Butler lays 7.5 at home against Marquette, and the efficiency numbers suggest the spread might be light. Bryan Bash breaks down why the Bulldogs’ elite shooting and rebounding advantage should lead to a comfortable Big East win at Hinkle Fieldhouse.
Bryan Bash
SLU vs. St. Bonaventure Pick: Avila’s Billikens Face Reilly Center Test
Saint Louis lays 8.5 on the road at St. Bonaventure in an A-10 matchup featuring a massive efficiency gap. The Billikens rank #22 nationally in adjusted net rating while the Bonnies have dropped four of five. Bash breaks down why the tempo battle and offensive firepower make this spread look generous.
Suns vs Hawks Pick: Phoenix Travels East With Road Vulnerability
The Suns lay 3 in Atlanta on Friday night, but Phoenix’s 13-12 road mark meets the Hawks’ recent offensive explosion. Jalen Johnson just dropped 32 and 15 on Memphis, and Atlanta’s weapons make this spread too narrow in a pace-up environment.
Utah State vs. Colorado State Pick: Bash’s Best Bet for Friday’s MWC Clash
Utah State travels to Moby Arena as 4.5-point favorites against Colorado State in a Mountain West clash that pits elite defense against the nation’s best three-point shooting. Bryan Bash breaks down why the Rams’ offensive efficiency and home court make them the play.
Rockets vs. Pistons ATS Pick: Is the 4.5-Point Line a Trap for Detroit?
Detroit lays 4.5 at home against Houston on a back-to-back, but Cade Cunningham’s status determines whether the Pistons’ home dominance or the Rockets’ star power controls this matchup.
Ohio State vs. Michigan Prediction: Nation’s Top Defense Faces Rivals
Michigan’s laying 15.5 at home against Ohio State, and the efficiency numbers back it up. The Wolverines own the #1 adjusted net rating in the country at 36.2, while the Buckeyes sit at #38. With elite interior defense and rebounding dominance, Michigan should control this Big Ten clash at Crisler Center.
Indiana vs. Rutgers Prediction: Can the Scarlet Knights Defend the RAC?
Indiana brings elite efficiency metrics into Jersey Mike’s Arena as 6.5 to 7-point favorites over Rutgers. Bryan Bash breaks down why the Hoosiers’ #20 adjusted net efficiency and suffocating defense should overcome their recent struggles against a Rutgers team that ranks #220 nationally.
Raptors vs Trail Blazers Prediction: Toronto’s Road Edge Meets Portland’s Hot Streak
Toronto’s 14-9 road record meets Portland’s four-game winning streak in a Friday night West Coast showdown. The Raptors are laying 3.5 points despite the Blazers’ recent momentum, but depth and versatility give Toronto the edge in this matchup.
Denver Nuggets vs Washington Wizards Prediction: Jokic-Less Denver Still Favored, But Depth Concerns Narrow This Number
The Wizards have dropped seven straight, but they are 1-0 ATS against Denver this year. Read our full preview for a sharp ATS pick and find out if Washington’s rebounding edge can force a close finish.
Spurs vs Jazz Prediction: Wembanyama’s Elite Defense Meets Utah’s Undermanned Frontcourt
The Spurs lay 13 at Utah with Victor Wembanyama facing an undermanned Jazz frontcourt missing Walker Kessler. San Antonio’s elite two-way star should dominate the paint against a 15-29 Jazz squad that lacks rim protection, making the double-digit spread justifiable despite the road spot.