Free Picks: Service Plays for Thursday November, 8

Jim FeistFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Thunder vs. Bulls
Play: UnderFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
A pair of teams that know how to play defense meet in Chicago. Chicago plays great defense for demanding coach Tom Thibedeau, on a 12-4 run under the total. The under is 13-3 in the Bulls' last 16 games playing on one days rest. Oklahoma City can play any style, but against the more physical East they have to rub more elbows: The under is 21-10-1 in the Thunder's last 32 vs. the Eastern Conference. And when these teams meet the under is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings. Play the Thunder/Bulls under the total.

Rob VincilettiFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Chicago Bulls
Play: Oklahoma City Thunder
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
The Thunder fit the nice system below that plays on road favorites of 4 or less with 1 day of rest that scored 100 or more as a home favorite while shooting 45% or more and having 25 or less assists, vs an opponent that scored 90 or more as a home favorite while also shooting 45% or higher and had 25 or more assists. These road favorites are 10-1 with 9 spread covers.. The Thunder were 7-1 straight up and to the spread vs teams that allowed 91 or less last season and should take the Bulls here tonight. Take Oklahoma City here tonight.

Dave CokinFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Florida State vs Virginia Tech
Pick: Virginia TechFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
This has been a tremendously disappointing campaign for Virginia Tech, and they're in hot water tonight against powerful Florida State. But this is also a chance for the Hokies to salvage something meaningful out of the season, and they're sure to be revved up tonight. Gotta side with the home dog Virginia Tech side at this number.

Jeff Scott SportsFREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
3 UNIT PLAYFREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Florida State -14 over VIRGINIA TECH: This is not your normal Hokies squad. they are inconsistent on offense, their defense is not doing good and they have had plenty of breakdowns in special teams. Not good when your about to face a Florida State team that has one of the better defenses in the Nation, has had a week off before this one and is seeking revenge for a 44-33 loss to these Hokies back in 2010. The Hokie offense comes in averaging just 14.5 ppg in their last 2 games and must now face an FSU team that has allowed just 13.6 ppg in their last 5 games. The FSU offense has been very good all year, but even more special in their last 3 games, averaging 552 ypg and 44 ppg. They will be taking on a struggling Hokie defense that has allowed 32.6 ppg in their last 5 games. This is not a good Hokie defense as in years past and wil have a problem slowing down the Noles in this one. Va Tech has been blown out in their last 2 losses, vs Miami and Clemson, and they had problems with Duke, while both FSU and Clemson blew them out. Florida State is the better team in all phases of this game and should with this one by at least 20 points.

Frank JordanFREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Florida State vs. Virginia Tech
Play: Florida StateFREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FSU is the number 10 team in the country with an 8-1 record and 5-1 in the ACC as they head to Virginia Tech. Virginia Tech is 4-5 on the season and has just two wins in five ACC games. FSU is 3-0 since their lone loss of the season outscoring their opponents 132-34 in those three games. Florida State simply has too much momentum and fire power for Virginia Tech to handle so look for FSU to stay hot and win their fourth in a row. Play FSU

Jeff Scott SportsFREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
3 UNIT PLAYFREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Indy/ Jacksonville Over 42.5: Andrew Luck has been special this year and he will be facing a weak Jags defense that has allowed 256 ypg passing on the year. He and the league's leading WR, Reggie Wayne, should hook up for some big plays in this one. What also will help the Colt offense is a running game that has gotten in gear to the tune of 139 ypg in their last 3 games. That should help open up some of the throwing lanes. The Jags offense is the worst in the league but they will be taking on a Colts defense that has allowed 29 ppg on the road this year. I expect the Jags to open up the playbook a bit here for the TV audience and allow Gabbart to try and make some big plays. With Drew out the Jags may have to turn to the pass even more in this one. Jag home games have averaged 43.5 ppg, while Colt road games have put up 47 ppg. Look for both of these young QB's to try and put on a show for the cameras as this one hits at least 47 points.

SPORTS WAGERSFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
JACKSONVILLE +3 +106 over Indianapolis
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Nothing like Thursday night football featuring the Jacksonville Jaguars. Tongue removed from cheek, it’s not easy to make a case for this host as they have yet to win here in four tries and have not come within 17 points of a guest. However, Jacksonville’s only win of the year took place in Indianapolis on a late Cecil Shorts touchdown. The Colts were a 3-point choice in that one and now they are the same 3-points as visitors?
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Andrew Luck and Colts playing well but this is still a divisional home game on a short week. It’s also sandwiched between last week’s come from behind win over Miami and next week’s huge game in New England. The win over the Dolphins last week was followed by one of the most documented and emotionally charged speeches of the season by head man, Chuck Spagano. In his first return to the stadium since being diagnosed with leukemia, the entire Colts team played their hearts out for him. This is a big letdown spot and indicators suggest we go against the flow here. No units risked.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
VIRGINIA TECH +13½ -108 over Florida State
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Prior to Week 3, the Hokies were ranked #13 and were a 10-point road choice at Pittsburgh. They lost that game 35-17 and it’s been a train wreck ever since. This game tonight was projected to be one of the marquee games of the year for both squads but as it turns out, the Hokies are playing for a little salvation only and believe it or not, if this game were scheduled for Week 3, Virginia Tech likely would’ve been favored. In other words, the Hokies stock has hit rock bottom but let’s not ignore that they’re 4-0 at home and their front four figured to be one of the best in the country.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
The Seminoles signature win came against Clemson but other than that it’s been a weak schedule with wins against Wake Forest, Murray St., Savannah St., South Florida, Boston College, Miami and Duke. FSU lost to North Carolina State. As a result of this marshmallow schedule, ‘Noles QB EJ Manual has posted some big numbers but it’s not that believable. State also coughed up the football 10 times over its last two games and although they won both times, they may not be so lucky at Lane Stadium. Manuel will see a heavy dose of pressure from this undervalued defense that was projected to be a top five unit. In the end, FSU represents the Hokies' chance at redemption and the Seminoles figure to get Virginia Tech's best shot. Expect this one to be scary close with an upset possibility.

Charlie Sports

Oklahoma City Thunder at Chicago Bulls
Play: Oklahoma City Thunder -2

The (2-2) Oklahoma City Thunder of the NBA Western Conference Northwest division will take on the (3-1) Chicago Bulls of the NBA Eastern Conference Central division in 2012 NBA action. The under is 5-1 the last 6 between the teams. The Thunder is 2-1-1 against the spread this season and the under is 3-1. The Chicago Bulls are 1-3 ATS their four games played this season. The Thunder traded star James Harded last week and the Bulls are still without All Star guard Derek Rose. Oklahoma city gets the road cover-2.

John Ryan

Los Angeles Clippers at Portland Trail Blazers
Prediction: Portland Trail Blazers

The simulator shows a high probability that Portland will win this game. Portland is doing a great job with ball handling in the start to the NBA season. They rank fifth averaging just 13.2 turnovers per game. Clippers have not done well against these types of strong ball handling teams. They are just 12-27 ATS (-17.7 Units) in road games versus good ball handling teams committing 14 or fewer turnovers per game over the last three seasons. The Clippers have not done a good job protecting the ball and rank 27th in the NBA averaging 18.0 turnovers per game and 27th having a turnover 16.6% of all ball possessions. Clips defense is doing a good job forcing opponents into turnovers ranking second in the NBA at 18.2 turnovers per game. Portland?s ball handlers and play makers can minimize the Clippers defensive pressure in this matchup. I like Portland to win this game.

Jimmy Boyd

Arkansas State -7

Since losing their conference opener 26-13 at home to Western Kentucky, the Red Wolves have rattled off four consecutive wins over Sun Belt foes. They are 3-1 ATS in these games. Going back to last season, they are on a 9-3 ATS run in conference play.

Arkansas State has won three of its four home games this season, and its last two home wins have come by at least seven points. It has been an all-around solid bet at 15-7 ATS in its last 22 games.

It is also worth noting that the Warhawks are only 3-7 ATS in their last 10 road games versus a team with a winning home record.

The Red Wolves have won two in a row and three of their last four against Louisiana-Monroe. They have won their two home games during this stretch by eight and 14 points, respectively.

Arkansas State won last season’s meeting 24-19 on the road despite a poor performance from quarterback Ryan Aplin, who completed 27 of 43 passes for 261 yards with a touchdown and three interceptions.

I don’t anticipate Aplin playing that poorly again. The senior has completed 65.1 percent of his passes for 2,169 yards with 14 touchdowns and two interceptions this season. He could be poised for a big day throwing the football against a Louisiana-Monroe defense that ranks 104th in the country against the pass with 263.9 yards allowed per game.

Arkansas State is on a 9-2 ATS run versus poor pass defenses that allow a completion percentage of 58% or higher. They have defeated these teams by an average score of 37.4 to 19.9. Lay the points.

Jack Jones

Thunder/Bulls UNDER 191

I fully expect a defensive battle tonight between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Chicago Bulls in the first game of a double-header on TNT Thursday. These National TV games always seem to bring better effort defensively than games that aren't nationally televised.

Both Chicago and Oklahoma City like to get after it defensively as it is. Both are well-coached and rarely take nights off. The Bulls are allowing just 88.7 points/game through four games this season, while the Thunder are giving up just 92.5 points/game through four contests as well.

The UNDER is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings between the Thunder and Bulls. Four of the last five meetings have seen 189 or less combined points. As you can see, this has been a very low-scoring series when these teams get together.

The UNDER is 21-10-1 in Thunder last 32 vs. Eastern Conference foes. The UNDER is 9-2 in Thunder last 11 vs. NBA Central opponents. The UNDER is 4-0 in Bulls last 4 Thursday games. The UNDER is 13-3 in Bulls last 16 games playing on 1 days rest. Bet the UNDER in this game Thursday.

Jim Kruger

Indianapolis Colts vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Play: Jacksonville Jaguars

Who doesn’t want Indianapolis to win every game? It is hard not to be touched by the post-game appearance by Chuck Pagano, the Colts head coach who is fighting leukemia. Colts rookie QB Andrew Luck is showing why he was the first pick in the draft with a #4 QBR rating. This is a very young team with 22 players being 24 years old or younger.

On the flip side, it is hard to even consider backing hapless Jacksonville, even at home where they have been outscored in their four games, 126 to 34. Offensively, the Jaguars are basically the worst team in the league. They lost their stud RB Maurice Jones-Drew to a foot injury and second-year QB Blaine Gabbert has been erratic which explains his #30 QBR rating.

The Jaguars did beat Indy early in the season, 22-17, even though they were outgained by 104 yards. Jax does have a superior defense to Indy and has played a tougher schedule season-to-date. A Thursday night home game for a team with zero playoff chances this season playing against a squad who is off of an emotional high, sets this game up well for Jacksonville. The only side I can be on in this game is with the Jaguars. I will put a small recreational bet on Jacksonville +3.5 but I don’t like the Jags enough to make it a Premium Pick.

Joe Gavazzi

LA Clippers at Portland Trailblazers
Play: Portland Trailblazers

Clippers got their playoff sweep revenge last night in style. At last they put on the defensive clamps. It broke the strangle hold that the Spurs had in that series. They held the Spur to just 41% from the field, forced 20 TOs and outrebounded SA 46-29. Now they must try to turn around another series history on a court where they stand 6-26 SU. They will be doing so in their 1st true road game of the year in the dreaded home win and travel scenario. PG Paul, with an injured wheel, is often not as effective in the second of back to back games. Great spot for a much improved Portland team with Aldridge and Batum up front and Matthews and Lillard in the back court to steal a victory.

HARRY BONDI

FLORIDA STATE (-13.5) over Virginia Tech

Expect a fully focused effort tonight from the Seminoles, who come in fresh off a bye week and need victories in their final two conference games to punch a ticket to the ACC championship game and their first BCS bowl invite in seven years. Virginia Tech will be overpowered on both sides of the ball as FSU is the only team in the country ranked in the Top-10 in the nation for both offense and defense. The Hokies have been a money-eater dating back a couple of seasons covering just five of their last 21 games overall, while going 2-8 ATS at home in their last 10 and 1-5 ATS in their last six against winning teams. Seminoles roll!