Saturday 8/29/20 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

[Can'tPickAWinner]

TAMPA BAY (51-24-0-6, 108 pts.) vs. BOSTON (49-19-0-13, 111 pts.) - 8/29/2020, 12:00 PM (NHL)

Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 21-7 ATS (+12.4 Units) in road games on Saturday games over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 42-16 ATS (+13.7 Units) when playing with 2 days rest over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 17-5 ATS (+10.1 Units) after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 232-256 ATS (+541.9 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1996.
TAMPA BAY is 113-54 ATS (+18.8 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 44-12 ATS (+21.6 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 25-7 ATS (+16.4 Units) in the second round of the playoffs since 1996.
TAMPA BAY is 267-257 ATS (+540.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 14-7 (+6.5 Units) against the spread versus BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
TAMPA BAY is 14-7-0 straight up against BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
11 of 19 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.7 Units)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

PHILADELPHIA (49-24-0-7, 105 pts.) vs. NY ISLANDERS (43-25-0-11, 97 pts.) - 8/29/2020, 7:00 PM (NHL)

Top Trends for this game.
NY ISLANDERS are 95-74 ATS (+184.4 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
NY ISLANDERS are 36-23 ATS (+1.5 Units) on Saturday games over the last 3 seasons.
NY ISLANDERS are 12-5 ATS (+17.3 Units) in road games vs. division opponents this season.
NY ISLANDERS are 54-37 ATS (+91.8 Units) after a division game over the last 3 seasons.
NY ISLANDERS are 22-17 ATS (+22.0 Units) in road games revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
NY ISLANDERS are 24-22 ATS (+51.6 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 49-31 ATS (+13.3 Units) in all games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 18-9 ATS (+8.0 Units) vs. division opponents this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 24-11 ATS (+10.5 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 23-17 ATS (+41.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 17-7 ATS (+24.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY ISLANDERS is 9-4 (+4.7 Units) against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
NY ISLANDERS is 9-4-0 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
11 of 13 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+9.1 Units)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

VEGAS (47-26-0-8, 102 pts.) vs. VANCOUVER (44-30-0-7, 95 pts.) - 8/29/2020, 9:45 PM (NHL)

Top Trends for this game.
VEGAS is 93-77 ATS (-17.1 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
VANCOUVER is 44-37 ATS (-6.6 Units) in all games this season.
VANCOUVER is 12-6 ATS (+19.9 Units) on Saturday games this season.
VANCOUVER is 28-18 ATS (+50.0 Units) in road games when playing with 3 or more days rest since 1996.
VANCOUVER is 14-7 ATS (+21.1 Units) after a division game this season.
VANCOUVER is 18-9 ATS (+28.4 Units) after a win by 2 goals or more this season.
VANCOUVER is 171-152 ATS (+339.0 Units) in road games after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game since 1996.
VANCOUVER is 22-17 ATS (+4.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
VANCOUVER is 13-9 ATS (+23.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
VEGAS is 15-5 ATS (+8.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
VEGAS is 9-3 (+3.0 Units) against the spread versus VANCOUVER over the last 3 seasons
VEGAS is 9-3-0 straight up against VANCOUVER over the last 3 seasons
8 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+3.6 Units)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

SAT, AUG 29TH - 12:00PM ET:
TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING @ BOSTON BRUINS PICKS, EXPERT PREDICTIONS & BETTING TIPS (NHL)

TB Lightning Win Money Line
-115

Over 5.5 Game Totals
-115

Money Line Pick
What a performance it was for Tampa Bay in Game 2 as it literally could not be stopped. The Lightning just beat down the Bruins 7-1 and I am not sure if Boston is going to be able to recover. The Bruins looked completely lost and it was due to a fast start by the Lightning. They were already up 3-0 early in the second period an even though Brad Marchand scored a power-play goal to give the Bruins a small chance for the comeback, the Lightning just continued to pile on with their depth. The fact that they had six different players score should tell you how deep this team runs and how hard they are going to knock out. Tampa Bay goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy was dominant, although he really only had to make 23 saves because the Bruins did not put enough pressure in their attacking play. Also, consider the fact that the Lightning scored three power-play goals, which just showed us how clinical they could be. After seeing that Bruins team, I want no part of them, so I will continue to back the Lightning.


Over Under Pick
By the time the score was 4-1, the Bruins felt they had no choice but to switch out their goalies. Jaroslav Halak could not stop a shot to save his life and his replacement allowed three goals, as well. To be fair, Daniel Vladar had never played in a playoff game until game two, but it is not like his team helped him in any way. That leaves the question of who will start in goal for the Bruins in Game 3? Regardless of who Boston selects, neither guys gives me confidence in backing an under. And while the Lightning were so good defensively in game two, I do expect the Bruins’ attack to be much better here in what is almost a must win game. On the other side, the Lightning do not look to be slowing down, so I expect another very good game from them and will take the over in this spot as a lean.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Rk	Sports Services	Free Sports Picks
1.	NSA(The Legend)	MLB – Reds GM1 over 6
2.	Gameday Network	MLB – Yankees +105
3.	VegasSI.com	MLB – White Sox -160
4.	Vegas Line Crushers	MLB – Dodgers under 8.5
5.	Sports Action 365	NBA – Thunder +5
6.	Point Spread Report	NBA – Magic +13.5
7.	Lou Panelli	NBA – Trailblazers +13
8.	Gerry “Big Cat” Andino	MLB – Phillies under 10
9.	VegasSI.com Platinum Info Club	MLB – White Sox -160
10.	William E. Stockton	MLB – Brewers under 9
11.	Vincent Pioli	MLB – Red Sox +105
12.	Steve “Scoop” Kendall	NBA – Trailblazers +13
13.	SCORE	NBA – Magic over 225.5
14.	East Coast Line Movers	NBA – Thunder +5
15.	Tony Campone	MLB – Angels under 8.5
16.	Chicago Sports Group	MLB – Athletics GM2 +110
17.	Hollywood Sportsline	MLB – Brewers -1.5
18.	VIP Action	MLB – White Sox -160
19.	South Beach Sports	MLB – Rays +105
20.	Las Vegas Sports Commission	NBA – Thunder +5
21.	NY Players Club	NBA – Trailblazers +13
22.	Fred Callahan	NBA – Magic +13.5
23.	Las Vegas Private CEO Club	MLB – Dodgers -150
24.	Michigan Sports	MLB – Angels -180
25.	National Consensus Report	MLB – Indians over 7.5

[Can'tPickAWinner]

SAT, AUG 29TH - 7:00PM ET:
PHILADELPHIA FLYERS @ NEW YORK ISLANDERS PICKS, EXPERT PREDICTIONS & BETTING TIPS (NHL)

NY Islanders Win Money Line
-110

Over 5.0 Game Totals
-110

Money Line Pick
The Islanders almost pulled off a miracle during Wednesday’s Game 2. After falling behind 3-0 in the first period, New York battled its way back to force overtime. However, Flyers defenseman Phillippe Myers’ shot ricocheted off the stick of Islanders winger Anders Lee to start the extra period, tying the series at one game apiece. Some could point to the Islanders’ comeback and believe their momentum will carry into Game 3, and we think that may end up being the case.

Sure, New York suddenly finds itself with a pseudo goalie controversy after replacing starter Semyon Varlamov with backup Thomas Greiss, who proceeded to stop 20 shots. An optimist would say that a refocused Varlamov or a motivated Greiss would be a good thing for the Islanders. Plus, New York was a dominant 5-1-1 on the second night of back-to-backs this past season, while Philly was 5-5-2. The Islanders have also dominated the Flyers recently, going 5-2 straight-up in the teams’ last seven meetings. The Islanders could easily be up 2-0 in this series and we think they’ll regain the series lead. We’re taking New York money line.


Over Under Pick
Sure, the Flyers have seen the total go under more often than not since returning from the NHL’s hiatus. However, we’re leaning towards the over on Wednesday. For starters, the O/U record is 9-2 over the Islanders’ and Flyers’ last 11 meetings. The Flyers also had a significant O/U discrepancy when playing on the road, going 23-15-1.

Plus, while the Islanders have a 5-4-2 O/U record since returning to play, four of the “under” or “push” results saw the teams combining for at least four scores. With a total of just 5.0, you can almost guarantee that these two teams will find a way to exceed it. If the Islanders end up rolling with their backup goaltender, even better. We’re taking the over.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

SAT, AUG 29TH - 9:45PM ET:
VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS @ VANCOUVER CANUCKS PICKS, EXPERT PREDICTIONS & BETTING TIPS (NHL)

VGS Golden Knights Win Money Line
-210

Over 6.0 Game Totals
-115

Money Line Pick
I am not sure what to think after that Game 2, as the Canucks looked like a completely new team. Either that or Vegas played the worst game of the year. I really do not know how you go from winning 5-0 and looking like the Stanley Cup Champions to losing 5-2 and looking like they had never seen a puck before. Still, props to Jacob Markstrom for withstanding that Vegas attack this time around and making 38 saves on the night. Also, the Canucks were much more balanced this time around, having seen four different players score and Bo Horvat scoring twice.

As for Vegas, it clearly needs to regroup. The Golden Knights actually had one more shot than it did in Game 1, yet just could not convert. Now with a chance to retake control of this series, I expect a more focused effort. Obviously the Golden Knights are going to need a better effort from their goalie, who went from a shutout to allowing five goals. Even though Vegas came out flat in Game 2, the Golden Knights are still the better team and I will look for them to bounce back with a big win.


Over Under Pick
The over finally cashed just not in the way I would have expected. At the very least, Vancouver proved it can score on this Vegas defense and I would expect goals from the Canucks in Game 3 as well. Not five goals, but at least two is what I will be looking for. We already know Vegas can score, an even though it struggled offensively it does not make me trust the Canucks defense anymore. With a mad Vegas coming in for Game 3, I am going to back the over once again. Another lean, but clearly we cannot trust either defense so the over is my play.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

SAT, AUG 29TH - 1:10PM ET:
MINNESOTA TWINS @ DETROIT TIGERS PICKS, EXPERT PREDICTIONS & BETTING TIPS (MLB)

MIN Twins Win Money Line
-185

Under Game Totals
+100

Money Line Pick
The Minnesota Twins and Detroit Tigers will play the first game of a double-header when they square off on Saturday afternoon in Detroit. Minnesota has not played since Wednesday, so it has had ample time to recover from consecutive losses to Cleveland. That marked the Twins’ first losing streak of any kind since Aug. 9 and they are still a stellar 20-12. The best news of all for Saturday’s purposes is that right-hander Randy Dobnak is taking the mound. Dobnak is 5-1 with a 1.78 ERA this season and he has earned the win in each of his past five starts. The Tigers, on the other hand, are 13-16 and starting a struggling pitcher. Left-hander Matthew Boyd is 0-4 with an 8.48 ERA, including a 9.16 mark through four appearances in August. He better watch out for Nelson Cruz, who is batting .315 with 11 home runs. Back the Twins and do so with confidence.


Over Under Pick
Cruz has been getting enough help for the Twins’ to be sporting a great record…but not much more than that. Josh Donaldson is still out, so their lineup is not in peak condition. The good news for Minnesota, of course, is that it’s hard to see Detroit’s offense doing much of anything. And in a seven-inning nightcap of a double-header, Dobnak could go the entire way without too much trouble. Lean toward the under.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

SAT, AUG 29TH - 1:15PM ET:
ATLANTA BRAVES @ PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES PICKS, EXPERT PREDICTIONS & BETTING TIPS (MLB)

ATL Braves Win Money Line
+104

Over 10.5 Game Totals
-104

Money Line Pick
The Phillies’ four-game winning streak is on the line Saturday when Zach Eflin takes the ball to face the Braves for the second time in a week. Eflin’s last start on Sunday was far from perfect, allowing three runs and three walks in 5.1 innings, but he did manage to come away with a win. On Saturday, though, he’ll be facing a much more dangerous Atlanta lineup led by Ronald Acuna, who was activated from the injured list earlier this week. Acuna is 4-for-9 with a home run in his career against Eflin, and his energetic, youthful presence is exactly the type of player that can cool down a hot team like the Phillies. Veteran Josh Tomlin, a starter for most of his career in Cleveland, has been given a chance to start again after a season-plus as a fixture in the Atlanta bullpen. Tomlin’s pitch count is still being stretched out, but the Braves are hopeful he can deliver five solid innings before turning to the bullpen, which should outmatch that of the Phillies on any day. Go with the first-place Braves.


Over Under Pick
These two deep lineups combined for 11 runs in Friday’s game that featured a much stronger pitching matchup. Dansby Swanson, coming off an 0-for-5 game yesterday, has excellent career number s against Eflin and will look to put yesterday’s game out of his mind by breaking out against a pitcher he loves to hit against. Tomlin is also somewhat of a question mark at age 35 – it remains to be seen exactly how long he can last in a start without getting tired. The over hit yesterday, so bet on the same today.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

SAT, AUG 29TH - 1:15PM ET:
CLEVELAND INDIANS @ ST. LOUIS CARDINALS PICKS, EXPERT PREDICTIONS & BETTING TIPS (MLB)

STL Cardinals Win Money Line
-120

Over 8.0 Game Totals
-105

Money Line Pick
After allowing an offensive explosion to the Indians on Friday night, the Cardinals turn to ace Jack Flaherty–and there’s no one they would rather have on the mound looking to bounce back. Flaherty has been the Cardinals’ most consistent pitcher over the past two-plus seasons, and he’s allowed just three runs in three starts this year, including 5.0 scoreless innings his last time out against the Royals. Flaherty’s pitch count continues to expand after he went almost a month without making a start due to the Cardinals’ coronavirus outbreak, and he should be good to go for 6.0 innings on Saturday. Indians starter Carlos Carrasco has struggled with his command so far in 2020, walking 15 in his 30 innings pitched. He managed to limit the walks to just one in his last start, but gave up seven hits without completing four innings, taking the loss against a weak Detroit lineup. Flaherty has excelled against many of these Cleveland hitters before, and expect him to do it again. Take the Cardinals.


Over Under Pick
Seven-inning games seem to be the new normal for the Cardinals, so take note that this Saturday they’re actually playing a traditional nine. With a run total as low as eight, there’s definitely more value on the over side. Carrasco has been inconsistent this year – when he improves one aspect of his game, another falls apart. Flaherty is definitely the better pitcher of the two currently, but with the Cardinals looking to push him further after his scoreless effort last time he could slip up for a couple innings. Go with the over.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

SAT, AUG 29TH - 6:10PM ET:
TAMPA BAY RAYS @ MIAMI MARLINS PICKS, EXPERT PREDICTIONS & BETTING TIPS (MLB)

MIA Marlins Win Money Line
+100

Over 8.0 Game Totals
-120

Money Line Pick
Marlins starter Pablo Lopez had shown major flashes of potential through his first two years in the league, but he’s taken it to another level in 2020. The 24-year-old has allowed only six earned runs in 27.1 innings pitched (1.98 ERA), and he’s now 3-1 in five starts. He should have a good chance to keep that success rolling against a Rays offense that’s averaging only 3.6 runs per game over their last five contests. Plus, the last time Lopez faced his cross-state rivals he limited them to only one earned run on two hits and one walk in 6.0 innings pitched.

Rays starter Josh Fleming is an equally-exciting prospect, but the 24-year-old doesn’t have the MLB experience that his opponent has. Fleming’s first career start went okay (two earned runs in five innings pitched), but it’s worth noting that he got slapped around at AAA in 2019 (1-3, 5.14 ERA). The Rays’ bullpen will be there if Fleming ends up running into trouble, but at that point, it may be too late (considering who’s on the mound for the Marlins). We’re taking Miami money line.


Over Under Pick
Sure, Tampa Bay may stumble a bit against Lopez, but that doesn’t mean the team won’t be able to score. The Rays have a 16-13-3 O/U record in 2020, including a convincing 9-4-2 mark on the road and a 15-6 mark against right handed pitching. Further, the offense seems to turn it on when they play a National League opponent, as the total has gone over in 11 of their last 13 interleague games.

The Marlins see the total go over and under at about an even rate, but that hasn’t been the case recently. The total has gone over in eight of their last 11 games, and it’s gone over in four of their last five home games. Best of all, the Marlins’ offense seems to be heating up, as they’re averaging 5.5 runs per game over their last four contests (as compared to their season-long average of 4.46 runs per game). We’re taking the over.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

SAT, AUG 29TH - 7:05PM ET:
LOS ANGELES DODGERS @ TEXAS RANGERS PICKS, EXPERT PREDICTIONS & BETTING TIPS (MLB)

TEX Rangers Win +1.5 Run Line
-125

Under 8.5 Game Totals
-110

Run Line Pick
The second game of this series between the Dodgers and Rangers will see Ross Stripling take the mound for the Dodgers, while Lance Lynn will start for Texas. Stripling has certainly not had that great of a season, going 3-1 thus far, but posting an ERA of 5.46. He lasted just 4.0 innings in his most recent start, allowing two runs to the Rockies. What has been more concerning is the rate in which he allows home runs. Having already allowed 10 long balls over just 29.2 innings, it marks the most in the MLB. Maybe he can settle down now he is facing a lackluster Rangers’ offense, which does not always show much in terms of power.

Lynn has become the clear ace for this Texas team and I will be expecting a strong showing from him, even against the mighty Dodgers. As it stands, Lynn is 4-0 on the season with an ERA of 1.59. He allowed just two runs over 6.0 innings in his most recent start against the Athletics, so he has shown the ability to shutdown good offenses. Lynn has been fairly decent against the Dodgers during the course of his career, and is 3-1 with a 3.69 ERA against them. Because Lynn is the pitcher for Texas, I believe they are going to hang around in this game. Stripling is way too inconsistent to back as such a high price, so I will elect to take the Rangers on the run line.


Over Under Pick
Even with Lynn on the mound, it is hard to look to an under here because the Dodgers have much too good of an offense. Remember, Los Angeles is not starting its best pitcher by any means, so it is hard to trust he can put together a decent outing. Though the Texas offense has been dreadful this season, so we still cannot trust them to carry their weight over the course of a full game. In this situation, I am going to trust that Lynn can keep the Dodgers in check, while Stripling will be good enough to contain the Rangers. This is more than likely a total to stay away from, but it would be a lean to the under because I just do not see Texas generating enough runs.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

SAT, AUG 29TH - 7:10PM ET:
PITTSBURGH PIRATES @ MILWAUKEE BREWERS PICKS, EXPERT PREDICTIONS & BETTING TIPS (MLB)

MIL Brewers Win Money Line
-165

Under 9.0 Game Totals
-105

Money Line Pick
The Brewers bounced back big time to open their series with Pittsburgh on Friday, easily winning to halt their losing streak. They will now turn to Brett Anderson to try to win the series against the Pirates. Anderson is 2-2 on the year, having a posted a respectable ERA of 3.52. He is coming off two wins in a row, both that saw him pitch 6.0 innings, while allowing a combined three runs.

JT Brubaker will be the starter for Pittsburgh; he has yet to earn a decision but has an ERA of 4.80. His last start was his longest of the season, still lasting only 4.0 innings against this Brewers team. Seeing what the Brewers did to the Pirates on Friday, I think we will see another emotional effort and they will win this game against a below average pitcher.


Over Under Pick
The Brewers basically did all the work on Friday and I am not sure if that will be any different on Saturday. Brubaker did prove he can have a decent outing, but he just needs to try and go deeper into the game. Anderson, on the other hand, has looked to have turned a corner and I believe he will be able to continue his quality start streak by limiting a poor Pirates offense. It really will come down to what the Brewers are going to be able to do offensively, but I look for the under to be the play here.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

SAT, AUG 29TH - 7:30PM ET:
WASHINGTON NATIONALS @ BOSTON RED SOX PICKS, EXPERT PREDICTIONS & BETTING TIPS (MLB)

BOS Red Sox Win Money Line
-105

Over 11.5 Game Totals
-110

Money Line Pick
The Nationals have lost three in a row heading into Friday night action at Boston. Both of these teams have been disappointments this season but things are tighter in the NL East so the Nats could get back into the race if they put together a good week. Juan Soto has been a monster, hitting .380, but the rest of the lineup has been spotty. With the pitching not holding up it has been tough for them to win. Anibal Sanchez has been among the guilty parties. He is bringing an ERA over six and just one win into this one. Boston’s pitching has been even worse; it is dead last in the league in ERA. That was somewhat to be expected though given injuries, still I don’t think anyone though the Sox would be this bad. Chris Mazza is going to make his second start and in his first, he was hammered by the Yankees. Washington is not nearly as deep, though. Amazingly Boston is just 6-11 at home this season. This one seems pretty balanced so let’s lean to the home team. Take Boston.


Over Under Pick
Even though Boston’s pitching has been terrible all season, it has not been an over team–just 11-18-2 O/U. Part of that is their hitting has underperformed but probably also some inflated lines from being such a public team, too. I still trust Fenway Park though. You put a couple of pitchers in there who are hardly dominant and we should see some runs. Boston will even up those numbers as the season progresses. Take the over.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

SAT, AUG 29TH - 7:40PM ET:
CHICAGO CUBS @ CINCINNATI REDS PICKS, EXPERT PREDICTIONS & BETTING TIPS (MLB)

CIN Reds - Game 2 Win Money Line
-120

Over 7.0 Game Totals
-105

Money Line Pick
This is the second game of a double-header so you might want to watch the first to see if any injuries/availabilities change. The Cubs have a solid lead in the NL Central coming into the weekend and have been better on the road than at home (8-4). Starter Alec Mills has not been great this season but slots in pretty well as a No. 4 starter. He is coming off his longest outing of the season, 7.0 innings at Detroit. His splits are also better on the road so taking on a sluggish Reds team looks like it could be a really good spot. The Reds are using ace Trevor Bauer in the first game and Tejay Antone in game two. Just a rookie, Antone has put up impressive strikeout numbers and even made one start at Cleveland. He is a reliever, though, so he is unlikely to go deep into this shortened game. I do expect him to pitch well though. The Cubs saw him in relief in his MLB debut and they could not do much against him back in July. He will need some offensive help to get his first MLB win, though. That is the challenge the Reds have been having all season. They are fifth in homers with Nick Castellanos leading the way. They put a charge into some balls and score just enough to win. Take Cincinnati.


Over Under Pick
Even though we are getting a lot more double-headers this season it is hard to forecast just how they are going to create betting opportunities. In the past, they have not shortened games and sometimes we are getting day-night events so the energy factor is harder to calculate. We also have expanded rosters to player availability is not as much of a thing. For this one I am leaning to the over with a thought to the best relievers, not all being available, beginning with Antone being used to start. The starters will be alright but both teams will score some runs late. Take the over.