Top ESPN Betting Picks: Wednesday’s Highlights in Sports Betting

Recap of Recent Basketball Games

The evening that promised a winning streak for the Winning Picks ended with a 1-2 loss instead of the expected 3-0. Our prediction for the Jets/Penguins matchup with the under bet did come true. However, the basketball spread bets turned sour fast. One game featured Houston leading by more than 21 points for the majority of the match, only for Oklahoma St to stage a remarkable comeback in the final minutes, spoiling the cover. The Knicks game took an even worse turn, with a promising 23 point lead heading into the 4th quarter dwindling to a mere 10 point win, wrecking our predicted -14.5 spread. This takes our season tally to 135-105-3.

Super Bowl Betting Odds

In the Winning Picks, we’ve discussed almost every possible Super Bowl bet for the last week and a half. However, one significant element has been left out: the total for the game. As it stands, the Super Bowl total is set at 47.5. Unlike the spread, this hasn’t shown much movement. Given the high scoring trend in last year’s Super Bowl, one might be tempted to go for the over. However, this could prove an anomaly. In the eight Super Bowls since Super Bowl 50, the total has exceeded only thrice. When the same teams clashed in Super Bowl 54, a total of 54 went under. This year’s total is lower, which is surprising given the 49ers defense performance in their last two playoff games. My final decision on this total is yet to be made, but I will update you on Sunday.

The Winning Picks

Pittsburgh Panthers vs North Carolina St Wolfpack

Pittsburgh Panthers at North Carolina St Wolfpack (-3.5) O/U 143.5 7:00 PM on ESPNU

As the Panthers gear up for their match against the Wolfpack in Raleigh, the stakes are high. They are hoping to avoid a loss that could jeopardize their NCAA tournament prospects. After racking up wins over Wake Forest and Notre Dame, Pitt finds themselves clawing back into the tournament bubble picture.

Like Pitt, NC St also needs to amass ACC wins to qualify for the tourney. Despite securing wins over Virginia and Miami, their season resume still looks weak. The Panthers have been victorious in their last two games against NC St, and I anticipate this trend continues tonight. I’m backing Pitt to win and cover in Raleigh.

Pitt Covers +3.5, Pittsburgh Panthers 68 North Carolina St Wolfpack 67

Davidson Wildcats vs Duquesne Dukes

Davidson Wildcats at Duquesne Dukes (-6.5) O/U 137.5 7:00 PM on SportsNet Pittsburgh/ESPN+

After a challenging start to A-10 play with five consecutive losses, Duquesne has bounced back with four straight wins, including three in conference play. Can they maintain this momentum tonight?

However, I believe that the high-scoring game on Saturday had more to do with the Rams’ poor defense than the Dukes’ offensive prowess. Davidson’s defense, on the other hand, only allows 67 points per game on average. I’m predicting a return to the hard-hitting defensive games that Duquesne has recently been playing, and the under covers tonight at Cooper Fieldhouse.

Under 137.5 Covers, Davidson Wildcats 62 Duquesne Dukes 65

New Orleans Pelicans vs Los Angeles Clippers

New Orleans Pelicans at Los Angeles Clippers (-6.5) O/U 231.5 10:00 PM on ESPN

After a lengthy seven-game East Coast road trip, the Los Angeles Clippers finally return home to face the New Orleans Pelicans. This marks the Clippers’ first home game in over two weeks! Considering this will be LA’s 5th game in just the past week, fatigue could play a significant role in tonight’s game against a more rested Pelicans team. While I think the Clippers can secure a win, I fancy New Orleans to cover in the City of Angels.

Pelicans Cover +6.5, New Orleans Pelicans 110 Los Angeles 113