NBA Best Bets of the Day (12/2)
Alex Christenson
Multiple times each week, FTN Bets’ resident college basketball junkie, Brad Evans, will attempt to posterize the ‘books with his favorite selections, whether sides, totals, teasers or parlays. As always, fade or follow Brad’s picks — fading is encouraged — that’s up to you.
2-leg alt-line parlay: Maryland +6/UCLA -3 (DraftKings)
Odds: +113
Leg 1: Michigan (6-1 ATS) at Maryland (5-4)
Battle tested, rough and rugged, the Terps sport a hardened shell. Coming off a shocking undercutting of Wisconsin in Madison — a place where, whether populated with fans or not, victories by visiting teams occur only during blue moons — Maryland is brimming with confidence. To knock off its second straight nationally ranked opponent, it must body up inside (UM 57.1 2PT% in B1G play) and pour salt into Michigan’s self-inflicted wounds (22.2 TO%). If Donta Scott and Aaron Wiggins contain the paint and neutralize freshman phenom Hunter Dickerson, the buzzer score should finish snugly. For the talented Wolverines, unblemished thus far, this is their first true road test of the season. Given the Terps’ resolve, a final possession determination is entirely probable.
Leg 2: Utah (2-3 ATS) at UCLA (5-2)
Twelve days removed from bouncing Ohio State on the road, UCLA returns to conference action aiming to extend its Pac-12 record to an impeccable 2-0. Smooth in their offensive performance, the Bruins commit few turnovers, generate ample second-chance opportunities and rank No. 12 nationally in points per possession scored (1.125). Neither team is three reliant or pushes to the perimeter defensively, meaning whoever emerges from the post war unscathed should achieve victory. Tyger Campbell’s finishing abilities along with the bucket gettings of Cody Riley (57.8 2PT%) and Jaime Jaquez (56.4%) inside suggest John Wooden U has the edge. Keep in mind the Utes’ only other road game this season came against an inferior BYU squad, a contest they dropped 82-64 earlier this month.
Column record: 1-2
