Friday brought us one day closer to the NFL divisional playoffs in the Tuley’s Takes home office.
We got back on the winning track with our best bet of the day on the Bulls + 9.5 at the Bucks as everyone should have been able to get + 11.5 at most books. And it was never in doubt as the short-handed Bulls were in the game the whole way before the Bucks pulled out a 94-90 victory, but we got the cover. I also split my two bonus plays as the Penguins-Blue Jackets First-Period Over 1.5 easily came in with 4 goals scored but lost on the Panthers-Canucks 1P Over 1.5 as they only combined for 1 goal.
Let’s look at the rest of the Friday betting results before updating our NFL picks for the weekend.
Friday’s recaps
CBB: No. 14 Michigan State upset No. 8 Wisconsin 86-74 as 3.5-point road underdog and + 135 on the money line as the game went Over betting total of 139.5). Maryland also upset No. 17 Illinois 81-65 as a 4.5-point home dog and + 175 on ML. That game went Over 138.5.
NBA: Faves went 7-4 SU on Friday, but dogs led 7-4 ATS as the Bulls (+ 11.5 at Bucks), Pistons (+ 14.5 at Jazz) and Rockets (+ 12 at Warriors) covered in SU losses. The upsets were by the Clippers (+ 7.5 at 76ers), Blazers (+ 8.5 at Celtics), Nets (+ 1 at Spurs) and Grizzlies (+ 3.5 at Nuggets). Unders went 7-4.
NHL: Faves went 7-1 Friday with the lone upset by the Ducks (+ 220 in 5-1 win vs. the Lightning). Faves also went 5-3 on the -1.5 puck line. Overs were 4-3-1 with the push in the Wild-Blackhawks (6) game.
Saturday’s Takes (plus Sunday NFL)
For the reasons why I like each pick, see my regular “Tuley’s Takes” column in Point Spread Weekly or the NFL Best Bets file on VSiN.com. In this column, we’re more focused on the timing of our bets and whether to jump in ASAP or to wait for a better number closer to game time.
Bengals + 3.5 at Titans: This line looked pretty solid at 3.5, though I pointed out in Friday’s column that some books might go to 4 if money continues to come in on the Titans with the return of Derrick Henry (Wynn Las Vegas was up to Titans -4 as of late Friday night). Basically, know the books you have access to and whether it’s worth it to wait, otherwise just make sure you get that hook.
49ers + 6 at Packers: This line is back down to 5.5 at most books with the 49ers’ injured starters (QB Jimmy Garoppolo, DE Nick Bosa, LB Fred Warner) trending toward being able to play. If you missed the + 6, there’s a decent chance it comes back when the public gets more involved as we get closer on game day.
Two-team, 6-point teaser on Rams + 9/Bills + 8: In Sunday’s doubleheader, I like the Bills better than the Rams as far as underdogs, but I love them together in this teaser. Some books have already dropped the Buccaneers to -2.5, but that’s OK to tease the Rams up to + 8.5. With the Chiefs still hovering between -1.5 and -2.5, the Bills are in prime teaser territory up to + 7.5 through + 8.5.
Good luck today (and every day!).