My 10* Weekly Wipeout is on the Phi 76ers at 7:40 ET.

The 76ers are 28-19, a record that leaves them with the East's sixth-best record (last guaranteed playoff spot). However, this year's Eastern Conference is currently a log-jam, as the 76ers find themselves just 2 1/2-games behind the top-seeded Bulls. The Lakers come to The City of Brotherly Love with just a 24-24 record, leaving them 9th in the West (would be part of the 7-10 play-in round). The good news is that the Lakers are just 2 1.2-game behind the No. 6 seed and are 5 1/2-games clear of the 11th-seed (last team out of the play-in round).

The Lakers have won two of their last three games and hope to maintain their momentum with the return of Anthony Davis (22.8 & 9.6). Davis had missed the previous 17 games (hadn't played since Dec 17) with a sprained left knee, but he provided a lift with eight points and four blocked shots in 25 minutes of a 106-96 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday. The Lakers went 7-10 without Davis and he's expected to play here. "He really changed things for us defensively at the rim," Lakers head coach Frank Vogel said. "His anchor to our defense is something that has been sorely missed." LeBron James (29.1-7.7-6.3), even without Davis, has been consistently excellent. James scored 33 points against the Nets, the 18th straight game he has compiled at least 26 points. One wonders if Westbrook (18.5-8.0-7.7) will ever be the 'right fit' for LA but the Lakers have gotten solid play all season from Anthony (13.4 & 4.1), Monk (12.1) and Horton-Tucker (10.1 & 3.4).

Speaking of OUTSTANDING play, Philly's Joel Embiid (29.0 & 10.8) continues to make a strong case for the Most Valuable Player award. He had 42 points, 14 rebounds, four assists and four blocked shots as the 76ers defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 117-107 on Tuesday. It was his SIXTH game with at least 40 points and 10 rebounds this season. PF Harris (18.0 & 7.5) and PG Maxey (16.6-3.4-4.5) have missed a few games but generally, have been VERY good. Green (6.7), Curry (15.8-3.4-4.0) and Milton (10.5) are currently sidelined but Korkmaz (9.2) starts with Curry out plus SF Niang (9.5) and center Drummond (6.2 & 8.7 is just 18 minutes) have been important role players.

Philly enters this game 12-3 in 15 post-Christmas games and a "W" here almost assures an ATS win. AD is nowhere-near 100% and Embiid has at least 38 points and 12 rebounds in four straight games, the longest streak in franchise history. Philly wins "with room to spare!"

Good luck...Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Tor Raptors at 8:10 ET.

The Toronto Raptors won the NBA title (led by Kawhi) back in 2019 and even after he "went Hollywood" on them, followed with records of 58-24 and 53-19 the next two seasons. However, the Raptors fell to just 27-45 last season. Toronto moved to the right side of .500 on Tuesday with a 125-113 defeat of Charlotte, with the win ending a stretch in which the Raptors had lost FIVE of seven. At 23-22, Toronto currently owns the No. 8 seed but the Raptors are closer to the No. 11 seed (last team out of the play-in round), than they are to the No. 6 seed (last guaranteed playoff spot). Toronto leads the No. 11 seed by just 1 1/2 games, while it sits FOUR games back of the No. 6 seed.

The Chicago Bulls were 31-41 last season, missing the postseason for the FOURTH consecutive year but have reinvented themselves as a threat in the Eastern Conference behind Zach LaVine and the free agent signing of DeMar DeRozan. They also picked up center Nikola Vucevic from Orlando last season (where his talents were wasted) plus added Lonzo Ball as a free agent. Chicago surged to the top of the Eastern Conference on the strength of a nine-game winning streak from Dec 19 thru Jan 7, averaging 120.2 points per game over their winning streak and never scoring fewer than 108 points in any of those outings. However, in its 10 contests since, Chicago has averaged 106.1 points and failed to score more than 96 in three of them. The Bulls are currently 29-17, just a half-game back of the top seeded Heat (30-17). Note that the East's No. 1 thru No. 6 seeds are separated by just TWO games.

Toronto's win over Charlotte came without Fred VanVleet (21.7-4.7-7.0), who was sidelined with swelling in his right knee, and rookie Scottie Barnes (14.6 & 7.8), who had a right wrist injury. However, head coach Nick Nurse said both will travel to Chicago. Gary Trent Jr. (16.6) led the Raptors with a season-high 32 points and Pascal Siakam (21.3-8.3-5.1) just missed a triple-double with 24 points, 12 assists and nine rebounds. SF Anunoby (18.8 & 5.4) is having a career-year and big men Boucher (9.3 & 6.0) and Achiuwa (7.8 & 7.5) started with VanVleet and Barnes sidelined. Also note that guards Flynn and Banton combined for 21 points off the bench.

There were 'whispers' that the 32-year-old DeMar DeRozan was on the downside of his career, but he's been one of the best players in the NBA so far this season, averaging 26.3-5.0-4.8. He was arrested in Chicago's last game but will play here. However, PG Ball (13.-5.4-5.1) is out until mid-March (knee) and center Vucevic (16.5 & 11.3) is listed as day-to-day with a knee issue. Zach LaVine (24.9-4.8-4.2) is back after missing a few games plus backup PG White (12.7) is around to fill in for Ball. Rookie guard Dosunmu (7.5) scored a career-high 24 points on personal bests of 10 made field goals and four made three-pointers, starting in the backcourt with DeMar DeRozan resting.

Bottom line is, I like the Raptors plus the points. As noted above, the Bulls have underperformed for the last 10 games and I see Toronto building off last night's win, as the Raptors try to make a move up and OUT of the play-in round. Toronto may also be more than a little motivated against former teammate De Rozan plus are playing with revenge from a 111-108 home loss to the Bulls in late October. No surprise at all if Toronto wins it outright. Take the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Late Breaker is on Iowa St at 8:00 ET.

T.J. Otzelberger came from UNLV to take over an Iowa St team that went 2-22 last season (0-18 in the Big 12). The Hawkeyes opened 12-0 and were ranked No. 8 thru Dec 21 but did not play again until Jan 1, at then-No. Baylor. The Hawkeyes played the Bears close, losing 77-72 but that loss was the start of a 2-5 Iowa St run that has dropped them to No. 23 in the latest AP poll at 14-5, (2-5 Big 12). The Cyclones will look to begin reversing their 2-5 start in the Big 12 when they take on Oklahoma State Wednesday night in Stillwater.

Mike Boynton's fourth season at Stillwater was last year and led by Cade Cunningham (20.1 & 6.2), the Cowboys went 21-9 and made it to the NCAA's second round. However, Cunningham was the NBA's overall No. 1 pick in the 2021 draft. That said, the Cowboys returned a solid group plus welcomed Kansas transfer Thompson and Memphis transfer Cisse to the fold. The Cowboys are not postseason eligible and are just 10-8 overall (3-4 Big 12) but continue to be a challenge to top teams in the conference, adding to the Big 12's depth. 

A trio of guards lead the way for Iowa St, starting with standout Izaiah Brockington, who leads the team in scoring (16.6) and rebounding (8.2). He's joined on the perimeter by Kalscheur (10.3) and Hunter (10.1 & 4.8 APG). The team's frontcourt rotation is led by the 6-8 Kunc (6.2 & 3.8) and the 6-9 Conditt (4.8 & 3.8). Guards Grill (7.0), Enaruna (6.3 & 3.9) and Jackson (4.5) add depth.

OSU has balanced scoring and depth! Williams (10.6) and Anderson (10.0) are the lone double digit scorers. Kansas transfer Thompson (9.9) and 6-10 Memphis transfer Cisse (6.1 & 5.4) have been solid, while guards Likekele (7.1 & 5.8) and Moncrieffe (5.3 & 4.4) add depth. Then there are the 6-9 Boone twins, Kalib (7.0) and Kelan (5.9 & 3.6). 

Oklahoma State pushed another ranked conference opponent to the limit on Saturday, before falling 56-51 to then-No. 23 Texas in Austin. However, the Cowboys played without leading scorer Bryce Williams due to a sprained ankle and it's unclear if he will be back for this contest. Both teams excel on the defensive end, Iowa St allowing 59.9 PPG (16th) and OSU allowing 65.0 PPG. An edge for Iowa St is that the Cyclones are forcing the fourth-most turnovers in the country, while the Cowboys are giving the ball way at one the highest rates in the nation. Also worth nothing is that Oklahoma State is just 2-7 ATS in its last nine at home. Take any points available.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the GS Warriors at 10:10 ET.

The 34-13 Golden St Warriors have been battling the 37-9 Phoenix Suns for the top spot in the West since Opening Day but have recently fallen 3-1/2 game behind the Suns. The Dallas Mavericks were just 16-18 through Dec 29 but have won 11 of 13 and now, at 27-20, hold the West's No. 5 seed. The Mavs play the opener of a two-day, two-game Western swing tonight at San Francisco's Chase Center and follow with a game Wednesday in Portland. The Warriors welcome the Mavs to San Francisco having failed to reach 100 points in SEVEN of their last 14 outings, a stretch during which they've gone just 7-7 despite having won their last two.

Dallas is as healthy as it's been all season and remarkably is a perfect 3-0 at Chase Center. Luka Doncic (23.6-8.8-8,7) has averaged 30.0 points in those games, the third-highest average among Chase Center visitors in the past 2 1/2 seasons behind Devin Booker (33.0) and Damian Lillard (30.3). Brunson (15.8 & 5.5 APG) starts with Doncic in the backcourt, while a finally healthy Porzingis (19.0 & 8.) is back in the middle. SF Finney-Smith (10.3 & 4.9) and PF Kleber (7.2 & 5.) complete the starting-five, as swingman Hardaway (14.3) is back to his role as 6th-man.

Curry (26.0-5.3-6.2) has been the poster boy for the Warriors' offensive slump. He had just 13 points on 5-for-20 shooting in Sunday's 94-92 home win over the Utah Jazz. What's more, Curry has shot just 35.1 percent overall and 27.6 percent on three-pointers in his last 10 games, a stretch in which he's averaged just 20.1 points, more than a 'TD' less than the 27.7 PPG he'd put up in his first 33 games. Pole (16.7) starts with Curry in the backcourt, while forwards Wiggins (18.2 & 4.2) and Porter (8.4 & 5.3) start up front with underappreciated center Looney (6.2 & 7.2), who has yet to miss a SINGLE game. The do-everything Green (7.9-7.6-7.4) remains out and Klay Thompson (14.7 PPG in six games) is questionable with knee 'discomfort!'

I think the Warriors have had enough of losing to the Mavs here at Chase Center and while the team's offense has struggled the last month, the Golden St defense has been OUTSTANDING all season-long, ranking first in both points allowed (101.9) and opponents FG percentage (42.7). This number is 'cheap' and we may just get a Thompson 'sighting!'

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Texas 'Two-Step' is on Texas at 9:00 ET.

Chris Beard 'jumped ship,' leaving Lubbock (Texas Tech) to take the job at Texas (Austin) and left some hard feelings behind. It hasn't been smooth sailing for Beard and his Longhorns, who opened No. 5 in the AP's preseason poll and remained in the AP rankings all season until Monday. Texas is 14-5 (4-3 in Big 12 play) but just 2-3 in its last five games. Jamie Dixon (of Pitt fame) returned to his alma mater back for the 2016-17 season. He led TCU to the NIT title that season, then won 21 and 23 games the following two seasons, However, he came into this season off 16-16 and 12-14 seasons. However, his team heads into this contest having won 10 of 12 to reach 13-3 (3-2 in Big 12 play).

Texas did pick up a 56-51 home victory over Oklahoma State on Saturday, after losses on the road to Iowa State on Jan 15 and at home to Kansas State last Tuesday. Chris Beard brought in seven transfers with NCAA Division I experience. 6-6 Timmy Allen was named All-Pac 12 at Utah last season (17.2 & 6.4) and leads Texas in scoring (11.4) and rebounding (6.5) but BOTH figures are down from his numbers last season. The same goes for PG Carr (19.6 & 4.9 APG last year with Minnesota), who is averaging a more modest 11.0 PPG and 3.4 APG. Guards Jones (10.2) and Ramey (9.2) join Carr in the backcourt, while 6-9 center Mitchell (9.3 & 4.1) and 6-7 forward Bishop (6.2 & 4.5) join Allen up front.

TCU bounced back from a loss at Oklahoma State that went down to the final shot, to upset then-No. 15 Iowa St 59-44. The Cyclones' 44 points were its fewest in the 51-year history of Hilton Coliseum. Guard Damion Baugh (9.5-4.2-4.0) scored a career-best 23 points in the win. Baugh's backcourt partner is Mills (15.5-3.9-4.1), with the duo joined by forwards O'Bannon (10.0 & 4.1) and Miller (9.9 & 7.2) plus 6-11 center Lampkin (5.4 & 5.3) in the starting lineup. TCU held Iowa State to 30.9 percent shooting that included a 3 for 26 showing from beyond the arc and outrebounded the Cyclones 39-28 in one of the nation's toughest places to play. 

Speaking of playing defense, Texas ranks 1st in the nation, allowing just 54.9 PPG. Expect the Longhorns to bring that defensive intensity to Fort Worth's Schollmeier Arena and pick up a much-needed win.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Late Breaker is on Wyoming at 9:00 ET.

The 15-2 Wyoming Cowboys (4-0 MWC) and the 15-2 Boise St Broncos (6-0 MWC) get together tonight from ExtraMile Arena in Boise, with the winner ending the night in first place. Jeff Linder came from No. Colorado where he won 26 (CIT champion), 21 and 22 games in his final three years, earning him the Wyoming gig. His first team went 14-11 but this year's team is an impressive 15-2. Boise St's Leon Rice is in his 12th season, having produced EIGHT 20-win seasons in his first 11, including two NCAA teams (the most recent coming back in 2015). Last year's team went 19-9, before losing in the NIT quarterfinals, just missing a ninth, 20-win campaign. However, the Broncos are all but assured of a 20-win season this year.

Wyoming won its first eight games this year, then hit a 1-2 stretch that featured losses to Arizona and Stanford. However, it's been SIX straight victories since, over Northern Iowa, USF, Utah State, Nevada, San Jose State and New Mexico. The 6-9 Ike (20.6 & 8.9) and PG Maldanado (17.8-5.8-6.7) make for quite a duo. They are joined in the starting lineup by guards Jeffries (11.4 & 4.8) and DuSell (10.8) plus the 6-9 Oden (8.6 & 4.9). DuSell is questionable with a hamstring injury, with Wenzel (5.4) starting in his place. Defense is a team strength (65.6 PPG) but depth is an issue.

Boise St has depth issues as well but has a very solid starting-five. The backcourt is missing Doutrive (9.4 & 4.6), who last played on Nov 30 but Shaver (13.6 & 4.1) and 6-8 guard Akot (11.5) form a quality duo. Up front, it's the 6-7 Kijab (13.1 & 6.6), the 6-10 Armus (7.2 & 9.2) and the 6-7 Degenhart (9.2). Defense is Boise's 'bread-and-butter,' allowing 57.9 PPG (8th).

While Boise is a terrific defensive team, note that Wyoming is no slouch in that department, either (see above). Meanwhile, Wyoming averages 78.4 PPG, compared to Boise's 67.8. When getting almost a full 'TD' worth of points, I'll say, "How 'bout dem Cowboys?". Take the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Conference Game of the Year (Big Sky) is on Southern Utah at 9:00 ET.

The Weber State Wildcats and the Southern Utah Thunderbirds square off in a Big Sky matchup from the America First Events Center in Cedar City, Ut on Monday night. Webber St head coach Randy Rahe arrived in Ogden for the 2006-07 season and led the Wildcats to an NCAA berth. He's still around, although Weber St's only NCAA appearance since Rahe's first season came in 2013-14. Todd Simon took over the Southern Utah program for the 2016-17 season, with the Thunderbirds going just 53-78  (.405) through his first four years. However, last season's team went 20-4 (won the Big Sky at 12-2) but lost in the conference semifinals in OT, therefore no NCAA bid.

Weber St is 13-5 overall and leads the Big Sky at 6-1. Marquette transfer McEwen (17.2 & 4.4) leads the Wildcats in scoring, joined by fellow transfer (Utah Valley) Overton (12.6 & 4.0) and returning guard Jawara (11.8) to form a strong backcourt. 6-6 SF hJoes (Big Sky Freshman of the year last season) is averaging 12.8 PPG and leads in rebounding (10.1). The 6-9 Bassett is what's called a "super senior," and checks in adding 6.3 & 3.0.

Southern Utah is 11-5 overall and at 5-1, is tied with No. Colorado, a half-game back of Weber St. The returning backcourt of Knight (15.1-4.2-4.3) and Marin (11.1 & 4.6) are a steady influence The starting frontcourt consists of forwards Jones (14.0 & 4.4) and Fausett (13.1 PG and a team-high 8.9 RPG) plus the 6-11 Spurgin (5.1 & 3.9). SF Butler (7.5 & 3.9) and guard Moody (6.7) are the key reserves.

This is a HUGE game for Southern Utah, which along with No. Colorado, trails Weber St by a half-game at the top of the Big Sky standings. Southern Utah's only home loss (7-1) this season came to No. Colorado on Jan 1 (by 10 points), so winning here is almost a 'must!' FYI...the Thunderbirds' home loss to No. Colorado on Jan 1 is the team's ONLY home loss in the last 1-1/2 seasons (team was 14-0 last season and is now 7-1 this season). I'm on the T-birds!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Weekend Wipeout is on the Ut Jazz at 8:40 ET.

The Jazz and Warriors have been battling the Phoenix Suns for the West's (and the NBA's) best record all season. As of Sunday morning, the Suns sit at 36-9, 3-1/2 games ahead of the 33-13 Warriors and 6-1/2 games ahead of the 30-16 Jazz, who have seen the Grizzlies slip past them into the No. 3 seed at 32-16. The Warriors have gone just 4-6 over their last 10 games (more later), after a 29-7 start, and now face a week in which they must deal with a tough four-game sequence book-ended by Utah and the Brooklyn Nets. Meanwhile, Jazz have won just TWICE in their last eight games, with injuries playing a role in Utah's recent regression.

The Jazz have allowed the 12th-most points (113.0), the seventh-highest field goal percentage (47.2) and the third-highest 3-point field goal percentage (38.4) during their 2-6 skid. Leading scorer Donovan Mitchell (25.5-4.0-5.2) has sat out the last two games with a concussion (may not play here). Center Rudy Gobert, nightly double-double 'machine,' averaging 16.0 & 15.0 on the season, missed five straight recently with a sore left ankle. Backup center Hassan Whiteside (8.2 & 6.8) has been sidelined the last five games in COVID protocol. All that said, SF Bogdanovich (18.1 & 4.19) is back, PG Conley (14.1 & 5.2 APG) is healthy, Ingles (7.4-3.0-3.5) started for Mitchell the last two games, and PF O'Neale 7.4 & 5.2 in a constant. So is 6th-man Clarkson (15.3) plus Rudy Gay is chipping in 9.0 & 4.6.

Curry (26.3-5.3-6.2) connected on his first career walk-off game-winner Friday night for a 105-103 home win over the Houston Rockets. The game-winner was the eighth of his career, but first with the clock having expired before the shot cleared the net. The shot came at the end of a game in which Curry shot just 6-for-21. He has made just 36.3 percent of his shots in his last nine games, including just 28 of 92 3-pointers (30.4 percent). Draymond Green (7.9-7.6-7.4), an offensive catalyst, has missed the last SEVEN games with a disk issue in his back. He already has been ruled out through Feb 1. Still, the Warriors are loaded. Wiggins (18.3 & 4.2) and Poole (16.7) have been terrific, Thompson's back available and has avergaed 14.7 PPG in six games (it's always possible he'll be rested), plus the underappreciated Looney has started all 46 games at center, adding 6.1 & 7.3 PPG.

I promised more on Golden St at the top and will submit that the Warriors, once rated as the top offensive team in the league in terms of efficiency, have ranked just 26th in the league in scoring (104.2), 27th in field goal percentage (43.0) and dead-last in 3-point field goal percentage (30.1) over their last 10 games! The Warriors and Jazz met one time previously this season, with Golden State overcoming a 41-point Utah explosion in the third quarter to pull out a 123-116 road win. A 'storm is brewing' in San Francisco but when it 'clears out,' the "W" will be in Utah's column. Take the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Min T-wolves at 8:10 ET.

If it's not ONE thing, it's ANOTHER!" The Brooklyn Nets had anticipated that a stretch of road games would give them significant minutes with their star trio of Kevin Durant, James Harden and Kyrie Irving on the floor. So, what happens? Durant sprained the medial collateral ligament in his left knee a week ago Saturday and will be sidelined for at least a month. The Nets complete a four-game road trip tonight in Minnesota, having won two of the first three, led by their part-time backcourt duo of James Harden and Kyrie Irving. Brooklyn dropped a seven-point decision in Cleveland on Monday when Harden and Irving combined for 49 points but then eked out a one-point win in Washington when the duo combined for 48 points. On Friday, the duo scored a collective 61 points of a 117-102 win in San Antonio. The duo combined for 26 points in the final 12 minutes when the Nets shot 60 percent and outscored the Spurs 38-28. Through all of this season's turmoil, the Nets currently sit atop the East with a 29-16 record. However, Chicago and Miami are just a half-game back and the top-six East seeds are separated by just THREE games.

Minnesota welcomes Brooklyn to town having won SIX of its last nine and currently owns a 22-23 record. That leaves them with the West's No. 9 seed, good enough to qualify for the play-in round (note: the T-wolves are just 1-1/2 games back of the No. 6 seed). This may seem like a modest accomplishment but when considering Minnesota has made just ONE playoff appearance (2017-18) over the past 17 seasons, even a 'play-in' opportunity would be a major step forward. Minnesota relies on its "Big 3" of center Towns (24.3 & 9.2), SG Edwards (22.2 & 5.2) and PG Russell (18.9 & 7.0 APG). All three were first round picks! Guard Beasley (12.4) is the highest-scoring bench player, and the 6-11 Reid (8.8 & 4.1) has given Towns some support up front.

Brooklyn's "Big 3" is at best, down to a "Big 2," these days. K.D. (29.3-7.4-5.8) will be out for a while, leaving Harden (23.0-8.1-10.00 and Kyrie (22.3-4.7-5.2 in six games), but only for road games. The fact that Aldrige is back helps and the veteran big man has scored 56 points in Brooklyn's last three games. Guard Mills (13.3) has been a constant in the backcourt all season but a look at today's injury report lists Irving as questionable (personal reasons). Who knows what that means? What it means to me is I'm taking the T-wolves with or without Kyrie playing for the Nets. Minnesota covered a nine-point spread in Brooklyn back on Dec 3, losing 110-105 (Nets had KD in that one!). Expect the healthy, well-rested, and revenge-minded home side to deliver in this spot.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* 'Signature' LEGEND Play is on the KC Chiefs at 6:30 ET.

The Bills and Chiefs met in last year's AFC championship game, with KC winning at home. The two teams opened the 2021 season as favorites to meet again in this season's title game and while the Bills and Chiefs are meeting in the 2021 postseason (again in Kansas City), it's ONE week sooner than anticipated. However, at one point during the recently completed regular season a Buff/KC Part 2 was NOT looking likely.

Buffalo was shocked in Week 1 at home by the Steelers (lost 23-16) and while the Bills rebounded quickly with FOUR straight wins, they would lose FIVE of their next eight to fall to 7-6, falling TWO games behind the 9-4 Pats. However, the Bills ended the season with FOUR straight wins (including a 33-21 victory in New England) to finish 11-6, while the Pats' lost THREE of four. The 11-6 Bills won the AFC East, with the Pats earning a wild card berth. The Bills hosted the Pats in the NFL's Super Wild Card Weekend and I'm pretty sure you KNOW how that turned out (more later, in case you missed it). 

The Chiefs entered the current season off back-to-back Super Bowl appearances (1-1) and having won FIVE consecutive AFC West titles. However, after just SEVEN games, the Chiefs were a sub-.500 team at 3-4! The 'cry' went out, "What's wrong with the Chiefs and in particular, Patrick Mahomes?" KC answered that question emphatically, going 9-1 to finish the regular season 12-5 and win the AFC West for the SIXTH straight season. However, that ONE loss (34-31 at Cincy on a last-second FG), cost KC the No. 1 seed. Tennessee (also 12-5) won the tiebreaker over Kansas City based on head-to-head win percentage (Titans beat the Chiefs 27-3 in Tennessee back in Week 7!). Again, in case you were asleep, the Chiefs beat the Steeklers 42-21 last weekend in a wild card game.

Buffalo's Josh Allen (63.3% for 4,407 yards with 36 TDs and 15 INTs / 763 rushing yards on 6.3 YPC with 6 TDs) had a terrific season (again!) He then set a team playoff record with five TD passes in a 47-17 DESTRUCTION of the division-rival Patriots in a wild-card playoff game. Buffalo became the NFL's first team in the Super Bowl era to score on each of its seven possessions that didn't end with a kneel down. Allen completed 21 of 25 for 308 yards without an INT (QB rating of 157.8!), while adding 66 rushing yards. RB Singletary (870 yards / 4.6 YPC / 7 TDs) ran for 81 yards and two TDs, while TE Knox (49 catches / 9 TDs) had two TD receptions. Allen has a terrific group of WRs, led by Diggs (103 catches / 10 TDs) plus Beasley (82 catches), Sanders (42 / 14.9 / 4 TDs) and Davis (35 / 15.7 / 6 TDs). Buffalo's offense ranked 3rd in scoring (28.4 PPG) but its defense was No. in the NFL in points allowed (17.0) and yards allowed (272.8). That's a pretty sweet 'daily double.'

Mahomes had an 'average' season (for him), completing 66.3 % for 4,839 yards with 37 TDs and 13 INTs (ho hum!). He then completed 30 of 39 for 404 yards with five TD passes and one iNT in the rout of Pittsburgh. RBs Williams (558 yards on 3.9 YPC with 6 TDs) and Edwards-Helaire (517 yards on 4.3 YPC with 4 TDs) have missed time all season. Both are questionable here but McKinnon, who ran for just 62 yards all season, ran 12 times for 61 yards (5.1 YPC) vs Pittsburgh. The Chiefs own the best WR-TE duo in the NFL with Hill (111 catches / 9 TDs) and Kelce (92 catches / 9 TDs) plus have depth at WR in Hardeman (59 catches) and Pringle (42 catches / 5 TDs). The KC offense has averaged 28.2 PPG (4th) but the defense has allowed 368.9 YPG, ranking 27th. The good news is that KC is allowing a more modest 21.4 PPG, which ranks 8th-best.

The point spread here indicates that Buffalo would be a favorite on a neutral field and maybe that's right, as the Bills crushed the Chiefs 38-10 at KC back in Week 5. However, doesn't that give KC even more incentive here? Allen was great vs the Pats but note that in last year's AFC title game, Allen was badly outplayed by Mahomes. Allen threw 48 times (28 completions for 287 yards with two TDs and one INT (QB rating of 80.8). Meanwhile, Mahomes was 29 of 38 for 325 yards with three Tds and zero INTs for a 127.6 QB rating. Mahomes is 7-2 as a starter in the playoffs, losing only to Tom Brady (against the Pats in the 2018 AFC championship game) and in last year's Super Bowl vs the Bucs. Allen has become a star but he's NO Brady.

My closing note is this. In SEVEN home playoff games (6-1 / loss to Brady and the Pats), Mahomes has completed 67.9% of his passes, while averaging 310.3 YPG passing. He's thrown 20 TDs passes in those seven, against just ONE interception in 249 attempts. KC "all the way!"

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on Michigan at 3:30 ET.

Michigan opened the season ranked 6th in the AP's preseason poll but didn't stay ranked for very long. A lengthy layoff due to the holiday break and COVID-19 issues didn't help and the Wolverines 'limp into Bloomington having played just FOUR games in a month but is off an 83-64 win over Maryland on Tuesday. To say the least It's been an up-and-down year for the defending Big Ten champions, as the Wolverines had a pair of conference games postponed the second week in January due to COVID-19 issues within the program. Michigan is just 8-7 overall, including 2-3 in the Big Ten. Indiana lost its final six games of last season and the Hoosiers fired head coach Archie Miller. They then hired Mike Woodson (former Indiana player under Bob Knight) to lead the team in the 2021-22 season, Indiana opened 6-0, before losing 112-110 (2 OTs) at Syracuse. The Hoosiers have also lost at Wisconsin, at Penn St and at Iowa but here at Assembly Hall, have gone a perfect 12-0, after they snapped a nine-game losing streak against Purdue, winning 68-65 on Thursday behind a career-high 20 points from Rob Phinisee. Indiana welcomes Michigan to Assembly Hall 14-4 overall, including 5-3 in the Big Ten. 

After center Hunter Dickinson (16.4 & 8.6) sat out a 68-53 loss at Illinois on Jan 14, the Wolverines were back at full strength against Maryland. Dickinson (21 points) led FOUR starters in double figures. Michigan's starting-five includes the 7-1 Dickinson and the 6-11 Diabate (9.1 & 6.1) up front, plus a trio of guards in Brooks (12.1) and Houstan (9.7 & 4.5) plus PG Jones (8.5-4.5-3.7), who runs the offense. The 6-9 Jackson-Davis (18.7 & 8.6) was limited against Purdue, playing just 11 minutes with four points and one rebound. The 6-8 Thompson (10.8 & 7.6) and the 6-7 Kupp (6.7 & 2.7) join Davis up front, while guards Johnson (10.0-3.6-4.1) and Stewart (7.3) start in the backcourt. Adding depth on the perimeter are Phinisee (5.7) and Bates (4.3).

Indiana will look to avoid a letdown after an emotional Purdue win and how much Davis can contribute is really unknown. Obviously, Michigan was overrated at the start of the season, but the Wolverines are NOT a .500 team, either. Both teams are solid defensively and Michigan is OVERDUE for a "quality" win. Methinks, as Rod Stewart opined, "Tonight's the Night!" Take the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on North Carolina at 8:00 ET.

North Carolina (12-5 / 4-2) and Wake Forest (15-4 / 4-3) have similar conference records as they head into Saturday night's meeting in Winston-Salem. Roy Wiliams retired after last season, ending his career with a first-round NCAA tournament loss and an 18-11 record with his beloved Tar Heels. Former North Carolina player Hubert Davis took over as head coach and the Tar Heels were ranked 19th in the AP's preseason poll. However, just when it appeared North Carolina might be picking up momentum, the Tar Heels 'crashed and burned' in Tuesday night's 85-57 loss at Miami. Steve Forbes took over at Wake Forest last season and suffered through a 6-16 (3-15 in the ACC) his first year. However, whether it has been in the JC ranks or his four-year stint at East Tenn St, Forbes has been known as 'quick-change artist.' Case in point. He took over at East Tenn St in 2015-16 and his four-year record was 130-43! His final team went 30-4 but "what might have been" in the Big Dance remains an unanswered question, as COVID shut the tournament down. Now, after a 'nightmare' first season, Forbes' Demon Deacon are off to an impressive start (see above).

"Very disappointed in our fight, our competitiveness, our effort," UNC head coach Hubert Davis said. "In order to be a good team, you have to have leadership and there has to be somebody outside of myself, outside of the coaching staff, a voice in the locker room that's amongst the players that binds us together." The Tar Heels are looking for adjustments, perhaps mostly in mindset. North Carolina has an excellent frontcourt led by the returning 6-10 Bacot (17.2 & 11.2), 6-9 Oklahoma transfer Manek (12.4 & 5.6) and 6-11 Marquette transfer Garcia (9.1 & 5.5). Sophomore guard Love (14.1-3.5-3.4) teams with freshman Davis (13.7-3.8-3.5) in the backcourt, with Walton (3.9) and Black (3.5 & 4.4) adding support.

Forbes has turned things around quickly at Wake, adding Oklahoma transfer Williams and an ETSU transfer in Williamson to be his starting guards. Williams (20.3-6.8-5.2) has been spectacular and Williamson, who came with Forbes last season from ETSU, is averaging 12.4 PPG. The 6-8 Mucius (10.5 & 3.8) returned up front but the 6-8 LaRavia (14.7 & 5.9) came from Indiana St, the 7-0 Walton (8.1 & 5.2) from Colorado and the 6-10 Sy (6.5 & 4.4) from Ole Miss. In Wednesday night's 80-64 victory at Georgia Tech, the Demon Deacons were without coach Forbes, who was ill, but it seems like he'll be back for the North Carolina game. "He'll be there," said Wake assistant coach Brooks Savage, who filled in. "It was in everybody's best interest that he take some time and not travel and get ready to go for Saturday."

Kudos to Forbes and Wake but consider this, the Demon Deacons have reached the 15-win mark for only the THIRD time in a 12-season span. This season is 'rarefied air' for Wake Forest and catching the Tar Heels off an embarrassing 85-57 loss at Miami, is NOT a "good thing!" UNC is a two-point dog, so one could hardly call this an upset. However, take any available points but expect a North Carolina win "with room to spare," as North Carolina has won EIGHT of the last nine meetings with Wake Forest.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Ten Titans at 4:30 ET.

Zac Taylor arrived in Cincinnati for the 2019 season and the Bengals struggled to a 2-14 finish. Cincy then drafted Heisman-winner Joe Burrow as the No. 1 pick in the 2020 draft but Burrow was lost in the 10th game of the season, as the Bengals would only slightly improve by going 4-11-1. However, the Bengals went 10-7 in 2021 and won the AFC North for the first time since 2015. Then last Saturday, Joe Burrow led his team to its first playoff victory in 31 years, 26-19 over Las Vegas in an AFC wild-card game. Burrow (24 of 34 with 244 yards with 2 TDs and zero INTs for a QB rating of 110.4) led an efficient offense that scored on SIX drives. PK Evan McPherson became the first rookie to make four FGs without a miss in a postseason debut, and Germaine Pratt sealed it with a fourth-down interception in the dying seconds. It was a victory three decades in the making for the Bengals (last playoff win came back in 1990!) After going from worst to first in the AFC North with a generally young roster, the Bengals ended that embarrassingly long postseason drought that included EIGHT consecutive defeats.

Mike Vrabel took over in Nashville  in 2018 and after back-to-back 9-7 seasons, his Titans have now won the AFC South in two consecutive years, going 11-5 in 2020 and 12-5 here in 2021. Note, Tennessee's wild card team of 2019, made it all the way to the AFC championship game (1st time in 17 years!), before losing to the eventual Super Bowl champions Chiefs. This year's team not only won the AFC South but also earned the AFC's overall No. 1 seed, giving them last weekend off.

Burrow has had an excellent season (70.4% for 4,611 yards with 34 TDs and 11 INTs. RB Mixon had a career season, running for 1,205 yards with 13 TDs, while catching 42 passes (3 TDs). WR Chase (also from LSU) caught 81 passes (18.0 YPC / 13 TDs) plus is joined by fellow WRs Higgins (74 / 14.7 YPC / 6 TDs) and Boyd ( 67 / 5 TDs) plus TE Uzomah (49 / 5 TDs). The Cincy defense allowed 22.1 PPG, a significant improvement after allowing 27.1 PPG over the previous three seasons.

The Titans were 6-2 when RB Derrick Henry (937 yards / 10 TDs) was lost with a foot injury in Week 8. QB Ryan Tannehill (67.2% / 3,734 yards / 21-14 ratio) has had to shoulder more of the load, and he was often not up to the challenge. However, at 8-4, the Titans would win FOUR other their last five, including THREE straight to end the regular season, clinching the No. 1 seed. Kudos to Tannehill, who in that three-game winning streak, completed 73.4% of his passes with a 7-0 TD/INT ratio). WR Brown 63 catches / 13.8 YPC / 5 TDs) is the team's best receiver but Westbrook-Ikhine (38 / 5 TDs) and the now-healthy Juliuo Jones (31 / 14.0 YPC) are reliable targets. The Tennessee defense is stout, allowing 20.8 PPG (6th) and ranks second in the league in rushing yards allowed (84.8).

Congrats to the Bengals but note they had just 308 total yards vs the Raiders and constantly settled for FGs. RB Mixon was held to 48 yards rushing on 2.8 YPC and the Tennessee rush D is a 'tough nut to crack' (see above). Henry could be back here and what a bonus that would be. However, I'm "all over" the Titans, either way. Consider the following. Both sides went 4-2 vs eventual playoff teams, but if we dig a little deeper, we see those records aren't equal. Both the Colts and Chargers were favored to win in Week 18, but they both lost. Tennessee would have been 6-2 against playoff teams if Tennessee and Los Angeles had won in the final week (and that's to go along with impressive victories over the Chiefs and Rams). If that scenario had played out, the Bengals would have been just 1-3 vs playoff destined teams. 

I noted the Tennessee D earlier but here's more. The Titans went from allowing 384 yards and 26.8 points a game during the first six weeks to only 300.3 yards and 17.5 points during the final 11 games, holding four of their last five opponents to fewer than 20 points. Tennessee went 7-2 SU at home and head coach Mike Vrabel is 4-0 SU & ATS following a bye, beating the closing point spread by an average of 19.1 points! Cincy is 'One & Done' this playoff season.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Weekend Wipeout is on NC St at 4:00 ET.

The Atlantic Coast Conference schools has typically been known as arguably the nation's top BKB conference, but a quick check of the latest AP poll will find only Duke (at No. 6) among the top-25. One sure won't find Virginia (11-7, 5-3) or NC State (9-10, 2-6) in any top-25 polls!  Tony Bennett's UVA team won a national championship in 2019 and from the 2013-14 season through the championship season of 2018-19, the Cavs avenged 29.7 wins per season. The Cavs ended last season 18-7, after a first-round NCAA loss to 13th-seed Ohio U. However, as noted, this season has NOT gone smoothly. However, UVA's season is going MUCH better than NC St's Kevin Keatts season is. He replaced Mark Gottfried in Raleigh five years ago. His three-year stint at UNC-Wilmington (his team won 28 and 29 games in his final two seasons, both ending with NCAA tourney berths), surely caught NC St's attention. Keatts' first three seasons in Raleigh went fine (21, 24 and 20 wins) but the Wolfpack's season pretty much ended on Feb 9 of last year, when Devon Daniels (16.5 & 5.2) was lost to an ACL tear (NC St would finish 14-11).

The only returning starter for UVA is PG Clark, who chips in 9.1 PPG and 4.0 APG. Guard Beekman (8.1-3.6-4.8) is back, as is the 6-11 Shedrick (6.2 & 5.1), but UVA's two-most important players are transfers. The 6-6 Gardner comes from East Carolina and leads in scoring (14.0) and rebounding (7.0) plus guard Franklin comes via Indiana and chips in 12.2. With Daniels gone and the 6-11 Funderburk (12.6 & 5.6) declaring for the NBA but going undrafted, Keatts' had his work cut out for him entering the current season. The 6-7 Seaborn has blossomed into a 'do-everything" player for NC St, leading the team in scoring (19.3) and rebounding (9.4). Joining him in the starting lineup are freshman guard Smith (14.6 & 3.7), the 6-7 Hellems (14.2 & 4.7) and the 6-11 Dowuona (4.0 & 4.7). Guards Hayes (8.3) and UVA transfer Morsell (7.3 & 3.5) have been steady off the bench.

Here's the rub. Do you believe in 'miracles?' Well, I may be exaggerating a little but consider this. Two Saturdays ago, North Carolina ended its SEVEN-game losing streak against Virginia. Last Saturday, Wake Forest snapped its NINE-game skid against the Cavaliers. Now it's NC State with a chance to "get off the schneid," as the Wolfpack will try to beat Bennett for the first time in Raleigh. All SEVEN times the Cavaliers coach has come to PNC Arena, he's walked out a winner. The late-1970s and early-1980s TV opined "Eight is Enough" but my bet here says, "SEVEN is enough!" NC St wins and wins impressively.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Marquee Classic is on Kentucky at 1:00 ET.

No. 2 Auburn (17-0 / 6-0) will put its 14-game winning streak on the line Saturday when it hosts No. 12 Kentucky in a matchup of SEC teams. Withe Baylor losing twice last week, Gonzaga took over the No. 1 spot in the AP poll, while Auburn moved to No. 2. Interestingly, Auburn (36) had more first-place Votes than Gonzaga (25), but the Bulldogs edged the Tigers in overall points, 1,486 to 14,82. In the history of the AP poll, Auburn has reached No. 2 three times. The 1958-59 team reached second and finished eighth in the AP poll with a 20-2 record. The 1998-1999 team reached No. 2 but lost in the Sweet Sixteen. That team finished 29-4. The following season, Auburn started the season ranked fourth and reached No. 2, before faltering down the stretch and losing in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. That team finished 24-10 and ranked 24th.

Kentucky (15-3 / 5-1 SEC) knows more than a little about No. 1 rankings plus owns EIGHT national championships to Auburn's ZERO! The Kentucky men's basketball team went just 9-16 last season, but all knew that was an aberration, as the Wildcats were ranked No. 10 in the AP's preseason poll. After a loss to Duke in the Champions Classic on the opening night of the season, the Wildcats have won 14 of 16, losing only 66-62 at Notre Dame back on Dec 11 and 65-62 at LSU on Jan 4. The 6-9 Tshiebwe (16,1 & 14.8) and the 6-7 Brooks (10.4 & 4.3) are the two main frontcourt players for Coach Cal's team. SG Washington (14.2-4.2-4.6) and PG Wheeler (10.4 & 7.1 APG) lead a backcourt that also features Grady (11.4) and Mintz (9.1). 'EIGHTs are wild' when checking in on the Kentucky offense, which ranks 8th in scoring (82.9 PPG) and in FG percentage (49.8). Also note that the Wildcats are holding opponents to just 62.8 PPG!

Bruce Pearl made a HUGE 'splash' when took over at Tennessee for the 2005-06 season. He would go 145-61 (.704) with the Vols, leading them to NCAA berths in each of his six seasons in Knoxville, including two Sweet 16s and an Elite 8. However, he was let go and was given a three-year ban for allegations surrounding lying to NCAA investigators. He returned to the SEC with Auburn in 2014-15 and after going just 26-40 in his first two seasons, led the Tigers to 26-wins, 30 wins (Final 4 appearance) and 25 wins (NCAA tourney was canceled because of COVID). However, the Tigers suffered a 'meltdown' on the court last season, going just 13-14. The Tigers have turned things around with the help of FOUR freshmen. The 6-10 Smith leads in scoring with 15.8 PPG (adds 6.3 RPG), while the 7-0 Kessler leads in rebounding (7.4), while adding 10.3 PPG. Green (13.1-4.0-5.1) and Johnson (12.8) are the top backcourt producers. Auburn is averaging 80.7 PPG (19th), while allowing 65.6 PPG.

Saturday marks the only regular season meeting between Kentucky and Auburn this year and to put it mildly, it's the very definition of a "Marquee Classic!" Clearly, what Auburn has done up to this point is 'special' (only loss came back in November, when it fell to then-No. 22 UConn in double-overtime in the Bahamas), but the Wildcats have DOMINATED this series with a 92-21 advantage all-time. Coach Cal plus the points is the way to go!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Marquee Classic is on Michigan St at 9:00 ET.

Tom Izzo and his Spartans started at No. 13 at the opening of the 2020-21 season and struggled in the regular season. Mich St made the NCAA tourney at 15-12 but was eliminated in a First Four game by UCLA. Michigan State began the current season unranked but enters this game at Wisconsin arnked No. 14 at 14-3 (5-1 in the Big Ten). Wisconsin was also unranked in the preseason but is now No. 8, with a 15-2 overall record, including 6-1 in the Big Ten. The Badgers are tied atop the conference with Ilinois, while the Spartans are just a half-game back.

The Spartans do not have a 'big gun,' as the team's leading scorer is SF Brown (14.2 & 4.8). 7-0 center Bingham adds 9.7  PPG and a team-high 7.1 RPG. Joining those two in the starting lineup are guards Christie (10.4)  and Walker (6.8 & 5.2 APG) plus the 6-9 Hauser, who has disappointed averaging only 6.8 & 6.1. Bench strength comes from the 6-9 Hall (9.7 & 4.8) and the 6-9 Marble (6.4 & 3.1) plus guard Hoggard (6.5 & 4.5 APG). Izzo-coached teams always play excellent defense and the Spartans are allowing 65.6 PPG, holding opponnest to just 39.1% shooting (24th).

Wisconsin featured four, 5th-year seniors and three regular seniors last season but of the 14 scholarship players this season, 10 are classified as freshmen for eligibility purposes. Guard Davison began the season with 124 career starts and is averaging 15.1 & 4.1. The great news for Wisconsin fans is, fellow guard Davis (7.0 & 4.1 LY) is averaging 22.1 & 7.5 this season. Also back, after limited playing time last season, are the 6-9 Wahl (11.0 & 5.7) and the 7-0 Crowl (8.8 & 4.8). Freshman guard Hepburn (7.2) rounds out the starting-five. No other player averages as much as 4 PPG and that's not good news considering that Wahl is listed as questionable.

Wisconsin extended its winning streak to seven with an 82-76 victory at Northwestern on Tuesday to move into a first-place tie with Illinois in the conference, while the Spartans were upset at home by Northwestern 64-62 in their last outing on Saturday, snapping a NINE-game winning streak. Wisconsin has won the last two matchups with Michigan State, including a 64-63 victory in the last meeting at home at the Kohl Center. However, prior to that, the Spartans had won EIGHT straight against the Badgers. Winning at the Kohl Center is NEVER easy but I really like taking a Tom Izzo team off and embarassing loss like at home to Northwestern. I sent out an "Upset Alert" Thursday on Indiana over Purdue and it's "deja vu all over agin" tonight with the Spartsna beating the Badgers.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on the Den Nuggets at 9:10 ET.

The Memphis Grizzlies lost 132-110 to the Hawks on Nov 26, giving them a 9-10 record. However, the Grizzlies have gone 22-6 since. They are now 31-16 (No. 3 seed in the West), two games back of the Warriors and 5-1/2 games back of the Suns. Memphis was considered a team on the rise before the season began but it is now obvious its ascension has arrived sooner than expected. The Nuggets have had their issues, mostly with injuries and illnesses, and welcome the Grizzlies to Denver just 23-20, good enough for teh No. 6 in the West. The Nuggets are FIVE back of the No. 4 seed but well clear of the No. 11 seed (last team to miss the play-in round).

The Grizzlies beat the Los Angeles Lakers twice, took down the Golden State at home and topped the Phoenix Suns on the road during an 11-game winning streak from Dec 26 through Jan 13. However, they have lost TWO of three coming. Memphis didn't have Dillon Brooks (ankle) against the Bucks, and Desmond Bane was placed in health and safety protocol. Brooks (18.4 PPG) and Bane (17.7 & 4.4) are second and third, respectively, on the team in scoring behind Ja Morant (24.7-5.8-6.9).

Denver is coming off a 130-128 overtime win Wednesday against the Los Angeles Clippers, as Nikola Jokic (25.9-13.9-7.4) delivered his 10th triple-double of the season with 49 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists. The last assist came on Aaron Gordon's tiebreaking three-pointer with 2.2 seconds left in overtime. PF Gordon (14.4 & 5.6) has been a steady presence, as has swingman Barton (15.0-4.8-4.1), PG Morris (12.7 & 4.2 APG) has assumed Murray's role as PG, who has yet to play, after averaging 21.2-4.0-4.8 last season. Some good news is that the Nuggets acquired Bryn Forbes from San Antonio in a three-team deal that was finalized Wednesday, with the hope he can provide much-needed outside shooting. Forbes won a title last year with the Bucks before returning to the Spurs in the offseason (he's averaging 9.1 PPG and shooting 41.7% on threes).

Just maybe, the Grizzlies are about to 'cool off' some and the Nuggets are about to make a 'push!' in fact, that's my bet. Lay the 'short' price.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* PERFECT STORM is on the Atl Hawks at 7:40 ET.

The Atlanta Hawks ended a 10-game homecourt losing streak Monday with a second-half surge against the Milwaukee Bucks, and then did it again Wednesday, when an impressive second half carried them to a 134-122 win over Minnesota. However, the Hawks are just 19-25, leaving them THREE games back of the East's No. 10 seed (last team into the 'play-in' round). Visiting Atlanta tonight will be the 29-16 Miami Heat, who are in a virtual tie with the 28-15 Bulls for the East's No. 1 seed. At the moment, just 2-1/2 games separate the No. 1 seed and the No. 6 seed in the East.

Miami beat the Portland Trail Blazers 104-92 on Wednesday for their second straight win and SIXTH in the last seven games. The Heat played without Tyler Herro (20.7-4.9-4.0), who entered the health and safety protocol, and Kyle Lowry (13.4 & 8.3 APG), who missed the last two games for personal reasons. Herro will miss the Atlanta game and Lowry's status is uncertain. There is good news though and that the Heat have Bam Adebayo (18.6 & 10.2) back in the lineup. He has played two games since thumb surgery had sidelined him since Nov 29, averaging 17.0 & 10.0. Adebayo had 20 points and 11 rebounds against Portland and helped offset the loss of Jimmy Butler, who was ejected after playing only 15 minutes. Swingman Butler (21.7-5.8-5.8) is Miami best player plus guards Strus (11.6) and Robinson (11.4) plus PF Tucker (8.2 & 5.6) are steady and consiotent contributors.

Atlanta understands being shorthanded, as the Hawks have been without starting center Clint Capela (11.8 & 13.1) for the last six games (ankle) but have seen former No. 1 draft choice Onyeka Okongwu make big strides since he's been healthy. Okongwu didn't play until Dec 17 because of offseason shoulder surgery, but after some early tenuous performances he has become increasingly productive. He's up to 9.8 & 6.3 on the season, after averaging 13.7 PPG and 6.7 RPG in his last three games. PG Young (27.9 & 9.5 APG) is now a bonafide All Star plus PF Collins (17.2 & 8.0) just continues to put up All Star-like numbers. SG Bogdanovich (12.0 & 3.8) is out but Hunter (12.8) and Huerter (11.3) are both back in the lineup and playing well.

Let's NOT forget that this Atlanta team made it all the way to the Eastern Conerence finals last season, where the Bucks ended the team's championship hopes. The Hawks have been one of the league's biggest undercahievers so far but may be starting to see a 'light at the end of the tunnel.' The Hawks make it THREE straight home wins tonight!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Conference Game of the Year (Pac 12) is on USC at 7:30 ET.

USC was 25-8 last season (made the Elite 8) but head coach Andy Enfield (who will ever forget Florida Gulf Coast!) has retooled the Trojans, after losing Evan Mobley to the NBA draft (3rd overall pick). USC opened the current season 13-0 and in the Jan 10 AP poll, was ranked No. 5. It was the school's highest ranking since also being No. 5 way back in December of 1974! However, the Trojans lost 75-69 at Stanford on Jan 11, beat Oregon St (3-13) 81-71 at home and then lost 79-69 at home against suddenly surging Oregon last Saturday. 

USC (14-2 / 4-2) will try to get its season back on track Thursday night in Boulder against a Colorado Buffaloes team that is quietly gone 12-4 (4-2 in the Pac 12). Tad Boyle took over at Boulder in the 2009-10 season and has led the Buffaloes to 20-plus wins EIGHT times and into the NCAA Tournament FIVE times (would have been six but the 2020 tourney was shut down because of COVID.

As noted above, Enfield has retooled the Trojans this season, with GREAT success. Mobley's 6-10 older brother Isaiah leads in scoring (15.3) and rebounding (9.2) and is joined by the 6-9 Goodwin (13.0 & 7.1) and the 6-9 Agbonkpolo (7.8 & 3.5) in the frontcourt. Ellis (12.6), and Peterson (11.1 & 5.8) make for an excellent backcourt duo, plus guard Anderson (5.8) and the 6-11 Morgan (4.3 & 3.2) contribute off the bench. The Buffs have a strong starting-five, led by a huge frontline. The 6-9 Walker (13.1 & 8.5), the 6-8 Battey (12.3 & 4.5) and the 6-10 da Silva (8.8 & 3.6). The starting guards are Barthelemy (11.1) and Parquet (7.1). Guards Simpson (6.9) and Clifford (6.2 & 5.1) add depth.

Boyle's success at Colorado includes an unlikely domination of USC. The Buffs have beaten the Trojans SEVEN straight times! That said, the Buffaloes have lost ALL of their first three opportunities to beat a ranked opponent and had a fourth, against Kansas on Dec 21, canceled. This game could define which direction USC's season will go. In its 13-0 start, just THREE teams topped 70 points (a high of 73) but in losing TWO of three, the Trojans have allowed 75.0 PPG. I view this contest as almost a "must-win" situation for USC. Seven straight loses to Colorado surely brings USC's 'motivation factor' on a 1-10 scale to 10! Colorado has lost 73-61 to then-No. 5 UCLA, 69-54 to then-No. 13 Tennessee and 76-55 to then No. 6 Arizona. Why will the Buffs win here vs No. 16 USC? My bet says they WON'T!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* PERFECT STORM is a on UMass at 7:00 ET.

Full, detailed analysis thursday morning by 10:00 ET.

My 9* Rivalry Rout is on Indiana at 7:00 ET.

No. 4 Purdue is the highest-ranked Big Ten team but at 4-2 in league play, there are FIVE schools with better conference records than the Boilermakers' mark. Purdue heads to Bloomington tonight to take on bitter rival Indiana, which is 13-4 overall, including 4-3 in Big Ten play.

Matt Painter is in his 17th season at Purdue and the Boilermakers have matched ther best start through 17 games under Painter (Purdue also started 15-2 during the 2010-11 and 2017-18 seasons). 7-4 sophomore Edey (15.6 & 7.5) teams with 6-10 senior Williams (13.4 & 8.5), the 6-6 Gillis (7.2 & 3.5) and 6-10 freshman Furst (5.4 & 4.6 ) up front. The perimeter is led by Ivey (16.4 & 5.2) and Stefanovic (11.8), while Newman (6.3) and Thompson (5.4) add depth.

Indiana lost its final six games of last season and the Hoosiers fired head coach Archie Miller. They then hired Mike Woodson (former Indiana player under Bob Knight) to lead the team in the 2021-22 season, Indiana opened 6-0, before losing 112-110 (2 OTs) at Syracuse. The Hoosiers have also lost at Wisconsin, at Penn St atand at Iowa but here at Assembly Hall, have gone a perect 11-0. Indiana is coming off its first road win of the season, winning at Nebraska 78-71 on Monday The Jackson-Davis (19.5 & 9.1) posted his fourth straight double-double and eighth of the season against Nebraska with 23 points and 12 rebounds before sitting out the final seven minutes of the game after landing hard on his tailbone on a foul. However, Jackson-Davis posted on Twitter that he will be fine and expects to play on Thursday. The 6-8 Thompson (10.9 & 7.5) and the 6-7 Kupp (7.1 & 2.8) join Davis up front, while guards Johnson (9.5-3.5-4.2) and Stewart (7.6) start in the backcourt. Adding depth on the perimeter are Phinisee (4.6) and Bates (4.6).

Yes, Knight and Keady are no longer around but their 'ghosts' are. This will ALWAYS be a great rivalry and as head caoch Woodson iopined about his team's 11-0 home record, "We can't lose at home. That's my message. I can't say it loud enough. I mean, they are a great team, I watched them (Monday) against Illinois win in overtime. They are huge, they've got talent out front, but hey, we're going to have to match it and see what happens." That sounds good but the Hoosiers are seeking their first win against Purdue since Feb 20, 2016, when they won 77-73. Purdue's won NINE in a row in this series since that Indiana win. I won't say "revenge" after nine staright losses but with Purdue off a draining OT win Monday at Illinois, I am sending out an "Upset Alert!" Take the points.

Good luck..Larry

My 10* Game of the Week is on Rutgers at 8:30 ET.

Fran McCaffrey is in his 12th season at Iowa City and he's delivered seven, 20-win seasons in his first 11. Gone are consensus National Player-of-the-Year Garza (24.1 & 8.7) and Wieskamp (14.8 & 6.6) but the Hawkeyes opened 7-0, before dropping back-to-back Big Ten games to Purdue and Illinois, plus losing a third straight at Iowa St. However, the Hawkeyes have won SIX of their last seven (lone loss to now-No.8 Wisconsin). Iowa is 13-4 (3-3 in the Big Ten) and was the first team in the "others receiving votes" column of the latest AP top-25 poll. The Hawkeyes travel to Rutgers Wednesday night for a Big Ten game with the Scarlet Knights. Steve Pikiell came to Rutgers (from Stony Brook) for the 2016-17 season and his 2019-20 team won 20 games (NCAA tourney was canceled) and then got the Scarlet Knights into the "Big Dance" last season, winning a game before losing in the round of 32. The current season has been a disappointment, with Rutgers checking in at 10-6 (4-2 Big Ten).

Iowa survived last Sunday at Minnesota, winning 81-71. However, after taking a 16-point lead at halftime, the Golden Gophers charged back and cut the deficit to 74-71 with 90 seconds left.  Iowa survived, as Keegan Murray, the nation's leading scorer at 23.9 PPG, drained a three-pointer with 59 seconds left to help Iowa rattle off the game's final seven points. The 6-8 Murray twins (Keegan and Kris) were freshmen last season at Iowa. Keegan gained playing time as the year wound down but Kris was lost in the shuffle. This season, Keegan leads the team in scoring (23.9) and rebounding (8.1) while his brother Kris chips in 10.3 & 4.8. Returning players like the 6-9 Patrick McCaffrey (10.8 & 3.8) and returning guard Bohannon adds 10.9 PPG. Guard Perkins (7.6), the 6-9 Rebraca (6.1 & 6.1), guard Toussaint (5.4 & 3.9 APG) and 6-7 freshman Sandfort (5,2) round out a deep group. Iowa is averaging 86.2 PPG, fifth-best in the nation.

Rutgers has a starting lineup consisting of four guards and the 6-11 Omoruyi (11.3 & 7.7). PG Baker (11.2 & 4.3 APG) entered the season with 101 starts on his resume and 6-6 guard Harper (16.6 & 6.8) can be a 'nightmare' matchup issue for many teams. Mulcahy (7.3 & 4.1) and Mcconnell (6.9 & 5.1) are the final two starters, while the 6-6 Hyatt (5.9 & 3.3) is the 6th-man. Rutgers is a slow-paced team, averaging 69.0 PPG (17 points less than Iowa) but also allows just 65.1 PPG.

Rutgers earned its badly-needed first road win of the season Saturday at Maryland. The Terrapins jumped out to a 38-27 halftime lead but the Scarlet Knights cut their turnovers and clamped down on defense for a major swing in the second half, leading to a 70-59 win. The key here is that Pikiell has made "The RAC" (Rutgers Athletic Center) a brutal venue for visiting teams. Rutgers is 9-1 at home this season (beat Michigan and Purdue already) and enters 37-7 (.841) at home the last two-plus seasons. The Scarlet Knights 'rac up' another home win here!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Oddsmaker's Error is on the Min T-wolves at 7:40 ET.

The Atlanta Hawks broke a five-game losing streak Monday with their 121-114 home win over the Milwaukee Bucks. However, that's only HALF of the story. The victory also broke Atlanta's 10-game home losing streak. The Hawks will try to build on the momentum gained from breaking those streaks when they host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday. However, the Timberwolves have won two straight after a 112-110 road victory over the New York Knicks on Tuesday and they have won SIX of their last eight to creep to within one game of avoiding the play-in round of the playoffs.

Minnesota is now 22-22 and as noted, ONE game behind the 22-20 Nuggets (the West's No. 6 seed). Naturally, the T-wolves hope to avoid the play-in round but Minnesota has to feel good about the fact it's FIVE games clear of the No. 11 seed (last team out of the play-in). Center Towns (24.5 & 9.2), swingman Edwards (22.2-5.2-3.7) and PG Russell (18.6 & 7.0 APG) give Minnesota a big time "Big 3!"

Atlanta has been hurt by the absence of center Clint Capela (11.3 & 13.1), who has missed five games with a sprained ankle. Without Capela, the Hawks have relied on Gorgui Dieng and Onyeka Okongwu, the team's 2020 first-round draft choice. The extra playing time seems to have benefited Okongwu (9.2 & 6.2), who didn't play until Dec 17 because of offseason shoulder surgery. Young's (27.7 & 9.4 APG) backcourt mate Bogdanovich (12.0) is out but the Hawks have Huerter (11.3) and Gallinari (10.3 & 4.2) to fill in. PF Collins (17.2 & 7.9) continues to play at an All Star level plus Hunter (12.1) finally returned on Jan 12 (had been out since Nov 12) and has averaged 15.8 PPG in his first four games back.

Minnesota did play last night but the T-wolves come in averaging 123.3 PPG over their last six games. The Hawks won 121-110 back on Dec 6 in Minneapolis but this time around I expect the T-wolves to do the winning, as Atlanta just may be a little 'flat' after its win over the Bucks. Let's NOT forget, there was/is a reason that the Hawks had lost 10 straight at home prior to Monday's win.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Weekly Wipeout is on the Was Wizards at 7:10 ET.

If it's not ONE thing, it's ANOTHER!" The Brooklyn Nets had anticipated that a stretch of road games would give them significant minutes with their star trio of Kevin Durant, James Harden and Kyrie Irving on the floor. So, what happens? Durant sprained the medial collateral ligament in his left knee on Saturday and will be sidelined for at least a month. The first game of "Life without Kevin Durant" didn't go so well for the Nets."For me personally, it was a big hit," Kyrie Irving said after Brooklyn's 114-107 setback to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday. "You feel it energetically, the presence in the locker room. Everyone is going to feel it, but for me personally, it's like we just got back into the swing of things and here we are again. One of our guys is out for a long period of time. We've just got to face the reality, man, and move forward." The 27-16 Nets hope to get back on track Wednesday when they continue a four-game road trip against the 23-21 Washington Wizards.

Washington snuck into the playoffs last season at 34-38 but lost in the 1st Round. The Wizards have been searching for an identity for some time now and MAY have found one this season. Washington welcomes the Nets to D,C, having won FOUR of five and at 23-21, That gives them the No. 8 seed but the Wizards are back healthy and I expect them to make a run at the No. 6 seed in the second half.

With K.D. (29.3-7.4-5.8) sidelined, the Nets will likely lean on Harden (22.7-8.0-10.0) even more than usual plus Irving (20.0-5.5-35.0 in four games) will play in the road games. Patty Mills (13.4), SF Kessler Edwards (8.3 & 4.1) and the 6-9 Day'Ron Sharpe (6.1 & 4.3) all started in Monday's loss. Some good news was that PF/C Aldridge (13.3 & 5.6) made significant contributions for the first time in awhile, playing 22-1/2 minutes while scoring 13 points (added five rebounds). Beal (23.7-4.7-6.4) and Dinwiddie (13.7-4.5-5.8) make for a strong backcourt. Then there is the trio I like to call "Lakers-East," who have been MAJOR additions. SF Kuzma (15.7 & 8.9), PF Harrell (14.6 & 7.3), and swingman Caldwell-Pope (11.6) have really found a home on the East Coast. Undersized center, the 6-9 Gafford, is averaging 9.3 & 6.4. 

Here's the bottom line. While the Nets continue to battle with player issues, the Wizards are getting healthier. They were already playing well before leading scorer Bradley Beal returned in the last game. Then there is center Thomas Bryant, who scored 15 points off the bench on Monday, marking his highest total since he finished with 21 in Washington's 123-122 win over Brooklyn on Jan 3, 2021. More good news? Head coach Wes Unseld Jr. was out on COVID protocol. These teams are moving in opposite directions right now both on and off the court and I expect those trends to continue tonight, with Washington winning "with room to spare!"

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Las Vegas Insider is on Clemson at 9:00 ET.

Clemson is 10-7 (2-4 ACC) as it travels to play at 8-9 Syracuse (2-4 ACC) as both teams are slipping dangerously close to the bottom of the 15-team Atlantic Coast Conference standings (Pitt is 2-5, Va Tech 1-4 and Ga Tech 1-5). Clemson has lost THREE of four and Syracuse FOUR of five, dipping below .500 on the season.

Brad Brownell arrived in Clemson for the 2010-11 season and after 11 years, he's led the Tigers to just four, 20-win seasons and three NCAA berths. This is his 12th season at the helm. Clemson has four players in double digits, led by the 6-10 Hall (14.5 & 5.8) and the 6-8 Tyson (11.2 & 6.1) in the frontcourt. Guards Amir-Daws (11.5), Collins (11.2 & 7.1) and Hemenway (5.3) have been starting in the backcourt lately. However, guard Honor (8.8) has started some plus the 6-8 Bohannon (4.8 & 4.1) adds support up front. The Tigers are a strong defensive team, allowing 66.5 PPG.

Jim Boeheim is in his 46th season as a head coach and is coming off another Sweet 16 run in last year's "Big Dance" (The Orange finished 18-10). Boeheim's team this season goes just five-deep. His son Buddy leads the team in scoring at 18.9 PPG (adds 3.6 RPG and 3.6 APG), teamed with backcourt partner Girard (13.4 & 4.4 APG). Two key transfers have made immediate impacts. Swider, a 6-9 transfer from Villanova, is averaging 12.0 & 6.5 plus Boeheim's oldest son Jimmy (a 6-8 graduate transfer from Cornell), is adding 14.3 & 6.2 (he's now the second-leading scorer on the team, behind only his brother) The 6-11 Edwards returned up front and chips in 13.0 & 7.1. Depth has been an issue all season, plus Boeheinm's famed "2-3 zone" has allowed 75.6 PPG (320th), NINE points more than Clemson allows.

I don't ever remember saying this when playing against Syracuse but look for Clemson's superior defensive play to be a difference-maker in this one against Syracuse. Take the points.

Good luck...Larry

 My 10* Situational Stunner is on Oklahoma at 7:00 ET.

Bill Self's Jayhawks finished 21-9 last season, including a loss in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. That was not what was expected of a team ranked No. 6 in the AP's preseason poll. Kansas began the current season ranked No. 3 and opened with an 87-74 win in the Champions Classic at Madison Square Garden on the opening night of college basketball (nov 9) over Michigan St. The Jayhawks visit Norman tonight at 14-2 (3-1 Big 12) and ranked No. 7 in the latest AP poll. Porter Moser (of Loyola-Chicago fame) is in his first season at Norman and his Sooners are 12-5 (2-3 Big 12. The Jayhawks come in having won 10 of 11. Meanwhile, Oklahoma is off back-to-back losses for the first time this season, shooting just 17.1 percent from three-point range over the last two games.

Kansas' 6-10 David McCormack was not happy coming off the bench to start Big 12 play. McCormack said his three-game stint with the reserve unit has given him motivation. "You always want to hear your name in the starting lineup," McCormack said. "At the same time, it is about production, whether you come off the bench or start. I guess you could say, (as Coach Bill Self) likes to say, (it) ‘lit a fire within me.' It just made me play a little bit harder, be a little bit more tenacious." McCormack returned to the starting lineup in Saturday's 85-59 win at West Virginia, with 19 points and a career-high-tying 15 rebounds. That said, he's averaging a modest 8.8 & 6.5 on the season. Kansas is led by a pair of big guards in the 6-5 Agbaji (20.6 & 4,8) and the 6-6 Braun (15.6 & 6.2). Guard Remy Martin (19.1 PPG last season), an Arizona State transfer, was named the preseason player of the year in the Big 12 but has been a HUGE disappointment, averaging 9.8 PPG (he has missed the last two games with a bone bruise in his right knee). Harris (5.0 & 3.9 APG) is the PG without Martin in the lineup and the 6-8 Wilson (7.8 & 6.2) rounds out the starting lineup. The 6-8 Lightfoot (5.2 & 3.1) and guard Coleman-Lands (5.2) get time off the bench. Kansas is a VERY efficient offensive team, averaging 81.9 PPG (13th) on 50.2% shooting (5th).

Oklahoma pretty much relies on its starting-five (all get 25-plus minutes), as the 6-6 Hill (9.8 & 6.2) joins the team's leading scorer, the 6-9 Groves (13.1 & 6.0) up front The Sooners feature a trio of solid guards in Gibson (12.5), Harkless (10.2 & 4.9) and Goldwire (9.4 & 3.6 APG). Oklahoma's leading bench scorer is the 6-9 Chargois (SMU transfer), who is averaging 4.6 PPG but he missed Saturday's game due to an ankle injury and the timeline for his return is unclear. Oklahoma shoots the ball well (49.9% ranks 9th) but averages 72.4 PPG (nine less than Kansas). However, Moser really has his team 'working' on the defensive end, as the Sooners are allowing 62.1 PPG (29th).

Yes, the Jayhawks have won 10 of the last 13 meetings with the Sooners, but Oklahoma has won THREE of the last four in Norman. The Sooners had responded with a win following each of their first three losses this season but couldn't continue that trend when they lost 59-58 in OT last Saturday at TCU. I'm 'barking' with this very 'live' home dog. Take the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Wild Card Game of the Year is on the LA Rams at 8:15 ET.

The Arizona Cardinals opened the season 7-0 and through Week 13, stood at 10-2. However, the Cards would lose FOUR of their last five (lone exception was a 25-22 win at Dallas in Week 17 that clinched a playoff spot) to finish 11-6. That left them ONE game worse than the LA Rams, who captured the NFC West with a 12-5 record. The Rams opened the season 7-1 but then lost THREE in a row, falling to 7-4 (Cards were 9-2 thru 11 games). At that time, it looked as if the Rams were headed for a wild card berth and the Cards for the division title. However, the Rams would win FIVE straight games and even with a Week 18 home loss to the 49ers (blew a 17-0 lead to lose in OT), were able to earn the NFC West title, as the Cards lost in Week 18 at home to Seattle.

That sets the stage for Rams to play host to the Cards in the first-ever Monday night playoff game. The Cardinals-Rams primetime showdown will be the third meeting between the teams, with the road team having won the previous two. The game will not only be Kyler Murray's playoff debut, but it will be the Cardinals' first appearance in the playoffs since 2015, when they defeated the Green Bay Packers in the divisional round but were blown out by the Carolina Panthers in the NFC Championship Game. As for the Rams, they are in the playoffs for the FOURTH time in Sean McVay's five seasons as head coach. This time around the Rams' QB is Matthew Stafford, who after 12 seasons with Detroit (where he put up monster numbers), will take the field looking to earn his first-ever playoff game (0-3 with the Lions!).

Murray completed 68.2% for 3,787 yards with 24 TDs and 10 INTs. He missed three games during the regular season and hasn't been quite the same in his return, with just five TD passes in five games, without a rushing TD (had five in his first nine games!). He has really missed WR Hopkins (42 catches / 8 TDs), who last played on Dec 13 (still not available). Kirk (77 catches / 5 TDs) has had an excellent season and veteran AJ Green (54 catches / 15.7 TYPC / 3 TDs) has shown flashes of his earlier brilliance, but only at times. Rookie WR Moore has added a 'quiet' 54 catches (just 8.1 YPC) and TE Ertz (acquired from the Eagles in a trade during the season), has added 56 catches in his 11 games with the Cards. RB Conner has been hurt down the stretch but returned in Week 18 (52 yards and a TD), giving him 752 yards rushing on the season (just 3.7 YPC) but an impressive 15 TDs. His RB partner is Edmonds, who has run for 592 yards on 5.1 YPC. The Arizona defense has played well, holding opponents to 21.5 PPG (12th).

Stafford has put up terrific numbers in his Detroit career but his move to LA was seen as a "get out of jail" opportunity. Stafford has put up excellent numbers again, completing 67.2% for 4,886 yards with 41 TDs and 17 INTs. WR Cooper Kupp set a Rams-record 1,947 receiving yards, while he also pulled off the WR 'triple crown,' leading the NFL in receptions (145), TDs (16) and receiving yards. Veteran WR Woods (45 catches / 4 TDs) was lost during the regular season but Jefferson (a third-year pro) has 50 catches on 16.0 YPC with 5 TDs. TE Higbee has 61 catches with 5 TDs. RB Sony Michel has run for 845 yards (4.1 YPC / 4 TDs), averaging 99.4 YPG during the team's five-game winning streak and Cam Akers may be "ready to go!" The LA defense has not been as good as it's been in previous seasons but does check in allowing 21.9 PPG (1th). Not bad.

Here's the rub. The Cardinals are 8-1 on the road and while the Cardinals may have been the best team in the NFL up until late October. They’ve gone downhill losing (1-4 finish) and Kyler Murray hasn’t regained his early season dominance. He greatly misses the dynamic Hopkins, out for the season with a knee injury plus Murray’s running skills have diminished. Remember, this is Murray's first playoff start and he's had just two multiple touchdown games since Week 7. Stafford's 0-3 in the playoffs all time, but that was THEN and this is NOW. Stafford has thrown five TDs to one INT in two games against the Cardinals this year. It's "now or never" for the veteran. I'm laying the points and I'm also expecting an "A-effort" by Aaron Donald and the LA defense.

Good luck...Larry

 My 10* Conference Game of the Month (MWC) is on Nevada at 8:00 ET.

The 12-2 Wyoming Cowboys (1-0 MWC) and the 8-6 Nevada Wolf Pack (2-1 MWC) meet in MWC action from the Lawlor Events Center on Monday. Jeff Linder came from No. Colorado where he won 26 (CIT champion), 21 and 22 games in his final three years, earning him the Wyoming gig. His first team went 14-11 but this year's team is an impressive 12-2. This is Steve Alford's third season at Nevada, having gone 19-12 and 15-9 in his first two seasons. However, with all five starters returning, a strong season was anticipated. That has NOT been the case.

Wyoming had its first four games of January postponed but finally got back on the court Jan 15, winning 71-69 at Utah St. The 6-9 Ike (19.7 & 8.4) and PG Maldanado (17.6-5.7-5.9) make for quite a duo. They are joined in the starting lineup by guards DuSell (10.8) and Jeffries (10.3 & 4.9) plus the 6-9 Oden (9.1 & 4.9). Defense is a team strength (63.5 PPG allowed ranks 57th) but depth is an issue.

Nevada PG Sherfield (19.5-4.5-6.4) leads a starting lineup that features three guards, the 7-0 Washington (11.4 & 7.0) and the 6-7 Coleman (3.6 & 3.4). Sherfield's backcourt partners are Cambridge (16.4 & 4.6) and Blacksher (6.7 & 4.3). The 7-0 Baker comes off the bench to add 11.4 & 5.4.

Wyoming beat Nevada BOTH times last season but I see that as a plus in motivation for the Wolf Pack, who really need a "W" in this one. Nevada is 3-2 SU in its last five games but 0-5 ATS. That all changes here. Wyoming went from Christmas until this past Saturday, without playing a game and now plays its second road game in three days. The "Time" and "Price" is just right for Nevada.

Good luck...Larry

 My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Atl Hawks at 6:05 ET.

Tonight's Milwaukee/Atlanta game will feature Milwaukee's Giannis Antetokounmpo (28.5 PPG ranks 3rd) and Atlanta's Trae Young (27.6 PPG ranks 4th) but also a Milwaukee team that's lost FIVE of its last seven while the Hawks have lost FIVE in a row.

Antetokounmpo, a two-time league MVP, scored 30 points Saturday in a 103-96 loss to the Toronto Raptors. He has scored 30-plus points in SEVEN of his last eight games, and in the 16 games since the beginning of December, he has averaged 30.4 points and 10.7 rebounds. SF Middleton (19.1-5.5-5.3) is again having an excellent season but Milwaukee was without Jrue Holiday (18.4-4.6-6.7) for the fifth straight game because of a sore left ankle. Holiday practiced on Friday, but did not play on Saturday, and could return on Monday. However, Milwaukee coach Mike Budenholzer said he wasn't ready to rush Holiday back into the lineup. The good news is that both Allen (12.1) and Connaughton (10.5 & 4.6) are back from the COVID list. Center Brook Lopez has played just ONE game this season, but the 6-10 Bobby Portis (15.4 & 9.2) has really done an excellent job filling in (has played in 36 of 45 games).

Atlanta has been hurt by the absence of center Clint Capela (11.3 & 13.1), who has missed four games with a sprained ankle. Without Capela, the Hawks have relied on Gorgui Dieng and Onyeka Okongwu, the team's 2020 first-round draft choice. The extra playing time seems to have benefited Okongwu (8.9 & 6.1), who didn't play until Dec 17 because of offseason shoulder surgery. Young's (27.6 & 9.3 APG) backcourt mate Bogdanovich (12.0) is out but the Hawks have Huerter (11.2) and Gallinari (10.2 & 4.2) to fill in. PF Collins (17.3 & 7.8) continues to play at an All Star level plus Hunter (11.6) finally returned on Jan 12 (had been out since Nov 12) and has averaged 14.3 PPG in his first three games back.

Milwaukee is of course, the defending champs but at 27-18, curently own just the East's No. 4 seed (two games back of the No. 1 seed). As for the Hawks, their terrific playoff run last postseason seems like 'ages' ago, as they are just 17-25 and have currently lost 10 straight home games (hard to believe!). That said, my bet says 10 is ENOUGH. The Bucks are not as good as they were last year (team is averaging 111.6 PPG, down from a league-high 120.1 last season) and I'm "all over" the home dog in this one. Bow Wow!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Weekly Wipeout is on Arizona St at 4:00 ET.

Craig Smith is in his first season as Utah's head coach (had a great three-year run at Utah St in going 74-24) and led the Utes to wins over Abilene Christian, Sacramento State, Bethune-Cookman, Boston College and Tulsa with an average margin of victory of 19.8 points to begin the season. However, a 75-64 loss at BYU on Nov 27 set in motion a 3-9 slide that includes a 1-6 start in the Pac 12. The 8-9 Utes have lost FIVE consecutive games with their last win coming back on Dec 21 at home against Fresno State. ASU head coach Bob Hurley is in his eighth season in Tempe, and it looks as if this year's team is no better than the one that went 11-14 last season. ASU opened 2-6, then won THREE in a row but the 5-9 Sun Devils (1-3 ac 12) have a three-game losing streak since winning at Creighton back on Dec 14 (COVID cancellations and postponements haven't helped).

Utah saw its best player Timmy Allen (17.2 & 6.4) transfer to Texas but key returning players from last year's team are the 7-0 Carlson and the 6-9 Battin. Guards Worster and Anthony (6.4 & 8.6) followed Smith from Utah St plus guard Jenkins came via UNLV and Gach, who started at Utah but moved on to Minnesota, returned this year to play for Smith. Checking on the above-listed players finds that Carlson (13.5 & 6.4) has played well but Battin (5.8 & 4.5) has underachieved. Guards Gach (11.0), Jenkins (10.5), Anthony (8.9 & 7.3) and Worster (7.4-4.2-3.1 have all contributed plus freshman guard Stefanovic has added 7.1 PPG.

Arizona State's scoring issues have suffered because returning guard Bagley (10.8 PPG) was lost to a knee injury after just THREE games (was averaging 10.4). That leaves two double digit scorers in guard Horne (13.4) and 6-6 SF Lawrence (10.4 & 7.5). Hurley was really counting on Toledo grad transfer Jackson, who was the MAC player-of-the-year last season, averaging 18.1-6.2-5.9. However, his scoring has been cut by more than half (7.3 PPG), while adding 4.1 RPG and 3.7 APG. The other two starters are guard Muhammad (6.5) and the 6-9 Graham (5.8 & 3.2). Guard Heath (9.9 & 3.8) and the 6-9 Gaffney (4.6 & 4.5) both get time off the bench.

Either Utah or Arizona State will break back into the win column Monday afternoon but even though Utah looks like the better team on paper, it's hard to ignore that the Utes have lost four conference games on the road against USC, Oregon State, Oregon and Arizona by an average of 15.8 points! It sure doesn't help that Utah is without center Brendan Carlson, who is out for two to three weeks with an abdominal injury. I'm sticking with the home team here, expecting Utah to lose again by 10-plus points on the Pac 12 road!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Situational Stunner is on the Cle Cavs at 3:10 ET.

"If it's not ONE thing, it's ANOTHER!" The Brooklyn Nets had anticipated that a stretch of road games would give them significant minutes with their star trio of Kevin Durant, James Harden and Kyrie Irving on the floor. So, what happens? Durant sprained the medial collateral ligament in his left knee on Saturday and will be sidelined for at least a month. The 27-15 Nets have closed within a half-game of the East's No. 1 (Bulls) but now open a four-game trip Monday afternoon without K.D. when they visit the Cleveland Cavaliers. "Guys got to step up. It's simple," Harden said. "Obviously you know how great of a player KD is and what he brings to the table each and every night consistently. So, guys got to step up and fill that role and just continue to compete." No problem, right James? The Nets have played just two games with the trio since the unvaccinated Irving is ineligible to play home games due to New York City's vaccine mandate. In the first game with the trio, Brooklyn rallied from 19 down to beat Indiana on Jan 5 and in the second game, the Nets routed the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday.

The Cavs welcome the Nets to town at 26-18. That's good enough for the East's No. 6 seed and with NO team sprinting out to a great start, the Cavs find themselves just 2.5 games back of the Bulls. That's some accomplishment, as the Cavs entered this season having gone 60-159 (.274) the last three seasons, after LBJ 'flew the coop' for the second time, this time to Hollywood, instead of South Beach. The Cavs have EASILY been one of the NBA's biggest surprise this season, even though they lost Sexton (16.0 PPG) for the season to a knee injury early on and then vet PG Rubio (13.1-4.1-6.6) went down with a knee injury as well after 34 games (he's also done for the year). 

Monday begins a stretch in which the Nets play 12 of their next 17 on the road, but with Durant (29.3-7.4-5.8) likely sidelined for most, if not all, of the games. The Nets will likely lean on Harden (22.7-8.0-10.0) even more than usual. Harden totaled 27 points, 15 assists and eight rebounds Saturday and is averaging 27.2 points in 11 games since returning from COVID-19 protocol on Christmas. Irving (17.7-5.0-3.7 in three games) will play in the road games (we think?), while the Nets will also rely on Patty Mills (13.4), as well as rookies like guard Cam Thomas (7.7), the 6-9 Day'Ron Sharpe (5.9 & 2.2) and SF Kessler Edwards (8.0 & 4.2).

The Cavs are starting a HUGE frontline with 6-10 center Allen (16.6 & 11.0) surrounded by two 6-11 players, rookie Mobley (15.0 & 8.0) and Markkanen (13.3 & 5.3). PG Graland leads the team in scoring (19.7) and assists (7.8). Rondo was just picked up to help in the backcourt (10.3-4.0-4.7 in his first three games) but he's out with an ankle injury. Former All Star Love has settled in coming off the bench and is averaging 14.0 & 7.2. Cleveland lost to Brooklyn TWICE within a week in November but is 17-9 since that time and enters on a four-game winning streak, after overcoming an 18-point deficit in an 107-102 win in Oklahoma City that capped an impressive 5-1 road trip with the only loss coming at Golden State back on Jan 9.

In recent years, Cleveland did not have the talent to "avenge" losses, but this year is DIFFERENT. Rookie Evan Mobley, who missed the first two games against the Nets due to a right elbow injury, added 20 points Saturday and is averaging 17.8 points in 11 games since spending time in the protocol. PG Darius Garland scored 27 points and had a career-high 18 assists Saturday and has scored 59 points in his past two games following a three-game shooting slump. Believe it or not, Cleveland is actually inching closer in an Eastern Conference race where only 2 1/2 games separate the top six teams. The Cavs gain another 'inch' with a "W" in this one!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on the Ut Jazz at 8:10 ET.

The Utah Jazz visited Denver back on Jan 5 and won 115-109, even with center Rudy Gobert in the NBA's health and safety protocols at that time. That gave them EIGHT wins in their last nine but the Jazz haven' won since, dropping FOUR in a row (also 0-4 ATS). However, with a four-day break and Gobert returning to the lineup, the 28-14 Jazz are optimistic that they can end their skid when they play at Denver on Sunday night. Nuggets will be playing their second straight home game in as many nights, after routing the Los Angeles Lakers 133-96 on Saturday night. Denver is 22-19 on the season, giving them the No. 6 seed (the last guaranteed playoff spot), as seeds 7-10 enter the "Play-In" round to determine the West's No. 7 and No. 8 seeds.

Gobert made his presence known when he returned to practice on Friday, and not just on the court. Gobert called out his team's play after watching five games, in particular what he saw as a lack of communication in games, habits that are more noticeable in the two top teams in the Western Conference. Gobert is having a terrific season, averaging 15,5 PPG and 15,1 RPG and is arguably the league's best defensive player. He'll rejoin a starting lineup featuring SG Mitchell (25.7-3.8-5.1) and PG Conley (13.9 & 5.3 APG) plus SF Bogdanovich (17.9 & 4.1) and PF O'Neale (7.3 & 5.0). Ingles (7.5) will return to coming off the bench along with last season's 6th-man-of-the-year, Clarkson (15.3). Note that Bogdanovic did most of the damage back on Jan 5, with 36 points and 13 rebounds.

Denver has had its issues, mostly with injuries and illnesses, and could be without two important pieces against Utah. JaMychal Green entered health and safety protocol on Saturday and Austin Rivers missed Saturday's game with a non-COVID-19 related illness. Add to that, the fact that Jamal Murray (21.2-4.0-4.8 LY) has yet to play a game (knee) and Michael Porter (back) was lost after just nine games (was averaging only 9.9 PPG, well below LY's 19.0 PPG). Last year's MVP Jokic (25.3-13.9-7.2) just keeps 'rolling along' and swingman Barton has stayed healthy, averaging 15.2-4.9-4.1). Starting up front with Nokic are Gordon (13.9 & 5.6) and Jeff Green (10.8 & 3.1) plus PG Morris (12.5 & 4.1 APG) has assumed Murry's role as PG. The Nuggets got some surprisingly strong play from Bones Hyland (8.7) against the Lakers, as he scored 27 points and added 10 rebounds) but it was Jokic (as always) who led the way with a 17-points, 12 rebounds and 13 assists, giving him EIGHT triple-doubles this season and 65 in his career.

However, unlike in the Jan 5 meeting, Jokic will have to contend with Gobert AND with an excellent Utah team looking to snap a four-game slide. The Jazz come in as the NBA's highest scoring team (115.1 PPG), as well as its top-shooting team (47.6%). Fatigue could be an issue for the home side tonight (rolled over the Lakers last night), while the Jazz come in having not played since Wednesday. Then there is the fact that Denver is just 7-13 vs opponents with a .500 record or better. Play the road favorite.

Good luck...Larry

My 8* Situational Stunner is on the Phi Eagles at 1:00 ET.

The Philadelphia Eagles opened the season 3-6 but then won SIX of seven to clinch a playoff spot, so their 51-26 loss at home to Dallas in Week 18 meant nothing. Coming off a 4-11-1 season in 2020, the 9-8 Eagles now set their sights on upsetting the reigning Super Bowl champs on Sunday in Tampa. The 13-4 Bucs won the NFC South for the first time since 2007, behind their 'second-year' QB Tom Brady. Rumor has it that Brady previously played for the Patriots, achieving a certain level of success.

The two teams met back in Week 6 in Philly, as Brady passed for 297 yards and two TDs in a 28-22 Tampa Bay win. The Eagles intercepted him once but recorded no sacks and only three QB hits. The Philly D forced four, three-and-outs in that contest but Brady led two 75-yard TD drives to open the game and added two more long drives (72 and 79 yards) that ended in Leonard Fournette TDs runs. As for Tampa's defense, it held Philly QB Hurts to 115 yards on 12 of 26 passing in Week 6, with one TD and one INT, but he did score two second-half rushing TDs, earning the Eagles a 'backdoor cover!'

Hurts missed two games this season but entered having completed 61.3% for 3,144 yards with 16 TDs and 9 INTs. He's also the team's leading rusher, gaining 784 yards on 5.6 YPC with 10 TDs. The rreat news for Philly fans is that RB Sanders, who gained 754 yards on 5.5 YPC with 7 TDs (while missing FIVE games), said on Friday the he will "Absolutely" play on Sunday! The Eagles have the NFL's top rushing attack at 159.7 YPG. Heisman-winner Smith has 64 catches (14.3 YPC / 5 TDs), fellow WR Watkins has 43 catches (15.0 YPC / 1 TD) and TE Goedert checks in with 56 catches (14.8 YPC / 4 TDs). Philly has excellent balance to its offense but will NOT have it easy vs a Tampa Bay defense allowing 20.8 PPG (5th) and one that ranks 3rd in allowing a modest 92.5 YPG on the ground.

Despite allowing 51 points in Week 18 to Dallas, the Philly D comes in allowing 22.6 PPG. However, one Tom Brady, has completed 67.5% for 5,316 yards (a career high), with 43 TD passes (tops in the NFL) with only 12 INTs. Fournette (812 yards on 4.8 YPC with 8 TDs) has taken over as the Bucs' featured back plus added 69 catches with two TDs. The bad news for Tampa Bay is that it won't have WRs Godwin (98 catches / 5 TDs) , who is injured, or Antonio Brown (fill in your own personal adjective here!). That duo combined for 14 catches, 136 yards and a touchdown in the Oct 14 win in Philly. However, Brady will have WR Evans (74 catches  with 14 TDs) and Gronk (55 catches / 6 TDs), despite missing five games.

Clearly, the overwhelming edge in experience for the game belongs to the Bucs. It's the playoff debut for first-year Eagles coach Nick Sirianni and second-year quarterback Jalen Hurts, while Brady has nearly twice as many career playoff wins -- 34, an NFL record -- as Hurts has NFL starts (19). Brady is 34-11 in the postseason, including 20-4 at home. All that said, the passing game is already minus Godwin and A.B, plus RB Jones (428 yards) is out with an ankle injury and Fournette's hamstring injury makes him a game-time decision. 

If one remembers, the Bucs won but DID NOT cover in a wild card game last season at Washington and while this is a home, not a road game, I see the same scenario on tap. Hurts is no Brady but he can change a game with his running ability and I'm betting the Bucs will 'sweat' this game until the final gun. Or, like back in Week 6, the 'backdoor' may get left open! Take those points!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Las Vegas Insider is on the NE Patriots at 8:15 ET.

The New England Patriots and Buffalo Bills split their two regular season meetings (the visiting team won both games) and the two AFC East rivals are set for a rare third meeting (in the same season) on Saturday night in Orchard Park, NY. When's the last time the Pats and Bills squared off in a playoff game? If you guessed Dec 28, 1963, you win a lollipop. The then-Boston Patriots and the Buffalo Bills tied for the AFL's East Division title with records of 7-6-1 and met to decide which team would advance to the AFL championship game against the then-San Diego Chargers (11-3). The Pats dominated the Bills at War Memorial Stadium in Buffalo and then went on to take on the Chargers at San Diego's Balboa Stadium. The Pats should have saved themselves the trip, as the Chargers won 51-10. Fullback Keith Lincoln rushed for 206 yards on 13 carries, led the team with 123 yards in receiving, and completed a pass for 20 yards. Other than that, he was a non-factor. One last tidbit. The Chargers' 1963 championship win remains the ONLY major sports title for the city of San Diego, the longest drought for a major American city!

The Pats opened the season 2-4 but then won SEVEN in a row (also 7-0 ATS) but lost THREE of their last four. Still, this revamped New England team bounced back to make the playoffs for the 12th time in 13 seasons after finishing 10-7. The Bills were upset at home in Week 1 by the Steelers but then won four straight, before dropping FIVE of eight to sit just 7-6 after 13 games. However, Buffalo would end the season on a 4-0 run (3-0-1 ATS), averaging 30.0 PPG while allowing 15.0 PPG in that final stretch. Buffalo ended New England's 11-year reign as AFC East champions one year ago as the Patriots finished 7-9 in their first season without Brady, and have now added a second AFC East title in finishing 11-6.

Mac Jones had the best season of any rookie QB, completing 67.6% for 3,801 yards with 22 TDs and 13 INTs. His top receiving targets are WRs Meyer (83 catches / 2 TDs) Bourne (55 catches / 14.5 YPC / 5 TDs) plus TE Henry (50 catches / 9 TDs). It's noteworthy that all three played in each of the team's 17 games. RB Harris ran for 929 yards (4.6 YPC / 15 TDs) and fellow RB Stevenson ran for 606 yards (4.6 YPC / 5 TDs) The Pats do average 27.2 PPG (6th) but as always, Belichick-coached teams thrive on defense. 2021 was no different, as the Pats have allowed 17.8 PPG (2nd) on 310.8 YPG (4th).

Jones had a solid rookie season but he's not yet (may NEVER be!) Josh Allen. Buffalo's QB completed 63.3% for 4,407 yards with 36 TDs and 15 INTs, while adding 763 rushing yards on 6.3 YPC with 9 TDs. The top RB is Singletarty (870 yards / 4.6 YPC / 6 TDs), who also caught 40 passes. WRs Diggs (103 catches / 10 TDs), Beasley (82 catches but just one TD) and Sanders (42 catches  / 4 TDs) make up a sweet trio plus TEs Knox (49 catches / 9 TDs) and Davis (13.5 catches / 15.7 YPC! / 6 TDs) are a terrific duo. The Bills average 28.4 PPG (3rd) but the defense is even better than New England's, leading the NFL in points allowed (17.0 per game) and total defense (272.8 PPG).

There is no doubt that the Bills are the better team on paper but the game is NOT played on paper. In fact, the weather report may be "just what the doctor ordered" for the Pats and head coach Belichick, who isn't attending his 'first rodeo!' Consider the following.

New England used an unorthodox and weather-altered game plan to win at Buffalo 14-10 back on Dec 6 in snowy and windy conditions. Jones attempted a franchise-record-low three passes and totaled 19 yards as Damien Harris' 111 rushing yards paced the Patriots' powerful run game to a victory. In the rematch on Dec 26 in Foxborough, Allen got his revenge after completing 30 of 47 passes for 314 yards and three TDs in Buffalo's 33-21 triumph. Now to Saturday's third part of the 'trilogy.' The weather conditions appear more likely to be similar to those of the first meeting in Buffalo. Forecasts are calling for bitter cold temperatures in the single digits at the time of kickoff. I'm taking the points!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Weekend Wipeout is on Alabama at 6:00 ET.

Nate Oats spent four years at Buffalo and went 59-13 in his last two, making the Big Dance each time. That allowed him the opportunity to come to Alabama and after a 16-15 first season (COVID) he led the Tide to a 26-7 record and a Sweet 16 appearance last year. Gone from that team are the 6-7 Jones (11.2 & 6.6), who was not only the SEC player-of-the-year but also the league's Defensive POY. Also gone is veteran guard Petty (12.6 & 5.2). However, the Tide have plenty of talent left. That said, after opening 7-1 SU (6-2 ATS), Alabama has gone 4-4 SU and a money-burning 1-7 ATS, after a home loss to rival Auburn on Tuesday. No. 24 Alabama is now 11-5 (2-2 SEC) and will aim to get back on track in a road contest at Mississippi State on Saturday in Starkville. The Bulldogs are coached by Ben Howland, known for his success at first Pitt and then UCLA. He came to Miss St for the 2015-16 season and after going 14-17 and 16-16 in his first two years, won 20-plus games the next three. Last year's team finished with a modest 18-15 but its late season run got them into the NIT championship game, before losing 77-64 to Memphis. Mississippi State is 11-4 (2-1 SEC) is coming off an 88-72 home victory over Georgia

The loss to Auburn snapped a 17-game winning streak at home for Alabama and now the Tide need to regroup and earn a road win. Alabama did return its top-two scorers from last season and guards Shackelford and Quinerly are again leading the way. Shackelford checks in at 16.1 & 5.9 and Quinerly at 15.4 & 4.4 APG. Swingman Ellis adds 12.1 & 6.3 and the 6-6 Gary 9.2 & 4.7 plus freshman center Bediako (6.8 & 4.3) is starting. Guard Davison (8.3-4.8-4.3), the 6-6 Miles (6.8 & 3.5) and the 6-8 Gurley (7.6 & 3.6) are all contributors. The Bulldogs have five double-digit scorers but the 6-11 Smith (14.2 & 7.8) hasn't played since Dec 29. He's expected back soon. The other four are guard Molinar (17.5-3.4-4.5), the 6-9 Brooks (10.8 & 76,7), the 6-7 Jeffries (10.7 & 5.1) and guard Moore (10.5). Filling in for Smith has been the 6-9 Davis (5.8 & 3.6).

Saturday is the first of two meetings this season between the Bulldogs and Tide, as they're scheduled to play again on Feb 16 in Tuscaloosa. The Crimson Tide shouldn't lack confidence, as they went 3-0 against Mississippi State last season. The Tide rolls!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Situational Stunner is on Wake Forest at 4:30 ET.

Steve Forbes took over at Wake Forest last season and suffered through a 6-16 (3-15 in the ACC) his first year. However, whether it has been in the JC ranks or his four-year stint at East Tenn St, Forbes has been known as 'quick-change artist.' Case in point. He took over at East Tenn St in 2015-16 and his four-year record was 130-43! His final team went 30-4 but "what might have been" in the Big Dance remains an unanswered question, as COVID shut the tournament down. Now, after a 'nightmare' first season, Forbes' Demon Deacon are 13-4 (3-3 in ACC). Tony Bennett's UVA team won a national championship in 2019 and from the 2013-14 season through the championship season of 2018-19, the Cavs avenged 29.7 wins per season. The Cavs ended last season 18-7, after a first-round NCAA loss to 13th-seed Ohio U. Now, after a very uneven start to the current season, the Virginia Cavaliers finally appear to be picking up some traction. Virginia (10-6, 4-2 ACC) has won THREE of its last four games to take some momentum into a home game against Wake Forest on Saturday in Charlottesville.

Forbes has turned things around quickly at Wake, adding Oklahoma transfer Williams and an ETSU transfer in Williamson to be his starting guards. Williams (20.7-6.7-5.0) has been spectacular and Williamson, who came with Forbes last season, is averaging 12.5 PPG. The 6-8 Mucius (9.9 & 3.6) returned up front but the 6-8 LaRavia (14.8 & 6.1) came from Indiana St, the 7-0 Walton (7.9 & 5.4) from Colorado and the 6-10 Sy (7.1 & 4.4) from Ole Miss. The only returning starter for UVA is PG Clark (9.6 & 3.9 APG). Guard Beekman (7.6-3.9-4.4) is back, as is the 6-11 Shedrick (5.9 & 5.3), but UVA's two-most important players are transfers. The 6-6 Gardner comes from East Carolina and leads in scoring (14.3) and rebounding (7.4) plus guard Franklin comes via Indiana and chips in 12.2 PPG. As always, Bennett's team is one of the nation's best defensive squads in the nation, allowing just 58.4 PPG (12th).

This game is the only scheduled meeting this season between the two teams. Virginia defeated Wake Forest 70-61 in the lone meeting last season, the Cavaliers' NINTH consecutive victory in the series. However, that was THEN and this is NOW. Wake's football team had a record season in 2021 and while this year's basketball team has no Tim Duncans or Chris Pauls, Wake Forest is a better team than UVA this season. Take the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Big 12 Game of the Month is on Oklahoma at 4:00 ET.

The 12-4 (2-2 Big 12) Oklahoma Sooners are coming off a 66-52 loss to No. 21 Texas on Tuesday night where the Sooners were just 1 of 13 from behind the three-point line. Meanwhile, the 11-2 TCU Horned Frogs are looking to build some momentum after Wednesday's 60-57 win at Kansas State gave TCU its first Big 12 victory of the season (1-1). This Saturday contest in Fort Worth is critical for both teams.

Porter Moser (of Loyola-Chicago fame) is in his first season at Norman, and he has the Sooners at 12-4. The 6-9 Tanner Groves, Oklahoma's leading scorer at 13.5 PPG (adds 5.7 RPG), managed just one field-goal attempt in the loss to Texas and in general, Porter Moser's team looked discombobulated from the start. "We're good and we didn't play that way," Moser said. "We didn't play as tough as we needed to and smart as we needed to. Teams are going to speed you up, but you've got to work to get catches, you've got to work to get into your stuff. You've got to respond to that stuff. That's basketball at this level against very good defenses." Oklahoma pretty much relies on its starting-five (all get 25-plus minutes), as the 6-6 Hill (9.6 & 5.8) joins Groves up front. The Sooners feature a trio of solid guards in Gibson (12.7), Harkless (10.1 & 4.9) and Goldwire (9.3 & 3.8 APG). The Sooners are an excellent defensive team, holding opponents to 62.3 PPG (36th).

Jamie Dizon (of Pitt fame) returned to his alma mater back for the 2016-17 season. He led TCU to the NIT title that season, then won 21 and 23 games the following two seasons, However, he came into this season off 16-16 and 12-14 seasons. However, his team heads into this contest having won EIGHT of nine and much like Oklahoma, relies on its starting-five as well. Miller (17.8-3.7-4.8) and Baugh (9.2-4.1-4.0) are the starting guards, while forwards Miller (10.5 & 7.1) and O'Bannon (9.7 & 3.8) surround 6-11 center Lampkin (5.5 & 5.8). TCU does get a little more help from its bench, as guard Peavy adds 6.3 & 5.1 and the 6-7 Coles chips in 4.8 & 3.3. Like Oklahoma. TCU 'brings it defense' every game, allowing 62.5 PPG (39th). However, Oklahoma makes 50.6% of its FG attempts, 4th-best in the nation.

The bottom line here is this. The Sooners have responded with a win following each of their first three losses this season, with two of those wins coming over ranked opponents (then-No. 12 Arkansas by 88-66 and then-No. 11 Iowa St by 79-66!). Those are two quality wins! Then there is the fact that Oklahoma has won EIGHT consecutive games against TCU. Good enough for me!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the SA Spurs at 8:40 ET.

The San Antonio Spurs left on a seven-game road trip back on Dec 31, one that opened with a 118-105 loss at Memphis and ended on Jan 10 with a 111-96 loss at the NY Knicks. The Spurs were just 1-6 on the trip and returned home on Wednesday, only to lose 128-124 to the Rockets, who own the West's worst record at 12-31 The 15-26 Spurs hope to end a four-game losing streak when they host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday night. In contrast, to the Spurs, the 24-16 Cavaliers (current No. 6 seed in the East) come to San Antonio off back-to-back road wins, 109-108 at Sacramento and a shocking 111-91 win at Utah.

The Cavs entered this season having gone 60-159 (.274) the last three seasons, after LBJ 'flew the coop' for the second time, this time to Hollywood, instead of South Beach. However, the Cavs have been one of the NBA's biggest surprise this season, even though they lost Sexton (16.0 PPG) for the season to a knee injury early on and then vet PG Rubio (13.1-4.1-6.6) went down with a knee injury as well after 34 games (he's also done for the year). The Cavs are starting a HUGE frontline with 6-10 center Allen (16.7 & 10.8) surrounded by two 6-11 players, rookie Mobley (14.9 & 8.1) and Markkanen (13.5 & 5.3). PG Graland leads the team in scoring (19.1) and assists (7.6). Rondo was just picked up to help in the backcourt (10.3-4.0-4.7 in his first three games) but he left the last game with an ankle injury (?). Lamar Stevens (5.1) has joined Garland as a starter in the backcourt recently and he poured in a career-best 23 points in the win at Utah, while Darius Garland recorded his first career triple-double (11 points, 10 rebounds and 15 assists). Former All Star Kevin Love mostly comes off the bench but adds 14.3 & 7.4.

The Spurs are without starters Derrick White (14.5 & 5.5 APG) and Doug McDermott (11.4) because of the NBA's COVID-19 protocol against Houston. Both will be game-time decisions for tonight's contest. PG Murray (18.8-8.2-8.9) had a 32-point, 10-rebound, 11-assist triple-double in the loss to Houston, becoming the first player in the NBA this season to produce a 30-point triple-double with zero turnovers in a game. SF Johnson (14.8 & 6.5) and center Poeltl (12.4 & 8.8) joined Murray in the starting lineup, along with Primo (4.4) and Bates-Diop (5.6 & 4.2). Guards Walker (11.7) and Vassell (11.2 & 3.9) are also regular contributors.

Cleveland continues its road trip here but off that shocking 20-point win in Utah, could be in for a letdown. Meanwhile, the Spurs are desperate to get their season back on track here, as this marks the team's second contest of a seven-game homestand. I'm taking the small home dog. Bow Wow!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Conference Game of the Month (A-10) is on St Bonaventure at 7:30 ET.

The VCU Rams will travel to the Reilly Center to take on the St. Bonaventure Bonnies this Friday night in Olean, NY for an A-10 clash. The Rams enter this contest on a seven-game winning streak, after defeating the George Washington Colonials, 84-57, this past Tuesday. VCU is 10-4 on the season, including 3-0 in the A-10. The St. Bonaventure Bonnies snapped a two-game losing streak and improved to 9-3 on the season (1-0 in the A-10), after defeating the Lasalle Explorers, 80-76 (OT), this past Tuesday. Bothe schools have seen four games postponed or canceled from mid-December thru early January.

Mike Rhoades has some pretty good credentials in his first four seasons in Richmond, going 80-41 with two NCAA bids. Last season's NCAA bid ended before his team was able to play its first round game with Oregon, as the VCU team had a COVID outbreak. The Rams lost Hyland (9.5 & 4.7) to the NBA and this season, have used a seven-man rotation. 6-6 senior forward Williams (11.3 & 6.0) is joined by in double digits by guard Baldwin (10.8 & 5.2 APG), who has played in just six games. However, he has played in all three January games, averaging 11.7 & 5.7 APG. Other contributors are guard Nunn (9.8), Curry (8.7) and Tsohonis (6.4) plus the 6-8 Stockard (7.3 & 3.9) and the 6-9 Ward (5.7 & 4.8) up front. VCU's strength is a defense allowing 57.1 PPG (8th).

St Bonaventure is the defending Atlantic 10 regular season and tournament champions and was ranked No. 23 in the Associated Press preseason poll, the school's first ranking in the media poll since January 1971 (Can you say Bob Lanier?). However, many feel like the Bonnies have underachieved. I'm not so sure that is totally fair but it is fair to say the Bonnies have, at least so far, left something to be desired. However, this team has FIVE double digit scorers, giving them great balance. The group includes four guards and the 6-10 Osunniyi (10.1 & 7.3). The guards are Holmes (15.9-6.5-4.4), Lofton (15.9-3.8-3.8), Adams (13.5 & 7.5) and Welch (11.7 & 5.6).

Recent form says VCU, which is 7-0 SU (6-1 ATS), while entering on a 9-1 ATS run the last 10 games. Meanwhile, St Bonaventure takes the floor tonight on an 0-7 ATS run. However, take note of this. The Bonnies beat the Rams twice last season, including by 16 at home and then by nine in the A-10 Tournament. This season, the Bonnies have victories over Marquette, Clemson, and Boise State, and I expect them to be prepared to play at their highest level tonight as well. I am not yet ready to concede that the well-balanced Bonnies' struggles will continue. Take St Bonaventure.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Late-Breaker is on the Bos Celtics at 7:05 ET.

A big criticism of the Celtics this season has been the team's over reliance on the duo of Tatum and Brown but the two All Stars have recently quieted the notion that "they can't play together!" Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown combined for 50 points and 27 rebounds in Monday's 101-98 win vs Indiana (Brown had a team-high 26 points to go along with a career-high 15 rebounds while Tatum added 24 points and 12 boards) and then in Wednesday's rematch, the duo combined for r67 points in the Celtics' 119-100 win at Indiana to complete a home-and-home series sweep of the Pacers. Brown had a game-high 34 points and Tatum chipped in 33.

Boston is just 21-21 on the season, as the Celtics get set to take on the 76ers tonight in Philadelphia. The 76ers had won SEVEN in a row, before suffering a 109-98 home loss to Charlotte on Wednesday. Still, Philadelphia has won EIGHT of its last 10 games, after dropping four of its previous five. The 76ers are 23-17 (current No. 5 seed) but are just 3.5 games ahead of the No. 11 seed (last team left out of the "Play-In" round).

Tatum (25.7 & 8.4) and Brown a (24.5 & 6.6) are the team's 'Dynamic Duo' and the duo has performed like Superheros lately, combining for 50 or more points in three of their past four games and are averaging a combined 51.8 points between them over the last five. Boston is expected to be without guard Smart (11.6-4.0-5.3) for a second straight game but fellow guards Schroder (16.1 & 4.5 APG) and Richardson (10.4) are set to go. So are Horford (10.8 & 7.5) and Robert Williams (9.8 & 9.0), who are both solid big men.

Philly center Joel Embiid (27.1-10.4-4.3) enters this contest having scored exactly 31 points in each of his last five games. The four-time All-Star center has been the 76ers' top point producer in 11 consecutive games, scoring fewer than 31 points just once during that stretch (23 vs Atlanta on Dec 23). PF Harris (18.4 & 7.5) is a great "No. 2 " plus the 76ers have excellent depth, despite Simmons not playing all season and with Melton (10.5) and Green (6.7) currently sidelined. PG Maxey (16.6-3.5-4.4) has had a solid season, with Curry chipping in 16.2 PPG and Korkmaz 9.3 PPG. The 6-7 Niang (9.9) and backup center Drummond (averaging 9.1 RPG in just 19 minutes), round out the main contributors.

Here's the bottom line. The synchronized production of Tatum and Brown (see above) plus, to the delight of defensive-minded coach Ime Udoka, the Celtics have stepped up their effort on the defensive end as of late. Boston has held opponents to an average of 96 points over its last five games. I'm taking the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Big Ten Game of the Year is on Iowa at 9:00 ET.

Fran McCaffrey is in his 12th season at Iowa City and he's delivered seven, 20-win seasons in his first 11. Gone are consensus National Player-of-the-Year Garza (24.1 & 8.7) and Wieskamp (14.8 & 6.6) but the Hawkeyes opened 7-0, before dropping back-to-back Big Ten games to Purdue and Illinois, plus losing a third straight at Iowa St. The Hawkeyes then won FOUR in a row but again lost at Wisconsin. The Hawkeyes are 11-4 (1-3 in the Big Ten), as they welcome the Indiana Hoosiers to Iowa City on Thursday night.

Indiana lost its final six games of last season and the Hoosiers fired head coach Archie Miller. They then hired Mike Woodson (former Indiana player under Bob Knight) to lead the team in the 2021-22 season, Indiana opened 6-0, before losing 112-110 (2 OTs) at Syracuse. The Hossiers have also lost at Wisconsin and at Penn St, arriving at Carver-Hawkeye Arena 12-3, including 3-2 in the Big Ten.

The Hoosiers have used a seven-man rotation, led by the 6-9 Jackson-Davis (19.4 & 8.7), who is joined in the frontcourt by the 6-8 Thompson (10.7 & 7.7) and the 6-7 Kopp (7.1 & ). Xavier transfer Johnson (9.7-3.7-4.2) starts in the backcourt with Stewart (7.5), while veteran Phinisee (5.3) and freshman Bates chips in 4.9 PPG. The 6-8 Murray twins (Keegan and Kris) were freshmen last season at Iowa. Keegan gained playing time as the year wound down but Kris was lost in the shuffle. This season, Keegan leads the team in scoring (24.7) and rebounding (7.9) while his brother Kris comes off the bench to chip in 9.4 & 4.6. Returning players like the 6-9 Patrick McCaffrey (11.2 & 3.6) and returning guard Bohannon adds 10.8 PPG. Perkins (7.8), 6-7 freshman Sandfort (5,8), the 6-9 Rebraca (5.9 & 5.9) and Toussaint (5.3 & 3.9) comprise a deep group. 

Here's the rub. Indiana averages 74.9 PPG (120th) and will have a tough time 'keeping up' with Iowa, which averages 86.7 PPG (4th). Especially when noting that Indiana is 0-3 SU on the road this season, while the Hawkeyes are 9-1 SU at home. After a 1-3 Big Ten start, Iowa really NEEDS a "W' in this one. My bet says the Hawkeyes get it "with room to spare!"

Good luck...Larry

My 10* E/W Game of the Month is on the GS Warriors at 7:35 ET.

Golden State is coming off a 116-108 loss at the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday night in the first contest of a four-game road trip. Golden St opened the season 18-2 but has 'cooled,' going 12-8 its last 20. However, at 30-10, the Warriors are just ONE game behind the Suns for the West's (and NBA's) best record. The Milwaukee Bucks were the NBA's best regular season team for two straight seasons but 'flopped' in the playoffs. That changed last season, when the Bucks won their second-ever NBA title, besting the Suns in the Finals (lost first two games, then won FOUR straight!). However, the Bucks are currently 26-17, giving them the East's No. 4 seed, 3.5 games back of the Bulls (East's No. 1 seed).

The "big news" in San Francisco is the return of Klay Thompson. In his two games back, Thompson has averaged 15.5 points and has shot 38.5 percent (5 of 13) from deep. He is on a minutes restriction and although he has wanted to spend more time on the floor, he realizes it is a necessary step in the rehabilitation process after missing more than two seasons with injuries. "You can't just take that much time off and jump into a 40-minute ballgame," Thompson said. "At times I'll go back to the bench frustrated, but I really trust our team and our performance team to have my back." Curry (26.8-5.5-6.1) scored 27 points with 10 rebounds and 10 assists to record his second triple-double of the season in Tuesday's loss at Memphis. Wiggins (18.6 & 4.4) and Poole (17.2-3.1-3.4) are back from a stay on the COVID list and have been terrific all season for Golden St. The bad news is the Green (7.9-7.6-7.4) is sidelined with a calf injury but depth is provided by Lee (8.2), Porter (8.1 & 5.1) and Payton (8.0). Center Looney (6.0 & 6.7) has quietly been a steady presence, playing in and starting all 40 games.

After putting together a six-game win streak at the tail end of December that carried over into the new year, the Bucks have gone cold, losing FOUR of their last five. They are coming off a 103-99 loss to Charlotte on Monday night in the second game of a back-to-back vs the Hornets (lost first, as well). The Bucks remain without Jrue Holiday (18.4-4.6-6.7) due to an ankle injury, plus Allen (11.9) and Hill (7.1) because of the NBA's COVID protocol. Giannis Antetokounmpo (28.4-11.4-6.0) naturally leads the Bucks, while SF Middleton (19.1-5.5-5.3) is again having an excellent season. Center Brook Lopez has played just ONE game this season, but  the 6-10 Bobby Portis (15.4 & 9.2) has really done an excellent job filling in (has played in 34 of 43 games). The 6-7 Jordan Nwora (9.4 & 4.1) chipped in 18 points in Milwaukee's last game and is averaging 14.8 points over his past five games while shooting 50 percent from the floor. The Bucks signed guards Langston Galloway and Jeff Dowtin to 10-day hardship contracts on Friday. 

The Warriors play in Chicago tomorrow, so 'life' doesn't get easier. With Curry, Wiggins and Poole (plus now Thompson), the Warriors are seen as an offensive juggernaut but the team's defense gets overlooked. Golden St leads the NBA in holding opponenst to 101.3 PPG on 42.6% shooting. That's a sweet 'daily double' and I'll back the Warriors in this one.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Marquee Classic is on Ohio St at 7:00 ET.

Wisconsin (13-2, 4-1 Big Ten) has won FIVE in a row since losing 73-55 at Ohio State back on Dec 11. The now 13th-ranked Badgers moved up from No. 23 after winning 74-69 at then-third-ranked Purdue, defeating Iowa 87-78 in Madison and then holding on for a 70-69 victory at Maryland on Sunday after leading early by 21 points. Wisconsin will now welcome the 16th-ranked Ohio St Buckeyes (10-3 / 4-1 in the Big Ten) to Madison looking to avenge that Dec 11 loss (one of only two losses this season).

Ohio St head coach Chris Holtmann has won 25, 20, 21 and 21 games in his first four seasons in Columbus and it's hard to believe that a fifth straight 20-win season isn't in the cards this season. The team's top player is the 6-7 Liddell (20.1 & 7.6) and he's joined up front by the 6-8 Key (9.3 & 5.7 / up from 5.2 & 3.4 LY) and the 6-6 Ahrens (7.5). The starting backcourt is freshman Branham (10.4) and PG Wheeler (6.9 & 4.4 APG), who is a transfer from Penn St. The 6-8 Young comes off the bench to chip in 9.0 & 5.8, as does guard Johnson (6,6). The Buckeyes defeated Northwestern 95-87 at home on Sunday, after losing 67-51 on the road to Indiana on Jan 6. Liddell had a career-best 34 points in the win over Northwestern, including 17 of the Buckeyes' first 19.

Wisconsin featured four, 5th-year seniors and three regular seniors last season but of the 14 scholarship players this season, 10 are classified as freshmen for eligibility purposes. Guard Davison began the season with 124 career starts and is averaging 14.5 & 4.2. The great news for Wisconsin fans is, fellow guard Davis (7.0 & 4.1 LY) is averaging 22.3 & 7.4 this season. Also back, after limited playing time last season, are the 6-9 Wahl (10.2 & 5.3) and the 7-0 Crowl (8.7 & 4.7). Freshman guard Hepburn (7.3) rounds out the starting-five.

It would easy to say "revenge" but Ohio State shot 50 percent while holding Wisconsin to just 33.8 percent, including 6 of 26 (23.1 percent) from three-point range in the Dec 11 game. Davis had 24 points and Davison 13, but the rest of the Badgers shot just 7-for-31 (22.6 percent). The Buckeyes also pounded the Badgers on the glass, 49-28, with Kyle Young pulling down 14 and Liddell and Zed Key nine apiece. Liddell scored a game-high 28 points, and Key contributed 11.

Simply put, this is a bad matchup for the Badgers and while they surely won't lose by 18 points again, all signs point to another convincing victory for the Buckeyes. Take those points, willingly!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on the Brk Nets at 10:10 ET.

NBA teams are approaching the midway point of the 82-game schedule and the surprising Chicago Bulls lead the Brooklyn Nets by 2 1/2 games atop the Eastern Conference standings. The Chicago Bulls were 31-41 last season, missing the postseason for the FOURTH consecutive year but have reinvented themselves as a threat in the Eastern Conference behind Zach LaVine and the free agent signing of DeMar DeRozan. They also picked up center Nikola Vucevic from Orlando last season (where his talents were wasted) plus added Lonzo Ball as a free agent. The Nets lost to the Bucks in the East's semifinals last season and as all know, have dealt with the Kyrie "situation" all season. The Nets travel to Chicago in the midst of a four-games-in-six-nights crunch (as do the Bulls), hoping to avoid a series sweep by Chicago, which has won the first two meetings this season between the two teams.

Durant (29.8-7.7-5.8) helped keep Brooklyn afloat with a double-double of 28 points and 10 rebounds against host Portland on Monday, but the Nets were unable to prevail, falling 114-108 for their FIFTH loss in seven games. Brooklyn was without James Harden (22.4-8.1-9.7), who is questionable for Wednesday's game with a hyperextended left knee. However, Nets head coach Steve Nash said that while Harden likely would be available against the Bulls, Brooklyn would continue to be cautious. PG Kyrie Irving, who recently returned to the Nets, did not play in either of the first two meetings with the Bulls. Irving, who chooses not to be vaccinated against COVID-19, is unable to play in New York City due to its vaccine mandate but can play on the road. He has scored 22 points in each of his first two contests this season.

There were 'whispers' that the 32-year-old DeMar DeRozan was on the downside of his career, but he's been one of the best players in the NBA so far this season, averaging 26.2-5.2-4.8. He has energized the Chicago Bulls, along with LaVine (25.7-5.0-4.2), Vucevic (16.0 & 11.5) and Ball (13.1-5.5-5.1). Almost all of Chicago's key performers have missed a few games because of COVID but the team is pretty well set these days. Guard White is the most recent to return and is averaging 11.5 PPG, while SF Jones (6.5 & 3.5) has been starting with DeRozan in the frontcourt, along with true center Vucevic.

Chicago routed the visiting Detroit Pistons 133-87 last night, as EIGHT Bulls scored in double figures. The Bulls notched their most lopsided win against the Pistons in the history of the rivals' 272-game series history, while matching a season high for points and made three-pointers (18) en route to its 10th win in 11 games. The Nets are on an 0-7 ATS slide but have been favored in all of those games. Brooklyn has been an underdog just FIVE times this season and after failing to cover in its first game, has won FOUR in a row when getting any number of points. The Nets are not much of a dog here but after two losses to the Bulls, the Nets will be highly motivated to gain a measure of respect with a win here, reminding the Bulls that they are "still the one" to beat in the East. 

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Las Vegas Insider is on Maryland at 9:00 ET.

There is "no crying in baseball" and there are 'no ties in college hoops', so either Maryland (8-7, 0-4 Big Ten) or Northwestern (8-5, 1-3 Big Ten) will snap a three-game losing streak when the teams meet Wednesday night in Evanston's Welsh-Ryan Arena. "I feel like we're close to turning the corner," Terrapins interim coach Danny Manning said after Maryland saw its comeback attempt fall short in a 70-69 home loss to then-No. 23 Wisconsin on Sunday. In a 95-87 loss to the then-13th-ranked Buckeyes on Sunday, Northwestern shot the ball well (47.1 percent from the floor, including 41.7 percent from three) but the Wildcats dropped their third straight, 95-87.

The Badgers led by 21 points early in the game against the Terps, but Eric Ayala and the Terrapins did not pack it in. Two straight three-pointers by Eric Ayala put Maryland ahead 36-35 with 15:27 to play. In the final seconds, he hit another trey that put a scare into the Badgers and cut their lead to one. Ayala led FIVE Maryland scorers in double figures with 19 points, adding five rebounds. But when it was said and done, the Terrapins remained one of two Big Ten teams without a conference win (Nebraska is 0-6). Maryland is a veteran team and is WAY better than its record. Senior guard Ayala (15.5 & 4.7) and senior PG Russell (12.5 & 3.9 APG) are joined in the backcourt by junior guard Hart (9.7 & 3.5). Up front, it's 6-8 junior (Scott (11.6 & 7.0) and 6-11 junior Wahab (9.0 & 6.1). 6-9 freshman Resse comes off the bench to add 6.3 & 4.8.

Northwestern's Ty Berry led the way with 23 points, while Pete Nance and Chase Audige each scored 20 in the loss to the buckeyes. Ohio State star E.J. Liddell netted 17 points in the first five minutes and wound up with 34 on the game. 6-10 senior Nance leads Northwestern in scoring (16.2) and rebounding (7.2) and teams with 6-10 center Young (9.8 &4.3). Junior PG Buie (14.9 & 5.9 APG) and fellow guard Berry (9.5) are now joined by guard Audige, who made his season debut back on Dec 5. He's averaging 11.8 & 4.8 in his six games. Noting that Dec 5 game, it was played at Maryland and was the Terps first game under Manning, in the wake of Mark Turgeon's abrupt departure after 10 seasons. That "W" is Northwestern's lone Big Ten win (67-61).

Don't expect Northwestern to get Big Ten-win No. 2 here, even though the Wildcats are at home. Rather, expect Maryland to earn its first Big Ten win of the season, which would also be Manning's first Big Ten win. Take the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Weekly Wipeout is on Colorado St at 8:00 ET.

Full, detailed analysis Wednesday morning by 10:00 ET.

My 9* PERFECT STORM is on the Bos Celtics at 7:10 ET.

The Celtics are just 20-21 on the season and currently hold down the No. 10 seed in the East (last of the four "Play-In" seeds). The Pacers welcome Boston to Indianapolis at 115-26, FIVE games back of the Celtics and that 10-seed. These teams just met in Boston on Monday, overcoming a 12-point deficit in the third quarter to force overtime, but ultimately came up short in a 101-98 loss.

A big criticism of the Celtics this season has been the team's over reliance on Tatum (25.5 & 8.5) and Brown (24.2 & 6.6). However, Boston rode the performances of its All-Star duo to victory on Monday, as Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown combined for 50 points and 27 rebounds in the win. Brown had a team-high 26 points to go along with a career-high 15 rebounds while Tatum added 24 points and 12 boards. Boston is likely without guard Smart (11.6-4.0-5.3) but fellow guards Schroder (15.9-3.4-5.6) and Richardson (10.6) are set to go. So are Horford (10.9 & 7.6) and Robert Williams (9.9 & 9.0), who are both solid big men.

Things don't' look so 'bright' for the Pacers, with PG Brogdon (19.0-5.3-6.1) out, while fellow guards LeVert (17.8) and Duarte (13.1 & 4.0) are listed as questionable. Sabonis (19.1 & 12.0) is a bonafide All Star, Turner (12.9 & 7.2) a solid center plus guard Stephenson (4.2 PPG in five games), has recently discovered the "Fountain of Youth."

This is a great quick turnaround "revenge" game for Indiana but how does one trust the Pacers, who have lost SEVEN of their last eight and will likely be without a few quality players. Meanwhile, amid rumblings of a needed shakeup, Tatum said he and Brown had a heart-to-heart to recommit themselves to turning the Celtics' season around. "We see all the things about ‘we can't play together,' and everybody in the media is saying that one of us got to go," Tatum said. "We just had a talk about (how) we both want to be here; we both want to figure it out." No revenge here. Play the Celtics.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Conference Game of the Month (SEC) is on Florida at 7:00 ET.

Will Wade had success at VCU (took over for Shaka Smart) and that got him the gig at LSU. His first team went 18-15 (NIT) but his teams have won 25, 21 and 19 games the last three seasons (two NCAAs, which would have been three except for COVID cancellation). LSU lost 70-55 at then-No. 11 Auburn in its conference opener but followed with consecutive home victories against then-No. 16 Kentucky (65-60) and then-No. 18 Tennessee (79-67) last week. The Tigers have faced ranked teams in each of its first three SEC games. That streak will end when the No. 12 Tigers (14-1 / 2-1 SEC) face unranked Florida (9-5 / 0-2) on Wednesday night in Gainesville. Mike White has led the Gators to four NCAA berths in the last five seasons (would have been five, except for COVID cancellation). His Gators returned six seniors or graduate transfers to start this season and Floriuda opened 6-0. However, the Gators have lost FIVE of their last eight, including the last two, 83-70 at home to then-No. 15 Alabama and 85-73 at then-No.9 Auburn.

LSU lost guard Thomas (22.8), forward Watford (17.0 & 7.4) and guard Smart (16.8-5.2-4.2) to the NBA and others to the transfer portal, leaving just FOUR returning players. The 6-7 Days decided to return and he's averaging 14,3 & 7.9 and joins a strong frontcourt that includes the 6-8 Eason (16.2 & 7.6), a Cincy transfer, and 7-0 freshman Reid (8.4 & 5.3). The backcourt is led by Missouri transfer Pinson (10.9-3.1-4.7), Murray (9.1) and Gaines (8.5-3.5-3.5). The Tigers held off the Volunteers in their last game, despite losing Xavier Pinson to a knee injury. Pinson's right knee bent awkwardly during a slip, and the starting point guard had to be helped to the locker room. However, the injury was diagnosed as just an MCL sprain and bone bruise. Pinson is listed as day-to-day but is unlikely to play here.

Florida is led by the 6-11 Colin Castleton (15.6 & 9.2). Returning starters are guard Tyree Appleby (10.0 & 3.6 APG) and the 6-7 Anthony Duruji (9.1 & 4.4). Myreon Jones (Penn St transfer) adds 9.9 & 3.6 plus the 6-5 Fleming Jr. (20.1 & 7.4 at Charleston Southern last season) has dealt with a groin injury but is back and averaging 10.6 PPG. Florida trailed by as many as 13 points early at then-No. 9 Auburn on Saturday, but the Gators battled back to get within one point with more than eight minutes remaining. "We were right there within striking distance after a rocky start," Gators coach Mike White said. However, Florida couldn't get over the hump in an 85-73 loss, starting 0-2 in the SEC for the first time since the 2009-10 season.

This is a HUGE game for the Gators and they catch LSU off a brutally-tough three-game stretch plus the Tigers will likely be without PG Pinson. Florida is the play.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Game of the Week is on the GS Warriors at 8:10 ET.

The Memphis Grizzlies got a HUGE victory over the Golden St Warriors last May with a "play-in" win on the road against the Warriors, denying Golden St a playoff berth. The clubs have split this year's earlier head-to-heads, with each commanding much more attention than your average NBA regular-season contest. First, the Grizzlies duplicated their play-in victory over the Warriors last May with another overtime triumph in the second week of the regular season. Then, two days before Christmas, Golden State, which had put itself one win from a playoff berth with a victory in the 2021 regular-season finale, finally avenged the eventual bid denial with a 113-104 win. Both of this season's two meetings came in San Francisco but tonight's game between the 30-9 Warriors and the Grizzlies will be contested in Memphis.

The Warriors arrive in 'Graceland' at 30-9, tied with the Suns for the West's (and NBA's) best record at 30-9 but the bigger story has to be the return of Klay Thompson. Thompson needed just 40 seconds this past Sunday against the Cleveland Cavaliers to put up his first points since the 2019 NBA Finals. The hoop brought Warriors fans to their feet, but the best was yet to come. That occurred late in the second period, when Thompson, known more for his catch-and-shoot prowess, drove by taller opponent Jarrett Allen for a resounding dunk that formally stamped his Achilles and knee as fully repaired. Thompson scored 17 points in 20 minutes, as the Warriors won. What's more, the Warriors have also gotten a significant number of players back from COVID protocols. The Warriors original "Big Three' will all be in the starting lineup, as Thompson will join Curry (26.8-5.3-6.0) and the recently returned Green (7.9-7.6-7.4). Wiggins (18.8 & 4.4) and Poole (17.4) have been terrific this season and now, after stays on the COVID list, are back. Guard Lee (8.3) is also back plus center Looney (6.0 & 6.7) has quietly been a steady presence, playing in and starting all 39 games.

The Memphis Grizzlies lost 132-110 to the Hawks on Nov 26, giving them a 9-10 record. However, the Grizzlies have won 19 of 23 since, as Memphis now owns a 28-14 record, good enough for the Western Conference's No. 4 seed. The Grizzlies will take a NINE-game winning streak into tonight's game after a 127-119 Sunday win at the Lakers..Morant 24.7-5.7-6.7) is the Grizzlies' star but scored just 16 vs the Lakers (he's battled knee issues for awhile). Some bad news is Dillon Brooks (18.4) is out with an ankle injury plus center Steven Adams (7.0 & 9.0) has now joined the health and safety protocol. Adams had played in AND started, all 40 games before missing the last two games. SG Bane (17.7 & 4.5) and SF Jackson (16.4 & 5.5) have been major contibutors all season, staying injury and COVID free.

The Warriors have never been healthier and now with the addition of Thhompson, seem poised for a strong run in the seaosn's second half. Yes, Mmephis has won NINE in a row but the Grizzlies are facing some injury and COVID issiues to key players. I'm "all over" the Warriors in this one.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Late-Breaker is on the Sac Kings at 10:10 ET.

The Cleveland Cavaliers were in the WRONG place at the WRONG time last night in San Francisco, as the Warriors welcomed back Klay Thompson. Thompson contributed 17-points on 7-for-18 shooting (3-for-8, on threes), as the Warriors won 96-82. Cleveland's defense was NOT the problem, holding the Warriors to 40.2 percent shooting overall and 23.8 percent on three-pointers. However, when a team scores just 82 points, it VERY rarely wins. The Cavs won SIX in a row from Dec 8-18 but have since lost SIX of nine (22-18 on the season).

The Cavs are seeking a second win in three outings to begin a six-game Western trip and will likely be looking forward to playing Sacramento, a team they beat 117-103 last month at home. The Kings continue to underachieve and return from Portland, where they lost 103-88 last night, despite the Blazers playing without Lillard and McCollum. Sacramento was last over .500 on Nov 5 (5-4) but enters this game on a four-game skid that leaves them just 16-26. However, the Kings are a mere half-game out of the West's No. 10 seed (seeds 7-10 qualify for the "Play-In" round). 

The Cavs lost Sexton (16.0 PPG) for the season to a knee injury and then vet PG Rubio (13.1-4.1-6.6) went down with a knee injury as well after 34 games (he's also done for the year). The Cavs are starting a HUGE frontline with 6-10 center Allen (16.8 & 10.7) surrounded by two 6-11 players, rookie Mobley (14.8 & 8.1) and Markkanen (13.2 & 5.3). PG Graland leads the team in scoring (19.6) and assists (7.2) and Rondo was just picked up to help in the backcourt (13.0-4.4--4.0 in his first two games). Former All Star Kevin Love mostly comes off the bench but adds 14.1 & 9.6.

The Kings don't lack talent, they just lack "Ws!" Fox (20.9 & 5.1 APG) and Haliburton (13.7-3.9-6.9) start in the backcourt, while Hield comes off the bench to add 15.3 PPG. Depth on the perimeter is provided by Davis (9.2) and Baylor rookie Mitchell (9.2). Center Holmes (12.6 & 8.7) is sidelined again but the 7-0 Len (7.0 & 4.8) and the 6-9 Metu (8.9 & 6.3) split time replacing him. SF Barnes (16.2 & 6.2) remains a consistent contributor and PF Bagley is finally healthy, adding 8.0 & 6.8.

The Kings have missed the postseason for 15 consecutive years but this game with Cleveland will open a five-game homestand. It's too early to talk of a playoff 'push,' but the Kings NEED to take advantage of this stretch. It's the Cavs, then the 21-20 Lakers, a two-game home set vs the 11-30 Rockets and a finale against the 8-30 Pistons. First things first. Get a "W" vs the Cavs. As a bonus, we get some points!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Marquee Matchup is on Georgia at 8:00 ET.

I'm not sure that most wanted to see Alabama and Georgia in the College Football Playoff title game at Indianapolis on January 11. Alabama took apart Georgia 41-24 in last month's SEC title game and the one-sided nature of the contest dulled excitement over a possible second meeting. However, after Alabama eased past Cincinnati 27-6 in its CFP semifinal and Georgia destroyed Michigan 34-11 in its semifinal, an all-SEC rematch is what's 'on the menu' Monday night. The Crimson Tide are defending champions and are looking for their FOURTH title in eight seasons under the CFP format. Coach Nick Saban has won SIX national titles at Alabama and seven overall. One of the CFP titles was a 26-23 overtime victory over Georgia in the 2017 championship contest. That came in Kirby Smart's second season at the helm, after his stint as Saban's defensive coordinator at Alabama.

Georgia was the nation's best team all season, entering the SEC title game against Alabama 12-0 (Georgia's sixth 12-win season, three under Smart) and with a defense that had allowed just 6.9 PPG (hadn't allowed more than 17 points in any game). However, Alabama put up 536 total yards against the 'impregnable' Georgia defense, led by eventual Heisman winner Bryce Young. The Alabama QB passed for 421 yards with three TDs (zero INTs in 44 attempts) and ran for 40 yards, adding a 4th TD. WR Jameson Williams had seven receptions for 184 yards and two scores, as Alabama easily dissected the vaunted Georgia defense.

Georgia QB Stetson Bennett threw for 340 yards with three TDs (but two INTs, including a "pick-6") but was overshadowed by Young. However, he was outstanding against Michigan, completing 20 of 30 for 313 yards with 3 TDs and not a single INT. Georgia TE Bowers (52 catches / 16.3 YPC / 12 TDs) had 10 catches for 139 yards (one TD) vs Alabama and then five catches for 55 yards (one TD) vs Michigan. Georgia's running game has two good but far from great RBs in White (772 yards / 5.3 YPC / 10 TDs) and Cook (651 yards / 6.1 YPC / 7 TDs). Then again, Georgia is averaging 39.4 PPG, so the offense is doing something right. That Georgia "D" that was humbled by Alabama, returned to form vs Michigan, holding the Wolverines to 11 points (Michigan's lone TD came with 4:25 left in the game) and to just 91 rushing yards (Michigan entered the game averaging 223.8 YPG).

Young was well-deserving of the Heisman, completing 67.6% for 4,503 yards with 46 TDs and just 5 INTs (490 attempts). RB Robinson enters with 1,275 yards rushing on 5.1 YPC and 14 TDs. He was less than 100 percent vs Georgia (55 yards) but looked like 'Superman' vs an excellent Cincy defense, rushing for 204 yards. WR Metchie (96 catches / 8 TDs) was lost to injury vs Georgia (won't play here) but Williams has caught seven passes against Georgia and Cincy, giving him 75 on the season, averaging 20.1 YPC with 15 TDs. Note that Williams had a combined 15 catches his previous two seasons at Alabama. Wanna bet against the possibility that Alabama may have "another Williams" on its roster just ready for primetime? The Alabama defense showed some vulnerable moments during the regular season but enters allowing 20.2 PPG on 304.6 YPG. The Tide "D" came up with numeros "big plays" vs Georgia in the SEC title game and made Cincy's offense look like a 'Pop Warner' team (held the Bearcats to two FGs and 214 total yards).

OK, we all know that Saban has never lost to a former assistant in his time at Alabama (25-0) and Kirby Smart is 0-4 vs his former boss. That said, I remember watching that Alabama/Georgia game and the Bulldogs looked like the WAY better team in taking a 10-0 lead in the early second quarter. However, Alabama just 'exploded,' scoring 24 points before halftime. The Tide then opened the third quarter with a "pick-6," which broke Georgia's will. The Bulldogs are slight favorites, despite Alabama's overwhelming historical edges. My 'gut' says Georgia and that's my play.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* 'Signature' LEGEND Play is on the LV Raiders at 8:20 ET.

A meeting of 9-7 AFC West rivals (the Chargers and Raiders) on SNF in the final game of the league's first 17-game regular season includes this kicker: the winner earns a spot in the NFL playoffs. The Chargers were 8-5 through 13 games but lost at home in OT to KC and then lost at Houston to the lowly Texans, 41-29, falling to 8-7. Los Angeles arrives in Las Vegas feeling pretty fortunate to be 9-7 (and still 'alive'), after beating the Broncos 34-13 in Week 17 at home. The Raiders were 5-2 coming off a Week 8 bye but then went in the 'tank,' losing FIVE of their next six games However, they closed with three consecutive victories, including a 23-20 nail-biter last week at favored Indianapolis on a last-second 33-yard FG. That sets the stage for the final regular season game of the 2021 season.

Justin Herbert had an excellent rookie season (4,336 yards with 31 TDs and 10 INT) but is having even a better season in 2021, as he is the AFC's starting QB for the Pro Bowl and has already set a franchise record with 35 TD passes (against 14 INTs). WR Allen has 100 catches (8 TDs) and Williams has 67 catches (15.3 YPC / 8 TDs), while RB Ekeker has 65 catches with 7 TDs. Ekeler also has 847 yards rushing, adding 11 TDs, while becoming one of the NFL's top all-purpose players.

Las Vegas QB Derek Carr will be in the 'spotlight' Sunday night. After the Chargers' 28-14 victory over the Raiders earlier this season, star Los Angeles defensive end Joey Bosa said of the Raiders' QB: "Great dude, great player ... but we know once you get pressure on him, he kind of shuts down." Carr's chance to respond is Sunday night. He's thrown for 4,613 yards with a much more modest TD-to-INT ratio than Herbert (21-14). WR Renfro has 99 catches (7 TDs) but with Ruggs (24 catches with a 19.5 YPC thru seven games) lost to the tragedy of being involved with a deadly car crash, the Raiders are a little depth-shy at the WR position (Jones has 42 catches). TE Waller (53 catches) is Carr's favorite receiver, as he has caught more passes from Carr (243) than any other player in the QB's career. He could return and that would be HUGE!

I wouldn't argue that LA may be the better team but I REALLY like the Raiders in this spot. This has been a tumultuous season for the Raiders but they have shown staying power. The Raiders have overcome the resignation of head coach Jon Gruden, the Henry Ruggs tragedy (see above), the release of cornerback Damon Arnette following a video that included death threats and cornerback Nate Hobbs was arrested on a misdemeanor DUI charge. Add to that, the recent passing of former Raiders head coaching legend John Madden.

QB Derek Carr missed the Raiders' only playoff trip in the past 19 years with a broken ankle back in 2016 but note that he is just 72 passing yards away from breaking Rich Gannon's single-season franchise record of 4,689 set in 2002. My bet is he wins the 'battle' against the more heralded Herbert, which means the Raiders are playoff-bound. "Just win, baby!"

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Las Vegas Insider is on the Sea Seahawks at 4:25 ET.

The Arizona Cardinals went into Dallas in Week 17 and won 25-22, clinching a playoff berth for the first time since 2015 (I had Arizona as my Game of the Month, just saying!). Arizona opened the season 7-0 (were actually the last team to lose this NFL season) but after losing last 22-16 at home to the Colts in Week 16, had lost three in a row before last Sunday's win. The Cardinals can still win the NFC West title and earn a home playoff game, by beating the Seattle Seahawks. That is, if the 49ers can beat the Rams in LA. That's hardly far-fetched, as San Francisco has beaten Los Angeles FIVE straight times! As for the 6-10 Seahawks, they will finish with a losing record for the first time in the decade-long Russell Wilson/Bobby Wagner era. Seattle does come in off an outstanding effort, having snapped a two-game slide last weekend with a 51-29 victory over the visiting Detroit Lions.

Here's what to look for from Seattle on Sunday. Russell Wilson is back in "fine form,' as he threw four TD passes, while RB Rashaad Penny rushed for a career-high 170 yards and two scores. This is the last chance for Penny to make an impression on the rest of the NFL in a meaningful game before hitting free agency in the offseason. No RB has been more productive in the league since Week 14 than Penny, who has run for 481 yards during that stretch. Wilson checks in, having completed 65.2%% for 2,875 yards with 22 TDs and 5 INTs (QB rating of102.5). Three of his four TD passes last Sunday went to Metcalf, who has 70 catches on the season (12 TDs), pairing with fellow WR Lockett (68 / 15.8 YPC / 6 TDs) to form a terrific duo. Everrett (47 catches) is a solid TE. Bobby Wagner suffered a knee injury on Detroit's first offensive play and didn't return. The star linebacker said he hopes to play Sunday. Through a tough season, the Seattle defense has held together, allowing 21.0 PPG (10th).

Arizona QB Kyler Murray looked like the MVP favorite when he threw 17 TD passes (just five INTs) during the 7-0 start. However, he hurt an ankle in the final seconds of a 24-21 loss to the Green Bay Packers in Week 8 and missed three games and entered last week's game with just FOUR scoring passes in his previous four games. However, Murray completed 26 of 38 passes for 263 yards and two TDs plus also rushed for 44 yards. He's completing 69.0% on the season for 3,547 yards with 23 TDs and 10 INTs (100.9 QB rating), while adding 388 rushing yards and five TDs. WR Kirk has 75 catches (5 TDs) and AJ Green has 50, averaging 16.5 YPC with 3 TDs. Hopkins (42 catches / 8 TDs) remains on IR with an outside possibility of returning if the Cards reach Championship Sunday. Arizona has also received much-needed help from WR Antoine Wesley, who has caught three TDs over the past two games. RB James Connor (700 yards / 14 TDs) has missed two games with a heel injury and has been limited in practice this week. Chase Edmonds (592 yards / 5.1 YPC) rushed for a game-high 53 yards against the Cowboys before leaving with an ankle injury and is also questionable for Sunday's game. Overlooked most of the season, Arizona's defense has been terrific, allowing 20.5 PPG (5th).

Seattle comes in with NOTHING to lose but is looking to avoid being swept in a season series by the Cards for the first time since 2009. I realize Seattle's effort last week was only against the Lions, but the Seahawks scored on NINE scored straight possessions for the first time in franchise history. It was also the first time this season ANYONE in the league scored on nine consecutive offensive possessions! Arizona could get caught 'scoreboard watching,' as the 49ers/Rams also start at 4:25 ET. What's more, it's hard to ignore that Arizona has lost FOUR in a row at home. I'm a HUGE Russell Wilson fan and with just 125 yards passing, Russell can join Peyton as the only QBs with 3,000 yards passing and 20 TDs in each of their first 10 seasons. Pretty rarified air! I'm taking the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* WCC Game of the Year is on St Mary's at 10:00 ET.

The 12-3 Saint Mary’s Gaels will travel to the Marriott Center to take on the 13-3 BYU Cougars this Saturday night in WCC play. Randy Bennett took over at St Mary's in 2001-02 and had his first 20-win season (25-9) in 2004-05. Starting in the 2007-08 season and going through the 2019-20 season, his Gaels won 20-plus games for 13 consecutive years. That streak ended with a 14-10 record last season. Mark Pope is in just his third season at BYU but has delivered a 44-15 two-year mark, including 20-7 last season. BYU got off to its best start under Pope, beating four NCAA Tournament teams from a season ago, Cleveland State, San Diego State, Oregon and Texas Southern. The Cougars did not begin the season ranked but moved to No. 12 (after a Nov 27 win over Utah got them to 6-0), the school's highest ranking this far into the season in 40 years. However, BYU has since lost to Utah Valley, Creighton and Vandy, to fall out of the top-25.

The Gaels won their 2nd straight game and improved to 12-3 on the season after defeating the Yale Bulldogs, 87-60, on December 28th. This is the team's first game since then. Saint Mary’s is led by the 6-10 Matthias Tass (12.5 & 5.2) and the 6-7 Dan Fotu, who comes off the bench to add 10.1 & 4.3. Starting up front with Tass is the 6-8 Bowen (5.4 & 6.5). The Gaels have a nice trio of guards in Johnson (10.3), Kuhse (10.1-3.7-3.5) and Ducas (9.4 & 4.1). Saint Mary’s is averaging a modest 68.8 PPG but its defense is holding opponents to 58.1 PPG (13th).

BYU lost guard Averette (11.7 PPG / 2nd-leading scorer) and the 7-3 Haarms (11.3 & 5.0) but got the unexpected return of guard Barcello (16.1-4.7-4.2 LY). He leads in scoring at 17.2 PPG and is surrounded by a 'deep' cast. Guard Lucas (10.1 & 5.0 APG) is the only other double-digit scorer, but fellow guard Johnson (8.1 & 3.4) and 6-6 forward Traore (8.0 & 7.6) are solid contributors. The 6-9 Baxter (7.6 & 3.0) was lost to an injury in early December but the 6-8 Lohner (6.6 & 6.8) and guard Knell (7.3) are part of the team's depth.

I am well aware that BYU is 7-0 at home but my 'gut' says this BYU team is just a little overrated and that St Mary's Defense is more than capable of taking BYU out of its rhythm, while earning the outright win Upset alert!

Good luck...Larry

 My 10* Eastern Conference Game of the Month is on the Cha Hornets at 7:10 ET.

The Milwaukee Bucks ran away from the Brooklyn Nets in their showdown Friday night, winning 121-109 in a rematch of their 2021 playoff series. A 38-point third quarter was among the high points for Milwaukee. The Bucks moved to 26-15 with the victory, placing them in a virtual tie with the 24-13 Nets for second in the East, as both teams trail the surprising Bulls by 2.5 games for the East's top spot. The Bucks are in Charlotte tonight to face the Hornets. Charlotte was 33-39 last season, missing the playoffs for the FIFTH consecutive season. That said, there was some optimism in Charlotte at the beginning of the season and the Hornets have played MUCH better, as they currently stand 20-19, just two games behind the East's No. 6 seed and 2.5 games back of the No. 5 seed. The Hornets have a notable performance to build off coming into this game against the Bucks, as they've been off since dominating the Detroit Pistons in Wednesday night's 140-111 victory. It was only one point off the franchise record for points in regulation.

Giannis Antetokounmpo (28.0-11.4-6.0), who had missed Milwaukee's previous game because of non-COVID illness, had 31 points against Brooklyn. SF Middleton (18.6-5.3-4.9) is again having an excellent season, but PG Holiday (18.4-4.6-6.7) is currently in the league's COVID protocols. So are guards Allen (11.9) and Connaughton (11.1 & 4.7). The Bucks signed guards Langston Galloway and Jeff Dowtin to 10-day hardship contracts on Friday. Center Brook Lopez has played just ONE game this season, but Bobby Portis (15.6 & 9.0) has really done an excellent job filling in.

Charlotte PG LaMelo Ball (19.3-7.3-7.8) missed some games earlier with COVID issues but it's pretty obvious that last season's rookie-of-the-year is the 'real deal!' Bridges (19.5 & 7.2) is having a 'career season' and returned to the lineup two games ago after a two-game absence. Hayward (17.2-4.8-3.7) has only missed one game plus guard Rozier (17.5) and swingman Oubre (16.6) give the Hornets FIVE players averaging 16-plus points. Oubre drained EIGHT of his nine three-pointers in the fourth quarter against Detroit, setting a franchise record for threes in a quarter. His output boosted the Hornets to a franchise-record 24 successful threes in the game.

Milwaukee is averaging 112.3 PPG, but that's down from leading the NBA in scoring in each of the previous three seasons (Bucks averaged 120.1 PPG last season). The Hornet's ranks second in scoring this season at 115.5 PPG but also allow the most points (116.6 per). However, this is a tough spot for Milwaukee off its big win over Brooklyn and now head to well-rested Charlotte for not just one but TWO games (teams play again in Charlotte on Monday night). Milwaukee just eked out a 127-125 home decision against Charlotte back on Dec 1 despite LaMelo Ball's 36 points and nine assists in that game. I don't expect Milwaukee to be so fortunate tonight, with so many key contributors sidelined.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Weekend Wipeout is on Tennessee at 6:00 ET.

No. 21 LSU was able to hold off No. 16 Kentucky to get its first SEC win on Tuesday night. LSU had a NINE-point lead with 2:35 remaining but Kentucky got within a point and had the ball in the final minute for the chance to take the lead. However, Xavier Pinson made consecutive steals which led to LSU baskets to complete a 65-60 victory. There is no rest for the weary, as 13-1 LSU (1-1 in the SEC) will host the No. 18 Tennessee Volunteers (10-3, 1-1) Saturday in Baton Rouge. Tennessee made three consecutive three-pointers to tie Ole Miss late in regulation, then grabbed its first lead of the night in overtime and beat the Rebels 66-60 on Wednesday night.

Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes has been a winner at every stop, with three NCAA berths at Providence, three in four years at Clemson and 16 in 17 years at Texas. This is his seventh season at Tennessee, and he's led the Vols to three NCAA berths the last four years (exception was when COVID shut down the postseason). Junior guard Vescovi (13.5 & 4.7) and freshman PG Kennedy Chandler (13.3 & 5.4 APG) lead the way for Tennessee. The 6-9 Fulkerson (9.5 & 6.0) and the 6-8 Nkamhoua (9.5 & 6.0) start up front. 6-6 guard Jordan-James missed a few games but is back in the starting lineup, averaging 6.6 & 5.8. Defense is a Rick Barnes specialty, and his team is allowing just 60.4 PPG (27th).

LSU lost guard Thomas (22.8), forward Watford (17.0 & 7.4) and guard Smart (16.8-5.2-4.2) to the NBA and others to the transfer portal, leaving just FOUR returning players. The 6-7 Days decided to return and he's averaging 14.3 & 7.9 and joins a strong frontcourt that includes the 6-8 Eason (15.6 & 7/3), a Cincy transfer, and 7-0 freshman Reid (9.0 & 5.6). The backcourt is led by Missouri transfer Pinson (11.0-3.1-4.5), Murray (8.8) and Gaines (8.6). LSU head coach Will Wade said the Tigers "just lost our way a little bit" in the 70-55 loss to Auburn back on Dec 29 (LSU's first defeat of the season), falling behind 18-1 while missing their first 16 field-goal attempts. They played without starting shooting guard Brandon Murray, who was sidelined by a hamstring injury (he returned vs Kentucky to score 10 points), and the team shot 28.6 percent (18-of-63) from the floor, making just six 3-pointers in 29 attempts. LSU hurt itself with 17 turnovers. However, the Tigers sure regrouped against Kentucky.

However, as mentioned before, there is no rest for the weary. LSU know plenty about defense, allowing just 55.6 PPG (7th) on 34.7% shooting (1st) but off a hard-fought and emotional win over Kentucky (LSU named its home court for former head coach Dale Brown prior to that contes), I see the Tigers being a little 'flat' vs a very talented Tennessee team. The Vols may be a slight dog (take those points!) but I see Tennessee winning by double digits.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* PERFECT STORM is on Ga Tech at 6:00 ET.

8-5 Notre Dame (2-1 in the ACC) has won consecutive conference games against Pitt and North Carolina, while 6-7 Georgia Tech (0-3) is still trying to get in the win column in ACC play. Mike Brey is in his 27th season at Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish got off to a promising 3-1 start but then lost three consecutive games. However, the Fighting Irish beat then-No. 10 Kentucky 66-62 on Dec 11 and got their season turned around. Josh Pastner (of Memphis fame) led the Ga Tech Yellow Jackets to a 17-9 record and their first ACC tourney championship since 1993 last season but after a 5-1 start to the current season, Ga Tech has lost SIX of seven to fall under .500 on the season.

Notre Dame's won FOUR straight and will be coming off one of its best wins of the season, a 78-73 home victory over North Carolina. The Irish only played seven players, but FOUR of them reached double figures in scoring. Nate Laszewski led the team with 20 points and eight rebounds, followed by Blake Wesley and Dane Goodwin with 18 and 17 points, respectively. Brey's team typically goes just seven-deep. Guards Goodwin (15.1 & 5.5) and Wesley (13.7) are the top-two scorers, joined by Ryan (8.7-4.2), Hubb (7.8) and Wertz (5.0) in the backcourt. The 6-9 Atkinson (11.4 & 6.5) and the 6-10 Laszewski (8.5 & 7.2) are the best (only?) frontcourt players.

Georgia Tech had a tall task in its last outing, with a road game against No. 2 Duke on Tuesday (lost 69-57). Michael Devoe scored 21 points, but as a team the Yellow Jackets shot just 21 of 64 (32.8 percent) from the floor and saw two players foul out in a game they never really had a chance to win down the stretch. Ga Tech lost ACC player of the year Wright (14 & 8.0) and PG Alvarado (15.2-3.5-4.1) from last year but this season features a guard-dominated lineup led by Devoe (21.2-5.6-5.0) and 6-7 big guard Usher (18.8 & 6.8). Sturdivant (7.5), 6-6 SF Moore (5.9 & 4.2), guard Coleman (5.9) and swingman Smith (5.4 & 3.4) are also contributors. 6-10 centers Howard averages 6.2 & 5.5 but he's doubtful with an ankle injury.

It's a 'PERFECT STORM' tonight in Atlanta, as the underachieving Yellow Jackets get the better of an Irish team coming off their big win over UNC, which came at home where they are 6-0. Notre Dame gets 'stung' tonight by Ga Tech!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Daydream Believer is on Virginia at 1:00 ET.

Tony Bennett's UVA team won a national championship in 2019 and from the 2013-14 season through the championship season of 2018-19, the Cavs avenged 29.7 wins per season. The Cavs ended last season 18-7, after a first-round NCAA loss to 13th-seed Ohio U. However, this year's team is a modest 9-5 (but 3-1 in ACC play) as it heads to Chapel Hill to take on the North Carolina Tar Heels. Roy Wiliams retired after last season, ending his career with a first-round NCAA tournament loss and an 18-11 record with his beloved Tar Heels. Former North Carolina player Hubert Davis took over as head coach and the Tar Heels were ranked 19th in the AP's preseason poll. However, at 10-4 (2-1 in the ACC), the Tar Heels are unranked and coming off a 78-73 loss Wednesday night at Notre Dame.

Virginia enters on an uptick after ACC wins on the road over Syracuse and Clemson. Tuesday's 75-65 victory was particularly satisfying, considering two weeks earlier the Cavaliers lost to Clemson by 17 points. The only returning starter for UVA is PG Clark, who chips in 9.9 PPG and 4.2 APG. Guard Beekman (6.9-3.9-4.4) is back, as is the 6-11 Shedrick (6.8 & 5.6), but UVA's two-most important players are transfers. The 6-6 Gardner comes from East Carolina and leads in scoring (15.4) and rebounding (7.6) plus guard Franklin comes via Indiana and chips in 12.0 PPG. In Tuesday's physical game vs Clemson, Gardner (23 points) was a force as he drew eight fouls inside on the Tigers. Shedrick (eight points, six rebounds, four blocks) and reserve Francisco Caffaro (eight points) also helped the Cavaliers to a 34-22 edge on points in the paint. As always, Bennett's team is one of the nation's best defensive squads in the nation, allowing just 57.7 PPG (12th).

North Carolina has a frontcourt led by the returning 6-10 Bacot (15.7 & 10.4), 6-9 Oklahoma transfer Manek (12.4 & 5.9) and Marquette transfer Garcia (10.0 & 5.5). Sophomore guard Love (15.6-3.8-3,3) teams with freshman Davis (13.7-3.6-3.6) plus Black (4.2 & 4.9) and Walton (3.9) in the backcourt. However, Garcia exited North Carolina's game against BC with a concussion and missed the Notre Dame game and will miss again here. Speaking of that game against Notre Dame, Bacot (21 & 7 vs the Irish) questioned his team's effort afterward. "It was just flat out an embarrassing loss," he said. "It's unacceptable that we can't win these games with all the talent that we have. It's unacceptable that we're not paying attention to our coaches and just not playing Carolina basketball.

My 10* Ivy League Game of the Month is on Brown at 7:00 ET.

The 8-8 Brown Bears will travel to Lavietes Pavilion to take on the 8-4 Harvard Crimson this Friday night in Ivy League action. The Ivy League did not play basketball last season due to COVID, so Brown's Mike Martin enters his 10th season with the Bears and Tommy Amaker is 15th with the Crimson. Amaker has by far the better resume with seven, 20-win seasons (four NCAA berths), compared to Martin's one, 20-win season.

Freshman guard Lilly (12.8) leads Brown in scoring, despite coming off the bench. The starting-five consists of 6-5 SF Choh (12.3 & 8.0), guards Wojcik (9.9), Friday (9.1) and Mitchell (4.4 & 3.9) plus the 6-9 Gainey (8.3 & 5.9). The 6-8 Owusu-Anane (6.8 & 3.7) contributes off the bench. Harvard has two excellent 6-7 players in forward Ledlum (16.7 & 9.4) and big guard Kirk (16.0 & 5.8).That duo starts along with guards Sakoat (11.4) and Tretout (8.1) plus the 6-6 Catchings (8.8 & 3.9). 

Brown comes in on a four-game slide, while Harvard is 7-1 at home. That begs the question, "Why is Harvard such a small favorite?" One reason could be that Harvard hasn't played since Dec 21 (NOT a positive), while Brown has played three times since Dec 27. Then there is this. Brown has consistently been undervalued in this spot by the oddsmakers, as the Bears are 6-1 ATS in their last seven vs a team with a winning percentage above .600 and 7-3 ATS in their last 10 road games against a team with a winning home record. Add to that, the Crimson are just 4-11 ATS in their last 15 games vs Ivy League opponents. Take the small points but expect a Brown 'upset' win!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Game of the Month (AAC) is on Cincinnati at 9:30 ET.

The SMU Mustangs and Cincinnati Bearcats meet Thursday in college basketball action at the Fifth Third Arena in Cicinnati. The Mustangs look to build on their EIGHT-game winning streak (covered the last six!), while Bearcats look for a win after winning FIVE of their last seven games.

SMU head coach Tim Jankovich is just two years removed from severe sanctions that SMU faced due to none other than Larry Brown (great coach but one who knows how to leave a program in the dust!). SMU won 19 games before the 2019-20 season was shut down and then went 11-6 in a season that limited this team to 17 games because of COVID. The team's 10-3 start (8-0 at home) is impressive. Returning guards Davis (21.5-4.9-5.4) and Bandoumel (10.1) are a solid duo plus a great story is the reuniting of the Weathers' twins, who last played together at Mia-O back in the 2016-17 season. The two took different paths from there but are now 'one big family' at SMU. SF Marcus is averaging 10.4 & 7.0, while guard Michael adds 8.8 & 4.8. Fellow guard Nutall chips in 9.4 & 4.3 plus the 6-10 Clark is a Baylor transfer. He was averaging 14.6 & 6.4 in the 2018-19 season before a serious knee injury forced him to the sidelines. This his last hurrah and he's adding 6.4 & 4.0 in 18 minutes.

Cincinnati has a great basketball tradition (remember the Big O?) and under Bob Huggins, then Mick Cronin, it was revived. From 1992 through 2019, the Bearcats appeared in 23 NCAA tourneys. John Brannen last just ONE season after Cronin left for UCLA and Wes Miller was hired for this season. His UNC-Greensboro teams had won 20-plus games in each of the last five seasons. He inherited four guards, who make up the 'heart' of this season's 10-4 team. Davenport (2.9 & 5.1) leads the way, followed by Dejulius (12.1), Saunders (8.8) and Adams-Woods (7.2). 6-5 SF Newman (6.5 & 4.2) is a Clemson transfer, and The rest of the frontcourt has SIZE! The 6-11 Lahkin (6.2 & 5.1) returns, along with 6-9 Wake transfer Oguama (5.4 & 4.6) and 6-11 Miss St transfer Ado (3.2 & 4.9).

I noted earlier that SMU was on a six0-game ATS run but the Mustangs had opened the season going 1-7 ATS. Winning at Fifth Third Arena with its great home crowd, where Cincy's trademark defense (60.6 PPG ranks 29th) always gets turned up a notch is tough. The Bearcats take this one by double digits.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Situational Stunner is on Iowa at 9:00 ET.

Wisconsin (11-2, 2-1 Big Ten) registered a huge 74-69 road win over No. 3 Purdue on Monday, behind Johnny Davis' career highs of 37 points and 14 rebounds. However, the 23rd-ranked Badgers have had little time to enjoy the win, as high-scoring Iowa Hawkeyes arrive in Madison Thursday night. 11-3 Iowa (1-2 in Big Ten) is coming off an 80-75 victory at home over Maryland on Monday, a game in which Keegan Murray, the nation's leading scorer, scored 35 points!

Fran McCaffrey is in his 12th season at Iowa City and he's delivered seven, 20-win seasons is his first 11. Gone are consensus National Player-of-the-Year Garza (24.1 & 8.7) and Wieskamp (14.8 & 6.6) but the Hawkeyes opened 7-0, before dropping back-to-back Big Ten games to Purdue and Illinois. The 6-8 Murray twins (Keegan and Kris) were freshmen last season at Iowa. Keegan gained playing time as the year wound down but Kris was lost in the shuffle. This season, Keegan leads the team in scoring (24.5) and rebounding (8.2) while his brother Kris comes off the bench to chip in 9.2 & 4.7. Returning players like the 6-9 Patrick McCaffrey (11.3 PPG) and returning guard Bohannon adds 10.7 PPG. Perkins (8.4), 6-7 freshman Sandfort (6.2), the 6-9 Rebraca (6.1 & 6.2) and Toussaint (5.2) comprise a deep group. Iowa comes in averaging 87.4 PPG, second-best in the nation.

Wisconsin featured four, 5th-year seniors and three regular seniors last season but of the 14 scholarship players this season, 10 are classified as freshmen for eligibility purposes. Guard Davison began the season with 124 career starts and is averaging 14.5 & 4.0. The great news for Wisconsin fans is, fellow guard Davis (7.0 & 4.1 LY) is averaging 22.3 & 7.3 this season. Also back, after limited playing time last season, are the 6-9 Wahl (8.9 & 5.0) and the 7-0 Crowl (8.5 & 4.6). Davis had career highs of 37 points and 14 rebounds in the upset of Purdue. However, as mentioned up top, there is "no rest for the weary!' It's a clash of styles (tempo), as Wisconsin holds opponents to 63.6 PPG, while Iowa averages 87.4, two 'TDs' more than Wisconsin. The Hawkeyes have won FOUR straight after dropping three in a row in early December plus have won the last FOUR meetings with Wisconsin, including a 77-62 victory last season at Madison. Upset (?) Alert.  

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Rivalry Game of the Month is on Ohio St at 7:00 ET.

No. 13 Ohio State is still rounding into form after a three-week layoff due to COVID-19 issues. After an 87-79 overtime win at Nebraska, the Buckeyes will face another Big Ten road test on Thursday when they face the Indiana Hoosiers in Bloomington, Ohio St head coach Chris Holtmann has won 25, 20, 21 and 21 games in his first four seasons in Columbus and it's hard to believe that a fifth straight 20-win season isn't in the cards this season, as the Buckeyes are 9-2 (3- in Big Ten). Indiana is led by first-year coach Mike Woodson, who took over this season, after Archie Miller was abruptly fired after Indiana closed last season with SIX straight losses. He has the Hoosiers off to a 10-3 start (1-2 in Big Ten) but is also 9-0 at home.

Ohio St's 6-7 Liddell (19.6 & 7.3) is again the team's best player but scored just 10 points on 2 of 14 shooting.at Nebraska. "E.J. has got to get his legs back," Holtmann said. "So does Justin (Ahrens) and so do a couple of other guys." Ohio State was 'rescued' by getting 35 points from freshman guard Malaki Branham (8.9). Liddell is joined up front by the 6-8 Key (10.1 & 6.2 / up from 5.2 & 3.4 LY) and the 6-6 Ahrens (8.4 & 3.0). The starting backcourt is freshman Branham (7.3) and PG Wheeler (7.2 & 4.1 APG), who is a transfer from Penn St. The 6-8 Young comes off the bench to chip in 10.0 & 6.7.

The Hoosiers have used a six-man rotation, led by the 6-9 Jackson-Davis (19.3 & 8.2) and Xavier transfer Johnson, who adds 10.0-3.8-4.2 as the team's PG. The other four contributors are the 6-8 Thompson (10.8 & 8.0), 6-7 Northwestern transfer Kupp (7.6), plus guards Stewart (7.3) and freshman Bates (5.8).

Ohio State has won this season with offense, ranking fifth in the Big Ten in scoring (76.7 PPG), third in three-point field goal percentage (39.7 percent) and second in overall field goal percentage (48.9 percent). Meanwhile, Indiana is holding opponents to just 61.6% (41st) on 35.4% shooting (3rd). As already noted, Indiana is 9-0 at home and has won SEVEN of those nine games by a margin of 10 points or more. However, the Hoosiers will be facing a ranked team for just the second time this season. The first one didn't end well, as back on Dec 8, Indiana lost at No. 22 Wisconsin 64-59, blowing a 22-point first-half lead. This is a bad matchup for the Hoosiers and expect them to suffer a second straight loss to a ranked opponent.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* ACC Game of the Year is on Notre Dame at 9:00 ET.

Roy Wiliams retired after last season, ending his career with a first-round NCAA tournament loss and an 18-11 record with his beloved Tar Heels. Former North Carolina player Hubert Davis took over as head coach and the Tar Heels were ranked 19th in the AP's preseason poll. North Carolina heads to South Bend on Wednesday night at 10-3 (2-0 ACC) but unranked. Mike Brey is in his 27th season at Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish got off to a promising 3-1 start but then lost three consecutive games. However, the Fighting Irish beat then-No. 10 Kentucky 66-62 on Dec 11, sparking a 3-1 run. However, Notre Dame welcomes North Carolina to Purcell Pavilion just 7-5 (1-1 in the ACC).

North Carolina has a frontcourt led by the returning 6-10 Bacot (15.3 & 9.9), 6-9 Oklahoma transfer Manek (12.7 & 5.8) and Marquette transfer Garcia (10.0 & 5.5). Sophomore guard Love (15.6-3.9-3,5) teams with freshman Davis (13.3-3.6-3.5) plus Black (4.2 & 4.5) and Walton (3.9) in the backcourt. However, it should be noted that Garcia exited North Carolina's last game with a head injury after a Boston College player fell on him. He didn't practice Monday. Brey's team goes seven-deep. Guards Goodwin (14.9 & 5.6) and Wesley (13.3 are the top-two scorers, joined by Ryan (8.5-4.3), Hubb (7.8) and Wertz (5.2) in the backcourt. The 6-9 Atkinson (12.2 & 6.5) and the 6-10 Laszewski (7.6 & 7.2) are the best (only?) frontcourt players.

The Tar Heels are 3-0 overall in road games this season, although their three losses have come in neutral-court games. Their true road wins are at College of Charleston, Georgia Tech and Boston College. The road has been kind to North Carolina this season, as for the third time in Atlantic Coast Conference play (2-0 so far), North Carolina will be the visitor when it takes the court Wednesday night at South Bend. However, Notre Dame is a perfect 5-0 at home, including an impressive 66-62 win over Kentucky, which CRUSHED the Tar Heels 98-69 in Las Vegas back on Dec 18. Take the points

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Situational Stunner is on Syracuse at 8:00 ET.

Jim Boeheim is in his 46th season as a head coach and is coming off another Sweet 16 run in last year's "Big Dance" (The Orange finished 18-10). Meanwhile, Miami head coach Jim Larranaga has led the Hurricanes to six, 20-win seasons in his 10 years, to all three of the school's 25-win seasons and to two of the school's three Sweet 16 appearances. By the way, I could also throw in him leading unheralded George Mason to a Final 4 appearance back in 2006. However, the 'Canes are coming off a 10-17 season (4-15 in the ACC) last year. Meanwhile, Syracuse enteres this game in South Beach just 7-6 (1-1 in the ACC), Miami has won SEVEN straight games overall to reach 11-3  (3-0 in the ACC), ONE of four teams unbeaten in ACC play, joined by bluebloods Duke, North Carolina and Louisville.

Boeheim's team is led by his son Buddy, who is averaging 19.5 PPG (adds 3.4 RPG and 3.5 APG). His backcourt partner Girard (13.1-3.2-4.6) returned at PG but two key transfers have made immediate impacts. Swider, a 6-9 transfer from Villanova, is averaging 12.5 & 6.8 plus Boeheim's oldest son Jimmy (a 6-8 graduate transfer from Cornell), is adding 14.1 & 6.1 (he's now the second-leading scorer on the team, behind only his brother) The 6-11 Edwards returns up front and chips in 11.5 & 6.4. Depth has been an issue all season, plus Boeheinm's famed "2-3 zone" has allowed 75.6 PPG (318th).

Miami is led by the guard trio of McGusty (18.3 & 5.9), Wong (16.5 & 4.0) and Moore (11.1), plus Miller adds 8.5 & 5.6 off the bench. Miami hasn't gotten modest production from the 6-9  Walker (6.1 & 2.3) and the 6-10 Waardenburg (7.4 & 3.8). Tonight, Larranaga is hoping that starting center Sam Waardenburg returns after missing two straight games due to COVID protocol.

Miami has scored more than 90 points in two straight league games, something no other ACC team has accomplished since 2017 and NO Hurricanes team has ever accomplished! However, since joining the ACC, Miami is just 4-6 against Syracuse and the Hurricanes have not eclipsed 70 points against the Orange in ANY of those 10 games. Expect Syracuse to bounce back from that recent home t loss to UVA, behind the "Boehem Boys" and a return to some good old 2-3 zone defense. Take the points.

Good luck...Larry 

My 9* Oddsmaker's Error is on Dayton at 7:00 ET.

The VCU Rams will travel to UD Arena to take on the Dayton Flyers Wednesday night in A-10 action. VCU's Mike Rhoades has some pretty good credentials in his first four seasons in Richmond, going 80-41 with two NCAA bids. Last season's NCAA bid ended before his team was able to play its first round game with Oregon, as the VCU team had a COVID outbreak. The Rams opened just 3-4 this season but enter this contest on a four-game winning streak to reach 7-4. Anthony Grant came from Alabama to Dayton for the 2017-18 season and his second and third seasons, won 21 and 29 games, respectively. However, the Flyers were just 14-10 last year, ending the season with a loss in the first round of the NIT.

VCU is averaging just 60.5 PPG (340th), led by the 6-6 Vince Williams Jr. (10.7 & 5.6). The only other player in double digits is guard Nunn (10.0), while guard Curry (9.1) just misses and the 6-8 Stockard (7.8 & 4.0) helps up front. VCU is led by a defense which is one of the best in college basketball, allowing 56.7 PPG (8th).

Dayton is a young team, led by 6-8 sophomore Toumani Camara (10.4 & 6.8), 6-10 freshman Daron Holmes II (10.4 & 5.0) plus freshman guards Malachi Smith (10.0 & 4.2) and Elijah Weaver (9.6). The 6-10 Amzil, who came on late last season to average 9.9 & 5.6, has yet to match those numbers this season, averaging 6.5 &3.9. Dayton is a solid defensive team (64.4 PPG) and has more 'fire-opower' than VCU, averaging 70.4 PPG.

VCU last played Dec 15 and Dayton last played on Dec 21. I don't believe layoffs are good but in this case, I believe it helps to be the home team. I believe the flyers are VERY undervalued here and that's the bet!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Situational Stunner is on Virginia at 9:00 ET.

Tony Bennett's UVA team won a national championship in 2019 and from the 2013-14 season through the championship season of 2018-19, the Cavs avenged 29.7 wins per season. The Cavs ended last season 18-7, after a first-round NCAA loss to 13th-seed Ohio U. Brad Brownell arrived in Clemson for the 2010-11 season and after 11 years, he's led the Tigers to just four, 20-win seasons and three NCAA berths. This is his 12th season at the helm. The 9-4 Clemson Tigers (1-1 ACC) will put a four-game winning streak on the line Tuesday night when the Tigers play host to longtime nemesis Virginia. The Cavs are coming off a 74-69 victory at Syracuse on Saturday night that provided some encouragement after the Cavaliers got off to their worst start of the Tony Bennett era. UVA enters this contesr ona three-game winnig streak to reach 9-5 (2-1 ACC). This marks the second meeting in two weeks between the teams. The Tigers  snapped an 11-game losing streak against the Cavaliers back on Dec 22 in Charlottesville, 67-50!

The only returning starter for UVA is PG Clark (10.1 & 4.4 APG). Guard Beekman (6.8-3.8-4.4) is back, as is the 6-11 Shedrick (6.7 & 5.5), but UVA's two-most important players are transfers. The 6-6 Gardner comes from East Carolina and leads in scoring (14.8) and rebounding (7.8) plus guard Franklin comes via Indiana and chips in 11.9 PPG. As always, Bennett's team is one of the nation's best defensive squads in the nation, allowing just 57.2 PPG (6th).

Clemson's starters have remained unchanged this season and all five are averaging 9.6 points or better. The 6-10 P.J. Hall leads the way with 14.4 PPG (adds 6.3 RPG), joined up front by the 6-8 Hunter Tyson (11.8 & 5.8), The Tigers start three guards, David Collins (11.6 & 7.2), Al-Amir Dawes (11.4) and Nick Honor (9.6).

That win at Syracuse just may be a 'buy sign' for UVA and that's my bet here, as revenge works. Don't forget, before losing on Dec 22, Virginia had beaten Clemson 11 times in a row! Take the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Marquee Classic is on LSU at 7:00 ET.

The Kentucky men's basketball team went just 9-16 last season, but all knew that was an aberration, as the Wildcats were ranked No. 10 in the AP's preseason poll. After a loss to Duke in the Champions Classic on the opening night of the season, the Wildcats have won 11 of 12, losing only 66-62 at Notre Dame back on Dec 11. The Wildcats are 11-2 (ranked 16th) as they vistit Baton Rouge to face 12-1 LSU. The Tigers are ranked 21st, after losing their first game of the season at No. 11 Auburn 70-55 last Wednesday (team's SEC opener).

The 6-9 Tshiebwe (15.8 & 15.2) and the 6-7 Brooks (11.3 & 4.9) are the two main frontcourt players for Coach Cal's team. SG Washington (14.0-4.2-3.9) and PG Wheeler (10.3 & 7.8 APG) lead a backcourt that also features Grady (11.8) and Mintz (7.3). LSU's Will Wade had success at VCU (took over for Shaka Smart) and that got him the gig at LSU. His first team went 18-15 (NIT) but his teams have won 25, 21 and 19 games the last three seasons (two NCAAs, which would have been three except for COVID cancelation).

LSU lost guard Thomas (22.8), forward Watford (17.0 & 7.4) and guard Smart (16.8-5.2-4.2) to the NBA and others to the transfer portal, leaving just FOUR returning players. The 6-7 Days decided to return and he's averaging 14,7 & 8.0 and joins a strong frontcourt that includes the 6-8 Eason (15.8 & 8.0), a Cincy transfer, and 7-0 freshman Reid (9.2 & 5.8). The backcourt is led by Missouri transfer Pinson (11.0-3.1-4.5), Murray (8.8) and Gaines (8.7).

This is a BRUTALLY tough spot for Kentucky (SEC opener). LSU head coach Wade said the Tigers "just lost our way a little bit" in the loss to Auburn, falling behind 18-1 while missing their first 16 field-goal attempts. They played without starting shooting guard Brandon Murray, who was sidelined by a hamstring injury, and the team shot 28.6 percent (18-of-63) from the floor, making just six 3-pointers in 29 attempts. LSU hurt itself with 17 turnovers.

Beating Kentucky is always motivation enough for LSU but the school will formally name its home court for former head coach Dale Brown on Tuesday night in Baton Rouge. Don't forget, this is just Kentucky's SECOND true road game this season and the Wildcats lost their first, 66-62 at Notre Dame, which is a mediocre 7-5 on the season. Tigers "Win one for Dale"

Good luck...Larry

My 10* MAC Game of the Month is on Ohio U at 6:00 ET.

The Ohio Bobcats and Akron Zips meet Tuesday from the James A. Rhodes Arena in Akron.The Bobcats are 10-2 (1-0) and the Zips are 8-3 (1-0). The coaching matchups offers some intrgue, as Jeff boals (who palued at OU along with Gary Trent when the Bobcats won the MAC in teh 1993-94 season), returned to coach his alma mater ttwo seaosn agao. In his secind year (2020-21), held led Ohio to a MAC conference tourney win and then an upset of UVA is the first round of the "Big Dance." Akron's John Croce was a Ohio St assistamt whem he was named Ohio's head coach  back in 2008-09. In his four years in Athens, he led the Bobcats to two NCAA berths, includuing a Sweet 16 run in 2012. He left after that for Illinois but was fitred after five seasosn and has now resrfaced at AAkron.

Oho returned four of five starters from last season but did lose its best player, guard Preston (15.7-7.3-7.3), who left for the NBA (1st Ohio player picked in the draft since Brandon Hunter is 2003). However, this year's starting-five is VERY good. Guard Sears (18.7 & 4.6 RPG) starts with Brown (7.5) in the backcourt. SF Roderick adds 7.2 PPG plus the 6-8 Carter (13.9 & 7.4) and the 6-8 Vander Plas (12.8 & 5.8) make for a strong frontcourt duo. Ohio does not have much of a bench.

Much like Ohio, Akron relies on its starting-five. The 6-8 Ali leads in scoring at 14.5 PPG, while the 6-7 Freeman is the leading recbounder (11.2), while adding 12.7 PPG. The 7-0 Bandaugo (4.8 & 4.5) starts up front. Guard Castaneda chips in 11.1 PPG and Greg Trimble 7.2 PPG.

Ohio lost at then-undefeated LSU back on Dec 1 but has since won FIVE in a row. The Bobcats only other loss this season came at Kentucky on Nov 19 (Wildcats are currently ranked 16th). Akron  opened just 2-3 but the Zips have won SIX in a row (five at home) and welcome the Bobcats to Akron 6-0 at home. However, the bottom lins is that Ohio U is the better team plus we get a couple points, as well. It's hard to ignore that the underdog is 6-0 ATS in the last 6 meetings between these two schools.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* MNF Game of the Year is on the Pit Steelers at *:15 ET.

The 7-7-1 Pittsburgh Steelers entered the weekend with the 11th-best record in the AFC, while the 7-8 Cleveland Browns (7-8) held the 12th position. In the AFC North, the 9-6 Cincinnati Bengals were in the lead and the 8-7 Baltimore Ravens held second place. However, the Browns and Steelers were scheduled for MNF, AFTER the other 30 teams played 15 games on Sunday. Now, as the Browns and Steelers get set to square off tonight at Heinz Field, Sunday's results have led to this scenario. The Browns have been eliminated from playoff contention, while the Steelers are still 'alive.' However, 'alive' means that to clinch a playoff berth the Steelers need to win tonight at home vs the Browns, then win next Sunday at Baltimore, PLUS they will need the Colts to lose at 2-14 Jacksonville next Sunday. Paraphrasing former President Bill Clinton, "It depends on what your definition of alive is?"

The Browns arrive in Pittsburgh having lost THREE of four, including dropping their last two by TWO points (at home to the Raiders in Week 15 and at Green Bay in Week 16).The Steelers can 'feel Cleveland's pain,' as they get set to host their longtime rivals having gone 2-4-1 over their last seven games. "If you're a Browns fan, you're frustrated," defensive end Myles Garrett (career-best 15 sacks) said. "If you're a Browns player, you're frustrated. If you have anything to do with us, you know that. We've had chances, we just haven't converted or capitalized. I can't tell you how frustrated we are or I am." Cleveland QB Baker Mayfield has come under fire for a subpar season in which he has 15 touchdown passes against 11 interceptions (his ratio was 26-8 last season). Mayfield was picked off FOUR times in the loss at Green Bay. Mayfield may be happy to be playing this game in the 'friendly confines' of Heinz Field, as he has been booed at home for the first time in his four-year NFL career.

Mayfield's "opposite number" is 18-year veteran Ben Roethlisberger. The two-time Super Bowl champion is in the homestretch of his 18th season and 'rumor has it,' that this will likely be Big Ben's final regular season home game. Roethlisberger ranks fifth in NFL history with 63,721 passing yards and eighth with 416 passing TDs. The 'talk' all season has been that he has NOTHING left, but Mayfield can only 'dream' of matching Big Ben's numbers in 2021. Roethlisberger has completed 65.2% for 3,373 yards (over 500 more yards than Mayfield has thrown for) with 20 TDs and just 8 INTs.

The Steelers beat the Browns 15-10 in Cleveland back on Oct 31, when they scored the game's final 12 points. Roethlisberger passed for 266 yards and the go-ahead TD. I really like Cleveland head coach Kevin Stefanski, who became the first Browns head coach since Romeo Crennel in 2007 to lead the franchise to a winning season, going 11-5 in his very first year with the Browns (2020).  last seasonStefanski led the Browns to a 11–5 record, finishing third in the AFC North and clinching the Browns' first playoff berth since 2002. The Browns then CRUSHED the Steelers (at Pittsburgh) in a wild card game. This is a bitter rivalry and the Browns would 'LOVE' nothing more than to end Pittsburgh's chance at making the playoffs but Mike Tomlin, who arrived in Pittsburgh back 2007, has built quite a resume in his time with the Steelers. As the saying goes, "this isn't his first rodeo," while the same can be said regarding Big Ben. Steelers stay 'alive' and head to Baltimore with the hope of beating the Ravens, while 'rooting' for the Jags at home vs the Colts. First things, FIRST. Take the Steelers.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the Brk Nets at 7:40 ET.

The Memphis Grizzlies lost 132-110 to the Hawks on Nov 26, giving them a 9-10 record. However, the Grizzlies have won 14 of 18 since, as Memphis now owns a 23-14 record, good enough for the Western Conference's No. 4 seed, behind Golden St, Phoenix and Utah. Speaking about that trio, Memphis owns the distinction of being the only team to defeat those three heavyweights of the Western Conference this season. The Grizzlies will get a crack at another upper-echelon team Monday night when they visit the 23-11 Brooklyn Nets (East's No. 2 seed). Of note is the fact that the Nets have 'fallen short" against upper-echelon opponents all season, going a combined 0-6 against the Chicago Bulls, Milwaukee Bucks, Miami Heat, Golden State and Phoenix.

Ja Morant leads Memphis in scoring with 24.7 PPG (also adds 5.7 RPG and 6.6 APG). He's averaging 26.5 points in six games since returning from a 12-game absence due to a sprained knee and the NBA health and safety protocol. The Grizzlies were 10-2 in his absence, and Morant is averaging 30.5 points during their current four-game winning streak. Memphis is playing without Dillon Brooks (2nd-leading scorer at 19.3 PPG), John Konchar, Jarrett Culver and De'Anthony Melton (10.5 & 4.2), who are all in the league's health and safety protocol. However, Desmond Bane (17.2 & 4.3), Jaren Jackson Jr. (16.3 & 5.3) and center Steven Adams (7.1 & 9.1) have played in 37, 36 and 37 games, respectively.

Brooklyn is looking to avoid three straight losses for the first time this season and a FOURTH straight home loss, after fourth-quarter collapses against the Philadelphia 76ers and Los Angeles Clippers. The Nets scored five points in the final 3 1/2 minutes Thursday in a 110-102 loss to Philadelphia and were outscored 28-11 in the final 5:57 and blew a 13-point lead in Saturday's 120-116 loss to the Clippers. "I just think (giving up) 71 points in the second half is unacceptable," Nets coach Steve Nash said. "We just never really had the care factor." The Nets are on their first losing streak of the season DESPITE getting stars Kevin Durant (29.8-7.9-5.7) and James Harden (22.8-8.3-9.9) back from the NBA health and safety protocol and being close to full strength.

I really respect Memphis, which has won with and WITHOUT Morant in the lineup but Brooklyn could really use an impressive win over a red-hot team like the Grizllies, after recent embarrassments. I'm laying the points.

Good luck...Larry

The Washington Wizards snuck into the playoffs last season at 34-38 but lost in the 1st Round. The Wizards have been searching for an identity for some time now and MAY have found one this season but COVID hasn't helped. Washington has had three straight games with at least FIVE players absent because of the NBA's health and safety protocols and were without SEVEN players for their most-recent game, when they fell 120-119 on Saturday to the visiting Chicago Bulls. That gives Washington losses in FOUR of its last five home games and an 18-18 record on the season.

Charlotte PG Ball (19.6-7.4-7.8) missed some games earlier with COVID issues but it's pretty obvious that last season's rookie-of-the-year is the 'real deal!' Bridges (19.5 & 7.1) is having a 'career season' and returned to the lineup last night after a two-game absence. Hayward (16.9-4.7-3.7) has only missed one game plus guard Rozier (17.3) and swingman Oubre (16.4) give the Hornets FIVE players averaging 16-plus points. PJ Washington (10.9 & 5.2) is still in COVID protocols but center Plumlee (6.6 & 7.2) is back in the lineup (he's played in 28 of the team's 37 games), doing a quietly efficient job).

Guards Beal (23.6-4.6-6.4) and Dinwiddie (13.1-5.0-5.6)  have been excellent in the backcourt Washington team but a trio I like to call "Lakers-East," have been MAJOR additions. PF Harrell (14.5 & 7.3), SF Kuzma (13.9 & 8.1) and swingman Caldwell-Pope (11.1) have really found a home on the East Coast. Undersized center, the 6-9 Gafford, is averaging 9.3 & 6.7. Washington welcomed Bradley Beal back from protocol in its 110-93 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday, and he responded with game-highs of 29 points and 10 assists. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope also returned from protocol on Thursday and scored 12 points in his first appearance since Dec 18. Kyle Kuzma, who missed two games due to protocol in mid-December, recorded a 25-point, 10-rebound double-double against Cleveland. However, Washington is not completely 'out of the woods,' as Montrezl Harrell, the Wizards' second-leading scorer on the season, entered protocol ahead of Washington's Dec 28 loss at Miami and hasn't played since. Unfortunately for the Wizards, Dinwiddie has just been placed in COVID protocols.

Charlotte is the NBA's second-highest scoring team at 114.7 PPG and got the better of Washington 109-103 back on November 22nd in Washington and my bet says "no revenge" here, as I expect a similar final outcome this time as well.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* MVC Game of the Year is on Missouri St at 8:00 ET.

The Drake Bulldogs won their 4th straight game and improved to 10-4 on the season after defeating the Mount Marty Lancers, 82-53, this past Tuesday. The Bulldogs will travel to JQH Arena to take on the Missouri State Bears Sunday night in MVC action. The Bears improved to 9-5 on the season after defeating the Evangel Crusaders, 103-56, this past Thursday.

You may remember Drake opening 18-0 last season, but the Bulldogs lost in the MVC tourney (Arch Madness). However, the Bulldogs still went 'dancing,' earning the first at-large built in program history (Drake finished 26-5). Drake returned all FIVE starters from that team. However, guard Penn (9.7) has been out with a foot injury (last played Dec 9) and the 6-6 Hemphill (10.2 & 4.9) is listed as questionable (undisclosed reasons). Guard DeVries (13.5 & 4.5) is the leading scorer and 6-6 forward Murphy (10.8 & 5.4) joins him as a double-digit scorer, assuming Hemphill is not back. Guards Wilkins (9.5) and Sturtz (9.4 & 6.7) plus the 6-10 Brodie (7.7 & 4.40 have each played all 14 games.

Dana Ford is in his fourth season at Missouri St and led the Bears to a 17-7 record plus had all FIVE starters coming back. The 6-9 Prim (19.5) was the first-ever Missouri St player to lead the MVC in scoring and this season is averaging 14.8 PPG plus a team-high 8.4 RPG. The 6-8 Clay (7.9 & 6.4) joins him in the frontcourt. Mosley (18.1 & 4.9) leads a backcourt that also includes returning players Black (10.4), Hervey (4.4) and Sharp (5.4). The 6-8 Minnett is a Valpo grad transfer, and the swingman adds 13.0 PPG. Hervey has been a disappointment this season and Sharp remains unavailable due to a leg injury (hasn't played since nov 30). 

This is just Drake's second true road game (won 78-70 at Nebraska-Omaha) but the Bulldogs are 0-4 in neutral-site games. I believe the home court edge is the 'difference-maker" in this conference rivalry game. Lay the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on the Sac Kings at 6:10 ET.

Bottom line is any analysis of an upcoming NBA game MUST include "who is in or out of COVID protocol!" The Miami Heat returned to the court and beat the host Houston Rockets 120-110 on Friday night, despite missing SEVEN players due to COVID protocols. Jimmy Butler scored a season-high 37 points, Tyler Herro added 16 points and Kyle Lowry added 12. Those were the ONLY three players used by the Heat on Friday who started the season in Miami's rotation. Sacramento split two home games against the Dallas Mavericks this week, winning Wednesday on Chimezie Metu's three-pointer at the buzzer before losing Friday's rematch (112-96). In Wednesday's game, the Kings got Davion Mitchell, Alex Len and Louis King back from the COVID list. On Friday, Neemias Queta returned from COVID protocol and he was the final Kings player on the list. Shooting guard Terence Davis (9.5) missed Friday's game due to left ankle soreness but otherwise, the Kings are healthy, which is not the case for the Heat.

Besides the COVID list, the Heat are also without two-time All-Star Victor Oladipo (quadriceps) and Bam Adebayo (18.7 & 10.2) due to thumb surgery, as well as role players Dewayne Dedmon (knee); Markieff Morris (neck) and KZ Okpala (wrist). Swingman Butler leads the Heat in scoring (23.3) and steals (2.1) plus averages 5.9 RPG and 5.5 APG. Lowry adds 13.8 PPG and a team-high 8.1 APG, while Herro is averaging 20.4 PPG, forming a dynamic backcourt with Lowry. Sacramento is led in scoring by lightning quick De'Aaron Fox, who is averaging 20.2 PPG, which is actually down from last season (25.2). Sacramento combo guard Tyrese Haliburton (13.6 PPG) leads the Kings in assists (6.7) and is also Sacramento's best three-point shooter (42.7 percent). 6-10 center Richaun Holmes is back after dealing with an eye injury and pulls down a team-high 8.7 RPG, while scoring 12.6 PPG. SF Harrison Barnes (17.0 & 6.2) plus SG Buddy Hield (15.2) are also major contributors. Getting Baylor rookie Mitchell (9.6 PPG) back will make up for losing Davis to that ankle injury.

Most likely know that the Kings have missed the NBA playoffs for 15 consecutive seasons, but this team has way too much talent to extend that streak to 0 of 16 this season. Sacramento is currently 15-22, which gives them the West's 10th seed, the last of the four "Play In" spots. 'Baby steps' for this franchise would be a "Play In" spot but a 6-seed would sure be sweet. If the Kings can't win a game like this, then just maybe the Kings will be 'home for the playoffs' again this season. Again, 'baby steps.' I'm taking the undervalued home dog in this spot.

Good luck...Larry

My NFL 10* Game of the Month is on the Arz Cardinals at 4:25 ET.

The Arizona Cardinals opened the season 7-0 (were actually the last team to lose this NFL season) but after losing last Saturday 22-16 at home to the Colts (the team's third straight loss), the Cards check in at 10-5, giving them just the fifth-best record in the NFC. The Cards welcome the Cowboys to the desert, a team that has won FOUR in a row after crushing Washington 56-14 last Sunday night. The Cowboys have clinched the NFC East and at 11-4, own tiebreakers over both the 11-4 Rams and Bucs, giving them the No. 2 seed behind only the 12-3 Packers.

Arizona topped 30 points in SEVEN of its first nine games but has hit that mark just ONCE in the past six contests. The Cardinals have scored 16 points or less in THREE of those games, including head-scratching losses 34-10 to the Panthers and 30-12 against the Lions. QB Kyler Murray looked like the MVP favorite when he threw 17 TD passes (just five INTs) during the 7-0 start. However, he hurt an ankle in the final seconds of a 24-21 loss to the Green Bay Packers in Week 8 and missed three games and now has just FOUR scoring passes in his last four games.

WR DeAndre Hopkins (42 catches / 8 TDs), is out for at least the rest of the regular season with an MCL tear that required surgery. Kirk (69 / 5 TDs), Green (47 / 3 TDs) and rookie Moore (54) are all highly capable, but Moore did not play last week and is questionable again for this one. RB James Conner has just a 3.7 YPC average but has run for 700 yards with 14 TDs, However, an ankle injury kept him out last week (questionable for this one). The good news is that his backup Edmonds has returned last the two weeks running for 53 and 56 yards, plus added EIGHT catches vs the Colts (he's got 539 yards on 5.5 YPC). The Arizona defense has struggled at times recently but checks in allowing 20.4 PPG on the season (6th).

Dallas had a rough November, losing THREE of four games, but enters this game in Arizona on a four-game winning streak, with its defense holding opponents to 14.3 PPG. QB Dak Prescott has put up impressive numbers, completing 68.7% for 3,928 with 29 TDs and 10 INTS (he has missed just ONE of 15 games). However, he hadn't been nearly as good since returning from a calf injury in the eighth game. Prescott had thrown just five TD passes over his last five games, after tossing 20 over his first eight appearances. That ended vs Washington, as he threw for 330 yards with four TDs and zero INTs in the romp over, dare I say, the Redskins. WRs Lamb (74 catches / 7 TDs) and Cooper (60 catches / 7 TDs) plus TE Schultz (69 catches / 6 TDs) make for quite a receiving trio. RBs Elliott (899 yards on 4.3 YPC with 10 TDs) and Pollard (710 yards on 5.6 YPC with 2 TDs), give the offense a nice balance.

Trying to explain Arizoan's recent slump, head coach Kliff Kingsburyn opined, "That's what we've got to figure out. I don't have an answer to that, but it's untimely penalties, the snaps hitting the ground, missed kicks. I mean, it's just things that we had done well all year, but we're not doing well (now)." Murray (69.1% for 3,284 yards with 21 TDs and 10 INTs plus 344 rushing yards with 5 TDs) isn't much interested in the rhetoric when it comes to the slippage on his part or the Cardinals in general. "Me personally, I'm not panicking. I don't think anybody on this team is panicking," Murray said. "Yes, we've lost three in a row. The Rams lost three in a row, everybody was counting them out, the Chiefs (lost four of six). It's not a thing where it doesn't happen. This is the NFL; it's not easy."

A date on the road to end this slide is just what the doctor ordered for Arizona, as the Cardinals enter having gone 18-7-2 ATS in their last 27 road games. Meanwhile, Dallas just clinched with that blowout win over hated-Washington and is 'ripe' for a major letdown. 10-5 Arizona needs help to overtake the 11-4 Rams in the NFC West but a win here is a MUST. I'm taking the near-TD worth of points.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Weekend Wipeout is on UCF at 2:00 ET.

The UCF Knights and the SMU Mustangs meet from the Moody Coliseum on the SMU campus Sunday afternoon in an AAC contest. The Knights come into this one looking to add to an 85-71 win over Michigan on Thursday that gave them a 9-2 record (1-0 in the AAC). The Mustangs beat Tulsa in their last game, 74-69, giving them a record (1-0 in the AAC).

Johnny Dawkins' UCF team has an experienced squad full of high-leaping dunkers and bring back almost all of their scoring and minutes played from last season, when the Knights finished 11-12. Guard Darius Perry led the team with 14.7 PPG last season and is averaging 11.2-3.8-5.4 this season. Fellow guard Green (11.3 LY) leads the team in scoring this season, averaging 15.9 PPG. UCF's bench is led by former five-star Oregon recruit C.J. Walker, who named the AAC's top defensive player in a preseason poll. He's 6-8 and adds 9.1 & 5.8. The Knights have also added a 6-11 transfer in Cheikh Mbacke Diong, a Senegal native who was a team captain at UNLV. He's adding 5.5 & 5.9. Other starters back from the Knights' 2020-2021 roster are guard Brandon Mahan (10.4 PPG) and the 6-6 Isaiah Adams (5.5 PPG).

The Mustangs' Tim Jankovich is just two years removed from severe sanctions that SMU faced due to none other than Larry Brown (great coach but one who knows how to leave a program in the dust!). SMU won 19 games before the 2019-20 season was shut down and then went 11-6 in a season that limited this team to 17 games because of COVID. The team's 10-3 start (8-0 at home) is impressive. Returning guards Davis (21.6-4.7-5.2) and Bandoumel (10.2) are a solid duo plus a great story is the reuniting of the Weathers' twins, who last played together at Mia-O back in the 2016-17 season. The two took different paths from there but are now 'one big family' at SMU. SF Marcus is averaging 10.4 & 6.9, while guard Michael adds 7.9 & 4.8. Fellow guard Nutall chips in 9.4 & 4.3 plus the 6-10 Clark is a Baylor transfer. He was averaging 14.6 & 6.4 in the 2018-19 season before a serious knee injury forced him to the sidelines. This his last hurrah and he's adding 6.4 & 4.0 in 18 minutes.

One could make a case for a Central Florida "let down" off the Michigan win but this is a conference game and both UCF and SMU will 'be in the hunt' for the league's top-spot all season. Note that SMU is just 3-8 ATS in its last 11 vs the AAC, while UCF is a near-perfect 7-1 ATS in its last eight road games. Upset Alert but as always, take the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Las Vegas Insider is on the Cin Bengals at 1:00 ET.

The KC Chiefs were 3-4 through seven games this season and the refrain was, "What's wrong with the Chiefs?" No one is asking that question now, as KC comes to Cincinnati on an 8-game winning streak (6-2 ATS), having clinched the AFC West for SIXTH consecutive years. The 11-4 Chiefs hold a one-game advantage over 10-5 Tennessee in the chase for the first-round bye and home field advantage that goes to the top seed. However, a real challenge awaits against the 9-6 Bengals, who only need one win to clinch their first AFC North title since 2015. QB Joe Burrow is coming off a franchise-record 525 yards passing in a rout of Baltimore in Week 16, completing 37 of 46 with four TDs.

Patrick Mahomes was asked how the Chiefs overcame a 3-4 start and said, "nobody held their head down. We knew there was a lot of season left and everything we wanted was right in front of us." Mahonmes looked 'mortal' in the early going but he's back to being 'Superman' in KC's eight-game winning streak. He comes in completing 66.1% for 4,310 yards with 33 TDs and 13 INTs. WR Hill (104 catches / 9 TDs) and Kelce (83 catches / 7 TDs) remain the league's best WR/TE duo in the NFL and both are 'good to go here,' after dealing with COVID protocols. However, as we saw last week, playmaking receivers for the Chiefs do not have to be named Travis Kelce or Tyreek Hill. Byron Pringle (34 catches / 5 TDs) caught SIX passes for 75 yards and two TDs in KC's 36-10 dismantling of Pittsburgh. The Chiefs have used multiple rushing threats this season, as starter Edwards-Helaire (517 yards / 4.3 YPC / 4 TDs) has been limited to 10 games and sustained a collarbone injury vs Pittsburgh and has been ruled out for Sunday's game. Williams (453 yards / 3.7 YPC / 4 TDs) has been KC's best backup. The KC defense has always been somewhat of a question mark, but it has allowed just 12.9 PPG during the team's eight-game winning streak and on the season, ranks 5th in allowing 20.4 points.

It's been quite a bounce-back season for Burrow and the Bengals, as Cincy went just 4-11-1 in Burrow's rookie season (he played just 10 games before being lost for the rest of the season to injry). However, the former No. 1 overall pick hasn't missed a game this season, completing 69.9% for 4,165 yards with 30 TDs and 14 INTs. WR Tee Higgins has been surging, posting 583 yards receiving in the last five games. Both Higgins (71 catches / 6 TDs) and rookie Ja'Marr Chase (68 catches / 10 TDs) have more than 1,000 receiving yards on the season. A third WR, Boyd, has 63 catches with 4 TDs and TE Uzomah adds 45 catches and 5 TDs. RB Joe Mixon ranks second among NFL rushers with 1,159 yards (has 13 rushing TDs plus adds 3 more on 35 catches). Speaking of defenses, Cincy's has allowed just 21.6 PPG (13th) this season, after allowing an average of 27.1 PPG over the previous three seasons.

BOTH teams have a lot on the line and I'm never too comfortable going against Mahomes but I REALLY like Burrow and all his 'weapons' plus the Cincy defense now gives the Bengals a real chance against the 'big boys' (lost here at home to the Packers by three points in OT!). Cincy comes in 8-4-1 as a home dog recently and I say "Eight is Enough" for KC. Upset alert but naturally, take the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* PERFECT STORM is on the Bal Ravens at 1:00 ET.

What a difference a month can make. The Rams sat 7-1 at the close of October but would go 0-3 in November (had a bye week) and at 7-4, expected their only chance at a playoff berth was as a wild card. However, LA ripped off FOUR straight wins (while the Cards have imploded) and at 11-4, now own a one-game lead in the NFC West with two games to go and have already clinched at least a wild card berth. As for LA's Week 17 opponent, the Baltimore Ravens were 8-3 through Week 12 but welcomed the Rams to Baltimore on a four-game losing streak that dropped them to 8-7. The Ravens are currently one of FOUR, 8-7 AFC teams looking to secure the last wild card spot (Dolphins currently own the tiebreakers with two games left).

QB Matthew Stafford became suddenly inconsistent when the Rams lost November games to the Titans, 49ers and Packers. He 'stopped the bleeding' during much of the team's four-game winning streak but did throw three INTs in last week's win at Minnesota. However, the running game has been better behind Sony Michel (728 yards on the season), who has averaged 105.8 yards per game during the four straight wins. RB Darrell Henderson (688 yards on 4.6 YPC and 5 TDs) is out this week with a knee injury but Cam Akers is expected to make his 2021 debut after an offseason Achilles injury that was originally expected to cost him his season. Getting back to Stafford, one can't deny his numbers through 15 games, as he's completed 66.9% for 4,339 yards with 36 TDs and 13 INTs. His QB rating of 104.0 would be just his second plus-100.0 rating during his 13-year career. WR Kupp leads the NFL in receptions (132), yards (1,734) and receiving TDs (14). Fellow WR Woods (45 catches / 6 TDs) remains on IR but second-year WR Jefferson has 44 catches on 16.1 YPC with 6 TDs (he caught just 19 passes as a rookie, playing in all 16 games!). TE Higbee adds 49 catches and 3 TDs. The offense averages 27.7 PPG (6th) and the defense allows 21.7 PPG (16th).

While the Rams are looking to nail down a division title, the Ravens are on the opposite end of what the Rams are going through, losing their grasp on the AFC North lead and are suddenly in a mad scramble to make the playoffs. The Ravens are hoping to get Lamar Jackson back from an ankle injury that occurred during a Dec 12 loss to the Cleveland Browns. He was limited in practice Wednesday and even if Jackson does return, it remains to be seen if he can lean on rushing ability. His 767 rushing yards (5.8 YPC) lead all QBs. Here's a thought. If Jackson isn't 100 percent, keep him on the bench. Tyler Huntley replaced Jackson in that Cleveland game and went 27 of 38 for 270 yards with one TD and zero INTs (also ran for 45 yards). Then in a one-point loss at home to Green Bay, completed 28 of 40 for 215 yards with two TDs and zero INTs, while adding 73 yards rushing with two TDs. Can/could Jackson do better? Huntley missed the Cincy game (COVID) but is available today. The chief concern is a Baltimore defense that was torched last week for 525 passing yards by the Cincinnati Bengals' Joe Burrow, the fourth-highest single-game total in NFL history. The Ravens' defense has not only been hit hard by injuries, but it has been diminished by COVID-19 issues as well. Eleven Ravens did not practice Wednesday.

Here's the bottom line. The Ravens have lost TWICE this season by 'going for two' at the end of a game, instead of 'risking' OT. John Harbaugh's team is 0-2. Regrets? He 'may have a few" as Frank once sang. The Ravens are 5-2 at home plus are 2-0 ATS as a home dog this season. Take the home dog. Bow Wow!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Bowl Game of the Year is on Ole Miss at 8:45 ET.

The ever-lovable Lane Kiffin has led Ole Miss to a 10-2 record, as the Rebels get set to face 11-2 Baylor, which won the Big 12 championship with a 21-16 victory over Oklahoma St. Without a doubt, this contest is one of the more intriguing New Year's Day Six bowls. Ole Miss entered its season finale (The Egg Bowl vs Miss St) with 9-2 record. The program had produced SEVEN career 10-win campaigns (most recently Hugh Freeze's 10-3 showing in 2015) but all of the previous seven featured nine victories in the regular season and win No. 10 in a bowl game. The Rebels' 31-21 over the Bulldogs gave them their first-ever 10-win regular season and with a Sugar Bowl win, would have the school's first-ever 11-win season. 

Baylor hired Dave Aranda, LSU's DC who helped the Tigers complete one of the best-ever, single-seasons in CFB history in 2019. LSU went 15-0 in 2019 and while Joe Burrow and the offense (48.4 PPG) got most of the accolades, Aranda's defense held opponents to just 21.9 PPG. His first season at Baylor suffered because of COVID (like many programs), as the Bears would finish 2-7. However, it was a 'New Day' in 2021 for Baylor which earned a trip to the Big 12 championship game where it held on to beat Oklahoma St, 21-16. It marked Baylor's third Big 12 title but first-ever by capturing a win in the championship game.

Baylor averages 32.5 PPG with a VERY balanced attack, as the Bears have averaged 216.0 YPG passing and 214.9 YPG on the ground. QB Bohannon is solid, completing 64.3% for 2,160 yards with 17 TDs and 6 INTs. He has added 303 yards, adding 9 more scores. RB Smith (1,429 yards on 6.2 YPC with 12 TDs) is a stud, plus fellow RB Ebner has 763 yards on 5.4 YPC with 2 TDs. The team's top WR is Thornton (61 catches / 15.5 YPC / 9 TDs) plus TE Sims has 31 catches with 6 TDs. Defense is an Aranda staple and Baylor enters having allowed 19.2 PPG.

Ole Miss QB Matt Corral announced before the Egg Bowl that he would enter the 2022 NFL Draft but he decided to play for the Rebels in this game, first (so many have opted out in similar situations). It's an understatement that Kiffin was thrilled and so was OC Jeff Lebby, who is headed to Oklahoma after this game. The two will have a chance to produce the kind of numbers the Rebels did in the regular season, ranking fourth in total offense at 506.7 YPG (35.9 PPG). Like Baylor, Ole Miss has great balance, passing for 281.9 YPG and rushing for 224.7 YPG. Corral has completed 68.4% for 3,339 yards with 20 TDs and 4 INTs, plus has run for 597 yards and 11 TDs. He is just one of only four FBS quarterbacks with 20 passing touchdowns and at least 10 rushing scores. RB Ealy has 703 yards rushing (5.8 YPC / 5 TDs) and Conner has 605 yards (5.1 YPC plus 13 TDs. Ole Miss is the nation's ONLY offense with four rushers with at least 500 yards, as Parrish has 542 yards. WR Drummond (67 catches with 8 TDs) is the team's No. 1 receiving threat, but Corral has plenty of other options (targets). How about this? Ole Miss is also the ONLY team in the country with SIX players having recorded 100-yard receiving games this season! The defense is allowing 25.0 PPG but that's down from the 38.3 PPG Kiffin's Rebels allowed in his first in Oxford last year.

Kudos to Aranda and this Baylor team but Ole Miss is 'playing in its backyard' here in the Sugar Bowl. Ole Miss is 12-2 in its last 14 bowl games dating back to the 1992 Liberty Bowl and 10-4 in bowls against current Big 12 members. The play is Ole Miss. "Hotty Toddy!"

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Game of the Week is on the Was Wizards at 7:10 ET.

The Chicago Bulls were 31-41 last season, missing the postseason for the FOURTH consecutive year. However, the Bulls have reinvented themselves as a threat in the Eastern Conference behind Zach LaVine and the free agent signing of DeMar DeRozan. They also picked up center Nikola Vucevic from Orlando last season (where his talents were wasted) plus added Lonzo Ball as a free agent. The Bulls won their sixth straight game on Friday (108-106 at Indiana) and welcome in 2022 with a 23-10 record, tied with the Nets for the best record in the East. No, this is not April Fools Day! Washington snuck into the playoffs last season at 34-38 but lost in the 1st Round). The Wizards have been searching for an identity for some time now and MAY have found one this season. The Wizards welcome the Bulls to D.C. at 18-17.

There were 'whispers' that the 32-year-old DeMar DeRozan was on the downside of his career, but he's been one of the best players in the NBA so far this season, averaging 26.8-5.0-4.6. He has energized the Chicago Bulls, along with LaVine (26.0-5.1-4.4), Vucevic (15.8 & 11.4) and Ball (13.2-5.4-5.0). DeRozan's three-pointer as time expired extended the Bulls' longest winning streak of the season and pushed his own run of consecutive games scoring at least 20 points to 11. Since Dec. 19 -- which marked both DeRozan's first game back from a three-game absence due to COVID-19 health and safety protocol and the beginning of the Bulls' win streak -- he is averaging 28.5 points per game. Coby White (9.7), who also returned from protocol at the start of the winning streak, matched a season-high with 24 points on Friday. Nikola Vucevic grabbed 16 rebounds to go with 14 points. The Bulls are not entirely back to full strength after dealing with a rash of absences in December, including Lonzo Ball missing his fourth consecutive game on Friday due to COVID protocols. However, with LaVine back in the rotation starting with the Dec 26 game to join DeRozan and White, the Bulls feel like 'the worst of it' is behind them.

Guards Beal (23.5-4.7-6.0) and Dinwiddie (13.1-5.0-5.0) are the 'heart' of the Washington team but a trio I like to call "Lakers-East," have been MAJOR additions. PF Harrell (14.5 & 7.3), SF Kuzma (13.4 & 8.0) and swingman Caldwell-Pope (11.1) have really found a home on the East Coast. Undersized center, the 6-9 Gafford, is averaging 9.3 & 6.6. Washington welcomed Bradley Beal back from protocol in its 110-93 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday, and he responded with game-highs of 29 points and 10 assists. "He's our best player, so to have him back is uplifting within itself," Wizards head coach Wes Unseld Jr. said postgame. "The fact that he'd come back and not miss a beat, it was big for us tonight." Beal recorded his third double-double of the season. His team-leading scoring average of 23.5 points per game is down from 31.3 a season ago when he was in the mix for the scoring title, but Thursday's performance continued a run of four straight games recording at least 26 points. That streak began before his three-game absence due to health and safety protocol. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope also returned from protocol on Thursday and scored 12 points in his first appearance since Dec 18. Kyle Kuzma, who missed two games due to protocol in mid-December, recorded a 25-point, 10-rebound double-double against Cleveland. However, Washington is not completely 'out of the woods,' as Montrezl Harrell, the Wizards' second-leading scorer on the season, entered protocol ahead of Washington's Dec 28 loss at Miami and hasn't played since.

The Bulls are off that thrilling 108-106 win at Indianapolis just last night on a last-second shot from DeMar DeRozan. They then got on a plane and celebrated New Year's Eve. This is a great situational play for the Wizards, as Chicago just might rest players tonight in this unique situation. Perfect spot for a Washington "W."

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Rose Bowl play is on Ohio St at 5:00 ET.

"The Granddaddy of them All" gets a terrific matchup in No. 6 Ohio St (1-2) playing No. 11 Utah (10-3). Ohio State had aspirations of playing for the national championship and will be 'on a mission' to make up for its 'disaster' against Michigan back on Nov 27, while Utah is playing in the Rose Bowl for the first time since joining the Pac-12 for the 2011 season. 

Let me take a quick look at the two teams. Ohio St was shocked at home Sep 11th by Oregon (lost 35-28) but then won NINE straight games, averaging 49.6 PPG. When the Buckeyes visited Michigan on Nov 27th, most rated Ohio St as CFB's 2nd-best team next to unbeaten Georgia. However, Michigan then played a 'game for the ages' and a week later, Alabama crushed Georgia in the SEC championship game. Utah was NEVER in consideration for a CFP berth, but the Utes do enter the Rose Bowl with SIX straight wins and NINE in their last 10 games.  Utah is clearly the Pac-12's best. However, the question is, what does that mean?

Utah's claim to fame is that the Utes pounded Oregon by margins of 31 and 28 points late in the season, the latter in the Pac-12 title game. However, let me state this unequivocally, Oregon is a fraud. Yes, the Ducks shocked Ohio St in Columbus but did absolutely NOTHING after that. Oregon's two losses to Utah exposed them as one. If one wasn't convinced, Oregon's pathetic performance in its bowl matchup with Oklahoma (Ducks trailed the Sooners 30-3 at the half), should have cleared up any doubters (note: I used Oklahoma as a LEGEND Play!).

Forget all the season stats on the two teams and yes, Ohio St has seen some key players 'opt out,' but look at the respective conferences of Utah and Ohio St. Pac-12 teams are 0-4 in the bowls, while the Big Ten was 5-0 until Georgia (arguably still CFB's best team), crushed Michigan last night.  Utah is 11-3 in bowl games under head coach Kyle Whittingham but has lost its last two, 38-10 to Texas in the 2019 Alamo Bowl and 31-20 to Northwestern in the 2018 Holiday Bowl. As noted above, this is Utah's first-ever Rose Bowl appearance and I'm betting the Utes aren't up to the challenge of this "big stage." A January appearance in Pasadena is hardly new to the Ohio St program, as the Buckeyes make their 16th Rose Bowl appearance on Saturday. Ohio St heads West with a chip on its shoulder and something to prove against a Utah team that's only claim to fame this season is that it is the best school from the worst Power-5 conference in CFB. Ohio St rolls.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Conference Game of the Month (Big East) is on DePaul at 3:00 ET.

Ed Cooley arrived in Providence for the 2011-12 season and led the Friars to FIVE straight NCAA tournaments from 2014-2018 but was coming off a mediocre 13-13 season last year. However, there is NOTHING mediocre about the Friars' start to the current CBB season, as 12-1 Providence (2-0 Big East) notched its SEVENTH straight win on Wednesday with a 70-65 victory over Seton Hall. Tony Stubblefield worked as an assistant under Lou Henson, Mick Cronin and recently Dana Altman, before taking the DePaul job. He took over a team that was 5-14 last season (2-13 in the Big East) and a program that in its 16 seasons since joining the Big East, had gone 57-224 (.203) in league games. However, the Blue Demons have opened 9-2 (0-1 in the Big East), after losing 63-59 Wednesday night at Butler (Hinkle Fieldhouse is one tough venue). 

The Friars are led by the 6-10 Watson (14.8 & 5.7), with guards Durham (12.8 & 3.8 APG) and Reeves (11.2) joining him in double digits. Depth is provided by the 6-8 Horchler (10.5 & 8.3) and the 6-7 Minaya (4.8 & 5.1) up front and in the backcourt by Bynum (7.4-3.0-3.4) and Croswell (4.3 & 4.1). Horchler netted his fifth double-double of the season (17 & 13) in the win over Seton Hall, while Watson worked through soreness in his right knee after landing awkwardly following a shot attempt in the first half to add 14 points and seven rebounds. The Friars were up by nine at halftime and limited the Pirates to 39.4 percent shooting for the game.

DePaul was playing for the first time since Dec 14 on Wednesday and fell behind by 12 points in the second half, before nearly rallying back. Butler nailed three late free throws to clinch a 63-59 victory. The Blue Demons have now fallen short in their league opener in seven successive seasons. Guard Javon Freeman-Liberty came to DePaul before last season (from Valpo) and remains DePaul's key player. He's the team's leader in scoring (20.2), is second in rebounding (8.2) and leads in assists (4.0). Another returning guard (Jones) follows with 17.4 PPG and 8.3 RPG. The 6-8 Johnson (11.5 & 7.6) is a Minnesota transfer and the 6-7 Gebrewhit adds 8.4 & 3.8. 6-11 center Ogenda adds 11.3 & 4.5. Brandon Johnson had a double-double of 16 points and 12 rebounds for DePaul vs Butler but leading scorer Javon Freeman-Liberty was limited to 13 points on 4-for-16 shooting. The bad news is that the team was without second-leading scorer David Jones, who remains in COVID protocols.

I like the way DePaul has opened and I like its first-year coach. Tony Stubblefield was adamant he won't spend too much time focusing on the team's resilience at Butler. "I'm not into moral encouragement," Stubblefield said. "You either win the game or lose the game at this level. This is the Big East. This is big-boy basketball." DePaul is 7-1 at home and catches Providence off a hard-fought win over No. 15 Seton Hall. My bet says DePaul bounces back with a "big boy basketball" performance.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Marquee Classic is on Oklahoma St at 1:00 ET.

The 51st Fiesta Bowl is a meeting of two teams that have never faced each other in football, when No. 5 Notre Dame and No. 9 Oklahoma State play on New Year's Day at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Az. Notre Dame just missed making the final four of the College Football Playoff, while Oklahoma State fell short by just inches thanks to a touchdown-saving tackle from Baylor that, if not made, would have won the Big-12 Championship Game for the Cowboys and given them a strong case for the playoff. That set-up gives the Fiesta Bowl a terrific matchup between two schools with something to prove. On the coaching front, OSU's Mike Gundy starred at Stillwater as a QB and returned to coach his alma mater in 2005. He went just 4-7 (1-7 in Big 12 play) in his 'freshman year' but has now led Okie St to 16 straight bowl appearances (more in a bit). As for Notre Dame, the ever-classy Brian Kelly jumped ship at Notre Dame for LSU, leaving the Fiesta Bowl to be coached by first-time head coach Marcus Freeman. 

Spencer Sanders (69.5% for 2,469 yards with 16 TDs and 12 INTs) is not a great QB but he also adds 543 rushing yards on 4.2 YPC with 5 TDs. RB Warren (1,134 / 4.8 YPC / 11 TDs leads a rushing game that averages 182.3 YPG, to give the OSU offense a nice balance (passing game averages 221.2 YPG). The Cowboys average 30.6 PPG which goes well with defense allowing just 16.8 PPG (8th) on 273.6 YPG (3rd). Notre Dame averages 35.3 PPG on offense and its defense allows a modest 18.3 PPG (10th) on 338.8 YPG. QB Jack Coan (Wisconsin transfer) has been OK but surely nothing special, completing 67.8% for 2,468 yards with 20 TDs and four INTs. RB Williams (1,002 on 4.9 YPC / 14 TDs) has opted to sit out in preparation for the NFL Draft, which will put a lot of pressure on Coan, who relies on TE Mayer (64 catches / 5 TDs) and WR Austin (42 catches / 18.6 YPC / 6 TDs. Note: The Irish running game will go up against an OSU rush D allowing 89.2 YPG (5th) without Williams.

Taking a closer look at the teams' schedules, we find that Okla St was 4-0 vs ranked teams until that last-second heartbreaker to Baylor in the Big 12 championship game. Meanwhile, Notre Dame has played a relatively weak schedule. Notre Dame's won 41-13 at then-No. 18 Wisconsin but note that the Badgers led 13-10 in the 4th quarter, before IMPLODING (ND scored the game's final 31 points!), The next weekend, Notre Dame lost at home 24-13 to Cincinnati. Notre Dame went undefeated the rest of the way but did they Irish really beat anyone of note? Trust me, they didn't. By the way, the Cincy team that beat them in South Bend was able to produce just 13 FDs and 218 yards against Alabama in Friday's Cotton Bowl! One last thing. Mike Gundy is 10-5 SU/ATS in bowls at Oklahoma St and is on a 5-0 ATS win streak in bowls. ND has played in seven NY6/BCS bowl games since 2000 and is 0-7 SU/ATS, getting outscored 263-102! Seems like any easy choice. Of course, there are NO sure things but I'm "all over" the Cowboys!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Marquee Classic is on Georgia at 7:30 ET.

Friday night's Orange Bowl clash between No. 2 Michigan and No. 3 Georgia is the very definition of a Marquee Classic. The only 'bigger' matchup we would have this season would be a national championship showdown featuring No. 1 Alabama vs the winner of this game. That seems likely, as the Crimson Tide are two-TD favorites over Cincinnati but then again...

To put it mildly, Jim Harbaugh's 'seat' was VERY 'hot' in Ann Arbor, as he began the 2021 season with ZRO victories over rival Ohio St and the same number of bowl victories since his first season on the job. However, Year 7 has been the breakthrough season Michigan fans had been expecting, as the Wolverines dominated Ohio St 42-27 back on Nov 27 and then in what could have been a "let down" situation, buried Iowa 42-3 in the Big Ten Championship game. So, it's been a 'Lucky' Year 7 so far for Harbaugh, as the Wolverines make their College Football Playoff debut when 12-1 Michigan faces 12-1 Georgia in the Orange Bowl on Dec 31 at Miami Gardens, Fl.

Kirby Smart has had much more success at Georgia than Harbaugh has had at Michigan, but the fact remains that the Bulldogs have yet to 'win the big one' during Smart's tenure. It looked like it was finally Georgia's 'turn' back in the 2017 season when Smart coached Georgia to its first SEC title since 2005, and only the fourth 12-win season in school history (1980, 2002, 2012). On December 3, Georgia was ranked No. 3 by the College Football Playoff Committee and played No. 2 Oklahoma in the Rose Bowl on New Year's Day. Georgia rallied from a 31–14 first-half deficit, ultimately defeating Oklahoma 54–48 in double overtime, completing the largest comeback in Rose Bowl history. However, the Bulldogs went on to lose to the Alabama Crimson Tide in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game 26-23, when Alabama freshman QB Tua Tagovailoa relieved Jalen Hurts and ended the game on a 41-yard TD completion to DeVonta Smith in overtime. Now, here in 2021, Georgia was the nation's best team all season, entering the SEC title game against Alabama 12-0 (Georgia's sixth 12-win season, three under Smart) and with a defense that had allowed just 6.9 PPG. You all know that result, as the Tide rolled over the Bulldogs 41-24. Alabama put up 536 total yards against the 'impregnable' Georgia defense, led by eventual Heisman winner Bryce Young. The Alabama QB passed for 421 yards with three TDs (zero INTs in 44 attempts) and ran for 40 yards, adding a 4th TD. 

What we have here is a Michigan team on a roll and seeking its first national championship since 1997 and an embarrassed and angry Georgia team looking to bounce back off the Alabama loss and get a chance to play for the school's first national title since 1980, when it was led by Senator Herschel Walker! JT Daniels was supposed to lead the Bulldogs this season, but he was just never really healthy, as Bennett stepped in completing 64.1% for 2,325 yards with 24 TDs and 7 INTs. Georgia does not own a prolific passing attack, as TE Bowers (47 catches / 16.6 YPC / 11 TDs) is the only receiver with more than 30 catches. White (718 yards / 10 TDs) and Cook (619 yards and 7 TDs) are the top-two RBs but three more add between 243 and 317 yards. It all adds up to a rushing game averaging 194.8 YPG. Bottom line, Georgia is averaging 39.4 PPG, which works well with defense allowing 9.5 PPG (despite the 41 points allowed to 'Bama) on just 254.4 YPG (2nd).

Speaking of a balanced offense, Michigan passes for 228.1 YPG and runs for 223.8 YPG. Let me note here that last season's 2-4 Michigan team averaged 132.0 YPG on the ground. QB McNamara has had a solid season, completing 64.6% for 2,470 yards with 15 TDs and just 4 iNTs in 308 attempts. Freshman RB Hawkins has been great, running for 1,288 yards on 4.9 YPC with 20 TDs. Joining him is Corum, who has added 939 yards on 6.7 YPC with 11 TDs. There are no receiving starts on the Michigan roster, but the Wolverines enter averaging 37.7 PPG. Defensively, Michigan allowed 34.5 PPG on 434 YPG last season but it's a 'brand new season,' as this year's stop-unit has allowed just 16.1 PPG on 315.8 YPG.

At first blush, taking Michigan plus a TD (and a 'hook'?) seems tempting plus it's hard NOT to notice that the Big Ten enters Dec 31 a perfect 5-0 in the bowls, while the SEC, considered that nation's best conference for quite some time now, is just 2-4. However, when I look at this Georgia team, I see a defense that gave up 10 or fewer points NINE times, pitching three shutouts. In fact, the Bulldogs allowed nearly one third of their point total -- 41 of 124 -- in that 17-point loss to Alabama in the SEC title game. "It is new life, it is one game and you have to win to advance," outside linebacker Nolan Smith said of the national semifinal. "A lot of people watch Georgia football for a long time and a lot of people didn't get this opportunity that we have had, and now that we have it, we have to seize it." Georgia ranks seventh in scoring offense (39.4) and scored at least 30 in 11 straight games prior to the Alabama loss.

Georgia has extended its bowl streak to a nation-leading 25 in a row with this appearance and the bitter loss (humbling one) to the Crimson Tide is serving as motivation. I'm laying the points!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Cotton Bowl Showdown is on Cincinnati at 3:30 ET.

The 12-1 Crimson Tide (12-1) are coming off an impressive 41-24 over Georgia in the SEC championship game and are the No. 1 seed in this year's College Football Playoffs. This is 'old hat' for Alabama, as the Tide are making their SEVENTH appearance in the eight years that the current title-deciding format has been in place. Waiting for them in the Cotton Bowl (played at Arlington, Tx) will be 13-0 Cincinnati. The No. 4 Bearcats are the first non-Power 5 conference program to be selected for the College Football Playoff, breaking that proverbial 'glass ceiling.' Alabama "won it all" last season (52-24 over Ohio St) plus won the national title during the CFP era in 2015 and 2017, while taking a loss in the 2016 and 2018 title games. "There's a reason they've been in the playoffs seven out of the eight years," Cincinnati coach Luke Fickell said of Alabama. "This is not just a top-five program; this is THE top program." No doubt that it is a formidable challenge for Cincinnati, but the first step is overcoming the Alabama mystique. "Our players know who they're playing," Fickell said. "They know what (Alabama) is all about, what that program is all about. Now we have to try to find ways to humanize them and bring ourselves back into doing what we need to do. The reality is we're not the best team, probably. But that doesn't really matter, because on the 31st, it's really going to be about who is going to play the best." I think Fickell (did he really turn down the ND job?) has it "just right!

The Bearcats will rely on the nation's second-best pass defense (168.3 YPG) to contain Heisman Trophy-winning Alabama QB Bryce Young. Overall, the Cincy defense allows just 16.1 PPG (5th) on 304.9 YPG (8th). The offense is led by QB Ridder, who has completed 65.9% for 3,190 yards with 30 TDs and just 8 INTs (in 355 attempts). He's a dangerous runner, who has gained 371 yards with 6 TDs. RB Ford (an Alabama transfer in 2019) is outstanding, gaining 1,242 yards on 6.2 YPC with 19 TDs. WR Pierce leads with 50 catches (167.3 YPC / 8 TDs) and is joined by WR Scott (26 / 18.3 YPC / 5 TDs) and TE Whyle (25 / 6 TDs). Bottom line, the Bearcats have averaged 39.2 PPG to rank 8th in scoring.

The Heisman-winning Young has completed 68.0% for 4,322 yards with 43 TDs and just 4 INTs in 462 attempts. He was the Heisman favorite going into the SEC championship game but 'nailed it down' by passing for 421 yards with three TDs (zero INTs in 44 attempts) and ran for 40 yards, adding a 4th TD. John Metchie III (96 catches with 8 TDs) was one of two 1,000 yard receivers on the team (Jameson Williams is the other with 68 catches on 21.3 YPC with 15 TDs), but he's out with injury. RB Brian Robinson Jr. (1,071 yards on 4.8 YPC and 14 TDs) will be tested by going up against a Cincinnati defense that allowed just 3.3 YPC. The Alabama offense averages 42.5 PPG and while its defense has had some so-so efforts during the season, the unit enters this game allowing 20.2 PPG (20th) on 304.6 YPG (7th).

The team stats are pretty similar but of course, Alabama has done it while playing in the SEC, compared to Cincy, which plays in the ACC. I agree that it's hard to see the Bearcats winning this game outright but taking two TDs allows plenty of room for error. The Cincinnati defense has 18 picks (third in the nation in the regular season) and 37 sacks (tied for 19th). Overall, Cincinnati has forced 33 turnovers on the season. Does this tid-bit matter? The Crimson Tide are 5-1 in national semifinals, with the loss coming in the inaugural CFP in 2014. That 42-35 setback came against Ohio State, which had Fickell as its co-defensive coordinator. I'm taking the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Game of the Week is on UCF at 7:00 ET.

Michigan returns to the court from a lengthy layoff due to the holiday break and COVID-19 issues when it visits Central Florida for an evening tip in Orlando. The Wolverines haven't played since they routed Southern Utah 87-50 back on Dec 18, giving them a modest 7-4 record. I say modest because Michigan opened the season ranked 6th in the AP's preseason poll and has since fallen out. In fact, Michigan is the highest ranked preseason team to NOT be in the latest AP top-25 (released this past Monday). Central Florida was just 11-12 last season but returned all FIVE starters. The Golden Knights have begun 8-2 and have had a break of their own, as this will be the team's first game since Dec 22, when UCF beat North Alabama at home, 75-64.

Michigan's starting-five includes 7-1 center Dickinson (15.6 & 9.1) and the 6-11 Diabate (7.6 & 5.8) up front, plus a trio of guards. Brooks (12.6) and Houstan (10.1 & 4.3) score in double digits, while PG Jones (7.4-4.4-4.1) runs the offense. The two most reliable reserves are the 6-7 Williams (6.0 & 3.4) and the 6-8 Johnson (5.6 & 2.5). Similar to Michigan, UCF has basically a seven-man rotation. It's a perimeter-heavy group with starting guards Green (14.8), PG Perry (11.7-3.8-5.2) and Mahan (8.8), while Freeman (8.1) and Adams (5.7) come off the bench. Starting up front are the 6-8 Walker (9.6 & 5.4) and the 6-11 Diong (5.4 & 5.8).

I believed that Michigan was overrated from the start of the season (see above) and so far, I've been right on the money. Meanwhile, UCF head coach Johnny Dawkins recently said, "I like our team. I think we can compete against anyone. We have to keep getting better. Like most teams, we definitely are not a finished product right now. It's still early. We're one-third through our season. I think there's a lot of room for improvement in our team. I see it in them, and we have to try and get that out of them."

This is a revenge game of sorts for UCF after it fell to Michigan by a score of 80-58 last season. Last year the Knights got destroyed by the Wolverines but that was THEN and this is NOW! Michigan was at home and it was unquestionably a better team then, while UCF was on the road, and it was a much worse team at the time. The Knights are seeking their fifth straight win and I believe they'll get it. Huge edge to the home team, as players and coaches hate being away for the holidays, unless playing in a tourney, which this is NOT. Upset Alert, but as always, take the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Music City Bowl play is on Tennessee at 3:00 ET.

The 8-4 Purdue Boilermakers and the 7-5 Tennessee Volunteers meet in Thursday's Music City Bowl from Nissan Stadium in Nashville. It sets up as a clash of styles, as Tennessee's up-tempo offense goes up against Purdue's defense. The Purdue defense has lost George Karlaftis and on offense, WR David Bell, who caught 93 passes this season with 6 TDs. The Vols lost RB Evans to the transfer portal (headed to Louisville) but his absence in no way compares with Bell's loss for Purdue.

Josh Heupel replaced Scott Frost at UCF and went 28-8 over three seasons, as his offense averaged 43.2, 43.4 and 42.2 PPG in those individual seasons. This is his first season at Tennessee. Heupel (an outstanding QB for Oklahoma) has helped Hendon Hooker develop into a true dual-threat QB. He took over as the starter Sep 18 and went 6-4 as a starter throwing 24 TD passes with only two interceptions. His season stats are 69.0% for 2,567 yards with 26 TDs and just three INTs plus ran for 561 yards with 5 TDs. His running, along with Small (612 yards / 5.4 YPC / 5 TDs) and Evans (525 yards / 6.5 YPC / 6 TDs) give the Vols an average of 211.6 YPG (20th). Tennessee averages 247.1 YPG giving it great balance and average 38.8 PPG (39th). Two WRs have 50-plus catches in Tillman (57 / 16.3 YPC / 9 TDs) and Jones (52 / 13.9 YPC / 6 TDs). More in a bit.

Jeff Brohm became a 'hot' coaching commodity by leading Western Ky to a 30-10 record in three seasons and then moved on to Purdue. The Boilermakers went 6-6 in each of his first two seasons, winning a bowl game the first season (7-6) and losing the following season (6-7). Purdue fell to 4-6 in 2019 and was 2-4 in "The Year of COVID" in 2020. However, the Boilermakers have won eight games this season, including wins over then-No. 2 Iowa (24-7) and then-No.3 Michigan St (40-29). Fifth-year senior QB Aidan O'Connell led the Big Ten completing 73.5% of his passes and has completed 74% or better in SEVEN straight games. He enters this game with 3,178 passing yards (23 TDs / 8 INTs) but as noted, will not have WR Bell here. That;s BIG deal, especially when one notes that Purdue's running game is basically non-existent, averaging 84.2 YPG (127th). The Purdue defense allows just 20.5 PPG (22nd), a full SEVEN points less than Tennessee's.

Let me start with Purdue. The program has been known as a 'giant killer' and as noted above, produced wins over Iowa and Mich St in 2021. What's more, QB O'Connell was at his best against top competition, averaging 433.7 yards, completing 75.3% of his passes and throwing nine TDs with no interceptions in games against Iowa, Michigan State and Ohio State. However, Tennessee is hardly a 'big fish,' but rather a team in search of an eighth win. That said, head coach Josh Heupel can become just the sixth Volunteers' coach all-time to win eight or more games in his debut season. 

Getting back to QB Hooker, he has climbed UT’s record book, but in a steady way that matches his even-keeled personality. Hooker is first in completion percentage (69%) and passing efficiency (182.16), sixth in total offense (3,128 yards), seventh in TD passes (26) and 12th in passing yards (2,567) in a single season in UT history despite starting only 10 games. His method involves consistency and poise. His 182.15 passer rating led the SEC and ranked third nationally. He has thrown at least one TD pass in 11 straight games, tied for the fourth-longest streak in school history. With due respect to O'Connell, I think Hooker gives Tennessee the edge at QB and it's no small matter that this game is being contested in Nashville. The Volunteers not only score fast, they have outscored opponents 169-44 in the first quarter this season.

I'd love a repeat of that here! Tennessee has won FOUR straight bowl games, all against Big Ten opponents, and is 11-5 all-time against Big Ten teams in bowls.

Here's what I wrote when taking Tennessee over Kentucky back on Nov 6. "The Vols finish with three straight home games, beginning with Georgia. However, a win here at Kentucky and then over South Alabama and Vandy would give Heupel a seven-win season and a chance to win eight games by winning a bowl game." The Vols beat Kentucky that day 45-42, lost to Georgia (no surprise) but beat South Alabama and Vandy. Now, to complete my earlier "prediction," the Vols need to win and of course, cover! That's the bet.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* 'Signature' LEGEND Play is on Oklahoma at 9:15 ET.

The 10-3 Oregon Ducks and the 10-2 Oklahoma Sooners meet Wednesday in The Alamo Bowl at the Alamodome in San Antonio. The Ducks are hoping to reach 11 wins for the EIGHTH time in school history, while the Oklahoma Sooners look for an 11-win season for the SEVENTH time in the last nine years. Both schools will be playing under an interim head coach, as Oregon's Mario Cristabol left Eugene for "South Beach" (Miami-Fl) and Lincoln Kennedy left Norman for the "Bright Lights of Hollywood" (USC). Assistant coach Bryan McClendon will coach the Ducks while the Sooners have decided that former head coach Bob Stoops, is the right man for this "ONE-game" coaching opportunity.

Oregon shocked then-No.3 Ohio St 35-28 back on Sep 11 in Columbus and entered the last few weeks of the season 9-1 and ranked No. 3. However, Oregon lost 38-7 at then-No.23 Utah on Nov 20. Two weeks later in the Pac-12 championship game (Dec 3 in Las Vegas), the No. 10 Ducks were again dominated by No. 17 Utah, 38-10. Oregon is led by QB Anthony Brown, who has completed 63.7% for 2,683 yards with 15 TDs and 6 INTs, while rushing for 637 yards (4.5 YPC / 9 TDs). RB Dye has 1,118 rushing yards (5.8 YPC / 15 TDs) and also leads the team in receptions with 41. Just ONE receiver has more than 30 catches in Williams (35 / 15.9 YPC / 4 TDs). Oregon averages 31.4 PPG and allows 25.5 PPG.

Oklahoma opened as the AP's No. 2 team in the preseason poll and QB Spencer Rattler was the Heisman-favorite. The Sooners began 5-0 as they got set to meet Texas in the annual Red River Showdown on Oct 9. However, while Oklahoma was ranked No. 6, the Sooners were HUGE underachievers up to that point. Take away a 76-0 win over Western Carolina and the Sooners were 0-4 ATS, beating Tulane by five points (at -31.0), Nebraska by seven points (at -22.5), by three points over West Va (-17.5) and Kansas St by six points (-12.0). Texas jumped out to a 28-7 1st-quarter lead but after Rattler was replaced by Caleb Williams, who threw for 212 yards (2 TDs / 0 INTs) and ran for 88 yards (1 TD), as Oklahoma outscored Texas 32-7 down the stretch for a 55-48 win. Rattler was benched and Williams would complete 62.5% for 1,670 yards with 18 TDs and 4 INTs (he's run for 408 yards on 4.7 YPC with 6 TDs. RB Brooks has run for 1,111 yards (6.0 YPC / 10 TDs) and five receivers have 30-plus catches (Mims has 30 catches with a 21.6 YPC average and Haselwood leads with 39 catches and 6 TDs). Oklahoma averages 38.4 PPG and allows 25.3 PPG.

Oklahoma was 9-0 when it lost 27-14 at then-Nov 13 Baylor on Nov 13 and after a home win over Iowa St, lost again 37-33 at then-No. 7 Oklahoma St on Nov 27, costing them a berth in the Big 12 championship game. Both schools come off disappointing finishes to the regular season and as noted above, each will have an interim head coach for this game. Oregon was able to convince most of their departing coaches to stay for this game but almost all of the key figures have jobs lined up so they’ll have divided attention. The good news for Oklahoma was that it was able to pull Bob Stoops out of mothballs to lead this team. While he may not fully be involved in game-planning, he should have this team ready to play. Incoming coach Brent Venables was able to keep one of the more important assistants in OL/Running Game coach Bill Bedenbaugh who should keep this offense on track for QB Caleb Williams. Which team will 'Remember the Alamo?' My bet is Oklahoma.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Conference Game of the Year (SEC) is on Alabama at 9:00 ET.

No. 14 Tennessee and No. 19 Alabama begin SEC play Wednesday night in Tuscaloosa, coming into this contest from totally different perspectives. The 9-2 Volunteers are coming off their best effort of the season, a 77-73 home victory on Dec 22 over then-unbeaten and sixth-ranked Arizona. As for the 9-3 the Crimson Tide, they haven't played since suffering a 79-78 upset loss in Birmingham on Dec. 21 against unranked Davidson. Alabama was ranked 14th in the AP's preseason poll, while Tennesses opened at No. 18.

Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes has been a winner at every stop, with three NCAA berths at Providence, three in four years at Clemson and 16 in 17 years at Texas. This is his seventh season at Tennessee and he's led the Vols to three NCAA berths the last four years (exception was when COVID shut down the postseason). Freshman PG Kennedy Chandler leads Tennessee with averages of 14,0 points and 5.3 assists per game, while fellow guard Vescovi adds 13.3-4.5-3.2, while leading the team with 30 three-pointers. The 6-9 Fulkerson (9.9 & 6.1) and the 6-8 Nkamhoua (8.7 & 6.1) start up front. 6-6 guard Jordan-James missed a few games but is back in the starting lineup, averaging 6.6 & 5.9. Defense is a Rick Barnes specialty and his team is allowing just 59.3 PPG (20th) and coming off a defensive 'gem' in the team's win over Arizona, holding the Wildcats 17 points under their season average.

Nate Oats spent four years at Buffalo and went 59-13 in his last two, making the Big Dance each time. That allowed him the opportunity to come to Alabama and after a 16-15 first season (COVID) he led the Tide to a 26-7 record and a Sweet 16 appearance last year. Gone from that team are the 6-7 Jones (11.2 & 6.6), who was not only the SEC player-of-the-year but also the league's Defensive POY. Also gone is veteran guard Petty (12.6 & 5.2). However, the Tide have plenty of talent left. Note that Alabama did return its top-two scorers from last season and guards Shackelford and Quinerly are again leading the way. Shackelford checks in at 16.8 & 6.6 and Quinerly at 14.7 & 4.4 APG. Swingman Ellis adds 12.4 & 6.5 plus freshman center Bediako (7.0 & 4.5) is starting. Davison (8.7-4.9-4.5), the 6-6 Miles (7.3) and the 6-8 Gurley (6.5 & 3.5) are all contributors.

Alabama hasn't been the same since a wild 83-82 win over then-No. 14 Houston on Dec 11. Alabama was blown out 92-78 at Memphis on Dec 14 and struggled past Jacksonville State 65-59 on Dec 18, before the Tide allowed Davidson to sink 12 of 24 from three-point range in that one-point loss. "Not exactly what we wanted going into Christmas break," Alabama head coach Nate Oats said, "but I am all about a wake-up in order to pick up the defense."

If Tennessee doesn't 'wake up' the Crimson Tide, Oats' team is in for a l-o-n-g season. The Tide won at Knoxville in the regular season last year and at Nashville over the Vols in the SEC tournament. Roll Tide!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Marquee Classic is on Seton Hall at 7:00 ET.

It's a ranked-versus-ranked battle of Big East teams Wednesday night in Providence, as  No. 15 Seton Hall (9-1) takes on No. 21 Providence (11-1). The Pirates were one of many Division I teams to have COVID-19 alter their plans this month. While the program dealt with the spread of the virus, a non-conference game against Iona was called off, while Big East matchups against St. John's and DePaul were postponed. The Big East has changed its policy from handing out automatic forfeits to teams too undermanned to play to attempting to reschedule postponed games. The Pirates willnow take the court for the first time since defeating Rutgers 77-63 back on Dec 12. Providence opened its Big East schedule on Dec 18 with an impressive 57-53 road win over then-No. 20 UConn.

Kevin Willard took over at Seton hall for the 2010-11 season and had led the Pirates to four straight NCAA tournaments before the 2020 tournament was canceled because of COVID (Seton Hall was 21-9). However, the Pirates were just 14-13 last year and lost to the 6-10 Mamukelashvili (17.5 & 7.6), who was co-player-of-the-year in the Big East. However, the Pirates have EIGHT players scoring between 7.1 and 17.4 PPG. 6-6 swingman Rhoden leads in scoring (17.4) and rebounding (7.3), while Harvard transfer Aiken is finally healthy and is averaging 11.2 PPG. Guards Cale (9.7 & 4.1) Jackson (7.8 & 4.4) and Richmond (7.1-3.9-3.4) give Seton Hall a productive and deep perimeter group, while the 6-10 Samuel (10.8 & 6.9) and the 6-8 Yetna (9.0 & 6.2) are the top frontcourt performers. The Pirates always play good defense and this year is no different, as they are allowing 61.9 PPG (59th).

Ed Cooley arrived in Providence for the 2011-12 season and led teh Friars to FIVE straight NCAA tournamnts fron 2014-2018. However, like Seton Hall, Providence is coming off a mediocre 13-13 season last year. The Friars are led by the 6-10 Watson (14.8 & 5.6), with guards Durham (12.9 7 3.8 APG) and Reeves (11.2) joining him in double digits. Depth is provided by the 6-8 Horchler (9.9 & 7.9) and the 6-7 Minaya (5.2 & 5.1) up front and in the backcourt by Bynum (6.6) and Croswell (4.5 & 4.2). Providence plays defense like Seton Hall, allowing 61.5 PPG (51st).

Providence coach Ed Cooley said after the win at UConn, "A Big East game is a war every night, and that's the quality of opponents that we're going to play night in and night out. I couldn't be more proud of our men. I thought we hung in there through some adversity, when you're on the road in a building that can get that loud." The Friars held the Huskies to 31.1 percent shooting overall and now return home where they are 8-0. However, slowing the Seton Hall offense will NOT be easy, as the Pirates average 80.1 PPG, to Providence's 69.8. The Pirates have won EIGHT of their last 12 meetings with the Friars and my bet says Seton Hall will be too much for Providence in this one.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* PERFECT STORM is on Butler at 5:00 ET.

DePaul and Butler have endured a number of COVID-19-related postponements of their would-be Big East Conference opener but will give things another shot Wednesday when the 7-4 Bulldogs host the 9-2 Blue Demons in Indianapolis. Butler has been idle since losing 77-48 to visiting No. 3 Purdue on Dec 18, while DePaul hasn't played since edging intracity rival Illinois-Chicago 72-66 on the road on Dec 14.

The Bulldogs are coming off an 'ugly' 10-15 season. In the team's most recent game, Butler's four-game winning streak was halted by Purdue, as double-figure scoring efforts from Bryce Golden (17 points) and Jayden Taylor (11) weren't enough against the Boilermakers. "You've got to play well, and we did not," Bulldogs coach LaVall Jordan said. "They've cornered the market on elite size, and they've all gotten better and developed over time. It's hard to keep them away from the basket." The Bulldogs hope the time off can help rejuvenate a lineup that was without leading scorer Chuck Harris (11.6 & 4.0) to a non-COVID-related illness, Bryce Nze (shoulder) and Bo Hodges (knee) against Purdue. Guards Bolden (10.6), Taylor (10.3) and Thompson (6.5-3.4-4,8) are a nice trio plus the 6-9 Golden (9.2 & 4.1) and the 6-8 Groce (7.5 & 4.1) are the team's top frontcourt with the 6-7 Nze (6.3 & 5.5) sidelined.

Tony Stubblefield worked as an assistant under Lou Henson, Mick Cronin and recently Dana Altman, before taking the DePaul job. He took over a team that was 5-14 last season (2-13 in the Big East) and a program that in its 16 seasons since joining the Big East, had gone 57-224 (.203) in league games. However, the Blue Demons have opened 9-2. Guard Javon Freeman-Liberty came to DePaul last season (from Valpo) and remains DePaul's key player. He's the team's leader in scoring (20.9), rebounding (8.3) and assists (3.9). Another returning guard (Jones) follows with 17.4 PPG and 8.3 RPG. The 6-8 Johnson (11.1 & 7.2) is a Minnesota transfer and the 6-7 Gebrewhit adds 8.6 & 4.1.

DePaul is the better team on paper but I'm still not 'sold' on the Blue Demons. Hinkle Fieldhouse is a tough venue for visiting teams and Butler has won three straight in the series, including a 68-58 victory last season. The Butler defense (60.0 PPG allowed ranks 33rd) is the toughest unit DePaul has seen up to this point. I'm backing the home team.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Pinstripe Bowl play is on Maryland at 2:15 ET.

The 6-6 Maryland Terrapins and the 6-6 Virginia Tech Hokies meet Wednesday in the Pinstripe Bowl from Yankee Stadium. Maryland opened 4-0 but needed to win its final game of the season (40-16 over Rutgers) to get its sixth win. Va Tech opened the season with a 17-10 home upset of preseason No. 10 North Carolina and was 3-1 but then lost FOUR of its next five games.Like Maryland, the Hokites needed a win in their final game to become bowl eligible. The Hokies did just that, beating in-state rival Virginia 29-24 on the road. It was an emotional win for Va Tech, which had fired head coach Justin Fuente after a 5-5 start. J.C. Price was named interim head coach and will coach the Hokies again in this one.

Maryland is led by QB Taulia Tagovailoa, who has completed 68.4% for 3,595 yards with 24 TDs and 11 INTs. His top targets are WR Jarrett (56 catches / 5 TDs) and TE Okonkwo (49 catches / 5 TDs). RB Fleet-Davis (664 yards on 5.5 YPC with 8 TDs) is the only player with more than 300 yards rushing, as Tagovailoa doesn't get much help from his running game which averages 130.7 YPG (94th). The defense is allowing 32.4 PPG (105th) but I'll have more on that later.

Va Tech QB Burmeister completes just 55.7% for 1,961 yards with 14 TDs but only four INTs. RB Blackshear has 711 yards rushing (5.9 YPC / 6 TDs) for a running attack that averages 190.6 YPG (35th). Burmeister adds to the rushing game, gaining 521 yards on 4.5 YPC and 2 TDs. Va Tech has traditionally been known for its defense and this year's unit is solid, allowing 22.9 PPG (42nd).

These two former Atlantic Coast Conference foes will face off for the first time since 2013 in the Pinstripe Bowl. Maryland left the ACC for the Big Ten after the 2013 season and hasn't seen the Hokies since. Third-year Maryland head coach Mike Locksley is putting extra value on the bonus practices the Terps are getting. He'll aim to use those to prepare for next season. Playing in a bowl is a big deal for the Terps. This is the first time Maryland has gone to a bowl game since 2016 and hasn't won a bowl game since the 2010 Military Bowl.

Meanwhile, this game marks a period of transition for Virginia Tech. Former coach Justin Fuente was fired in November after a 5-5 start in his sixth season. Two weeks later, the Hokies announced the hiring of Brent Pry, Penn State's former defensive coordinator who was an assistant at Virginia Tech early in his career. However, leading the Hokies in this game will be interim coach J.C. Price, a Virginia Tech graduate who coached the Hokies' defensive line this past season. He finished the regular season 1-1, getting Virginia Tech bowl-eligible for the 34th time by beating rival Virginia in the regular season finale.

Bowl experience helps but the Hokies will be short-handed, as QB Braxton Burmeister has entered the transfer portal after starting in all 12 games, leaving junior Connor Blumrick and freshman Tahj Bullock to try and fill the void on short notice. Also opting out of playing in the bowl for Virginia Tech are its top-two pass catchers, Robinson (44 / 5 TDs) and Turner (40 / 3 TDs). The Tech offense, even against a weak Maryland defense, will have trouble matching points up against the dangerous Tagovailoa,

Here's the rub. Maryland is in over its head in the Big Ten and lost 51-14 to Iowa, 66-17 to Ohio St, 34-16 to Minnesota, 31-14 to Penn St, 40-21 to Mich St and 59-18 to Michigan. However, the Terps went 6-0 in its other six games, beating West Va, Howard, Illinois, Kent St, Indiana and Rutgers. I put Va Tech in the class of that second group, NOT the first! Terps roll.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Weekly Wipeout is on Notre Dame at 8:00 ET.

Notre Dame got off to a promising 3-1 start but then lost three consecutive games. However, the Fighting Irish beat then-No. 10 Kentucky 66-62 on Dec 11, sparking a 3-1 run (lost to Indiana in a neutral site game on Dec 18). Non-conference play has featured its share of ups and downs for both Notre Dame and Pittsburgh. The Pitt Panthers have been ravaged by transfers, injuries and other issues over the last year. Jeff Capel has had a tough start at Pitt (40-48 in his first three years) and prepared for this season without his top three scorers from a year ago (one moved on to the NBA and two transferred to other programs). The Panthers then lost their fourth- and fifth-leading scorers from last season due to a suspension and an ACL tear, respectively. The Panthers welcome Minnesota to town for this ACC-Big Ten Challenge contest at 2-4. Pitt opened 2-0 but then lost FOUR in a row. However, Pitt welcomes Notre Dame to the Petersen Events Center at 5-7.

Mike Brey is in his 27th season at Notre Dame and this year's team is short on depth, as basically just six players contribute. Guards Goodwin (15.3 & 5.5) and Wesley (13.5) are the top-two scorers, joined by Ryan (8.8-4.4) and Hubb (7.1) in the backcourt. The 6-9 Atkinson (11.8 & 6.4) and the 6-10 Laszewski (7.8 & 8.3) are the best (only?) frontcourt players.

The Panthers are led by the 6-9 John Hugley (14.5 & 8.1) and 6-5 guard Femi Odukale (12.4-3.8-3.4), who matched a career high with 28 points in a 64-55 triumph Tuesday over Jacksonville. Senior guard Burton (11.1) and sophomore Jeffress adds 5.4 & 4.9. The 6-9 Gueye chips in 7.3 & 6.1.

Both schools have opened 0-1 in ACC play but in different fashion. Notre Dame trailed by as many as 23 in a 16-point loss to Boston College, while Pitt fell on a last-second basket against Virginia. However, both enter off back-to-back wins, with Notre Dame scoring 85 and 83 points (note: The Fighting Irish have now scored at least 80 points in consecutive games for the first time all season). On the Pittsburgh side, the Panthers' defense has held opponents below 60 points in FIVE of the last six games.

Bottom line is that Notre Dame has won FIVE of its past six matchups with Pitt and comes in off back-to-back excellent scoring outings (see above). Yes, Pitt is plauying excelelnt defense but the Panthers are pathetic on the offensive end, averaging only 60.7 PPG (ranks 341st!) on 40.6% shooting (316th). Notre Dame wins "with room to spare!"

Good luck...Larry 

My 10* Liberty Bowl play is on Miss St at 6:45 ET.

The 6-6 Texas Tech Red Raiders will take on the 7-5 Mississippi St Bulldogs Tuesday in the Liberty Bowl. Matt Wells is in his third season with Tech, after leading Utah St to bowls in FIVE of his six years with the Aggies. However, his Texas Tech teams went 4-8 and 4-6 in his first two seasons, before becoming bowl eligible in 2021 at 6-6. Mike Leach is the head coach at Miss St but knows Texas Tech VERY well. He was hired in 2000 and fired in 2009, amid allegations of abusing players (I'll leave that alone). What he did do was WIN, taking the Red Raiders to bowls in each of his 10 seasons in Lubbock. He was hired at Washington St in 2012 and after a 3-9 first season, led the Cougars to bowls in SIX of the next seven seasons. He moved on to Texas Tech in 2020 and went 3-7 amid COVID but got a bowl invite, anyway, eking out a 28-26 win over Tulsa in the Armed Forces Bowl. This year's team became bowl-eligible the old-fashioned way, winning seven games.

Texas Tech opened the season with a 38-21 win over Hoston, which wouldn't lose again until the AAC championship game at Cincinnati (13-0 and in the CFP). QB Columbi took over at QB when Tyler Slough was lost to an injury. He's completing 64.2% for 1,291 yards with 5 TDs and 5 INTs. The running game is below average, rushing for 150.8 YPG (7th). The defense allows 32.1 PPG and is particularly poor against the pass, allowing 265.6 YPG (118th). That spells bad news when facing Miss St.

Mike Leach's "Air Raid" offense has a perfect QB in sophomore Will Rogers. He is completing a staggering 75.1% for 4,449 yards with 35 TDs and eight INTs. Rogers has thrown for over 300 yards in 11 of his 12 games (lone exception was 294 yards vs NC St in a 24-10), topping 400 yards in four of them. The running game averages a woeful 63.9 YPG (130th) but RB Marks (388 yards and 6 TDs) is second on the team in receptions (79 for 3 TDs). WR Polk has 98 catches (9 TDs). The defense allows 25.3 PPG (56th) and just 331.3 YPG (ranks 22nd).

The Red Raiders are just 1-5 ATS in their last six vs SEC schools and 7-15 ATS in their last 22 neutral-site contests. Miss St entered its final game of the season, the Egg Bowl vs Ole Miss, on a five-game ATS winning streak, before losing 31-21 to an Ole Miss team that just completed its first-ever 10-win regular season (This just in,,,Ole Miss is pretty good). Miss St owns wins over NC St (finished 9-3 and currently ranked 18th), then-No. 15 Texas A&M, then-No. 12 Kentucky and then-No. 17 Auburn on its resume. Meanwhile, the Red Raiders don't have a SINGLE win all season over a team in the same class as those four teams Miss ST beat. One last thing. Leach believes he was treated VERY unfairly by Texas Tech back in 2009 and that memory is still pretty 'fresh.' The phrase goes, "Give me Liberty (Bowl) or Give me Death!" Expect Leach (led by Rogers) to hand out some 'death' to Texas Tech on Tuesday. Lay the points.

Good luck...Larry

Air Force head coach Troy Calhoun was hired in Dec 2006 to take over for the retiring Fisher DeBerry, who in 23 seasons led the Falcons to 12 bowls (12 in his 1st 19 years, before falling off his final four). Calhoun "never missed a beat,' leading Air Force to NINE bowls in his first 10 seasons. Back-to-back 5-7 seasons followed in 2017 and '18 before an 11-2 season in 2019. COVID pretty much wiped out the school's 2020 season (3-3) but this year's team is 9-3 as it gets set to meet Louisville in the First Responder Bowl, played in Dallas at Gerald R Ford Stadium (SMU's home field). Louisville head coach Scott Satterfield was at Appalachian St when it moved up to FBS status in 2014 and went 7-5 that first season. He then led App St to four straight bowl appearances, winning the first three, before resigning before the New Orleans Bowl in 2018 to take the Louisville job. The Cardinals went 8-5 in 2019 (won the Music City Bowl over Miss St) but fell to 4-7 in 2020. The 2021 season was an up-and-down one but at 6-6, the Cards are back to being bowl eligible.

The Cardinals' offense revolves around dual-threat QB Malik Cunningham, who has completed 62.0% for 2,734 yards with 18 TDs and 6 INTs. He has also run for 968 yards on 6.0 YPC with 19 TDs. He has been responsible for 37 scores and is the ONLY player in the nation who has both rushed and passed for more than 15 TDs. RB Mitchell adds 722 yards on 4.7 YPC (5 TDs), as Louisville averages 211.8 YPG (19th). That would be an impressive stat, but Air Force runs for 341.5 YPG, tops in the nation. QB Daniels has thrown for only 932 yards (5 TDs / 3 INTs) but is the team's second-leading rusher with 698 yards on 5.0 YPC with 9 TDs. Brad Roberts paces Air Force's rushing attack with 1,279 yards (4.6 YPC) and 13 TDs. Three more RBs chip in between 360 and 471 yards, averaging 6.1, 7.7 and 8.6 YPC.

Moving to the defensive side of the ball, Louisville allows 27.0 PPG on 402.5 YPG. In stark contrast, Air Force has allowed 19.1 PPG (13th) on 288.8 YPG (5th). Louisville has faced EIGHT bowl-bound teams this season, going just 2-6, while allowing 33.0 PPG. Meanwhile, the 9-3 Falcons came pretty close to going 12-0 and playing for the Mountain West Conference title. Their three losses were all one-possession defeats, by a total of 17 points. Trends favoring Air Force are Louisville is a poor 1-5 ATS in its last six neutral-field contests, while Air Force is 23-9 ATS in its last 32 non-conference games. Air Force's HIGHLY underappreciated defense and its relentless ground attack (which will keep Cunningham on the sidelines) will be too much for Louisville to handle.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Signature 38-Club Play is on the Buf Bills at 1:00 ET.

The Buffalo (8-6) came up short in a 14-10 loss to New England on a snowy and windy night on Dec 6 at Orchard Park, NY but following the Bills' 31-14 win over Carolina, and New England's 27-17 loss at Indianapolis last weekend (that snapped a 7-0 run SU & ATS by the Pats), the AFC East division is back in play this Sunday. A Buffalo win over the 9-5 Patriots would return the Bills to the top of the AFC East standings entering the final two weeks of the regular season, as a victory would give Buffalo a superior division record over New England. As for the Pats, they will be looking to bounce back from their first loss in over two months (see above). The post-bye week loss dropped the Patriots to the No. 2 seed in the AFC, behind the Kansas City Chiefs, and then they dropped to No. 3 Thursday night after the Tennessee Titans defeated the San Francisco 49ers to move to 10-5. The Patriots can clinch a playoff berth through a few different outcomes this weekend, but more importantly, they can lock up the AFC East with a win and a Miami loss on Monday night.

Buffalo QB Josh Allen has completed 65.2% for 3,734 yards with 31 TDs and 12 INTs, while adding 555 yards rushing (6.2 YPC and 4 TDs) With three TDs passing last weekend, Josh Allen increased his season total to 31 in becoming Buffalo's first player with 30 or more TDs passing in consecutive seasons. However, Allen has committed a turnover in seven consecutive games over which he has nine interceptions and two lost fumbles versus 15 TDs (including one rushing). Third-year RB Devin Singletary had a career-best 22 carries and a season-high 86 yards rushing and a TD last weekend, giving him 633 yards on 4.7 YPC with 3 TDs on the season.  WR Stefon Diggs (82 catches / 1,007 yards / 8 TDs) joined Eric Moulds (2004-05) in becoming Buffalo's second player to top 80 in consecutive years. And with 1,007 yards receiving, Diggs joined Stevie Johnson (2010-12) as Buffalo's second player to top 1,000 yards in consecutive seasons. However, WRs Cole Beasley (76 catches) and Gabriel Davis (29 / 16.2 YPC / 6 TDs) have been placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list (they won't play). That said, vet WR Sanders (40 catches / 15.1 YPC / 4 TDs) practiced fully on Thursday in his bid to return to the team. TE Knox is having a terrific season with 44 catches and 8 TDs. Then there is the Buffalo defense, which is allowing 17.4 PPG (3rd) on league-low 287.9 YPG.

New England's rookie QB Mac Jones is completing 69.0% for 3,168 yards with 18 TDs and 10 INTs. The best completion percentage for a season by a rookie QB is Dak Prescott at 67.7% in 2016. Jones also needs one more game with a completion percentage of 70% to tie Prescott's rookie record (nine). He needs just two TD passes to become the 15th rookie to reach 3,000 yards passing and 20 TDs. He's hoping RB Harris (754 yards on 4.6 YPC with 9 TDs) will be available. He missed last week (hamstring) and was among eight Patriots players listed as limited on Thursday. WR Bourne 45 catches / 14.8 YPC / 5 TDs) was one of four Patriots who entered the week on the COVID-19 list. WR Meyers leads the team with 65 catches but averages only 10.2 YPC with one TD. TEs Henry (41 catches / 9 TDs) and Smith (27 catches / 1 TD) make quite a TE duo. Belichick again has an excellent defense, allowing 16.2 PPG (1st) on 307.5 YPG (3rd).

Allen was ineffective in the first meeting between these two in windy and wet conditions, while Jones was able to 'escape' with a "W" despite attempting only THREE passes. The weather will be MUCH nicer on Sunday and Jones will likely need to do MUCH more this time around, up against the NFL's top-ranked pass defense (allowing 175.6 YPG passing, 11 TDs with 17 INTs plus holding opposing QBs to an NFL-low 66.7 QB rating). "Revenge is a dish best served cold" and that's EXACTLY what I see in Foxboro on Sunday. The Bills get the "W" but of course, we take any points available.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the Arz Cards at 8:15 ET.

The Indianapolis Colts opened the season 0-3 and 1-4, before winning SEVEN of their last nine (56-3 ATS) to climb back into playoff contention at 8-6. However, the Colts got some bad news on Thursday when the Titans kicked a 44-yard field goal with FOUR seconds remaining to rally from a 10-point halftime deficit to beat the 49ers 20-17. The 10-5 Titans are now a win or a Colts' loss away from clinching their second straight AFC South title. At this moment, the Colts are one FIVE teams at 8-6. The Bengals would currently win the AFC North but the Colts (thru tiebreakers), currently hold down the AFC's No. 5 seed.

The Arizona Cardinals surprised with a win Week 1 at Tennessee and shocked the NFL world by opening the season with a 7-0 (6-1 ATS) start. I think being shocked is fair, as the Cards entered the 2021 season without a winning season since 2015 (five in a row!). However, the team's 7-0 start is a distant memory with how they have fared lately. The Cards are just 3-4 their last seven games, including back-to-back losses to the Los Angeles Rams and then a shocking 30-12 loss against the Lions (as 13-point favorites), who had the worst record in the NFL with only one win entering the game. The 10-4 Cards are tied atop the NFC West with the Rams but currently own the tiebreaker edge. The Rams are in Minnesota to play the 7-7 Vikings.

Carson Wentz's career seemed 'dead' but by coming to Indy, he was reunited with Frank Reich (now Indy's head coach), who was on Philly's staff when Wentz had his best seasons with the Eagles. He's completing 62.7% for 3,005 yards with 23 TDs and just 6 INTs. With all due respect to Wentz, the key to the Indy offense is second-year RB ' Jonathan Taylor. Taylor leads the league with 1,518 rushing yards on 5.6 YPC. No other RB is within 424 yards of him. He rushed for 170 yards and one TD against the New England Patriots defense in a 27-17 victory in Week 15. The Colts have relied heavily on Taylor in recent games. Through the first 10 games of the season, Taylor averaged 16.1 carries per game but over the last four, he has averaged 27.3 carries. Taylor has 17 rushing TDs plus two more on his 36 catches. The Indianapolis defense is allowing 21.4 PPG (9th), after allowing just 17 points in its last two games.

The Cardinals have gone from having the best record in the NFL two weeks ago to dropping to the No. 4 playoff seed in the NFC. QB Kyler Murray is completing 69.8% for 3,039 with 20 TDs and 10 TDS (he has also run for 5 TDs). However, he is showing signs of frustration in the last three weeks since returning from an injury, including losses in the last two games. He's thrown three interceptions and three TD passes against the Chicago Bears, Rams and Lions, while getting sacked seven times. In the back-to-back losses to the Rams and Lions, he has had one TD and 3 INTs, with QB ratings of 72.1 and 72.9. Against Detroit, he uncharacteristically rushed for just THREE yards on four attempts. One of his favorite targets, WR DeAndre Hopkins (42 catches / 8 TDs), is out for at least the rest of the regular season with an MCL tear that required surgery. Kirk (62 / 5 TDs), Green (46 / 3 TDs) and rookie Moore (54) are all highly capable, but Moore was absent from practice on Wednesday with an injury (?). RB James Conner has just a 3.7 YPC average but has run for 700 yards with 14 TDs. However, after he fought through an ankle injury against Detroit, he was listed as a non-participant in the team's injury report this week with a heel issue suffered against the Colts. The good news would be that his backup Edmonds returned last week and ran for 53 yards on just six carries. He has 483 yards on the season, averaging 5.9 YPC. The Arizona defense has allowed 30-plus points in THREE of its last five games but checks in at 20.3 PPG allowed on the season (5th-best).

Arizona can't clinch the NFC West with a win here, but the Cards can clinch a playoff spot (would be the team's first since 2015). The Colts enter playing very well but could be in a perfect "let down" spot after their 27-17 Week 15 win over the Pats, which snapped New England's SEVEN-game SU and ATS winning streak. I expect Murray to come up big and at this number, an Arizona "W" means a cover.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Division Game of the Year (Pacific Division) is on the Pho Suns at 5:10 ET.

The teams with the two best records in the NBA will collide when the 26-6 Golden State Warriors visit the 26-5 Phoenix Suns as part of the league's Christmas showcase late Saturday afternoon. The Warriors just missed the playoffs last season, after going 15-50 the season before (preceded by FIVE straight appearances in the NBA Finals). The Suns ended a 10-year postseason drought last year by going 51-21 (one game behind the Jazz for the NBA's best regular season record) and made it all the way to the NBA Finals. Unfortunately for Phoenix fans (bettors), the Suns went up 2-0 on the Bucks but then lost FOUR in a row! The Suns enter the game with the NBA's best record, while the Warriors are just a half-game back. However, the Warriors are tied with the 22-9 Jazz for the NBA's best point-differential (plus-10.4), while The Suns are third best at plus-7.8.

These teams met TWICE between Nov 30 and Dec 3, with the Suns winning 104-96 at home in the first meeting and the Warriors routing the Suns 118-96 in Phoenix on Dec 3.  As the teams meet less than a month later for a third time, they will have a different look for this nationally televised affair. The Warriors will be without SF Andrew Wiggins (18.7 & 4.5) and SG Jordan Poole (17.9-3.4-3.4) due to COVID-19 health and safety protocols. Of course, Curry leads the way with a line of 27.7-5.4-5.9 but I'm not sure he can "do it alone." Yes, Golden St averages 114.5 PPG (4th) on 47.2% shooting (3rd), while also allowing only 101.1 PPG on 42.6% shooting (ranking 1st in both categories) but that's when the team is at full strength.

The Suns are led by the guard duo of Booker (23.3-5.2-4.7) and Chris Paul (14.4-4.0-9.8) plus center Ayton (17.0 & 11.3). Both Booker and Ayton have missed some time, but the veteran Paul has played all 31 games. Also playing all 31 games for Phoenix have been SFs Bridges (12.1 & 4.0) and Johnson (10.7 & 4.1), PF Crowder (9.3 & 4.7) and backup center McGee (10.5 & 7.5, who started eight games when Ayton was out. Speaking of Ayton, he's posted a double-double in each of the Suns' five-game winning streak, giving his 15 in his 23 games this season.

The Suns enter this game on a 15-game home winning streak and have to lose some time, but I don't see that time being here. Both Curry and head coach Steve Kerr are whining about the 'hardship' of playing back-to-back Christmas Day games on the road (I wonder if they can even imagine what so many people have endured during COVID?) and I'm expecting the Suns to make Golden St's Christmas even more miserable. Lay the points.

Good luck...Larry

My NFL 10* Thursday Game of the Year is on the Ten Titans at 8:20 ET.

The SF 49ers lost 31-17 at home to Arizona on Nov 7 but they have rebounded to win FIVE of their last six to reach 8-6. San Francisco currently owns the sixth-best record in the NFC, as the 49ers head to Tennessee on Thursday night. The Titans lost their Week 1 game at home to Arizona but then won EIGHT of nine. That said, the Titans 'limp' into this contest having lost THREE of four (lone win came 20-0 over the hapless Jags) but at 9-5, still lead the AFC South by one game over the Colts.

The 49ers have had huge injury issues in their backfield but still average 126.6 YPG on the ground (7th-best). Leading rusher Mitchell (759 yards on 4.6 YPC with 5 TDs) missed San Francisco's 31-13 victory over the Atlanta Falcons last Sunday due to a concussion and a knee injury. He has cleared the concussion protocol, and the 49ers are waiting to see whether the knee will respond and allow him to play. RB Jeff Wilson Jr. has had a late-season resurgence after a freak knee injury in the offseason sidelined him for the first half of the schedule. Wilson took some time to find his rhythm but is again running like the player who led San Francisco in rushing last season. He had 56 yards two weeks ago against the Bengals and then ran 21 times for 110 yards and a TD last week against the Falcons for his third career 100-yard game. QB Jimmy G was on the 'hot seat' early this season but comes in completing 67.4% for 3,172 yards with 18 TDs and 8 INTs. He's completing 70.2% with 10 TDs and 3 INTs during San Francisco's current 5-1 run. TE Kittle is back and has caught 28 passes the last three games (15.2 YPC / 3 TDs). WR Samuels has 61 catches (17.8 YPC / 5 TDs) plus 269 rushing with 7 TDs.

The Titans haven't been the same since RB Derrick Henry was lost with a foot injury in Week 8. QB Ryan Tannehill has had to shoulder more of the load, and he has thrown for fewer than 200 yards in THREE straight games and four of six since Henry (937 yards / 10 TDs) was hurt. Henry has not played since a 34-31 OT win at Indy. Tannehill has fallen off dramatically from the previous two seasons. He won the job during 2019 and wound up with 22 TDs and just 6 INTs (QB rating of 117.5). He then had a 33-7 ratio in 2020 with a 106.5 rating. His 2021 numbers? 14 TDs and 14 INTs and a QB rating of 83.4. Tannehill has not thrown for more than 191 yards in the three games WR Brown (46 catches / 13.4 YPC / 3 TDs) has been on injured reserve. The third-year receiver is eligible to be activated off IR before this game, and Brown's return would give the Titans much-needed help in the passing game.

The Titans need to quickly push aside the disappointment of letting a 10-point lead get away last Sunday in a 19-13 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.The Titans have a one-game lead over Indianapolis in the AFC South and need any combination of a Titans win and/or a Colts loss will to clinch a second straight division title. This is the first of two straight home games for the Titans, with the red-hot Dolphins coming to Tennessee in Week 17. A win here is a BIG deal (the Titans draw the sad-sack Texans in Week 18) and I'm backing the home dog.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Weekly Wipeout is on Weber St at 6:00 ET.

The Fresno State Bulldogs (MWC) and the Weber State Wildcats (Big Sky) meet in college hoops action from the Dee Events Center on Thursday night. Fresno State opened 5-0 but has cooled a little bit, going 4-3 since, after losing 55-50 at Utah Tuesday. Weber State opened the season 8-0 but welcomes the Bulldogs to Ogden off THREE losses in its last four, including back-to-back home losses to Utah St (Dec 15) and BYU (Dec 18).

Fresno's only double digit scorer is the 7-0 Robinson, leading the team with 18.2 PPG and a team-high 8.2 RPG. A trio of guards have played in all 12 games. They are Campbell (8.8 & 3.5), Hill (8.5) and Holland (7.3 & 5.6). Guard Stroud adds 7.0 PPG and fellow guard Ballard has returned from a shin injury to play in six straight games, averaging 5.7 PPG. The Bulldogs don't score much (66.3 PPG) but are allowing only 55.9 PPG (7th).

Weber St head coach Randy Rahe is in his 16th season at Ogden. He returned two key players from last season, guard Jawara, who is averaging 12.2 PPG and the 6-6 Jones, who adds 13.4 PPG and a team-high 10.4 RPG. Marquette transfer McEwen (a guard) is the team's leading scorer at 16.4 PPG, plus 6-6 Utan Valley transfer Overton is adding 11.4 & 3.6. The 6-10 Carlson (6.6 & 2.4) and was expected to get some help from 6-9 Florida transfer Bassett up front. He just became eligible in mid-Dec and came off the bench to add 12 & 13 in his first game. However, in those back-to-back losses to Utah St and BYU he played a total of just 10 minutes.

Here's the rub. Fresno is 9-3 SU and an impressive 8-3 ATS but the Bulldogs are 0-3 SU on the road. Weber St has lost THREE of four but all three have come against quality teams (Utah St and BYU at home) and Washington St on the road. Weber St was 11-0 SU at home last season and opened 4-0 at home this season, before those back-to-back losses to Utah St and BYU. I expect them to bounce back here vs an 0-3 road team like Fresno St. Weber St averages 11 points more per game than Fresno St and in the end, pulls away for a comfortable win.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Frisco Bowl-Part 2 is on North Texas at 3:30 ET.

Thursday's inaugural Frisco Football Classic was created after the regular season to help accommodate a game for every eligible team. Both the Texas Mean Green and the Miami-Ohio RedHawks finished their regular campaigns with 6-6 records with North Texas dominating previously unbeaten No. 15 UTSA at home on Nov. 27 to become bowl-eligible.

Both teams played on November 27, Miami at Kent St and North Texas at home against UTSA, which came to Denton 11-0 and ranked No. 22 in the CFP standings. Miami engaged in a shootout with Kent, kicking a FG with FOUR seconds left to send the game into OT. Kent St got the ball first and took a 48-41 lead. Miami then scored a TD as well but went for the win with a two-point try. It failed, giving Kent St the MAC East title and leaving Miami at 6-6. In stark contrast, North Texas CRUSHED the then-undefeated Roadrunners, winning 45-23 while rolling up 370 yards on the ground! North Texas opened its season 1-6 but finished by winning its final FIVE games both SU and ATS (will enter this game on a 6-0 ATS run!).

I'm going to 'cut to the chase' pretty quickly here. North Texas averages 246.0 YPG on the ground, third-best in the nation behind Army (286.9) and Navy (341.5). However, Army averages just 94.8 YPG through the air and Navy just 82.5 YPG. North Texas averages 194.5 YPG passing, giving the offense a nice balance. QB Gabbert (24 TDs and just 6 INTs) gives Miami an edge in the passing game but the RedHawks average just over 100 YPG less on the ground. Defensively, Miami owns a slight edge, allowing 23.8 PPG to North Texas allowing 27.5.

The site of this game is in Frisco, which is only about 35 miles from the North Texas campus in Denton. It's NOT a true road game for Miami but since Miami was 1-6 away from home this season, It's hard to back them as a small road favorite. What's more, Miami plays in a conference (MAC) that has been HUGE losers in recent bowl games. Entering the current bowl season, MAC teams were a combined 12-26 (.316) the last seven years (going back to 2014). Think the MAC is due for a turnaround? Four MAC schools have alraedy competed in the current bow season, losing all FOUR games (that's now a combined 12-30, .286), while allowing 46.5 PPG!

You tell me why Miami of the MAC is a small favorite over a Nortn Texas team, playing 35 miles away from home, on a five-game winning streak, as well as a six-game winning ATS streak?

Good luck...Larry