Dave Cokin
Bonus Play Friday
The Thursday Bonus Play missed as UConn squeaked out its first win of the season at Loyola Marymount, but failed to cover the spread by a couple of points. The win might have been costly for the Huskies, however, as freshman point guard Alterique Gilbert dislocated the same shoulder he had surgery on this spring. It also now appears as though UConn might have to redshirt highly regarded freshman Mamadou Diarra, who has knee issues. Tough start to the season for the Huskies.
Here’s my Bonus Play for Friday.
581 IDAHO at 582 ARKANSAS-LITTLE ROCK 7:30 PM
Take: LITTLE ROCK -10.5
There’s always some trepidation laying doubles when a game figures to be somewhat low scoring. That’s the case tonight as UALR plays host to Idaho. The Vandals will play their pack line defense and will look to maintain a slow tempo, and it’s not like I expect the Trojans to be running and gunning. Nevertheless, I’m willing to give the points and fade Idaho in spots like this until the team shows an ability to put the ball in the basket on a more frequent basis.
Little Rock comes into the new season with good reason to optimistic following last season’s great success. The Trojans ended up with 30 wins, including the double overtime shocker over Purdue in the NCAA Tournament.
There have been some changes for Little Rock since last March. Wes Flanagan is the new head coach following the somewhat controversial departure of Chris Beard. Beard first accepted the UNLV job, and then shunned the Rebels in favor of the gig at Texas Tech. Flanagan will have to make do without a pair of terrific graduated players, but let’s just say he didn’t get stuck with an empty cupboard. The Trojans are perhaps a bit of an unknown quantity as their first two games were against non-D1 competition. But this is still a team that looks as though it will contend in the Sun Belt.
The spread here is no bargain, and in fact, there’s probably an argument to be made that it’s a touch inflated. But there’s some real excitement surrounding Little Rock’s fan base off last season’s awesome results and there should be a big crowd on hand tonight as admission will be free to all veterans and service personnel.
Look for this one to be competitive much of the way, but I’m expecting the Trojans to eventually get rid of the Vandals. I’ll side with UALR to get there by enough to cover the number in the process.
Bonus Play Friday
The Thursday Bonus Play missed as UConn squeaked out its first win of the season at Loyola Marymount, but failed to cover the spread by a couple of points. The win might have been costly for the Huskies, however, as freshman point guard Alterique Gilbert dislocated the same shoulder he had surgery on this spring. It also now appears as though UConn might have to redshirt highly regarded freshman Mamadou Diarra, who has knee issues. Tough start to the season for the Huskies.
Here’s my Bonus Play for Friday.
581 IDAHO at 582 ARKANSAS-LITTLE ROCK 7:30 PM
Take: LITTLE ROCK -10.5
There’s always some trepidation laying doubles when a game figures to be somewhat low scoring. That’s the case tonight as UALR plays host to Idaho. The Vandals will play their pack line defense and will look to maintain a slow tempo, and it’s not like I expect the Trojans to be running and gunning. Nevertheless, I’m willing to give the points and fade Idaho in spots like this until the team shows an ability to put the ball in the basket on a more frequent basis.
Little Rock comes into the new season with good reason to optimistic following last season’s great success. The Trojans ended up with 30 wins, including the double overtime shocker over Purdue in the NCAA Tournament.
There have been some changes for Little Rock since last March. Wes Flanagan is the new head coach following the somewhat controversial departure of Chris Beard. Beard first accepted the UNLV job, and then shunned the Rebels in favor of the gig at Texas Tech. Flanagan will have to make do without a pair of terrific graduated players, but let’s just say he didn’t get stuck with an empty cupboard. The Trojans are perhaps a bit of an unknown quantity as their first two games were against non-D1 competition. But this is still a team that looks as though it will contend in the Sun Belt.
The spread here is no bargain, and in fact, there’s probably an argument to be made that it’s a touch inflated. But there’s some real excitement surrounding Little Rock’s fan base off last season’s awesome results and there should be a big crowd on hand tonight as admission will be free to all veterans and service personnel.
Look for this one to be competitive much of the way, but I’m expecting the Trojans to eventually get rid of the Vandals. I’ll side with UALR to get there by enough to cover the number in the process.
Brandon Lee
Pistons vs Cavs
10* Free NBA Pick (Pistons +9)
The Cavaliers come in at 9-2 and off a loss to the Pacers in a game where James didn't play. The perception here is that Cleveland will be locked in for this one at home and will have their way against a Pistons team that is coming off a loss at New York and is just 1-6 SU and ATS on the season. I'll play contrarian and take my chances with all these points in a game that I think means a lot more to Detroit than it does the Cavs. Keep in mind the books have been inflating the lines on Cleveland early, as the Cavs are just 3-7-1 ATS despite that strong overall record (1-5-1 ATS at home). It's also worth noting the Pistons are getting after it on defense and come in ranked 5th in the league in defensive efficiency. They also like to slow down the pace, which I think only adds more value here. Give me the Pistons +9!
Pistons vs Cavs
10* Free NBA Pick (Pistons +9)
The Cavaliers come in at 9-2 and off a loss to the Pacers in a game where James didn't play. The perception here is that Cleveland will be locked in for this one at home and will have their way against a Pistons team that is coming off a loss at New York and is just 1-6 SU and ATS on the season. I'll play contrarian and take my chances with all these points in a game that I think means a lot more to Detroit than it does the Cavs. Keep in mind the books have been inflating the lines on Cleveland early, as the Cavs are just 3-7-1 ATS despite that strong overall record (1-5-1 ATS at home). It's also worth noting the Pistons are getting after it on defense and come in ranked 5th in the league in defensive efficiency. They also like to slow down the pace, which I think only adds more value here. Give me the Pistons +9!
Jimmy Boyd
Suns vs Pacers
Free NBA Pick on Suns +
I like the value here with Phoenix catching a decent sized number here against the Pacers. Indiana comes in off a 103-93 win over the Cavs, but it came with James sitting out (rest), so it's nothing to get excited about. You could tell be the way the Pacers played that game still meant a lot even with James not playing. I think there's a good chance they come out flat here, as the Suns come to town with a 3-9 record overall and have lost 3 straight by double-digits.
Things certainly haven't gone the Suns way so far, but I like the talent on this team and I look for them to come out with a chip on their shoulder to try and get the ship headed back in the right direction. I believe Indiana's a team they can do just that against, as the Pacers are struggling on the defensive side of the floor. They are allowing 106.8 ppg and giving up 10 3-pt field goals a game.
All signs point to a high-scoring game and that favors a Phoenix cover. The Pacers are 0-7 ATS this season when playing in a game with a total of 210 or more. The Suns are also a team that has responded well off an ugly loss, as they are 18-8 ATS in their last 26 off a blowout loss by 15 or more points. Take Phoenix!
Suns vs Pacers
Free NBA Pick on Suns +
I like the value here with Phoenix catching a decent sized number here against the Pacers. Indiana comes in off a 103-93 win over the Cavs, but it came with James sitting out (rest), so it's nothing to get excited about. You could tell be the way the Pacers played that game still meant a lot even with James not playing. I think there's a good chance they come out flat here, as the Suns come to town with a 3-9 record overall and have lost 3 straight by double-digits.
Things certainly haven't gone the Suns way so far, but I like the talent on this team and I look for them to come out with a chip on their shoulder to try and get the ship headed back in the right direction. I believe Indiana's a team they can do just that against, as the Pacers are struggling on the defensive side of the floor. They are allowing 106.8 ppg and giving up 10 3-pt field goals a game.
All signs point to a high-scoring game and that favors a Phoenix cover. The Pacers are 0-7 ATS this season when playing in a game with a total of 210 or more. The Suns are also a team that has responded well off an ugly loss, as they are 18-8 ATS in their last 26 off a blowout loss by 15 or more points. Take Phoenix!
Dave Cokin
Bonus Play Friday
The Thursday Bonus Play missed as UConn squeaked out its first win of the season at Loyola Marymount, but failed to cover the spread by a couple of points. The win might have been costly for the Huskies, however, as freshman point guard Alterique Gilbert dislocated the same shoulder he had surgery on this spring. It also now appears as though UConn might have to redshirt highly regarded freshman Mamadou Diarra, who has knee issues. Tough start to the season for the Huskies.
Here’s my Bonus Play for Friday.
581 IDAHO at 582 ARKANSAS-LITTLE ROCK 7:30 PM
Take: LITTLE ROCK -10.5
There’s always some trepidation laying doubles when a game figures to be somewhat low scoring. That’s the case tonight as UALR plays host to Idaho. The Vandals will play their pack line defense and will look to maintain a slow tempo, and it’s not like I expect the Trojans to be running and gunning. Nevertheless, I’m willing to give the points and fade Idaho in spots like this until the team shows an ability to put the ball in the basket on a more frequent basis.
Little Rock comes into the new season with good reason to optimistic following last season’s great success. The Trojans ended up with 30 wins, including the double overtime shocker over Purdue in the NCAA Tournament.
There have been some changes for Little Rock since last March. Wes Flanagan is the new head coach following the somewhat controversial departure of Chris Beard. Beard first accepted the UNLV job, and then shunned the Rebels in favor of the gig at Texas Tech. Flanagan will have to make do without a pair of terrific graduated players, but let’s just say he didn’t get stuck with an empty cupboard. The Trojans are perhaps a bit of an unknown quantity as their first two games were against non-D1 competition. But this is still a team that looks as though it will contend in the Sun Belt.
The spread here is no bargain, and in fact, there’s probably an argument to be made that it’s a touch inflated. But there’s some real excitement surrounding Little Rock’s fan base off last season’s awesome results and there should be a big crowd on hand tonight as admission will be free to all veterans and service personnel.
Look for this one to be competitive much of the way, but I’m expecting the Trojans to eventually get rid of the Vandals. I’ll side with UALR to get there by enough to cover the number in the process.
Bonus Play Friday
The Thursday Bonus Play missed as UConn squeaked out its first win of the season at Loyola Marymount, but failed to cover the spread by a couple of points. The win might have been costly for the Huskies, however, as freshman point guard Alterique Gilbert dislocated the same shoulder he had surgery on this spring. It also now appears as though UConn might have to redshirt highly regarded freshman Mamadou Diarra, who has knee issues. Tough start to the season for the Huskies.
Here’s my Bonus Play for Friday.
581 IDAHO at 582 ARKANSAS-LITTLE ROCK 7:30 PM
Take: LITTLE ROCK -10.5
There’s always some trepidation laying doubles when a game figures to be somewhat low scoring. That’s the case tonight as UALR plays host to Idaho. The Vandals will play their pack line defense and will look to maintain a slow tempo, and it’s not like I expect the Trojans to be running and gunning. Nevertheless, I’m willing to give the points and fade Idaho in spots like this until the team shows an ability to put the ball in the basket on a more frequent basis.
Little Rock comes into the new season with good reason to optimistic following last season’s great success. The Trojans ended up with 30 wins, including the double overtime shocker over Purdue in the NCAA Tournament.
There have been some changes for Little Rock since last March. Wes Flanagan is the new head coach following the somewhat controversial departure of Chris Beard. Beard first accepted the UNLV job, and then shunned the Rebels in favor of the gig at Texas Tech. Flanagan will have to make do without a pair of terrific graduated players, but let’s just say he didn’t get stuck with an empty cupboard. The Trojans are perhaps a bit of an unknown quantity as their first two games were against non-D1 competition. But this is still a team that looks as though it will contend in the Sun Belt.
The spread here is no bargain, and in fact, there’s probably an argument to be made that it’s a touch inflated. But there’s some real excitement surrounding Little Rock’s fan base off last season’s awesome results and there should be a big crowd on hand tonight as admission will be free to all veterans and service personnel.
Look for this one to be competitive much of the way, but I’m expecting the Trojans to eventually get rid of the Vandals. I’ll side with UALR to get there by enough to cover the number in the process.
Jim Feist
Jim Feist's Comp Pick, Friday, November 18, 2016
Your free pick for Friday, November 18, 2016 comes in the NBA as Brooklyn heads to Oklahoma City to face the Thunder. Brooklyn is limited offensively, #22 in the NBA in three-point shooting. They face an Oklahoma City team that folks think of as uptempo on offense behind Russell Westbrook, but they are also a strong defensive team for Coach Billy Donovan, #12 in the NBA in points allowed, #7 in three-point defense. OKC is 21-10 under the total against the Eastern Conference.
Play Brooklyn/OKC Under the total.
Jim Feist's Comp Pick, Friday, November 18, 2016
Your free pick for Friday, November 18, 2016 comes in the NBA as Brooklyn heads to Oklahoma City to face the Thunder. Brooklyn is limited offensively, #22 in the NBA in three-point shooting. They face an Oklahoma City team that folks think of as uptempo on offense behind Russell Westbrook, but they are also a strong defensive team for Coach Billy Donovan, #12 in the NBA in points allowed, #7 in three-point defense. OKC is 21-10 under the total against the Eastern Conference.
Play Brooklyn/OKC Under the total.
Matt Josephs
UNLV vs Boise State
Bonus Play OVER
Boise State inched ahead of Western Michigan in the eyes of the selection committee and that means that they will be in line for a New Year's six bowl game. The Broncos need to continue to pile up the points and the huge victories. UNLV has allowed over 35 points per game and 427 yards. Boise has put up 97 points in their last two games and is racking up the yards as well. The Rebels are coming off a 69-66 victory at home over Wyoming. They are playing this game just six days later so who knows how much they will have in them. Last year this contest was a 55-27 BSU win on the road. UNLV has gone over in 24 of their last 35 games including eight of 10 this year.
UNLV vs Boise State
Bonus Play OVER
Boise State inched ahead of Western Michigan in the eyes of the selection committee and that means that they will be in line for a New Year's six bowl game. The Broncos need to continue to pile up the points and the huge victories. UNLV has allowed over 35 points per game and 427 yards. Boise has put up 97 points in their last two games and is racking up the yards as well. The Rebels are coming off a 69-66 victory at home over Wyoming. They are playing this game just six days later so who knows how much they will have in them. Last year this contest was a 55-27 BSU win on the road. UNLV has gone over in 24 of their last 35 games including eight of 10 this year.
Scott Spreitzer
Spurs vs Lakers
Bonus Play Los Angeles Lakers
I'm recommending a play on Los Angeles on Friday. The Lakers have covered the last three meetings largely due to huge point spreads, but this time they have the ability to cover a single-digit line having won three of their last four games upping their record to 7-5 and 8-3-1 ATS this season. San Antonio has won four straight but just 2-4 ATS its last six games and the Spurs are 1-4 ATS following a win. D'Angelo Russell exploded for 32 points and Julius Randle added 17 points and 14 rebounds in the Lakers 125-118 win over Brooklyn in their first game back after a three-game trip. The Spurs won but failed to cover their last two contests against Miami and Sacramento. The Lakers are second in the league averaging 110.0 points per game and third with a .473 field goal percentage and they're playing with two days rest. The Lakers plus the points on Friday. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.
Spurs vs Lakers
Bonus Play Los Angeles Lakers
I'm recommending a play on Los Angeles on Friday. The Lakers have covered the last three meetings largely due to huge point spreads, but this time they have the ability to cover a single-digit line having won three of their last four games upping their record to 7-5 and 8-3-1 ATS this season. San Antonio has won four straight but just 2-4 ATS its last six games and the Spurs are 1-4 ATS following a win. D'Angelo Russell exploded for 32 points and Julius Randle added 17 points and 14 rebounds in the Lakers 125-118 win over Brooklyn in their first game back after a three-game trip. The Spurs won but failed to cover their last two contests against Miami and Sacramento. The Lakers are second in the league averaging 110.0 points per game and third with a .473 field goal percentage and they're playing with two days rest. The Lakers plus the points on Friday. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.
