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Jim Feist |
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YESTERDAY'S PLAYS | ||
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Matchup | Selection | W/L |
NCAA-B | Feb 06, 2025 Youngstown State vs Oakland |
Youngstown State +5 -108 at Heritage |
Won $100 |
Play Type: Premium | ||
The Youngstown State Penguins (14-10, 8-5 Horizon League) travel to take on the Oakland Golden Grizzlies (10-14, 7-6 Horizon League) on Thursday at the OU Credit Union O’rena in Rochester, Michigan. Youngstown State currently sits in fourth place in the Horizon League, just 3.5 games behind first-place Cleveland State. The Penguins have been solid on the road, posting a 4-2 record in conference away games. In their last outing, they fell to IU Indianapolis 84-79, despite a 22-point performance from EJ Farmer off the bench. Oakland is 6th in the Horizon League standings, trailing the league leaders by 4.5 games. The Golden Grizzlies have struggled recently, dropping two of their last three games, including an 84-75 loss to Northern Kentucky, where Tuburu Naivalurua led the team with 18 points. Key Players to Watch: Youngstown State: EJ Farmer leads the Penguins with 15.1 points per game, while Nico Galette contributes 11.9 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game. 7’3” sophomore Gabe Dynes is a defensive force, ranking third in the nation with 3.0 blocks per game. Oakland: Senior forward Tuburu Naivalurua averages 13.6 points and 7.7 rebounds per game, while fellow senior Allen Mukeba adds 13.4 points and 7.0 rebounds per game. Stat Breakdown: Youngstown State Offense: The Penguins average 76.2 points per game, shooting 43.2% from the field and 30.3% from three. Oakland Offense: The Golden Grizzlies score 66.6 points per game, shooting 41.9% from the field and 29% from deep. Youngstown State Defense: The Penguins allow 71.3 points per game, holding opponents to 42% shooting. Oakland Defense: The Golden Grizzlies give up 69.5 points per game, with opponents shooting 44.1% against them. In their previous meeting on December 7, 2024, Youngstown State dominated Oakland 66-50, using a stifling defense to shut down the Golden Grizzlies' offense. With their strong road performance and prior success against Oakland, the Penguins are in a great position to cover again tonight. Taking the points with Youngstown State looks like the best play in this one. |
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Matchup | Selection | W/L |
NCAA-B | Feb 06, 2025 Elon vs Campbell |
Elon +1½ -105 at Bovada |
Lost $105.0 |
Play Type: Premium | ||
The Campbell Fighting Camels (12-11, 7-3 CAA) will host the Elon Phoenix (15-8, 6-4 CAA) on Thursday, February 6, 2025, at the John W. Pope Jr. Convocation Center in Buies Creek, North Carolina. This matchup features two competitive CAA contenders battling for position in the conference standings. Campbell enters this game on a five-game winning streak, with their latest victory being a dominant 75-52 rout of Hofstra. The Camels took control early, building a 23-point halftime lead before stretching it to 35 in the second half. Colby Duggan and Nolan Dorsey each contributed 15 points, showcasing Campbell’s balanced attack. Elon, on the other hand, recently ended a two-game skid with a 71-60 victory over Northeastern. In that game, Sam Sherry and Nick Dorn combined for 45 points, with Sherry posting 23 points and 10 rebounds for his sixth double-double of the season. Dorn knocked down five threes on his way to 22 points. These two teams last met on January 13, 2025, with Elon securing an 81-66 win at home. The Phoenix controlled the game from start to finish, led by Sherry’s 23 points and Dorn’s 22. Duggan delivered a standout 29-point performance for Campbell in the loss. Campbell: Colby Duggan has been on fire, averaging 19.2 points over the last 10 games. Jasin Sinani contributes 12.7 points and 5.1 rebounds per contest. Elon: Sam Sherry has been a force in the paint, averaging 15.4 points over the last 10 games. Nick Dorn remains a deadly shooter from deep, averaging 15.2 points per game while hitting 34.9% from three-point range. Campbell Offense: 71.6 PPG, 44.2% FG, 33.3% 3PT. Elon Offense: 74.7 PPG, 43.8% FG, 31.1% 3PT. Campbell Defense: 66.0 PPG allowed, 45.7% opponent FG, 28.7% opponent 3PT. Elon Defense: 67.6 PPG allowed, 39.7% opponent FG, 30.9% opponent 3PT. Elon has a strong advantage on the boards, ranking fifth nationally in rebounds per game and 10th in rebound margin. 7’4” center Matthew Van Komen leads the way with 8.2 rebounds per game, and in their last meeting, Elon outrebounded Campbell by nine. With both teams vying for better conference positioning, this should be a hard-fought game. However, Elon’s rebounding dominance and prior success against Campbell give them the edge I'm looking for. Take Elon here tonight. |
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Matchup | Selection | W/L |
NCAA-B | Feb 06, 2025 St. Mary's vs San Francisco |
San Francisco +5½ -115 at PlayMGM |
Won $100 |
Play Type: Premium | ||
The San Francisco Dons (18-6, 8-3 WCC) will host the Saint Mary's Gaels (20-3, 10-0 WCC) on Thursday, February 6, 2025, at War Memorial at the Sobrato Center in San Francisco, with the game set to air on ESPN2. This matchup features two of the top teams in the West Coast Conference, with Saint Mary's riding a 10-game winning streak and remaining unbeaten in conference play. The Gaels are coming off a hard-fought 62-58 win over Gonzaga, strengthening their hold on the top spot in the WCC standings. San Francisco has been nearly unbeatable at home, holding a perfect 14-0 record at the Sobrato Center. In their most recent game, the Dons dominated Washington State 75-51, displaying their defensive strength by holding the Cougars to just 27 points over the final 28 minutes. San Francisco: Malik Thomas leads the team with 19.7 points per game. Junjie Wang is coming off a career-high 16-point performance in the win over Washington State, while Ryan Beasley added 14 points in his first career start. Saint Mary's: Augustas Marciulionis leads the Gaels with 13.3 points and 5.8 assists per game. Forward Paulius Murauskas provides a strong presence inside, averaging 13.1 points and 8.9 rebounds per contest. San Francisco Offense: 76.0 PPG, 46.1% FG, 34.6% 3PT. Saint Mary's Offense: 75.6 PPG, 45.7% FG, 34.1% 3PT San Francisco Defense: 67.0 PPG allowed (55th nationally). Saint Mary's Defense: 60.8 PPG allowed (7th nationally). In their previous meeting on January 23, 2025, Saint Mary's dominated with a 71-51 win in Moraga, holding San Francisco's top scorer, Malik Thomas, to just eight points on 1-for-12 shooting. While Saint Mary's remains the best team in the WCC, San Francisco has yet to lose at home, and this game could present the perfect opportunity for an upset. The Gaels are due for a loss, and San Francisco’s home-court advantage makes them a strong play to cover. Taking the points with the Dons is the move in this one. |
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Matchup | Selection | W/L |
NBA | Feb 06, 2025 Warriors vs Lakers |
Lakers -7½ -110 at Buckeye |
Won $100 |
Play Type: Premium | ||
The Los Angeles Lakers (29-19) will host the Golden State Warriors (25-25) on Thursday, February 6, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The Lakers enter the matchup on a three-game winning streak, with recent victories over the Washington Wizards, New York Knicks, and Los Angeles Clippers. In their latest game, LeBron James led the way with 26 points, 9 assists, and 8 rebounds in a 122-97 win against the Clippers. The Warriors have struggled with consistency, alternating wins and losses in their last few games. They recently secured a 104-99 victory over the Orlando Magic, with Andrew Wiggins scoring 25 points and Stephen Curry adding 24. This will be the third meeting between these teams this season, with the Lakers winning both previous matchups by scores of 118-108 and 115-113. LeBron James continues to lead the Lakers, averaging 24.1 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 9.1 assists per game, while Austin Reaves contributes 18.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per contest. For the Warriors, Stephen Curry is averaging 22.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 6.2 assists, with Andrew Wiggins adding 17.6 points and 4.6 rebounds per game. The biggest storyline surrounding this game is the recent trade of Anthony Davis from the Lakers to the Mavericks in exchange for Luka Doncic. However, Doncic is listed as out due to a calf injury, so fans will have to wait for his Lakers debut. Los Angeles holds a scheduling advantage in this matchup, as Golden State is playing the second game of a back-to-back after a 131-128 loss to the Utah Jazz last night, followed by travel. Given the circumstances, even without Doncic, the Lakers are in a favorable position. Expect Los Angeles to take care of business at home. Play the Lakers. |
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Matchup | Selection | W/L |
NBA | Feb 06, 2025 Pacers vs Clippers |
Pacers +6 -110 at circa |
Won $100 |
Play Type: Free | ||
The Indiana Pacers (28-21) will take on the Los Angeles Clippers (28-22) on Thursday, February 6, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. Indiana recently had its four-game winning streak snapped with a 112-89 road loss to the Portland Trail Blazers. The Pacers struggled offensively in that game, shooting just 42% from the field and 20.8% from three-point range. Andrew Nembhard led the team with 17 points, while Pascal Siakam contributed 16. The Clippers are coming off a 122-97 home loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, their second straight defeat. Norman Powell was the team's top scorer with 20 points, but overall, the Clippers struggled, shooting 38.2% from the floor and 29.3% from three-point range. Pascal Siakam leads Indiana with 20.5 points and 7.3 rebounds per game, while Tyrese Haliburton adds 18.2 points and 8.5 assists per contest, though he was held scoreless in his last outing. For Los Angeles, Norman Powell is averaging 24.1 points per game, providing consistent scoring. James Harden contributes 21.6 points and 8.4 assists per game, while Kawhi Leonard, averaging 16.4 points, has had difficulty finding his shot in recent games. Statistically, the Pacers rank 10th in the NBA in scoring, averaging 115.6 points per game, while the Clippers rank 23rd with 110 points per game. On defense, the Clippers are among the league’s best, allowing just 107.5 points per game, ranking third. The Pacers, on the other hand, allow 115 points per game, ranking 21st in the league. Both teams are looking to bounce back from losses, but Indiana has been strong as a road underdog, winning seven of its last eight in that role. The Clippers have struggled against Central Division teams with winning records, dropping seven of their last eight Thursday games under these conditions. Given the trends and recent performances, Indiana is the better play here, and a straight-up Pacers win wouldn’t be surprising. Take Indiana in this matchup. |
SERVICE BIO |
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Jim Feist is the recognized leader in the sports information and sports gaming industry. For more than 30 years his acclaim has become unparalleled, with numerous wins in prestigious handicapping contests. His other endeavors include websites that provide sports information worldwide. Feist is the principal panelist on PRO LINE, America's premier handicapping television show on the USA Cable Network. Year in, year out, Jim sets the standard for all other handicappers to gauge their own success. Experience, knowledge, and a limitless number of contacts and sources throughout the country make Jim the undisputed champion in sports handicapping. For sports information there's only one person to turn to: Jim Feist. |