Monday 11-19-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Kenny Towers

FREE PLAY FOR MONDAY - Philadelphia/Phoenix OVER 223

[Can'tPickAWinner]

John Anthony Sports

Monday's Free Selection: Boise State Broncos + 5 (NCAA BB)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Gus Augustine

There are no more words to waste, just a winner to give you!

Big one from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas late tonight as Arizona State and Mississippi State will jump ball in the Heavyweights Tournament.

Both teams off to 3-0 straight up starts, as both enjoyed playing all 3 of their games on their home court. Interestingly enough, both teams played Long Beach State in their last games, the Bulldogs taking their game against the 49ers, 79-51, while the Sun Devils were 90-58 winners over The Beach. The Devils did have their scheduled Friday night game at San Francisco postponed due to the air quality conditions in California due to the wildfires, so we shall see how the change in schedule effects Bobby Hurley's team tonight.

Do keep in mind that Arizona State did lose their top three scorers from a season ago, and while they have good depth, that depth doesn't necessarily have the experience at this point in the season to deal with Miss State's depth and experience - all 5 of their starters back. You saw that depth on display when starting guard Nick Weatherspoon left last Friday's game with an ankle injury (questionable for tonight), as key reserve Tyson Carter stepped up with 17 points on the night.

Both teams play air-tight defense, so do not expect this game to be played in the 70's. Miss State is allowing just 59 points per game while holding teams to right at 39% shooting. The Bulldogs defense will need to keep close guard on Luguentz Dort who has gotten off to a fast start for the Sun Devils. The Top-50 High School prospect leads the team with 21+ points per game through the first 3.

The Weatherspoon injury is of concern, but this Bulldogs team feels this is their season, and they will be looking to put the memory of being snubbed for the Big Dance last season in their rear-view mirror. Beating a quality team like this Pac 12 rep will help build the 'Dogs resume. Miss State has gone 5-1-1 against the spread when playing teams with a winning record, while Arizona State is just 1-8-2 ATS when they face teams with a winning percentage of .600 or better. Both scenarios apply tonight in Sin City.

Going to lay the small chalk with Miss State to remain unbeaten.

4* MISS STATE

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Ray Chadwick

It's very simple, the Suns are winless on the road, while the Sixers are undefeated at home.

Tonight's meeting will be "Blowout City".

Phoenix stands at 0-6 on the highway thus far, and the points have been of help just once in those 6 losses. Philadelphia has won all 8 of their home games this season, and they have covered in 5 of those 8 wins.

The 76ers are getting some traction with newly-acquired Jimmy Butler in the lineup, as Butler's three-pointer at Charlotte on Saturday was the game-winner in overtime in a 122-119 Philly win. They enter this home game 10th in the league in scoring (almost 113 ppg), while the Suns are 30th in the league in the same category (just over 102 ppg).

This is the start of 3 in a row over the Thanksgiving Holiday at home for Brett Brown's team. It's a home stand that should see them increase on their current 2 game win streak for sure, as the Pelicans and the Cavaliers will also be coming to town this week.

The Suns actually won their last visit to Philadelphia back in December of last year, but Philly returned the favor later in the month by double-digits at Phoenix. I cannot see the Suns claiming another win on Sixers hardwood. Quite the contrary, as Philadelphia does boast a 20-6 spread mark at home their last 26 versus teams with a losing record.

Phoenix enters with just 4 straight spread losses on the road against teams with a winning record, and that mark does not figure to improve.

The "Big Three" of Butler, Embiid and Simmons has not disappointed lately, and they also have Reddick with an 18+ points per game average in the lineup. Add to it the rotation of Johnson, Fultz, Shamet, McConnell and Chandler, and Brett Brown simply has a few more options than are owned by Phoenix Coach Igor.

Only a matter of time before this one balloons to about a 20-points or better final margin.

Blowout Winner on Philadelphia for Monday.

5* PHILADELPHIA

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Tommy Brunson

Great value in the NHL tonight with the Buffalo Sabres as they take on the slumping Pittsburgh Penguins.

Buffalo is on a roll, winners of 5 straight and 6 of their last 7 overall. They are feeling supremely confident as during this hot stretch, the Sabres have won a pair of games in shootout fashion, and have also won one in overtime.

On the home bench, the Penguins are playing some uninspired hockey this season in general. The Pens have won just once over their last 9 games! 1-7-1 is not a mark I want to be laying this kind of lumber with, especially since Sidney Crosby is not skating due to injury.

This is Buffalo's longest win streak in 6 years, and they have their biggest 20 game point total since the 2009-10 campaign!

Pittsburgh is just 3-5-1 on their home ice this year, and while they have won the last 5 series meetings, I say the time is right, and the price is most definitely right to back the searing Sabres in the big dog role.

3* BUFFALO