimo taking over.
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The Nets are a team on the rise, and Philly is dog tired, there is no reason to expect a lot from the Sixers here, this should be an easy victory for Brooklyn.

SPORTS WAGERSFREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Brooklyn +105 over PHILADELPHIAFREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Tough spot for the Sixers in that they return home from a grueling eight game road trip in 15 days that took them through three time zones and ended with games in OKC and San Antonio. Philly went 2-6 in that trip and have another road game tomorrow night in Toronto. The 76ers didn’t get better either. They allowed more points than their average and scored 89 points or less in six of those eight games.
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The Nets are warming up again. They’ve won five of six and have scored 110 or more in three straight. The replacement of defensive minded Avery Johnson in favor of P.J. Carlesimo’s more offensive system is working right now and in a good spot against an exhausted host, we’ll trust it’ll continue for at least one more game. Nets straight up.
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PURDUE +7½ over Ohio StateFREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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We’re always reluctant to spot road points with ranked teams against non-ranked opponents, especially when the points are significant and these are. The Buckeyes come in ranked #15 with their 11-3 record. However, they’ve only played two true road games this season and they’re 0-2 in those games. They were tough games for sure (Duke and Illinois) but a 19-point loss to Illinois is somewhat disturbing. OSU has played one other ranked team this year and lost that one too, at home to Kansas by eight. It’s clear that without Sullinger, the Buckeyes aren’t the same dominant force.
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The Boilermakers are just 7-7 overall and 1-1 in Big-10 play. However, they’ve had a rather difficult schedule and they also have a notable seven-point win on their résumé over Illinois. That was an emotional win to open conference play and predictably, Purdue went out on the road three days later and got whacked by Michigan State. Now the Boilermakers are back home at Mackay Arena, where they are almost always a tough out. This one should be no different.
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Baylor -9½ over TEXAS TECHFREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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The Red Raiders are 8-4 overall and 1-0 in conference play so it might be enticing to take near double-digits at home. Don’t do it. Texas Tech will be a Big-12 bottom feeder that isn’t likely going to win many more conference games the rest of the way. Its conference win came against TCU and now they step up significantly in class. The Red Raiders have played one of the easiest schedules in the country, which ranks 331 out of 347 Division I programs.
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By contrast, Baylor’s SOS ranks 10th in the nation. Despite that, Baylor is 9-4 overall and have a chance to go 2-0 in conference play with another win here. Cory Jefferson is stuffing the stat sheet to the tune of 14.1 points, 8.7 rebounds and 2.3 blocks a night. Chad Ford is a potential first round pick of the NBA Draft. Pierre Jackson and Isaiah Austin are front-line players and the Bears haven’t even peaked yet. The Red Raiders have played one tough opponent this year and lost that one at home to Arizona by 28 points. This one has a similar feel.

Dave PriceFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Milwaukee Bucks -5.5FOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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The Suns have lost 8 of their last 9 and are just 2-14 on the road this season. Milwaukee will be the fresher team as it has had 2 days of rest while Phoenix has had just 1. This will be the Suns' 8th game in 14 days and this is significant because they are 0-7 ATS when playing 8 or more games in 14 days this season. They have lost these 7 by an average of 9.2 points. The Bucks have lost 4 in a row and will be hungry because of it. They will also be fueled by the fact that they have lost their last 4 versus Phoenix. Milwaukee is 27-13 ATS all-time under coach Skiles after 3 or more consecutive losses. Lay the points.