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<p>Already leading the series 2-1, the Blue Jays (65-51, 35-27 away) are sending Alek Manoah to the mound to take on the Guardians (55-60, 30-28 home) and Noah Syndergaard in game four of this series. See who I like to come out on top in this American League matchup between the Toronto Blue Jays and Cleveland Guardians in Cleveland.</p><h3>TORONTO BLUE JAYS VS CLEVELAND GUARDIANS BETTING PICK</h3><p>The Pick: Toronto Blue Jays -136</p><p>This game will be played at Progressive Field at 1:10 ET on Thursday, August 10th.</p><h3>WHY BET THE TORONTO BLUE JAYS:</h3><ul><li>As the road underdog, the Blue Jays' win streak currently stands at three games.</li><li>The Blue Jays are already up 2-1 in this series vs. the Guardians.</li><li>Opponents are hitting just .211 against Alek Manoah in his last three starts.</li></ul><h3>CAN THE TORONTO BLUE JAYS PULL OUT A WIN AS ROAD FAVORITES?</h3><p>Coming in with an overall record of 65-51, the Blue Jays are 3rd in the AL East. As of late, Toronto has been good on the road, winning two straight road series. The team's overall series record is 22-14. For the season, the Blue Jays have a runline record of 54-62, which includes going 31-31 away from home. Their over/under mark is 46-66 this year.</p><p><p>Toronto Blue Jays starter Alek Manoah has not had the best of luck this season, boasting a 3-8 record and 5.72 ERA. His ERA on the road is slightly better at 5.06, but his home ERA is an abysmal 24.26. Manoah's WHIP stands at 1.74 while opponents have hit .255 against him and slugged .436.</p></p><p>The Toronto Blue Jays earned a victory in Alek Manoah's most recent start, defeating the Boston Red Sox 7-3. The right-hander went 6 2/3 innings, surrendering six hits and three earned runs while picking up his first win of the 2023 season.</p><p>During their last ten games, Toronto is the 17th ranked offense in terms of batting average. In these games, they have hit a combined .235 and are averaging 3.9 runs per game. Across the entire season, the Blue Jays are hitting .260 with an OBP of .330 while averaging 4.5 runs per contest. This figure puts them 15th in the league.</p><p>Over the last five games, George Springer has been a force at the plate for the Blue Jays, leading the team in hits and batting an impressive .530. On the season, he is hitting .259 and has driven in 46 runs.</p><h3>WILL THE CLEVELAND GUARDIANS TAKE CARE OF BUSINESS AT HOME?</h3><p>The Guardians enter today's game with an overall record of 55-60, including putting together an above .500 mark at home (30-28). This year, Cleveland has played in 36 series and have gone 16-18-2. Currently, they are 2nd in the AL Central.</p><p><p>The Guardians will turn to starter Noah Syndergaard, who has a 1-5 record this season. Through 14 appearances, his ERA is 6.75 with a K/9 of 5.53. Syndergaard has also posted a FIP of 6.01 and an OBP of .323.</p></p><p>Noah Syndergaard's latest outing ended in a 7-4 loss to the White Sox, with the right-hander lasting six innings and surrendering nine hits and five earned runs.</p><p>Over their last ten games, the Guardians are ranked 22nd in the league in scoring at 2.3 runs per game. Their season-long scoring average of 4 per contest puts them 26th in baseball. In terms of on-base percentage, Cleveland is 16th, with an OBP currently sitting at .311. The team's collective batting average is .249 (12th).</p><p>Oscar Gonzalez has been a key contributor to the Cleveland offense this season, boasting a .222 batting average and .315 slugging percentage. During the team's last ten games, Gonzalez has been on fire at the plate, leading the club with hits and posting an impressive .271 average.</p>

Toronto Blue Jays vs Cleveland Guardians Betting Pick & Prediction 8/10/23

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<p>In a non-conference matchup, the Los Angeles Clippers (-140) are favored by 2.5 points over the Milwaukee Bucks (+118). The over/under line is currently set at 224.5 points.</p>

<p>This game will be played at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. Tip-off is scheduled for 10:30 ET and can be seen on FDSS.</p><h3>MILWAUKEE BUCKS VS LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS BETTING PICK</h3><p>The Pick: Milwaukee Bucks +2.5</p><p>This game will be played at Intuit Dome at 10:30 ET on Saturday, January 25th.</p><h3>WHY BET THE MILWAUKEE BUCKS:</h3><ul><li>We have this one finishing with a projected score of 133-126 in favor of the Bucks.</li><li>Our projections have Giannis Antetokounmpo finishing with 30 points, 12 rebounds and 6 assists.</li><li>From the field, we have the Bucks finishing with a field goal percentage of 48.0% and knocking down 15 threes.</li></ul><h3>Can the Bucks Lock in a Road Win?</h3><p>The Bucks improved to 25-17 on the season with a dominant 125-96 win over the Heat on Thursday. Milwaukee, favored by 6.5 points, covered the spread at home. The game’s total points of 221 fell just short of the 225-point over/under line.</p> <p>Miami went on a 13-0 run early, but Milwaukee responded by outscoring the Heat 44-25 in the 2nd quarter. The Bucks continued to control the game, holding Miami to 19 points in the 3rd and finishing strong with a 31-22 advantage in the 4th.</p><p>The Bucks put up 125 points in their win over the Heat, shooting 46.9% from the field. They connected on 18 threes, hitting 45% from beyond the arc.</p> <p>Damian Lillard led the way with 29 points, 11 assists, and 10 rebounds, knocking down 5 threes. Gary Trent added 21 points, hitting 7 threes at a 70% clip.</p><p>The Bucks put on a defensive clinic against the Heat, holding them to just 96 points on Thursday. After allowing 30 points in the 1st quarter, Milwaukee tightened up, giving up just 25 in the 2nd, 19 in the 3rd, and 22 in the 4th. Overall, they limited Miami to 37% shooting from the field.</p> <p>From beyond the arc, the Bucks were even more effective, as the Heat managed only 12 threes on 23% shooting. Milwaukee also sent Miami to the line 21 times, where they hit 16 free throws. The Bucks collected 44 defensive rebounds while allowing 13 offensive boards, and they added 5 steals and 6 blocks.</p><h3>Does Los Angeles Have a Shot at a Home Win?</h3><p>The Clippers improved to 25-19 on the season with a 110-93 win over the Wizards on Thursday. Playing at home, Los Angeles covered the -14 point spread, and the total score of 203 points fell well short of the 225.5 O/U line.</p> <p>An 11-0 run early in the game helped the Clippers build a commanding lead, as they outscored the Wizards 63-41 in the first half. Washington made a push in the 3rd quarter, winning it 31-26, but the Clippers’ 89-72 lead heading into the 4th allowed them to coast to the finish, as both teams scored 21 points in the final period.</p><p>Norman Powell led the Clippers with 22 points in their win over the Wizards, scoring 16 in the 4th quarter. Derrick Jones Jr. added 19 points, shooting 70% from the field and hitting 3 threes at 60% efficiency.</p> <p>James Harden contributed a triple-double with 17 points, 13 assists, and 12 rebounds. The Clippers made 13 threes, shooting 34.2% from deep and 45.5% overall.</p><p>The Clippers put on a defensive clinic on Thursday, holding the Wizards to just 93 points. They were particularly strong in the 1st and 4th quarters, allowing only 20 and 21 points, respectively. Overall, they limited Washington to 34% shooting from the field.</p> <p>From beyond the arc, the Clippers held the Wizards to 23% shooting and just 11 made threes. They also recorded 10 steals and 7 blocks in the game.</p>

Milwaukee Bucks vs Los Angeles Clippers Betting Pick & Prediction 1/25/25

Monday night is the calm before the storm. Conference tournaments are all the rage this week and we’ll have some big ones starting up on Tuesday and especially on Wednesday. That means that we’ll have plenty of hoops and all-day hoops at that with this week’s action.

On Monday, betting options are limited, but we’ve got a few and that includes the West Coast Conference Tournament game between Pepperdine and BYU. BYU is favored by 8.5 with a total of 148.5 at <a href="http://bangthebook.com/sportsbooks/bovada"><strong>Bovada Sportsbook</strong></a> in this semifinal tilt. Saint Mary’s and Gonzaga square off on the other side of the bracket.

Let’s take a look at this one and see if we can find a play.
<h3><strong>Pepperdine Waves</strong></h3>
BYU is very safely in the NCAA Tournament. Pepperdine is not. The Waves only have one path to the Big Dance and it will be to beat BYU and Gonzaga. The first step is tonight against the Cougars, a team that Pepperdine split with in the regular season. BYU won the first game 65-54 and Pepperdine got revenge a few nights later at home in a 76-73 win.

In that game, Pepperdine was only 3-of-16 from 3, but still managed to have a strong offensive performance. The Waves were 9-of-27 in the win over Santa Clara in their first game of the conference tourney. While three-point shooting is important for a lot of teams, Pepperdine’s most important stat seems to be 3P% against. The Waves rank third in the nation at 27.3% protecting the perimeter.

Against a BYU team that shoots at a high success rate on triple tries, that will be a really important piece of the puzzle for the Waves. Opponents shot 27.7% against the Pepperdine defense during the regular season. We’ll have to see how BYU fares and that could ultimately be the difference in both the side and the total for this matchup.

Pepperdine’s offense would best be described as average. The Waves excelled at the free throw line, but were fifth in 3P% and sixth in 2P% in league games. They did shoot 76% from the charity stripe, so that could provide a lift in this one, both to the side and total.

The Waves went 7-6 in conference play, mostly because the negatives outweighed the positives and that is why Pepperdine is getting an 8.5-point head start tonight.
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<h3><strong>BYU Cougars</strong></h3>
BYU looks to be an 8 seed going into the NCAA Tournament. A loss here might drop them a spot or two, but it wouldn’t prevent the Cougars from going dancing. BYU doesn’t force turnovers on defense, but that is really the only major area in which the team is lacking. They are solid both offensively and defensively and have the capability to put a scare into a #1 seed if the opportunity is presented.

Overall, BYU ranks 19th in eFG% on offense and 24th in eFG% on defense. The Cougars are 25th in 2P% and 39th in 3P% for the season. They led the WCC in 3P% at just under 40% and shot just shy of 55% on two-point shots. There are a lot of things to like about this offense. The Cougars are very efficient on that side of the ball and the only times the offense has really struggled in conference play came against Gonzaga and Saint Mary’s.

And, surprisingly, Pepperdine. BYU had its worst offensive performance by points per possession (PPP) in the first game against Pepperdine. That one went in the books as a 65-54 win, but BYU’s .931 PPP was their lowest output in any conference game. Adjustments were made, but the Cougars only had 1.004 in the second game.

If you want to point to an area of concern for the Cougars, it would be that. The West Coast Conference is not a strong league overall, but BYU had issues with the top teams in the conference. Because they take great care of the basketball and make a lot of shots, they were able to get by, but we’re also talking about BYU needing to win by nine or more points tonight.
<h3><strong>Pick &amp; Analysis</strong></h3>
BYU is already in and looks ticketed for a third crack at Gonzaga in the Finals. Pepperdine has one shot, one opportunity. The Waves have no tomorrow. BYU’s season continues regardless. It is worth pointing out how that can be a problem with an underdog in these conference tournaments because teams will foul until the bitter end.

If that happens here, it is what it is. Pepperdine is definitely good enough to hang here, especially with a four-possession head start. BYU has padded its numbers against the weak teams in the conference. The better teams have kept them in check and Pepperdine, despite the 7-6 league record, is clearly one of the better teams.
<h4><strong>Pick: Pepperdine +8.5</strong></h4>
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Pepperdine vs. BYU College Basketball Free Pick and Preview 3/8/21

<p>The Cougars and Jayhawks are set to face off at 6:30 ET on ESPN. The Jayhawks will host the game at Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence, KS. The over/under for this Big 12 conference contest is set at 128.5 points, with Kansas being favored by -1.5 at home against Houston.</p><h3>HOUSTON COUGARS VS KANSAS JAYHAWKS BETTING PICK</h3><p>The Pick: Kansas Jayhawks -1.5</p><p>This game will be played at Allen Fieldhouse at 6:30 ET on Saturday, January 25th.</p><h3>WHY BET THE KANSAS JAYHAWKS:</h3><ul><li>We have this one finishing with a projected score of 76-70 in favor of the Jayhawks.</li><li>Not only will Kansas pick up the win, but look for them to cover at -1.5.</li><li>The over/under is currently sitting at 128.5 points, and we like the over with a projected 146 points.</li></ul><h3>Will Houston Make it Happen on the Road?</h3><h3>Houston Cougars Recent Game/Games</h3> 

<p>Houston improved to 16-3 on the season with a dominant 70-36 win over Utah on Wednesday. The Cougars, who were -17.5 favorites, covered the spread with ease. The game’s total points (106) fell well short of the 133.5 O/U line.</p> 

<p>Houston jumped out to a 41-17 lead by halftime and continued their strong play in the second half, outscoring the Utes 29-19.</p><p>Houston's offense put up 70 points in their latest game, shooting 43.3% from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was 46.7%, with two-point shooting at 50% (21/42) and three-point shooting at 27.8% (5/18).</p> <p>The Cougars grabbed 15 offensive rebounds and dished out 15 assists. Milos Uzan led the way with 14 points and 5 assists, shooting 66.7% overall and 50% from three. L.J. Cryer added 13 points, hitting 3 of 4 from beyond the arc.</p><p>Even with Houston's defense allowing 36 points, the Cougars managed to shoot 43% from the field, hitting 26 of their 60 attempts. Inside the arc, they connected on 21 of 42 shots, good for 50%.</p> <p>From three-point range, Houston went 5 for 18, shooting 27%. They also got to the free-throw line 19 times, making 13 of those attempts for a 68% success rate. Houston grabbed 15 offensive rebounds in the game.</p><h3>Is It the Jayhawks Game to Lose at Home?</h3><h3>Kansas Jayhawks Recent Game</h3> 

<p>The Jayhawks improved to 14-4 on the season with a 74-61 road win over TCU on Wednesday. Kansas entered the game as 7-point favorites and covered the spread. The total points for the game were 135, just under the O/U line of 135.5.</p> 

<p>Kansas trailed 35-33 at halftime but turned things around in the 2nd half, outscoring TCU 41-26. The Jayhawks' defense was key in the 2nd half, allowing just 26 points.</p><p>Kansas shot 55.6% from the field in their last game, with an effective field goal percentage of 61.1%. They hit 64.9% of their two-point attempts, while going 6-for-17 from beyond the arc, shooting 35.3% from three.</p> <p>Hunter Dickinson led the way with 16 points and 9 rebounds, shooting 7-for-10 from the field. Kansas dished out 21 assists, with Shakeel Moore hitting 3 of 4 threes and finishing with 11 points.</p><p>Even with 16 offensive rebounds, the opposing team managed just 61 points against Kansas, shooting 37% from the field. The Jayhawks' defense held them to 47% on two-point attempts, with 20 makes on 42 tries.</p> <p>From beyond the arc, Kansas limited their opponent to 5 threes on 24 attempts, a 20% shooting performance. At the free-throw line, the opposition went 6/12, hitting 50% of their shots.</p>

Houston Cougars vs Kansas Jayhawks NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 1/25/25

<p>Betting on today's Terrapins and Fighting Illini game? Catch the action at State Farm Center in Champaign, IL, as the Fighting Illini hosts this showdown at 9:00 ET on FS1. The over/under line for this matchup is currently at 158.5 points, and Illinois is favored by -7.5 to win at home against Maryland.</p><h3>MARYLAND TERRAPINS VS ILLINOIS FIGHTING ILLINI BETTING PICK</h3><p>The Pick: Maryland Terrapins +7.5</p><p>This game will be played at State Farm Center at 9:00 ET on Thursday, January 23rd.</p><h3>WHY BET THE MARYLAND TERRAPINS:</h3><ul><li>We have this one finishing with a projected score of 76-70 in favor of the Fighting Illini.</li><li>Even though we have Illinois winning straight-up, we like Maryland at +7.5.</li><li>The over/under is currently sitting at 158.5 points, and we like the under with a projected 146 points.</li></ul><h3>Will the Terrapins Find a Way to Win on the Road?</h3><h3>Maryland Terrapins Recent Game/Games</h3> 

<p>Maryland improved to 14-5 on the season with a 69-66 win over Nebraska on Sunday. The Terrapins were -9.5 point favorites at home but didn’t cover the spread.</p> 

<p>Maryland led 37-35 at halftime and edged out Nebraska 32-31 in the second half. The game’s total points of 135 fell short of the 146.5 O/U line.</p><p>Maryland put up 69 points in their last game, shooting 44.8% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 53.4%. They hit 40% of their threes, making 10 of 25 attempts, while shooting 48.5% inside the arc. Their free-throw shooting was a struggle, hitting just 58.3% on 7 of 12 attempts.</p> <p>Ja'Kobi Gillespie led the way with 22 points, connecting on 5 of 9 threes and adding 5 assists. Andrew Morgan contributed 17 points and 5 rebounds, shooting 58.3% from the field, while Rodney Rice added 15 points, despite hitting just 2 of 7 from deep.</p><p>Maryland's defense gave up 66 points in their last game, with opponents shooting 44% from the field on 26 of 58 attempts. Inside the arc, they allowed 16 of 33 shooting for 48%.</p> <p>From three-point range, Maryland's opponents hit 10 of 25 shots, good for 40%. They also sent them to the line 12 times, where they made 7 free throws, shooting 58%. Maryland gave up 8 offensive rebounds.</p><h3>Can the Fighting Illini Pull Off a Home Win?</h3><h3>Illinois Fighting Illini Recent Game/Games</h3> 

<p>Illinois dropped to 13-5 on the season after a narrow 80-78 loss to Michigan State on Sunday. The Illini were +1 point underdogs going into the game and didn’t cover the spread. The total points for the game ended at 158, just under the O/U line of 159.5.</p> 

<p>After being tied 36-36 at halftime, Illinois scored 42 points in the 2nd half but allowed 44 points to the Spartans, resulting in the loss.</p><p>Illinois put up 78 points in their last game, shooting 42.4% from the field. They struggled from beyond the arc, hitting just 5 of 24 attempts for a 20.8% rate, leading to an effective field goal percentage of 45.5%. At the free-throw line, they connected on 17 of 27 attempts, shooting 63%.</p> <p>Will Riley led the way with 19 points and 6 rebounds, while Tre Holloman added 17 points. Tomislav Ivisic and Kylan Boswell each chipped in 13 points, with Ivisic dishing out 5 assists. Illinois grabbed 15 offensive rebounds and finished with 16 assists as a team.</p><p>Despite Illinois allowing 80 points, they held their opponent to 43% shooting from the field. The Illini gave up 45% shooting on two-point attempts, with their opponent making 25 of 55 shots.</p> <p>From beyond the arc, Illinois limited their opponent to just 10 three-point attempts, with only 3 makes for 30% shooting. However, their opponent capitalized at the free-throw line, hitting 21 of 27 attempts for 77%.</p>

Maryland Terrapins vs Illinois Fighting Illini NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 1/23/25

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