Minnesota-Northwestern odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Minnesota Golden Gophers at Northwestern Wildcats college football matchup, with NCAA football betting odds, picks and best bets

The Minnesota Golden Gophers (9-1, 6-1 Big Ten West) visit the Northwestern Wildcats (2-8, 0-7) Saturday for a noon ET kickoff at Ryan Field. We analyze the Minnesota-Northwestern odds and betting lines, while providing college football betting tips and advice on this matchup.

The Golden Gophers are ranked 11th in the Amway Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports. They’re 10th in the College Football Playoff Rankings.

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Minnesota at Northwestern: Three things to know

1. Minnesota suffered its first loss of the season last week, dropping a 23-19 decision at then-No. 23 Iowa Hawkeyes. The Gophers still control their own destiny to win the division and make their first Big Ten Championship Game. After Northwestern, they close the regular season at home against second-place Wisconsin, which is one game back.

Northwestern snapped a seven-game losing streak by stepping out of conference for a 45-6 rout of lowly UMass (1-10) last Saturday. It’s been a tough season for the ‘Cats, who a year ago won the Big Ten West and lost to Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship game.

2. Gophers QB Tanner Morgan, who has thrown for 707 yards in the last two games, is in the concussion protocol. With his status for Northwestern uncertain, Cole Kramer or Jacob Clark – both true freshmen – could start.

3. Northwestern has won the last two head-to-head meetings, 24-14 at Minnesota last season and 39-0 at home in 2017.

*Minnesota at Northwestern: Odds, betting lines and picks***

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 2:15 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Minnesota 35, Northwestern 17

Moneyline (ML)

AVOID. Minnesota’s -667 is too chalky. Every $6.67 wagered on the Gophers to win outright would profit $1 if they do so (Ex: Bet $66.70 to profit $10). Betting on Northwestern (+450) pays 4.5-to-1, but the Wildcats are not winning Saturday no matter who’s behind center for the Gophers. I just can’t suggest to anyone to lay that kind of wood.

Against the Spread (ATS)

MINNESOTA (-12.5, -134) is the STRONGEST PLAY. With a full week to fume about the Iowa loss, the Gophers will take out their frustrations on the Wildcats, who are 2-8 against the spread this season. The Gophers are 6-3-1 ATS in 2019.

New to sports betting? Every $1.34 wagered that Minnesota will win by 13 or more points will profit $1.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 39.5 (-115) is worth a small play. Minnesota averages 35.7 PPG and is 6-4 O/U this season. Northwestern ranks 129th (out of 130 teams) with 14.5 PPG and it’s 3-7 O/U. Even if Minnesota’s Morgan sits, look for WRs Rashod Bateman (945 receiving yards, 7 TDs) and Tyler Johnson (900 receiving yards, 9 TDs) to have big games. Meanwhile, Northwestern should be able to move the ball behind freshman RB Evan Hull, who ran for 220 yards on 24 carries vs. UMass last week.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Johnny’s 2019 college football record: 7-5. Strongest plays: 3-3.

Follow @JohnnyParlay11 and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

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Pelicans-Suns odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Thursday’s New Orleans Pelicans at Phoenix Suns betting odds and lines, with NBA matchup analysis, picks and tips.

The New Orleans Pelicans (5-9) visit the Phoenix Suns (7-6) Thursday at Talking Stick Resort Arena for a 10:30 p.m. ET start. We analyze the Pelicans-Suns odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.

Place a legal sports bet on this NBA action or other games at BetMGM.

Pelicans at Suns: Key injuries

Pelicans

PF Derrick Favors (back) out
SG Josh Hart (knee) out
C Jahlil Okafor (ankle) questionable

Suns

C Aron Baynes (hip) out
PG Ricky Rubio (back) doubtful

Pelicans at Suns: Odds, lines, picks, and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 10:40 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Suns 112, Pistons 103

Moneyline (ML)

The -200 line for the SUNS is probably a bit high with Rubio still sidelined, but New Orleans is just 1-5 away from home.

Phoenix is only 5-4 at home but has looked better of late and again gets a New Orleans team more banged up than itself.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Bulls to win outright returns a profit of $5.00.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The value play for this game is taking the SUNS with the -5.5 points at +105 odds. A Phoenix cover (win by six or more points) returns a greater profit of $10.50.

Phoenix is 9-4 against the spread (6-3 at home) overall this season and above the cover line by six points per game. New Orleans is just 2-4 on the road and falls an average of two points below projections.

Over/Under (O/U)

The bet would be a lean to the UNDER 234.5 (-115). With several more high-profile injuries, the game flow seems to indicate a lower-scoring affair. These two teams combined can barely muster 230 points per game.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Chris’ NBA betting record: 48-32

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Sabres-Bruins odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Thursday’s Buffalo Sabres at Boston Bruins betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

The Boston Bruins (13-3-5) entertain the slumping Buffalo Sabres (10-8-3) at TD Garden Thursday at 7 p.m. ET. We analyze the Sabres-Bruins odds and lines while providing NHL betting tips around this matchup.

Sabres at Bruins: Projected starting goalies

Carter Hutton vs. Tuukka Rask

Hutton is 6-4-2 with a 2.73 goals against average and .909 save percentage. He will try to rebound from three straight poor performance where he yielded 14 goals on just 96 shots.

Rask is confirmed to get the start. He has a 9-2-2 record for Boston with a 2.06 GAA and .930 SV%. Rask enjoyed an efficient performance against the New Jersey Devils as he stopped 25 of 26 shots.

Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.

Sabres at Bruins: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 10:45 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Bruins 4, Sabres 2

Moneyline (ML)

The BRUINS (-239) are enduring with the Torey Krug injury but the real concern is still Patrice Bergeron. Bergeron has a core issue keeping his playing status uncertain. It did not impact Boston at all against New Jersey Tuesday as it routed the Devils 5-1 in Newark.

The Bruins are our play on the moneyline, as they have the third-best record in the league.

A $10 bet with Boston results in a $4.18 profit with a Bruins’ win in regulation, overtime or a shootout.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Boston is only 12-9 against the spread but has won three of its last four meetings with Buffalo. The risk is winning by two or more goals and Boston has failed to accomplish that so tentatively we will AVOID this pick.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 5.5 (-115) is a nice play. Watch for the status of Bergeron again. If pushed, the feeling is the Over hits and Boston even covers the spread.

Placing a $10 bet here will give a bettor a decent $8.70 profit with a total of six or more goals scored.

Want some action on this matchup? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @ChrisWasselDFS and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals Week 12 matchup, with NFL betting odds, picks and best bets

The Pittsburgh Steelers (5-5) visit the winless Cincinnati Bengals (0-10) Saturday for a 1 p.m. ET kickoff at Paul Brown Stadium. We analyze the Steelers-Bengals odds and sports betting lines, while providing betting tips and advice on this Week 12 NFL matchup.

Steelers at Bengals: Week 12 preview, betting trends and notes

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The Steelers will have more than a week off after having a five-game winning streak snapped in a 21-7 loss at the Cleveland Browns in Week 11’s Thursday night game – the Steelers were 3-point underdogs.
The Bengals lost – but covered as 13-point dogs – at the Oakland Raiders 17-10 Sunday
The Steelers are 1-3 on the road and 6-4 against the spread (ATS) overall.
The Bengals are 0-4 at home and 4-6 ATS.
Both teams are 3-7 against the Over/Under this season.
The Steelers won the first head-to-head meeting of the season 27-3 at home Sept. 30.
Steelers QB Mason Rudolph has thrown for 1,551 yards with 12 touchdowns and eight interceptions, completing 62.3% of his passes.
In his two starts, Finley has thrown for 282 yards with one TD and two picks, while completing 47.5% of his passes.
The Steelers defense is 13th in points allowed (20.2 PPG), while the Bengals are 28th (27.6 PPG).

Steelers at Bengals: Key injuries

Steelers WR JuJu Smith-Schuster (concussion, knee) is doubtful, while RB James Conner (shoulder) and WR Diontae Johnson (concussion) are questionable.

Bengals WRs A.J. Green (ankle) and Auden Tate (concussion) are questionable.

Steelers at Bengals: Odds, betting lines and prediction

NFL odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Odds last updated Thursday at 5:50 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Steelers 24, Bengals 10

Moneyline (ML)

The Bengals (+225) may win eventually, but it won’t be against the STEELERS (-286), who have won nine straight in this AFC North rivalry. The -286 price is expensive, but if you’re willing – every $2.86 wagered will profit $1 if Pittsburgh wins – go for it.

Against the Spread (ATS)

The STEELERS (-6.5, -110) are worth a small play. As mentioned, they’ve had a few extra days off and should be fired up after the Browns loss. The Bengals might be playing for pride, but they’re 0-4 ATS at home and with the way their season is going, the home fans likely won’t show up in force.

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 38.5 (+100) is the STRONGEST PLAY. Both teams struggle to score, ranking in the bottom third of the NFL. The Steelers are 24th, averaging 22.0 points per game, while the Bengals are 30th at 14.7 PPG. The past two head-to-head meetings totaled 30 and 29 points, respectively, and the last eight matchups are 2-6 O/U.

Plus, the Under is 7-1 in the Steelers’ last eight games after a loss, and the Under is 8-1-2 in the Bengals’ last 11 games inside the AFC.

New to sports betting? The +100 is an even bet. Every $1 wagered profits $1 if the two teams combine for 38 or fewer points.

Want action on this game? Sign up and bet atBetMGM. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Johnny’s plays since Nov. 6: 7-6. Strongest plays: 4-2.

Follow @JohnnyParlay11 and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Jacksonville Jaguars at Tennessee Titans odds, picks and best bets

Previewing the Jacksonville Jaguars at Tennessee Titans sports betting odds and lines, with NFL Week 12 matchup analysis, picks and tips.

Led by QB Nick Foles, the Jacksonville Jaguars (4-6) will visit the Tennessee Titans (5-5), who are trying to keep their playoff hopes alive. This AFC South Week 12 matchup will kick off at 4:05 p.m. ET from Nissan Stadium in Nashville.

Jaguars at Titans: Week 12 preview, betting trends and notes

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The Jaguars have lost four of their last six games outright, also going 2-4 against the spread across those six games.
Tennessee is 3-1 ATS and straight up in its last four games, most recently beating the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 10.
The Titans are 6-4 in their last 10 meetings with the Jaguars, going 5-4-1 ATS in those games. They’ve averaged 21.9 points per game in those contests, allowing 20.0 per game to Jacksonville.
The Titans are 4-1 ATS in their last five games against Jacksonville.
The total has gone Over in four of the Titans’ last five games.
Tennessee is 5-0 SU against the Jaguars in their last five games.
The total has gone over in two of the Jaguars’ last three games.

Jaguars at Titans: Key injuries

Titans TE Delanie Walker (ankle) is questionable. DT Jurrell Casey also has a shoulder injury, while WR Corey Davis is nursing a hip injury.

Jaguars at Titans: Odds, betting lines and prediction

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 10:30 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Titans 27, Jaguars 20

Moneyline (?)

Despite Foles being back for his second straight game, the Titans are the better team. Led by QB Ryan Tannehill and RB Derrick Henry, Tennessee’s offense is more than capable of knocking off the Jaguars.

Bet the TITANS (-175) to win this game outright over the Jaguars. Jacksonville is allowing 134.6 rushing yards per game, which Tennessee will exploit.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Titans to win outright would return a profit of $5.68.

Against the Spread (?)

The Titans are 3.5-point home favorites over the Jaguars in this AFC South showdown. They’ve covered the spread in three of their last four games, and they’ll make it four of five Sunday.

Take the TITANS (-106) to cover the spread in this matchup, winning at home by a touchdown.

Over/Under (?)

The projected total is only 41.5 points in this game, which isn’t very high. The Titans have scored at least 23 points in each of their last four games and Jacksonville still has talent on offense with Foles, RB Leonard Fournette and WR DJ Chark, too.

Bet the OVER (-115) in this matchup.

Want action on this game? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @camdasilva and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Penguins-Islanders odds, picks and best bets

Previewing the Pittsburgh Penguins at New York Islanders sports betting odds, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

The scorching-hot New York Islanders (15-3-1) host the Metropolitan Division-rival Pittsburgh Penguins (11-7-3) Thursday at Barclays Center. The puck is scheduled to drop shortly after 7 p.m. ET. We analyze the Penguins-Islanders odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Penguins at Islanders: Projected starting goalies

Matt Murray vs. Thomas Greiss

Murray has dropped each of his last three decisions, though two of those were in overtime. He allowed a total of 10 goals over the stretch while facing more than 27 shots on goal just once. He has a .910 save percentage and a 2.52 goals against average on the season.

Greiss has won seven straight starts dating back to Oct. 11. He is 8-1-0 through nine starts and a relief appearance with a 1.98 GAA and a league-best .938 SV%. He has allowed more than two goals in just two starts.

Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.

Penguins at Islanders: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 9:30 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Islanders 4, Penguins 3

Moneyline (ML)

This rematch comes on the heels of a 5-4 overtime road victory for New York Tuesday which evened the season series between the two. The Islanders, second in the Metro Division, are 9-2-1 at home. They haven’t lost in regulation since falling 5-2 to the Carolina Hurricanes Oct. 11. They’ve lost in overtime just once in their last 15 games. The Penguins sit fourth in the division and come into Thursday with a 4-4-1 road record.

Pittsburgh remains without C Sidney Crosby (groin), C Nick Bjugstad (undisclosed), D Kris Letang (lower body) and now D Justin Schultz (undisclosed). The ISLANDERS (-143) will get this one done in regulation.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Isles to win outright in regulation, overtime or a shootout returns a profit of $7.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The spread is a much tougher call, as the Islanders are only 6-6 against the spread at home despite the near-perfect moneyline record. Six of New York’s last seven games were decided by single tallies, including Tuesday’s win over the Penguins.

Back PITTSBURGH (+1.5, -239) to keep this one within a goal in a loss, or win outright. The Pens are 5-4 on the puck line as visitors.

Over/Under (O/U)

The juice is on the OVER 5.5 (-121) after Tuesday’s game saw the two teams combine for nine total goals. It’s our play with the Islanders 7-3 against the Over/Under across their last 10 games.

Esten’s NHL betting record: 61-63

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Colts vs. Texans: 3 keys for the defense in Week 12

Keys for the defense in Week 12.

This is the game of the year for both teams on Thursday Night Football. The Indianapolis Colts defense has been playing very well recently, but they haven’t faced a tough run of quarterbacks like they did at the beginning portions of the season. They will get a massive challenge on Thursday night.

This is the second matchup between the Colts and Houston Texans. They met back in Week 7 in Indianapolis, a game the Colts won 30-23. The defense as a whole didn’t put up amazing numbers, but they held a great red-zone offense in the Texans to 2/5 there and forced two fourth-quarter interceptions.

Let’s take a look at some keys for the Colts defense as they travel to Houston looking for a massive win:

1. Red-zone defense

In the previous matchup, the Colts defense held one of the better red-zone offenses in the NFL to just 2-5 in the red-zone. That was one of the deciding factors in the early-October game back in Week 7. The Colts will have to duplicate that effort in this game.

Interesting stat from the Colts: they didn’t allow a single red-zone snap in the Week 11 game versus the Jaguars. They did, however, give up a long touchdown to receiver DJ Chark that puts a skew in that stat.

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But, if you look over the last three games this Colts defense has only given up touchdowns on 33% of red-zone trips by the opponent. To add context, the Colts have turned the ball over seven times in the previous three games, four of those turnovers were on the opponent’s side of the field, so the defense was put in a bad spot.

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New York Giants at Chicago Bears odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s New York Giants at Chicago Bears Week 12 betting odds and lines, with NFL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

The New York Giants (2-8) visit the Chicago Bears (4-6) Sunday at Soldier Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET. We analyze the Giants-Bears odds and sports betting lines, while providing sports betting tips and advice on this matchup.

Giants at Bears: Week 12 preview, betting trends and notes

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The Giants have lost six straight games. Each of those losses (and their first two of the season) were by six or more points.
The Bears are coming off of their second-biggest loss of the season, dropping their Sunday Night Football matchup with the Los Angeles Rams 17-7 on the road.
Bears QB Mitchell Trubisky has been held below 200 passing yards in three straight games. Only seven teams allow more passing yards per game than the Giants’ 259.0.
Chicago ranks fourth in the NFL with 17.4 points allowed per game. It’s fifth-last with 16.9 points scored per outing.
New York’s 28.9 points allowed per game ranks 30th. It’s 27th in average total yards allowed.
The Giants are 2-18 when committing two or more turnovers in a game since the start of the 2017 season. The Bears have forced 14 turnovers this year.

Giants at Bears: Key injuries

Giants WR Sterling Shepard (concussion) is expected to return. TE Evan Engram (foot) is questionable.

Bears QB Mitchell Trubisky (hip) could be forced to sit after suffering a hip pointer. Chase Daniel could draw the start.

Giants at Bears: Odds, betting lines and prediction

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 7:20 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Bears 20, Giants 13

Moneyline (?)

The Bears are 2-3 at home while the Giants are 1-4 on the road. Chicago has the defense to stifle New York and Trubisky (or Daniel) will receive a boost against the Giants’ woeful pass defense.

The Bears are my pick to win this game outright, but there’s no way they should be worth the -278 odds in any matchup. The Giants still aren’t worth much thought at +220 on the road.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Bears to win outright returns a profit of just $3.60. This is termed a chalky play and isn’t worth the risk.

Against the Spread (?)

Both teams are 3-7 against the spread. The Bears fall an average of 2.5 points shy of the cover, with the Giants falling 4.8 points short. Chicago is 2-3 ATS at home and New York is 2-3 on the road.

The BEARS (-6.5, –110) will pull this out at home, winning by seven or more points in a strong defensive effort, thanks to mistakes from the Giants offense.

Over/Under (?)

The best play with this game is the UNDER 40.5 (-115). Neither team is capable of handling the bulk of the scoring if the other is shut down. It’s unlikely we get a mutual effort.

Want action on this game? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Esten’s NFL betting record: 27-31

Follow @EstenMcLaren and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Flyers-Hurricanes odds: Carolina seeks revenge vs. Philly

Previewing Thursday’s Philadelphia Flyers at Carolina Hurricanes sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips

The Carolina Hurricanes (13-7-1) host the Philadelphia Flyers (10-7-4) at PNC Arena in Raleigh at 7 p.m. ET. We analyze the Hurricanes-Flyers odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup

The Hurricanes are looking for some revenge after being topped 4-1 in Philadelphia Nov. 5.

Flyers at Hurricanes: Projected starting goalies

Carter Hart vs. Petr Mrazek

Hart carries a 6-5-0 record with a 2.72 goals-against average and a .896 save percentage into play, and he looks to bounce back after getting pulled midway through his last appearance in Florida on Tuesday night. Veteran Brian Elliott also has a 2.72 GAA with a .913 SV%, so if he gets the start, there isn’t much of a difference.

Mrazek is money at home, posting a sparkling 7-1-0 record, 2.11 GAA and a .918 save percentage in eight starts at PNC Arena while going just 3-2-1 with a 3.26 GAA and a .893 save percentage in six assignments away from the Triangle.

Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.

Flyers at Hurricanes: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 6:50 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Hurricanes 4, Flyers 3

Moneyline (ML)

The HURRICANES (-176) are a tad expensive at this price, but I don’t trust the puck line. This one should be a very physical game with a decent touch of offense, but also plenty of hits and tight checking, too. The Flyers (+145) are a tempting play, but they’re 4-9 in the past 13 trips to Raleigh.

Carolina is also streaking in after sweeping a three-game road trip for the first time in Whalers/Hurricanes franchise history. The ‘Canes will make up for the fact F Erik Haula (knee) being sidelined indefinitely.

On a side note, I’ll be attending this game, and the Hurricanes are 3-1-0 in the four games I’ve been to at PNC Arena this season, so consider yours truly a bit of a good luck charm for the home side.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on Carolina returns a profit of $5.70 – every $1 wagered profits $0.57 with a Hurricanes win.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Again, I don’t trust the Hurricanes (-1.5, +150) laying more than a goal, and the Flyers (+1.5, -182) are just too expensive the other way if you want insurance.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 6.5 (+125) is worth a small-unit play, cashing in 10 of the past 14 meetings.

A $10 wager profits $12.50 if there are seven goals or more. Every $1 wagered profits $1.25 in this scenario.

Want some action on this matchup? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Duke-California odds: Blue Devils big favorites at MSG

Previewing Thursday’s Duke Blue Devils vs. California Golden Bears sports betting odds and lines, with college basketball matchup analysis

The top-ranked Duke Blue Devils (4-0) and California Bears (4-0) hook up in the 2K Empire Classic at Madison Square Garden Thursday at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN2. We analyze the Duke-California odds and betting lines, while providing college basketball betting tips and advice on this matchup.

Duke vs. California: Three things you need to know

1. The Blue Devils are back at Madison Square Garden for the second time already this season, as they topped Kansas 68-66 Nov. 5 to win outright as a 2.5-point underdog.

2. Duke has posted a 3-1 ATS mark, but it failed to cover last time out against Georgia State in a 74-63 win at Cameron Indoor Stadium Nov. 15.

3. Cal is also 3-1 ATS in its four outings, and it also failed to cover last time out, narrowly escaping defeat as 15-point favorites against Prairie View A&M, 54-50.

Get some action on this game or others by placing a bet at BetMGM!

Duke vs. California: Odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:20 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Duke 88, California 66

Moneyline (ML)

There was no moneyline listed at the time of publishing.

Against the Spread (ATS)

DUKE (-19.5, -110) is much deeper than California (+19.5, -110) as it has four players averaging double-digit points. G Tre Jones leads the way with 17.0 PPG and 5.8 APG, while C Vernon Carey Jr. has posted 14.8 PPG, newcomer G Cassius Stanley has 13.0 PPG and 1.8 SPG and F Matthew Hurt has racked up 10.8 PPG.

Cal has G Matt Bradley going for 20.0 PPG, but then it is a steep drop-off after that, with just two others in double-digits – and just barely. Bradley has averaged 3.0 turnovers per game, too, and that’s an area Cal has had some trouble. The Bears have 59 turnovers to 46 assists, including a negative ratio for Bradley. That might fly against the Prairie Views of the world, but not against Duke.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER (136.5, –106) is the play of the night in this one, even though the under is 5-2 in Duke’s past seven neutral-site games and 5-1 in Cal’s past six neutral-site battles. The Blue Devils are rolling up 84.0 PPG in four contests, while Cal is averaging 75.5 PPG in its four games. This won should be well in excess of the total.

Get some action on this game or others, place a bet with BetMGM today. And for more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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