Quick Picks with Coach Rick Bowe, NBA/CBB Picks, NBA/CBB Free Picks, NBA/CBB Predictions 12/3/24

Quick Picks with Coach Rick Bowe, NFL Picks, NFL Free Picks, NFL Predictions 12/3/24

PORTLAND @ LA CLIPPERS (LAC -8.5, 218)

TRAIL BLAZERS TEAM TOTAL UNDER 106.5

Portland comes into this one having lost 3 of their last 4 games. The Clippers have won 7 of their last 9 and they are 8-1 ATS in those 9 games. This could be a letdown spot for the Clippers though. Portland is 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games.

That said, I like Portland's team total in this one. The books are telling us this should be a lower scoring game. LA ranks fourth in scoring defense allowing 107 points per game. Portland scores 107.2 per game and in their last few against elite defenses like Houston and Minnesota, the Trail Blazers didn't break 100.

Portland and LA played back on Oct. 30. The Trail Blazers actually won the game but only scored 106 points.

ARKANSAS @ MIAMI (ARK -4.5, 155.5)

ARKANSAS -4.5

It's the SEC-ACC Challenge and Arkansas travels to Miami. This isn't a great spot for the Razorbacks, but Miami is in a tailspin right now. After starting the season with three straight wins, the Hurricanes defense has allowed 80-plus in 3 of its last 4 games. All four games were losses and Miami really hasn't played anyone.

Arkansas has played Baylor and Illinois. The Razorbacks lost to both teams and this is their first real road game this season. Arkansas doesn't shoot well, but the Razorbacks defense is extremely aggressive and forces a lot of turnovers. Arkansas forces turnovers on 23 percent of opponents' possessions.

Nijel Pack, Miami's best player, will not play tonight. Look for Arkansas to attack Miami's guards and create turnovers. This line opened at 3.5 and has already shifted a point in Arkansas' favor.

SYRACUSE @ TENNESSEE (TEN -18.5, 143.5)

UNDER 143.5

While I think the Vols could cover this spread, Syracuse did play Texas and Texas Tech pretty tough. The better play, I think, is on the Under. Tennessee ranks No. 2 in the nation in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency and No. 2 in scoring defense. The Vols allow just 54.7 points per game. They haven't allowed an opponent to score more than 68 points all season.

Syracuse doesn't shoot all that well. The Orange shoot 27 percent from three-point range and under 70 percent from the free throw line. This game could go a lot like Tennessee's win over Baylor. The Vols held Baylor, a good shooting team, to just 27 percent from three and 42 percent overall. The game total in that one was 142.5 and the final score of 77-62 went Under.

Ylose expert Coach Rick Bowe delivers his daily Quick Picks. The Coach continues to roll up big wins in MLB, college football, the NFL, and much more. Coach Rick offers a unique perspective to handicapping. Check out his daily free picks right here and jump on his daily Best Bets, which you can find right here at Ylose.com/coach.