Wednesday 12/19/18 thread for free handicapping service plays and expert predictions for Wednesday’s NCAAFB, NFL & NBA games.
John Anthony Sports
Wednesday's Free Selection: Loyola-Marymount Lions - 5
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Kenny Towers
FREE PLAY FOR WEDNESDAY - Oklahoma City -4½ over Sacramento
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High Stakes Syndicate
Free Selection for Wednesday: Fresno State Bulldogs - 10 1/2 (NCAA BB)
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Vegas Steam Line
Your free winner for Wednesday: Take TOLEDO -15 over Cornell
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Arthur Ralph
FREE play 6-1 run NBA Celtics -12
Huddle Up Sports
Free Play: Detroit +5 NBA
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Hawkeye Sports
Wednesday's Free Pick: Pittsburgh Penguins + 125
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Golden Dragon
FREE WINNER for Wednesday
Brooklyn -1' NBA
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Nevada Sharpshooter
Your free winner for Wednesday: Take GOLDEN ST -3 over Utah
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Platinum Plays
Free Pick: the Arkansas Razorbacks -8½ Over Georgia Tech
Easy Money Sports
Lee's Wednesday Free Selection Is
Virginia -8½
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Sharp Bettor
SharpBettor FREE Play for Wednesday, December 19, 2018
12/19 07:05 PM NBA (575) OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER VS (576) SACRAMENTO KINGS
Take : Kings
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#1 Sports
Wednesday's Free Selection: Arkansas Razorbacks - 8 1/2
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Atlantic Sports
Wednesday's Free Selection from Atlantic Sports: Old Dominion - 5 1/2
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Roz Wins
Roz's Wednesday, December 19, 2018, Free Pick
12/19 04:35 PM NBA (559) PHOENIX SUNS VS (560) BOSTON CELTICS
Take : Suns
Jeff Allen
Wednesday's Free Selection is on the Brooklyn Nets
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Totals4U
Wednesday's Free Selection: Washington Wizards/Houston Rockets over 225
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Razor Sharp
YOUR RAZOR SHARP FREE PICK FOR WEDNESDAY: WASHINGTON/HOUSTON OVER the total of 225
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Jim Feist
Jim Feist's Comp Pick, Wednesday, December 19, 2018
12/19 07:30 PM PT / 10:30 PM ET
CB (749) SIU EDWARDSVILLE VS (750) WASHINGTON STATE
Take: (750) WASHINGTON STATE
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Mike Wynn
Free Play: Free Texas A&M -10½ Over Valparaiso
Tommy Brunson
Frisco Bowl time tonight, and I will play this Ohio U-San Diego State game to land Over the total.
True, San Diego State in known for their rushing defense which comes in at # 4 in the nation, but they are going to have a hard time stopping the running game of Ohio University which features waves of runners including senior A.J. Oulette and Maleek Irons.
The Bobcats also have a dual-threat under center in quarterback Nathan Rourke who can both run the football, and can throw it. Rourke has a pair of legit receiving threats in Papi White and Andrew Meyer who will be itching to stretch out this Aztecs defense tonight at Toyota Stadium.
The Bobcats attack was able to score some big points this season, as they closed with Overs in 2 of their last 3, and 3 of their last 4 overall.
They posted 49 points or better in 5 of their last 6 games, and ended the year at 7-4-1 Over the total. Furthermore, the Over is 4-0 in their last 4 non-conference games, and 4-0 in their last 4 games played in the month of December.
The Aztecs were not nearly as prolific on offense as their counterparts, but they did land Over the total in 3 of their last 5 games, including 2 of their last 3 on the road.
San Diego State is back at full strength on offense with the return of running-back Juwan Washington, and also quarterback Christian Chapman, so while the Aztecs were not in the same league as the Bobcats putting points on the scoreboard, they do figure to be able to post enough offense to aid in getting this game Over the posted total.
Ohio-San Diego State Over on Wednesday night.
3* OHIO-SAN DIEGO STATE OVER
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Gus Augustine
The Cavaliers remain in the group of 9 college teams that have yet to drop a game straight up this season. Last night, Buffalo stayed in the elite group with their win at Syracuse, and tonight the Wahoos will stay in the elite group with a comfortable win against the rebuilding Gamecocks.
Frank Martin's team comes back to Columbia after road losses at Wyoming (not expected as they were favored by 5), and at Michigan (expected, as they were a double-digit underdog and did cover).
Hard to see an upset here, as the 'Cocks are just 4-5 for the year now, and they are currently tied with Texas Tech for first in the nation in points allowed at just 51.2 surrendered per game!
The one thing I have noticed with this year's Virginia team is they can score with a little more ease than past Tony Bennett editions. UVa scores over 72 points per game this season, and they have 3 starters (Hunter, Jerome and Guy) all averaging double-digits.
With the Gamecocks already suffering home losses to Providence (respectable), Stony Brook and Wofford (unacceptable), look for South Carolina to succumb to the Pack-Line defense that the 'Hoos bring to the court tonight.
Lay it with Virginia.
5* VIRGINIA
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Ray Chadwick
Wednesday night comp play on the Suns as the double-digit underdogs against the Celtics.
Phoenix is enjoying much success here in the later days of December, as they hit the court in Beantown riding a 3 game straight up and against the spread winning streak. Their most recent win coming in New York, as the Suns dumped the Knicks, 128-110!
Now the upstart Suns will try to extend things to 4 wins in a row, and while the odds clearly favor the Celtics to bounce-back after seeing their 8 game winning streak come to a halt on Saturday in Detroit.
Boston has been idle a few days too many for my liking, and while I think they are going to win this game at home, the down time may have them start off a little slow thus allowing Phoenix to stay close enough to grab the ATS win tonight.
This is the second of two between the clubs, and Phoenix did force overtime in the first meeting before bowing, covering as the +9 1/2 point home underdog.
That cover has the Suns at 6 covers in a row over the C's, and 8 covers now in the last 10 series meetings.
Good numbers to get behind for Wednesday!
Suns to make it 7 covers in a row against the Celts.
2* PHOENIX
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Scott Delaney
My free winner for Hump Day is on the Portland Trail Blazers over the Memphis Grizzlies.
How impressive were the Portland Trail Blazers in their 131-127 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday at the Staples Center?
Tonight the Blazers carry the momentum into their matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies, who could struggle defensively, and won't be able to keep up at the other end. Portland, which has covered 27 of 37 at home, is outscoring guests by an average of 8.4 this season.
Memphis has lost three games in a row since beating these Trail Blazers at home on Dec. 12, so revenge becomes a factor as well. Portland, which has won and covered its last two since losing in Memphis, will be looking to make a statement with a double-digit win tonight.
These two are jockeying for position in a rugged Western Conference race. After Monday's results, the Blazers were tied with the Clippers for fifth place in the conference, while the Grizzlies were just one game back in eighth place.
1* TRAIL BLAZERS
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Chris Jordan
My free play for Wednesday is on the ice, where I'm playing the defending Stanley Cup champion Washington Capitals against the Pittsburgh Penguins. The fact we can lay this number without having to lay a puck line is huge, because this rivalry will never get old, and it generally stays close. To wit: the Capitals won the most recent matchup, 2-1, on Nov. 7.
The Capitals have a chance to win this big, as they've been playing well, but a straight play is fine.
And let's not mince words here, it comes down to Alex Ovechkin, who is riding a personal-best and a season-high 14 game point streak (17 goals, 6assists). Ovi, named the First Start of the Week for last week, paced the NHL with seven goals in three games, including back-to-back hat tricks, to lead the Caps to a 3-0-0 week and a 20-9-3 record overall, good for first in the Metropolitan Division.
Ovechkin also extended his goal streak to six games, one shy of equaling the best run of his career. This is one matchup he relishes, and at home, I'm confident enough to say if there is a prop bet on him scoring - take the YES. In 54 games against the Penguins, Ovechkin has 58 points (35 goals, 23 assists), leading all active NHL players in goals and points against the Penguins.
Also playing well is Evgeny Kuznetsov, who extended his assist streak (9a) to a team-high eight games on Saturday against the Buffalo Sabres.
The Capitals are on a 12-2-0 run and have recorded at least three goals in 14 straight games.
1* CAPITALS
Kenny Walker
Dec 19 '18, 3:30 PM in 10m
NCAA-B | California Baptist vs Southern
Play on: Southern +8 -110
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Cole Faxon
Dec 19 '18, 7:00 PM in 3h
NCAA-B | Delaware State vs Delaware
Play on: Delaware -21 -109
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Alex Smart
Dec 19 '18, 7:00 PM in 3h
NCAA-B | Auburn vs NC State
Play on: Auburn -1½ -109 at pinnacle
The Wolfpack (9-1) dispatched opponents on one of the nation's weakest schedules to date to get off to a grand start to the season. But now thye play a real team, and things could prove very difficult for them.Auburn (9-1) is the highest non-conference foe to visit N.C. State since December 2011. Auburn is big step up for NC State, and Im betting they fail against a program that knows how to win against op tier competition, Note: AUBURN is 6-0 ATS in road games when playing against a top-level teams (Win Pct. 80% or better ) over the last 3 seasons.
NC STATE is 3-11 ATS versus good defensive teams - allowing 64 or less points/game over the last 3 seasons.
Note: Auburns only loss came vs power house Duke 78-72.
CBB teams where the line is +3 to -3 (NC STATE) - in a game involving 2 very good teams - outscoring opponents by 8+ PPG, after scoring 80 points or more 3 straight games are 31-76 ATS L/5 seasons for a go against 71% conversion rate for bettors.
Play on Auburn to cover
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Marc David
Dec 19 '18, 7:00 PM in 3h
NCAA-B | Cornell vs Toledo
Play on: Cornell +12 -109 at GTBets
CORNELL @ TOLEDO
Cornell is only 5-5 but their defense has kept them competitive in their games. They were 22 point dogs against Syracuse and lost that game by 8 points as they held the Orange to just 63 points. It was the 3rd time in their last 4 games they held their opponent to 64 points or less and have held opponents to 73 points or less in 6 of their last 8 games. Over their last 5 games, they held their opponent to just 42% from the floor while they have hit 40% of their 3's. Toledo has won 8 games in a row but 4 of their last 5 wins were against teams they were a favorite by at least 13 points and 4 of the last 5 teams they beat have a combined 13-35 record. This looks like too many points for Toledo to handle against a scrappy Big Red team.
FREE PICK on Cornell
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Ben Burns
Dec 19 '18, 7:05 PM in 3h
NBA | Cavs vs Hornets
Play on: Hornets -12 -112 at BMaker
These teams have met twice already this season, both games in early November. In each case, the home team won convincingly. The game here at Charlotte resulted in a 126-94 win for the Hornets. Ten days later, the Cavs returned the favor, winning 113-89. With the venue and schedule in their favor, I'm expecting a blowout win for the well-rested Hornets tonight. The Cavs left it all on the floor last night, earning an upset win at Indiana. They're not going to have much gas left in the tank. Lay the points.
Brandon Lee
Dec 19 '18, 7:05 PM in 3h
NBA | Cavs vs Hornets
Play on: Cavs +13 -105 at pinnacle
10* FREE NBA PICK (Cavaliers +13)
The Cavs were my favorite play on Tuesday didn't disappoint. Cleveland won outright as a 12.5-point road dog at Indiana. I know they are now in a bad scheduling spot, having to play the second leg of a back-to-back road set, but I think the books have over-adjusted for it. There's no question the Cavs are one of the least talented teams in the league. However, they play hard and I think they come out with a fire tonight against a struggling Hornets team. Cleveland's defense has held 4 of their last 5 opponents to 44% or worse from the field. Charlotte has failed to eclipse that mark in 4 of their last 6. They hit just 42.4% in their most recent game, which was a 28-point loss at home to the Lakers. Hornets are just 1-5 ATS last 6 home games and 0-4 ATS last 4 at home vs a team with a losing record. Give me the Cavaliers +13!
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Bobby Conn
Dec 19 '18, 8:00 PM in 4h
NCAA-B | Southern Miss vs Kansas State
Play on: Kansas State -12½ -110
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Jimmy Boyd
Dec 19 '18, 8:00 PM in 4h
NCAA-F | Ohio vs San Diego State
Play on: UNDER 52½ -109
1* Free Pick on Ohio/San Diego State UNDER
I don't see San Diego State and Ohio eclipsing the total set here by the books for Wednesday's Frisco Bowl. This has all the makings of a grind it out type of game, which we see a lot of with San Diego State.
You can bank on the Aztecs fielding a solid defense and this year is no different. San Diego State allowed just 21.7 ppg and were outstanding up front against the run. The Aztecs only allowed 94.0 ypg and just 2.7 yards/carry vs teams that averaged 150 ypg and 5.0 ypc.
So much of what Ohio likes to do offensively is centered around the running game. The Bobcats averaged an impressive 262 ypg and 6.1 yards/carry. My money is on San Diego State winning this battle, as they played the much tougher schedule during the regular-season.
On the flip side of this, the big reason the Aztecs were down some this year is their offense. While never really a juggernaut on that side of the ball, they had averaged at least 30 ppg each of the last 3 years. This year they only managed 22.3 ppg (only 19.6 on the road). Ohio's defense isn't great, but are talented enough with all the time they have to prepare for this game to keep San Diego State in check.
Going back to 1992. The UNDER is 35-11 (76%) in non-conference games where you have a total of 49.5 to 56 and a matchup of a great offense (440+ ypg) against a good defense (280-330 ypg). Take the UNDER!
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Info Plays
Dec 19 '18, 8:00 PM in 4h
NCAA-B | Rider vs Drake
Play on: Drake -3 -110
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John Martin
Dec 19 '18, 8:05 PM in 4h
NBA | Pistons vs Wolves
Play on: Wolves -5½ -105 at pinnacle
1 Unit FREE PLAY on Minnesota Timberwolves -5.5
This is a pretty short number for the Minnesota Timberwolves at home tonight against the Detroit Pistons. It’s a Pistons team that is just 1-7 in their last eight games overall and really struggling right now. It’s a Timberwolves team that has been playing very good since the Jimmy Butler trade, especially at home. The Timberwolves are 12-4 SU & 11-5 ATS at home this season. They are coming off a 27-point home win over the Kings that ended a four-game losing streak, all of which came on the road. They have now won five straight home games by double-digits and should be able to make easy work of the Pistons at home tonight. Minnesota is 10-1 ATS in home games against poor defensive teams that allow 106 PPG or more this season. Give me the Timberwolves.
Larry Ness
Dec 19 '18, 8:05 PM in 4h
NBA | Nets vs Bulls
Play on: Bulls +2 -105 at pinnacle
My free play is on the Chi Bulls at 8:05 ET.
Break up the Nets! Brooklyn is enjoying its longest winning streak in four seasons and Nets will try to keep it going when they make a quick one-game road trip to visit the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday. The Nets outlasted the Los Angeles Lakers 115-110 on Tuesday to cap a 3-0 homestand and stretch their winning streak to six games. The 7-24 Chicago Bulls opened a two-game road trip by erasing a 21-point deficit to win 98-93 at San Antonio on Saturday, but then got routed 121-96 at Oklahoma City Monday night.
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Sal Michaels
Dec 19 '18, 8:30 PM in 5h
NCAA-B | Valparaiso vs Texas A&M
Play on: Valparaiso +11½ -109
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Mark Wilson
Dec 19 '18, 9:00 PM in 5h
NCAA-B | UCLA vs Cincinnati
Play on: UCLA +8 -108
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Steve Janus
Dec 19 '18, 9:00 PM in 5h
NCAA-B | UCLA vs Cincinnati
Play on: UCLA +8 -109 at GTBets
1* Free Sharp Play on UCLA +8 -109
My money is on the Bruins to cash in as a near double-digit dog against the Bearcats. UCLA is coming off an ugly loss at home to Belmont as a 6.5-point favorite, which I think is definitely playing into this line. The Bruins' only other two losses on the season are neutral site games against Michigan State and North Carolina. Cincinnati comes in at 9-2, but I don't think they are all they are made out to be. They lost at home by 8 to Ohio State, who I would put on UCLA's level. They also just got beat beat pretty handedly by Mississippi State. Their best win is a home victory over Xavier, but the Musketeers are way down this year (lost by 15 at Mizzu last night). I not only think UCLA is good enough to cover, but I give them a decent shot at winning this game outright. Bet the Bruins +8!
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Jack Jones
Dec 19 '18, 9:05 PM in 5h
NBA | Warriors vs Jazz
Play on: Warriors -2 -104 at pinnacle
Jack’s Free Pick Wednesday: Golden State Warriors -2
It’s no surprise that the Golden State Warriors are starting to play their best basketball of the season now that they are as healthy as they have been at any other point this year. And we’re getting them at a serious discount tonight as only 2-point road favorites over the Utah Jazz.
The Warriors have gone 6-1 SU in their last seven games overall with their only loss coming to the Raptors. They have won five times by 8 points or more during this stretch, including four by double-digits. And they are fresh and ready to go tonight as this will be just their 2nd game in 5 days.
The Jazz have been a huge disappointment this season, but they continue to get a ton of respect from oddsmakers for whatever reason. The Jazz are just 14-17 on the year and have gone 1-4 SU & 1-3-1 ATS in their last five games overall coming in. They have had zero home-court advantage this season as they are just 5-6 SU at home this year.
The Jazz have played the Warriors tough in recent meetings, but I think that’s why this line is shorter than it should be. Most of Utah’s success against Golden State has come due to the fact that the Warriors haven’t been healthy in previous meetings. That’s not the case tonight as their Big 4 in Curry, Durant, Green and Thompson are all healthy now. Golden State is 5-1 ATS in its last six road games vs. a team with a losing home record. Utah is 1-5 ATS in its last six games vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Bet the Warriors Wednesday.
Mike Williams
Dec 19 '18, 10:00 PM in 6h
NCAA-B | California vs Fresno State
Play on: California +11 -109
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Hunter Price
Dec 19 '18, 10:00 PM in 6h
NCAA-B | Northern Arizona vs San Francisco
Play on: Northern Arizona +23 -108
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Dave Price
Dec 19 '18, 10:05 PM in 6h
NBA | Thunder vs Kings
Play on: Kings +5½ -109 at GTBets
Dave’s Wednesday Free Play:
1* on Sacramento Kings +5.5
The Key: The Sacramento Kings are 16-14 this season and one of the most improved teams in the NBA. And they’ve already beaten the Thunder twice outright as underdogs. They won 131-120 as 10.5-point road dogs and 117-113 as 5-point home dogs. And now they are 5.5-point home dogs in their 3rd meeting this season. They want to win the season series agains the Thunder for the first time in 11 years and will be hungry to do so tonight. It’s simply a series has has favored the Kings as they match up well with the Thunder. The Kings are 6-0 ATS in the last 6 meetings, and 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings in Sacramento. The Thunder are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 road games. Take Sacramento.
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Dustin Hawkins
Dec 19 '18, 10:30 PM in 7h
NCAA-B | SIU-Edwardsville vs Washington State
Play on: Washington State -13½ -109
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