Friday 8/21/20 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

[Can'tPickAWinner]

FRI, AUG 21ST - 1:30PM ET:
TORONTO RAPTORS @ BROOKLYN NETS PICKS, EXPERT PREDICTIONS & BETTING TIPS

BKN Nets Win +10.5 Point Spread
-110

Under 220.5 Game Totals
-110

Against the Spread Pick
The Toronto Raptors will try to take an overwhelming 3-0 lead in their first-round series when they go up against the Brooklyn Nets on Friday afternoon. Although Toronto leads 2-0, it has not been entirely straightforward. The defending NBA champions gave up 25 points out of a 33-point lead in Game 1 before restoring order in the fourth quarter, and they won Game 2 by just five points. This is not a team that puts up crazy offensive numbers and blows opponents out of the water. Brooklyn may be saddled with a depleted roster, but Caris LeVert and Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot have keeping this club more than respectable in the bubble. The Nets will likely play this game like it is their last stand. Down 2-0, they can trick themselves into thinking they still have a chance. Down 3-0, it would obviously be over. It probably will be at that point by the end of this game, but a double-digit spread is once again too much to pass up. The Nets are 5-1 ATS in their last six overall and 9-3 ATS in their last 12 against opponents with winning records. Lean toward Brooklyn.


Over Under Pick
The total opened at 223 and has since plunged, which is not surprising at all. Monday’s matchup resulted in an absolutely wild one, but that was probably an aberration as opposed to the rule. Toronto reverted back to its normal ways with a 104-99 victory on Wednesday. Brooklyn got only 17 points from its bench in Game 2, while Marc Gasol (zero) and OG Anunoby (six) combined for just six points for Toronto. The under is 8-3 in the Raptors’ last 11 overall and 5-2 in their last seven as favorites. Go with the under.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

FRI, AUG 21ST - 4:00PM ET:
DENVER NUGGETS @ UTAH JAZZ PICKS, EXPERT PREDICTIONS & BETTING TIPS

UTA Jazz Win Money Line
+105

Over 218.5 Game Totals
-110

Money Line Pick
The Utah Jazz and Denver Nuggets will contest a crucial Game 3 on Friday with the series tied 1-1. Although both teams have to be satisfied being even through two meetings in this 3-vs.-6 matchup, the Jazz probably should be up 2-0. They led by four points with less than two minutes remaining in Game 1 and had the ball, only to see Donovan Mitchell incur an eight-second back-court violation. Mitchell, who had 57 points in the opener, added 30 on Wednesday and helped his team dominate 124-105. Nuggets guard Jamal Murray scored only 14 points in the loss as Utah seemed to figure something out defensively by having Royce O’Neale stick on him like glue. Until Garry Harris comes back (possibly for Game 4), the Nuggets could be in trouble. Denver is 4-12 ATS in its last 16 first-round games. The Jazz are 19-9-1 ATS in their last 29 following a win and 10-3 ATS in their last 13 as underdogs. Go with Utah and don’t bother with the points.


Over Under Pick
The total has been adjusting one or two points per game as results have soared over, so it now sits at 218.5. It probably hasn’t adjusted enough, however. Game 1 was already way over the number even before overtime, and Utah once again had no trouble scoring in Game 2. Even though Mitchell wasn’t quite as on fire, Joe Ingles and Rudy Gobert combined for 37 points on 14-for-24 shooting. The over is 20-6-1 in the Nuggets’ last 27 overall and 5-0 in their last five against opponents with winning percentages over .600. It is also 7-1 in the Jazz’s last eight overall. Look for this one to go over the total.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

FRI, AUG 21ST - 6:30PM ET:
BOSTON CELTICS @ PHILADELPHIA 76ERS PICKS, EXPERT PREDICTIONS & BETTING TIPS

BOS Celtics Win -5.0 Point Spread
-110

Over 216.0 Game Totals
-110

Against the Spread Pick
Boston is in a great position up two games to none in the series. Even though Gordon Hayward is going to be out for a few weeks they beat Philly by even more than when they had him in the lineup for game one. They even scored more points in doing with with Jayson Tatum again leading the way with 33 points. The win showed their dept as they brought Marcus Smart into the starting lineup. I have always thought he was better as as starter than off the bench because his defense is so good. Boston was in control of the game after a sluggish start. They played thirteen different guys and twelve scored at least three points. Philly has followed up a disappointing season with a disappointing start to the playoffs. Yes, Ben Simmons is out and that is a genuine hit, however, what is more clear is that Joel Embiid, for all his gifts is just not capable of putting a team on his back. Not making it an easier is that the Philly roster has no real depth. No player off the bench scored more than 6 points in the last game, and that was with Al Horford being moved out of the starting lineup. In a normal season Philly might have gotten a bump from heading home. That is not going to be the case here. I don’t trust their coach at all so I am rolling with Boston.

Take the Celtics.


Over Under Pick
Game one went under so of course the oddsmakers dragged the total down a little. Then game two went well over as Boston had a much better offensive game, even though Hayward didn’t play. For game three the oddsmakers have slotted the total in between the first couple of games. Philly has scored exactly 101 in both games. That seems about right or maybe even lower if they really try to slow down the game and are effective in doing so. I don’t think they can unless Embiid is super dominant. I am not buying into that theory. Boston should continue to push the pace and score well.

Take the over.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

FRI, AUG 21ST - 9:00PM ET:
LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS @ DALLAS MAVERICKS PICKS, EXPERT PREDICTIONS & BETTING TIPS

DAL Mavericks Win +5.0 Point Spread
-110

Over 232.5 Game Totals
-110

Against the Spread Pick
Under normal circumstances we would be saying that Dallas did what it needed to do by taking one of the first couple of games. The reality is that they easily could have won both. In game two Luka Doncic started better but was not as impactful thanks to fouls. The Mavericks got a huge lift off the bench from the duo of Trey Burke and Seth Curry – 31 combined points. That kind of productions really stood out because the Clippers got next to nothing from their reserves, save Lou Williams. You can see the confidence of the Mavericks building. There is no doubt the Clippers are talented but with what we have seen through a couple of games you have to wonder if they have enough winners, other than Kawhi, who was brilliant in the game two loss with a double-double. Paul George also had one but basically had zero impact on the game. For all of his gifts he has never really won a ton and now it is winning time. There is no crowd to get you going so you have to have your own internal fire to reach your potential and he just might not have it. They need Patrick Beverley back and he is questionable. His absence really hurt last game.

Take Dallas.


Over Under Pick
Game one went well under and game two went well over. Both were lined at 230.5 and it was kind of a surprise that the oddsmakers didn’t really adjust the total. They have for this one, nudging it up a couple of points. Now I am not expecting the Mavs bench to dominate every game but I think they can count on some production there and probably can get more from Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis. Dittor for the Clippers and their bench, and Geore too. Put that all together and it should be a high scoring game.

Take the over.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

FRI, AUG 21ST - 6:05PM ET:
MIAMI MARLINS @ WASHINGTON NATIONALS PICKS, EXPERT PREDICTIONS & BETTING TIPS

WAS Nationals Win -1.5 Run Line
-105

Over 9.0 Game Totals
+100

Run Line Pick
After winning their first five games since more than half of their team was infected with the coronavirus, the Marlins have returned to reality, having lost five in a row coming into Friday night. If they could pick, Patrick Corbin would be one of the last guys they’d choose to face in order to break a losing streak. In his first season in the National League East in 2019, he dominated the Marlins over four starts. He was roughed up against Baltimore his last time around, but a veteran like Corbin won’t make two consecutive poor starts against subpar teams. Elieser Hernandez was scheduled to start for the Marlins, but between Thursday night’s postponement and the promotion of top prospect Sixto Sanchez, that’s now up in the air. Either way, they won’t be starting a Corbin, and the Nationals’ lineup, even having lost Bryce Harper and Anthony Rendon, is still much deeper than Miami’s. The Nationals should win this game comfortably, so take them -1.5 to increase your profits.


Over Under Pick
The Marlins’ pitching staff gave up 24 runs in three games against the Mets. In their 18 games they’ve used 30 different pitchers, more than most teams use in a full 162-game season. That pretty much sums up their bullpen, even though much of that is due to their coronavirus outbreak. Juan Soto has seven home runs this year in just 13 games and has always loved playing against the Marlins, with a career OPS of almost 1.000. Go with the over.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

FRI, AUG 21ST - 6:40PM ET:
TORONTO BLUE JAYS @ TAMPA BAY RAYS PICKS, EXPERT PREDICTIONS & BETTING TIPS

TB Rays Win Money Line
-160

Under 8.5 Game Totals
+100

Money Line Pick
The Tampa Bay Rays return home after becoming the first team in 30 years to sweep both the Red Sox and Yankees on the same road trip. They’re all alone in first place in the American League East and consider themselves the hottest team in baseball, but the Blue Jays have something to say about that. They’re also on a five-game winning streak, coming back from seven runs down in the second game to sweep a doubleheader with the Phillies on Thursday. Ryan Yarbrough starts for Tampa, facing the Blue Jays for the third time this year. His strikeouts are down in 2020, but he’s still allowing less than one hit per inning, and he has the best offense in the American League to score runs for him. Both of these teams are filled with exciting young bats and lots of confidence, so this is really a tossup. The Rays, though, can’t afford to give up any ground to the Yankees, whose game on Friday was cancelled due to a coronavirus case from the Mets. Take Tampa to keep their hot streak going.


Over Under Pick
Yarbrough hasn’t allowed a run in his previous two starts against the Blue Jays. While he most likely won’t be pushed beyond five innings, the Rays’ bullpen, led by Nick Anderson, has been among the best in the majors this year. Toronto exploded for nine late-inning runs against the Phillies on Thursday, but their offense has been inconsistent this year. The Rays have been winning games with offense more so than pitching lately, but they know that teams can only make the type of playoff run they expect to make with a strong pitching staff. Go with the under.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

FRI, AUG 21ST - 7:05PM ET:
MILWAUKEE BREWERS @ PITTSBURGH PIRATES PICKS, EXPERT PREDICTIONS & BETTING TIPS

PIT Pirates Win Money Line
+135

Under 9.0 Game Totals
-120

Money Line Pick
There’s a reason that no team ever goes winless for a season, or even a month. As awful of a ballclub as the Pirates may seem (and they are), they’re a still a team made up of major leaguers who can make perfect pitches and come up with clutch hits on any given day. Chad Kuhl was a dependable part of their rotation until he underwent Tommy John surgery at the end of the 2018 season. Since returning, he’s been successful, with 18 strikeouts and just five earned runs allowed in 14 innings. Christian Yelich and Ryan Braun, arguably the two biggest bats in the Milwaukee lineup, are a combined 2-for-20 against Kuhl with no runs batted in. Colin Moran leads the Pirates with six home runs, and he’s 4-for-6 with a homer against Brewers starter Adrian Houser. The Pirates won’t win many games this year, but with an in-form starting pitcher and a lineup playing with nothing to lose, expect Friday night to be one of their few wins. Take the Pirates.


Over Under Pick
Houser burst onto the scene last year as both a starter and longman, including making twelve starts over the final two months of the season to help lead the Brewers to the wild card game. He’s been just as reliable this year, and Kuhl has been even better than his pre-Tommy John form. With two lineups that can be described as average at best, the under is clearly the smarter play here.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

FRI, AUG 21ST - 7:10PM ET:
PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES @ ATLANTA BRAVES PICKS, EXPERT PREDICTIONS & BETTING TIPS

ATL Braves Win Money Line
-105

Under 8.5 Game Totals
-110

Money Line Pick
The Philadelphia Phillies will be making a quick turnaround on the heels of a Thursday double-header when they pay a visit to the Atlanta Braves on Friday evening. A lack of rest only compounds the Phillies’ problems, as they have not be reeling mentally–not just physically. Not only did they lose both of the games on Thursday, but they blew a 7-2 lead in the finale by giving up seven runs in the sixth inning of a seven-inning contest. There is some good news for Philadelphia in that right-hander Aaron Nola (2-1, 2.05) ERA is taking the mound for this one. However, that positivity is offset by the fact that Atlanta is countering with left-hander Max Fried. With basically every other starter on the Opening Day roster gone, Fried is the only reliable starter left and the pressure is on the Braves to win every game he pitches. So far they have (5-0). Fried is 3-0 with a 1.24 ERA and 28 strikeouts compared to only nine walks in 29.0 innings of work. Philadelphia is 2-12 in its last 14 on the road and 4-10 in its last 14 at Atlanta. The Braves are 45-21 in their last 66 at home. Go with Atlanta.


Over Under Pick
Nola boasts a ridiculous 37-to-4 strikeout-to-walk ratio through 26.1 innings of work this year. Atlanta is without Ronald Acuna Jr., Ozzie Albies, and Nick Markakis, so Nola has to like his chances of turning in another stellar performance. He will have while opposing Fried if Philadelphia wants to a have a chance of turning its fortunes around. The under is 7-3-1 in the Phillies’ last 11 on the road against left-handed starters. Look for this one to stay under the total.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

FRI, AUG 21ST - 8:05PM ET:
MINNESOTA TWINS @ KANSAS CITY ROYALS PICKS, EXPERT PREDICTIONS & BETTING TIPS

MIN Twins Win Money Line
-145

Over 8.5 Game Totals
-115

Money Line Pick
Game one of this series will see Jake Odorizzi take the mound for the Twins and Danny Duffy for the Royals. Odorizzi has not looked great to start the season, having yet to earn a decision, while allowing four runs over 7.0 innings. He has yet to pitch 5.0 innings in a start this season, lasting 3.0 innings in his first start and 4.0 innings in his second. Odorizzi has actually only faced Kansas City this season, so all his struggles have come against their mediocre offense.


Danny Duffy will be the pitcher for the Royals, but has also been very lackluster to start the season. His record on the year is 1-2 and he has an ERA of 4.41. Two of his five starts have come against the Twins. He is 1-0 against Minnesota with an ERA of 5.00.


I really do not trust either of these guys right now, seeing how they have started the 2020 season. I still think Odorizzi is the better pitcher given his past and the Twins offense also clearly has the edge considering who they have in their lineup. I will back Minnesota as a lean, but a very small one to say the least.


Over Under Pick
Seeing who is pitching in this game, I am going to look to an over. Odorizzi has not been himself and I do not see him putting in the best effort here. Kansas City should be able to score three or four against him and maybe another one or two against the Twins’ bullpen. Same goes with Duffy, who has already had problems with limiting the Minnesota bats. I think we could easily see a game where the score is 6-4, so a lean to the over would be my play.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

FRI, AUG 21ST - 8:15PM ET:
CHICAGO WHITE SOX @ CHICAGO CUBS PICKS, EXPERT PREDICTIONS & BETTING TIPS

Money Line Pick
Not only is this a huge rivalry between the two Chicago teams, but it is also looks to be a very interesting pitching match-up to open the series. Jon Lester is expected to get the start for the Cubs, while Dallas Keuchel will start for the White Sox. Lester has been very sharp to start the season, posting a record of 2-0 with an ERA of 2.74. He was roughed up by Milwaukee last time out, allowing five runs over 6.0 innings of work. This was unlike him because that game was played at Wrigley where he has been so good in his career. Lester had success against the White Sox in 2019, going 2-0 against them with an ERA of 3.00. With a potent offense behind him, this looks like a game where Lester could easily bounce back.

Dallas Keuchel has had a decent season so far, going 3-2 with a 3.07 ERA. He earned a win in his most recent start, beating the Cardinals after allowing two runs over 5.2 innings. In one start at Wrigley Field last season, Keuchel went 1-0 against the Cubs even after allowing three runs over 5.2 innings for an ERA of 4.76.

This game is really almost a toss up given we have two quality pitchers. I still think Keuchel can be too inconsistent at times, so it would be a lean to the Cubs and their offense which is more potent.


Over Under Pick
*No total is posted yet. Check back soon for the pick.*

[Can'tPickAWinner]

FRI, AUG 21ST - 8:15PM ET:
CINCINNATI REDS @ ST. LOUIS CARDINALS PICKS, EXPERT PREDICTIONS & BETTING TIPS

STL Cardinals Win Money Line
+105

Over 8.5 Game Totals
-115

Money Line Pick
Game two of this series will see a rather lackluster pitching match-up as the Reds will start Anthony DeSclafani and the Cardinals will start Dakota Hudson. DeSclafani was absolutely horrible in his most recent start, allowing nine runs to Pittsburgh over 2.0 innings of work. He now has a record of 1-1 on the season with a 6.23 ERA. His track record against the Cardinals was very good in 2019 though, going 2-1 against them over five starts with a 2.42 ERA.

Hudson has not been much better this season, having yet to record a win (0-2), with an ERA of 5.40. He did have a better outing last time, allowing one run, but only over 4.0 innings against the White Sox. Hudson was decent at best against the Reds in 2019, going 2-0 against them, but had an ERA of 4.01.

Even though past results may disagree, I just cannot back DeSclafini after seeing what Pittsburgh did to him. I would argue that the Cardinals have a better offense than the Pirates and while I do not think he will allow nine runs again, I still would lean St. Louis to win this game.


Over Under Pick
This is another game where I would look for the bats to break out. Clearly neither pitcher is having a great season and I do not think a couple of days of rest is going to change anything. Especially DeSclafini, who looked terrible and could easy have another short outing against a better offense. Hudson will give up his fair share of runs as well to a Reds offense that still has some pop. I would not be surprised if both teams scored at least five runs, so a lean to the over looks like the safe play.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

FRI, AUG 21ST - 9:10PM ET:
TEXAS RANGERS @ SEATTLE MARINERS PICKS, EXPERT PREDICTIONS & BETTING TIPS

TEX Rangers Win Money Line
-125

Under 9.0 Game Totals
-115

Money Line Pick
Neither of these teams is competingwell in the AL West. The Rangers are a little bit better because they have a few higher level players but Seattle might have the better overall team. Texas was riding a four game losing streak into Thursday night, a losing streak that started the last time Kolby Allard was handed the ball. He was smacked around pretty good that night at Colorado but navigating the Mariners lineup will be significantly easier. Texas still has to be able to score though. Seattle is more than a third of the way through the season and even though there have not been many wins there are a couple of positives in Kyle Lewis and Dylan Moore. I am not seeing superstardom but they have adapted to the Majors quickly. They are the most consistent bats in the lineup and there are whispers they might be ready to move old guard slugger Kyle Seager. Nick Margevicius began the season in the bullpen but started and pitched well his last time out. He is building strength though so he probably won’t go more than 4 innings. The bullpens are not strengths so whichever starter last the longest will really help their team. Allard is more ready.

Take Texas.


Over Under Pick
That start for Margevicius was a 2-1 loss to Houston. Like I said, he pitched well and Texas’ lineup is pretty much just Joey Gallo and some crossed fingers this season. Seattle is not packing much more but they are able to manufacture runs with Mallex Smith. Even though the pitching is not going to dominate I still think these teas are going to struggle to score.

Take the under.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

FRI, AUG 21ST - 9:40PM ET:
LOS ANGELES ANGELS @ OAKLAND ATHLETICS PICKS, EXPERT PREDICTIONS & BETTING TIPS

OAK Athletics Win +1.5 Run Line
-155

Over 9.5 Game Totals
-105

Run Line Pick
There is talent on this Angels team so I keep thinking at some point they are going to hit rock bottom and work their way back to respectability, but I guess they haven’t reached there yet. Even tangling with limited San Francisco this week was not enough to get them out of a funk. One recent positive development has been the hitting of Anthony Rendon. They need him to be good for the sake of the team and the franchise, their recent free agent track record is not very good. Starter Andrew Heaney has been more good than bad this season. He is coming off a 100 pitch start though so he might be limited. The A’s are not slumping but Houston has surged and now their lead in the AL West is just a couple of games. This is a series to pile up some wins, though when they met in LA a little while back Oakland scuffled. Veteran righty Mike Fiers has not been geat this season but he is coming off his best start so he could be building. He will give up a few but the A’s will win.

Take Oakland on the run line.


Over Under Pick
When you think of a home run line win it may not naturally correlate to the over, especially in Oakland but that is where I am leaning. Fiers will be efficient but not dominant while Heaney is going to get roughed up. The Oakland lineup has hit better against lefties on the season and I am looking for their power to come alive on Friday night. It’s time to get it going.

Take the over.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

FRI, AUG 21ST - 9:40PM ET:
COLORADO ROCKIES @ LOS ANGELES DODGERS PICKS, EXPERT PREDICTIONS & BETTING TIPS

COL Rockies Win Money Line
+180

Over 9.0 Game Totals
+100

Money Line Pick
The Rockies are in a funk so this is a pivotal series in whether they are going to actually challenge L.A. A week ago they were atop the division but the Texas teams really set them back. They are 6-4 on the road this season and Dodger Stadium is not much of a scene even when it is full of fans so this one is going to come down to whether they can back to pitching like they did earlier in the year. Jon Gray has been up and down this season. They need him to use that intimidation factor on L.A. He gave up a couple of homers in his last start even though it was a win. That is not a good sign. The Dodgers are the most complete team in the Majors and they have the numbers to prove it: 8-2 in their last ten heading into Thursday night, tops in runs per game and second in the league in ERA. The Dodgers are 3-1 in Walker Buehler’s four starts but he has yet to win a game. He is not going to get his first win here either.

Take Colorado.


Over Under Pick
Both of these offense can score and have proven so throughout the season. I see some potential for a pitcher’s duel but I think it is more likely that neither gets a decision that this game is won by the first team to eight, or nine or maybe even ten. I like to correlate a Rockies outburst with the upset win.

Take the over.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

FRI, AUG 21ST - 3:00PM ET:
INTER MILAN @ SEVILLA PICKS, EXPERT PREDICTIONS & BETTING TIPS

Inter & Under 3.5 goals Parlay
+188
Sevilla are the kings of the Europa League, winning the competition a record five times and eliminating trophy favorites Manchester United in this season’s semi-finals. However, they may be denied a sixth crown by a red-hot Inter Milan team who thrashed Shakhtar Donetsk 5-0 in the semis.

Antonio Conte’s Inter has ended the season in great style, finishing just one point behind Serie A champions Juventus before victories over Getafe, Bayer Leverkusen and Shakhtar earned them a place in the Europa League final in Cologne, Germany.

Both defenses are in excellent form – Inter shut out Napoli and Atalanta in their last two Serie A matches and Sevilla has conceded just five goals in 11 games on their way to the Europa League final.

But Inter’s offensive unit, led by former EPL star Romelu Lukaku and Argentina national team ace Lautaro Martinez, could give them a decisive edge so Inter to win and under 3.5 goals looks a tempting wager at +188.