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<p>We’ve got a busier Monday card than usual because the All-Star Break just wrapped up and everybody got a few days off from that. Mondays are often travel days or a chance to take a break, but not this week in most cases. There are several games of interest and intrigue and one of them features the AL MVP favorite on the hill.</p>



<p>Shohei Ohtani and the Angels are in Oakland to take on the Athletics. Cole Irvin will counter for the home team, who faces a slight underdog role per the odds at <a href="https://www.bangthebook.com/sportsbooks/bovada/">Bovada Sportsbook</a> in this one with a total of 8.5.</p>



<h2 id="h-los-angeles-angels"><strong><u>Los Angeles Angels</u></strong></h2>



<p>Mike Trout excitedly tweeted about being on the plane to Oakland, so the perennial MVP candidate will be on the road once again to watch the current MVP favorite do his thing. Trout’s return could be a much needed shot in the arm for the Angels, though it still appears to be a little bit of time before he ends up being activated from the injured list.</p>



<p>Trout’s return, whenever it happens, will boost a strong Angels offense that ranks fifth in wOBA at .329. The ongoing problem for the Angels is that their defense and their subpar pitching staff have canceled out a lot of the good things that the bats have done. The Angels have a potent lineup with the second-highest SLG in baseball, but even with one of the league’s top offenses, the Angels have been hovering around .500 all season long.</p>



<p>Fielding metrics are scrutinized a lot and nobody has come up with an ideal way to measure defense and all of the variables involved, but the Angels have a -25.3 rating in the all-encompassing Def metric at FanGraphs. Only the Tigers grade lower. Los Angeles is -14 in defensive runs saved, a metric that has been improving lately, and -21.3 in Ultimate Zone Rating.</p>



<p>In other words, the best thing to do as a pitcher is strike out the opposing batter. Shohei Ohtani has 87 of those strikeouts in 67 innings of work. Some bettors have been skeptical of Ohtani this season because of his elevated walk rate with 35 free passes for a 12.4% BB%, but the reality is that Ohtani has gotten better in that department. He walked 19 batters in his first five starts. He has walked 16 in his last eight starts.</p>



<p>Ohtani has a 3.49 ERA with a 3.57 FIP on the season. He allowed seven runs on two hits against the Yankees on June 30 and that led to a correction in some of his stats. He hasn’t pitched since July 6, save for an inning in the All-Star Game, so we’ll see how sharp he is here.</p>



<h2 id="h-oakland-athletics"><strong><u>Oakland Athletics</u></strong></h2>



<p>The Oakland A’s are not off to the second half start that they envisioned. They were one inning away from being swept by the Cleveland Indians at home to start the post-All-Star Break schedule. Jed Lowrie’s walk-off home run on Friday was the only bright spot of the weekend for the A’s.</p>



<p>The A’s rank 15th in wOBA offensively at .312. Their home ballpark is more penal than Angels Stadium, but even with a park adjustment factored in, the Oakland offense is decidedly worse than the Angels offense. Oakland is still running a 102 wRC+, which implies that they are a better than average offense, but their home/road splits do play a role in their offensive numbers, as they have been much stronger on the road than at home.</p>



<p>Cole Irvin was a pleasant surprise for the A’s in the first half with a 3.65 ERA and a 3.69 FIP in his 106 innings of work across 18 starts. Irvin has only walked 19 of the 443 batters that he has faced and has a 7.7% HR/FB% with only 10 homers allowed in 18 starts. In today’s MLB, when batting averages are lower than in previous eras, limiting walks and home runs is the way to have success.</p>



<p>Irvin could never fully crack the Phillies rotation, which is why a lot of people have questioned the sustainability of his performance this season, but he seems to be in it for the long haul. Irvin does pitch to contact with a low 17.6% K%, so that will be an area to watch in the second half.</p>



<h2 id="h-angels-vs-a-s-free-pick"><strong><u>Angels vs. A’s Free Pick</u></strong></h2>



<p>You wonder about both starters here, as Irvin has not pitched since July 9 and Ohtani is on that extended layoff after a whirlwind trip to Denver for the All-Star Game. On the other hand, this is a bad ballpark for offense. The A’s do have the bullpen advantage if it comes down to that, but the Angels have the offensive advantage and the starting pitcher with the higher upside. How about a 1st 5 look at Los Angeles?</p>

Los Angeles Angels vs. Oakland A’s Free Pick & Betting Prediction 07/19/21

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<p>Don't miss out on the NCAA showdown between the Golden Panthers and Bison. The game is starting at 7:00 ET on ESPN+, and it's hosted by the Bison at Ocean Bank Convocation Center in Miami, FL. Get ready to place your bets! FIU is favored by -3.5 in this non-conference contest against Howard. The game's over/under currently sits at 155.5 points.</p><h3>FIU GOLDEN PANTHERS VS HOWARD BISON BETTING PICK</h3><p>The Pick: Howard Bison +3.5</p><p>This game will be played at Ocean Bank Convocation Center at 7:00 ET on Monday, November 18th.</p><h3>WHY BET THE HOWARD BISON:</h3><ul><li>We have this one finishing with a projected score of 76-70 in favor of the Bison.</li><li>Not only will Howard pick up the win, but look for them to cover at +3.5.</li><li>The over/under is currently sitting at 155.5 points, and we like the under with a projected 146 points.</li></ul><h3>Will the Golden Panthers Pull Through as the Favored Road Team?</h3><h3>FIU Golden Panthers Recent Game</h3> 

<p>FIU fell 80-75 to Southern Utah on Saturday, November 9th. The Golden Panthers were +7 point underdogs going into the game, but they managed to keep it closer than expected, covering the spread.</p> 

<p>FIU trailed 36-34 at halftime and were outscored 44-41 in the 2nd half. The total points for the game were 155, just under the O/U line of 159.</p><p>FIU's offense put up 75 points in their last game, shooting 39.1% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 43.5%. They struggled from beyond the arc, hitting just 5 of 22 attempts for a 22.7% three-point shooting percentage, while connecting on 46.8% of their two-point shots.</p> <p>Jayden Brewer led the way with 22 points, and Tavi Jackson added 17 on 6 of 7 shooting, hitting both of his three-point attempts. Hercy Miller contributed 18 points, despite missing all three of his shots from deep.</p><p>FIU's defense struggled in their last game, giving up 80 points on 54% shooting. The Golden Panthers allowed their opponent to hit 67% of their two-point attempts, with 23 makes on 34 shots.</p> <p>From beyond the arc, FIU held their opponent to just 2 made threes on 12 attempts, a 16% shooting performance. However, they sent them to the free-throw line 42 times, where they converted 28 for 66%. FIU also gave up 8 offensive rebounds.</p><h3>Is a Home Win Possible for Howard?</h3><p>Howard picked up a road win on Wednesday, November 13th, defeating Tennessee State 88-84. The Bison, who entered the game as -2.5 favorites, covered the spread with the victory.</p> <p>Howard led 42-41 at halftime and scored 33 points in the 2nd half while allowing 34. The game’s total points reached 172, surpassing the over/under line of 148.</p><p>Howard's offense was clicking in their last game, putting up 88 points on 53.2% shooting from the field. They connected on 41.7% of their threes, hitting 10 of 24 attempts, and their effective field goal percentage was an impressive 61.3%.</p> <p>Brandon Weston led the way with 26 points and 11 rebounds, shooting 66.7% from the field. Justus Jackson added 22 points, hitting 4 of 9 from deep, while Blake Harper was 3 of 4 from beyond the arc, finishing with 18 points on 75% shooting overall.</p><p>Howard's defense struggled in their last game, giving up 84 points on 55% shooting from the field. The Bison allowed their opponents to hit 66% of their two-point attempts, with 26 makes on 39 shots.</p> <p>From beyond the arc, Howard's defense gave up 7 threes on 20 attempts, a 35% shooting clip. They also sent their opponents to the free-throw line 26 times, where they converted 11 shots. Howard allowed 13 offensive rebounds in the game.</p>

FIU Golden Panthers vs Howard Bison NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 11/18/24

<p>Looking to win big? The Hornets and Green Wave face off at 7:00 ET on ESPN+. The Green Wave are hosting the game at Devlin Fieldhouse in New Orleans, LA. The over/under goal line for this matchup is currently at 152.5 points, and the Green Wave are favored to win at home against the Hornets.</p><h3>SACRAMENTO STATE HORNETS VS TULANE GREEN WAVE BETTING PICK</h3><p>The Pick: Sacramento State Hornets +10</p><p>This game will be played at Devlin Fieldhouse at 7:00 ET on Friday, November 17th.</p><h3>WHY BET THE SACRAMENTO STATE HORNETS:</h3><ul><li>We have this one finishing with a projected score of 75-67 in favor of the Green Wave.</li><li>Even though we have Tulane winning straight-up, we like Sacramento State at +10.</li><li>The over/under is currently sitting at 152.5 points, and we like the under with a projected 142 points.</li></ul><h3>Are the Hornets Ready for a Win at New Orleans?</h3><p>Sacramento State, who are currently 0-2, will be playing their third game of the season. So far, all of the Hornets' games have been on the road. Sacramento State has a current record vs. the spread of 0-2 heading into today's game. In their previous three games, the school has an ATS record of 0-2, with an average scoring differential of +5.</p><p>Through two games, Sacramento State has an over/under record of 2-0-0 with their games averaging a combined 152 points per game so far. In the Hornets' last five games, the combined scoring average stands at 80 points per game, accompanied by an over/under record of 4-0.</p><p>In their recent matchup, the Sacramento State offense ended with 73 points against Stanford. They finished with an overall field goal percentage of 38.2% and made 10 threes. For the season, the Sacramento State offense has struggled to get to the free-throw line, ranking just 347th in terms of free-throw attempts per game. Their overall field goal percentage is currently 45%.</p><p>Currently, the Hornets' defense holds the 107th rank in the nation, allowing 78.0 points per game. The Sacramento State defense is coming off a game in which they gave up a total of 91 points and allowed Stanford to connect on 8 threes.</p><h3>Does Tulane Have What it Takes to Win as Home Favorites?</h3><p>Following a 88-71 victory over Northwestern State in their previous game, Tulane's overall record now stands at 2-0. Looking back at their previous three games where they were favored, Tulane has a straight-up record of 3-0. Prior to today's game, Tulane has a 0-2 ATS record. Over their last three games, the Green Wave has gone 1-2 ATS with an average scoring margin of +8.</p><p>Through two games, Tulane has an over/under record of 2-0-0 with their games averaging a combined 165.5 points per game so far. Looking at the Green Wave's last three games, their over/under record is 3-0 with their games averaging 87 points per game.</p><p>In their latest game, Tulane offense put up 88 points against Northwestern State. They recorded an overall field goal percentage of 51.8% and made 1 three. The top scorer for the Green Wave was Kevin Cross with 23 points, while Kolby King also chipped in with 20 points.</p><p>The Green Wave's defense is presently ranked 98th nationally, allowing an average of 76.0 points per contest. In terms of field goal percentage allowed, Tulane's defense has allowed opponents to shoot 43.6% from the field, including a three-point shooting percentage allowed of 30.8% this season.</p>

Sacramento State Hornets vs Tulane Green Wave Betting Pick & Prediction 11/17/23

<p>Betting on today's Flames and Wildcats game? Catch the action at Sports and Fitness Center in Saint Thomas, Virgin Islands, as the Wildcats hosts this showdown at 8:00 ET on ESPN+. The over/under line for this matchup is currently at 134 points, and Kansas State is favored by -2.5 at home against Liberty.</p><h3>LIBERTY FLAMES VS KANSAS STATE WILDCATS BETTING PICK</h3><p>The Pick: Kansas State Wildcats -2.5</p><p>This game will be played at Sports and Fitness Center at 8:00 ET on Sunday, November 24th.</p><h3>WHY BET THE KANSAS STATE WILDCATS:</h3><ul><li>We have this one finishing with a projected score of 77-70 in favor of the Wildcats.</li><li>Not only will Kansas State pick up the win, but look for them to cover at -2.5.</li><li>The over/under is currently sitting at 134 points, and we like the over with a projected 147 points.</li></ul><h3>Will Liberty Come Through as Road Underdogs?</h3><h3>Liberty Flames Recent Game/Games</h3> 

<p>The Flames picked up an 89-69 win over the Ragin' Cajuns on Friday, November 22nd. Liberty was at home and entered the game as 10-point favorites, covering the spread with the 20-point victory.</p> 

<p>Liberty led 45-32 at halftime and continued their strong play in the 2nd half, scoring 44 points while allowing 37. The total points for the game reached 158, surpassing the over/under line of 133.5.</p><p>Liberty's offense was on fire in their latest game, putting up 89 points with a field goal percentage of 67.3% and an effective field goal percentage of 77.6%. They shot 77.4% from two-point range and hit 50% from beyond the arc, connecting on 9 of 18 three-point attempts.</p> <p>Christian Wright led the way with 21 points, going 5-for-5 from deep, while Kaden Metheny added 20 points, hitting 4 of 6 threes. Zach Cleveland was perfect from the field, going 4-for-4 and adding 8 assists and 7 rebounds.</p><p>Liberty's defense struggled in their last game, giving up 69 points on 67% shooting from the field. They allowed the opposing team to shoot 77% on two-pointers, with a 24/31 performance.</p> <p>From beyond the arc, Liberty's opponents shot 50%, hitting 9 of 18 threes. The Flames also sent them to the line 23 times, where they made 14 free throws, shooting 60%. Liberty gave up 9 offensive rebounds.</p><h3>Will the Wildcats Secure A Victory as Home Favorites?</h3><h3>Kansas State Wildcats Recent Game/Games</h3> 

<p>The Wildcats picked up an 83-71 win over George Washington on Friday, November 22nd, at home. Kansas State entered the game as -8.5 favorites and covered the spread, while the total points of 154 went over the pre-game line of 149.5.</p> 

<p>Kansas State built a strong lead by halftime, going up 46-27, but allowed 44 points in the 2nd half while scoring 37. Despite the defensive lapse, they held on for the win.</p><p>Kansas State's offense was firing on all cylinders in their last game, putting up 83 points with a field goal percentage of 53.2%. They were particularly effective from two-point range, hitting 67.7% of their shots, and their effective field goal percentage was an impressive 62.9%.</p> <p>From beyond the arc, the Wildcats connected on 12 of 31 attempts, shooting 38.7%. They also dished out 21 assists and grabbed 11 offensive rebounds. Jacoi Hutchinson led the way with 19 points, while David N'Guessan added 17 points and 9 rebounds.</p><p>Despite Kansas State's defensive struggles, they managed to hold their opponent to 71 points. However, the Wildcats allowed a high shooting percentage, with their opponents hitting 53% from the field, including 67% on two-pointers.</p> <p>From beyond the arc, Kansas State's defense gave up 12 threes on 31 attempts, a 38% shooting clip. They also sent their opponent to the free-throw line 28 times, where they converted 17 attempts.</p>

Liberty Flames vs Kansas State Wildcats NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 11/24/24

<p>The Bulldogs and Lancers are set to face off at 7:00 ET on ESPN+. The Lancers will host the game at Joan Perry Brock Center in Farmville, VA. UNC Asheville come into this Big South conference matchup as the -1 favorite. The over/under line currently sits at 147.5 points.</p><h3>UNC ASHEVILLE BULLDOGS VS LONGWOOD LANCERS BETTING PICK</h3><p>The Pick: Longwood Lancers +1</p><p>This game will be played at Joan Perry Brock Center at 7:00 ET on Wednesday, February 21st.</p><h3>WHY BET THE LONGWOOD LANCERS:</h3><ul><li>We have this one finishing with a projected score of 75-68 in favor of the Lancers.</li><li>Not only will Longwood pick up the win, but look for them to cover at +1.</li><li>The over/under is currently sitting at 147.5 points, and we like the under with a projected 143 points.</li></ul><h3>Can UNC Asheville Live Up to the Hype on the Road?</h3><p>UNC Asheville has been a much better team at home this season, as they are 9-3 compared to 7-6 on the road. They have also been the favorite in 14 of their 28 games, going 13-1 in those contests.</p>

<p>Overall, the Bulldogs are 19-9, including a 11-2 record in Big South Conference action. They have won five straight games, and in their most recent contest, they defeated Charleston Southern by a score of 86-55.</p><p>When looking at UNC Asheville's ATS record this season, they are currently 13-12. In games where they have been favored, their ATS mark is 8-6. Over their last 10 games as the favorite, the Bulldogs have gone 7-3 vs. the spread.</p><p>UNC Asheville's over/under record this season is 14-11 and the average scoring total in their games is 152.7 points. Today's over/under line of 147.5 is lower than the average OU line in their games (149.6) and 17 of their games have finished with more points than today's OU line. Over their last three games, the average scoring total is 140 points and their OU record during this stretch is 0-3.</p><p>UNC Asheville's offense is coming off a strong performance, scoring 86 points against Charleston Southern. They had an overall field goal percentage of 52.4% and made 10/16 free throws. Currently leading the team in scoring is Drew Pember who comes into today's matchup averaging 20.9. Josh Banks also heads into the game with a PPG average of 13.</p><p>UNC Asheville's defense is currently in line with the NCAA average for points allowed, allowing an average of 73.3 points per game. In their most recent game, the UNC Asheville defense struggled to defend the three-point line, as Charleston Southern knocked down 10 three-pointers on their way to 55 points.</p><h3>Is a Home Win Possible for Longwood?</h3><p>Longwood enters this game as a slight underdog, with a record of 16-11. They have gone 4-8 in Big South play, and their win streak is at two games.</p>

<p>So far, they have gone 8-3 at home, compared to 5-8 on the road. Their average scoring margin at home is +6.6, while it is +1.2 on the road.</p><p>As the underdog, Longwood has gone just 2-3 against the spread this season. Their overall ATS record is 11-13, including a mark of 5-6 at home. Over their last 10 games as the underdog, the Lancers are 4-6 vs. the spread.</p><p>This season, the over/under record for Longwood is 13-11, and today's over/under line of 147.5 is higher than the average over/under line in their games this year (140.4). So far, 16 of their games have finished with fewer points than today's OU line. Over their last three games, the over/under record is 2-1 with an average scoring total of 148 points.</p><p>Longwood finished with 81 points in their game against Presbyterian. This total surpasses their season-average of 75.2 points per game. The top scorer for the Lancers was Walyn Napper with 26 points, while DA Houston also added 15 to the scoreboard.</p><p>This season, the Longwood defense has been impressive, holding the 64th position in the country while permitting an average of 67.2 points per contest. In today's game vs. UNC Asheville, the Longwood defense will be looking to do a better job avoiding putting opponents on the line. In their last game, Longwood made 17 free-throws vs. the Lancers.</p>

UNC Asheville Bulldogs vs Longwood Lancers Betting Pick & Prediction 2/21/24

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