Wednesday 12/26/18 thread for free handicapping service plays and expert predictions for Wednesday’s NCAAFB, NFL & NBA games.
Sal Michaels
Dec 26 '18, 1:30 PM in 4h
NCAA-F | Boston College vs Boise State
Play on: Boston College +2½ -109
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Info Plays
Dec 26 '18, 1:30 PM in 4h
NCAA-F | Boston College vs Boise State
Play on: Boston College +2½ -106
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Hunter Price
Dec 26 '18, 5:15 PM in 8h
NCAA-F | Minnesota vs Georgia Tech
Play on: Georgia Tech -5½ -102
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Dustin Hawkins
Dec 26 '18, 5:15 PM in 8h
NCAA-F | Minnesota vs Georgia Tech
Play on: Minnesota +6 -105
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Vic Duke
Dec 26 '18, 5:15 PM in 8h
NCAA-F | Minnesota vs Georgia Tech
Play on: Georgia Tech -5½ -106 at pinnacle
Georgia Tech/Minnesota 5:15: Coach Fleck usually wins games when he wins the stats. He's an amazing 33-2 SU in that role. Today, I can't see him wining the stats here. Minnesota faces the #1 rush team in the nation. Minnesota has not faced a flex bone or any kind of option team this season and will have to do it without their leading tackler Blake Cashman (preparing for NFL Draft). The Golden Gophers had time to prep for this but practice simulation of Georgia Tech's Flex Bone cannot come close to the actual speed and precision of the machine-like option run by veteran GT's QB TaQuon Marshall. Minnesota's defense allows 5.2 YPC on the ground and that will not bode well. We'll give the green light to GT and their departing coach Paul Johnson whom the guys will surely leave everything on the field for. Tech the call.
Steve Janus
Dec 26 '18, 5:15 PM in 8h
NCAA-F | Minnesota vs Georgia Tech
Play on: Minnesota +6 -105
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Bobby Conn
Dec 26 '18, 9:00 PM in 11h
NCAA-F | TCU vs California
Play on: TCU +1 -105
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Kenny Walker
Dec 26 '18, 9:00 PM in 11h
NCAA-F | TCU vs California
Play on: TCU +1 -109
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Larry Ness
Dec 26 '18, 10:35 PM in 13h
NBA | Kings vs Clippers
Play on: Clippers -5 -115 at BMaker
My free play is on the LA Clippers at 10:35 ET.
The 18-15 Sacramento Kings visit Staples Center on Wednesday night to face Pacific Divison rival, the 19-14 LA Clippers. The Kings come in having recovered from double-digit deficits to win each of their last two games, 102-99 over the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday and 122-117 over the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday. "The identity that we're never out of a game, we love," Sacramento head coach Dave Joerger told reporters. The Clippers enter having lost SEVEN of their 10 games, including a 129-127 loss to the defending champion Golden State Warriors on Sunday. "We don't really take moral victories," Los Angeles PG Patrick Beverley told reporters. "We could have - and we should have - won but we came up short."
Sacto center Willie Cauley-Stein scored 22 points and collected a career-high 17 rebounds against New Orleans, for his second straight double-double (12th of the season). Cauley-Stein (13.9 & 8.6 on the season) is averaging 12.8 points and 9.3 rebounds with five double-doubles so far in December. SG Buddy Hield scored 28 points against the Pelicans to score 20 or more for the 10th time in the past 11 games and he is 53-for-112 (47.3%) from three-point range during the stretch. The third-year guard is averaging 20.1 points this season and is shooting 47.9 percent from the floor, including an impressive 44.0 percent from three-point point range (11th-best among qualifiers).
High-scoring reserve guard Lou Williams (17.4) returned from a hamstring issue on Dec 20. The Clippers have averaged 128 points per game in their last three contests, after having averaged averaged 104.3 PPG in the previous four games without Williams. However, Williams was poked in the eye by Steph Curry in the fourth quarter of Sunday night's thrilling 129-127 loss to the Golden State Warriors and didn't return to the game. That said, he is expected to play in this one.
Expect a high-scoring game and I'll side with the home team. After all, the Clippers have won 14 of the past 16 meetings between the two clubs. Expect the Clippers to extend their winning streak over Sacramento to seven games.
Good luck...Larry
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John Anthony Sports
Wednesday's Free Selection: San Antonio Spurs - 3
Kenny Towers
FREE PLAY - Cleveland/Memphis UNDER 196½
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High Stakes Syndicate
Free Selection for Wednesday: Chicago Bulls + 5 1/2
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Vegas Steam Line
Your free winner for Wednesday: BOSTON COLLEGE/BOISE ST OVER the total of 50½
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Arthur Ralph
FREE play 9-4 run CFB Bowl Geo Tech -5
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Huddle Up Sports
Free Play: Denver +3 NBA
Hawkeye Sports
Wednesday's Free Pick: Chicago Bulls + 5 1/2
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Golden Dragon
FREE WINNER for Wednesday
San Antonio -3 NBA
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Nevada Sharpshooter
Your free winner for Wednesday: Take SAN ANTONIO -3 over Denver
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Sharp Bettor
SharpBettor FREE Play for Wednesday, December 26, 2018
12/26 04:35 PM NBA (575) CHARLOTTE HORNETS VS (576) BROOKLYN NETS
Take : Nets
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Platinum Plays
Free Pick: the Washington/Detroit Game OVER 221½ Points
#1 Sports
Wednesday's Free Selection: Memphis Tigers - 10 1/2
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Atlantic Sports
Wednesday's Free Selection from Atlantic Sports: Sacramento + 5 1/2
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Totals4U
Wednesday's Free Selection: Sacramento Kings/Los Angeles Clippers over 238 1/2
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Razor Sharp
YOUR RAZOR SHARP FREE PICK FOR WEDNESDAY: CHARLOTTE/BROOKLYN OVER the total of 220½
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Mike Wynn
Free Play: Free Cleveland/Memphis Under 196½ Points
Jim Feist
Jim Feist's Comp Pick, Wednesday, December 26, 2018
12/26 04:35 PM PT / 7:35 PM ET
NBA (575) CHARLOTTE HORNETS VS (576) BROOKLYN NETS
Take: (576) BROOKLYN NETS
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Roz Wins
Roz's Wednesday, December 26, 2018, Free Pick
12/26 04:35 PM NBA (575) CHARLOTTE HORNETS VS (576) BROOKLYN NETS
Take : Nets
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Jack Brayman
My free winner for today is on the Over in the Boston College-Boise State game, as I think we're in store for a huge game in Dallas.
Boise State is led by quarterback Bretty Rypien, and Boston College has Anthony Brown. Both lead talented units that have balance with running games that can move the chains and turn the game horizontal when the signal-callers aren't firing downfield.
Rypien ranks ninth nationally in passing yards (3,705) and touchdowns (30). The four-year starter faces an Eagles team that ranks in the bottom third in the nation in passing defense, allowing 248 yards per game.
But he's not the only stud quarterback playing today, as Brown needs one touchdown pass to match Boston College's sophomore record of 21, set by former NFL quarterback Glenn Foley in 1991. Brown became the first Eagles quarterback since Ryan 11 years ago to throw for more than 300 yards with five touchdowns in a game. He will face a pass defense that ranks 93rd in the nation against efficiency.
Both teams have shown scoring prowess, as Boston College has the 40th best scoring offense (32.0) while Boise State is scoring 35.4 points per contest (24th in nation).
Play this one Over, and if you want to see which team grabs the cash, get my 100 Dime Winner # 6 in a Row right now.
5* OVER Boston College-Boise State
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Gus Augustine
OK, I get it, California and TCU aren't the most "explosive" teams to be bowling this season, but this total for tonight's game in the Cheez-It Bowl - 39 points as I type my analysis - is just silly for a college football game.
First of all, after starting the bowl season with Unders in 3 of the first 4 games played, the Over has caught some wind in its sails, as we enter bowl play this Wednesday with Overs played in 7 of the last 10 games.
Secondly, this game is being played in perfect weather at Chase Field, home of the Arizona Diamondbacks, so "track conditions" will be fast!
The Golden Bears average just 22.8 points per game for the year, and 7 of their last 8 games on the year did land Under the total, but they do have 10 starters back from last year's team, so it's not inconceivable that Cal can reach 3 touchdowns or so in this game to me at all.
As for TCU, they finished their regular season by playing Over the total in 4 of their last 6 games, and they have the big burner on the field in his game in Jalen Reagor who led the team with 71 receptions, and over 1,000 yards. He also scored the pigskin 9 times.
Both teams feature stronger defenses, and I suspect that those "D's" could very well create some scoring chances by forcing a turnover or two in what the oddsmakers feel will be a very close game.
The Frogs are 4-1 Over the total in their last 5 non-conference games, and they are 5-0 Over the total their last 5 when facing schools from the Pac 12, including a 39-37 final score in their bowl game last season against Stanford from the Pac 12.
A busted play here, and turnover there, and I am telling you, this total will tumble.
Play Cal and TCU to land Over.
3* CAL-TCU OVER
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Ray Chadwick
Your comp play for Wednesday will be to play the Hornets and the Nets to hold Under the total at the Barclays Center.
This will be the first meeting of the year between the teams, and they have held Under in 4 of their last 5 series meetings, and 7 of their last 10 overall.
The Hornets did play an Over in their last game on the 23rd at Boston, but 2 of their last 3 games have ended up holding Under the posted price. Since they did not play on Christmas Day, I expect Charlotte to come out a little slow in tonight's contest against a Nets team that was also idle yesterday.
The Nets have held Under in 3 of their last 4 contests, and also last played on the 23rd.
I feel sure both teams spent some time with family and friends over the Christmas break, and both will start out a little slow posting points tonight.
Big total in Brooklyn, and I think we are holding Under the total.
Hornets-Nets to play Low.
4* CHARLOTTE-BROOKLYN UNDER
Tommy Brunson
Wednesday comp play will be the Spurs at home over the Nuggets.
San Antonio saw their modest 3 game winning streak get halted on December 21st in a loss at Houston, but the fact remains the Spurs have been playing some solid basketball heading into this home game with Denver, as they are on a 7-2 straight up and against the spread run their last 9 games.
At home the Spurs have reeled off 7 wins and 7 covers in their last 8 played on their hardwood.
The Nuggets come into this one having seen their 4 game winning streak halted in a road loss at the Clippers. Denver has now lost each of their last 3 road games both straight up and against the spread, including a puzzling loss at lowly Atlanta.
This is the first meeting of the season between the clubs, and the home team has been able to claim the win in each of the last 6 meetings, with 5 covers.
The Spurs are on a 5-2 series spread surge, and they have covered in 4 of the last 5 when hosting the Nuggets.
Small price to lay tonight, and I will lay it with San Antonio.
4* SAN ANTONIO
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Jack Jones
Dec 26 '18, 5:15 PM in 3h
NCAA-F | Minnesota vs Georgia Tech
Play on: Georgia Tech -5½ -113 at pinnacle
Jack’s Free Pick Wednesday: Georgia Tech -5.5
The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets will be highly motivated to ‘win one for the gipper’ in the Quick Lane Bowl against Minnesota on Wednesday. Paul Johnson, in his 11th year at Georgia Tech, will be leading his team for one last time. The 61-year-old said he is stepping down after this season.
The Yellow Jackets bounced back from a 1-3 start this season to win six of their next seven games. They lead the country with 334.9 rushing yards per game. QB’s TaQuon Marshall and Tobias Oliver have combined for 1,703 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns. They average a whopping 5.7 yards per rush as a team.
Minnesota pulled off a big upset win over Wisconsin in the season finale just to get into a bowl. But that’s a banged-up Gophers team that was already bowl eligible and clearly wasn’t motivated. The Gophers are 1-4 on the road this season with all four losses coming by 16 points or more and by an average of 23.5 points per game.
Minnesota’s two best players will be sitting out this bowl game to get ready for the NFL. Leading tackler Blake Cashman is sitting out, as is offensive lineman Donnell Greene. Minnesota doesn’t have many NFL-caliber players, so the loss of these two is huge.
I especially think the Gophers will miss Cashman and his tackling ability against this triple-option offense of Georgia Tech. The Gophers allowed 171 rushing yards per game and 5.2 per carry this season. In their two games against the best rushing teams they faced, they gave up 315 yards on 37 carries to Maryland and a whopping 430 yards on 35 carries to Illinois.
Georgia Tech is 7-0 ATS vs. poor defensive teams that allow 5.9 or more yards per play over the last three seasons. They are beating these teams by 19.6 points per game on average. The Gophers are 1-8 ATS after covering the spread in two of their last three games over the past three seasons. Minnesota is 2-8 ATS in its last 10 games following a win by more than 20 points. The Yellow Jackets are 5-1 ATS in their last six December games. Bet Georgia Tech Wednesday.
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Cole Faxon
Dec 26 '18, 5:15 PM in 3h
NCAA-F | Minnesota vs Georgia Tech
Play on: Minnesota +6½ -105
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John Martin
Dec 26 '18, 7:05 PM in 5h
NBA | Wizards vs Pistons
Play on: Pistons -5 -106 at pinnacle
1 Unit FREE PLAY on Detroit Pistons -5
The Washington Wizards just don’t seem interested at all this season. And they’ve really struggled since losing the underrated Otto Porter Jr. to injury. The Wizards are 2-7 SU & 1-8 ATS in their last nine games overall with one of those wins coming in triple overtime at home against the lowly Suns. The Wizards have been atrocious on the road this season. They are 4-15 SU & 4-15 ATS on the highway while giving up nearly 120 PPG and losing by 11 PPG on average. The Wizards are 17-35 ATS in their last 52 road games overall. The Pistons are 5-1 ATS in their last six games when playing on two days’ rest. Detroit has won 30 of its last 41 home meetings with Washington. The home team has won 11 of the last 14 meetings. Give me the Pistons.
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Dave Price
Dec 26 '18, 7:05 PM in 5h
NBA | Suns vs Magic
Play on: Magic -5 -107 at betonline
Dave’s Wednesday Free Play:
1* on Orlando Magic -5
The Key: The Phoenix Suns are starting to get too much respect from oddsmakers after going 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games overall coming in. This is still an 8-26 team that is 3-15 in road games this season and losing by 11.5 PPG. The Magic come in lacking respect from oddsmakers due to an 0-3 SU & 0-3 ATS stretch going into Christmas Break. They should come out of the break hungry for a victory tonight against a team they can handle in the Suns. The Magic are 4-0 in their last 4 meetings with the Suns with all 4 wins coming by 6 points or more and by an average of 10.5 PPG. The Magic are 11-3 ATS in their last 14 after allowing 100 points or more last game. The Suns are 2-10 ATS in their last 12 games playing on 2 days rest. Take Orlando.
Jimmy Boyd
Dec 26 '18, 8:35 PM in 6h
NBA | Nuggets vs Spurs
Play on: UNDER 217 -107
1* Free Pick on Nuggets/Spurs UNDER
I'm expecting a big defensive effort from both teams out of lengthy Christmas Break. Both the Nuggets and Spurs have been off since Saturday and each will be looking to rebound from a loss.
Denver suffered their worst loss of the season in a 132-111 blowout loss to the Clippers. San Antonio lost 108-101 at Houston, but trailed by as many as 17 in the 4th quarter. Prior to that the Spurs had won 7 of their last 8, including 3 straight by at least 26 points.
While San Antonio failed to beat the Rockets, they continued their impressive run on the defensive side of the ball. The Spurs held Houston to just 38.9% from the field and have not allowed a team to shoot over 43.5% from the field in 8 straight games. It's a really remarkable turnaround, as they had allowed 46% or worse in their previous 11 games.
With this game being in San Antonio and the Nuggets still missing a lot of key pieces to injury, I would expect the Spurs defense to play well here. Denver's defense has been hit or miss, but they are giving up just 104.3 ppg on the season and the UNDER is 22-9 in their last 31 road games against San Antonio. Under is also a perfect 4-0 in the Spurs last 4 at home vs a team with a winning road record. Take the UNDER!
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Stephen Nover
Dec 26 '18, 8:35 PM in 6h
NBA | Pelicans vs Mavs
Play on: Pelicans +2½ -108 at pinnacle
Dallas has lost six in a row. So why back the Mavericks here? Several reasons. Dallas is home where it is 13-3. The Mavericks suffered five of their losses during their current losing streak on the road - and they were in all of those games, including four-point losses to the Clippers and Warriors and an overtime defeat to the Trail Blazers. Those close losses all came within the span of four days. The Mavericks have revenge for an embarrassing 132-106 road loss suffered to the Pelicans three weeks ago. Dallas was playing for the third time in four days in that game and also without rest. Here, the Mavericks have been idle since this past Sunday night. New Orleans isn't playing well dropping 12 of its last 17 games, including their last four. This marks the Pelicans' fourth consecutive road game. New Orleans is 4-14 SU, 7-11 ATS on the road this season. The teams meet again Friday in New Orleans. So the Mavericks will be doing all they can to protect their home floor knowing they will be underdogs on Friday.
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Brandon Lee
Dec 26 '18, 9:00 PM in 7h
NCAA-F | TCU vs California
Play on: California -1 -108 at pinnacle
10* FREE NCAAF PICK (Cal -1)
I'll take my chances here with the Golden Bears to defeat the Horned Frogs in the 2018 Cheez-It Bowl. Injuries and a suspension really put the TCU offense in a bad spot this year. The Horned Frogs lost starting quarterback Shawn Robinson to a season-ending shoulder injury and won’t have backup Michael Collins, who is dealing with a foot injury. Leading rusher, Darius Anderson is also not going to be available and wide out KaVontae Turpin was suspended back in October.
TCU finished the year averaging 24.7 ppg, which was almost a touchdown under what their opponents gave up on average. When you struggle to move the ball and put points on the board against all those lackluster defenses in the Big 12, you know there’s some serious problems.
I just have a hard time seeing the Horned Frogs being able to get anything going against a top tier Cal defense. The Golden Bears allowed just 21.2 ppg, which was 8.3 ppg fewer than what their opponents averaged. They were also even more stingy on the road, as they only gave up 16.4 ppg away from home.
The one big weapon that TCU has is wide out Jalen Reagor, but Cal has the 23rd ranked pass defense (187.1 ypg) in the country and you can bet they will have a gameplan in place to make sure Reagor doesn’t beat them.
I know the Cal offense isn’t much better, but I trust them a lot more and there’s a chance TCU’s defense doesn’t play well. I have to wonder how much the Horned Frogs even care about this game. Keep in mind they entered the season No. 16 in the country and were coming off an 11-win season. This is no where close to the bowl they thought they would be in and there’s no extra incentive to beating a Cal team that hasn’t really done anything to make them a team you would be excited to beat. Give me the Golden Bears -1!
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