Jim Feist

Central Michigan Chipiwas enters at 6-4 overall, 4-2 in the MAC, fresh off a convincing 38-19 victory over Buffalo. Quarterback Joe Labas has been sharp in recent weeks, completing over 70% of his passes while giving the Chippewas a reliable balance to their run-heavy attack. The ground game remains their identity, averaging nearly 178 rushing yards per game, and their offensive line has consistently controlled the line of scrimmage. Defensively, CMU has been steady, allowing just 23.5 points per game, ranking in the top half of the MAC, and showing the ability to limit explosive plays. With slim hopes of reaching the MAC Championship still alive, this is a must-win spot for Jim McElwain’s squad, and they’ve shown the consistency to deliver.

Kent State, meanwhile, sits at 4-6, 3-3 in the MAC, coming off a thrilling 42-35 overtime win against Akron. While quarterback Tommy Ulatowski and wideout Marcel Williams have sparked the offense, the Golden Flashes remain one of the weakest defensive teams in the conference. They’ve surrendered over 34 points per game and rank near the bottom nationally in passing yards allowed, giving up nearly 270 yards per game through the air. Their offense has been inconsistent, averaging just 20.4 points per game, and while they’ve shown fight at home, their lack of depth and defensive breakdowns make them vulnerable against a balanced CMU attack.

Given Kent State’s defensive struggles and Central Michigan’s ability to control tempo with both the run and pass, this line favors the Chippewas to cover.

Expect Labas to exploit Kent State’s leaky secondary while the Chippewas’ rushing attack wears down the Golden Flashes’ front. With bowl positioning and MAC title hopes still in play, Central Michigan has the motivation and talent to deliver a decisive win. Play Central Michigan to cover the spread on Wednesday night.

Jim's Play: 109. Central Michigan 

This Wednesday night clash between the Golden State Warriors and Miami Heat at Kaseya Center sets up as a high-scoring affair, with the best play being on the game to go Over the total points.  The Warriors enter at 9-7, wrapping up a long road trip with their second game in Florida after a tough loss to Orlando. Despite the setback, Stephen Curry remains the focal point, averaging nearly 28 points per game, and his ability to stretch defenses with deep shooting ensures Golden State can push pace. The Warriors have also seen strong contributions from Moses Moody, who poured in 32 points against New Orleans earlier in the trip, and Jimmy Butler III, who adds another scoring option after being acquired in last season’s trade. Golden State’s offense has been humming, averaging over 115 points per game, but their defense has been inconsistent, allowing opponents to shoot nearly 46% from the field.

Miami comes in at 8-6, fresh off a narrow 115-113 win over the Knicks.  With Bam Adebayo battling injuries and Tyler Herro sidelined, Miami has relied on role players like Norman Powell and Jaime Jaquez Jr. to step up offensively. The Heat have been one of the league’s highest-scoring teams at home, averaging 124.6 points per game in Miami, and their ability to push tempo alongside Golden State sets the stage for fireworks.

The Warriors rank among the league leaders in three-pointers made per game, while Miami has consistently attacked the rim and converted at a high percentage. With both teams capable of putting up 120+ points, the Over is the logical play. Expect Curry and Moody to lead Golden State’s perimeter attack. With both teams thriving in up-tempo play and defenses showing vulnerability, this matchup projects to be a shootout. Play the game to go Over the total points on Wednesday night.

Jim's Play: 505. Warriors / Heat OVER 

Villanova enters this Big 5 rivalry at 3-1, riding a three-game winning streak after an impressive 87-77 victory over Duquesne. The Wildcats have leaned on their balanced scoring attack, with guard play leading the way and forward Duke Brennan dominating the glass with nearly 15 rebounds per game. Villanova’s offense has been efficient, shooting over 43% from the field and averaging more than 85 points per game. However, their defense has shown vulnerability, allowing opponents to shoot nearly 47% in their last outing, which opens the door for La Salle to keep this contest closer than expected.

La Salle comes in at 2-2, looking to bounce back after a tough loss to Seton Hall. The Explorers are led by Jhamir Brickus, who has been their most consistent scorer and playmaker, averaging double figures while orchestrating the offense. Under new head coach Darris Nichols, La Salle has emphasized pace and perimeter shooting, and while they lack Villanova’s depth, they’ve shown resilience at home in Philadelphia. The Explorers have also been strong at the free-throw line, converting over 75% of their attempts, which could prove critical in a rivalry game that often comes down to late possessions.

While the Wildcats are clearly the more talented team, rivalry games in the Big 5 often play tighter than expected, and La Salle’s ability to slow tempo and knock down timely shots gives them a path to stay inside the number. Villanova’s depth and rebounding edge should carry them to a win, but La Salle’s scrappy guard play, home-court energy, and ability to capitalize on Villanova’s defensive lapses make them a live underdog. Play La Salle to cover the spread on Wednesday night.

Jim's Play: 678. LaSalle

This marquee non-conference matchup at the United Center in Chicago pits two top-15 teams against each other, with Illinois entering at 4-0 and Alabama at 2-1. The Illini have impressed early, leaning on their balanced roster and strong frontcourt play, but they’ve yet to face a team with Alabama’s pace and offensive firepower. Illinois has been favored by 3.5 points, but their perimeter shooting remains inconsistent, and their ability to keep up with Alabama’s tempo will be tested.

Alabama comes into this contest looking to rebound from a tough 87-80 loss to Purdue, where they still showcased their offensive depth. Guard Aden Holloway led the way with 21 points, while the Tide knocked down 9 of 21 three-pointers, proving they can stretch defenses with perimeter shooting. Head coach Nate Oats has built this team around pace and spacing, and Alabama’s ability to push tempo and create transition opportunities should put pressure on Illinois’ defense. The Crimson Tide also bring athleticism in the frontcourt, with their rebounding and rim protection giving them a chance to neutralize Illinois’ size advantage.

Illinois has been sharp at home, but this neutral-site contest removes some of that edge. While the Illini boast strong play from David Mirkovic, who posted 27 points and 21 rebounds in their last outing, their guard play has been streaky. Against Alabama’s aggressive defense and up-tempo style, Illinois could struggle to keep pace if the Tide’s shooters get hot early.

Alabama’s offensive versatility and ability to dictate tempo make them a live underdog. Their proven ability to score against elite competition, combined with Illinois’ perimeter inconsistency, gives the Tide the edge to stay inside the number and potentially win outright.

Jim's Play: 699. Alabama 

Richmond enters this matchup at 3-0, riding early-season momentum and averaging nearly 87 points per game through their first three contests. The Spiders have leaned on their balanced scoring attack, with multiple guards capable of pushing pace and creating offense. Playing at home in the Robins Center, Richmond has been dominant, but their defense has shown cracks, allowing opponents to shoot over 45% from the field in stretches. Against a VMI team that thrives on perimeter shooting, the Spiders will need to tighten up defensively to avoid a scare.

VMI comes in at 3-2, having dropped a close 69-67 decision to Jacksonville in their last outing. The Keydets shot 45.5% from the floor and knocked down 8 of 21 threes, showing their ability to stretch defenses with perimeter scoring. Guard play has been the strength of this team, with multiple shooters capable of heating up quickly, and their 81.8% free-throw shooting ensures they can capitalize on opportunities late in games. Defensively, VMI has been scrappy, forcing 19 turnovers against Jacksonville, and their ability to generate steals and push transition offense could help them keep pace with Richmond’s attack.

While the Spiders are the more talented team overall, VMI’s perimeter shooting and defensive pressure give them a path to stay inside the number. The Keydets have already proven they can hang with stronger opponents, and their offensive efficiency from deep makes them a dangerous underdog. Richmond’s depth and home-court advantage should carry them to a win, but VMI’s shooting and scrappy defense will keep this game closer than expected. Play VMI to cover the spread on Wednesday night.

Jim's Play: 681. VMI