Service Plays Thursday 1/23/20

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Members post your personal plays in the various sports forums @ IWS and our betting trackers!

NFL
http://www.investwithsports.com/newf...3-NFL-Football

College Football
http://www.investwithsports.com/newf...-NCAA-Football

Baseball
http://www.investwithsports.com/newf...57-ML-Baseball

College Basketball
http://www.investwithsports.com/newf...CAA-Basketball

NBA
http://www.investwithsports.com/newf...NBA-Basketball

NHL
http://www.investwithsports.com/newf...?58-NHL-Hockey

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Sal Johnson

One of the three should win

1. Rory McIlroy

√ Was 1st in 2019 on PGA Tour in Strokes Gained Off the Tee and Strokes Gained Tee to Green
√ Finished T-5th last year in only Farmers start, going 13 under over last 54 holes
√ Has gone T-3rd, Win, 4th in last three starts and is ready to break out

2. Tiger Woods

√ Is in a good place after his knee surgery in September
√ Could be the best poa annua putter on PGA Tour
√ Helps to have won seven times in this event. Also won U.S. Open and junior events at Torrey Pines

3. Justin Rose

√ Been the best at Torrey the past three years, going 36 under with three top-8 finishes.
√ Was T-5th at the Hero Challenge, 2nd last week in Singapore
√ 17th in Strokes Gained Putting on PGA Tour in 2019.

Those with a lot of momentum

4. Tony Finau

√ Is 28 under in his last 11 rounds at Torrey Pines
√ Is 2nd on the PGA Tour in Strokes Gained Tee to Green in 2020
√ Last two weeks has gone 27 under par in Hong Kong and at American Express

5. Hideki Matsuyama

√ In his last six starts has not been worse than 16th, is 69 under par. Best finish was 2nd at Zozo Championship
√ Is 5th on the PGA Tour in Strokes Gained Tee to Green in 2020
√ Was T-3rd last year at the Farmers, and is 25 under in his last 12 Farmers rounds

6. Scottie Scheffler

√ In his last four starts has three top-fives -- T-3rd Bermuda, T-5th RSM and 3rd last week at American Express
√ Has shot par or better in his last 18 PGA Tour rounds, a total of 71 under par
√ First time at Torrey Pines, has the game, as he is 26th on the PGA Tour in Strokes Gained Total

Solid Contenders

7. Ryan Palmer

√ Is 21 under in his last eight rounds at Farmers, lost in playoff in 2018
√ Was 12 under in the Hawaiia Swing in poor weather; was T-4th at the Sony
√ Is 11th on the PGA Tour in Strokes Gained Tee to Green in 2020

8. Jon Rahm

√ Has had a remarkable run since the U.S. Open. In 14 starts, has won three times, been runner-up twice and in the top 10 in 11 events.
√ Is 12th in Strokes Gained Tee to Green, 7th in Strokes Gained Around the Green in 2020. He has all the right stats for playing well at Torrey Pines.
√ As for his record at Torrey Pines, he won his first start in 2017 and was T-5th last year. In 12 rounds, is 29 under, the best of anyone that has played the last three Farmers.

9. Gary Woodland

√ Was 19th on the PGA Tour in Strokes Gained Tee to Green in 2019
√ Shot nine rounds under par in last three Farmers and was T-9th last year
√ In his last three PGA Tour starts has finished in top-seven, T-3rd CJ Cup, 5th Zozo & T-7th Sentry

10. Brandt Snedeker

√ Has won twice, been runner-up twice and 3rd once at the Farmers
√ Is T-10th in Strokes Gained Around the Green and 17th in Strokes Gained Putting in 2020
√ Last start finished with rounds of 67-69-66 in poor conditions at Sony Open in Hawaii

Players who could surprise

11. Sungjae Im

√ Played OK in his first Farmers, finishing T-52nd
√ Is 15th in Strokes Gained Total in 2020
√ Played well at the American Express with four rounds in the 60s, was T-10th.

12. Bud Cauley

√ Was T-4th at the American Express with a third-round 71
√ Best part of his game is around the green, is T-18th in scrambling and 29th in putting inside 10 feet for 2020
√ Was T-13th last year at Farmers despite a third-round 74, shot 67 in final round

13. Collin Morikawa

√ Struggled in his finish at the Sony Open in Hawaii, but the weather was challenging
√ Is 19th in Strokes Gained Total in 2020
√ Won at the Barracuda on a long, difficult course, has shown he can play tough courses

Players who could go in any direction

Xander Schauffele

√ Was runner-up in three of last six starts, including last start at Sentry
√ Is 1st in Strokes Gained Tee to Green, 4th in Strokes Gained Off the Tee but 148th in Strokes Gained Putting
√ Struggles in home event -- was T-25th last year, but missed three cuts previously and is 2 over in 10 rounds

Rickie Fowler

√ Is 12th on the PGA Tour in Strokes Gained Tee to Green in 2020
√ Was T-5th at Sentry, T-10th at American Express, but in both events he struggled over weekend
√ Has struggled in his last six Farmers starts: In 16 rounds is 9 over with only four rounds under par

Phil Mickelson

√ Has struggled at the Farmers since course was redone in 2001, playing terribly since his runner-up finish in 2011
√ Missed cut last week at American Express
√ Only one top-25 finish since Pebble win: T-18th at the Masters

On the comeback trail

Jason Day

√ Has won the Farmers twice in last five years, was T-5th last year
√ Also has missed two cuts in the last five years here
√ Has struggled with his game since the Masters

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Jason Sharpe ncaab

7-under 128-portland
4-over 132.5-montana
3 under 134-utah

[Can'tPickAWinner]

newworldinsiders

NBA INSIDER: Cavaliers -1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

VIP SPORTS LOCK CLUB
Michigan St. -4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Mike Tierney

USC +9
USC @ OREGON | 1/23 | 11:00 PM EST
12:09 PM
This is a generous portion of points for a talented, if inconsistent, team as USC’s last outing was the ultimate tale of two halves. After all, Arizona was spotty just three points on its visit to Eugene. The Trojans are 5-1 in their last five away from home. The Ducks missed out on covers, however slightly, in their pair of Pac-12 home contests. If playing its best, USC can take Oregon down to the wire.

11-4 IN LAST 15 CBB PICKS | +654
6-2 IN LAST 8 USC ATS PICKS | +385

5-3-2 IN LAST 10 OREG ATS PICKS | +166

VALPARAISO +4.5
VALPARAISO @ MISSOURI ST. | 1/23 | 8:30 PM EST
12:02 PM
Valparaiso has the good fortune of taking on an opponent that's missing two contributors. F Tulio Da Silva (10.7 points, 7.3 rebounds) is absent for personal reasons while G Tyrik Dixon (7.2 points) is out with a shoulder injury. The Crusaders have dropped only one of their last eight outings ATS, whereas the Bears are 3-11 ATS at home harkening to last season. Valpo’s senior-laden team makes it road-ready against a young foe.

11-4 IN LAST 15 CBB PICKS | +654

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Michael Rusk

SAN FRAN. +9.5
SAN FRAN. @ SAINT MARY'S | 1/23 | 10:30 PM EST
10:57 AM
This matchup recently has been very tight. Over the last four games, the difference between the team has been six points. This matchup features very disciplined teams, but San Francisco doesn’t deserve to be such a big underdog. Look for the Dons to keep this one tight.

10-6-1 IN LAST 17 CBB PICKS | +333
2-1 IN LAST 3 SANFRAN ATS PICKS | +86

MIDDLE TENN. +10.5
LOUISIANA TECH @ MIDDLE TENN. | 1/23 | 7:30 PM EST
10:50 AM
Middle Tennessee is one of the worst teams against the spread this season, but the Blue Raiders have a good amount of value heading into this matchup. Since they have lost 10 straight, the majority of bettors are siding with Louisiana Tech. But I look for the Blue Raiders to keep this one tight at home Thursday night.

10-6-1 IN LAST 17 CBB PICKS | +333
MICHIGAN ST. -4
MICHIGAN ST. @ INDIANA | 1/23 | 8:30 PM EST
10:44 AM
The Spartans simply are better than Indiana on both ends of the court. Offensively they score 78.3 points a game to the Hoosiers' 75.1. Defensively Michigan State is 11th in the country in field goal percentage (37.4). I forecast Indiana having a tough time scoring against the Spartans. Lay the points.

10-6-1 IN LAST 17 CBB PICKS | +333
CLEVELAND -1.5
WASHINGTON @ CLEVELAND | 1/23 | 7:00 PM EST
10:30 AM
We have to fade the Wizards on a road back-to-back after an overtime loss in Miami. Flying to Cleveland will take a toll on this team. Look for the Cavaliers, who have fresh legs, to dominate both ends of the court early. Look for Cleveland to snap its five-game losing streak.

28-14-1 IN LAST 43 NBA PICKS | +1272
5-1 IN LAST 6 WAS ATS PICKS | +391

3-0 IN LAST 3 CLE ATS PICKS | +300

[Can'tPickAWinner]

From Northcoast group of handicappers:

------------------------------------
Jim Feist

NCAA BK
4* #608 William & Mary -9

[golden contender]

GC: NCAAB

The 100% Big 10 Game of the year headlines the NCAAB Card tonight with last nights top plays on SMU and Furman cashing. NBA Late 5* Headlines NBA. Comp play below

The NCAAB Comp play is on Towson at 7:00 eastern. Towson is the better team and has 20 point home loss revenge from last season to exact in this one.They have covered both times as a road favorite this year They have won 4 straight and take on a terrible Elon team that has lost 12 straight vs winning teams and 8 of the last 9 overall. The winning team has covered 11 straight in the series. Take Towson. On Thursday the BIG 10 Game of the Year headlines the NCAAB Card where both top sides one last night with SMU and Furman. In the NBA we have a perfect System late night 5*. See us on facebook to jump on. For the NCAAB Free play. Go with Towson. Rob V- GC Sports

[Can'tPickAWinner]

ELITE SPORTS PICKS
Michigan State-3

INSIDER SPORTS REPORT
4* Drexel+8
3* Ohio State-7.5
3* CAL-Bakersfield-5.5

NATIONAL SPORTS SERVICE
4* TN-Martin+8.5
3* Montana-6
3* Santa Clara-3.5

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Miller locks

6:30 pm est ncaab
minnesota vs. Ohio state

pick: Ohio state -8 (-105)

risk: 11 units

7:00 pm est ncaab
campbell vs. Hampton

pick: Campbell +1 (-104)

risk: 11 units

9:00 pm est ncaab
connecticut vs. Houston

pick: Under 131.5 (-109)

risk: 11 units

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Larry Hartstein
SENIOR ANALYST

12:23 PM
DALLAS -1.5
DALLAS @ PORTLAND | 1/23 | 10:30 PM EST
Kristaps Porzingis was rusty and took ill-advised shots in his first game back, a 110-107 loss to the Clippers on Tuesday. Look for a stronger performance Thursday night. Dallas is 10-2-1 ATS in its last 13 as a road favorite.

54-41-2 IN LAST 97 NBA ATS PICKS | +900
17-11 IN LAST 28 POR ATS PICKS | +491

18-14-1 IN LAST 33 DAL ATS PICKS | +249

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Robert Ferringo cbb

3-Unit Play. Take #601 Delaware (+7) over Hofstra (6:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 23)
I don't really trust this Hofstra team. They are 14-6 but I think that they have been playing over their heads a bit. They lack size and depth and they may have a little bit of a letdown here after their close call down in Charleston on Saturday. Delaware is a bit better than it has played. The Blue Hens can shoot from deep and have decent guard play, but they get beat up inside. They have still only lost a handful of games by eight points or more and I think that they can find a way to threaten the Pride here.

3-Unit Play. Take #607 James Madison (+9) over William & Mary (7 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 23)
I'm playing the line movement in this game. Nearly 70 percent of the action in this game is on William & Mary. And why not? They are dominating the CAA right now, going 6-1 in league play and they are in first place. James Madison is better than their 1-6 league record though. And the line is dropping. JMU has lost four straight and they have to be desperate coming into this one. I just don't know that the Tribe will continue to play at the level they have and I'll take the points in a reverse line movement here.

1-Unit Play. Take #613 Illinois-Chicago (+4.5) over Oakland (7 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 23)
Oakland has lost five of six and nine of their last 11 games. They have really only beaten the dregs on their schedule. Illinois-Chicago nearly qualifies. But this team is actually better than their record. They weren't healthy early in the season. But since getting Marcus Ottey and Jordan Blount back they are a completely different, more talented team. I think they can win this one outright.

1-Unit Play. Take #619 Belmont (+1) over Murray State (7 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 23)

4-Unit Play. Take #623 UW-Green Bay (-3) over Cleveland State (7 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 23)

Green Bay isn't any good. But they at least have a definable characteristic in that they can score. The Phoenix play fast and can put points on the board, and I don't think that Cleveland State is going to be able to keep up. I am stunned that the Vikings have won seven games this year, frankly, and I don't see too many W's left in their future. This is a veteran team and I don't think that they will have too much trouble on the road here.

3-Unit Play. Take #632 Utah (+1) over Washington (8 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 23)
I'll go with the home team in this one. Utah is a different team when they play in their home gym. And Washington isn't nearly as good on the road as they are at home, either. Utah has the size to pound Washington's zone on the interior. And the Huskies should be in a letdown spot here after a stunning home loss in overtime against rival Oregon. Utah has lost four straight games, and they got embarrassed last week in their Arizona trip. I think that they will bounce back here at home.

3-Unit Play. Take #633 UTEP (-3) over Rice (8 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 23)
The Miners have kind of come unglued. They have lost seven of their last 10 and they are sinking fast. However, this team really has had a tough schedule. They also have a ton of close losses. Six of their eight losses have come by five points or fewer and four of them are by three or less. Rice is Rice. They stink and are just a bad basketball team. Any win they get is by fluke chance. They will be much better next year. But right now they are just a young, overmatched team trying to find their way through league play.

2-Unit Play. Take #647 Michigan State (-3.5) over Indiana (8:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 23)

3-Unit Play. Take #653 Morehead State (-3) over Tennessee Tech (8:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 23)
Morehead State is coming off a terrible weekend, getting blasted by Tennessee State and Belmont on the road. However, they already beat Tennessee Tech easily (83-72) back on Jan. 4 and they should do it again here. Morehead State isn't good. But Tennessee Tech is one of the worst teams in college basketball. They have just two wins against D-I opponents. Their other two wins were by just three points apiece. Tennessee Tech has gone just 4-28 straight up in their last 32 games against D-I competition so any expectation for them to win a game has to be nil. Morehead State has actually done a good job at beating the dregs this year and they have just one loss to teams in the bottom one-third of college hoops. They won't win by much. But they don't need to.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Doc's Sports

4 Unit Play. Take #632 Utah +1 over Washington

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Strike Point Sports

7-Unit Play. #637 Take Texas-San Antonio (+9.5) over North Texas
4-Unit Play. #649 Take Eastern Kentucky (+7.5) over Jacksonville State
4-Unit Play. #658 Take Weber State (-3.5) over Montana State
4-Unit Play. #662 Take Grand Canyon (-2) over Seattle