Dave Cokin
Bonus Play Friday
The Bruins fell down a pair of goals early at Buffalo, but it was all Boston after that first period, so the Bonus Play was a winner. Tonight’s call is in college basketball.
755 ARIZONA at 756 CALIFORNIA 11:00 PM
Take: ARIZONA +1
Potentially long story short here, as this is mostly a stat fit for me. But here are a few additional words on tonight’s key PAC-12 clash between the Wildcats and Golden Bears.
Both Arizona and Cal have had to battle through early season physical issues, and I think both coaches have to be pleased with where their teams are at this juncture. An important add for the Wildcats tonight as Parker Jackson-Cartwright is expected to get back on the floor. He’ll probably see limited minutes, but for a team that has been as shorthanded as ‘Zona has been, getting him back for even 15 minutes is significant.
This figures to be a defensive rumble where good looks and fast breaks are at a premium as both teams defend really well. If that’s the case, I’ll side with the team that simply shoots it better, both from the field and the foul line. That’s Arizona, so in a pick the winner game, I’m siding with the Wildcats.
Bonus Play Friday
The Bruins fell down a pair of goals early at Buffalo, but it was all Boston after that first period, so the Bonus Play was a winner. Tonight’s call is in college basketball.
755 ARIZONA at 756 CALIFORNIA 11:00 PM
Take: ARIZONA +1
Potentially long story short here, as this is mostly a stat fit for me. But here are a few additional words on tonight’s key PAC-12 clash between the Wildcats and Golden Bears.
Both Arizona and Cal have had to battle through early season physical issues, and I think both coaches have to be pleased with where their teams are at this juncture. An important add for the Wildcats tonight as Parker Jackson-Cartwright is expected to get back on the floor. He’ll probably see limited minutes, but for a team that has been as shorthanded as ‘Zona has been, getting him back for even 15 minutes is significant.
This figures to be a defensive rumble where good looks and fast breaks are at a premium as both teams defend really well. If that’s the case, I’ll side with the team that simply shoots it better, both from the field and the foul line. That’s Arizona, so in a pick the winner game, I’m siding with the Wildcats.
Jim Feist
Jim Feist's Comp Pick, Friday, December 30, 2016
Your free pick for Friday, December 30, 2016 comes in the NBA battle between the Detroit Pistons and the Pacers in Indiana. Detroit is rested and off a poor defensive game, allowing 119 points at home to Milwaukee. They face an Atlanta team that averages over 100 ppg but allowed 103 ppg. The Over is 4-1 in the Hawks last 5 vs. a team with a losing straight up record. And when these division rivals meet the over is 5-1.
Play Detroit/Indiana Over the total.
Jim Feist's Comp Pick, Friday, December 30, 2016
Your free pick for Friday, December 30, 2016 comes in the NBA battle between the Detroit Pistons and the Pacers in Indiana. Detroit is rested and off a poor defensive game, allowing 119 points at home to Milwaukee. They face an Atlanta team that averages over 100 ppg but allowed 103 ppg. The Over is 4-1 in the Hawks last 5 vs. a team with a losing straight up record. And when these division rivals meet the over is 5-1.
Play Detroit/Indiana Over the total.
Jack Jones
TCU vs Georgia
Jack's Free Pick Friday: Georgia/TCU OVER 48.5
I don’t see a whole lot of value in the side of this game as I think it’s very evenly-matched. However, I do see some value in the total of 48.5 points. I think the books have set the number too low in this one because both of the offensive strengths play into the weaknesses of the defenses.
TCU has the advantage of unfamiliarity against the Georgia defense. The Horned Frogs spread the field with many 4-and-5-wide sets and the Bulldogs just aren’t used to it. And even Kirby Smart’s defenses at Alabama struggled against spread teams like TCU. He clearly hasn’t figured out a way to stop them. The Bulldogs gave up 34 points to Tennessee and 45 to Ole Miss earlier this season, two teams who run similar offenses.
TCU’s defense is on the smaller side because it is built to stop the pass-happy Big 12 offenses. But when the Horned Frogs faced a physical, downhill running attack against Kansas State in the finale, they gave up a whopping 336 rushing yards. You can bet that Nick Chubb and company will be in line for a big game on the ground in this contest as well.
The Bulldogs rushed for at least 200 yards in six of their games this season. They averaged 197 rushing yards and 5.3 yards per carry on the year. The Horned Frogs also gave up 334 rushing yards to Oklahoma State late in the season, and a combined 859 rushing yards in their final three contests. Freshman QB Jacob Eason will benefit as much as anyone from this extra bowl practice. He should have a big day passing as well in the play-action game as the Horned Frogs commit extra defenders to try and stop the run.
TCU still averaged 31.7 points and 475 yards per game this season despite some key injuries on offense. Kenny Hill is healthy now and threw for 3,062 yards with 15 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. Kyle Hicks rushed for 954 yards and 12 scores as well, so there is some balance here.
The OVER is 5-1 in Horned Frogs last six non-conference games. The OVER is 4-1 in Horned Frogs last five games after allowing less than 170 passing yards in their previous game. Bet the OVER in the Liberty Bowl Friday.
TCU vs Georgia
Jack's Free Pick Friday: Georgia/TCU OVER 48.5
I don’t see a whole lot of value in the side of this game as I think it’s very evenly-matched. However, I do see some value in the total of 48.5 points. I think the books have set the number too low in this one because both of the offensive strengths play into the weaknesses of the defenses.
TCU has the advantage of unfamiliarity against the Georgia defense. The Horned Frogs spread the field with many 4-and-5-wide sets and the Bulldogs just aren’t used to it. And even Kirby Smart’s defenses at Alabama struggled against spread teams like TCU. He clearly hasn’t figured out a way to stop them. The Bulldogs gave up 34 points to Tennessee and 45 to Ole Miss earlier this season, two teams who run similar offenses.
TCU’s defense is on the smaller side because it is built to stop the pass-happy Big 12 offenses. But when the Horned Frogs faced a physical, downhill running attack against Kansas State in the finale, they gave up a whopping 336 rushing yards. You can bet that Nick Chubb and company will be in line for a big game on the ground in this contest as well.
The Bulldogs rushed for at least 200 yards in six of their games this season. They averaged 197 rushing yards and 5.3 yards per carry on the year. The Horned Frogs also gave up 334 rushing yards to Oklahoma State late in the season, and a combined 859 rushing yards in their final three contests. Freshman QB Jacob Eason will benefit as much as anyone from this extra bowl practice. He should have a big day passing as well in the play-action game as the Horned Frogs commit extra defenders to try and stop the run.
TCU still averaged 31.7 points and 475 yards per game this season despite some key injuries on offense. Kenny Hill is healthy now and threw for 3,062 yards with 15 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. Kyle Hicks rushed for 954 yards and 12 scores as well, so there is some balance here.
The OVER is 5-1 in Horned Frogs last six non-conference games. The OVER is 4-1 in Horned Frogs last five games after allowing less than 170 passing yards in their previous game. Bet the OVER in the Liberty Bowl Friday.
Scott Spreitzer
USC vs Oregon
Bonus Play USC
I'm recommending a play on the USC Trojans plus the points over Oregon on Friday night. Big last second win for the Ducks when they knocked-off UCLA, 89-87 on Wednesday. The odds were against them trailing by eight points with 3 1/2 minutes left in the game and by four points with 20-seconds to go in regulation. Dana Altman's crew won the game despite making just 11 of 30 3-point attempts. The deep perimeter has been their Achilles heel so far this season, making just 31.9% of their attempts. They'll need their treys to fall against a USC team that allows opponents to make just 39% of their FGA. As far as the interior game is concerned, we do believe Chimezie Metu can match Chris Boucher. Meanwhile, Andy Enfield hasn't had Bennie Boatwright for much of the season, but it's been no problem with five other players averaging between 15 ppg & 9.7 ppg. They also have Jordan McLaughlin and De'Anthony Melton's play-making ability, combining for 116 assists on the season. The Ducks have covered just two of their last eight as home chalk, while USC is on a 9-3 ATS run in Eugene. We believe they'll hang the number tonight. I'm recommending a play on Southern Cal plus the points. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.
USC vs Oregon
Bonus Play USC
I'm recommending a play on the USC Trojans plus the points over Oregon on Friday night. Big last second win for the Ducks when they knocked-off UCLA, 89-87 on Wednesday. The odds were against them trailing by eight points with 3 1/2 minutes left in the game and by four points with 20-seconds to go in regulation. Dana Altman's crew won the game despite making just 11 of 30 3-point attempts. The deep perimeter has been their Achilles heel so far this season, making just 31.9% of their attempts. They'll need their treys to fall against a USC team that allows opponents to make just 39% of their FGA. As far as the interior game is concerned, we do believe Chimezie Metu can match Chris Boucher. Meanwhile, Andy Enfield hasn't had Bennie Boatwright for much of the season, but it's been no problem with five other players averaging between 15 ppg & 9.7 ppg. They also have Jordan McLaughlin and De'Anthony Melton's play-making ability, combining for 116 assists on the season. The Ducks have covered just two of their last eight as home chalk, while USC is on a 9-3 ATS run in Eugene. We believe they'll hang the number tonight. I'm recommending a play on Southern Cal plus the points. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.
Premier League TODAY 20:00
| Hull | v | Everton |
| HOME | DRAW | AWAY | ||||
| SS1 | 10/3 | 5/2 | 19/20 | More markets |
| RECENT FORM | LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT HULL | RECENT FORM |
|---|---|---|
HD*ALHDALALHL Most recent
|
| ALHDALHWHLAW Most recent
|
EXPERT VERDICT: Everton have won only three of their last 13 Premier League matches and make no appeal to triumph at Hull even though the Tigers sit bottom of the table. Mike Phelan's side battled well for 70 minutes against Manchester City on Boxing Day and could do enough to take a point against the inconsistent Toffees.
RECOMMENDATION: Draw
1
REFEREE: Jonathan Moss STADIUM:
Premier League Sa 31Dec 15:00
| Chelsea | v | Stoke |
| HOME | DRAW | AWAY | ||||
| 1/4 | 11/2 | 13 | More markets |
| RECENT FORM | LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT CHELSEA | RECENT FORM |
|---|---|---|
HWAWHWAWAWHW Most recent
|
| AWHWALHDHDAL Most recent
|
EXPERT VERDICT: Chelsea are two matches short of equalling the Premier League record for consecutive victories and they should make it 13 wins on the spin when Stoke visit Stamford Bridge. Top goalscorer Diego Costa and influential midfielder N'Golo Kane return from suspension and the Blues can keep a five straight clean sheet.
RECOMMENDATION: Chelsea to win 2-0
1
REFEREE: Robert Madley STADIUM:
Premier League Sa 31Dec 15:00
| Burnley | v | Sunderland |
| HOME | DRAW | AWAY | ||||
| 7/5 | 9/4 | 23/10 | More markets |
| RECENT FORM | LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT BURNLEY | RECENT FORM |
|---|---|---|
HLALHWALALHW Most recent
|
| ALHWALHLHWAL Most recent
|
EXPERT VERDICT: Turf Moor has been a fortress for Burnley this season but they may have to settle for a point against Sunderland in a huge match for the Black Cats. Sunderland have won four of their last eight games and, apart from a shocker against Swansea, the other defeats in this decent spell came against Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United.
RECOMMENDATION: Draw
2
REFEREE: Graham Scott STADIUM:
Premier League Sa 31Dec 15:00
| Leicester | v | West Ham |
| HOME | DRAW | AWAY | ||||
| 11/10 | 13/5 | 27/10 | More markets |
| RECENT FORM | LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT LEICESTER | RECENT FORM |
|---|---|---|
ALALHWALADHL Most recent
|
| ALHLADHWHWAW Most recent
|
EXPERT VERDICT: Fallen champions Leicester are in a relegation dogfight and they will be dragged into deeper trouble if this result goes against them. The Foxes were excellent defensively last season but are really struggling for clean sheets this term which should encourage West Ham to attack in what should be a high-scoring battle.
RECOMMENDATION: Both teams to score
2
REFEREE: Anthony Taylor STADIUM:
Premier League Sa 31Dec 15:00
| Southampton | v | West Brom |
| HOME | DRAW | AWAY | ||||
| 3/4 | 27/10 | 9/2 | More markets |
| RECENT FORM | LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT SOUTHAMPTON | RECENT FORM |
|---|---|---|
ALHDHWADAWHL Most recent
|
| ADHWALHWHLAL Most recent
|
EXPERT VERDICT: West Brom could land an upset at St Mary's after being well rested since Monday whereas Southampton played with ten men in Wednesday's 4-1 defeat at the hands of Tottenham. Saints like to play on the counter but that won't be possible against a defensively-minded West Brom, who could land a sucker punch if the hosts get tired.
RECOMMENDATION: West Brom
1
REFEREE: Mike Jones STADIUM:
Premier League Sa 31Dec 15:00
| Swansea | v | Bournemouth |
| HOME | DRAW | AWAY | ||||
| 19/10 | 12/5 | 8/5 | More markets |
| RECENT FORM | LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT SWANSEA | RECENT FORM |
|---|---|---|
HWALHWALALHL Most recent
|
| ALHWALHWHLAL Most recent
|
EXPERT VERDICT: Bob Bradley has been sacked but he may not have been the only issue at Swansea and the Welsh club could be heading for another defeat when Bournemouth head to the Liberty Stadium. Eddie Howe's visitors were unfortunate to lose 3-0 at Chelsea last time out and a similar level of performance can be rewarded with maximum points.
RECOMMENDATION: Bournemouth
1
REFEREE: Kevin Friend STADIUM:
