Ohio State vs Penn State CBB Picks & Predictions: Joe’s Best Bet

Ohio State Buckeyes (12-8 SU, 12-8 ATS) vs. Penn State Nittany Lions (13-8 SU, 11-10 ATS)
When: Thursday, January 30th, 6:30 PM (ET)
Where: Bryce Jordan Center, PA, University Park
TV: FS1
Point Spread: OHIOST +2.5/PENNST -2.5
Total: 148.5
Money Line: Ohio State Buckeyes +118/-143
Bet it FREE using one of our 100% sportsbook bonus codes!
Notable Injuries
Buckeyes
- Meechie Johnson Jr. (Out) Personal
- Taison Chatman (Out) Knee
- Colin White (Questionable) Undisclosed
Nittany Lions
- Puff Johnson (Questionable) Hand
- Eli Rice (Out) Undisclosed
Recent Form
Ohio State Buckeyes Recent Game/Games
Ohio State improved to 12-8 on the season with an 82-65 win over Iowa on Monday. The Buckeyes, who were -7 favorites, covered the spread at home.
After leading 30-26 at halftime, Ohio State put up 52 points in the 2nd half while holding Iowa to 39. The game’s total points of 147 fell short of the O/U line of 156.5.
Get $60 of FREE member picks & predictions
(NO commitments. NO Credit Card. NO Salesman.)
The Historicals
In terms of betting, Houston has an ATS record of 3-2 in the previous five matchups vs Memphis. This mark has come on an average scoring margin of +5 points per game in favor of the Rockets. In these contests, they averaged a combined 227 points per game, leading to an over-under mark of 3-2.
Analysis
Jalen Green’s 25 points and seven rebounds led the Rockets to a win over the Hawks, with 12 of his points coming in the 3rd quarter. Alperen Sengün added 18 points and 10 rebounds, scoring 6 points in both the 1st and 3rd quarters.
Jae’Sean Tate was perfect from the field, contributing 16 points, including 8 in the 3rd quarter. The Rockets shot 46.8% from the field but struggled from beyond the arc, hitting just seven threes at a 23.3% rate.
The Rockets put together a strong defensive performance, holding the Hawks to just 96 points in Tuesday’s win. After giving up 27 points in the 1st quarter, Houston tightened up, allowing only 23 points in each of the final three quarters.
Houston limited Atlanta to 40% shooting from the field and just 11 made threes on 23% shooting. The Rockets also sent the Hawks to the free-throw line 16 times, where they made 13. Houston finished with 12 steals and four blocks.
In their 143-106 loss to the Knicks, the Grizzlies hit nine threes, shooting 37.5% from deep. Jaren Jackson Jr. led the way, hitting three threes at a 75% clip and finishing with 21 points and four rebounds.
Desmond Bane added 16 points, while Ja Morant was held to 10 points on 38.5% shooting. The Grizzlies shot 45.1% from the field overall.
The Grizzlies struggled defensively against the Knicks, giving up 143 points on 51% shooting. After a decent 2nd quarter, where they allowed 26 points, things fell apart in the 3rd and 4th, where they conceded 42 and 41 points, respectively.
Memphis allowed 17 threes on 38% shooting from deep and sent the Knicks to the line 18 times, where they made 14 free throws. The Grizzlies finished with five steals and nine blocks.
Betting Trends
- When looking at their past five road matchups, Houston has an ATS record of 3-2 while averaging 120 per game. The team went 4-1 overall in these games.
- Memphis has played well in their previous five home games, going 3-2 straight up. In this stretch, they averaged 124 points per game while allowing 123. The team also performed well vs the spread at 4-1.
- Through their last five games as the underdog, the Rockets have an ATS record of 4-1 and a straight-up mark of 4-1.
- The last ten games that Memphis was favored, they have an ATS mark of 6-3-1 while going 8-2 straight up.
Joe’s Pick To Cover The Spread
This Rockets vs Grizzlies matchup is the best game of the day across the NBA, as these teams are 2nd and 3rd in the Western Conference, respectively. Houston is +4.5 point underdogs despite having won 4 in a row. I see the absence of Marcus Smart and his defensive mindset playing a role in this one, as Houston’s guards can cause problems. I’m taking the Rockets to cover at +4.5.
College Basketball Picks
USC vs Maryland Betting Preview: Trojans’ Scoring Punch Makes Big Spread Look Juicy
Nebraska vs Penn State Picks and Predictions: Cornhuskers Ready to Cash Against Slumping Lions
Purdue vs Michigan State Betting Preview: Red-Hot Spartans Primed to Cover Against Shaky Boilers
Arizona vs Baylor Picks and Predictions: Bears Set to Maul Struggling Wildcats
Wolverines vs. Buckeyes: Expert CBB Predictions & Best Bets for Sunday’s Clash
USC vs Maryland Betting Preview: Trojans’ Scoring Punch Makes Big Spread Look Juicy
Nebraska vs Penn State Picks and Predictions: Cornhuskers Ready to Cash Against Slumping Lions
Purdue vs Michigan State Betting Preview: Red-Hot Spartans Primed to Cover Against Shaky Boilers
Arizona vs Baylor Picks and Predictions: Bears Set to Maul Struggling Wildcats
Wolverines vs. Buckeyes: Expert CBB Predictions & Best Bets for Sunday’s Clash