MLB Best Bets – Free (Wednesday 7/24)
Josh Gross
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 alternative line parlay play: Duke (ML), Oregon (+7.5) (Tipico Sportsbook)
Odds: +122
Leg 1: Syracuse at Duke (ML)
Jalen Johnson, apparently, was an albatross, though a soon-to-be wealthy one. Duke’s triumph over Virginia squelched any notion the Devils’ sans Johnson resurgence was the result of a doughboy soft schedule. Their defensive warts are still quite visible, but scorching the nets at a torrid 1.242 points per possession pace this month (No. 7 in the country), they’ve overcome various guarding maladies. Back in the bubble conversation, Duke needs to finish at least 3-1 down the homestretch to vault into the projected NCAA Tournament field. Protect the basketball and pluck multiple offensive rebounds against Syracuse and it should continue its late-season ascent. Due to Matthew Hurts’ sweet stroke, Coach K’s club would be effective against the Orange’s trademark 2-3 zone. On the year, Duke ranks No. 59 nationally in mid-range field goal percentage (41.7). Additionally, Syracuse’s increased struggles converting shots around the basket (42.7 2PT% last four), only amplifies the home team’s chances of extending its win streak to four. Long left for dead by the bracketology community weeks ago, Duke, now a favorite at some spots to join the madness come March, should get one step closer.
Leg 2: Oregon (+7.5) at USC
After an extended hiatus due to COVID-19 issues inside the program, Dana Altman has his Ducks quacking and flapping. Third in overall efficiency this month among Pac-12 teams, Oregon is starting to climb the Bracket Big Board ladder. Currently projected as a No. 9 seed, it could climb into the 6-7 range with another couple quality wins. Monday’s engagement with USC presents a ripe opportunity. The Trojans’ length and athleticism are highly disruptive. Premier finger waggers Evan and Isaiah Mobley thwart shots early and often. It’s why USC ranks No. 15 in adjusted defensive efficiency nationally. Still, Chris Duarte (42.3 3PT%) and Eugene Omoruyi (38.6%) can beat defenders in myriad ways, particularly splashing shots from outside. As a team, the Ducks have converted 37.1% of their triples in their last six games. Phenomenal collapsing and challenging shots in the post (43.4 2PT% last six), Oregon matches up well against a USC squad which accumulates 55.7% of its points from twos. Keep Omoryui out of foul trouble and force the Trojans into uncomfortable outside jump shots and they could take it outright.
Season record: 24-30
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