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

While I’m not calling for an outright victory, I do think that the 0-3 Minutemen will be the much more desperate side and I think that will translate into a much closer game than what the oddsmakers are leading us to believe.

UMass enters off a loss against Old Dominion, while Temple comes in off a victory against Villanova.

The Minutmen seem poised to put some points on the board though. Note that in last week’s 17-7 setback to OD, UMass didn’t commit a single turnover. The offense though managed only 332 yards on 73 plays. 

QB Andrew Ford was not terrible, going 21 of 32 for 236 yards and a TD. Listen to what head coach Mark Whipple had to say afterwards:

“The defense played well enough to win,” Whipple assessed. “The offense shot themselves in the foot. We didn’t execute enough to win. We need to get back to work tonight. It’s a short week and we have to get ready for Temple on Friday night. Credit Old Dominion. They made plays. We didn’t play well up front (on offense) and we took some sacks we didn’t need to.’’

Temple QB Logan Marchi was shut down against Notre Dame, but bounced back to go 20 of 34 for 274 yards and no INT’s last week. The red zone offense faltered though as the team had to settle for FG’s. Now the Owls face another tough defense in the minutemen. 

Temple looked sharp defensively against the Wildcats, but now faces a desperate team hungry to get off the schneid.

Note that UMass is 2-1 ATS in its las three after three or more consecutive ATS losses, while Temple is just 1-3 ATS in its last four as a favorite in the 10.5 to 21 points range. 

I think Temple gets caught “looking ahead” to its tough conference road game against USF next week, leaving the back door open just wide enough for the visitors to sneak in through down the stretch. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

This is a 10* PERFECT STORM on the Cincinnati Bengals (8:25 EST).

Both teams are coming off disappointing Week 1 setbacks, as Houston fell 29-7 at home to Jacksonville, while Cincinnati would get shut out 20-0 at home to the Ravens. Note that the Bengals play with revenge here after falling 12-10 in Houston last year.

The Texans looked horrible on both sides of the ball last week. QB Tom Savage was sacked six times and had two fumbles, one which was returned for a TD. DeShaun Watson came in and he was 12 of 22 for 102 yards and one TD and one pick. In all though the offensive line gave up ten sacks.

The defense allowed rookie RB Leonard Fournette run for 100 yards on 26 carries and 155 yards overall, while coming up with a total of zero sacks and zero forced turnovers. 

The Bengals also looked brutal, with QB Andy Dalton going 16 of 31 for 170 yards, four INT’s and one fumble. The run game produced just 77 yards on 22 carries. 

The defense looked decent though, allowing a total of 268 yards overall. Linebacker Vincent Rey had 11 tackles. 

I’ll point out though that Houston is just 1-4 ATS in its last five on the road (also 0-7 ATS in its last seven “Thursday” night games), while Cincinnati is 3-1 ATS in its last four off a loss against a division rival.

Dalton has the pedigree and track record to shake off one lousy game, while Watson will be starting his first ever profesionall football contest tonight. 

Houston would appear to be still “hung over” with having to deal with the Hurricane, while Cincinnati is focused and ready to atone for the pathetic Week 1 effort. Lay the points, play on the Bengals.

Good luck…Larry

The second 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the Denver Broncos (10:30 EST).

I’m playing both the side and the total in this game (the Broncos and the UNDER.) Divisional games are always the most important and they almost always mean more to the home side. 

Both teams have many questions as the season gets underway. LA is in a new home and has a new head coach. 

Denver also has a new coach which hopes to get his new team back into the playoffs after missing for the first time since 2011.

Last year the Chargers were horrible on defense, allowing 26.4 PPG, ranked 29th overall. The team made some moves in the offseason to address these issues, including using a fourth and fifth round pick for the secondary. Clearly the unit catches a break in Week 1 though in facing the Broncos run first offense.

LA’s offense should once again make some noise this year with veteran QB Philip Rivers and RB Melvin Gordon, but clearly the unit faces a stiff task out of the gate in facing the Broncos elite defense on the road. 

And Denver’s defense is expected to be even better this eason with the additions of second round pick DE DeMarcus Walker and third round pick CB Brendan Langley. Last year the Broncos were fourth in the league in yards allowed. The pass defense was No. 1, holding teams to just 185.8 YPG.

And clearly that doesn’t bode well for Rivers on opening night. Suffice it to say, I’m expecting to see a lot of Gordon while the visitors are on offense.

The weakness for Denver is on the offensive side of the ball as the team will try to once and for all determine if Paxton Lynch or Trevor Siemian will earn the starters role. The team did however go out and sign Brock Osweiler as third stringer as well. 

It’s interesting to note that LA is a money-burning 3-3 ATS in its last six games played in the month of September, while Denver is 6-0 ATS in its last six games played in September.

I like the Broncos to step up defensively and do just enough on the offensive side to seal the ATS victory. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

The first 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the New Orleans Saints (7:10 EST).

While I obviously wouldn’t be shocked by an outright upset, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can, as this one has the feeling of whichever team has the ball in its hands last will win type scenario.

New Orleans enters off three straight 7-9 seasons and will be looking to break that trend with a playoff ticket. Minnesota jumped out to a massive start last year, only to fall apart down the stretch and finish 8-8. 

The Saints’ issue the last few years has been on the defensive side of the ball as the offense has pretty much remained elite with veteran Drew Brees in the pocket. Last year Brees had 5,208 yards, 37 TD’s and 15 INT’s. RB Adrian Peterson will be out to make a statement against his former team tonight.

New Orleans used three of its first four picks on defensive players and brought in LB’s Manti Te’o and AJ Klein through free agency over the offseason, so the unit is now finally expected to make some strides this season.

Minnesota had a great defense last year, ranked sixth in points allowed at 19.2. The unit should once again be a strength of the team, but clearly it’s going to have its hands full with Brees and company right out of the gates.

The Vikes’ offense though was lousy and it’ll be a weak point again this season. The team did bring in WR Michael Floyd.

New Orleans’ offense is tried, tested and true. It’s never deviated from its domination over the last three years. The Vikes were fantastic defensively last year, but I think the book is out on the unit still until it can prove itself again this season. 

The Saints’ will likely be terrible defensively again this year, but that said, we should also now definitely see some improvement moving forward after the offseason re-tooling.

The Vikes’ offense is also a big question mark at the moment and that makes the Saints the correct call in this matchup.

Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Oddsmaker’s Error is on the Seattle Seahawks (4:25 EST).

I think Seattle is the deeper and more complete team and while I obviously wouldn’t be shocked by an outright upset, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can.

The Seahawks won the NFC West title last year and then lost to ATL in the divisional round. Green Bay won the NFC North and then was taken down by the Falcons in the Conference round.

Seattle just sent WR Jermaine Kearse and a 2018 second-round draft pick to New York in exchange for Pro Bowl lineman Sheldon Richardson. The Hawks made another move on the same day to acquire CB Justin Coleman from the Patriots for a seventh-round pick. 

The Seattle defense was already solid, but now it looks downright scary (last season it was eighth against the pass and seventh against the run.)

These teams have met five times since 2012 and the Hawks are 3-2. Green Bay though has won the last two, including a blowout 38-10 victory in Week 14. 

Packers’ QB Aaron Rodgers went for 246 yards and three TD’s in that one. With Rodgers under center, Green bay will always be a contendor, but a lack of playmakers on both sides of the ball have many wondering if the dynamic pivot will be able to do it all by himself.

Seattle had a great pre-season and QB Russell Wilson is finally playing at 100% health. 

As stated off the top, I won’t be shocked by an outright upset, but I’m going to grab the points in the end.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* NFL Week 1 Las Vegas Insider is on the Cin Bengals at 1L00 ET.

John Harbaugh took over as the Ravens' head coach in 2008 (Ravens were 5-11 in 2007), the same year Baltimore drafted a little-known QB out of Delaware, Joe Flacco. That duo would help lead the Ravens to five consecutive playoff seasons (54-26 regular season record), winning a Super Bowl title in 2012. However, since that 2012 season, the Ravens have had just one winning season over the last four years (10-6 in 2014) and these last two years have seen the Ravens go 5-11 and 8-8. Flacco missed the entire preseason and returned to practice for the first time since the end of June mini-camp this past Saturday. Somewhat surprisingly, the Ravens were a perfect 4-0 in "practice" games, with victories over the Redskins, Dolphins, Bills and Saints. 

The Bengals stumbled to a 6-9-1 season in 2016, ending a five-year playoff run (six of the previous seven). This preseason, the Bengals opened with a win over the Bucs but then fell to Chiefs, Redskins and Colts to finish 1-3. QB Andy Dalton and WR A.J. Green are "big-time" players plus RB Gio Bernard will be joined by speedy rookie RB Joe Mixon (Okla). Cincinnati added a few notable names in the off-season including LB Kevin Minter and OT Andre Smith but the OL is in a state of transition, while the defense will be missing starting LB Vontaze Burfict (three games) and CB Adam Jones (one game), both on NFL suspensions. 

Baltimore has consistently said that it expects Flacco to be fine for Week 1. However, is a full week to prepare for the regular-season opener in Cincinnati enough? Let me note here that Flacco's thrown just five TD passes and 12 interceptions in eight career games at Paul Brown Stadium. That makes sense when one notes that the Bengals have won and covered the last five years at home against the Ravens. Baltimore has gone 2-6 SU on the road each of the last two seasons, including opening 2-0 on the road in 2016 (wins over 1-15 Cleveland and 3-13 Jacksonville), before losing their final six on the road (1-5 ATS).

Was 2016 just a "down year," for Cincy or the beginning of a slide? Let's not ignore that this team has been quite consistent (few roster or coaching changes) and had put together four consecutive seasons of 10-plus wins prior to 2016 and entered last year having gone 19-4-1 SU at home from 2013-15, before going 4-3-1 last year. Cincinnati does own an 18-6-2 ATS record in their last 26 September games and I'm "all over" the Bengals at this 'workable' pointspread (8* on Cincinnati).

Good luck...Larry

The first 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the New York Jets (1:00 EST).

If you called this one “The Toilet Bowl,” not many would argue.

New York was just 5-11 last year. Buffalo is also looking to improve and opens the season with a new head-coach and direction with Sean McDermott. 

If recent history is any precedence though, then the Jets have to be loving their chances today as they’d go on to take both meetings with the Bills last year.

Am I suggesting to you to “sprinkle a little on the money line?” Of course not. 

But I do definitely expect New York to keep this one a lot closer than what the oddsmakers are leading us to believe. 

Josh McCown is under center for the Jets this year and the good news for New York fans is that it would be very hard for him to be any worse than Ryan Fitzpatrick was last season. 

McCown will be leaning heavily on RB Bilal Powell, who had 722 yards last year. New York had a decent defense last season, allowing 424.4 YPG, ranked 11th overall.

The Bills allowed just 16.8 PPG in the preseason, but last year they were rakned 16th in the league with 23.6 PPG conceded. Buffalo’s strength though is once again expected to be on the defensive side of the ball.

The Bills averaged just 15.5 PPG in the preseason. Beyond QB Tyrod Taylor and dynamic playmaker LeSean McCoy, Buffalo is thin on the offensive side of the ball. 

Additionally I’ll point out that it’s interesting to note that the underdog is 4-0 ATS in the last four in this series.

I think the Jets above average defense will be able to contain Taylor and allow McCown a chance to keep this one within striking distance. Grab the points, play on New York.

Good luck…Larry

The second 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the Oakland Raiders (1:00 EST).

Both teams struggled in the preseason, with the Raiders going 0-4 and the Titans going 1-3. Of course, the preseason means nothing. Most of the time.

Both clubs finished second in their respective divisions last season.

The Raiders have won 29 of the last 49 in the series, including last year’s 17-10 victory in Nashville in Week 3. 

QB Derek Carr is back to 100% health after breaking his leg in Week 16 against the Colts last season. Carr will now be handing off to Marshawn Lynch, who the Raiders were able to talk out of retirement. 

You’ll also want to keep your eyes on Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree, who are considered one of the best WR tandems in the league. 

The Titans’ Marcus Mariota also suffered a hurrendous leg injury to end the season. Mariota is also 100% ready to go in 2017. 

As good as Mariota is, the offense’s biggest strength is probably the run game, with three capable backs. 

I simply feel that Oakland is the deeper team through in all three phases. Also note that the Raiders are 9-3 ATS their last 12 on the road, while the Titans are just 7-21-2 ATS in their last 30 in front of the home town crowd.

Grab the points, play on the Raiders.

Good luck…Larry

The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the Pittsburgh Steelers (1:00 EST).

Pittsburgh won the AFC North with an 11-5 record last year and then fell 36-17 to the Pats in the Championship round. 

Cleveland was terrible last season, lucky to earn a 1-15 record. 

The Steelers won both games last year, 27-24 in the first one and 24-9 in the second. Suffice it to say, I’m expecting a much bigger blowout in the 2017/18 season opener.

I have a hard time seeing Cleveland slowing down Pittsburgh’s high-powered offense today. Big Ben is back under center, last year he finished with 3,819 passing yards and a big 29:13 TD:INT ratio. 

RB Le’Veon Bell is back after posting 1,268 rushing yards with seven TD’s in 12 games. Roethlisberger throws to perhaps the most dangerous tandem in the league in Antonio Brown and Martavias Bryant.

Pittsburgh was decent (not great) defenisvely last year, but clearly the unit catches a break in facing the Browns shaky offensive unit. 

Cleveland will be starting rookie QB DeShone Kizer, who had a decent preseason by going 25 of 49 for 351 yards, one TD and one INT. Kizer will be leaning heavily on RB Isaiah Crowell, who had 952 rushing yards. 

The Browns struggled defensively and while they should take a step forward this year, the unit still has more questions than answers currently. 

I’ll point out as well that the Steelers are 6-1 ATS in their last six on the road, while the Browns are just 1-8 ATS in their last nine at home.

Divisional contests are always the most important. All signs point to Pittsburgh sending an early message. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* SEPTEMBER SIDE OF THE MONTH is on Arizona State (11:00 EST).

SDSU enters off a 34-17 win over UC Davis, while Arizona State held on for a 37-31 victory over a tough New Mexico State side. 

The Aztecs were 11-3 last year and then beat Houston 34-10 in the Las Vegas Bowl. But only 11 starters return from that dominant team. SDSU is still expected to compete in the Mountain West with its potent ground attack. Last week the Aztecs rolled up 276 yards on the grounds, led by Rashaad Penny, who had 197 yards and two TD’s last week.

SDSU turns to Christian Chapman under center, last week he was 16 of 21 for 221 yards, two TD’s and an INT. 

The Aztecs defense looked solid last week, but clearly the unit faces a much stiffer test in Manny Wilkins and the high-flying Sun Devils on Saturday night.

Wilkins threw for 300 yards last week against a dangerous and experienced Aggies team. 

ASU averaged 33.3 PPG last year and it has seven starters back from that unit this season. Last week the offense put up 400 yards, including 321 through the air. Wilkins was 22 of 27 with two TD’s. WR John Humphrey had 123 yards on seven catches. 

Arizona State’s defense looked pretty bad last year and it looked flat-footed in Week 1 as well. The secondary catches a break this week though in facing the run heavy Aztec offense.

And ultimately I feel this is what it will come down to. The Aztecs don’t have the necessary downfield personel to keep the Sun Devils honest. 

I like Wilkins and company to have another big night and to pull away down the stretch for the comfortable ATS cover. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

The third 10* RUN-LINE pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the LA Dodgers (9:10 EST).

Ultimately I feel this is a much bigger mismatch on the mound than what the oddsmakers are leading us to believe. The talent discrepancy on the mound absolutely justifies in laying the 1.5 runs for the pick-em price.

The visitors hand the ball to Chad Bettis (0-2, 4.91 ERA) who gave up three runs off five hits over 5.1 innings in a no-decision against the Giants on Monday. 

Bettis has now been shelled for 13 earned runs over his last 15.1 innings of work (note that he’s 0-1 with a 9.00 ERA on the road.)

The home side counters with Alex Wood (14-2, 2.57) who gave up four runs with seven strikeouts in a 6-4 loss to the Padres on Sunday. 

Wood had missed two starts with a minor injury previous to that sub-par outing, but he will be feeling pretty confident that he can bounce back here as note that he’s a spectacular 8-1 with a tiny 2.77 ERA in front of the home town crowd this season (is also 14-1 with a 2.41 ERA in all “night” games.)

Additionally I’ll point out that Colorado is just 43-46 (-4.6 units) in all “night” contests this year, while LA is 63-34 (+8.8 units) in the same position.

For all the reasons listed above, play on the Dodgers on the run line.

Good luck…Larry

The second 8* RUN-LINE pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the Arizona Diamondbacks (8:10 EST).

Jhoulys Chacin has dominated at home and struggled on the road this year. I think that strong trend gets carried over here.

Chacin (12-10, 3.96 ERA) comes in off a victory against the Dodgers on Sunday, giving up three runs off five hits over seven innings. 

Note that while he’s a superb 8-3 with a tiny 1.91 ERA at home, Chacin is just 4-7 with a ballooned 6.96 ERA on the road.

The home side counters with Zack Godley (7-7, 3.21) who also comes in off a victory, giving up one run while striking out seven over six innings against the Rockies on Sunday. 

Godley hasn’t been perfect this year, but he’s been consistent. And note that he’s consistently been at his most consistent in front of the home town crowd by going 3-2 with a respectable 3.51 ERA.

I’ll point out as well that San Diego has struggled in this spot for bettors all year by going just 10-22 (-7.5 units) as a road dog in the +125 to +175 range, while Arizona has dominated in this position by going 10-1 (+8 units) as a home fav in the -175 to -250 range. 

All signs point to a blowout, play on the Diamondbacks on the run line.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Oddsmaker’s Error is on New Mexico (8:00 EST).

The New Mexico Lobos enter off a 38-14 season-opening win over Abiliene Christian. Dating back to last year UNM has now won eight of its last nine and three in a row.

QB Lamar Jordan had 213 yards and a TD, while the offense as whole posted 481 yards. 

The defense limited the Wildcats to just eight yards rushing. 

Now the Lobos setstheir sites on the Rio Grande Rivalry at Dreamstyle Stadium against New Mexico State. 

New Mexico State gave Arizona State everything it could handle last week, but eventually fell apart down the stretch, succumbing 37-31.

Tyler Rogers looked decent under center, setting a career high in pass completions and attempts.

Jason Huntley was another standout with a career high 84 yards rushing.

I’ll point out though that New Mexico State has struggled in this spot for bettors, going 0-2 ATS in its last two as a road dog in the 7.5 to ten points range, while New Mexico is 3-1 ATS in its last four after scoring 37 points or more.

I think the Aggies have a letdown here on their second straight road game and after the near victory was snatched from them in Week 1. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

The first 8* RUN-LINE pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the Boston Red Sox (7:10 EST).

I’m going to lay the 1.5 runs for the near pick-em price as I look for Boston to build off its big 9-3 win last night.

The visitors hand the ball to Matt Andriese (5-2, 3.78 ERA) who gave up five runs off six hits over five innings in a loss to the light-hitting White Sox on Sunday. It was his first start since June 10th and the time off clearly was a factor. Note that Adriese has been particularly pedestrian on the road this year by going just 1-2 with a 4.23 ERA.

The home side counters with ace Chris Sale (15-7, 2.85) who gave up three runs off seven hits while striking out six over 4.1 innings in a loss to the Yankees on Sunday. 

Admittedly Sale has scuffled of late, but now that the calendar has flipped to September, I’m expecting the southpaw to finish up strong (note that he’s still 6-2 with a 3.03 ERA at home this season.)

Additionally I’ll point out that Tampa Bay is just 34-37 (-1.7 units) on the road this year, while Boston is 14-2 (+10.4 units) this season as a home fav in the -175 to -250 range. 

The massive talent discrepancy on the mound today absolutely justifies in laying the 1.5 runs in my opinion. Play on the Red Sox on the run line.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* LAS VEGAS INSIDER is on Louisville (12:00 EST).

The Cardinals rallied for 35-28 SU win over the Boilermakers in Week 1, but fell large against the spread in the neutral site affair. 

UNC lost to Cal 35-30 at home on Saturday. 

Louisville won the yardage battle with Purdue 524-344 last week, but three turnovers kept the game a lot closer than it should have been (although the Cardinals did force four turnovers of their own.) Additionally the defense would also produce a major score.

Cardinals’ QB Lamar Jackson was 30 of 46 for 378 yards and two TD’s, as well as running the ball 21 times for 107 yards, but fumbling the ball in the red zone as well. Jaylen Smith led the way through the air with eight catches for 117 yards. 

UNC led 17-7 at half and 24-21 after three quarters, but it didn’t score again until the game’s final play. The Tar Heels would go on to lose the yardage battle 469-440. 

The Heels also turned the ball over three times, while forcing only two of their own.

QB Brandon Harris was just 7 of 16 for 60 yards and two INT’s. Chazz Surratt was 18 of 27 for 161 yards and two TD’s. RB Michael Carter was a standout with 94 yards and two TD’s. 

The Tar Heels defense though was destroyed by a QB making his first career start. UNC also has troubles at the QB position.

Jackson and company were far from perfect, but still managed to gut out a victory. Suffice it to say I’m expecting the Cardinals to play much more disciplined in this one and I look for them to pull away down the stretch for the comfortable ATS cover. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

This is a 10* PERFECT STORM on Purdue (8:00 EST).

Ohio comes in off a 59-0 win over Hampton, while Purdue dropped a hard-fought 35-28 battle with Louisville in its home opener. These schools haven’t met since 1998.

Bobcats’ QB Quinton Maxwell was 7 of 9 for 100 yards and one TD and one pick, while Nathan Rourke had 72 passing yards and three rushing TD’s. 

The run game accumulated 248 yards with AJ Oullette leading the charge with 63 yards on 12 carries. If the run game stalls, then the Bobcats are in trouble.

Ohio looked good defensively last week, but clearly that unit faces a much stiffer test on Friday night.

The Boilermakers will look to do just that as last week they’d give the Cardinals everything they could handle. QB Elija Sindelar threw for 118 yards and two TD’s, while David Blough had 175 yards and two TD’s (also two INT’s.) 

Purdue’s defense looked pretty average, but considering the opponent, it wasn’t completely horrible either. 

The Boilermakers were also able to put up 28 points against the 16th ranked Cardinals and I think they’re going to be able to build off that impressive performance. 

I’ll point out as well that Ohio is just 5-7 ATS in its last 12 as a road dog in the 3.5 to seven points range, while Purdue is 2-0 ATS in its last two as a fav in the 3.5 to ten points range.

The Bobcats’ one dimensional offense proves to be too predicable here. Play on Purude.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Kansas City Chiefs (8:30 EST).

After winning the AFC West last year, the Chiefs knew that the perennial East-champion Patriots would be on the schedule in 2017. That KC heads to Foxboro in the opener makes a difficult game even more of a test. But the Chiefs – who may be the best team that no one talks about -- could be looking at at least a cover in this one. Kansas City may be one of the few teams in the league not intimidate by Belichick & Brady – the Chiefs gave the Patriots a decent game in the playoffs a few years ago before running out of gas, and the year before that laid a 41-14 regular-season beating on New England. This time around things could hinge on how KC’s solid secondary does against Brady and a slew of new and talented players that NE has brought on board. Keeping new burner WR Brandin Cooks is a must for keeping the Chiefs in this one until the fourth quarter, which will go a long way toward covering the number. One other note – the Chiefs are 43-21 over the last four seasons and have won three straight openers.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on Georgia Tech (8:00 EST).

This one is being played in the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta Georgia.

Tennessee finished 9-4 last year and would prevail 38-24 over Nebraska in the Music City Bowl, while Georgia Tech was 9-4, winning the TaxSlayer Bowl 33-18 over Kentucky. These teams haven’t faced each other since 1987.

The Vols gave up at least 31 points six times last year. Tennessee though was ranked 24th in the country in scoring with 36.8 PPG. 

The Vols don’t have Joshua Dobbs under center anymore. Coach Butch Jones has not committed to a No. 1 starter yet, so expect to see both Jarrett Guarantano and Quinten Dormady getting time. RB John Kelly is back after posting 580 yards and seven TD’s last season.

Georgia Tech ended the year winning six of its final seven after starting 3-3. Last season the Yellow Jackets would score at least 30 points in eight of their games. 

Georgia Tech was decent on both sides of the ball last year, finishing 70th in scoring (28.2) and 39th in scoring defense (24.5) QB Justin Thomas is gone, meaning that Matthew Jordan will likely be named No. 1 to open the season. 

The Yellow Jackets have a stable of great RB’s, which helps with their dangerous triple-option attack.

I’ll point out that Tennessee is just 1-2 ATS in its last three neutral site affairs, while Georgia Tech is 3-0-1 ATS in its last four in the same position. 

Both offenses will have to go through growing pains to open the season. Georgia Tech’s offense though relies on the ground game, not the QB’s arm. The Vols have a new QB, new RB’s and new WR’s. The Yellow Jackets have the superior defense in my opinion as well.

While I wouldn’t be shocked by an outright upset, I’m going to recommend grabbing as many points as you can. Play on Georgia Tech.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* GAME OF WEEK is on Virginia Tech (7:30 EST).

These border rivals get ready to play a neutral site matchup, although they haven’t played against each other since 2005. Both teams are starting new QB’s this year, with Josh Jackson at Virginia Tech and WVU turning to Florida transer Will Grier. 

Grier had Florida at 6-0 in 2015 before testing positive for steroids. He’ll be joined by RB Justin Crawford, who had 1,184 yards and four TD’s last year. 

The offensive line is a big concern for the Mountaineers though as they try to replace LT Yodny Cajuste and All-American center Tyler Orlosky. 

The defense allowed 24 points and 425.9 YPG last season. However, once again there are major concerns about the line, as WVU has to replace all three starting lineman from its 3-3-5 defense.

Jackson will be leaning heavily on WR cam Phillips for the Hokies this year, as he’d finish with 76 passes for 983 yards and five TD’s last season. Jackson will also be turning to RB Travon McMillian, who rushed for 677 yards and seven TD’s. 

VT’s defense is expected to be solid out of the gates as it returns three linebackers and three of the four secondary starters. Last year the unit gave up an average of just 340.7 YPG.

I’ll point out as well that WVU is 0-4 ATS in its last four neutral site gams, while VT is 2-1 ATS in its last three in the same position.

Grier is a question mark in my opinion having not played competitively since 2015. The Virginia Tech defense looks much better than West Virginia’s as well. 

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

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Oddsmaker’s Error is on Florida State (8:00 EST).

I’m not going to call for the outright upset (although I wouldn’t be shocked), but I think that FSU will at the very least take this one down to the wire and sneak in through the back door down the stretch.

This one is being played in the new Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta Georgia. 

The Seminoles return 15 starters and 48 lettermen overall from a squad that went 10-3 last season (that included a 33-32 victory over the Wolverines in the Orange Bowl.)

FSU is led by QB Deondre Francois, an offense which was 40th in the nation in rushing last year, 33rd in passing and 25th in total offense while averaging 35.1 PPG overall. 

The Seminoles were horrible defensively over the first four games last year, allowing 42.3 PPG in that span. They’d recover the rest of the way though to allow only 18.5 over the final eight. And now FSU brings back 24 of 27 lettermen from that group, including ten starters.

Alabama has been to the playoffs in each of the last three seasons and has one title to show for it, getting upset 35-31 by Clemson last year. 

The Tide return 11 starters. Alabama will be dominant on the defensive side of the ball, it allowed just 13.0 PPG and 262 YPG last season. 

Jalen Hurts will once again be under center, last year he threw for 2,780 yards, 23 TD’s and nine INT’s. He aslo ran for 954 yards and 13 TD’s. Damien Harris is back as well, last year he ran for 1,037 yards. 

I think it’s interesting to note though that Florida State is 3-0 ATS in its last three against the SEC, while Alabama is 0-2 ATS in its last two agains tthe ACC.

I think the Noles are the complete package this year and I expect them to at the very least, come away with the comfortable covers once it’s all said and done.

Good luck…Larry

The first 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Michigan State (12:00 EST).

Suffice it to say, I’m expecting a rout from start to finish in this one. Both teams come in off disappointing campaigns.

Bowling Green was one of the highest scoring teams in the nation in 2015 with 42.2 PPG, but in 2016 it averaged only 24.8. 

The Green Falcons return QB James Morgan, who comes in off a pretty mediocre season. In all the offense returns six starters. The receiving corp and RB’s look solid, but the concern out of camp is along the offensive line. 

Last year the defense allowed 38.3 PPG. The unit should see significant improvement this year with 22 of 28 lettermen back from that side of the ball, including six starters. Regardless, it’s still a weak point and one which I look for the Spartans to exploit.

Michigan State is looking for redemption this year after a 3-9 season. The Spartans will be leaning heavily upon RB LJ Scott, who had 984 yards and six TD’s last year. At QB is Brian Lewerke, who saw some playing time last season. 

The Spartans were decent defensively, allowing 27.8 PPG. The unit should make some strides this season as well and clearly it catches a break in facing the Green Falcons to open the 2017/18 campaign.

Additionally I’ll point out that Bowling Green is just 2-3 ATS in its last five as an underdog in the 10.5 to 21 points range, while Michigan State is 3-2 ATS in its last five as a favorite in the 10.5 to 21 points range.

The Spartans have a good shot at making it back to a bowl game this year and I look for the home side to come out extremely focused as it looks to start the new season off on the “right foot.” Lay the points, play on Michigan State.

Good luck…Larry

The second 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Clemson (12:00 EST).

Suffice it to say, I’m expecting a rout from start to finish. 

Kent State was 3-9 last year. The Golden Flashes faced two Top 25 opponents and lost 48-0 to Alabama and 37-21 to WMU. 

The Tigers are the defending National Champions, but move forward of course without QB Deshaun Watson.

The Golden Flashes head coach Paul Haynes is out for the first few weeks because of medical reasons, meaning that OC Don Treadwell will serve in the interim. 

Treadwell doesn’t have much to live up to as Haynes is an abysmal 12-35 in his four years as head coach of Kent State.

Clemson coach Dabo Swinney will be prowling the sidelines tonight though and he’s made Kelly Bryant the starter. 

Bryant has just 75 yards and one TD in 18 career attempts. He’ll be sharing time though with Zerrick Cooper and Hunter Johnson. 

Whoever wins the starting job has a plethora of offensive talent surrounding them, including Ray-Ray McCloud, Deon Cain and Hunter Renfrow. 

I’ll point out as well that the Golden Flashes are just 11-24 ATS in their last 35 non-conference games, while the Tigers are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 at home.

Kent State is a great appetizer to warm up on. Tigers roll.

Good luck…Larry

The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Penn State (12:00 EST).

Suffice it to say I’m expecting a rout from start to finish in this one.

Akron finished 5-7 last year, while Penn State was 11-3. The Nittany Lions will be out to atone for a 52-49 loss to USC in the Rose Bowl though and that’s bad news for the lowly Zips obviously.

Akron dropped four straight to end the season and the defense was the major issue, as it would allow at least 38 points seven times. 

In their lone matchup against a Big Ten opponent last year, the Zips were destroyed 54-10 by Wisconsin on the road. 

Akron averaged 27.4 PPG and allowed 33.6. QB Thomas Woodson had 2,079 yards, 18 TD’s and six INT’s. Woodson’s top two receivers are gone though.

The Nittany Lions finished 21st in the country with an average of 37.6 PPG last year. They were ranked 47th on the defensive side in conceding 25.4 PPG. 

QB Trace McSorely had 3,614 yards, 29 TDs and eight INT’s, to go along with 365 rushing yards and an additional seven TD’s on the ground. 

You’ll also want to keep your eyes on RB Saquon Barkley, who had 1,496 yards rushing and 18 TD’s.

I’ll point out that Akron is notorious for getting out to slow starts, having gone just 3-9 ATS in its last 12 games in September.

Also note that Penn State is a solid 5-0-1 ATS in its last six at home.

The Nittany Lions started 2-2 last year, so will be looking to get out to a much quicker start this time around. Look for the home side to put the foot on the gas from start to finish. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* PERFECT STORM is on Boston College (9:30 EST).

Boston College was 7-6 last year, but was just 2-6 in the ACC. 

The Eagles closed the season strong though with three straight wins, including beating Maryland 36-30 in the Quick Lane Bowl. 

I like Boston College to carry that momentum over here and to take advantage of a Northern Illinois team which finished 5-7 last year. 

The Huskies started four different QB’s last season. NIU has been a powerhouse in the MAC for almost a decade, but it has just 13 victories over the last two seasons. 

NIU is expected to test three different signal callers today in Ryan Graham, Daniel Santacaterina and Marcus Childers. The Huskies lost their top RB from last year in Joel Broughton, but have a capable replacement in Jordan Huff, who finished with 703 yards and five major scores last year. 

Despite the rotation at QB, the Huskies were decent offensively (3rd in conference), but it was their defense which was a disaster, allowing 30.3 points and 451.5 YPG

BC returns seven starters on the defensive side of the ball, including DE Harold Landry, who led the country in sacks with 16.5. The Eagles’ front seven is expected to once again be among the best in the nation.

BC struggled offensively last year, managing just 20.4 PPG. The Eagles have two options at QB, Darius Wade, who has the most experience, and redshit freshman Anthony Brown who many believe will eventually win the job. Brown is a legitimate dual threat.

I’ll point out that Boston College is 7-1-1 ATS in its last nine against the MAC, while NIU is 0-5-1 ATS in its last six non-conference games.

I think BC’s run game and defense prove to be too much for the Huskies today, who come into this season with more questions than answers.

Play on the Eagles.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* LEGEND is on Washington (8:00 EST).

When these teams met last year in Washington the Huskies won 48-13. 

Washington went 11-1 last year, with its lone regular season loss coming against USC. Washington returns more than 85 percent of its offensive yards from a team which averaged 41.8 PPG and 457 YPG last season. 

QB Jake Browning threw for 3,430 yards with 43 TD’s and just nine INT’s last year. Browning has most of his RB and receiving corps returning, including Myles Gaskin, who ran for 1,373 yards and ten TD’s. 

The Huskies were also tough on the defensive side of the ball, ranked eighth overall after allowing 17.7 PPG. Note that 27 of 35 lettermen return, including six starters from the defense.

The Scarlet Knights were horrible last year, finishing 2-10, including 0-9 in Big 10 action. In games against Ohio State, Michigan, Penn State and Michigan State, Rutgers was outscored 224-0. Last year QB Kyle Bolin led an offense which averaged 15.7 PPG.

The defense was almost as bad, ranked 126th in the nation against the run and allowing an average of 37.5 PPG overall. 

The Scarlet Knights should make significant improvement over their abysmal numbers from a year ago, but the team still has more questions than answers as we head into the 2017/18 campaign.

I simply have a hard time seeing Rutgers doing anything offensively against what should be another Top 10 defense for the Hukies. Lay the points with confidence, play on Washington.

Good luck…Larry

The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on New Mexico State (10:30 EST).

Both teams are out for redemption after sub-par season’s a year ago. 

NMSU has won just three games in each of the last two years. But the Aggies have big expectations this season, as they’re now the most experienced team in their conference, with 16 starters back. 

The NMSU defense was bad, allowing 38.8 PPG last year, but it’s expected to take a major step forward this season. 

The Aggies offense has improved each year under Doug Martin. QB Tyler Rogers had 2,603 yards, 16 TD’s and 12 INT’s last season and seven of his top eight receivers are all back.

The run game is expected to be tops in the Sun Belt as well, led by senior Larry Rose and who will be running behind the fourth best offensive line in the league. 

ASU finished 5-8 last year. The offense averaged 33.3 PPG and it returns seven starters from last season. Manny Wilkins threw for 2,329 yards, 12 TD’s and nine INT’s. 

The run game also looks strong with Kalen Ballage and Demario Richard, but the receiving corps is thin.

The Sun Devils were also brutal on the defensive side of the ball, allowing 39.8 PPG last season. 20 of 36 lettermen return from last year so the unit is also expected to improve significantly.

I’ll point out though that NMSU is 5-2 ATS in its last seven against the Pac-12, while ASU has struggled in this position for bettors for years now, going just 1-4 ATS in its last five games played in the month of August.

The Aggies won’t be intimidated whatsoever here and clearly the pressure is on the home side. I’m not predicting an outright epic upset, but I do think that the visitors can keep this one a lot closer than whan the oddsmakers are leading us to believe. Play New Mexico State.

Good luck…Larry

This is a 10* 34-Club Play on the Oakland Raiders (10:00 EST).

I base my picks on many different things. I consider myself quite adept at picking which team I feel will be the more “motivated” in a particular matchup and that’s the case with Oakland tonight.

No need to overanalyze this selection in my opinion. Seattle is 3-0 SU/ATS in the preseason, while Oakland is 0-3 SU/ATS.

The preseason is meaningless, however the Raiders would love nothing more than to get a single victory before heading into the real thing. A win in front of the home town crowd would be big for the team and the fan base.

Conversely, Seattle has already accomplished what it set out to do in the preseason. I’m expecting the Hawks to simply go through the motions today as the team looks to avoid any serious injuries to any of the back-ups and wannabe’s. 

And it’s as simple as that for me on this one. This play is not about who is on the field of play today, or who plays for how long etc, it’s about which of these two clubs is the overall more motivated. 

Play on Oakland.

Good luck…Larry

The second 8* of my Superstar Triple Play is on UL Monroe (9:00 EST).

Am I suggesting to you to “sprinkle a little on the money-line” in this one?

Of course not. I simply feel that the high-flying Tigers are going to get caught “looking past” the low-flying Warhawks to their game at UCF the following week.

Louisiana Monroe was just 4-8 last year and failed to qualify for a bowl, while Memphis finished 8-5, the Tigers going on to lose 51-31 to WKU in the Boca Raton Bowl. 

The Warhawks were atrocious on the road last year, especially on the defensive side of the ball. But as mentioned off the top, I think the unit catches a break here with the home side already planning for an early crucial conference tilt the following weekend. 

UL Monroe returns three QB’s from last year in Garrett Smith, Caleb Evans and Will Collins. The top two RB’s from last year also return in Ben Luckett and Thomas Koufie. 

The Tigers’ defense can empathize with their opponent today, as it would go on to allow at least 42 points in six games last year. 

Memphis is once again expected to be a power-house on the offensive side of the ball with Riley Ferguson leading the way, he had 3,698 yards, 32 TD’s and 10 INT’s last season. RB Dorolan Dorceus is also expected to have another big campaign.

I’ll point out though that the Warhawks are 4-2 ATS in their last six as a road dog of 21.5 points or more and 5-3 ATS in their last eight non-conference contests, while the Tigers are just 6-7 ATS in their last 13 at home and just 8-9 ATS in their last 17 as a favorite.

For all the reasons listed above, play on Louisiana Monroe.

Good luck…Larry

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

Ohio State was 11-2 SU/ATS last year, while Indiana was 6-7 SU/ATS. 

Ohio State’s season ended with a disappointing 31-0 loss to Clemson in the Playoff semifinal.

The Buckeyes have to be feeling pretty confident as we head into the new season though as they return eight players on offense, including senior QB JT Barrett and RB Mike Weber. 

When these teams met last year, the Buckeyes rolled to a 38-17 victory. Suffice it to say, I’m expecting an even bigger blowout this time around. 

Barrett now has a ton of experience under his belt and I think he’ll be a big difference maker tonight. Barrett had 2,555 yards passing, 24 TD’s and seven INT’s, while also running for 845 yards and nine major scores last season. 

Ohio State averaged 39.4 PPG and ranked sixth nationally on the defensive side of the ball last year by allowing just 300.2 YPG. A strength also lies on the defensive line, with three of four starters returning.

Indiana returns nine starters on the defensive side of the ball, a unit which allowed an average of just 380 YPG. 

The Hoosiers once again turn to QB Richard Lagow this year, he completed 57.8 percent of his passes for 3,362 years, 19 TD’s and 17 INT’s last year. In all the offense would average only 25.8 PPG. 

I’ll point out as well that Ohio State is 42-20-1 ATS in its last 63 on the road, while Indiana is only 2-5 ATS in its last seven at home.

While the Hoosiers did improve dramatically on the defensive side of the ball last year, the offense once again has more questions than answers this season. I think Ohio State’s depth and experience on both sides of the ball proves to be too much for the home side. All signs point to a blowout, lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Chicago Bears (1:00 EST).

Both teams are 1-1 SU/ATS as we head into Week 3 of the 2017 preseason.

Tennessee beat the Jets before then falling to Carolina, while the Bears lost to Denver before then beating the Cardinals 

The Bears will once again be getting a good long look at rookie QB Mitch Trubisky in this one, so far he’s 18 for 25 for 166 yards, one TD and no INT’s, while also rushing for 38. 

Tennessee is expected to give Marcus Mariota the entire first half, so far he has just 11 passes through the first two games. Note though that Mariota will be without two of his top pass catchers in Eric Deicker and Corey Davis to injury. 

I’ll point out as well that Chicago is 4-1 ATS the last five in this series, while Tennessee is just 7-21-2 ATS in its last 30 in front of the home town crowd.

I think Trubisky can take advantage of this Titans defense, which struggled in last week’s loss. 

Grab as many points as you can, play on the Bears.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Oddsmaker’s Error is on Rice (10:00 EST).

Am I suggesting that you should “sprinkle a little on the money line?” Of course not. I simply feel that this is a few too many points to be giving up as I think Stanford is going to need some time to develop chemistry before its firing on all cylinders. 

This game is being played in Sydney Australia. 

The Cardinal finished 10-3 last year and went on to beat North Carolina 25-23 in the Sun Bowl, while the Owls were just 3-9 on the season. 

When these teams met on November 26th, Stanford came away with the 41-17 victory. 

Stanford has some work to do to return to prominence in the confernece. Keller Chryst is expected to get the start here (77 of 136 for 905 yards, ten TD’s and two INT’s.) However, Ryan Burns is waiting in the wings if needed (106 of 166 for 1,151 yeards, five TD’s and seven INT’s.)

Clearly the Cardinal offense is going to need to make adjustments after losing RB Christian McCaffrey to the NFL draft as well. 

The focus now shifts to Bryce Love, who ran 112 times for 779 yards and three major scores last year. 

The kicking game is also a concern, as Jet Toner and Collin Riccitelli are still very inexperienced.

Rice will once again struggle this season. Sam Glaesmann will make his first College start under center and he’ll be leaning heavily on RB Samuel Steward, who had 76 carries for 479 yards and three TD”s last year. 

WT Kylen Granson had 33 receptions for 381 yards and two TD’s. The kicking game is a strength of the Owls, with Jack Fox and Hade Tobola (31/31 XP, 7/11 FG, long of 46) both returning. 

I’ll point out as well that Rice is 5-3 ATS in its last eight non-conference games, while Stanford is just 4-5 ATS in its last nine in the same position.

Both teams have a lot of questions on the offensive side of the ball and ultimately I think the bigger adjustment will fall on Stanford. It’s the window of opportunity that Rice bettors are looking for. Grab as many points as you can, play on the Owls.

Good luck…Larry

The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the Dallas Cowboys (8:00 EST).

These are two teams with big aspirations, but I think the Cowboys will find a way to get the job done in their own stadium.

Dallas was 13-3 last year and then fell at home to Green Bay in the playoffs.

Oakland was 12-4, but lost starting QB Derek Carr in Week 16 of the regular season, causing the team to predictably get bounced in the first round to the Texans. 

Carr was 7 of 9 for 100 yards and two TD’s last week, but his team would utlimately fall 24-21. Lee Smith and Michael Crabtree caught the TD passes. 

Dak Prescott is the man in Dallas now, he’d win 13 of his 14 starts last year and throw 23 TD’s to just four INT’s. Prescott was 7 of 8 for 108 yards and a TD last week, while RB Darren McFadden had 59 yards on nine carries. 

I think Prescott outduels Carr in this one and I like Dallas to continue its progression on the defensive side of the ball as well.

Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

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

I simply feel this one means a lot more to Buffalo as it’s 0-2 to open the preseason.

Conversely, the Ravens are 2-0 and look primed for a bit of letdown in my opinion. 

The Bills fell 17-10 to Minnesota and then 20-16 to Philaelphia, while Baltimore won 23-3 over Washington and then 31-7 over Miami.

Buffalo has averaged 385 YPG over the first two games, but managed just 13 PPG average. Tyrod Taylor led an offense which averaged 25 PPG last year and he’d go on to post 3,023 passying yards, 17 TD’s and six INT’s. 

The Bills have looked solid on the defensive side of the ball, allowing just 18.5 PPG and 285.5 YPG. 

With the majority of the starters finally all playing together on the offensive side of the ball tonight, I’m expecting to see a much more rounded overall performance from Buffalo in this one.

Ryan Mallett will be backing up Joe Flacco in Baltimore this year. But Flacco is out with injury right now, meaning Mallett will once again see the majority of time today (also giving way to rookie Josh Woodrum.) 

The Ravens have also looked sharp on the defensive side of the ball early, allowing 129 YPG and just 10 PPG over the first two. Clearly these numbers are unsustainable though and I believe the unit will finally get tested today from this focused Bills offense. 

I think the more determined team will at the very least keep this one close enough to sneak in through the back door down the stretch. Grab the points, play on the Bills.

Good luck…Larry

The second 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the Atlanta Falcons (7:00 EST).

So far Atlanta is 0-2 to open the preseason, but it will play the all important Week 3 “dress rehearsal” at home in the new Mercedes-Benz Stadium. 

Arizona is 1-2 and comes in off a 24-23 loss to Chicago at home last week. 

Atlanta has jumped out to early leads in each of its first two preseason games and then has taken the foot off the gas once the backups and wannabe’s hit the field.

However, NFL MVP QB Matt Ryan will be supported by Tevin Coleman for most of this one and I expect the home side to keep the pedal to the metal from start to finish. 

This has been a matchup which has favored Atlanta, as the Falcons are 4-1 ATS the last five in this series. 

I like Ryan to lead his team to an early insurmountable lead in front of the home town crowd in the new stadium, as the place is expected to be absolutely rocking from start to finish. 

Arizona’s lack of depth on both sides of the ball will prove to be its downfall again this week. 

Lay the points with confidence, play on the Falcons.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* GAME OF MONTH is on Colorado State.

Hopes are high at Colorado State, where the Rams have plenty of talent back from last year’s half-decent (7-6) team and should get a boost from playing their first game in their new stadium. With Alabama and powerful Colorado among the first four opponents, this is almost a must-win situation for CSU. While Oregon State no doubt will try to control the tempo of this one, the Rams hope to make it a shootout behind QB Nick Stevens, who passed for 19 TDs in less than a season in 2016. A strong effort by Stevens in the opener on national TV could result in some Heisman talk and help put CSU on the college football map. Look for Colorado State’s strong defensive front to take a toll on Oregon State’s O-line, which has been re-worked since last season. The Beavers have talent, but most of it is on the offensive side of the ball – not unusual in today’s high-scoring college game. This one has the look and feel of a field-goal game, with CSU having a slight edge at home in its new digs, which has the awkward name Sonny Lubick Field at Colorado State University in a nod to the school’s former longtime coach.

Good luck...Larry 

My 10* PERFECT STORM on the Philadelphia Eagles (7:00 EST).

Both teams come into this one at 1-1 SU/ATS. With Week’s 1 and 2 in the books, Week 3 represents the all important “dress rehearsal.” 

These teams are evenly matched on paper, but I think that the home field advantage will prove to be the deciding factor once it’s all said and done.

Miami struggled in a 31-7 loss to Baltimore last week, while Philadelphia enters off a momentum/confidence building 20-16 victory over the Bills. 

Miami QB Jay Cutler was three of six for 24 yards. Backup QB Matt Moore had 11 yards on three passes. RB Jay Ajayi had two carries for a loss of two yards. 

As horrible as the offense looked overall last week, the defense was even worse.

Which doesn’t bode well in my opinion in facing a focused Carson Wentz this evening. Matt McGloin saw the majority of snaps last week and looked decent under center for Philly, but Wentz will see most of the action today.

The Eagles looked especially quick on the defensive side of the ball and I think the unit will have another big night against this shaky Miami offense that’s still looking for an identity at this point. 

Miami only put up 120 yards of offense last week and it doesn’t appear as if it will have any easier of a time in this raucous atmosphere.

I think Philadelphia’s depth at QB and the home field factor prove to be too much for the floundering Fish. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the New Orleans Saints (8:00 EST).

Both teams are coming off disappointing Week 1 NFLX openers. New Orleans will be eager to atone for a loss to the Browns, while the Chargers were crushed by Seattle in their new home last weekend.

Drew Brees didn’t play last week and is expected to see limited to no time today as well. The Saints have three guys battling for the backup position, as Chase Daniel was four of six for 27 yards over the first two series. Garret Grayson then took over and was 11 of 16 for 126 yards and a 92.2 passer rating, the followed by Ryan Nassib, who was 10 of 14 for 110 yards, a TD and a 98.2 passer rating.

The Saints also looked decent defensively in picking up four sacks.

Philip Rivers connected with Antonio Gates for the Chargers on the opening drive last week, but then everything took a turn for the worse after that for LA.

The Bolts looked especially weak on the defensive side in conceding 458 yards of offense, including 325 through the air. 

I’ll point out as well that the Saints are 9-1 ATS in their last ten on the road, while the Chargers are just 5-16 ATS in their last 21 “home” situations.

Rivers isn’t expected to see much time in this one either, which clearly doesn’t bode well for this struggling LA offense. The Saints though have three capable backs which have to be liking their chances tonight against this porous Chargers’ secondary. 

While I wouldn’t be stunned by the outright upset, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can. Play on New Orleans.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the Detroit Lions (7:30 EST).

Both teams are 1-0 SU and ATS, as Detroit pulled out a 24-10 victory over Indianapolis, while New York beat Tennessee 7-3 at home. 

The Jets were just 5-11 last year and have a laughable QB battle going on right now between Josh McCown, Bryce Petty and Christian Hackenberg. 

New York looked pretty good defensively, finishing with eight sacks on the night, but will now obviously be tested on a much greater level against the high-flying Lions.

Detroit backup QB Jake Ruddock had two TD passes last week, each to rookie WR Kenny Golladay. Starter Matt Stafford only saw one series, but he is expected to get a few more tonight.

I’ll point out that New York is just 2-5 ATS in its last seven on the road, while Detroit is 5-2 ATS in its last seven at home.

I have a hard time seeing the Jets mustering much of an offense today. Should be a spanking from start to finish, lay the points with confidence.

Play on the Lions.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Seattle Seahawks (10:00 EST).

I use many different techniques to handicap games. For this selection I’m not focusing so much on who will actually be on the field of play tonight, but more on the “situation” that both sides find themselves in coming into this contest.

Minnesota opened the NFL preseason with a convincing 17-10 win at Buffalo in Week 1. Now the Vikes have to travel across the country for a late night West Coaster, before then heading home for Week’s 3 and 4. 

With a victory on the road already and with their eyes already onto their Week 3 matchup at home against the 49ers, tonight’s contest in Seattle sets up as a classic “letdown” spot for the Vikings. 

The Seahawks absolutely annihilated the Chargers 48-17 in Week 1 and should be even more fired up tonight in the first game in front of the home town crowd. The backups and wannbe’s all looked great for Seattle and we should expect the starters to see even more action this evening.

It’s a great situational play as I’m expecting another Seahawk rout from start to finish. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8:00 EST).

The Bucs will be ready for a much better showing after falling 23-12 to the Bengals on the road last week.

Conversely, it would appear as if this could be a classic “letdown” spot for the Jags after their big Week 1 road victory in New England.

Jameis Winston was 9 of 13 on the opening drive. He should see a bit more time today. The Bucs will also be leaning heavily on WR Mike Evans this year, last week had four catches for 47 yards.

Tampa looked sharp defensively as well, allowing a total of 176 yards.

Jacksonville was playing like it was in the Super Bowl in Week 1 and managed a victory on the road against the defending champs. QB Chad Henne had a 97-yard TD pass to Keelan Cole, while third-stringer Brandon Allen also converted for a major score.

I’ll point out though that Tampa is 6-1 ATS in its last seven on the road, while Jacksonville is just 2-4 ATS in its last six after scoring 30 points or more on the road in its previous outing.

I like the Bucs to find a way to get the better of their contented cross state rivals. Play on Tampa.

Good luck…Larry

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

Baltimore looks primed for a letdown here in my opinion after beating Washington 23-2 at home on Thursday. 

Miami also comes in off a win, getting the better of Atlanta 23-20 at home. With two tough road games to end the preseason, including the all important “dress rehearsal” in Week 3, I’m expecing the Fish to come in focused on the task at hand.

Joe Flacco is sitting out the entire preseason for the Ravens, meaning we’ll see a bunch of Ryan Mallet this evening (finished 9 of 18 for 58 yards.) Taquan Mizzell led the way on the ground in that one for Baltimore with 51 yards on 15 carries. 

The defense looked sharp, but I think it’ll have a much more difficult time on the road.

Miami QB Jay Cutler should see time today. QB David Fales was 8 of 17 for 184 yards, two TD’s and an INT last week.

The Dolphins defense looked sharp, completely shutting out the Falcons in the fourth quarter.

I think Baltimore goes through the motions today as it looks to prepare for Week 3, while I expect Miami to take advantage of familar surroundings and find a way to get the job done at the end of the night.

Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

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

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

Buffalo will be eager to notch its first win of the preseason after falling 17-10 at home to Minnesota last week. 

Philadelphia is also looking to get off the schneid after falling 24-9 at Green Bay.

Buffalo starter Tyrod Taylor should see more time today. There is a battle for backup in Buffalo between Nate Peterman and TJ Yates.

The Bills defense looked sharp in the opener allowing 90 yards on the ground to the Vikes and 152 through the air. 

Eagles’ starting QB Carson Wentz hit all four of his passes before exiting last weekend. Wentz is also expected to see limited time in this one. With Wentz on the bench, the Eagles managed just a FG the rest of the way. 

Philadelphia backup Matt McGloin was 28 of 42 for 205 yards and an INT. The run game managed just 47 yards in the setback. 

The Eagles’ defense looked decent, but should be tested much more by this determined Bills’ unit. 

Buffalo went toe-to-toe with a tough Minnesota team, while the Eagles were in complete disarray without Wentz in the line-up. 

I think this one comes down to the wire, so grab the points!

Good luck…Larry

The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the LA Dodgers RUN-LINE (10:10 EST).

I feel that the massive talent discrepancy on the mound tonight absolutely justifies in laying the 1.5 runs for the much more reasonable price. 

The visitors hand the ball to the volatile Carlos Rodon (1-4, 4.24 ERA) who actually comes into this one off a decent outing against Houston on Thursday, giving up two runs off nine hits over eight innings. 

Previous to that though the southpaw had posted a 4.66 BB/9 and 11.87 K/9 in 38.2 innings. This was the first time in seven tries that he’d manage to go a full seven innings. 

Rodon has looked a bit better of late, but note that he’s still just 1-2 with a 5.40 ERA on the road this season. 

The home side counters with Yu Darvish (8-9, 3.81) who enters off a second straight win for his new club, holding Arizona to two runs off five hits with two walks and ten strikeouts over five innings on Thursday. 

Darvish now owns a sparkling 20/3 K/W over 12 innings for the Dodgers and I’m expecting the hard-throwing right-hander to continue to excel with another strong effort on Wednesday night.

I’ll point out as well that Chicago is just 30-50 (-6.7 units) against right-handed starters this year, while LA is 28-11 (+10 units) against southpaws. 

For all the reasons listed above, play on LA on the run-line.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Arizona Cardinals (10:00 EST).

Oakland was 12-4 last year and to say it has big expectations this season would be an understatement. QB Derek Carr had a break-out campaign, before then breaking his leg in Week 16. 

Third-string QB Connor Cook faltered in the first round of the playoffs. Carr is epxected to see no time tonight. RB Marshawn Lynch is also expected to see limited to no time whatsoever.

Arizona was just 7-8-1 last year and will be looking to regain its 2015 form. 

One big advantage that the Cards have today though over the Raiders is that they’ve already played a preseason contest this year, falling 20-18 to the Cowboys in the Hall of Fame Game (some won, some lost and some pushed on that one depending where/when you got down.) 

The preseason will be a time for the Raiders to fill a few holes and to try and not sustain any major injuries to key backups, as they’re already stacked top to bottom with the majority of their team in place.

The Cardinals though have plenty of position battles going on, so combined with having already played a game, I absolutely feel that the value tonight is on the home side.

Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* 34-Club Play is on the New York Giants (7:00 EST).

Pittsburgh doesn’t put much stock in the preseason. Or at least it didn’t last year in going just 1-3. The Steelers would then go on to make a run at the AFC Championship. 

New York finished 2-2 in the preseason and also made the playoffs last year.

The Steelers will once again have Ben Roethlisberger under center in Week 1 of the regular season, but Big Ben will likely see no time whatsoever tonight.

Pittsburgh was tenth in scoring last year and was led offensively by RB Le’Veon Bell, who will also be sitting this one out. 

Bell is in fact holding out right now, which leaves Pittsburgh very thin at RB. De’Angelo Williams was let go and third round pick James Conner is injured. The Steelers were one dimensional without Bell in the line-up in the AFC Championship Game (injured) and without Roethlisberger playing either, I have a hard time seeing where the visitors’ offense will come from today. 

Giants’ QB Eli Manning will also be sitting this one out. New York got the job done last year with its defensive play though, finishing second in the league in allowing only 17.8 PPG.

The Giants’ defense will once again be a strength this season and I think its depth will prove to be a big difference maker tonight. 

No need to overanalyze this meaningless preseason Week 1 contest. I’m giving the big nod to New York in this one because of its defense.

Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the Cleveland Browns (8:00 EST).

Both teams missed the playoffs last year. Both teams have plenty to work on in the preseason. 

Cleveland has Brock Osweiler under center and he’ll see a bunch of snaps today. 

Osweiler didn’t work out in Texas, but he was solid in Denver and has a big opportunity at redemption this season. He’ll also be sharing time with Cody Kessler. 

It’s a classic QB battle to open the year for Cleveland and I think this competition will prove to be the difference maker tonight. 

New Orleans knows who will be under center to open the year, as Drew Brees once again had a huge campaign in 2016/17 (5,208 yards, 37 TD’s.) The Saints also signed veteran RB Adrian Peterson (who will see limited to no time whatsoever in this one.)

New Orleans was able to put points on the board no problem last year, so the team will hardly be looking to work on that aspect of its game tonight. Clearly the Saints will be focusing on the defensive side of the ball this preseason after finishing among the bottom feeders in most statistical categories on that side of the ball. 

With the Browns focusing on offense and the Saints focusing on defense in this meaningless Week 1 preseason contest, I’m going to give the advantage to Cleveland. 

Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

The second 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the New England Patriots (7:30 EST).

This line opened at -4.5 and has since dropped, but regardless, I still think the defending champs will find a way to get the job done at the end of the night in this meaningless Week 1 preseason contest.

New England simply has the Jags “number,” having won ten of the last 11 in the series. 

Jacksonville has missed the playoffs for nine straight years.

Jags’ starting QB Blake Bortles has for the most part been a major disappointment. Backup Chad Henne has also been a train-wreck his entire career. We can also expect to see Brandon Allen under center in this one for the visitors.

Ultimately though, I think Pats’ backup QB Jimmy Garoppolo will be a big difference maker tonight.

I’d say Garoppolo is better than both Bortles and Henne right now. He also has a big advantage in being able to play at home.

I thinnk Garoppolo will dominate his counterparts in front of the home town crowd. Lay the points with confidence.

Good luck…Larry

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

Analysis posted at least six hours before game time.

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Houston Texans (7:30 EST).

Analysis posted at least six hours before game time.

The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the Detroit Tigers RUN-LINE (1:10 EST).

I think this is a great price for the extra 1.5 runs of insurance.

Lance McCullers (7-2, 3.67 ERA) gets the nod for the visitors and he most recently gave up six runs off nine hits while striking out just three over 4.2 innings in a loss to Baltimore on Sunday. 

McCullers is struggling, having now allowed 20 runs (18 earned) over his last 18.2 innings of work (note that he owns a pedestrian 4.36 ERA on the road this year as well.)

The home side counters with the surging Justin Verlander (5-7, 4.50) who gave up three runs off five hits and two walks while striking out nine over seven innings in a loss to Kansas City on Monday. Leading up this outing Verlander had allowed three runs or fewer in nine of his previous ten starts (is a highly respectable 3-2 with a 3.62 ERA at home this season.) 

In a game which I see being decided late or in extra innings, I’m going to lay the price for the extra 1.5 runs of insurance. Play on the Tigers run line.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* SIDE OF THE WEEK is on the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

Winnipeg didn’t play last week. Last year the Blue Bombers finished 11-7 and lost in the West semifinals. 

Matt Nichols saw limited time at QB for Winnipeg last season, but he’s been named the starting man this year (still finsihed with 18 TD’s). 

Nichols has many weapons to utilize, including WR Weston Dressler and Clarence Denmark, who combined for 1,700 receiving yards and ten TD’s last year. 

Defensively Winnipeg is led by Kevin Fogg, who had 80 tackles, while Maurice Leggett has seven INT’s.

While the Bluebombers had Week 1 off, the Roughriders will be eager to return home after falling to Montreal last weekend. 

QB Kevin Glenn looked good though as the veteran finished with 298 yards, one TD and one INT. 

WR’s Nic Demski and Bakari Grant combined for 155 receiving yards. RB Cameron Marshall had 84 yards on 11 carries.

Saskatchewan looked great defensively despite the loss, giving up 17 points on 332 yards. 

I’ll point out as well that the Blue Bombers are just 1-6-1 ATS in their last eight games as a road favorite, while the Roughriders are 7-2 ATS in their last nine as an underdog.

I like the desperate home side to find a way to get the job done at the end of the night. Play on Saskatchewan.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Hamilton Tigercats (4:00 EST).

So far the underdog is 3-0 in CFL action in 2017, but I think that streak finally comes to an end on Sunday.

Neither team can be happy with their 2016 resutls. Hamilton finished 7-11 last year, while the Argos were 5-13. 

Both teams have gone through significant turnover on both sides of the ball in the offseason, but for me this pick comes down to the starting QB’s. To put it bluntly, I simply feel that Zach Collaros will be able to easily outduel 37 year old Ricky Ray.

Collaros threw for 2,900 yards and 18 TD’s last year. WR Luke Tasker had 76 passes for 852 yards, while Terrance Toliver finished with 65 catches for 1,036 yards and nine TD’s. You’ll also want to keep your eyes on RB CJ Gable, who finally comes into a season at 100% health.

Ray threw for only 2,400 yards last year. Toronto has ex-NFL veteran receivers DeVier Posey and Armanti Edwards in the line-up, but the two lack CFL experience. While they may go on to have a big season, I think it’s going to take some time for them to develop chemistry.

Hamilton is 10-8 ATS in its last 18 on the road, while Toronto is just 3-13 ATS in its last 16 at home. I think the Argos get distracted on Opening night in their new building and I look for the hungry Tiger Cats to take advantage. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the BC Lions (10:00 EST).

I’ve played the favorite in the CFL over the first two nights to open the 2017 season and have come up short each time unfortunately. However, I think the fav is going to roll tonight, as I expect the explosive Lions to easily pull away down the stretch for the comfortable cover.

Edmonton finished 10-8 last year. QB Mike Reilly threw for over 5,500 yards and 28 TD’s. WR Adarius Bowman caught 120 passes for 1,761 yards and nine TD’s. They’re complimented by RB John White, considered one of the top dual threats in the league.

BC was 12-6 and QB Jon Jennings was a big reason why. Jennings threw for 5,200 yards last year and has a big new weapon in WR Chris Williams, who came over from the Grey Cup winning Ottawa Redblacks in the offseason. 

You’ll also want to keep your eyes on RB Jeremiah Johnson (formerly of the Denver Broncos). 

These teams are pretty even on both sides of the ball, but Edmonton is notorious in getting out to slow starts, as evidenced by its 4-11 ATS record over its last 15 games in Week 1.

I like Jennings to put on a show for the home town crowd tonight. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Calgary Stampeders (7:30 EST).

These teams met in the Grey Cup last year and Ottawa pullled off the massive upset. The Redblacks were just 8-9-1 in the regular season, while the Stampeders were 15-2-1. 

The Stamps are favored to win the Grey Cup this year as well and for good reason. The core of the offense and defense returns, including QB Bo Levi Mitchell, who threw for over 5,300 yards and 32 major scores. 

Calgary also returns the bulk of its defense, including No. 1 sack man Charleston Hughes.

Trevor Harris threw for 3,300 yards and 16 TD’s last year and has been named the No. 1 starter this season for Ottawa. Last year Harris split time with Henry Burris under center.

The core of the Redblacks offense remains in place, but the team did have some turnover in the secondary.

I don’t think ATS stats are really relevant for this opening game, but I think the very clear “revenge” factor can’t be overlooked. The Stamps will be in a foul mood and Mitchell will be looking to put on a show tonight. It’s a PERFECT STORM of situational factors. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Montreal Alouettes (7:30 EST).

Darian Durant was the QB for the Roughriders last year and he threw for 3,800 yards. Durant is one of the elite QB’s in the league and I think he’s going to be able to pick apart his former team tonight.

The Alouettes have plenty of weapons surrounding Durant, including Sam Giguere, Brandon Rutley and Nik Lewis. Montreal’s defense remains pretty much the same from last year and this consistency from season to season will benefit the team early.

Saskatchewan has pleny of offensive talent as well, with the likes of bruising RB Greg Morris and 1,000-yard receiver Naaman Roosevelt. 

However the Roughriders begin the year not knowing who their No. 1 QB will be. The team has three capable choices in Kevin Glenn, Brandon Bridge and Marquise Williams, but the uncertainty is a big detractor to open the season in my opinion.

And for me it’s as simple as that. The uncertainty over Saskatchewan’s No. 1 starter will prove to be the difference here, as I look for the veteran Durant to step up and deliver in front of the home town crowd. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Cleveland Cavaliers (9:00 EST).

With their backs against the wall, I think the Cavaliers will at the very least, keep this one close enough to comfortably sneak in through the back door down the stretch with what I feel to be a very healthy spread afforded to them in this one.

Down 3-0, the Cavs came out like gang-busters and never looked in their big Game 4 victory and clearly there won’t be any change in game-plan tonight.

Cleveland will have to throw everything it has at the Warriors once again if it has any hopes of taking this one back to its own floor. The Cavs though finally solved the Warriors defense after setting several offensive records in Game 4.

One of the biggest differences though was the play of the Cavs role players, who finally stepped up and made their presence known.

Am I suggesting to you to “sprinkle a little on the money line?” I’m not. I simply feel that the Cavs made some big time adjustments in Game 4 and I believe they’re going to take what they learned and make it extremely difficult on the Warriors again tonight.

I’ll also point out that Cleveland is 3-1 ATS in its last four after scoring 115 points or more, while Golden State is just 1-5 ATS this year after a loss by ten points or more and only 5-7 ATS this season after allowing 115 points or more.

Grab as many points as you can, play on the Cavs.

Good luck…Larry

The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the JAYS on the RUN-LINE (4:10 EST).

Toronto opened this series with a 4-2 loss and then rebounded last night with a 4-2 victory. I think JA Happ can match his hard-throwing counterpart today and while I obviously wouldn’t be shocked by an outright upset, I will in the recommend laying what I feel to be a very reasonable mid-sized price for the extra 1.5 runs of insurance.

Happ (0-4, 5.33 ERA) is still trying to work his way back into game shape after returning from injury. Most recently he gave up five runs off four hits over six innings in a loss to Oakland on Monday. Last year Happ won 20 games. The tools are in place to return to form though, so I haven’t given up on him quite yet.

The home side counters with the undefeated James Paxton (5-0, 1.69) who gave up three earned runs off five hits over five innings in a 12-3 win over Minnesota on Tuesday. Paxton labored through the start, needing 96 pitches to get through the five frames. And note that it was the second time in his last three starts that he’s issued multiple free passes. 

The first two games of this series have featured some sharp pitching performances and all signs point to another duel tonight. In a contest which I foresee being decided late or in extra innings, I’m laying the price for the 1.5 runs of insurance.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Cleveland Cavaliers (9:00 EST).

I took the Cavs in Game 1 and lost badly. I took the Cavs in Game 2 and lost badly. I’m taking the Cavaliers in Game 3 as well and while I obviously wouldn’t be shocked by an outright upset, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can.

The addage: “Don’t underestimate the heart of a champion,” is pretty apt in this situation as far as I’m concerned. It’s do-or-die for LeBron James and company, as clearly a 3-0 hole against these 2017 Warriors would simply be too much overcome. And for me, that’s what this pick comes down to, as I’m expecting the defending champs to risk life and limb tonight to secure a victory.

The difference in this series so far hasn’t been the superstars on each side. James, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love have all played well for Cleveland and Golden State has been getting big time production from its three stars as well in Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. 

The difference has been the bench production. Golden State’s role players have to this point absolutely domianted their counterparts. But with the shift in venue, I think that major factor is about to change.

And that’s going to be the difference for James, Irving and Love, over their three all star counterparts.

I’ll point out as well that the Warriors are just 7-8 ATS this year when playing on two days rest, while Cleveland is 3-1 ATS in its last four in the same position.

Grab as many points as you can, play on the Cavaliers.

Good luck…Larry

This is a 10* SIDE OF THE MONTH on the Cleveland Cavaliers (8:00 EST).

I played Cleveland in Game 1 and felt pretty good about the pick heading into half. LeBron James looked strong and the Cavaliers were only down by five.

But Golden State was able to slow down James in the second half and unfortunately, no one else was really able to step up. Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving both had decent outings, but not spectacular.

For Cleveland to beat Golden State, James needs both Love and Irving to play spectacular every night. He also needs his bench to give him some support, as the Warriors’ reserves drastically outplayed their counterparts.

Am I suggesting to you to “sprinkle a little on the money line” as well? Of course not. I simply feel this is too many points to be giving up to the defending champs, as I expect coach Tyrone Lou to make adjustments.

I’ll point out as well that Cleveland has performed well for bettors in this spot over the last couple of years, going 6-4 ATS in its last ten when trailing in a playoff series, while Golden State has struggled in this position by going just 6-8 ATS this season when playing with two days rest.

Grab as many points as you can, play on the Cavaliers.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* LEGEND is on the Cleveland Cavaliers (9:00 EST).

I’m with Golden State head coach Steve Kerr on this series. How come the Warriors are such massive favs to win it all? Cleveland is the defending champ and it’s stacked top to bottom with talent.

It’s also led by the single best player on the planet in LeBron James. Am I saying the Cavs are going to win this series? I am not. Am I saying that Cleveland is going to win Game 1 outright? Also, I am not.

But I do think that this veteran laden Cavaliers team can at the very least, take this one down to the wire and cover with what I feel to be a very ample spread.

From a situational stand point, this one also sets up extremely well for the Cavaliers, as this is in fact a spot in which Cleveland has performed extremely well in for bettors all season, while this is a position in which the Warriors have struggled in mightily. As note, the Cavs are a perfect 4-0 ATS this year when playing with three or more days rest, while the Warriors are just 3-4 ATS in the same position. 

Both teams have great offenses, but the Warriors are better on that end of the floor. Both teams have adequate defenses, but the Cavaliers are slightly better on that end of the floor. 

I think Cleveland comes to play in Game 1 as it looks to at the very least, get a split in Golden State before heading back to Defend The Land! Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the Boston Red Sox (7:10 EST).

I think Boston can build off its big 9-4 win yesterday with another convincing victory this evening.

The visitors hand the ball to Nick Martinez (1-2, 4.33 ERA) who gave up one run off four hits and a walk over five innings in a victory over the Tigers on Friday. 

I’m not reading too much into one decent outing though, as note that it was just the first time in four starts that he’s given up less than three runs. And note that he’s been particularly bad on the road with a 1-2, 5.51 record/ERA.

The home side counters with Drew Pomeranz (3-3, 4.97) who comes in off a strong performance against the A’s on Saturday, allowing two runs off five hits with six K’s over five innings in an eventual no-decision.

Pomeranz has been hit-or-miss this year, but he’s been decent at home with a 3-1, 4.18 record/ERA.

I’ll point out that Texas is just 10-12 (-1.1 units) this year after a loss, while Boston is 15-12 in its last 27 against clubs with winning records.

I think Boston’s big bats take advantage of this matchup. Play on the Red Sox on the run-line.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the San Antonio Spurs (9:00 EST).

Will the Warriors stumble like the Cavaliers did last night and lose this one outright? Probably not. But the Spurs won’t be going down without a fight, so while I’ll stop short in calling for the upset, I do think that the home side will play with pride and keep this one competitive until the final moments.

Other than Za Za Pachulia’s injury, there’s nothing much to report about the Warriors. They remain the highest scoring team in the playoffs, while ranked in the middle of the pack defensively. Exactly the same as in the regular season.

The Spurs on the other hand are now ravaged with injury. They lost Tony Parker in Round 1, then Kawhi Leonard in Game 1 of this series. David Lee went down in Game 3 and is out for the remainder of the year as well.

But San Antonio still has weapons in LaMarcus Aldridge and Manu Ginobili. Like the Celtics, one of the main strengh’s of the Spurs is their incredible depth.

I think the Spurs’ effort in this one will be the difference maker in the end. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is the Boston Celtics (8:30 EST).

I got down on this one early (before it was announced that Celtics’ star Isaiah Thomas would be out for the remainder of the playoffs) and have a poor line. But regardless, I still like this play as I expect the undermanned Celtics to fight hard, to keep this one competitive down the stretch and I look for it to comfortably sneak in through the back door down the stretch with the ample amount of points they’ve been afforded.

Cleveland will look to jump out to an early insurmountable lead, but with the knowledge that Thomas is out, will the Cavs rest some of their starters in the second half? Very likely, as the defending champs can now safely start “looking ahead” to their third straight matchup with the Warriors in the Finals.

I’ll point out though that Boston is still 10-5 ATS this year after a loss by ten points or more, while Cleveland is just 3-4 ATS this season after allowing 90 points or less.

Even with Thomas out, I think the Celtics respond after their historic beatdown loss in Game 2. The Spurs weren’t able to cover last night with their superstar out, but I believe all signs point to Celtics being able to succeed, where San Antonio failed.. Grab as many points as you can.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* GAME OF THE WEEK is on the Boston Celtics (8:00 EST).

This has been a back-and-forth series. So far the home team has won every game “straight-up,” but the Celtics were able to cover the spread in Game 6 despite the setback.

I think the Celtics are the better overall team and have a clear advantage in this situation on their home floor and in the end, I expect them to find a way to get the job done.

Washington shot only 43 percent from the floor and was just 5 of 24 from range in Game 6, while also hitting only 13 of 21 from the charity stripe. Bradley Beal was a standout with 33 points, while John Wall added 26.

Boston had a chance to wrap this up in six games, but was sunk by the last second shot by Wall. Avery Bradley and Isaiah Thomas had 27 points apiece in the setback.

I’ll point out though that Washington is just 1-5 ATS in its last six on the road and 0-6 ATS in its last six road games against teams with a home winning percentage of greater than .600, while Boston is 4-0 ATS in its last four at home and 6-1 ATS in its last seven following an ATS victory. 

Boston fought tooth and nail for the entire regular season so that it could ensure home court throughout the playoffs and in pivotal Game 7 scenarios just like this. So here we are. I think the Celtics pull away down the stretch for the comfortable ATS cover, lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Anaheim Ducks on the “puck-line” (7:30 EST).

This is do-or-die for the Ducks, as a 2-0 hole heading back to Nashville would likely be just too much for the team to overcome for a second straight series after the Oilers did the same thing in the last round.

Anaheim had its chance, but came up short in the OT period in Game 1.

In Game 5 beween the Penguins and Capitals, I took Washington -1.5 +170 on the PUCK-LINE. The Capitals would go on to take that one 4-2. And just like in that one, I expect the Ducks not only to win this game tonight, but to win big.

Clearly it won’t be easy, as Nashville is currently the No. 1 ranked defense in the playoffs behind Pekka Rinne, who is 9-2 in the postseason with a 1.41 GAA. 

Ducks’ netminder John Gibson is 7-4 with a 2.78 GAA in the playoffs so far. He made a career-high 43 saves in Game 1. 

The Predators own the No. 1 defense, but Anaheim is no slouch on the offensive end, it comes into this one ranked No. 2 with an average of 3.08 GPG.

And I’ll point out that despite the Game 1 victory, the road team is still only 2-5 in the last seven meetings between these clubs, while Anaheim is 5-1 in its last six after scoring two goals or less in its previous game. 

Also note that the Ducks are 7-3 in their last ten when playing on one days rest.

I like Anaheim to win this game and I think it’s worth laying the 1.5 goals for the massive payout. 

Good luck…Larry

My 10* LEGEND is on the San Antonio Spurs (3:30 EST).

If the Spurs have any hopes of pulling off an upset in this series, I think they obviously have to gain a split in Golden State. And of the two games, I believe Game 1 is the best opportunity for an underdog to steal one. 

Last night I had a play on the +190 Senators in their Game 1 upset over the Penguins in the NHL. While I will stop short in calling for an outright upset in this one, I do expect San Antonio to throw its best punch in Game 1 and I look for it to keep this one competitive until the final moments (remember, San Antonio started the season off with an opening night win in Golden State this year.)

The Spurs last played on Thursday, while the Warriors have been off since Monday. Will rest lead to rust? Probably not, but the extra few days off has also been beneficial for San Antonio, as top scorer Kawhi Leonard who sat out the Game 6 blowout over the Rockets, has been given the green light to go in this one.

Clearly it won’t be easy. The Warriors are favored for a reason as they have an offense which is almost impossible to stop. The Spurs though did completely stop the Rockets’ James Harden in Game 6 though, holding him to a season-low ten points. 

San Antonio has a flexible defense that’s built around trying to stop Golden State in the playoffs. So here we go. The Spurs had the No. 1 defense in the regular season and the Warriors had the No. 1 offense. 

I’ll point out that San Antonio is 20-15 ATS this year following a win by ten points or more, while Golden State is just 2-3 ATS this season when playing with three or more days rest.

Surely the Spurs could have run the table on the Jazz as well. And likely the Rockets could have taken at least one game from the Warriors if these teams had switched second round opponents.

Regardless, I think San Antonio is not getting nearly enough respect here. Play on the Spurs.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Washignton Wizards (8:00 EST).

I played on Boston in Game’s 1 and 2 and then backed Washington in Game’s 3 and 4. So far home floor advantage has meant everything in this series, but I think that changes tonight.

The Wizards made some key adjustments over the last two games that I think the Celtics will continue to struggle with. 

And I also believe that Boston star Isaiah Thomas is much more mentally burnt than even he realizes. 

Thomas’ sister was tragically killed in a car accident the night before his first round series with the Bulls. The Celtics went on to lose the first two games of that series at home, but then Thomas was able to recover a bit from the initial shock and he used his anger to fuel his team to six straight victories.

Boston needed two epic come-from behind efforts in Game’s 1 and 2 of this series, but with Thomas once again starting to struggle, I have a hard time seeing the C’s keeping pace with the high-flying Wizards in Game 5. 

I’ll point out as well that Washington is a near-perfect 8-1 ATS in its last nine when playing on two days rest, while Boston is just 7-19 ATS in its last 26 in the same situation.

I think the duo of John Wall and Bradley Beal continues to be just too much for the Celtics to handle and while I obviously wouldn’t be shocked by an outright upset, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can. It’s a perfect storm of factor working in favor of of the Wizards.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Western Conference SIDE OF THE WEEK is on the Golden State Warriors (9:00 EST).

Just like the Cavaliers did to the Raptors last night, I’m expecting the Warriors to put the Jazz out of their misery this evening.

Golden State is in the drivers seat and will be wanting to match Cleveland with the perfect 8-0 start. Kevin Durant was a monster in Game 3, finishing with 38 points in the 102-91 victory. 

Even without Durant in the lineup near the end of the regular season, the Warriors cruised to 14 straight victories. None were even close. 

Golden State has yet to win a game in this series in blowout fashion, but I think the deflated Jazz are ripe for the picking here.

Gordon Hayward was a standout for the Jazz in Game 3 with 29 points and big man Rudy Gobert contributed 21, but they didn’t get much help after that.

The numbers/trends definitely support us today as well, as Golden State is 8-0 ATS its last eight on the road and 10-2-1 ATS in its last 13 when playing on one days rest, while Utah is just 1-4-1 ATS in its last six in front of the home town crowd.

The Warriors have been toying with the Jazz to this point in my opinion and I’m expecting the biggest rout of the series in Game 4. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* LEGEND is on the Houston Rockets (9:00 EST).

The Rockets crushed the Spurs by 27 points in Game 1, but San Antonio has bounced back to take the next two. 

I think Houston is going to rally in Game 4 though as it’ll look to push the pace from start to finish and run San Antonio off the court.

This is essentially a “do-or-die” for the Rockets, as a 3-1 deficit would likely just be too much for the team to overcome, especially with all of the experience on the Spurs.

So this is it. Houston will be leaving everything it has on the floor tonight. 

Clearly this one means just as much to the Spurs, but I’ll point out that they’re just 4-7 ATS in their last 11 when leading in a playoff series and just 2-3 ATS this year off an upset win as an underdog.

And note, the Rockets have performed extremely well for bettors in this spot this season, going 9-3 ATS in trying to revenge a home loss against an opponent and 11-6 ATS off an upset loss as a favorite.

Despite the Game 3 setback, Houston is still 3-1 on its home floor this year. I think the desperate home side is the correct call tonight. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Washington Wizards (6:30 EST).

I played Boston in Game’s 1 and 2 and then backed Washington in Game 3. For a number of different reasons, I think the home side will also take Game 4.

Clearly “home court” is going to play a significant role in this series. After two opening losses to Chicago, Boston rattled off six straight wins and looked primed for a letdown in Game 3. 

The Wizards had double digit leads in both Game’s 1 and 2, so Washington was finally able to play a complete four-quarters in Game 3 and suffice it to say, I think the teams carries over that confidence and momentum in Game 4. 

The Celtics have been playing extremely “emotional” in these playoffs and that can be very draining. Isaiah Thomas’ sister was tragically killed just before Boston’s opening series with the Bulls and the Celtics’ superstar has used her death to drive him to this point. However, I think Thomas is gassed both physically and mentally right now.

The Wizards’ Kelly Oubre Jr. has been suspended for this game after he body checked Kelly Olynyk in the second quarter. Washington vowed to be more physicaly in Game 3 and it certainly was, as there were three ejections and 52 personal fouls overall. 

Washington did a great job on the boards, winning 50-38 while also knocking down 22 of 25 from the charity stripe. 

I’ll point out that Boston is just 7-18 ATS in its last 28 when playing on two days rest, while Washington is 7-1 ATS in its last eight in the same position.

It’s a perfect storm of factors working in favor of the home side, play on the Wizards.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Washington Capitals on the PUCK-LINE (7:15 EST).

So far I’m a perfect 4-0 in this series, taking the underdog every single time. Last time out I had the Pens and they’d rally for a 6-2 win with captain Sidney Crosby sidelined with a head injury. 

However, I think this now sets up as classic “letdown” spot for the defending champs and I look for the clearly desperate home side to not only win this game, but win big. 

Washington has been getting plenty of shots on net, but so far that hasn’t been enough, as Pittsburgh is getting above average goaltending from Marc-Andre Fleury, combined with smothering defensive play.

But I think Pittsburgh comes into this one gassed. Crosby could play tonight, but clearly he’s not going to be even close to 100% capacity. 

I’ll point out as well that the Pens are just 1-2 (-1.3 units) in their last three after scoring six goals or more, while Washington is 12-3 (+8.2 units) this year when playing on two days rest.

Play on Washington on the puck-line.

Good luck…Larry

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

The public has been cleaning up in this series, as the Cavs and the “over” have both gone on to cash with ease over the first two games.

Kyle Lowry may be out of this game, but I think the Raptors have a fantastic opportunity to steal one from the defending champs and get right back into this series.

So far it’s been fairly “easy” for the Cavs, who steamrolled the Pacers in four games in their opening round matchup, only to then also dominate the first two games against Toronto.

If ever Cleveland was going to have a “letdown,” then this is it. The Cavs have been playing at an extremely high level for six straight games and now hit the road to face a Raptors teach which is in “do-or-die” mode.

The same sort of situation occured last night with the Celtics. I had played Boston in Game’s 1 and 2 of its series against Washington, but came back with the Wizards in Game 3 last night. 

The C’s had won six in a row after dropping the first two to the Bulls in their opening round, but finally looked primed for a letdown in Game 3 after the extended stretch of high-level play.

The exact same thing applies to Cleveland tonight. 

I’ll point out that the Cavs are just 9-13 ATS this year after three or more consecutive SU victories, while the Raptors are 7-4 ATS after playing three consecutive road games and 3-1 ATS in their last four after allowing 115 points or more.

I think the dynamic of this series shifts dramatically tonight. Play on Toronto.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Washington Wizards (8:00 EST).

I played on Boston in Game’s 1 and 2, but with their backs against the wall and essentially in a do-or-die scenario, I think the Wizards play their best game of the series and claw their way back into it.

Washington had its chance in Game 2, but would eventually fall apart down the stretch, losing 129-119 in OT on Tuesday. 

Boston has been on an absolute tear since Game 3 of its opening round series against the Bulls by winning six straight. That’s an awful lot of high-intensity, focused games in a row and suffice it to say, I think Game 3 sets up as a classic “letdown” spot for the visitors, who I think will finally be caught a little “flat-footed” tonight.

And clearly for the Wizards, this is a “must win” game, as a 3-0 deficit would likely be too much for the team to overcome. 

I’ll point out that Boston is already just 5-15 ATS this year after three or more consecutive SU victories and only 9-11 ATS after a victory by ten points or more, while Washington is 3-1 ATS in its last four after allowing 115 points or more.

The Wizards are fighting for their playoff lives, while the Celtics are looking to catch their breath after an extended streak of high-level play. When you add it all up, the correct call is indeed on the home side in this one. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* SIDE OF THE WEEK is on the Toronto Raptors (7:05 EST).

I played the Raptors in Game 1 and obviously came up short. I think Toronto though can make adjustments and keep Game 2 a lot closer than what the oddsmaker’s are leading us to believe.

Am I going to suggest to you to “sprinkle a little on the money line” as well? No I am not.

Cleveland took Game 1, 116-105 on Monday. Last year the Cavs knocked off the Raptors in six games in the Eastern Conference Finals. If Toronto is going to “get over the hump,” it has to figure out a way to win in Cleveland.

Kyle Lowry was a bright spot with 20 points and 11 assists. Clearly head coach Wayne Casey is going to have to make some adjustments.

The Cavs came out with a lot of energy, but weren’t overly effecient in Game 1, shooting 45.9 percent from the floor, including 14 of 34 from range. LeBron James dominated with 35 points and ten boards.

I’ll point out though that the Raptors have performed well in this spot for bettors, going 5-1 ATS in their last six following a straight up loss and 4-1 ATS in their last five following a SU loss of more than ten points, while the Cavs are interestingly 0-4 ATS in their last four when playing on one days rest.

Toronto has an infamous reputation now in dropping Game 1 of its recent playoff series the last few years as Monday’s setback made it ten straight Game 1 losses in a row.

The Raptors bounced back against the Bucks in Game 2 in their opening series and as I stated off the top, I think they’ll be much more competitive tonight as well. I’m grabbing the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* LEGEND is on the Boston Celtics (8:00 EST).

I played the Celtics in Game 1 and after a slow start, Boston would put the foot on the gas and pull away for the eventual 123-111 victory. I think the C’s come out much more prepared from the start tonight though and look for them to once again find a way to get the job done at the end of the night.

Washington is crushed, it had a 22-5 lead at one point in the first quarter, but things went South quickly after that. The Wizards struggled with the inside-outside game of the Celtics and the dynamic guard duo of John Wall and Bradley Beal were effectively “shut down” by Boston’s Isaiah Thomas and company. 

The Celtics shot a blistering 51.1 percent from the floor and hit 19 of 39 from range. Thomas was a standout with 33 points and nine assists.

And I’ll point out that Washington is just 1-4 ATS in its last five against teams with a winning percentage above. 600, while the Celtics are 4-0 ATS In their last four following an ATS/SU victory.

“Momentum” is a very real, almost tangible factor in the playoffs and it’s one which I believe the books often have a hard time properly quantifying into a line. And that’s the case here I think. 

The Wizards’ suspect defense comes back to haunt them again in Game 2, play on Boston.

Good luck…Larry

The second 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the San Antonio Spurs (9:35 EST).

The home side has to be feeling pretty confident here as it took three of the four regular season meetings from the Rockets this year.

Houston outmatched OKC in its 4-1 series victory over Oklahoma City, however San Antonio clearly presents a much bigger challenge.

The Spurs are loaded with talent from top to bottom and can hurt you on the inside and outside. San Antonio has experience, from head coach Greg Popovich, to Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili. 

The Spurs also have an MVP candidate to rival the Rockets’ James Harden in Kawhi Leonard, who is a much better two-way player than Harden. In fact, Leonard has been defensive player of the year, so there is no comparison whatsoever in that regards.

And in the postseason, playing defense does help of course. San Antonio had a top 3 defense in the regular season and I think it will prove to be a difference maker here today as well. The Spurs have the talent to slow down Harden and have the muscle down low to have their way on the glass and offensive end.

I’ll point out that Housont is just 2-8 ATS In its last ten following an ATS loss, while San Antonio is 7-1 ATS in its last eight when playing on three or more days rest.

I’m expecting a rout, lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

The first 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the Toronto Raptors (7:05 EST).

Toronto will look to steal Game 1 of this Eastern Conference semi-finals against rival Cleveland. The Cavs took three of four in the regular season series.

This is a big time revenge scenario for the Raptors, who lost the Eastern Conference Finals 4-2 to the Cavs just last year. 

Toronto had a top five offense in the regular season, but the series against the Bucks was a slower-paced one. The Raptors averaged only 93.8 PPG over the six game series win, but they conceded just 93.2. DeMar DeRozan led the way with 23.5 points and 5.5 boards per game. 

Big man Serge Ibaka put up 12.8 points, 8.3 boards and 2.33 blocks per game and is expected to be a difference maker in this series as well.

Cleveland averaged 112.8 PPG against Indiana in its four game opening series sweep, while allowing 108.8 in the process. LeBron James was a standout with 32.8 points, 9.8 boards, nine assits, three steals and two blocks per game average.

I’ll point out though that Toronto is 4-0 ATS in its last four against a team with a winning percentage above .600 and 6-1 ATS in its last seven road games against a team with a home winning percentage of greater than .600, while Cleveland is 0-4 ATS in its last four at home and 0-2-2 ATS in its last four home games against a team with a winning road record.

Cleveland’s four-game series victory came by a combined total of 16 points over Indiana, with six being the largest margin of victory. James looked fantastic, but Kevin Love struggled in Game’s 3 and 4 and the bench has also stumbled with production. 

I wouldn’t be shocked by an outright upset, but in the end I’m going to grab the points. Toronto needs to make a statement and there’s no better moment than right now. 

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Boston Celtics (1:05 EST).

Washington advanced to the second round by knocking off Atlanta in six games, including a 115-99 road win in Game 6. Boston also won its opening round series with the Bulls 4-2, including a 105-83 victory in Game 6 on the road. These teams split four meetings in the regular season.

John Wall and Bradley Beal had their way for the most part with the Hawks, with Wall going for 42 points and eight assists in the Game 6 victory. But now the team faces a much stiffer test in my opinion, as I think the Celtics match up much better against Wall and Beal. 

The Wizards have been poor on the defensive end, conceding 105.5 PPG in the playoffs. The Celtics have been conceding just 96.5 in the postseason. 

Isaiah Thomas has gotten progressively better with each game since Game 3 (was blindsided by the death of his sister just before the series started) and so too has everyone around him, including Jae Crowder (12 points, 5.3 boards in the playoffs), Avery Bradley (16 points, four bouards, three assists) and Al Horford (15.3 points, 8.3 boards and 6.5 assists). 

I’ll point out though that the Wizards are just 1-4 ATS in thier last five road games against a team with a home winning percentage of greater than .600, whil Boston is 4-1 ATS in its last five following a SU victory.

The Wizards looked great at home in their opening series, but struggled on the road, going 3-0 at the Verizon Venter and just 1-2 away from friendly confines. 

The C’s dropped those first two games at home to the Bulls, but that was under extraordinary conditions, a factor that no one could have anticipated. Since then though, Boston has fully recovered and note that it did go 30-11 at home in the regular season, while the Wizards were just 19-22 on the road.

I’m laying the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* LEGEND is on the San Antonio Spurs (9:35 EST).

The best player in this series has been Kawhi Leonard for the Spurs, so far he’s averaged 31 points per game on 57 percent shooting.

I’m expecting the best player in this series to lead his team to a convincing series clinching victory on the road tonight.

San Antonio steam rolled its way to two big wins at home, but then the Grizzlies responded in kind on their home floor in Game’s 3 and 4. 

The Spurs once again defended their home court in Game 5 with a resounding 116-103 victory.

So far home court has played a big part in this series, but I think that trend ends this evening.

The Spurs are shooting a combined 48.3 percent from the floor, as Memphis’ normally stout defense has started to show signs of fatigue. Experience, depth and leadership (Popovich) all count at this point of a series.

I’ll point out that San Antonio is 10-4 ATS this year after scoring 115 points or more, while Memphis is just 1-3 ATS in its last four following a loss by ten points or more.

The Grizzlies put up a much bigger fight than expected, but all signs point to a Spurs blowout. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the Boston Celtics (8:30 EST).

I’ve successfully played on and against each of these teams so far in this series.

So far in this series, home floor has not been an advantage, with Chicago taking Game’s 1 and 2 and the Celtics returning the favor in Game’s 3 and 4. 

Isaiah Thomas was blind-sided by the death of his sister just before the series started, so it was a great situation to take advantage of in the first two games. But as the series wore on, Thomas was able to adjust and cope and clearly he looked a lot better on the road.

I think Thomas though continues his dominant play and has his best game of the playoffs thus far. 

Chicago got big production from Rajon Rondo in the first two games, but he injured his wrist and missed the next two. He’s also been ruled out for Game 5. Clearly it’s a big blow for the chemistry of the Bulls’ offense.

Thomas had 33 points in Sunday’s 104-95 victory:  “I just try to play the same way no matter who’s out there on the floor (defensively),” Thomas said. “I have a job to do, and that’s to score the basketball, make plays for others and be the leader.”

I’ll point out that Chicago is already just 5-10 ATS this year in trying to revenge a home loss against an opponent, while Boston is 3-1 ATS in its last four after holding an opponent to 96 points or less.

Look for Boston to continue its surge and lay the points with confidence.

Good luck…Larry

The second 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the Washington Wizrds (6:00 EST).

As I mentioned in my writeup on the “under” in the same game, this contest clearly means a lot to both teams.

So far each team has dominated on its home floor, with Washington winning 114-107 and 109-101 and Atlanta prevailing 116-98 and 111-101.

I think the home floor advantage trend continues in Game 5. The Hawks are averaging 108.8 PPG in the playoffs, which is over six points higher than their regular season average. 

Atlanta though is just 1-4 ATS in its last five on the road, while Washington is 4-1 ATS in its last five at home. Washington was one of the best shooting teams in the regular season and now that the series is back at the Verizon Center, I think the Wizards will rebound.

Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the Golden State Warriors (10:30 EST).

Head coach Steve Kerr won’t be on the sidelines, but with a chance to end the series tonight, I look for the high-powered Warriors to put the foot on the gas from start to finish and to pull away down the stretch for the comfortable ATS cover.

Portland is in a 3-0 hole and I think it’ll fold up its tents early in this one. Golden State averages 115.9 PPG this year, while the defense concedes only 104.3. 

Portland averages 107.9 PPG, but allows 108.5. Golden State is just too deep, too skilled defensively and too experienced overall for Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum to overcome themselves.

I’ll point out that Golden State is 6-0 ATS in its last six away from friendly confines and 13-3-1 ATS in its last 17 after scoring 100 points or more in its previous contest, while Portland is just 5-12 ATS in its last 17 in this series in front of the home town crowd.

Portland’s only hope was Game 3. Look for the Golden State to deliver the knock out blow, lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

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

Washington took the first two games at home, but stumbled in Game 3’s 116-98 setback in Atlanta on Saturday. Suffice it to say, I like the Wizards to bounce back here and to find a way to get the job done at the end of the night.

John Wall was a standout in the loss for Washington, finishing with 29 points and seven assists. 

Washington has to be feeling confident, it shot 37 percent from range in the regular season and averaged 109.2 PPG, ranked fifth overall. The defense was the weak point, but the Hawks only average 103.2 PPG, ranked 22nd overall. 

This is a spot in which the Wizards have excelled in all year as well, going 5-1 ATS in their last six following a straight up loss of ten points or more, while note that the Hawks have struggled in this position by going a poor 1-8 ATS in their last nine following a straight up victory over ten or more points.

Wall’s teammate Bradley Beal had an “off” night in Game 3, but it’s hard to imagine the talented guard being held down twice. I have a hard time seeing Atlanta duplicating its 49 percent shooting performance as well. 

While I wouldn’t be shocked by an outright upset, I will in the end recommend grabbing the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the LA Clippers (9:00 EST).

Blake Griffin is out, but I think the Clippers are still the deeper, more skilled, more experienced and better coached team.

Griffin was out in Game 2, but veteran point guard Chris Paul took over, leading a 15-0 fourth quarter run, en route to the 114-106 Game 3 victory: “He has an amazing will,” Clippers’ head coach Doc Rivers assessed afterwards. “He’s just a tough guy. He’s stubborn in a very, very positive way. All the great ones have that in them. They’re stubborn like they aren’t going to lose.”

Paul went on to finish with 34 points, ten assists and seven boards, while DeAndre Jordan added 17.

Gordon Hayward was once again the focal point for Utah, he’d play 42 minutes and pour in 40 points. George Hill also showed up with 26 points. Of course, big man Rudy Gobert missed Game 3 and is listed as doubtful for Game 4 as well.

For arguments sake, lets call Gobert and Griffin a “wash.” 

When looking at the remaining pieces, in my professional opinion, LA has still has several advantages.

And I’ll point out that the Clippers are 3-1 ATS in thier last four after scoring 113 points or more, whle Utah is just 16-20 ATS this year in trying to revenge a loss against an opponent. 

Grab as many points as you can, play on LA.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* 33-Club Play is on the LA Clippers (10:00 EST).

These teams are 1-1 so far in this series and depending on when/where you played it, they’re also 1-1 ATS.

Utah stole Game 1 97-95, while LA bounced back with a 99-91 win in Game 2. 

LA held an 18-0 advantage with points in the paint in the first quarter and used that strategy throughout the game, as Utah struggled with the loss of big man Rudy Gobert. The Clippers shot 52.4 percent from the floor and held a 39-33 edge on the boards. Blake Griffin had 24 points, while Chris Paul added 21 points and ten boards.

Gobert has once again been ruled out for Game 3. The Jazz managed go go 17 of 22 from the free throw line in Game 2, the only factor that kept the game as close as it was. Gordon Hayward was a lone bright spot with 20 points in the setback. 

I’ll point out that LA is 3-1 ATS in its last four when playing on two days rest, while Utah is only 1-3 ATS in its last four in the same position.

I think the extended absence of Gobert comes back to haunt the Jazz again tonight, play on the Clippers.

Good luck…Larry

The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the San Antonio Spurs (9:30 EST).

The Grizzlies showed some life in Game 1, but were clobbered in Game 2, 96-82. San Antonio’s depth is once again proving to be just too much for Memphis to handle and I believe nothing will change in Game 3.

The Spurs have to be feeling pretty confident as they’ve now won 16 of the last 20 in this series. 

Keep your eyes on San Antonio star Kawhi Leonard, who had a career playoff-high 37 points in the Game 2 win. Veteran point guard Tony Parker contributed 15 points as well.

Mike Conley was a standout for the Grizzlies in Game 2, finishing with 24 points. Tony Allen missed Monday’s game with a calf issue and is questionable for tonight as well (note that he’s averaging just 9.1 PPG this year).

I think a 4-0 sweep is very possible in this series. I believe the Spurs win big again in Game 3, lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

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

These teams are tied at one game a piece as their Eastern Conference series shifts to Milwaukee. Toronto though is 0-2 ATS at this point.

Suffice it to say, I think the road will work well for the Raptors, who can escape the media frenzy North of the border and concentrate completely on themselves.

The Bucks have put up a hell of a fight to this point, but I think the Raptors’ depth will prove to be the difference maker. In Game 3 anyways.

Toronto averages 106.9 PPG and concedes 102.6. 

Milwaukee averages 103.6 PPG and concedes 103.8.

And I’ll point out that the Raptors are 6-1 ATS in thier last seven on the road and 5-1 ATS in their last six road games against a team with a winning home record, while the Bucks are just 1-4 ATS in their last five at home and a horrible 1-7 ATS in their last eight after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.

Experience at this time of the year is invaluable. DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry both looked a lot better in Game 2 and I believe that momentum gets carried over here. Play on Toronto.

Good luck…larry

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

I’ve bet against the Cavaliers in each of the first two games of this Eastern Conference Quarterfinals. Cleveland is 2-0 SU and 0-2 ATS. 

With a chance to take a strangle-hold on this series, I’m expecting Cleveland to put the foot on the gas from start to finish and look for it to pull away down the stretch for the comfortable win and cover.

The Pacers are wearing down and they had no answers for the Cavs in Game 2 as Cleveland would go on to shoot a sizzling 55.3 percent from the floor. 

The Cavs will be looking for a better defensive performance themselves after allowing the Pacers to hit 51.2 percent. Keep your eyes on guard Kyrie Irving, who appears to be heating up at the most opportune of times, he had 37 points on 14 of 24 shooting in Game 2.

Also note that Kevin Love, LeBron James and Tristan Thompson combined for 31 rebounds.

Paul George continues to carry the Pacers and he did his best last time out, finishing with 32 points, eight boards and seven assists. 

I’ll point out though that Cleveland is 12-8 ATS in its last 20 when leading in a playoff series, while Indiana is interestingly just 14-18 ATS this year against poor defensive teams which allow 106 points per contest. 

I think the Cavs fight hard on the road and find a way to get the job done at the end of the night. Play on Cleveland.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* LEGEND is is on the Portland Trailblazers (10:30 EST).

Portland got 41 points from CJ McCollum and 34 from Damian Lillard, but it still wasn’t enough in the 121-109 Game 1 loss to the Warriors.

I’m not going to predict an outright upset here or anything, but I do think that the Blazers can keep this one a lot closer than what the oddsmakers are leading us to believe.

Game 1 was actually tied entering the fourth quarter, but an early 9-2 run by the Warriors would spell the end for Portland’s chances. It wasn’t a perfect game for Golden State by any sense though, as the Warriors did go on to concede 19 points off 16 turnovers. 

And I’ll point out that Portland is 8-1 ATS in its last nine after scoring 100 points or more in its previous game and 6-1 ATS in its last seven following a SU loss, while Golden State is 4-12-2 ATS in its last 18 when playing on two days rest.

I think Golden State takes the foot off the gas tonight and I expect the desperate visitors to sneak in through the back door down the stretch. Play on Portland.

Good luck…Larry

The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the LA Clippers (10:30 EST).

I had a play on the Jazz in Game 1. Suffice it to say, I’m expecting the Clippers to risk life and limb in Game 2 to secure a victory and expect the Jazz to fold up their tents early and be completely content with the split before heading home.

Utah played great defensively and got a buzzer beating 3-pointer from Joe Johnson to seal the 97-95 victory in Game 1. The Jazz were the No. 1 defensive team in the league in conceding only 96.8 PPG, but they were ranked 28th overall on the offensive end in averaging 100.7.

This is do-or-die essentially for the Clippers, as an 0-2 hole heading back to Utah would likely be too big of a climb to get out of. LA has to be feeling confident though, it averaged 108.7 PPG and conceded 104.4 in the regular season. 

I’ll point out that Utah is just 4-6 ATS this year when playing with two days rest and only 7-10 ATS after three or more consecutive SU victories, while LA is 7-5 ATS this season in revenging a home loss against an opponent and 6-4 ATS in its last ten against good defensive clubs with allow only 98 plus points per contest.

Jazz center Rudy Gobert was injured in the first few minutes of Game 1 and basically didn’t even play and somehow Utah still managed the dominant victory. Gobert is listed as doubtful this evening as well. I think this will have an impact on the visitors.

For all the reasons listed above, I’m laying the points and expecting a blowout.

Good luck…Larry

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

I played Chicago in Game 1 and while I wouldn’t be shocked by an outright upset, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can as I expect the visitors to at the very least, take this one down to the wire and keep it competitive until the final moments.

I based my Game 1 selection primarily on the issues that Celtics star’ Isaiah Thomas was dealing with as the night before Game 1 his sister was killed in a car crash. 

Thomas is expected to play again tonight, but I still think that he’ll struggle to keep his head in the game. Boston is a deep team, but without a 100% focused Thomas, it’s going to be very difficult for it to succeed. 

Besides, the Bulls looked pretty dominant in Game 1, including winning the rebounding battle 53-36, with 20 of those boards coming on the offensive glass. Chicago also was 20 of 23 from the charity stripe, while limiting the C’s to just 43 percent from the floor overall. 

Chicago won’t be rolling over here obviously. All signs point to a nail-biter, so grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* GAME OF THE WEEK is on the San Antonio  Spurs (9:30 EST).

I played on San Antonio in Game 1 and I think it will once again lay the hammer down in Game 2. Home court is going to be important in this series I think from an “Against The Spread” angle anyways.

Memphis got off to a good opening quarter in Game 1, but the Spurs were able to reign in the Grizzlies and then pull away before the half. Memphis shot just 39 percent from the floor, including only 7 of 20 from range. Marc Gasol was a standout with 32 points on 11 of 18 shooting.

Memphis averages only 100.5 PPG, but makes up for it on the defensive end in conceding only 100.5

That vaunted defense looked pretty mediocre against the Spurs though, who would go on to shoot a blistering 53 percent from the floor. 

Kawhi Leonard led the charge for San Antonio with 31 points. Leonard played smothering defense all season and the Spurs would go on to allow just 98.1 PPG.

I’ll point out that Memphis is just 1-4 ATS in its last five on the road, while the Spurs are 2-1 ATS in their last three following an ATS victory.

I think the Grizzlies have no answer for the Spurs on either end of the court and while I do believe Memphis will look a lot better on its home floor, all signs point to another blowout this evening. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Indiana Pacers (7:00 EST).

I played Indiana in Game 1 and I think the Pacers can once again take Game 2 down to the wire.

Indiana managed to cut the lead to just one in the waning moments of Game 1, but a missed CJ Miles shot at the buzzer sealed the 109-108 home win for the Cavs.

Paul George led the way for Indiana with 29 points, five boards and seven assists, while Lance Stephenson chipped in 16 off the bench. 

The Cavs backed their way into the playoffs, losing four straight and were lucky that Miles missed the shot and that George wasn’t taking it. LeBron James was a standout with 32 points, six boards, 13 assists and three steals. 

I’ll point out though that Indiana has performed extremely well in this spot for bettors all year, going 4-0 ATS in its last four after allowing 100 points or more and 6-0 ATS in its last six following an ATS victory, while Cleveland is a poor 1-5 ATS in its last six when playing on one days rest.

Indiana won’t be rolling over. In fact, this is pretty much do-or-die for the Pacers, as an 0-2 hole would likely be just too much for the team to recover from.

While I won’t be so bold as to predict the outright upset, I do think that the hungry visitors can at the very least, keep this one close enough to comfortably sneak in through the back door down the stretch.

Play on the Pacers.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* LEGEND is on the Houston Rockets (9:00 EST).

The 47-35 OKC Thunder are in Houston to take on the 55-27 Rockets and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

This one features the two leading candidates for MVP in James Harden and Russell Westbrook. 

Westbrook is probably the better oveall player, but I think that Harden has the better overall team. The Rockets also have home court advantage and I think that will be a crucial deciding factor once it’s all said and done this evening.

Houston has to be feeling pretty confident as well as it took three of the four regular season meetings. 

OKC averages 106.6 PPG and concedes 105.8. 

Houston averages 115.3 PPG and concedes 109.3.

From a trend based stand point, this one heavily favors the home side, as note that OKC is just 12-19 ATS this year against good offensive clubs which average 106 plus points per contest and only 19-22 ATS on the road overall, while Houston is 18-11 ATS after allowing 115 points or more and 3-1 ATS when playing with three or more days rest.

I think home court advantage will be important in this series and look for the Rockets to set the early tone. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the Chicago Bulls (6:30 EST).

The 41-41 Chicago Bulls are in Boston to take on the 53-29 Celtics and while I’ll stop short in calling for an outright upset, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can, because for a number of different reasons I think this one favors the visitors.

This is strictly a “situational” play. Isaiah Thomas is the heart and soul of the C’s. Thomas’ sister was tragically killed in a car accident early Saturday and he may not even play in this game. If he does, clearly his head won’t be in it.

Boston is a deep team, but without their floor general completely focused, I think it is going to struggle tonight. 

I’ll point out as well that Chicago is 6-1 ATS in its last seven when playing with three or more days rest, while Boston is just 1-6 ATS in its last seven at home and only 1-5 ATS in its last six home games against a team with a losing road record.

These teams split four games this year, and three of those four were decided by seven points or less. 

I think Chicago does in fact have a shot at a victory today, but as mentioned off the top, I’m grabbing the points in the end.

Good luck…Larry

The first 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the Washignton Wizards (1:00 EST).

The 43-39 Altanta Hawks are in Washington to take on the 49-33 Wizards and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

Atlanta had won four straight before dropping its regular season finale104-86 at Indiana on Wednesday. 

The Wizards lost five of the final eight, including a 110-102 road defeat to Miami on Wednesday. 

If histoy is any precedence though then Washington has to be liking its chances as it would go on to take three of four in the regular season series, including a 104-100 home win in the most recent on March 22nd. 

Atlanta averages only 103.2 PPG, whil conceding 104. 

Washington averages 109.2 PPG and concedes 107.4 

I’ll point out though that Atlanta is just 3-9 ATS in its last 12 following a straight up loss, while Washington is 6-0 ATS in its last six conference quarterfinals games.

The Wizards “struggled” down the stretch, but the team had nothing to play for, locked into its position for a while now. Washington domianted this series in the regular season and I expect that to continue in the Playoffs. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* 33-Club Play is on the Utah Jazz (10:30 EST).

The 51-31 Utah Jazz are in LA to take on the 51-31 Clippers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. 

The Clippers took the tie-breaker by winning three of four in the season series. Utah though won its last game over the Spurs on Wednesday. Utah hasn’t been to the playoffs since 2012 and will clearly be leaving everything on the floor tonight as it looks to score the upset and gain the early upperhand.

The pressure is clearly on LA this year. It comes in having won seven straight, but I think this sets up as a classic trap/letdown spot for the home side.

As note that Utah is 3-1 ATS in its last four in trying to revenge a loss against an opponent, while LA is just 15-16 ATS after a win by ten points or more and only 9-15 ATS after scoring 115 points or more. 

While I wouldn’t be completely shocked by an outright upset, I do think that the stage is set for a nail-biter. In a contest which I believe will be decided in the closing moments, I’m grabbing the points.

Good luck…Larry

The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the San Antonio Spurs (8:00 EST).

The 43-39 Memphis Grizzlies are in San Antonio to take on the 61-21 Spurs and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

If recent history is any precedence, then the Spurs have to be loving their chances today as they swept the Grizzlies in the first round last year. 

Memphis averaged just 100.5 PPG, but made up for it on the defensive end in conceding just 100.

The Spurs averaged 105.3 PPG and conceded just 98.1. 

I’ll point out though that Memphis has struggled in this spot for bettors this year, going just 1-11 ATS when playing with two days rest, while the Spurs are 7-4 ATS in their last 11 in the first round of the playoffs.

Memphis was consistently inconsistent this year, while San Antonio remained in the Top 3 in the league the entire way. Experience and coaching counts in these situations. Lay the points, play on the Spurs.

Good luck…Larry

The second 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the Toronto Raptors (5:30 EST).

The 42-40 Milwaukee Bucks are in Toronto to take on the 51-31 Raptors and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

The Bucks backed their way into the playoffs, dropping four of six, falling 112-94 at Boston on Wednesday.

The Raptors trended the other way to finish the season with four straight victories, most recently an impressive 98-83 win on the road in Cleveland on Wednesday. 

Toronto has to be feeling pretty confident here, as it’s won 13 of the last 15 in the series, including a 101-94 home win in the latest on March 4th. 

The Bucks averaged just 103.6 PPG (ranked 20th), while ranked ninth defensively in conceding 103.8.

Toronto averaged 106.9 PPG (ranked 10th), while conceding just 102.6. 

I’ll point out that Milwaukee is just 1-4 ATS in its last five against a team with a winning SU record, while Toronto is 9-2 ATS in its last 11 when playing on two days rest. 

Milwaukee’s struggles cost it a matchup against the Wizards, which would be preferable than having to travel North of the border. 

The Raptors have momentum and coupled with their recent playoff experience, suffice it to say I’m expecting a complete blowout in Game 1. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

The first 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the Indiana Pacers (3:00 EST).

The 42-40 Indiana Pacers are in Cleveland to take on the 51-31 Cavaliers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the underdog.

Now that the playoffs are here, are the Cavs just going to “flip-a-switch?!” That’s what the all the talking heads out there will lead you to believe.

Does this one mean more to Cleveland that it does to Indiana?

The answer to that one is clearly a resounding “no.” 

Indiana clinched a spot with a 104-86 win over the Hawks on Wednesday, while the Cavs backed their way into the postsesaon, losing four straight to end the year. 

This is a revenge game for Indiana, as it lost three of four in the season series, including a 135-130 doulbe OT thriller on April 2nd.

The Pacers average 105.1 points per night and concede 105.3. The Cavs average 110.3 PPG and concede 107.2

What’s with this 9-point (give or take upon the closing line) spread? 

I’ll point out that Indiana is 5-0 ATS in its last five following an ATS victory, while Cleveland is just 3-12-1 ATS in its last 16 games following a double-digit loss at home. 

Until Cleveland can prove to me that it’s turned the corner, I’m going against the Cavs to open the playoffs. Too many points, play on Indiana.

Good luck…Larry