Back at it today for line moves with a total of five in all, including the always anticipated Duke vs. North Carolina conflict. Take a minute to review all the betting trends and our free picks (88-75-3 run) to see what we are thinking this week. See you back here tomorrow
NBA – (505) BOSTON at (506) WASHINGTON 8:05 ET TNT
Both these Eastern Conference clubs had winning streaks snapped their last time out and will look to avoid a second straight setback. Those betting basketball are convinced Boston is more likely to fall again, dropping them from a one-point favorite to a +1.5-point underdog. Each club lacked defensive energy in their previous loss, but I will support the Celtics, who fell to Washington back on Christmas day at home 111-103 and they are is 12-2 ATS revenging a loss.
Betting Trend – 54% backing Boston
Doug’s VPID Take – Lean Boston
NBA – (509) OKLAHOMA CITY at (510) L.A. LAKERS 10:35 ET TNT
After dropping four straight, Oklahoma City buried Golden State by 20 on Tuesday and rang up 125 points. Will their carryover in Tinsel Town? This is what some NBA bettors think as they have pushed the total up two points to 217. The Thunder have not as good defensively since losing Andre Roberson, but both Carmelo Anthony and Russell Westbrook are a little dinged. I have VPID Super System that favors the UNDER on teams like OKC off an upset, taking on a foe who just beat a division rival.
Betting Trend – 93% backing Over
Doug’s VPID Take – Lean Under
CBB – (549) DUKE at (550) NORTH CAROLINA 8:00 ET ESPN
A rather unusual Tobacco Road encounter, as both teams are not peaking like usual at this time and the early season flaws have not disappeared. Duke opened as a one-point favorite and has been flipped to -2, but don’t expect that to remain the same. These combatants have switched roles, with Duke having the stronger front court and North Carolina having the edge in the backcourt. While it is not true every year, the visitor has the better overall record over the years both SU and ATS and I will lean that way with the Blue Devils.
Betting Trend – 85% backing Duke
Doug’s VPID Take – Lean Duke
CBB – (569) GONZAGA at (570) PACIFIC 10:00 ET ESPN3 (side and total)
In previous five matchups between these teams, Gonzaga has won each time by at least 20 points, thus, seeing the Zags rise from -11 to -13 over Pacific is hardly a surprise. In the past six games, Pacific has also had issues scoring, averaging 58.1 PPG, which is the driving force for total sinking from 149 to 146.5. The UNDER definitely looks like the right call, however, the Bulldogs on a nasty 0-7 ATS slide and they have revenge battle at St. Mary’s on Saturday. If you consider when both teams are off exactly three conference contests and combine the records, the home Tigers are 17-2 ATS this season.
Betting Trend – 80% backing Gonzaga, 66% on Under
Doug’s VPID Take – Leans Pacific and Under
Public Consensus Record (2018) – 51% to 79% – 28-31-2 ATS
Public Consensus Record (2018) – 80% or Higher – 8-10 ATS
Line Movement Direction Record (2018) – 44-33-2 ATS
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