Free Sports Picks from Top Betting Handicappers - Best Bets of the Day

The Chicago State Cougars host the South Carolina State Bulldogs at the Jones Convocation Center, . Both teams enter with identical 0-8 records, mired in extended losing streaks that have defined their early seasons, but a closer look at the underlying trends and angles reveals why Chicago State deserves consideration as a modest -4 point favorite across major sportsbooks . The Cougars, despite their winless start, have shown flashes of defensive tenacity at home, where they've forced opponents into high turnover rates while maintaining a more controlled pace. South Carolina State, on the other hand, ranks near the bottom nationally in offensive efficiency, averaging just 67 points per game (273rd in the nation) on a dismal 38.1% field goal percentage (354th), compounded by a turnover average of 15.1 per contest that could prove costly against a Chicago State squad eager to exploit mistakes.

Digging into the betting angles, historical trends add an intriguing layer to this pick. South Carolina State has surprisingly strong December ATS records, going 7-1 in their last eight games during the month, but this clashes with their current form, where they've allowed 82 or more points in seven of their last eight outings,fueling a perfect 6-0 run to the over in recent games when combined with Chicago State's defensive lapses. Yet, the Bulldogs' 14-2 straight-up mark in their last 16 Monday games feels like an outdated relic given their ongoing eight-game skid, and it overlooks Chicago State's home-court edge, where they've covered the spread in similar spots against struggling non-conference foes. My projections give Chicago State a 61% win probability, emphasizing their ability to capitalize on South Carolina State's poor rebounding (averaging just 32.5 per game) and high foul rate (23.5 per contest), which could lead to bonus free throws for the Cougars' key contributors like Marcus Tankersley and Dailliss Cox. From a situational angle, this game pits two desperate teams against each other, but Chicago State's slightly better shooting efficiency (around 40% from the field) and home familiarity make them the play to cover -4, especially as public money might lean toward the underdog based on name recognition alone.

Take Chicago Stater to cover

David's NCAAB Free Pick

We really like the underdog in this matchup. The line appears mispriced given that the Bearcats have struggled against the spread all season, and recently suffered an outright loss as a 20-point favorite over Eastern Michigan. Cincinnati has not effectively adjusted to injuries to key players and on the other hand of the spectrum, Tarleton State stands out with a 5-1 record against the spread. This could be another upset alert.

This is a 1% FREE PLAY on TARLETON STATE on the SPREAD.  

1* Free Play on Penguins +128

Monday NBA Free play. My selection is on Indiana plus the points over Cleveland at 7:10 pm et on Monday.

The Pacers will look to avenge a double-digit loss suffered in Cleveland back on November 21st and they'll do so playing arguably their best basketball of the young season. Indiana has notched back-to-back outright 'upset' victories and is a perfect 6-0 ATS over its last six contests. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers have lost three games in a row including a home defeat against the Celtics yesterday. With the rest advantage, I don't think the Pacers have any business being spotted this many points in a game that figures to go down to the wire at the very least. Take Indiana.

Cavaliers vs Pacers NBA Free Pick

The Trend(s): The under is 7-1 in the Cavs' past eight games, and a previous meeting with the Pacers this season stayed under the closing total of 242 in a 120-109 Cavs win. 

Play on: UNDER (2%). 

Coming off a PERFECT 4-0 SUNDAY (3-0 NFL, 1-0 NBA), Mike's back with more NBA and NFL winners for Monday. 

After a successful Sunday, Mike's now PERFECT 5-0 with his NFL in Week 13 and on an 11-3 (79%) RUN with his NFL picks! Don't miss his Giants/Patriots MNF TOP PLAY!

His NBA sides are on a sizzling 15-7 (68%) RUN, and he has a 3-pack featuring two sides and one total for three different games. 

Monday Card has 2 Perfect NFL Power systems and a Early Season 100% College Hoops System play. NBA Comp plat below

The NBA Comp play is on the Over 233.5 point total in the Milwaukee at Washington game at 7:10 eastern, The game applies to a nice totals system that is cashing 10 of 12 to the over this season in the NBA for road favorites with less than 4 days rest  if the total is more than 230 and they are in off a home favored win and are taking on a team off a road loss like the Wizards. These two put up over 250 in their lone meeting this season. The Wizards have flown over in 3 of the last 4 at home. Look for a higher scoring game that goes over the total. GL Rob V-

1* Bet on UAB /Middle Tennessee: under 155½

1* FREE INFO PLAY Ducks vs Blues over 5½ -125

This is a FREE PLAY on the St. Louis Blues.

As being primarily a "situational" capper, I love the way this one sets up for the home side.

I have done this for most of my adult life, and I'm constantly working ahead. I'm putting out this play on Sunday afternoon, BEFORE the Ducks play their game in Chicago on Sunday night.

Because, regardless of the outcome of that contest, this one really does set up well for St. Louis, and especially when considering this very reasonable price of admission.

This is the first game of the year between the clubs. The Ducks are 15-8 overall, and they go into their game with the Blackhawks off a 5-4 shootout win at home over LA. 

Anaheim is a surprising first in the Pacific, and is so far 6-5-1 on the road.

Overall the Ducks average 3.6 goals per game, which ranks second in the league, while allowing 3.2, which ranks 22nd.

And so I'm definitely expecting Anaheim's high-powered offense to take a step back because of fatigue in St. Louis on the second game of the back-to-back. 

St. Louis is 5-5-4 at home this season, but they come in off consecutive ome wins over Ottawa and Utah and I think the Blues will carry that momentum over here.

St. Louis will have two nights off before a difficult three-game Eastern road swing, which puts added emphasis on to this home game here on Monday night. 

So the bottom line here is that I expect Anaheim to be collectively "gassed" in the second game of the back-to-back scenario, and I think the Blues come in and take advantage, as they enter playing their best hockey of the season right now after the two straight victories.

The play is on the BLUES.

Good luck, NP

1* Free Sharp Play on Giants vs Patriots under 46½ -108

1* Free Wiseguy Play on Giants +7½ -115

*All picks are based on situations, trends, statistics and injuries among many other factors*

1% GOLD RUSH on Giants +7½

New York Giants (2-10) at New England Patriots (10-2)
Monday Night Football – 8:15 PM EST – ESPN
Current Line: Patriots -7 (opened -7.5)
Total: 46.5
ATS & Total Trends
Giants

7-5 ATS overall
4-3 ATS on the road
3-1 ATS last 4 games
7-5 to the Over
6-2 Over in last 8

Patriots

8-4 ATS overall
3-3 ATS at home
3-1 ATS vs NFC
6-6 O/U overall
3-1 Over vs NFC

Head to Head (since 2015)

Patriots lead series 2-1
Giants won the most recent meeting in 2023 (10-7 at MetLife)
Since 2001: Giants are an outstanding 6-1 ATS vs New England (3-4 to the total)

Offensive & Defensive Splits
Giants

Score 22.0 PPG (30.9 PPG allowed on the road)
Played the league’s toughest schedule to date
Have held 4th quarter leads in several losses

Patriots

Score 26.5 PPG overall → 29.8 PPG vs NFC
Allow 18.8 PPG overall → 17.3 PPG at home
Last 8 games: allowing just 18.1 PPG
Played the league’s easiest schedule so far

Both teams prefer a methodical, clock controlling pace, but New England’s elite defense consistently gets offenses off the field on third down.
Key Situational Spots

Giants are off to their bye next week → 1-4 ATS in road games before a bye L5
After the bye, Giants face two very winnable games (Las Vegas, Washington) — classic “look ahead” spot
QB Jason Dart is cleared from concussion protocol and expected to start (many believe the team would be wiser to hold him out until after the bye)
National TV road game for a 2-10 team that just suffered a soul crushing OT loss last week

Historical Comp (Marc Lawrence)
The only time this season we’ve seen a 10-2 (or better) team on a 9-game win streak host a team on a 6-game losing streak:
2023 49ers (9-game win streak) vs Cardinals (6-game losing streak) → 49ers won 38-13
Small sample, but the superior team obliterated the inferior one.
Line Movement & Market Sentiment
Opened Patriots -7.5 → steamed down to -7 on heavy Giants money.
The public is pounding the desperate road dog getting points on Monday night. Sharp money has followed.
Final Take
Everything lines up for a flat spot for the Giants:

Road primetime game
Before their bye
Facing a far superior opponent
Coming off an emotionally draining loss
Looking ahead to two soft games post-bye

Meanwhile, New England is healthy, rolling on a 9-game win streak, fighting for the AFC’s #1 seed, and has been a brick wall at home against everyone — especially NFC offenses.
We’re paying a small premium laying the touchdown with the better team in every phase, but this has all the makings of a comfortable Patriots win that covers in the second half.
Play: Patriots -7

Let's cash some tickets!

1* Free Pick on Giants/Patriots over 46 -115

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Monday's NBA Free Pick

PLAY ON: Lakers -5.5