Thursday 3/25/21 thread for free handicapping service plays and expert predictions for NBA, MLB & NCAAB games
Larry Hartstein
LOUISIANA TECH @ W. KENTUCKY | 03/25 | 10:00 PM EDT
W. KENTUCKY +1
ANALYSIS: Louisiana Tech is a strong defensive team, but let's not give the Bulldogs too much credit for beating an Ole Miss team minus two starters, including point guard Devontae Shuler. These conference rivals split two meetings in the regular season, but it's clear the Hilltoppers have a higher ceiling. They beat Alabama and Memphis and lost a close one to West Virginia. Look for Western Kentucky to improve to 27-9 ATS in its last 36 as an underdog.
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Micah Roberts
BOISE ST. @ MEMPHIS | 03/25 | 9:00 PM EDT
MEMPHIS -4
ANALYSIS: Boise State was dominating teams and headed for the NCAAs but ran out of gas at the end of February, losing four straight games, The Broncos fought hard to end the streak beating SMU, 85-84, last week to start the NIT. But Memphis is in a groove right now, covering its last seven games and 13 of its last 14. The Tigers have won eight of their last 10, with the only losses by five points combined. Back them again Thursday.
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David Schwab - Vegasinsider
CBB NIT Tournament
CBB
Memphis -4
Louisiana Tech -113 (Moneyline)
NC State -119 (Moneyline)
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Vegasinsider College Basketball Totals Club
CBB
NC State/Colorado State Over 146
Western Kentucky/Louisiana Tech Under 137
Richmond/Mississippi State Under 138.5
Memphis/Boise State Under 143.5
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Matt Severance
NC STATE @ COLORADO ST. | 03/25 | 7:00 PM EDT
NC STATE -1.5
ANALYSIS: No. 3 NC State vs. No. 1 Colorado State in NIT quarterfinal from Texas. Wish I had jumped on this when it was a pick'em. KenPom has these teams very close in its overall rankings, but obviously the Wolfpack played the much tougher schedule in the ACC, and the two Mountain West schools (Colorado State's conference) in the NCAA Tournament flamed out in Round 1, for what that's worth. NC State has been playing great defense (other than one game) in winning six of seven. The team wants to be here with a few seniors telling coach Kevin Keatts to accept the NIT invite. The Rams have dropped two of four and barely got by Buffalo in Round 1. They are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games as underdogs.
BOISE ST. @ MEMPHIS | 03/25 | 9:00 PM EDT
MEMPHIS -4
ANALYSIS: No. 2 Boise State vs. No. 1 Memphis in NIT quarterfinals from Texas. I thought Boise State would lose its NIT opener against SMU after the Broncos lost second-leading scorer and rebounder Abu Kigab (11.8 ppg, 5.4 rpg) and key reserve Max Rice (5.9 ppg, 2.5 rpg) to season-ending injuries before the tournament. Alas, Boise did escape SMU by a point. Memphis, an AAC team like SMU, has won eight of 10, and those two losses were by a combined five points to NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 team Houston. The Tigers had little trouble in their NIT opener vs. Dayton and may get back key reserve Alex Lomax (6.3 ppg, 3.1 rpg) for this one. Memphis is 10-1 ATS in its past 11 as a favorite.
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Jonathan Willis
Vegasinsider NBA
Philadelphia 76ers vs LA Lakers
TV: TNT - Time: 10:10pm
Best Bet - Philadelphia 76ers -4.5
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5ticket
Israel – Denmark : Denmark -1 @ 2.30
Hungary – Poland : Poland @ 2.20
Total Odds: 5.06
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Insider Sports Report
Premier Picks® For 03/25/21
4* North Carolina St./Colorado St. UNDER 146 (NCAAB)
Range: 148 to 144
3* Mississippi St. -2 over Richmond (NCAAB)
Range: -.5 to -4.5
3* Sacramento -2.5 over Golden St. (NBA)
Range: -1 to -5
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Nba-Martingale
New York Knicks – Washington Wizards
New York Knicks -5 @ 2.40 / 1 units
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XS Sports Picks NHL
Last 37 Picks 21-16 (57%) +$29,290
$5000 Ottawa Under 6.5 -113 (7pm)
$5000 Tampa Bay -1.5 +165 (8:30pm)
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XS Sports Picks NBA
YTD 128-87 (60%)
Last 62 Selections 40-22 (65%)
New York -2.5 (7:30pm)
Golden State Over 223 (10pm)
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Gus Augustine
40 Dime
Winner # 14 of 22
Invitational Lock Winner
Western Kentucky PK (40 dime)
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Matt Severance
LOUISIANA TECH @ W. KENTUCKY | 03/25 | 10:00 PM EDT
LOUISIANA TECH PK
ANALYSIS: No. 4 Louisiana Tech vs. No. 3 Western Kentucky in NIT quarterfinal from Texas. The Hilltoppers seem to be the very popular pick all over the place, including from our Larry Hartstein. I totally get it as they will have the best player on the floor in future NBA draftee Charles Bassey. However, I think the loss of rugged power forward Carson Williams -- he's pursuing an NFL career -- will hurt against a big, physical Tech team. These Conference USA schools split two close games in Kentucky this season and Williams averaged 7.5 points and 5.5 rebounds in them. “We’re a different team now without Carson,” WKU coach Rich Stansbury said. “We’ll miss his ability to give us some good physical depth in there against those two or three big guys they’re going to throw at him."
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Mike McClure
NC STATE @ COLORADO ST. | 03/25 | 7:00 PM EDT
NC STATE -1.5
ANALYSIS: The motivation of a team is always in question when a power six conference school appears in the NIT. I truly believe this NC State team wants to be here and takes a lot of pride in advancing and potentially winning this tournament. Look for the Wolfpack to rely on their experience in a much tougher conference as the Rams have really struggled of late, much like other Mountain West schools like Boise State, Utah State and San Diego State who all though they were NCAA tournament teams.
WASHINGTON @ NEW YORK | 03/25 | 7:30 PM EDT
NEW YORK -3
ANALYSIS: Beating teams multiple times in the the same week is very difficult in this league, but my model likes the Knicks to accomplish that tonight against the Wizards. The one wildcard here keeping the market at -3 vs. -4 or more is the fact that the Knicks SHOULD be active at the trade deadline this afternoon, which could leave them thin tonight. However, we know the young core of Randle, Barrett, Robinson, Quickley isn't going anywhere. A thin Knicks team wouldn't be the end of the world with Quickley grabbing more minutes tonight. This number should be -4.9 or higher against the current version of the Wizards.
BOISE ST. @ MEMPHIS | 03/25 | 9:00 PM EDT
MEMPHIS -4
ANALYSIS: Memphis is on a nice little ATS run that my simulations say should continue against a Boise team that really fell apart in the finals weeks of the regular season and missed the NCAA tournament. I make Memphis -4.8 favorites and that number balloons up over -5 if Alex Lomax is upgraded to probable. Lay it.
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Larry Hartstein
BOISE ST. @ MEMPHIS | 03/25 | 9:00 PM EDT
MEMPHIS -4
ANALYSIS: The Tigers have covered seven straight and might still be playing if they had gotten a berth in the NCAA Tournament and not the NIT. They lost two nailbiters to Houston in that stretch. There's a reason they entered the NIT as tournament favorites. The Mountain West got exposed a bit during the NCAA Tournament, with San Diego State and Utah State losing their first-round games by double digits. Lay the points.
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IC
Florida Panthers (4U)
Wizards +3 (3U)
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Scott Spreitzer
Memphis Tigers -4.5 (5U)
Florida Panthers -125 (7U)
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Matt Severance
ST. LOUIS @ MINNESOTA | 03/25 | 8:00 PM EDT
MINNESOTA -120
ANALYSIS: The reason you are getting the Wild at such a low home price is because they are playing the second of a back-to-back, but I think it's still good value. Interesting that the team will let Cam Talbot start in net for the second time in 24 or so hours, but Coach Dean Evason said that Talbot's excellent play vs. the Ducks and that Wednesday was an afternoon game factored into the decision to play him again. Top Wild defenseman Matt Dumba will play after sitting Wednesday. While the Blues are rested, they are 1-5 in their last six vs. a team with a winning record.
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Big Al
NHL
3 Avalanche -151
NBA
3 Spurs +6.5
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Dave Essler
3* GOY
NC St -1.5
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Big Plays 14-2 last 16
NBA
Miami Heat -126 (Moneyline)
New York Knicks -150 (Moneyline)
Los Angeles Clippers/San Antonio Spurs Over 223
Miami Heat/Portland Trailblazers Under 217.5
All regular plays..
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Michael Crosson
Vegasinsider NBA
Portland Trailblazers vs Miami Heat
TV: TNT - Time: 7:40pm
Best Bet - Portland Trailblazers +2.5
NBA Player Prop Best Bet - C.J. McCollum Over 18.5 Points (-112)
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Stats Analytics Sports
NHL
3* Toronto/Ottawa Over 6.5
3* Detroit/Nashville Over 5.5
NBA
1* Clippers -6.5
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John Bollman
BUFFALO @ PITTSBURGH | 03/25 | 7:00 PM EDT
PITTSBURGH -320
ANALYSIS: The Sabres are on an NHL record in the shootout era, 15-game losing streak after their loss last night and they get the Penguins on the road again. The Penguins have won all three matchups this season and they are 7-3 when Casey Desmith starts. The Penguins are 13-3-1 this season at home, despite the absurd line I would actually still take the Penguins.
NEW JERSEY @ WASHINGTON | 03/25 | 7:00 PM EDT
WASHINGTON -190
ANALYSIS: The Caps had a little bit of an injury scare this week with Alex Ovechkin and TJ Oshie missing practice, but they have had four days off after their winning streak came to an end and they are well rested. The Devils are playing their fourth game in 6 nights, and the Caps are 4-0 against them this season. Take the Caps at home.
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H&H Sports
NIT Tournament ATS 7-2 Overall
NCAA Tournament ATS 24-11 Overall
CBB - Thursday
Triple Dime - North Carolina State -125 (Moneyline)
Double Dime - Memphis U. -4 (-118)
Double Dime - Louisiana Tech/Western Kentucky Under 137
Dime - Richmond/Mississippi State Under 137
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Wayne Root
Chairman’s Club- Memphis
Root Reserve- Colorado St
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CAL Sports
3* Memphis U in the NIT.
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Jim Feist
NBA
3* #509 Philadelphia -5.5
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Zack Cimini
GOLDEN ST. @ SACRAMENTO | 03/25 | 10:00 PM EDT
SACRAMENTO -2.5
ANALYSIS: The Kings held on against Atlanta on Wednesday to post their fourth win in five games. During that stretch, De’Aaron Fox has averaged 28 points while Sacramento has received upgraded play from Richaun Holmes and Harrison Barnes. Look for the Warriors' woes without Steph Curry to continue as they suffer a third straight loss.
BOISE ST. @ MEMPHIS | 03/25 | 9:00 PM EDT
MEMPHIS -4.5
ANALYSIS: Down the stretch during conference play, Memphis turned the corner. In fact, all four of its losses since Jan. 17 have been by three points or fewer. Now the Tigers face a well-balanced offensive team in Boise State, but look for them to take another step forward into the 2021-22 season. Take Memphis to cover.
NC STATE @ COLORADO ST. | 03/25 | 7:00 PM EDT
COLORADO ST. +1.5
ANALYSIS: North Carolina State had one of the easiest wins thus far in any postseason tournament thus far, defeating Davidson 75-61 in the first round of the NIT last week. The Wolfpack never trailed as the Power Five representative showcased a clear edge over the Wildcats. Building off victories has been a huge problem for North Carolina State. Look for top-seeded Colorado State to take advantage of the Wolfpack’s inconsistent play.
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Mike Barner
GOLDEN ST. @ SACRAMENTO | 03/25 | 10:00 PM EDT
SACRAMENTO -2.5
ANALYSIS: A big win against the Hawks on Wednesday has the Kings sporting a 4-1 record in their last five games. The Warriors decided to stand pat at the trade deadline and will be without Stephen Curry (lower body) for this matchup, which is going to make if difficult for them to keep up offensively with De’Aaron Fox, Buddy Hield and company.
WASHINGTON @ NEW YORK | 03/25 | 7:30 PM EDT
NEW YORK -3
ANALYSIS: These teams just met Tuesday, with the Knicks winning by 18 points. They are 13-8 ATS at home and their roster has been strengthened by the recent returns of Elfrid Payton and Mitchell Robinson from injuries. The Wizards have lost seven of their last eight contests, so don’t be surprised if New York blows them out again.
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Doug Upstone
3* NY. -3
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Kenny White
BOISE ST. @ MEMPHIS | 03/25 | 9:00 PM EDT
MEMPHIS -4.5
ANALYSIS: The Tigers are 13-1 ATS in their last 14 games. Just get out of their way. Memphis would still be playing if it the Tigers were in the NCAA Tournament. They have the second best defense in the nation.
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Zack Cimini
LOUISIANA TECH @ W. KENTUCKY | 03/25 | 10:00 PM EDT
LOUISIANA TECH PK
ANALYSIS: On Thursday, a Conference USA battle will take place in the NIT between Louisiana Tech and Western Kentucky. The Hilltoppers had the best regular-season record in the league but did not get support from oddsmakers for the conference tournament. In fact, Louisiana Tech was co-favorite with NCAA Tournament participant North Texas. Expect the Bulldogs to execute better in half-court sets and get the win.
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John Morrison Tony Chau Champ NBA System
Here is the upcoming officialChamp NBA system bet(s):
Portland Trail Blazers {A** bet -
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Pickswise Sports
NBA 3* Best Bets
New York Knicks -150 (Moneyline)
The rest of Thursday plays
2* Trailblazers +2.5
2* Kings -145 (Moneyline)
2* Clippers/Spurs Under 224
NHL 3* Best Bets
Pittsburgh -1.5 goals -110
Pittsburgh/Buffalo Under 6
Florida/Chicago Over 6
Detroit/Nashville Under 5.5
Vegas/Colorado Under 5.5
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Matt Severance
MISS. STATE @ RICHMOND | 03/25 | 6:00 PM EDT
MISS. STATE -4
ANALYSIS: No. 4 Mississippi State vs. No. 2 Richmond in NIT quarterfinal from Texas. Richmond is without Grant Golden (12.7 ppg, 6.0 rpg), and the Spiders were hoping to get back leading scorer Blake Francis (16.1 ppg) from injury, but he was just ruled out again. I was going to take the points with Francis back even in limited fashion but now can't do it. The MSU players do really seem to want to be in the NIT. Defensively, the Bulldogs have held their opponents to 59.6 points per game and a combined 35.4 shooting percentage during their past seven victories. In the first round, MSU beat A-10 school Saint Louis by six, and the Billikens did beat a full-strength Richmond by five on Feb. 26. Love the Under here too.
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Digbets - icedout (4:00pm pst) 2 carats
nhl - ny islanders -115
digbets - personal favorite (5:30pm pst) 1 carat
nba - clippers/spurs first half over 115
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Balfe
Boise +4.5
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Marc Lawrence
3* Western Kentucky
3* San Antonio
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Matt Severance
PORTLAND @ MIAMI | 03/25 | 7:30 PM EDT
PORTLAND +2
ANALYSIS: This could be a battle of attrition. Miami has ruled out both Jimmy Butler and Goran Dragic due to illness/injury, and the Heat traded Kelly Olynyk and Avery Bradley (he had been out regardless) in the Victor Oladipo deal on Thursday (see news feed story). Needless to say, Oladipo won't play yet and the Heat will have just nine available players. Portland traded Gary Trent Jr. and Rodney Hood for Norman Powell, and Powell won't debut yet. That the Blazers have Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum healthy (and Robert Covington and Carmelo Anthony) is enough for me to grab the points here.
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Oskeim Sports
Philadelphia 76ers/ Lakers under 213.5
Clippers/ San Antonio Spurs over 223
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