Florida travels to Nashville as 2.5-point underdogs against undefeated Vanderbilt, but the Gators’ elite defense and rebounding dominance could expose the Commodores’ slow-paced system in this SEC showdown.
Bryan Bash
Loyola Chicago vs. Dayton Best Bet: Exploiting the A-10 Defensive Mismatch
Dayton lays 17.5 points against struggling Loyola Chicago at UD Arena. The efficiency gap is massive—Dayton ranks #98 nationally while the Ramblers sit at #342. Bryan Bash breaks down why the market’s actually being conservative with this number.
Marquette vs. DePaul Spread Pick: Is the Blue Demons’ Home Dominance a Mirage?
DePaul lays 2.5 to 3.5 points at home against Marquette in a Big East battle between flawed teams. Bash breaks down why the Golden Eagles’ defensive pressure and rebounding edge make them the play in a low-possession grind.
Toledo vs. Kent State Prediction: MAC Efficiency vs. Scoring Volume
Kent State’s laying 5.5 at home against Toledo, but the adjusted efficiency numbers suggest this MAC showdown is closer than the 9-1 record indicates. Bash breaks down why the Rockets are live dogs in a high-scoring battle.
CBB Free Picks: Creighton vs. Providence 1/16/25
Creighton heads to Providence as a slight road favorite despite the Friars’ better record. Bryan Bash breaks down why efficiency and momentum trump wins and losses in this Big East showdown, with a focus on Providence’s defensive struggles and Creighton’s recent surge.
Colorado State vs. Boise State Prediction: Offense vs. Defense in the Mountain West
The Rams lead the country in three-point shooting, but their defensive rating is a bottom-tier liability. With CSU playing at the nation’s slowest pace, the prediction hinges on tempo control.
Baylor vs. Kansas ATS Pick: Will the “Phog” Swallow the Bears?
Kansas lays 7.5 at Allen Fieldhouse against Baylor in a classic Big 12 clash of styles. The Jayhawks’ elite defense (8th in adjusted efficiency) faces Baylor’s potent offense (17th), but the Bears’ defensive struggles (263rd) could be their undoing. Bash breaks down why Kansas covers at home.
Wizards vs. Kings ATS Pick: Is Washington Too Shorthanded to Cover?
The Kings lay 7.5 at home against a Wizards squad gutted by injuries. Without Trae Young and Bilal Coulibaly, Washington lacks the depth to hang with Sacramento’s three-headed attack. Bryan Bash breaks down why the number is right and the Kings cover comfortably.
Pelicans vs Pacers Prediction: Two Struggling Squads Meet in a Pace-Up Spot
The Pacers are laying 3.5 at home against a Pelicans squad that’s 3-15 on the road, but with both teams sitting at 15th in their conferences and a total set at 238.5, this pace-up spot favors the team getting points. Bash breaks down why New Orleans has the offensive firepower to stay competitive in a high-variance environment.
Bulls vs Nets Prediction: Chicago’s Road Woes Meet Brooklyn’s Home Struggles
The Bulls head to Brooklyn as 2-point road underdogs, but without Josh Giddey’s playmaking and a 7-12 road record, Chicago’s dysfunction meets a desperate Nets team with Michael Porter Jr. rolling at 25.7 PPG. Bash breaks down why two points feels light in this matchup spot.