My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Dallas Mavericks (7:05 EST).

The Raptors look primed for a letdown here in my opinion after winning six straight, most recently sweeping a home and home set against the 76ers.

The Mavs enter having lost two straight, most recently a 112-107 setback on the road in Atlanta on Saturday. To say this is a “revenge” game would be a bit of an understatement as well, as Toronto has won four straight and seven of nine, including both match ups last year. 

Toronto averages 111.3 PPG and concedes just 102.4. DeMar DeRozan leads the nightly charge with 24.9 points and 4.9 assists per game, while big man Jonas Valanciunas averages 10.6 points and 7.7 boards per outing. 

Dallas averages 100 PPG and concedes 103.2. Harrison Barnes leads the team with 18.7 points and 6.8 boards per game, while Dennis Smith Jr. adds 13.8 points and 4.2 assists per game.

I’ll point out though that Toronto is still just 20-21 ATS in its last 41 after allowing 90 points of less in its previous outing, while Dallas is 12-8 ATS this year against teams with winning records.

With a game tomorrow night in OKC, I think the visitors get caught looking ahead and while I wouldn’t be shocked by an outright upset, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can. Play on the Mavericks.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* 34-Club Play is on Utah (1:30 EST).

It’s the Big 12 against the Pac 12 in the Zaxby’s Heart of Dallas Bowl on Tuesday. The Utes beat Colorado 34-13 in their regular season finale, while WVU was smashed 59-31 at No. 4 Oklahoma in its final regular season outing. 

Utah went gang-busters out of the gate this year with a 4-0 start, but then dropped six of eight before then closing with the win over Colorado to become bowl eligible. The Utes are ranked 45th in the country in passing offense with 255.3 YPG, while ranked 58th in scoring offense with 29.4 PPG. Defensively the team excels, ranked 40th by conceding just 23.1 PPG. QB Tyler Huntley has 2,246 yards, 15 TD’s and ten INT’s, while the ground game is lead by Zack Moss, who has 1,023 rushing yards plus nine major scores.

WVU averages 324.2 YPG through the air and it’s ranked 19th in scoring with 36.3 PPG. The defense though is sub-par, ranked 92nd in conceding 31.6 PPG. QB Will Grier has 3,490 passing yards, 34 TD’s and 12 INT’s. RB Justin Crawford has 1,061 yards on the ground and seven TD’s. 

I’ll point out though that Utah is 6-2 ATS as a favorite this year, while WVU is just 1-3 ATS when playing the role of underdog. 

Grier is expected to be healed for this one from hand surgery, but one has to wonder if he’ll be at 100% capacity?

I think that Utah’s top notch defense turns out to the difference maker once it’s all said and done. 

Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the Minnesota Timberwolves (10:35 EST).

The Wolves come in with considerable momentum, having won three straight, most recently a 115-106 road victory over Phoenix on Saturday. 

The Lakers enter off back-to-back losses, most recently a listless 95-92 setback at home to Portland on Saturday. 

Minnesota averages 108 PPG and concedes 106.3. Karl-Anthony Towns averages 20.5 points, plus 11.7 boards per game. Jimmy Butler had 32 points in the Wolves most recent victory. 

LA averages 106.6 PPG and concedes 109.4. Big man Brook Lopez averages 12.8 points plus 4.3 boards per game. 

I’ll point out though that Minnesota is 5-1 ATS in its last six on the road, while LA is just 1-2 ATS in its last three after allowing 95 points or less in its previous contest.

These two teams are moving in opposite directions right now. The Wolves have won their first two games of this three game trip and now have a two game lead in the Northwest. 

I like Minnesota to finish up its road trip strong and to take advantage of the scuffling Lakers. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

The second 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the Oklahoma City Thunder (8:05 EST).

The 25-6 Houston Rockets are at Oklahoma City to take on the 18-15 Thunder and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

The Rockets come into this one on the heels of a two game slide, giving up 122 and 128 points to the Lakers and Clippers respectively. 

One has to wonder here how much gas Houston star James Harden left in him after back-to-back 51 point performances?

Houston’s defense looked terrible in the loss to the Clippers and that doesn’t bode well in facing this rejuvenated Thunder team in my opinion. 

OKC has won four straight and ten of its last 13 and quietly comes in as arguably the hottest team in the NBA right now. 

Do it all All Star Russell Westbrook had 27 points, ten boards and ten assists in the Thunder’s most recent win over the Jazz. Paul George also had a huge game in that one, finishing with 27 points, ten boards and ten assists. 

But perhaps most impressively was the Thunder’s defense, which limited Utah to just 89 points (note that it was the third time in OKC’s last four games that it’s held an opponent to under 100 points.) 

These two teams are suddenly moving in opposite directions and I expect those trends to continue on Christmas night. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

The first 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the Boston Celtics (5:35 EST).

The 18-15 Washington Wizards are in Boston on Christmas Day to take on the 27-9 Celtics and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

Washington has won four of its last six, but looks primed for a letdown here in my opinion after it’s lop-sided 130-103 win over Orlando on Saturday. Mike Scott led the way in that one with 17 points off the bench, while Bradley Beal added 17 points. 

The C’s have won three of their last five, most recently smashing Chicago 117-92 on Saturday. Team leader Kyrie Irving led the way with 25 points and seven assists in that one. 

I’ll point out though that the home teams is 13-3 ATS in its last 16 in this series, while Washington is 0-9 ATS in its last nine visits overall to Boston. 

Boston has been near impossible to beat at home, winning 14 of 18 so far and on Christmas Day on the national stage in prime time, I look for the Celtics to play a complete four quarters. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* LEGEND is on Fresno State (8:30 EST).

The AAC squares off against the MWC in the Hawaii Bowl this year, as Houston and Fresno State battle it out at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu. 

The Cougars enter off a 24-14 home win over Navy to finish the regular season at 7-4, while the Bulldogs come in off a 17-14 loss to Boise State in the Mountain West title game. 

Houston’s strength is on the the offensive side, ranked 67th in scoring at 28.4 PPG. Defensively the team has struggled at times, ranked 39th in the nation in conceding 23 PPG. In the win over Navy, QB D’Eriq King was 21 of 27 for 277 yards, a TD and no INT’s. 

Fresno State averages 26.8 PPG, while on the defensive it concedes just 17.2 PPG (ranked ninth.) While the Bulldogs lost in the title game to the Broncos, the week before in their season finale they beat Boise State 28-17. 

In the loss last week Fresno State gave up just 364 yard to the Broncos, including only 109 on the ground. QB Marcus McMaryion has been solid overall this year despite struggling last week, with 2,384 yards, 14 TD’s and just four INT’s. 

I’ll point out as well that Houston is 0-6 ATS in its last six on field turf, while Fresno State is 13-3-1 ATS in its last 17 on field turf.

Houston only gets the slight nod offensively here. However, these defenses are no comparison. I think the Bulldogs’ World class defense turns out to the difference maker in this year’s Hawaii Bowl.

Play on Fresno State.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on the Seattle Seahawks (4:35 EST).

Dallas has won three straight, but I think it’s ripe for a letdown here. Seattle isn’t out of the playoff picture either, but it comes in hungry off a humbling loss at home at the hands of the Rams.

In last week’s 42-7 loss to LA, QB Russell Wilson was 14 of 30 for 142 yards and one TD in garbage time. Note the week before the Hawks’ scored a big victory over Philadelphia and the team still seemed focused on that victory. 

Dallas held on for a 20-17 win over Oakland on SNF last week. The Cowboys finished with just 330 total yards and were only 2-of-10 on third down. QB Dak Prescott had 212 yards passing and two INT’s. 

I’ll point out that Seattle is 3-1-1 ATS in its last five on the road and 9-3-1 ATS in its last 13 following a SU loss, while Dallas is just 1-5 ATS in its last six against teams with a winning record. 

I believe this one will be decided by whichever team has the ball in its hands last and as such, I’ll recommend grabbing as many points as you can. Play on Seattle.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* NFL Week 16 Las Vegas Insider is on the SF 49ers at 4:05 ET.

Jacksonville comes in off a 45-7 win over Houston to clinch its division and suffice it to say, I’m expecting a predictable letdown here. 

The 49ers won’t be playing in the postseason, but they’ve quietly been dominating with three straight wins and I expect that momentum to get carried over here in this late season non-conference matchup.

The Jags posted 464 yards, while holding the Texans to just 186 total yards last week. Note though that Jacksonville was just 3-for-10 on third down. QB Blake Bortles was strong with 326 yards and three TD’s. 

San Francisco is 3-0 with Jimmy Garoppolo under center. Last week Garoppolo was 36 for 38 and so far he has been responsible for 127 points posted by himself for his new team.

I’ll point out as well that Jacksonville is just 2-9 ATS in its last 11 non-conference games (including just 1-2 ATS this season), while San Francisco is 3-1 ATS in its last four as an underdog.

It’s a classic letdown/trap spot for the Jags and I look for the home side to take advantage. Grab the points, play on San Francisco.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Oddsmaker’s Error is on the Tennessee Titans (1:00 EST).

The 10-4 LA Rams are in Tennessee to take on the 8-6 Titans and while I wouldn’t be shocked by an outright upset, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can. 

LA is on the cusp of clinching the NFC West after last week’s 42-7 win over the Seahawks, while Tennessee fell 25-23 at San Francisco last Sunday. 

Rams’ QB Jared Goff was 14 of 21 for 120 yards, two TD’s and an INT last week, while RB Todd Gurley had 152 rushing yards on 21 carries, to go along with three major scores. 

Perhaps what was even more impressive than the offense, was LA’s defense. which limited Seattle to just 11 first downs and 149 total yards. 

Tennessee though will be desperate here after letting a late lead slip away in last week’s loss to the lowly 49ers. QB Marcus Mariota was 23 of 33 for 241 yards, two TD’s and no INT’s. RB DeMarco Murray had 59 yards.

The Titans gave up 414 total yards last week, but I think they’ll bounce back with a much better effort here. Tennessee will need some luck to win the division, but it won’t be rolling over and quitting and still needs to secure a Wild card.

Note that the Rams are just 1-3 ATS in their last four after holding their previous opponent to a TD or less, while Tennessee is 7-4 ATS in its last 11 non-conference contests.

I think LA takes the foot off the gas here and as mentioned off the top, I look for the hungry Titans to step up and take advantage. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 9* PERFECT STORM is on the Carolina Panthers (1:00 EST).

The 4-10 Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in Carolina to take on the 10-4 Panthers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

The Bucs come in off a crushing 24-21 loss to Atlanta on Monday night, a setback which officially ends their playoff hopes. Carolina enters off a 31-24 home win over Green Bay last week.

When these teams met in Week 8, it was Carolina that scored the relatively simple 17-3 victory. Panthers’ QB Cam Newton had 154 yards and a TD in that one, while Bucs’ QB Jameis Winston had 210 passing yards, no TD’s and two INT’s. 

Tampa owns the league’s worst pass defense, which clearly doesn’t bode well against Newton and company. The Panthers have also been tough overall defensively, allowing just 307.9 YPG, ranked fifth in the league. 

Additionally I’ll point out that Tampa is just 1-6-1 ATS in its last eight on the road, while Carolina is 4-0 ATS in its last four in front of the home town crowd.

Carolina has averaged 32 points over its last five games and I anticipate it having no issues at all moving the ball today against this dejected Bucs defense. 

Lay the points with confidence, play on Carolina.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* NON-CONFERENCE GAME OF THE MONTH is on Southern Miss.

While I’m going to stop short in calling for an outright victory, I do think that the Golden Eagles come to play tonight after their humbling 98-45 loss to FSU last time out. 

Southern Miss is led by Cortez Griffin with 16.6 PPG. The Golden Eagles played poorly in the loss to the Seminoles, turning the ball over 20 times. 

Southern Mississippi’s weakness comes on the defensive side of the ball, but the Golden Eagles do catch a bit of a break in that department today going up against a Bulldogs team that gets the job done most nights with its smothering defensive play. 

Opponents are shooting just 42.7 percent from the floor against Mississippi State, which ranks 21st in the country. Quinndary Weatherspoon leads the way with 14.5 points, 4.5 assists and 1.6 steals per game. 

I’ll point out though that Southern Miss is 10-3 ATS in its last 13 after allowing 80 points or more and 15-8 ATS in its last 23 after scoring 60 points or less, while Mississippi State is just 2-4 ATS as a favorite this season and only 1-2 ATS after allowing 60 points or less (also just 2-5 ATS in non-conference games.)

As mentioned off the top, I’m not expecting the outright upset, but all signs point to a much closer affair than what the oddsmakers are leading us to believe. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* EAST-CONF GAME OF MONTH is on the Philadelphia 76ers (5:05 EST).

Toronto is a pretty good team. But I don’t think it’s a “great team.” It’s hard to beat a team three times in the same season. The 76ers play with double revenge here, having dropped both earlier meetings against the Raptors this year, including a 114-109 setback in Philadelphia on Thursday.

In that game the 76ers had a 20 points lead early in the third quarter. DeMar DeRozan though had different ideas for the visiting Raptors, as he helped his team claw back for the victory with a career high 45 points. 

Philadelphia averages 108.6 PPG and concedes 109.4. Rookie phenom Ben Simmons averages 17.3 points, nine boards, 7.8 assists and two steals per game. 

Toronto averages 111.6 PPG and concedes 103. DeRozan leads the nightly charge with 24.7 points, plus 5.7 assists per game.

As mentioned off the top though, it’s very difficult even for great teams to beat a poor team three times in one season. 

Clearly the 76ers can’t “look past” Toronto to their Christmas Day matchup with the Knicks as they come in having lost four straight and eight of their last ten.

Could the Raptors get caught looking ahead to their Christmas break? Very possible of course. Toronto has won nine of ten, including five straight and two straight on the road. With a game in Dallas on Boxing Day, I do believe that the Raptors will finally have a letdown here against this extremely desperate 76ers side.

Whether big man Joel Embiid plays or not for Philadelphia, I like the visitors to keep this one a lot closer than what the oddsmakers are leading us to believe.

Good luck…Larry

My 9* Situational Stunner is on Long Beach State (4:00 EST).

The 5-9 LBSU 49ers get ready to battle the 6-6 Colorado State Rams and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the 49ers. 

LBSU has dropped two straight to Eastern Michigan and Michigan State, while Colorado State has won two straight over Texas State and Arkansas-Fort Smith.

The 49ers average 75.5 PPG. Gabe Levin had 22 points and eight boards in the 85-80 loss to Eastern Michigan, and then 14 points and five boards in the 102-60 loss to the Spartans. 

The Rams returned three players with considerable starting experience from last years squad. Prentiss Nixon averages 18.1 PPG so far this year.

I’ll point out though that LBSU is 3-1 ATS in its last four as a road dog in the 6.5 to nine points range and already 3-1 ATS this year when playing with one or less days rest, while Colorado State is 1-2 ATS as a favorite this season and just 2-6 ATS in all non-conference games.

I think the 49ers are the much hungrier team here. Grab as many points as you can, play on LBSU.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on San Diego State (3:30 EST).

The 10-2 San Diego State Aztecs get ready to battle the 8-3 Army Black Knights on Saturday afternoon in the Armed Forces Bowl on Saturday and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors Rashaad Penny and the Aztecs.

SDSU’s star RB will NOT be skipping the Armed Forces Bowl in preparation for the NFL draft. The Aztecs finished with a 10-2 record and went 6-2 in MWC play. 

SDSU’s defense is ranked 15th in the country, conceding just 304 total yards per game. The Aztecs are led by Penny on offense, who has 2,027 rushing yards and 19 TD’s so far this year. Junior QB Christian Chapman had a 13/3 TD/INT. 

Army finished 9-3. 

The Black Knights come into this one off a win over Navy in their regular season finale. QB Ahmad Bradshaw finished the year with 1,566 rushing and 12 rushing TD’s. Like its counterpart today, Army’s offense revolves around the run, led by Darnell Woolfolk and Kell Walker. 

The Black Knights own the No. 1 rushing offense in the country, but their defense has been hit or miss. Army had its six game win streak snapped in a 52-49 loss to North Texas on November 18th, only to then rebound in the 14-13 win over Navy. 

I’ll point out as well that SDSU is 4-1 ATS in its last five after allowing 20 points or less in its previous outing, while Army is just 1-2 ATS in its last three after holding its previous opponent to 14 points or less.

SDSU’s strength on defense is against the run, holding opponents to just 110.8 per game average. The Aztecs though also feature a top notch offense led by the Nation’s leading rusher. 

All signs point to a rout, lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* UNDERDOG OF THE MONTH is on Hofstra (8:30 EST).

The 7-4 Hofstra Pride get ready to battle the 11-0 Villanova Wildcats on Friday night and while I’m obviously not calling for the outright upset, I do expect the Pride to keep this one closer than what the oddsmakers are trying to lead us to believe.

Hofstra had won four in a row before a 63-61 setback to Manhattan on Wednesday. Justin Wright-Foreman was a standout once again in that one with 23 points. Wright-Foreman has now scored at least 22 points in six consecutive games. 

The Wildcats routed the Owls 87-67 in their latest action. Jalen Brunson scored a career-high 31 points in that one. 

The Pride though have performed well in this spot for bettors and I expect that to carry over here, as note that Hofstra is 3-1 ATS in its last four against teams with winning records, while Villanova is 0-2 ATS in its last two as a neutral court favorite between 18.5 to 24 points. 

I think Villanova gets caught “looking past” its lowly opponent to its Christmas break and I look for hungry Hofstra to comfortably sneak in through the back door down the stretch with the ample spread it’s been afforded. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on California (11:00 EST).

The 9-3 Portland State Vikings get ready to battle the 6-6 Cal Golden Bears on Thursday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the Bears.

Portland State looks poised for a letdown here in my opinion after winning five of its last six, including a 116-71 rout of lowly Linfield College in its latest action. In that one Deonta North had 27 points and five steals. 

Cal is rolling with three straight victories, but it won’t be taking the foot off the gas tonight or “looking past” its opponent after a disastrous start to the 2017/18 campaign. The 81-59 win over Seattle in its latest action pushed the team just one game over the .500 mark. Darius McNeill led the way with 20 points in that one. 

I’ll point out though that Portland State is just 1-2 ATS in its last three after playing three consecutive road games, while Cal is 6-3 ATS in its last nine against poor defensive teams which allow 77-plus points per contest. 

The Vikings have been an ATS cashing machine this year, but the conditions and numbers point to a letdown here. Lay the points, play on Cal.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Oddsmaker’s Error is on the New York Knicks (8:05 EST).

Boston comes in off a loss at home just last night to the Heat. The Celtics have been decent in the second game of back-to-back scenarios this year, but I think they’ll stumble again tonight against this revenge-minded Knicks side.

New York will be eager to get untracked after its four game win streak was snapped in a 109-91 road loss to Charlotte on Monday. And as mentioned off the top, the Knicks do indeed play with “the revenge factor” tonight after falling 110-89 in the first matchup this season in late October.

And with a much more “winnable” game at home against the Bulls on Saturday, before their Christmas Day matchup at home against the Wizards, it’s definitely not too hard to picture the visitors also getting caught “looking ahead.” 

New York on the other hand has a tough game at Detroit tomorrow night, before its Christmas Day game at home against Philadelphia. There’s no question that tonight’s contest takes on added importance.

I base my picks on many things, but this one sets up great from situational and scheduling stand points. 

New York is better at home (14-5 SU/ATS) than on the road and star Kristaps Porzingis is back in the line-up. Celtics coach Brad Stevens could very well give starters extra rest in the tail end of the back-to-back as well.

When you add it all up, all signs point to a comfortable ATS cover for the home side. Play on New York.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on Florida International (8:00 EST).

The Owls finished 6-6 on the year, managing to move to .500 after beating Tulsa 43-22 in their finale.

FIU finished 8-4 and while I wouldn’t be shocked by an outright upset, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can.

Temple QB Frank Nutile was 20 of 28 for 262 yards, three TD’s an no INT’s in the Owls win over the Golden Hurricanes. Nutile has been decent in his limited time this year, although he does sport a pedestrian 11/7 TD/INT ratio. The defense looked poor last week, allowing Tulsa to post 460 yards, including 314 on the ground. The Owls average 24.6 PPG and concede 27.7.

The Golden Panthers average 27.5 PPG and concede 28.5. QB Alex McGough had 295 yards and three TD’s in last week’s win over UMass, while also rushing for 108 yards and a TD. The defense looked shaky in allowing 548 yards.

However I’ll point out that Temple is just 1-4 ATS in its last five non-conference games, while FIU is 11-2 ATS in its last 13 after scoring more than 40 points in its previous game.

Florida International scored 104 points combined over its last two regular season games and I look for that offensive momentum to get carried per here. Grab the points, 

Good luck…Larry

The first 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Long Beach State (7:00 EST).

The 5-8 LBSU 49ers get ready to battle the 11-1 Michigan State Spartans and while I’m not going to call for an outright upset, I do believe that the underdog can keep this one a lot closer than what the oddsmakers are leading us to believe.

LBSU comes in off a tough 85-80 home loss to EMU, while MSU was most recently seen crushing Houston Baptist 107-62 on Monday. 

The 49ers average 75.5 PPG and concede 83.5. Gabe Levin had 22 points and eight boards in his teams latest setback.

The Spartans average 82.9 points, while conceding just 62.3. They’ve already beaten UNC and Notre Dame, with their only loss coming to Duke in their second outing of the year.

I’ll point out though that LBSU is 2-1 ATS in its last three after scoring 80 points or more in its previous contest, while MSU is interestingly just 1-3 ATS in its last four against poor defensive teams which allow 77-plus points per contest.

I think MSU gets caught looking past its lowly opponent today to its Christmas break and I expect the capable 49ers to take advantage. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

The second 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Western Illinois (7:00 EST).

The 7-3 Western Illinois Leathernecks get ready to battle the 9-3 Butler Bulldogs on Thursday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the Leathernecks.

Western Illinois saw its two game win streak snapped in a loss to Eastern Illinois last time out. Guard Dalan Ancrum led the way with 14 points. Ancrum leads the nightly charge with 17.3 PPG and 5.3 RPG. 

Butler bounced back from a loss to Purdue with a win over Morehead State in its latest action. In that one Bulldogs’ forward Kelan Martin posted 20 points. 

I’ll point out though that the under the radar Leathernecks have performed extremely well in this spot for bettors, going 4-1-1 TS in their last six on the road and 6-2-1 ATS in their last nine overall. 

Butler on the other hand is just 1-2 ATS in its last three after holding its previous opponent to 70 points or less. 

Western Illinois is a good team. Note that in one of its only two losses this year, it fell in double OT to Miami Ohio. I like the Leathernecks to match pace down the stretch and keep this one competitive late. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Oddsmaker’s Error is on the Minnesota Timberwolves (9:05 EST).

The 18-13 Minnesota Timberwolves are in Denver to take on the 16-14 Nuggets and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors.

Minnesota enters off a momentum building 108-107 win over the Blazers on Monday, while the Nuggets come in off a deflating 95-94 loss to OKC in their latest action. 

The Wolves are 6-4 in their last ten. Minnesota averages 107.6 PPG and concedes 106.4. Jimmy Butler exploded for 37 points and six boards in his teams latest victory.

The Nuggets average 107.4 PPG and concede 107.1. Garry Harris had 17 points in the road loss to the Thunder. 

I’ll point out that Minnesota is 4-1 ATS vs. division opponents already this year and 6-2 ATS when playing the role of underdog, while Denver is interestingly just 6-8 ATS this year against poor defensive teams which allow 106-plus points per contest and just 2-3 ATS against division opponents. 

While I obviously wouldn’t be shocked by an outright upset, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can. Play on the Wolves.

Good luck…Larry 

My 10* GAME OF THE WEEK is on Louisiana Tech (8:00 EST).

6-6 Louisiana Tech gets ready to battle 7-5 SMU in the Frisco Bowl from Texas on Wednesday and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the Bulldogs.

The Bulldogs come in with momentum, as they needed to win their final two games of the regular season to qualify for a bowl. 

The Mustangs on the other hand sort of backed their way into the postseason, losing three straight before salvaging a win over Tulane in their finale.

Louisiana Tech has been fantastic defensively down the stretch and I think that carries over here. Note that Secdrick Cooper and Jaylon Ferguson were both named to the All-Conference USA First Team earlier in the week: “We are excited, enthusiastic, and fired up about having the opportunity to go to a bowl game this year and this could not have worked out better,” head coach Skip Holtz noted. “We have been in the Dallas Metroplex area three out of the last four years and we have a huge alumni base in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.”

SMU is back in a bowl for the first time since 2012. Chad Morris was in his third year as head coach, but he won’t be coaching tonight as he’s been lured away by Arkansas. The Mustangs’ offense is centred around the run, led by Ke’Mon Freeman and Xavier Jones, with a combined 20 major scores between the two. 

I think it’s interesting to note though that Louisiana Tech is 10-5 ATS in its last 15 off a win against a conference rival (including 2-1 ATS this season), while SMU is just 3-4 ATS in its last seven in the same position (including just 1-2 ATS this year.)

I think the Bulldogs under-the-radar defense keeps them competitive. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on Hofstra (7:00 EST).

Hofstra has won four straight after beating Stony Brook last week and I look for the Pride to carry that momentum over here. 

This is the fourth straight year in which the Pride have posted a win streak of late least four games. 

In the latest victory, Hofstra’s Justin Wright-Foreman posted 33 points. Wright-Foreman is the team points leader with 23.1 per game. 

Manhattan enters on the other end of the spectrum, just 4-6 overall, recently falling 80-66 to Tulsa on Saturday. Rich Williams leads the nightly charge for the Jaspers with 15.3 PPG.

Note that this is a big time revenge game for Hofstra here as well after the Jaspers earned the 80-68 victory last season. 

Additionally I’ll point out that Manhattan is just 1-2 ATS already this year against good offensive teams which average 77-plus points per contest, while Hofstra is already 2-0 ATS this season after scoring 80 points or more in its previous contest.

For all the reasons listed above, play on Hofstra.

Good luck…Larry

The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Weber State (9:00 EST).

The 3-8 Pepperdine Waves get ready to battle the 5-5 Weber State Wildcats and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

The Waves have lost two straight, most recently falling to Belmont. Colbey Ross led the charge in that one with 14 points. Kameron Edwards leads the team overall with 15.9 points and 6.8 boards per game. 

Weber State enters on the other end of the spectrum, as the Wildcats snapped a three-game losing streak with a win over Arkansas-Pine Bluff in their latest action, led by 30 points from Jerrick Harding. Harding leads the team with an average of 20.6 PPG, while Brekkott Chapman chips in 14 per night.

I’ll point out that Pepperdine has struggled in this spot for bettors, going just 2-6-1 ATS in its last nine following an ATS loss and just 5-16 ATS in its last 21 on the road, while Weber State is 5-0 ATS in its last five at home and 4-0 ATS in its last four against the West Coast Conference. 

For all the reasons listed above, play on Weber State.

Good luck…Larry

The second 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Drake (8:00 EST).

The 5-6 Drake Bulldogs get ready to battle the 9-5 South Dakota State Jackrabbits and while I’ll stop short in calling for an outright victory, I do think that the Bulldogs can keep this one competitive until the final moments. 

We don’t have to question the Bulldogs’ motivation levels tonight, as they enter having lost five of their last six, most recently to Minnesota and Iowa. In the loss to the Hawkeyes, Nick McGlynn led the way with 14 points. Reed Timmer leads the team overall with 20.0 PPG. 

South Dakota State on the other hand comes in off a loss to Colorado and I think its primed for another letdown here. Mike Daum had 37 points in the losing cause last time out.

From a trend based stand point, this one definitely favors the visitors though, as note that Drake is already 5-3 ATS this year in non-conference games and still 8-4 ATS in its last 12 against good offensive teams which average 77-plus points per contest, while South Dakota State is already 0-2 ATS this season after allowing 80 points or more in its previous outing.

For all the reasons listed above, play on Drake.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on Akron (7:00 EST).

The 7-6 Akron Zips get ready to battle the 10-3 FAU Owls and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the underdog.

The Zips were 6-3 in MAC play, while FAU was 9-0 in C-USA action. 

Akron is by far the more motivated side in my opinion. The Zips fell 45-28 in the MAC Championship game to Toledo. Expect to see both Kato Nelson and Thomas Woodson under center today for the Zips. Woodson finished with 1,777 passing yards, while Nelson had an 8/2 TD/INT ratio. 

The Owls finished with nine straight wins and steamrolled UNT 41-17 in the C-USA title game. FAU features a strong run game, led by RB Devin Singletary, who had 1,796 rushing yards and 29 rushing TD’s. 

I’ll point out though that FAU TE Harrison Bryant, who missed the last two games with an injury, will also be sitting this one out. Bryant posted 408 receiving yards and five major scores.

Additionally note that Akron is 3-1 ATS in its last four after a two week or more period of rest, while FAU is just 1-2 ATS in its last three in the same position.

I think that Akron’s offense can keep it competitive, so grab as many points as you can.

Good luck…Larry

The first 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Buffalo (7:00 EST).

The 7-3 Buffalo Bulls get ready to battle the 9-1 Syracuse Orange and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the Bulls.

The Orange look ripe for a letdown here in my opinion after winning three straight. The Bulls will look to take advantage and build off an 86-70 win over Robert Morris in their latest action.

Buffalo has now won three straight as well. So far the Bulls average 82.1 PPG, while conceding 76.5. CJ Massinburg had 23 points and ten boards for his third straight double-double in his team’s latest win.

The Orange average 73.6 PPG and concede 63.4. Oshae Brissett is averaging 14.7 points and 9.7 boards per game. 

I’ll point out though that Buffalo is 6-1 ATS in its last seven road games and interestingly, 4-1 ATS in its last five against the ACC, while Syracuse is 0-6 ATS in its last six following an ATS victory and just 1-4 ATS in its last five at home.

While I’m not calling for an outright victory, I do think the Bulls can catch the Orange a little complacent here and I expect them to keep this one competitive until the final moments. Grab the points, play on Buffalo.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on the Utah Jazz (8:05 EST).

Houston has won 13 straight and has lost only four times this year. However, the Rockets are just 15-12-1 ATS. Utah has struggled overall this season, due mostly from injuries to key players, but I think it’ll keep this one competitive enough to comfortably sneak in through the back door. 

The Jazz are injured, but they won’t be lacking for motivation tonight after dropping five of their last six, most recently a spirited 109-100 setback in Cleveland. Donovan Mitchell was a standout in that one with 26 points. 

Houston has been impressive, but I think it comes out flat-footed here finally as it hits a “vanilla” part of its schedule, with light weights Lakers and Clippers at home up next.

I’ll point out as well that Utah is still 4-1 ATS in its last five against the West, while perhaps surprisingly, the Rockets are only 1-3-1 ATS in their last five overall. 

The Jazz have been playing without big man Rudy Gobert for a while now, but now the Rockets must also make an adjustment with center Clint Cappela out with injury. 

For all the reason listed above, play on the Jazz.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on Florida State (7:00 EST).

FSU led by a point with ten seconds left, before Oklahoma State scored the deciding bucket with time winding off the clock in its latest action. Now the Seminoles look to bounce back and take out their frustrations after their first loss of the year.

"We're in a conference where you can't get caught up in streaks, because nobody in the ACC is going to go undefeated," ‘Noles coach Leonard Hamilton assessed afterwards. "It doesn't happen. Tonight we played against a team that played a little better than us." 

The combination of Terance Mann and Phil Cofer combined for 42 points, 18 boards and five steals in the setback.

Charleston Southern has lost three straight, most recently a 70-65 setback to Eastern Kentucky. Christian Keeling was the only player for the Buccaneers to score more than ten points, finishing with 26. 

FSU has four players that average double-digits this season. 

Additionally I’ll point out that Charleston Southern is 0-2 ATS in its last two non-conference games, while FSU is already a perfect 2-0 ATS this year when playing with one or less days rest.

For all the reasons listed above, play on Florida State.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on the Washington Wizards (6:05 EST).

No need to overthink this one in my opinion. 

After a shaky start to the 2017/18 campaign, Cleveland comes in having won 17 of its last 18 after last night’s 109-100 victory over Utah. 

After Washington the Cavs have a tough one at Milwaukee on Tuesday, followed by a cream puff at home against the Bulls, which precedes their big Christmas Day matchup at Golden State. Off last night’s satisfying victory, I think Cleveland comes out flat-footed here.

Washington has won two straight and it’s going to be looking to keep the momentum rolling tonight. Note that the Wizards also play with revenge in this matchup after falling 130-122 to the Cavs back on November 3rd.

The Wizards look a lot better with star point guard John Wall back in the line-up and I believe his presence continues to pay dividends for Washington this evening. Play on the Wizards.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on San Francisco (6:00 EST).

San Francisco comes in having won three in a row, most recently a 13 point win over UC Davis. 

Here’s the perfect opponent to try and score a big upset on, as Stanford has struggled for the most part this season, coming into this one sporting a 5-6 record (the Dons are 6-3.) Granted the Cardinal have been better at home than on the road, but I still definitely think that these two teams are much more evenly matched than what the oddsmakers are trying to lead us to believe.

In the win over Davis, San Francisco was led by Frankie Ferrari, who had 19 points off the bench. 

In Stanford’s 13 point win over Denver, Daejon Davis and Reid Travis each contributed 20 points.

I’ll point out though that the Dons are 16-6 ATS in their last 22 road games following three or more consecutive home games and 6-1 ATS in their last seven against schools with a losing straight up record, while Stanford is just 1-4 ATS in its last five against teams with a winning SU record and 0-5 ATS in its last five following an ATS victory. 

USF is playing well and think it’ll keep this one competitive until the final moments. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* NFL Week 15 Las Vegas Insider is on the NE Patriots at 4:25 ET.

The 10-3 New England Patriots are in Pittsburgh to take on the 11-2 Steelers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the defending champs.

After a loss to Miami last week, New England sits at 10-3 and one game back in the AFC, while Pittsburgh comes in having won eight straight, most recently coming from behind to knock off the Ravens at home in a thriller.

I think it’s important to point out though that the Pats haven’t lost back-to-back games since Week 12 and 13 of the 2015 campaign.

Clearly New England was collectively caught “looking ahead” to this much more important game last week: “It was a bad night,” Brady assessed. “We’ve had a lot of good nights this year. This was a bad night.”

I simply feel that Pittsburgh runs out of gas here. It’s win streak is extremely impressive and it does have the benefit of playing at home, but last week’s 39-38 Sunday night victory over Baltimore was an emotionally draining one and I believe the team comes in “hung over” still from that monumental win.

Remember, in January of 2017, New England throttled the Steelers 36-17 in the AFC title game. 

In conclusion, I guess we shouldn't have been too surprised by the Dolphins' win last Sunday. Sure, the Pats won 35-14 last season in Miami but the Dolphins had won iin New England' s three previous visits, including 2015 when the loss cost the Pats the AFC's No. 1 seed. What was shocking about last Sunday's result was Brady completing just 24 of 43 for 223 with one TD and two INTs (note: he entered the game with just four INTs on 438 attempts). What's more, the Pats were 0 of 11 on third down tries! 

Really think Brady will play that poorly again? Especially with so much on the line vs. Pittsburgh and Big Ben?

A check of the record book reveals that New England is 10-3 against the Steelers during the Belichick era, including 3-0 in the playoffs. 

What's more, the Pats are 54-18 SU and 48-24 ATS off a loss since 2000!

I’m jumping on the defending champs in this matchup.

Good luck…Larry

My 9* Weekly Wipeout Winner is on the Seattle Seahawks (4:05 EST).

Divisional games are always the most important and they almost always mean more to the home side. 

LA had its two game win streak snapped in a 43-35 defeat to Philadelphia at home last Sunday, while Seattle also had its two game win streak broken in a 30-24 setback at Jacksonville. 

If recent history is any precedence though, then the Hawks have to be liking their chances this afternoon, because when these teams met back on October 7th in LA, it was Seattle that pulled away for the 16-10 victory. 

LA ranks second in the league in scoring with 30.5 PPG, while ranked 12th on the defensive side by conceding 20.4. QB Jared Goff has 3,383 yards, 22 TD’s and six INT’s. RB Todd Gurley has 1,035 rushing yards and ten TD’s. 

Seattle averages 24.2 PPG, while conceding 19.4. QB Russell Wilson has 3,537 yards, 29 TD’s and 11 INT’s. He also has a team high 482 rushing yards, plus three more scores on the ground. WR Doug Baldwin has 860 receiving yards and five TD’s. 

I’ll point out though that LA is just 1-3 ATS in its last four after allowing 40 points or more in its previous contest, while Seattle is 9-2-1 ATS in its last 12 following a straight up loss.

Seattle’s defense isn’t what it used to be, but it’s still very formidable, among the league leaders in almost every category on that side of the ball. The Rams have struggled to move the ball against the league’s better defenses and this will ceratinly be a difficult atmosphere to play in as well.

When you add it all up, all signs point to a crucial victory for the hungry Seahawks. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Oddsmaker’s Error is on the New York Giants (1:00 EST).

Philadelphia comes to The Big Apple off a big 43-35 win over the Rams, while New York enters off a 30-10 loss to the Cowboys. Note that when these teams played earlier in the year, it was the Eagles that hung on for the hard-fought 27-24 victory.

The Eagles are ranked third in the league in total offense with 390.5 YPG, but No. 1 in scoring offense with 31.1 PPG. Defensively Philadelphia has also been sharp, ranked fourth overall by allowing 294.2 YPG.

This is a prime letdown spot for Philadlephia if I’ve ever seen it. Last week’s epic win over the Rams clinched the team the NFC East title. But the victory came at a massive cost, as starting QB Carson Wentz was lost to injury for the rest of the season. Backup Nick Foles has plenty of weapons to work with, but he hasn’t seen any serious action since 2013/14. Jay Ajayi looked decent last week, but the defense looked horrible.

New York averages just 15.3 PPG, while conceding 24.7, ranked 26th. In last weeks loss QB Eli Manning was 31 of 46 for 227 yards, a TD and three INT’s. 

Manning was playing from behind from the get-go and with nothing to lose this weekend either, we can expect the veteran to once again “air it out.” 

Manning is playing for pride this weekend after his recent benching. Certainly he can’t be happy with his performance last weekend. 

The Eagles are an awesome team, but all of the above external factors working against them here will be too much for Foles to overcome in my opinion.

While I’ll stop short in calling for an outright upset, I do definitely feel that the desperate Giants can keep this one a lot closer than what the oddsmakers are leading us to believe. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Situational Stunner is on the Cleveland Browns (1:00 EST).

The 7-6 Baltimore Ravens are at Cleveland to take on the 0-13 Browns and for a number of different reasons, i think this one favors the home side.

The pressure is on Baltimore this weekend after a crushing 39-38 loss at Pittsburgh on Sunday. Cleveland can empathize, as it blew a late two-touchdown lead late in the fourth quarter to Green Bay last week, falling 27-21 in OT. Note that this is a revenge game for the Browns after the Ravens took the first one 24-10 back on September 17th. 

Last week Baltimore gave up 438 passing yards to the Steelers. RB Alex Collins was a bright spot with 120 rushing yards. QB Joe Flacco was 20 of 35 for 269 yards, two TD’s and a pick. The Ravens average just 298.1 YPG (27th), while conceding 329.2.

Browns’ QB DeShone Kizer had 214 yards, three TD’s and two INT’s in last week’s loss to the Packers. RB Isaiah Crowell has been solid this year with 716 yards and four TD’s. WR Josh Gordon has created quite the stir since his return and in two games he so far has 154 yards on seven catches with one TD.

Cleveland averages 311.4 YPG and concedes 328.3. 

It’s interesting to note though that Baltimore is just 2-3 ATS in its last five after allowing 38 points or more in its previous contest, while Cleveland is 2-1 ATS in its last three trying to revenge a loss against an opponent.

While I do indeed feel that the conditions are right for an outright upset, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can. Play on Cleveland.

Good luck…Larry

This is a 10* GAME OF THE MONTH on the Kansas City Chiefs (8:25 EST).

The winner of this contest will take first place in the division. LA enters off a 30-13 home win over Washington, while KC enters off a 26-15 win over Oakland.

If recent history is any precedence, then the Chiefs have to be loving their chances today, because when these teams met earlier in the year, it was KC that pulled away for the comfortable 24-10 victory.

The Chargers come into this one ranked fourth in the league in total offense with 372.7 per game, while ranked 12th in total yards allowed with 325.1 YPG conceded.

Chargers’ QB Philip Rivers was 18 of 31 last week for 319 yards and two TD’s. 

KC averages 371.3 YPG and concedes 373.4 per contest. Last week QB Alex Smith was 20 of 34 for 268 yards. 

I’ll point out though that LA is just 3-7 ATS in its last ten after posting more than 350 total yards in its previous game, while KC is 14-3 ATS in its last 17 after psoting more than 150 rushing yards in its previous outing.

The Chiefs won’t be taking anything for granted here after breaking a four-game slide in their last outing. 

The Chargers have been on a roll, but this is a tough environment at this time of year and I think Rivers and company finally have a letdown.

Play on Kansas City.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* GAME OF THE MONTH is on Dayton (7:00 EST).

The 7-3 Georgia State Panthers get ready to battle the 4-5 Dayton Flyers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the Flyers.

The Panthers looked poised for a letdown in my opinion after winning four of their last five. Conversely, Dayton is going to be risking life and limb here as it comes in having lost three of its last four, most recently falling at Penn last weekend.

Georgia State is led by guard D’Marcus Simonds, who had 33 points in his team’s 90-70 victory over lowly Point University in their latest action. 

In Dayton’s 78-70 home loss to Penn last Saturday, junior forward Xeyrius Williams sat out with a minor injury, but he’s expected back for this one. Williams averages 8.8 points, 5.3 boards and 4.3 assists per game. 

I’ll point out as well that the Panthers are just 2-5 ATS in their last seven on the road against teams with winning home records and just 2-10 ATS in their last 12 road games following three or more consecutive home contests, while the Flyers are 5-0 ATS in their last five following a loss and 9-2 ATS in their last 11 following an ATS setback.

Dayton is the deeper and hungrier team. Beyond Simonds the Panthers are pretty thin and they now face some real competition that’s focused on the task at hand. I believe Georgia State stumbles down the stretch and the under-acheiving Flyers find a way to get the job done at the end of the night. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Marshall (4:30 EST).

The 7-5 Marshall Thundering Herd get ready to battle the 7-8 Colorado State Rams in the New Mexico Bowl on Saturday and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors Marshall.

Marshall QB Chase Litton finished with a 23/12 TD/INT and threw at least one TD strike in all but two games this year. The Herd feature two capable backs in Tyler King and Keion Davis. 

Marshall’s strength is on the defensive side, especially against the run.

The Rams weakness is on the defensive side, especially against pass heavy offenses. QB Nick Stevens had a 27/10 TD/INT. Colorado State also features a strong run game led by Dalyn Dawkins, who had 1,349 rushing yards on the year. 

I’ll point out though that the Herd are 5-1 ATS in their last six folliowing an ATS loss and 5-0 ATS in their last five neutral site affairs, while the Rams are 0-5-1 ATS in their last six neutral site contests. 

Marshall has the better overall defense, allowing an average of just 125 rushing yards per game. Colorado State allows an average of 243 passing yards per game. 

I like Litton to light up this suspect Rams secondary and for Marshall to keep this one a lot closer than what the oddsmakers are leading us to believe. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

The second 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Oregon (3:30 EST).

Boise State enters off a 17-14 win in the Mountain West title game back on December 2nd, while Oregon won its final two of the regular season (which included an impressive 69-10 win over Oregon State in “The Civil War.”)

The Broncos finished 39th in scoring this year with an average of 32.1 PPG. Boise State was decent defensively as well, allowing 22.5 PPG. QB Montell Cozart had 747 yards, ten TD’s and one INT. He’d go on to finish third on the team in rushing with 361 yards and four scores. QB Brett Rypien had 2,515 yards, 14 TD’s and four INT’s. 

Oregon averaged 36.7 PPG and allowed 28.3. QB Justin Herbert had 1,750 yards, 13 TD’s and three INT’s. RB Royce Freeman has 1,475 rushing yards and 16 major scores on the ground. 

I’ll point out as well that Oregon is already 1-0 ATS this year when playing with two or more weeks of rest and also 6-3 ATS in its last nine games played on “turf,” while Boise State is just 13-19 ATS in its last 32 non-conference games and just 3-10 ATS in its last 13 against teams with winning records.

I think the Ducks carry over the momentum that they found in the final two regular season games and I have a hard time seeing the Broncos keeping pace down the stretch. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

The first 8* pick in my Superstar Triple Play is on North Texas (1:00 EST).

North Texas comes off a 41-17 loss to Florida Atlantic in the A-10 Championship Game, while Troy tied Appalachian State for the Sun Belt title. 

The Mean Green had little chance against high-powered FAU, which would wind up going undefeated in conference action. QB Mason Fine threw two INT’s in the loss. In three games previous though Fine had posted a 9/2 TD/INT. 

Troy has the better overall record than App State at 10-2, but both teams went 7-1 in conference action. The Trojans beat Arkansas State 32-25, but gave up over more than 300 yards then they themselves registered. 

I’ll point out that UNT is 7-1 ATS in its last eight non-conference games, while Troy is 2-5 ATS in its last seven following an ATS victory and just 1-5 ATS in its last six non-conference games. 

Florida Atlantic was a team of destiny this season. UNT though excelled down the stretch of the regular season and I like the Mean Green bounce back and to keep this one competitive down the stretch.

Grab the points, play on North Texas.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on UC Davis (11:00 EST).

7-2 UC Davis gets ready to battle 5-3 San Francisco and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the Aggies. 

Note that this game is a part of the Las Vegas Classic.

UC Davis has already beaten Washington State this season and its two losses have been by single digits. Most recently the Aggies throttled NAIA school William Jessup 86-52. Rogers Printup nailed six 3-pointers and finished with 20 points. 

The Dons have won two straight, including an 81-71 victory over Eastern Washington Decmeber 7th. Mattt McCarthy led the way in that one with 17 points. 

Overall San Francisco has struggled from the floor though this year, shooting 39.1 percent collectively, including 30.6 percent from range. 

Additionally I’ll point out that UC Davis is 4-0 ATS in its last four as a road dog, while San Francisco is 0-8 ATS in its last eight against teams with a winning straight-up record. 

I think these teams are very evenly matched and I believe the winner will be the side that has its hands on the ball last. As such, I’m going to recommend grabbing the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Denver Broncos (8:25 EST).

The 4-9 Denver Broncos are in Indianapolis to take on the 3-10 Colts and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. 

The Broncos got off the schneid last week, ending an eight-game losing streak with a 23-0 win over the Jets on Sunday.

The Colts come in with zero momentum, having lost four straight, most recently a 13-7 loss in snowy Buffalo this past weekend.

When these teams played last year it was Denver that scored the 34-20 win and suffice it to say, I expect a similar result in this one once it’s all said and done. 

Last week Denver shutout the Jets and knocked out New York’s starting QB Josh McCown. Broncos’ QB Trevor Siemian had 200 yards, a TD and no picks. Overall the Broncos ranks 22nd in total offense with 312.1 YPG, while ranked first in total defense, allowing 280.5 YPG. 

Last week Colts’ RB Frank Gore had 130 yards on 36 carries. QB Jacoby Brissett so far has 11 TD’s and seven picks on the year. Indianpolis though ranks 30th in total offense this season, averaging just 290.7 YPG, while ranked 29th on the defensive side by conceding 375.3 per contest.

Additionally I’ll point out that Devner is 3-1 ATS in its last four “Thursday” night games (playing on the short week), while Indianapolis is just 1-2 ATS in its last three in the same position.

I think the Broncos’ tough defensive unit proves to be the difference maker today. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

This is 10* Las Vegas Insider on the Minnesota Timberwolves (8:05 EST).

I base my selections on many different things. For this particular pick I’m basing it on common sense. 

Minnesota had won two in a row before an OT loss to Philadelphia. But with three straight home games against suspect competition (with the Suns and Blazers up next), there’s no question that this sets up as an important early game for the playoff hopeful Wolves, who will look to take advantage of this favorable matchup.

Sacramento comes in off a highly satisfying 99-92 win over Phoenix and I think it gets caught “looking ahead” to the remainder of its incredibly tough road trip, with upcoming stops at Toronto, Philadelphia and Brooklyn, before a game at home against the Spurs.

I’ll point out as well that the Kings are interestingly just 1-5 ATS in their last six after a victory in which they’ve scored 100 points or less, while Minnesota is 3-1 ATS in its last four after two or more consecutive SU losses. 

For all the reasons listed above, play on the Wolves.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* LEGEND is on Oregon (10:00 EST).

Portland State is 7-2. Deontae North leads the nightly charge with 19.2 points per game, while Bryce Canda chips in 16.4 points and 6.9 boards per game. 

Oregon is 7-3. Despite the loss of several key players from last season’s team which made a Final Four appearance, expectations are still very high for this year’s Ducks squad as well. Payton Richard leads the way with 15.8 points and 4.4 assists per night, while Elijah Brown adds 12.3 per game.

Portland State is 8-0 ATS this year. Suffice it to say, I think that streak comes to an end tonight. 

I’ll point out though that the Pilots are still just 1-2 ATS in their last three after scoring 85 points or more in their previous contest (they’ve won four straight, most recently an 87-84 win over South Carolina), while the Ducks are already 4-1 ATS this season as a home fav of 12.5 points or more. 

Oregon knows how good Portland State is and won’t be “looking past.” I expect the deeper overall team to take advantage of familar surroundings and to pull away down the stretch for the comfortable SU/ATS win/cover.

Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Oddsmakers Error is on the Philadelphia 76ers (8:05 EST).

Philadelphia could be without big man Joel Embiid in this one, but whether he plays or not, I think the desperate 76ers will at the very least, keep this one competitive until the final moments.

And that’s because the visitors come to town having lost four straight, most recently a hard-fought 131-124 road loss to New Orleans on Sunday. 

The Wolves enter off a 97-92 home win over the Mavericks. 

These teams split a pair of games last year, with each winning on the others home floor.

Philadelphia comes in averaging 108.2 PPG, while conceding 108.8. Ben Simmons averages 18 points, 9.1 boards, 7.7 assists and 2.08 steals per contest. 

Minnesota holds a 1.5 game lead in the Northwest Division. The Wolves average 107.1 PPG and concede 106.3. Andrew Wiggins averages 18.2 points, plus four boards per game.

I’ll point out though that Philadelphia is 9-5 ATS in non-conference games this year and 3-2 ATS after allowing 115 points or more, while Minnesota is just 1-7 ATS in non-conference contests this season and just 4-8 ATS in front of the home town crowd. 

The Wolves have hit a very “vanilla” part of their schedule, with upcoming games against bottom feeders Sacramento and Phoenix at home next. It’s not too hard to imagine Minnesota get caught looking past their lowly Eastern conference opponent tonight.

As mentioned off the top, whether Embiid plays or not, I think the intensity in which the 76ers play with tonight turns out to the be the difference. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on Murray State (8:00 EST).

Murray State is 6-1, while Saint Louis is 4-5. 

The Racers are at home against lowly Marist on Saturday, while the Billikens can’t help themselves in looking ahead to their big Pac 12 matchup against Oregon State next weekend.

Murray State comes in on top form, winner of five straight. Terrell Miller had 25 points in the win over Illinois State last Saturday. 

The Billikens have struggled with offensive consistency at times and have been poor in this spot for bettors for a while now, going just 4-15 ATS in their last 19 against good offensive teams which average 77-plus points per contest and just 7-18 ATS in their last 25 non-conference games.

Conversely, this is a spot in which Murray State has excelled, going 3-1 ATS this year in non-conference contests and 2-0 ATS when playing the role of favorite.

For all the reasons listed above, play on Murry State.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Oddsmaker’s Error is on the LA Clipeprs (10:35 EST).

The 17-7 Toronto Raptors are in LA to take on the 9-15 Clippers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

The Clippers broke a four-game slide with a gutty 113-112 home win over Washington last time out and I expect them to carry that momentum over here. And with an extended Eastern Conference road swing starting on Wednesday, tonight’s game takes on added importance for LA.

The Raptors have won six straight and come in off a highly satisfying 102-87 victory over the Kings just last night. With a game at Phoenix on Wednesday, there’s no doubt that tonight’s contest sets up as a classic “letdown/lookahead” for the visitors in my opinion. 

LA is without leader Blake Griffin, but it still has five players that are averaging in double figures. Offense isn’t an issue for the Clippers, it’s their defense.

Which normally would spell disaster facing the extremely deep and talented Raptors, but fortunately for LA it catches them on the tail-end of the back-to-back scenario.

A great situational play in my opinion and a mistake made by the oddsmakers. Grab as many points as you can, play on the Clippers.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on Texas Southern (10:00 EST).

The 0-8 Texas Southern Tigers are in Oregon to take on the 6-3 Ducks and while I’m not calling for an outright upset, I do definitely expect the visitors to keep this one a lot more interesting than what the oddsmakers are leading us to believe.

Texas Southern comes in off a tough 71-69 loss to Toledo, led by Donte Clark with 27 points. Demontrae Jefferson chipped in 25 points and three assists. So far the Tigers average 73.5 PPG.

The Ducks average 86.2 PPG. Oregon gets caught looking past its lowly opponent today though in my opinion after its 95-65 rout of Colorado State in its latest action. Elijah Brown had 20 points, while Kenny Wooten added 13 points in that one. 

I’ll point out though that Texas Southern is 9-3 ATS in its last 12 following a SU loss, while Oregon is just 1-4 ATS in its last five after holding its previous opponent to 65 points or less. 

I like the desperate visiting side to comfortably sneak in through the back door with the large spread that it’s been afforded. Play on Texas Southern.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the New England Patriots (8:30 EST).

The 10-2 New England Patriots are in Miami to take on the 5-7 Dolphins and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors.

This is a big game for the Pats, who with a victory today would wrap up their ninth straight AFC East title. TE Rob Gronkowski is out, but I don’t think that’s going to slow down Tom Brady and company one bit. 

The Fish come in off a 35-9 home win over the lowly Broncos last week, but I think they suffer a predictable letdown here.

And if recent history is any precedence, then New England has to be liking its chances today, because when these teams met on November 26th, it was the Patriots that came away with the relatively simple 35-17 victory.

So far the Pats average 413.2 YPG, while allowing 375.7.

Last week Miami’ QB Jay Cutler had 235 yards, two TD’s and two INT’s. The Dolphins average just 292.6 YPG and concede 339.9. 

I’ll point out that New England is 17-5 ATS in its last 22 following an ATS victory, while Miami is 0-8 ATS in its last eight Monday night contests and just 1-5 ATS in its last six as the underdog in this series. 

I like New England and Brady to control this one on both sides of the ball and to pull away down the stretch for the comfortable ATS victory. Lay the points, play on the Patriots.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on the Seattle Seahawks (4:25 EST).

The 8-4 Seattle Seahawks are in Jacksonville to take on the 8-4 Jaguars and for a number of different reasons, I believe this one favors the visitors.

Seattle is still within striking distance of the division lead after beating Philadelphia 24-10 on Sunday. QB Russell Wilson had 227 yards and three TD’s. Note that Wilson is tied for second in the NFL with 26 TD’s and he also has 432 rushing yards on the year. 

The Seahawks will be confident as they come in having won four straight road games after opening season setbacks at Green Bay and Tennessee.

The Jags are tied with the Titans for the divison lead and they smashed the Colts 30-10 this past Sunday. QB Blake Bortles went for 309 yards and two TD’s. The Jacksonville defense posted four sacks and it now leads the league with 45 total. 

I’ll point out though that Seattle is 3-0-1 ATS in its last four on the road, while Jacksonville is a poor 1-5 ATS in its last six following an ATS victory. 

As good as Bortles has looked of late, I’m still giving the nod to Wilson in this matchup. And that’s the difference maker for me. While I wouldn’t be completely shocked by an outright upset, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can. Play on Seattle.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Weekend Wipeout Winner is on the LA Rams (4:25 EST).

LA has won six of its last seven, most recenlty coming off victories over the Saints and Cardinals. Philadelphia is 10-2, but it comes in off a tough setback in Seattle and suffice it to say, I think it’s primed for another letdown in Week 14. 

Philadelphia allows 17.9 PPG. But clearly the Eagles hit a wall last week and note that this is in fact a position in which they’ve struggled in mightily for bettors, going just 1-3 ATS in its last four following a SU loss.

RB Todd Gurley had 74 yards on 19 attempts for the Rams last week. QB Jared Goff had two TD strikes in the 32-16 win. 

Additionally I’ll point out that Philadelphia is just 1-4 ATS in its last five road games against teams with a winning home record, while LA is 8-3-1 ATS in its last 12 home games agianst teams with winning road records. 

I think the Eagles are running out of gas, while the Rams are just starting to hit their stride. 

Play on LA.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* NFL Week 14 Las Vegas Insider is on the Car Panthers at 1;00 ET.

Carolina has questions marks with some of its key pieces on offense, but QB Cam Netwon will be under center. TE Greg Olson, RB Jonathan Stewart and WR Devin Funchess are all listed as day-to-day, but I still think that the home side will find a way to get the job done at the end of the afternoon.

The Vikes control the NFC North and come to town off eight straight victories. The Panthers look to get back on track as they saw their four-game win streak end in a loss to New Orleans last weekend.

Minnesota didn’t look overly impressive offensively in last week’s 14-9 win over Atlanta, but Case Keenum had 227 yards and two TD’s. 

In last week’s loss to the Saints, Newton had 183 yards, two TD’s and INT’s. 

Carolina though is 4-1 ATS in its last five after allowing 30 points or more in its previous contest, while Minnesota is just 1-2 ATS in its last three after holding its previous opponent to ten points or less.

In conclusion, Atlanta's 20-17 win Thursday night over New Orleans was great news for the Panthers. 

Carolina can now move back into a first-place tie with the 9-4 Saints in the NFC South with a win. The Falcons and Saints play again in Week 16, so the Panthers have a great chance to "make a move." 

This contest with the Vikings is the first of three straight home games, with the Packers (no Rodgers?) and the Bucs (just 4-8, currently), up next. The Vikings have done everything right and the team's D has been superb but remember, this is Minnesota's THIRD straight road game. The Vikings are a very good team but they are NOT a great team!

Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 9* Oddsmaker’s Error is on the Cleveland Browns (1:00 EST).

The 6-6 Green Bay Packers are in Cleveland to take on the 0-12 Browns and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. 

After losing five of six, the Packers came up with a win over Tampa Bay last weekend. 

Green Bay’s offensive line has given up 42 sacks this year, which doesn’t bode well for Packers’ backup QB Brett Hundley in my opinion. So far Hundley has five TD’s on 206 attempts to go along with eight iNT’s. 

Cleveland only averages 14.7 PPG, but it does possess a Top 10 defense in terms of yardage given up. WR Josh Gordon returned in last week’s loss and looked impressive. Duke Johnson Jr. is a decent RB. QB DeShone Kizer isn’t great, but he’s hungry. 

Green Bay’s win last week was encouraging, but the team faces an uphill battle with Aaron Rodgers still not at 100%. 

I do firmly believe this is Cleveland’s greatest chance this season to get off the schneid. While I obvoiusly wouldn’t be shocked by an outright upset, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can. 

Play on Cleveland

Good luck…Larry

My 10* NON-CONF GAME OF THE YEAR is on Alabama (10:00 EST).

Alabama comes to town off a 68-64 home win over Rhode Island, while Arizona held on for a 67-64 win over Texas A&M in its latest action.

The Crimson Tide average 79 PPG and concede just 69.8. Donta Hall had 13 points, while Daniels Giddens and John Petty each chipped in 12 in the Tides most recent victory. 

The Wildcats average 83.6 PPG and concdes 73.0. The Aggies were ranked No. 7 in the nation at the time, so Arizona clearly has to be feeling pretty good about itself after its latest victory. Four different players scored exactly 13 points apiece. 

I’ll point out though that Alabama is 4-1 ATS in its last five as a road dog in the 6.5 to nine points range, while Arizona is 0-3 ATS in its last three as a home fav in the same points range.

The Tide haven’t played particularly well of late, while the Wildcats come in off their biggest win of the year. Desperation breeds motivation and winning leads to complacency though.

While I’m not calling for the outright upset, I do definitely feel that the Crimson Tide will give the Wildcats everything they can handle tonight. Grab the points, play on Alabama.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the Atlanta Hawks (7:35 EST).

Orlando took the first game of this home and home series 110-106 in OT on Wednesday. Suffice it to say, I think it’s “payback” time!

Atlanta averages 102.8 PPG and concedes 108.6. Dennis Schroeder leads the way with 20.5 points, plus 6.5 assists per game, while Marco Belinelli chips in 12 points and 2.5 boards. Note that the Hawks are tied for fourth in the league in three point shooting percentage (37.9.)

The Hawks haven’t played since the loss to the Magic, but Orlando was in action just last night, falling 103-89 at home to the Nuggets.

It’s interesting to note that Orlando is just 4-7 ATS this year against poor defensive teams which allow 106-plus points per contest, while ATL is 5-3 ATS this season against good offensive teams which score 106-plus points per game.

I think Orlando comes in with “heavy legs” and I look for the revenge minded Hawks to take full advantage. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Weekend Wipeout Winner is on Pacific (6:00 EST).

Pacific enters off a 71-67 road loss to UC-Davis. Anthony Townes was a bright spot with 16 points and ten boards. Roberto Gallinat was also a stand out, going 7 of 13 from the floor for a team-high 19 points. 

Wyoming returns home off back-to-back road losses itself, most recently falling 80-64 at South Carolina, hitting just 33.9 percent from the floor, including only six of 25 from range. Justin James led the way with 20 points and 12 boards. 

I think Pacific has a group which can keep this one competitive. The Tigers matchup well against the Cowboys and note that they’re 5-2-2 ATS in their last nine road games and 5-1-1 ATS in their last seven road games against teams with a winning home record.

Wyoming on the other hand is just 1-3 ATS in its last four after faling to register 65 or more points in its previous outing.

I’m not calling for the outright upset, but all signs point to a “nail biter.” Grab the points, play on Pacific.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* GAME OF THE WEEK is on Navy (3:00 EST).

The 8-3 Army Black Knights get ready to battle the 6-5 Navy Midshipmen in the annual Army/Navy game and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the Midshipmen. 

Army comes in off a disturbing 52-49 loss to North Texas, while Navy fell 24-14 to Houston in its latest action. 

Note that this is a revenge game for Navy. Last year Army would break a 14-game losing streak in the series, prevailing 27-17.

The 52 points and 489 total yards given up last week were both season highs for Army. Overall the Black Knights were strong defensively this year, but I think there’s cause for concern if you’re an Army fan. 

Army leads the country with an average of 368 rushing yards per game.

Navy QB Zach Abey was just 2 of 4 for 45 yards last week. But like the Knights, the Midshipmen are a run first offnese, as Abey has 1,322 rushing yards, along with 14 major scores on the ground this season. RB Malcom Perry was a bright spot in Navy’s most recent loss, rushing for 82 yards on 15 carries. 

Army has beaten up on “lesser” competition all year and the Black Knights defense was exposed in the loss to North Texas. 

Adittionally note that Army is just 3-4 ATS in its last seven against teams with winning records and only 5-6 ATS this season on games played on “turf,” while Navy is 3-1 ATS this year against teams with winning records and 5-3 ATS in games played on turf.

I think the “hungrier” team finds a way to get the job done at the end of the day. Lay the points, play on Navy.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Oddsmaker’s Error is on Indiana (2:00 EST).

The 5-4 Indiana Hoosiers get ready to battle the 5-2 Louisville Cardinals on Saturday afternoon and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the Hoosiers.

Louisville comes in off a win over Siena, while Indiana ended a two-game slide with a win over Iowa on Monday. 

The Hoosiers forced 18 turnovers and four players averaged double-figures in the 77-64 win over Iowa. Keep your eyes on Juwan Morgan, who leads the team with an average of 13.8 points and 6.3 rebounds per game.

Cardinals forward Deng Adel had 18 points in his teams 86-70 win over Siena on Wednesday. 

I’ll point out though that Indiana is 3-1 ATS in its last four after allowing 65 points or less in its previous contest, while Louisville is just 1-4 ATS in its last five after scoring 85 points or more in its previous contest. 

The Cardinals have won 59 of their last 61 non conference games at home and while I’m not calling for that streak to end, I do believe that the Hoosiers have the legs to keep this one a lot closer than what the oddsmakers are leading us to believe. 

Grab the points, play on Indiana.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* PERFECT STORM is on Duke (12:00 EST).

The 11-0 Duke Blue Devils get ready to battle the 6-3 Boston College Eagles and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the Blue Devils.

Boston College enters off an uninspiring 73-61 win over Hartford on December 2nd, while Duke annihilated St. Francis 124-67 in its latest action. 

Duke’s had some blowout wins, but it’s also been in some battles, beating Texas 85-78 in OT, Michigan State 88-81 and Indiana 91-81 on the road. So far the Blue Devils average 94.2 PPG and concede just 73.9. Marvin Bagley III finished with 21 points and 11 boards in the win over St. Francis.

Boston College averages 75.4 PPG and concedes 67. The Eagles won their last game without forward Deontae Hawkins in the lineup, recently injuring himself for the remainder of the season. 

However, I think that’s bad news facing the Nation’s No. 1 team. Additionally I’ll point out that Duke is 7-0-1 ATS in its last eight on the road, while BC is just 1-4 ATS in its last five home games.

For all the reasons listed above, play on Duke.

Good luck…Larry

My 9* SITUATIONAL STUNNER is on Youngstown State (12:00 EST).

The 2-7 Youngstown State Penguins are at Butler to take on the 7-2 Bulldogs and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors.

Youngstown State enters desperate and off an 89-73 loss at DePaul, marking its fifth straight setback. Butler comes in on the other end of the spectrucm, content after a fourth straight win in an 81-69 victory at home over Utah. 

The Penguins average 79.8 PPG and concede 82.9. In their loss to DePaul on Saturday Braun Hartfield scored 23 points and added five assists. 

Butler averages 72.9 PPG and allows 65.9. Kelan Martin had 29 points and 11 boards in the Bulldogs win over Utah. 

I’ll point out though that Youngstown State is 10-3 ATS in its last 13 after three or more consecutive losses and 4-2 ATS in its last six when playing with five or six days rest, while Butler is just 1-2 ATS this year after scoring 80 points or more and just 1-2 ATS in its last three against poor defensive teams which allow 77 plus points per contest.

I think the Bulldogs have a bit of a mental lapse here facing the lowly Penguins. I’m not calling for an outright upset or anything, but I do definitely feel that the conditions are right for a much closer affair than what the oddsmakers are trying to lead us to believe. 

Grab the points, play on Youngstown State.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Oddsmaker’s Error is on Cal Riverside (10:00 EST).

The 5-4 Air Force Falcons get ready to battle the 2-6 UC Riverside Highlanders and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors Cal Riverside.

The Falcons most recently fell 62-58 to Abilene Christian on Wednesday, while the Highlanders fell 70-59 to Pepperdine. 

Air Force averages just 68.6 PPG, while conceding 67.7. In the loss to Albilene Christian, the Falcons shot just 3 of 16 from range. Leading scorer Ryan Manning had just six points in the setback. 

Cal Riverside averages 63.4 PPG and concedes 71.9. In the loss to Pepperdine, Chance Murray led the charge with 15 points and five boards. 

I’ll point out though that Air Force has struggled in this spot for bettors for a while now, going just 4-7 ATS in its last 11 after scoring 60 points or less and only 5-8 ATS in its last 13 when playing against a team with a losing record. 

Conversely, Cal Riverside has done well in this position, going 3-1 ATS in its last four after failing to score 60 points in its previous outing. 

I think the Highlanders are the “hungrier” team in this matchup and that’s going to be the difference maker for me. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* GAME OF THE WEEK is on the Atlanta Falcons (8:25 EST).

The 9-3 New Orleans Saints are in Atlanta to take on the 7-5 Falcons on Thursday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

A loss to division rival New Orleans this week would likely be too much for Atlanta to climb out of. The Falcons come in off a 14-9 loss to Minnesota. 

The Saints come in off a satisfying win over division rival Carolina at home and I think they have a letdown here against the now desperate Falcons.

New Orleans ranks second in total offense with an average of 408.6 YPG, while ranked 12th in total defense by allowing 330.1 YPG. 

Atlanta ranks eighth in YPG with 365.2, while ranked eighth on the defensive side by conceding 321. 

New Orleans has been fantastic in almost every single ATS statistical category there is this year, but note that it’s just 1-2 ATS in all games when the line is set between +3 and -3 (and just 2-6 ATS in its last eight in the same position), while Atlanta is a perfect 2-0 ATS in its last two as a home dog of three points or less and 11-5 ATS in its last 16 as an underdog overall.

Division contests always mean the most and they almost always mean more to the home side. This has essentially become a “do or die” for Matt Ryan and company and I believe they answer the call at home on the short week. Play on the Falcons.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on NC Greensboro (7:00 EST).

The 6-3 Elon Phoenix get ready to battle 5-3 UNC Greensboro on Thursday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the Spartans.

I think Elon has a letdown here after winning three straight. Most recently the Phoenix won 71-65 in OT to Saint Peter’s. Tyler Selbring had 31 poitns and seven boards in the one, while Brian Dawkins added 21 points and eight boards. 

UNC Greensboro broke a two-game slide with a 76-75 victory over Liberty on Saturday. The Spartans held the Flames to just 32.8 percent shooting and were able to overcome shooting just 30.4 percent themsevles by getting 21 more attempts off. Francis Alonso led the way with 36 points, four rebounds and three assists. 

I’ll point out though that Elon is already just 1-5 ATS in non-conference games this year, while UNC Greensboro is 3-0 ATS in non-conference contests. 

I think that the Phoenix have a letdown and I look for the Spartans to build off their latest victory. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on UC Davis (10:30 EST).

Pacific enters off a 105-68 home win over lowly Arkansas-Fort Smith, while UC Davis comes in off an 81-67 road win over Washington State. 

So far Pacific averages 77.0 PPG, while conceding 71.8. Six players scored in double figures in the teams most recent victory, led by Lafayette Dorsey with 17 points. 

UC Davis averages 68.3 PPG and concedes just 62.7 (ranked 35th overall.) In their latest victory, the Aggies got 20 points from TJ Shorts.

I’ll point out that Pacific is just 6-20 ATS in its last 26 following a SU victory, while UC Davis is 15-5-2 ATS in its last 22 in front of the home town crowd.

UC Davis comes in off the momentum and confidence building win over the Pac 12 team and I think it carries over here. The Aggies’ defense turns out to be too much for the Tigers to contend with down the stretch. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

The second 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Saint Louis (8:00 EST).

The 4-2 Southern Illinois Salukis get ready to battle the 3-4 Saint Louis Billikens and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors Saint Louis.

The Billikens will be desperate here as they’ve lost four in a row as they get ready to battle the Salukis, who come to town having won two straight, most recently over San Jose State. 

Southern Illinois center Kavion Pippen and 22 points in the win over San Jose State, also blocking five shots and making four steals over his last two games combined. 

Saint Louis won three in a row to open the year, including a 77-71 win over Virginia Tech, but it’s since gone 0-4. Keep your eyes on guard Javon Bess, who is averaging 15.3 points and who had a career-high 22 points in a listless 75-45 setback to Butler this past weekend. 

Additionally I’ll point out that Southern Illinois is already 0-2 ATS this year as an underdog, while Saint Louis is 3-2 ATS in its last five after three or more consecutive losses. 

I think the Salukis remain competitive with Pippen, but I expect the Billikens to risk life and limb today to get back into the win column after the extended stretch of futility. Play on Saint Louis.

Good luck…Larry

The first 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Detroit (7:00 EST).

The 4-3 Toledo Rockets get ready to battle the 4-4 Titans on Wednesday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors Deroit.

Toledo enters off a 71-69 home win over Texas Southern, while Detroit lost 106-73 to UCLA in its latest action. When these teams met last year, it was the Rockets that scored the 73-65 win, so the “revenge factor” does come into play here.

So far the Rockets average 75.3 PPG and concede 77.1. Nate Navigato had 16 points in his team’s latest victory. 

Detroit averages 91.1 PPG and concedes 92.5. Kameron Chatman had 18 points in the loss to the Bruins. 

I’ll point out though that Toledo is just 1-3 ATS in its last four after allowing 70 points or less in its previous contest, while Detroit is 3-0-1 ATS in its last four following a SU loss of more than 20 points.

Five players average double-digits for the Titans, which doesn’t bode well for this weak Toledo defense. While I wouldn’t be shocked by an outright upset, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can. Play on Detroit.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on Utah (9:00 EST).

The 6-1 Utah Utes get ready to battle the 6-2 Butler Bulldogs and while I of course wouldn’t be completely shocked by an outright upset, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can as I look for this one to come right down to the wire.

Both teams comes in hot. Utah has won two straight, most recently over Hawaii, while Butler has won three straight, most recently over Saint Louis.

Donnie Tillman had 18 points for the Utes in the 80-60 win over the Rainbow Warriors (sixth consecutive game he’s finished in double figures.) 

Butler has won 39 non-conference home games, which includes its latest 75-45 win over Saint Louis. Kelan Martin led the way with 20 poitns and 12 boards. 

From a trend based stand point, this one favors Utah though, as note that the Utes are 3-1 ATS this year against teams with winning records and 2-0 ATS after allowing 60 points or less in their previous outing, while Butler is just 2-3 ATS this season against schools with winning records and only 6-8 ATS in its last 14 after allowing 60 points or less.

I think the Utes’ depth gives them much more than just a “punchers chance” in this matchup. Grab the points, play on Utah.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Cincinnati Bengals (8:30 EST).

The Bengals season is for all intents and purposes on the line tonight and as such, we’re clearly not going to have to question the home sides overall effort this evening.

This is also a revenge game for Cincinnati after it dropped the first matchup with the Steelers 29-14 back on October 22nd. 

If the Bengals can pull off the upset, they’ll move back to .500 (6-6), with a very winnable game at home against the Browns on deck. This is a make or break part of the entire 2017/18 campaign for Cincinnati.

Pittsburgh on the other hand has won six straight, but had to hold on for dear life in last week’s 31-28 home win over the Aaron Rodger-less Packers. 

The Steelers’ defense is starting to show signs of fatigue and I think the unit has another letdown here against this revenge minded and improving Bengals offense. 

Additioanlly I’ll point out that Pittsburgh is just 7-10 ATS in its last 17 after two or more consecutive SU victories, while Cincinnati is 3-2 ATS as an underdog this season and 10-7 ATS in its last 17 against the division.

For all the reasons listed above, play on the Bengals.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on UTSA (8:00 EST).

The 5-4 UTSA Roadrunners are in Oklahoma to take on the 5-1 Sooners and while I’m not calling for an outright upset, I do think that the visitors can keep this one a lot closer than what the oddsmakers are trying to lead us to believe.

The Roadrunners come in having lost back-to-back road games, most recently falling 88-80 to Utah Valley State on Saturday. Keaton Wallace had 21 points and five assists, while Deon Lyle chipped in 13. 

Oklahoma has won three straight, most recently getting the better of North Texas 82-72 on Thursday. Trae Young lead the way in that one with 32 points and ten assists. 

The Sooners have been rolling, but note that they’re still only 11-26 ATS in their last 37 when playing the role of favorite and just 1-4 ATS in their last five in front of the home town crowd. 

The Roadrunners have been struggling, but they’re hungry and note that they’re 10-4 ATS in their last 14 as an underdog and 7-1 ATS in their last eight against opponents with a win percentage of .600 or greater. 

With upcoming games against USC and Wichita State, it’s not too hard to imagine the home side getting caught “looking past” its lowly opponent today. As I stated off the top, I’m not expecting an outright upset, but I do expect a competitive affair. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* NFL Week 3 Las Vegas Insider is on the Sea Seahawks at 8:30 ET.

Yes, the Eagles have won nine straight, own the NFL's best record at 10-1 and also its best point-differential at plus-160. However, are you aware that the Eagles have played just two teams which currently own a winning record? They lost to the Chiefs 27-20 back in Week 2 and note that KC is just 6-5, after having lost five of its last six. Then there is Philly's 28-23 win at Carolina in Week 6 and for sure, the Panthers are proving to be one the NFC's best teams at 8-3.

However, since that win at Carolina, the Eagles' last five wins have come over Washington, San Francisco, Denver, Dallas and Chicago. Only Washington and Dallas are competitive (both are 5-6) but note that Philly met Dallas without "Zeke" (0-3 without Elliott), LT Smith and LB Lee. As for the trio of the 49ers, Broncos (losers of seven straight) and the Bears, they own a combined record of 7-26 (.212).

It's true that Seattle's defense is not what it used to be and that the running game is highly suspect but Russell Wilson is carrying this offense. Let's mention that he is a remarkable 37-7 SU (.841) at home as a starting QB in the regular season and the Seahawks haven't been a home dog this big since Wilson took over the job under center in his rookie season of 2012. "Just for grins," I went back to Week 1 of the 2017 season and checked the power ratings of Seattle and Philadelphia. If these teams would have met in Week 1 at Seattle, the Seahawks would have been favored by eight points. That means we've had a two-TD swing (give or take)! You make the call!! No, let me.

Play on the Seahawks.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Weekend Wipeout Winner is on the Minnesota Timberwolves (7:00 EST).

The Clippers lost the services of Blake Griffin to a knee injury for a few weeks and last night they came out and laid and egg in a 108-82 setback in Dallas.

The Wolves have been alrternating wins and losses of late and most recently fell 111-107 to a desperate OKC team on the road on Friday. 

LA averages 105.9 PPG, while conceding 107.2. Griffin had been leading the nightly charge with 23.6 points, plus 7.9 boards per game, but DeAndre Jordan is the main man now with Griffin sidelined. Jordan averages 10.8 points, plus 13,8 boards per game. 

Minnesota averages 107.7 PPG and concedes 107.4. Karl Anthony Towns averages 20.5 points and 11.6 boards per game, while Andrew Wiggins adds 19.2 points and 4.1 boards. 

I’ll point out that LA is 0-5 ATS in its last five in the second game of the back to back, while Minnesota is a solid 5-0-1 ATS in its last six against the Western Conference. 

The Clippers are “gassed” and under-manned. The Wolves are rested and hungry. This will be a slaughter from start to finish. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 9* ODDSMAKER’S ERROR is on the Cleveland Browns (4:05 EST).

The 0-11 Cleveland Browns are in LA to take on the 5-6 Chargers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. 

Cleveland comes to town off a 30-16 loss to Cincinnati last week, while the Chargers got by the Cowboys 26-6 on the road on Thanksgiving. 

The Browns only win came against the Chargers last season (20-17.) 

Last week Cleveland QB DeShone Kizer was 18 of 31 for 268 yards with no TD’s or INT’s. Kizer has for the most part struggled this year, but I’m expecting him to produce against the inconsistent Chargers’ secondary. RB Isaiah Crowell was a bright spot last week with 95 rushing yards on 16 carries. 

The Chargers looked great on the defensive side of the ball last week, holding the Cowboys to 247 total yards, including just 79 on the ground. That was of course without RB Ezekiel Elliot in the line-up. 

Dallas is a mess without Elliot, so I’m not reading too much into last weeks defensive performance by the Bolts. 

Chargers’ QB Philip Rivers was 27 of 33 for 434 yards and three TD’s in last week’s win. He’s been fantastic overall with a 20/7 TD/INT, but regression at some point does seem imminent in my opinion. 

Is the fact that Cleveland is 3-1 ATS its last four against the AFC West relevant in this situation? It doesn’t hurt (it’s also very interesting to note that LA is jsut 1-4 ATS in its last five against the AFC North.) 

Additionally I’ll point out that the Chargers are just 1-2 ATS in their last three after two or more consecutive wins. 

With Washington coming to town next weekend, I also believe that the home side gets caught “looking ahead.”

While I’m not calling for the outright upset, I do like Kizer and the hungry Browns to keep this one a lot closer than what the oddsmakers are leading us to believe.

Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* PERFECT STORM is on the Atlanta Falcons (1:00 EST).

Minnesota has won seven in a row and I think it finally comes up short this weekend. The Vikes were most recently in action on Thanksgiving, taking care of business against Detroit. 

The Falcons come in on a three-game win streak, coming out on the right side of Dallas, Seattle and Tampa Bay. 

These teams are both on fire. The Vikes get the job done with an awesome defensive unit which leads the league in most categories. Case Keenum has emerged as an above par game manager. The run game and special teams are also strong, so when you add it all up you have a team which for the most part is pretty tough to matchup against.

The Falcons though have found their swagger. Matt Ryan and Julio Jones are putting up impressive numbers (Jones had over 250 yards receiving last week). Atlanta also looked sharp defensively last week.

So where’s the value? 

I’ll point out that Minnesota is interestingly just 2-6 ATS in its last eight games played on a grass field, while Atlanta is 13-6 ATS in its last 19 following a SU win and interestingly, 4-1 ATS in its last five after scoring more than 30 points in its previous game.

I expect a war, but I think Ryan will in the end get the better of Keenum and I believe the Vikes’ defense finally “cracks.” Lay the points, play on the Falcons.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Situational Stunner is on the Chicago Bears (1:00 EST).

The Bears look to stop a four-game slide on Sunday. Here comes the perfect opponent to get untracked against. San Francisco looks primed for a letdown here in my opinion after it snapped a season-opening nine game skid with a win over the Giants, followed by an immediate return to mediocrity in a setback to the Seahawks this past Sunday. 

San Francisco will be turning to Jimmy Garoppolo moving forward. He entered in last week’s win after starter CJ Beathard went down with injury and in the end he managed a ten-yard TD strike to Louis Murphy on the final play. 

The Bears couldn’t get anything going in last week’s 31-3 loss to Philadelphia. Mitchell Trubisky struggled and so too did the ground game, producing just 65 yards. 

I’ll point out though that San Francisco has struggled mightily in this spot for bettors for a while now, going just 1-4 ATS in its last five against the NFC, while Chicago is still 3-1-1 ATS in its last five following an ATS loss. 

The Bears’ run game will return to the norm here, previous to last week’s poor performance they’d held down the No. 5 rushing attack in the league. 

A tough spot for Garoppolo as well. I think Chicago’s defense and run game prove to be too much for the inconsistent visitors this afternoon. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the Milwaukee Bucks (8:35 EST).

No need to overthink this one in my opinion. Sacramento comes in off an extremely rare 107-106 win in Chicago just last night and I fully expect a predictable letdown here.

Milwaukee enters off a second straight win after beating Portland 103-91 on the road Thursday. And if recent history is any precedence, then the Bucks have to be loving their chances for another big performance tonight, because when these teams played in Sacramento just last week, it was Milwaukee which secured the relatively simple 112-87 victory. 

Despite last night’s win, note that the Kings still average just 94.7 PPG, while ranked last in the league in three point shooting at just 38.1 percent from range. 

The Bucks average 102.9 PPG and concede 103.9. Giannis Antetokounmpo averages 29.2 points, 10.1 boards, 4.5 assists and 1.74 steals. The Bucks are a deep team, which gets balanced scoring. 

I’ll point out as well that Sacramento is 0-4-1 ATS in its last five in the second game of a back-to-back scenario, while Milwaukee is 4-1-1 ATS in its last six against a team with a win percentage below .400. 

Milwaukee returns home off a successful trip and just hammered the Kings by 25 last week. All signs point to another blowout, so lay the points with confidence.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* PERFECT STORM is on Miami Florida (8:00 EST).

The Hurricane had a letdown in their finale, falling 24-14 at Pittsburgh to finish 7-1 in conference action, while the Tigers also went 7-1 in the ACC and would go on to spank South Carolina 34-10 in their final regular season game.

The Hurricanes clearly got caught “looking ahead” to this game and stumbled at the worst time last week. Regardless of that “dud” though, Miami Florida comes in ranked 40th in the country in scoring with 31.9 PPG average, while ranked 15th overall on the defensive side by conceding just 18.3 PPG. Miami QB Malik Rosier has 2,798 yards with a 25/9 TD/INT ratio. 

Clemson averages 35.2 PPG and concedes 13.6. QB Kelly Bryant has 2,426 yards and a 12/6 TD/INT, while also running for 639 yards and ten more TD’s. 

The Hurricanes are banged up at RB, but note that Miami Florida is 4-2 ATS in its last six as an underdog in the 3.5 to ten points range.

Also note that Clemson is still just 3-5 ATS in its last eight against the conference. 

I think last week was a wake up call for Miami Florida. The Hurricanes have the defense to slow down this dynamic Clemson offense and while I’m not calling for an outright upset, I do expect the hungry/taltented Canes to keep this one a lot closer than what the oddsmakers are leading us to believe. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on Fresno State (7:00 EST).

The 5-2 Fresno State Bulldogs get ready to take on the 3-5 LBSU 49ers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the Bulldogs.

Fresno State enters off an 80-67 win over Weber State, while Long Beach State enters off a 91-56 loss to Arizona on Wednesday. 

Fresno State has won three straight. So far the Bulldogs average 79.9 PPG, while conceding 70.1. In the win over Weber State, the Bulldogs shot 52 percent from the floor and went 22 of 29 from the charity stripe, led by Jaron Hopkins with 29 big points.

LBSU averages 73.6 PPG and concdes 82.6. In the loss to the Wildcats the 49ers shot just 41 percent from the floor, led by Bryan Alberts with a team-high 12 points. 

I’ll point out that Fresno State is 10-3 ATS in its last 13 non-conference games and 20-6 ATS in its last 26 following an ATS victory, while LBSU is just 4-9 ATS in its last 13 off a SU loss.

Five players are averaging double figures for the Bulldogs. I think Fresno State’s depth proves to be too much for LBSU to keep up with down the stretch. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 9* PERFECT STORM is on Georgia (4:00 EST).

My one and only 10* College Football GAME OF THE YEAR was on Auburn last weekend and the Tigers would go on to beat No. 1 Alabama outright. 

But for the SEC Championship Game, I’m “flipping the script” and going with the underdog again, as I expect Auburn to come in “hung over” still from that emotional upset victory.

There’s a lot on the line today, as the winner will almost assuredly get an invite to the College Football Playoff. 

Since losing to Auburn earlier in the year, Georgia bounced back by hammering Kentucky 42-13 and then smashing Georgia Tech 38-7 this past weekend. Georgia racked up 247 rushing yards in that one.

Which wasn’t the case in the first game against the Tigers, who limited the Bulldogs to just 46 yards. QB Jake Fromm was just 13 of 28 for 184 yards, one TD and no INT’s, while Auburn’ QB Jarrett Stidham had 214 yards, three TD’s and no INT’s. 

“You don’t shake a memory,” Georgia head coach Kirby Smart assessed earlier in the week. “You put it in their face and you challenge people. Fundamentally, we’ve got to play better than we played last time and we obviously have got to play with more discipline and composure to avoid the knucklehead decisions that we had in the game. You can’t give good teams things. If you give them things, it makes it twice as hard…. But at the end of the day, it really is not about the game before. It’s really about the motivation in the game. Our kids understand that. They know they’ve got an opportunity to go out and at least erase what they did last time. This is a fresh start to go out and play a new game.”

I’ll point out though that Georgia is 7-2 ATS in its last nine trying to revenge a loss against an opponent (including 4-0 ATS this season), while Auburn is just 5-6 ATS in its last 11 off a win against a conference rival. 

I think Georgia rides the “revenge” angle to victory today. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

8* PERFECT STORM on Oklahoma (12:30 EST).

The No. 2, 11-1 Oklahoma Sooners get ready to battle the No. 10, 10-2 TCU Horned Frogs on Saturday afternoon in the Big 12 Championship game and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the Sooners.

When these teams played on November 11th from Norman, Oklahoma smashed TCU 38-20, rolling up 533 yards of offense, including 333 through the air from dynamic QB Baker Mayfield (3 TD’s.) 

THe Horned Frogs come in off a 45-22 home win over Baylor last Saturday. QB Kenny Hill had 325 yards and three TD’s. Hill has 2,604 passing yards and a 19/5 TD/INT. 

The TCU offense averages 422.1 YPG (47th), while the defense has been hit or miss, great against the run (90 YPG) and poor against the pass (227.5 YPG allowed.) 

The Sooners will need to win this game to keep their College Football Playoff hopes alive. Mayfield finished with 4,097 yards and a 37/5 TD/INT. Oklahoma’s weakness comes on the defensive side, where it allows 390.3 YPG, including 241.2 through the air. 

Oklahoma averages 45.2 PPG though and I simply can’t see Hill and company matching pace down the stretch. Mayfield is a man on a mission right now.

Also note that TCU is just 2-4 ATS this year off a win against a conference rival, while Oklahoma is 4-3 ATS this year in the same position. 

For all the reasons listed above, lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the Oklahoma City Thunder (8:05 EST).

Minnesota comes to town off a very satisfying 120-102 road win over New Orleans on Wednesday, while Oklahoma City dropped its third straight in a listless 121-108 road loss to Orlando on Friday. 

Note that the Wolves are already 2-0 in the season series with OKC this year, meaning that the Thunder are definitely out for some revenge tonight. 

Minnesota averages 107.8 PPG and concedes 107.2. Andrew Wiggins averages 19 points and 4.1 boards per game, while Karl-Anthony Towns adds 20.4 points and 11.7 boards. 

OKC averages just 102.3 PPG, but it concedes just 99.3. Russell Westbrok averages 22.4 points, 9.2 boards, 9.5 assists and 2.2 steals per game, while Paul George adds 20.5 points, 5.9 boards and 2.75 steals per game. 

I’ll point out that Minnesota is just 1-3 ATS this year already after scoring 115 points or more in its previous contest, while Oklahoma City is 5-3 ATS at home this season and 3-1 ATS in its last four after three or more consecutive SU losses. 

For all the reasons listed above, play on the Thunder.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PAC-12 GAME OF THE MONTH is on USC (8:00 EST).

The 9-3 Stanford Cardinal are ready to duke it out with the 10-2 USC Trojans on Friday night for the SEC title. If recent history is any precedence, then USC has to be loving its chances today, because when these teams met back in early September, it was the Trojans that pulled away for the easy 42-24 victory.

Stanford comes in off two straight wins, most recently handling Notre Dame last week. QB KJ Costello had 1,169 passing yards and a 9/2 TD/INT ratio this season. The Cardinal offense though revolves around the run led by Bryce Love, who has posted over 100 yards in all but one game this year. Stanford also has a strong defense which concedes just 20 PPG. 

That defense though could not contain the high-flying Trojans in September, allowing 623 total yards. 

USC allows 26 PPG and it’s been better against the run than the pass. QB Sam Darnold had 3,462 passing yards and a 24/12 TD/INT ratio this year. Overall the offense is ranked 18th in the country by averaging 489 yards per contest. 

I’ll point out as well that Stanford is 0-5 ATS this year following an ATS victory, while the Trojans are interestingly 5-1 ATS in their last six after allowing less than 100 rushing yards in their previous game. 

Darnold torched the Cardinal for four TD’s and the Trojans piled on over 620 yards of offense in the first game. I have a hard time seeing Stanford slowing down Darnold again. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* GAME OF THE WEEK is on North Carolina (8:00 EST).

The 6-1 North Carolina Tar Heels get ready to battle the 3-2 Davidson Wildcats in non-conference action this evening and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors UNC.

UNC comes in off an 86-71 home win over Michigan on Wednesday, while Davidson beat Charlotte 85-70 on Tuesday. Note that when these teams played last year, it was UNC that held on for the 83-74 victory.

The Tar Heels got destroyed by Michigan State, only to then bounce back with a convincing victory over the Wolverines. Luke Maye had 27 points and six obards. 

UNC comes into this one averaging 85 PPG, while conceding 71.7.

Davidson comes in averaging 86.6 PPG, while conceding 74.4. The Wildcats broke a two-game slide with the win over Charlotte, shooting 51 percent from the floor. Kellan Grady had 22 points to lead all scorers. 

I’ll point out though that Davidson is just 10-15 ATS in its last 15 as an underdog and only 9-15 ATS in its last 24 non-conference games, while North Carolina is 4-2 ATS in non-conference games already this season and 4-1 ATS when playing the role of favorite.

I think UNC’s depth and superior defense proves to be too much for Davidson. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on Cal Riverside (10:00 EST).

The 3-4 Pacific Tigers get ready to battle the 2-3 UC Riverside Highlanders and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors Cal Riverside. 

The Highlanders are the “hungrier” team in my opinion, as they’ve lost three of their last four. 

The Tigers look poised for a letdown in my opinion. After an 0-3 start, Pacific has won three of its last four. 

So far the Tigers average 75.9 PPG and concede 74.7. Last time out Pacific socred the 80-58 win over Canisius, with five players in double figures. 

Cal Riverside opened the year with an impressive win over Cal, but it’s since lost three of four. Most recenly the Highlanders fell 87-42 to Michigan. It was a tough matchup obviously.

So far the Highlanders average 67.4 PPG, while conceding 76. 

I’ll point out though that Pacific is just 3-7 ATS in its last ten after allowing 60 points or less in its prevoius outing and just 2-5 ATS in its last seven after scoring 80 points or more, while UC Riverside is 3-1 ATS in its last four after failing to score 50 or more points in its previous contest. 

As I stated off the top, I think the “hungrier” team finds a way to get the job done at the end of the night. Play on UC Riverside.

Good luck…Larry

The second 8* pick of my Superstar Tirple Play is on Boston College (9:15 EST).

The 5-2 Boston College Eagles are in Nebraska to take on the 5-2 Cornhuskers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the Eagles.

BC averages 77.7 PPG thus far. The Eagles will be looking to bounce back big here though after being held to just 66 points in a loss to Providence last time out. 

Deontae Hawkins and Ky Bowan each had 19 points, while Jerome Robinson chipped in 12. Overall BC has been sharp defensively (other than the loss to the Friars), allowing just 67.3 PPG.

Nebaska looks primed for a letdown here in my opinion after two straight wins. And with games upcoming against four ranked opponents, including No. 2 Kansas and No. 3 Michigan State, it’s not too hard to imagine the home side in some small way, getting caught looking ahead. The Huskers most recently beat LBSU 85-80, led by 26 points from Glynn Watson Jr. 

I think BC is the more complete team. Look for the Eagles to find a way to get the job done and bounce back from the dud against Providence.

Good luck…Larry

The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Miami Florida (9:15 EST).

Miami comes in off an 86-65 home win over North Florida on Saturday to remain unbeaten, while Minnesota most recently held on for an 89-84 win over Alabama in the final game of the Barclays Center Classic on Saturday. 

Miami averages 79.8 PPG and allows just 54 (ranked third.) In the most recent win over North Florida the Hurricanes got 14 off the bench from both Bruce Brown Jr. and Anthony Lawrence II. 

Minnesota averages 90.7 PPG and allows 69.7. In their most recent victory, Nate Mason had 20 points. 

These are two evenly matched teams with contrasting styles, but note that Miami is 4-2 ATS in its last six after a non-conference game, while Minnesota is just 7-9 ATS in its last 16 after allowing 80 points or more. 

I think the Hurricanes’ strong defensive play keeps the team competitive. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

This is a 10* LAS VEGAS INSIDER on the Memphis Grizzlies (8:35 EST).

We don’t have to question the Grizzlies effort today as the team comes to town off eight straight losses. Memphis fired head coach David Fizdale because of it and suffice it to say, I expect the Grizzlies to come in extrenely focused here. 

Most recently Memphis fell 98-88 to Brooklyn on Sunday. Marc Gasol had 18 points, before getting benched for the entire fourth quarter by Fizdale, an unpopular move which triggered his release in the end. 

San Antonio would love nothing more than to kick this Grizzlies team while its down. The Spurs come in off a 115-108 win over Dallas, led by big man LaMarcus Aldridge with 33 points and ten boards. Tony Parker returned in that one as well for San Antonio.

The Spurs are also expected to welcome back leader Kawhi Leonard this week. Everything is going right in San Antonio these days, while Memphis has more questions than answers.

But “motivation” can be a difficult factor for oddsmakers to properly quantify into a line and that’s the case here in my opinion. This is the opening game of a home and home set between the clubs. I think the desperate Grizzlies will at the very least keep this one respectable until the final moments.

Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

The first 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Arizona (8:00 EST).

LBSU comes in off a loss against Nebraska, while Arizona will be desperate here as it enters off three straight setbacks. 

The 49ers gave the Huskers a run for their money, but eventually fell 85-80 in their latest action. Gabe Levin led the way with 22 points and 16 boards. 

Arizona looked horrible in the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament, dropping all three games (NC State, SMU and Purdue.) The Boilermakers whipped it 89-64 in its most recent action. Deandre Ayton was a bright spot with 22 points and eight boards. 

But I think home cooking is just what the doctor ordrered for the Wildcats today. Arizona has major issues on both ends of the floor, but I think its safe to say that it’s not as bad as what its recent tournament performance would suggest either.

And note, LBSU is already a poor 1-2 ATS this year after allowing 80 points or more (it’s just 2-6 ATS in its last eight as a road dog of 12.5 points or more as well), while Arizona is 4-1 ATS in its last five after failing to cover the spread in three or more consecutive games.

For all the reasons listed above, lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* LAS VEGAS INSIDER is on the Milwaukee Bucks (10:05 EST).

I base my selections on many different things. Common sense is a good thing to use in handicapping and that’s the approach I’m taking with this selection.

Both Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry sat out in the Warriors 110-106 home loss to Sacramento.

The Kings clearly have to be feeling great after that victory over the defending champs and suffice it to say, I’m expecting a massive letdown here in the second game of the back-to-back. 

Conversely, after a four-game win streak, the Bucks come to town having dropped three of their last four, including a humbling 121-108 setback at Utah in their latest action.

I’ll point out as well that the Bucks are 2-1 ATS already this year off an upset loss as a favorite, while Sacramento is just 1-6 ATS in non-conference games.

For all the reasons listed above, play on Milwaukee.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Oddsmakers Error is on the LA Lakers (10:30 EST).

The Lakers come in off a loss to the Kings, while the Clippers come in off a win against Sacramento. 

The Lakers lost 113-102 to the Kings last time out. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope had 20 points, while Kyle Kuzma added 17 points. Rookie Lonzo Ball had a big game with 11 points, 11 assists and seven boards. 

The Clippers beat the kings 97-95, but it wasn’t pretty. Blake Griffin led the way with 33 points and hit the game winning 3-pointer with 3.2 seconds left.

This one sets up great for the Lakers from a trend based stand point though, as note that they’re 4-2 ATS in their last six off an upset loss as a favorite, while the Clippers have struggled in this position by going just 1-2 ATS this season after playing three consecutive road games.

Off back-to-back road victories to end their trip, I think the Clippers have a predictable letdown here. Whle I wouldn’t be completely shocked by an outright upset obviously, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can. Play on the Lakers.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* GAME OF THE MONTH is on Maryland (7:00 EST).

Maryland comes to New York to take on the Orange sitting at 6-1 after an 80-65 thrashing of New Mexico last time out.

Keep your eyes on the Terps’ Anthony Cowan, who had 21 points in their latest victory:

“We’re used to winning close games,” Maryland coach Mark Turgeon assessed afterwards. “We had the lead twice in the second half and let it go, but we moved on. Anthony had two phenomenal games down here. He’s the kind of kid who probably can play three games in one day.”

Syracuse comes in on a five game win streak, most recently getting the better of Toledo 72-64 in the Miami Invitational. Tyus Battle was left out of that game with injury and Frank Howard stepped up in his place to pour in 25 points. 

Clearly these teams are very evently matched. The fact that Battle was injured and is questionable for this one is a bit of a concern in my opinion. And if he does play, will he truly be at 100% capacity?

Additionally I’ll point out that this one sets up great for the Terps as far as the trends are concerned, as note that Maryland is 6-1 ATS in its last seven following three or more consecutive home games, while the Orange are just 1-6 ATS in their last seven following a SU win. 

I think Maryland’s depth on offense wears down the home side. 

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Weekend Wipeout Winner is on the Pittsburgh Steelers (8:30 EST).

The 5-5 Green Bay Packers are in Pittsburgh to take on the 8-2 Steelers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

Green Bay is reeling without Aaron Rodgers, coming in off a 23-0 loss at home to Baltimore. Backup QB Brett Hundley has struggled, last week he was 21 of 36 or 239 yards, no TD’s and three INT’s. 

Hundley has 940 yards and 2/7 TD/INT ratio since taking over for Rodgers. Rookie RB Jamaal Williams had 57 yards on 18 carries. 

Defensively the Packers looked decent, holding Baltimore to 219 total yards.

But now Green Bay faces a Steelers unit which just exploded for a 40-17 win over Tennessee last Thursday. Ben Roethlisberger was 30 of 45 for 299 yards, four TD’s and no INT’s. 

The Steelers defense was tremendous, making four INT’s and allowing only 52 rushing yards. Overall Pittsburgh allows just 287 total yards per game, ranked fourth in the NFL. 

Note that Green Bay is just 1-3 ATS in its last four after getting blanked in its previous outing, while Pittsburgh is 2-1 ATS in its last three after scoring 40 points or more in its previous game.

For all the reasons listed above, lay the points with confidence.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* NFL Week 12 Las Vegas Insider is on the LA Rams at 4:25 ET.

The 8-2 New Orleans Saints are in LA to take on the 7-3 Rams and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

New Orleans is the hottest team in the NFL and railled for a 34-31 win over Washignton last week. Suffice it to say, I’m finally expecting a letdown here from Drew Brees and company. 

LA will be hungry for a rebound performance here after laying a dud in last week’s 24-7 road loss in Minnesota. The Rams also play with revenge after the Saints crushed them 49-21 last year. 

I think New Orleans is ripe for the picking though, gassed after such a long stretch of dominance. Last week the defense conceded 456 yards to the Redskins. New Orleans’ defense is a big reason why the Saints are so improved this year, but continued regression seems imminent against this dynamic Rams offense.

LA has steamrolled over almost everybody it’s faced this season, but last week it came up short against the Vikings’ amazing defense. Overall the Rams have been terrific defensively as well, allowing an average of 123 rushing yards per game. 

Additionally I’ll point out that New Orleans is just 1-3 ATS in its last four as a road dog of three points or less, while LA is 4-3 ATS as a favorite already this season and 2-1 ATS against clubs with winning records.

I think there’s some room to read between the lines with the Saints’ improved defensive performance this year, as note that their last four opponents certainly haven’t been “World beaters” in the Packers (without Rodgers), the Bears, Bucs and Bills. 

Last week the Saints gave up 31 points to a strong offense on their home field, so things clearly won’t be any easier for them in this hostile environment. 

I’m banking on a blowout, lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 9* Oddsmaker’s Error is on the Jacksonville Jaguars (4:25 EST).

The 7-3 Jacksonville Jaguars are in Arizona to take on the 4-6 Cardinals and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. 

Jacksonville easily handled the Browns 19-7 on the road last week, while the Cards enter off a 31-21 road loss to Houston. 

Jags’ QB Blake Bortles was 17 of 30 for 154 yards, one TD and no INT’s. Rookie RB Leonard Fournette had 111 rushing yards on 28 carries. WR Marqise Lee had 45 yards receiving. 

But it was once again Jacksonville’s defense which was the difference maker, allowing Cleveland just 184 total yards of offense, while also forcing five turnovers. The Jags feature the No. 1 defense in the league, a unit which has already posted 40 sacks.

Blaine Gabbert got the call for Arizona under center last week and he threw for 257 yards, three TD’s and two INT’s in place of the injured Drew Stanton. RB Adrian Peterson was a no-show for a second straight week, posting 26 rushing yards. 

Arizona’s defense also looked shaky, giving up 357 yards, including 134 on the ground. 

Additionally I’ll point out that Jacksonville is already 4-1 ATS on the road this year and 3-2 ATS against teams with losing records, while Arizona is just 1-2 ATS at home and only 1-4 ATS as an underdog. 

I think the Cards will have a tough time moving the ball against the Jags elite defense. Bortles hasn’t been spectacular this year, but Fournette should be able to do some damage. This line should be a lot bigger in my opinion, play on Jacksonville.

Good luck…Larry

The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on UC Riverside (4:00 EST)

UC Riverside enters off a 75-57 win over Western New Mexico at home, while Michigan comes in off a 68-60 victory over VCU in the Maui Invitational.

UC Riverside averages 73.8 PPG and concdeds 73.2. In the win over WNMU, the Highlanders forced 23 turnovers and were led by Chance Murray with 17 points. 

Michigan averages just 77.3 PPG and allows 63.2. The Wolverines are a poor three-point shooting team and were just 5 of 20 from range in the win over the Rams.

I’ll point out as well that UC Riverside is 3-1 ATS in its last four as a road dog in the 18.5 to 24 points range, while Michigan is just 2-4 ATS in its last six as a home fav in the 18.5 to 24 points range.

With a game at North Carolina on Wednesday, I think the home side gets caught looking ahead.

While I’m definitely not calling for an outright upset, I do think the conditions are right for a competitive affair. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

The second 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Ohio State (3:00 EST). 

Clearly these teams are very evenly matched. Should be a nail-biter in the PK80 tournament on Sunday afternoon and as such, I’m going to grab the points.

Butler held on for a 71-69 win over Portland State most recently. The Vikings went 12 of 26 from range, as the Bulldogs struggled with their perimiter defense. Three players would go on to score more than 14 points, led by Tyler Wideman with 18 points and eight boards. 

The Buckeyes beat the Cardinal 79-71 most recently, holding Stanford to just 36.1 percent from the floor. Ohio State dominated the glass (37-28) and was led by JC Jackson with 23 points. 

I’ll point out that Butler is already 0-2 ATS in all tourney games this year and just 1-3 ATS against teams with winning records, while Ohio State is 2-1 ATS in its last three when playing on one or less days rest.

I like Ohio State to build off its latest performance and to find a way to get the job done at the end of the night. Play on the Buckeyes.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Chicago Bulls (3:35 EST).

Miami beat Boston and then went on the raod and beat the Wolves 109-97 on Friday night. I think this sets up as a natural letdown spot for the Heat this evening though.

The Bulls will be desperate here, they’ve dropped four straight and nine of their last ten and will be out to atone for a lacklustre 143-94 beatdown in Golden State on the road Friday. 

Note that this is a revenge game as well after Miami took the first one of the season series, 97-91 back on November 1st.

Miami averages 100.9 PPG and concedes 102.5. Hassan Whiteside averags 15.5 points and 12.9 boards per game. Goran Dragic averages 18.9 points, 4.3 boards and 4.7 assists. 

Chicago averages just 94.4 PPG, while allowing 107.3. Lauri Markkanen averages 14.6 points and 8.2 boards per game, while big man Robin Lopez averages 13.1 points and 5.5 boards per contest.

I’ll point out though that Miami is a poor 1-5 ATS as a favorite this season and just 1-3 ATS this year off an upset win as an underdog, while Chicago is already 4-2 ATS this year following a loss by ten points or more.

I won’t try to convince you that the Bulls are a good team which has just gotten some tough breaks to open the season, as that’s not the case. Chicago has problems across the board, with injuries being one of the main reasons the team has struggled to this point.

However, I feel this is a bad spot for the Heat, with a game at Cleveland on Tuesday, followed by at New York on Thursday.

All signs point to a letdown/look-ahead for Miami. Grab the points, play on Chicago.

Godo luck…Larry

The first 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Nebraska (2:30 EST).

This game is to decide fifth place in the AdvoCare Invitational.

Both teams dropped their quarterfinal contests, ontly to then bounce back with wins on Friday. 

LBSU beat Oregon State, while Nebraska smashed Marist. 

The 49ers look poised for another letdown here though in my opinion after knocking off the Beavers as ten-point underdogs. Gabe Levin and Deishuan Booker led the way in the upset with 14 points apiece.

Nebraska steamrolled Marist 84-59 as an 11.5 point fav. The Huskers shot almost 57 percent from the floor and posted 23 assists on 34 field goals made. Four players reached double figures, led by Isaac Copeland and Anton Gill with 17 apiece. 

II’ll point out that LBSU is already 0-2 ATS this year against schools with winning records, while the Huskers are already 2-0 ATS when playing with one or less days rest.

I think the Nebraka’s defense and depth prove to be too much for the 49ers to overcome. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Atlanta Falcons (1:00 EST)

The Falcons come in with a ton of momentum with consecutive victories over Dallas and Seattle. After a slow start to the 2017/18 campaign, I look for Matt Ryan and company to keep the foot on the gas again this weekend.

The Bucs are reeling. Tampa is without starting QB Jameis Winston for a third straight game and it had lost five straight before winning the last two over bottom feeders New York and Miami. 

Tampa has turned to veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick, who comes in off the 30-20 win over the Fish this last weekend, going 22 of 37 for 275 yards, two TD’s and no INT’s. 

But Atlanta looks poised for a big run to end the year in my opinion, getting improved play in all three phases right now:

“We’re getting our swagger back,” Falcons’ receiver Julio Jones assessed. “Last year’s last year–but you can’t win games off last year and it can’t do anything for this year. We’re just trying to get it going and get an identity as the 2017 Falcons.”

I’ll point out that Tampa Bay is just 3-10-1 ATS in its last 14 against the NFC, while Atlanta is 5-2 ATS in its last seven after scoring 30 points or more in its previous contest.

This is an important stretch for Atlanta, as this is the first of three straight in front of the home town crowd. I expect Ryan to open up the playbook and I look for Fitzpatrick to stumble down the stretch.

Lay the points, play on the Falcons.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the Houston Rockets (8:05 EST).

New York comes in off a deflating loss in Atlanta just last night and I expect the team to have a predictable letdown here in the second game of the back-to-back as well. 

The Rockets are off their third straight win and nine of their last ten in a 125-95 victory at Denver on Wednesday. 

If recent history is any precedence, then Houston has to be loving its chances tonight as well, because when these teams met back on November 1st, it was the Rockets that socred the relatively simple 119-97 road victory. 

The Knicks have been great at home this year, going 5-2, but terrible on the road, now just 1-5 away from friendly confines after last night’s setback. 

The Rockets average 113.3 PPG and allow just 103.5, which ranks the team tenth. Houston has always been able to score, but now it looks as if its ready to seroiusly challenget Golden State because of its improved performance on that end of the floor. 

I’ll point out as well that the Knicks are 1-4 ATS in their last five in the second game of a back to back scenario, while Houston is 4-1 ATS in its last five against teams with a winning SU record. 

For all the reasons listed above, play on the Rockets.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* PERFECT STORM is on Davidson (7:00 EST).

The 2-1 Davidson Wildcats get ready to battle the 3-3 Appalachian State Mountaineers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the Wildcats. 

Davidson comes in off an 81-68 loss to Nevada, while the Mountaineers come in off an exhausting 105-99 double OT loss to James Madison.

Suffice it to say, I think that Appalachian State comes in with “heavy legs” and “hung over” from that emotional and draining setback.

And if recent history is any precedence, then Davidson has to be loving its chances today, because when these teams met last year it was the Wildcats that came out on top with a comfortable 86-74 victory. 

So far the Wildcats average 95 PPG and allow 94. Peyton Aldridge is averaging 22.7 PPG. 

The Mountaineers average 95 PPG and allow 76. Justin Forrest was a bright spot in the team’s double OT loss, finishing with a season-high 36 points. 

I’ll point out though that Davidson is 5-1 ATS in its last six when its opponent allows 100 or more points in its previous outing, while App State is just 6-14-2 ATS in its last 22 against teams with winning records. 

Davidson is the deeper team, with three players averaging at least 18 PPG. 

For all the reasons listed above, lay the points.

Good luck…Larry