My 10* Late-Breaker is on St Mary's at 10:00 ET.

The Missouri State Bears will travel to University Credit Union Pavilion in Moraga, Ca to take on the Saint Mary’s Gaels Wednesday night in college hoops. The Bears will take a four-game winning streak into the contest, giving them an 8-4 record. The Gaels lost last Friday night 63-53 at SD State, dropping to 10-3 to start their season.

Dana Ford is in his fourth season at Missouri St and led the Bears to a 17-7 record last season 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 16.2 PPG plus a team-high 8.1 RPG. Swingman Isiaih Mosley leads the Bears in scoring (17.6 PPG) plus adds 5.3 RPG. Guard Jaylen Minnett is an IUPUI transfer averaging 13.4 PPG and returning guard Ja’Monta Black adds 10.5 PPG to cap off the group of double-digit scorers for Missouri State. The Bears are averaging a healthy 80.2 PPG (33rd) on 47.8% shooting (38th).

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. Saint Mary’s has been led by the 6-10 Matthias Tass (11.6 & 5.3) and the 6-7 Dan Fotu, who comes off the bench to add 11.1 & 4.4. Starting up front with Tass is the 6-8 Bowen (5.4 & 6.6). The Gaels start three guards, Kuhse (9.5), Ducas (9.2 & 4.3) and Johnson (8.8). Saint Mary’s is averaging just 66.9 PPG (280th) but its defense is holding opponents to 58.0 PPG (22nd).

Missouri St has looked good at times this season but a road trip to Moraga, Ca (where?) is never a pleasant trip for any team. The Gaels have been tough to beat at home since Bennett took over and this year is no different, as they are off to a 7-0 start. The fact that Missouri St is on an 6-1 ATS run in the role of an underdog sure makes it easy for me to say, "Lay the points!"

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Conference Game of the Month (ACC) is on Clemson at 7:00 ET.

Brad Brownell arrived in Clemson for the 2010-11 season and after 11 years, he's led the Tigers to just four, 20-win season and three NCAA berths. This is his 12th season at the helm and his team enters this ACC game at UVA on the three-game winning streak to reach 8-4 (0-1 start in the ACC, losing 80-75 at Miami on Dec 5). 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.

In Clemson's five-point loss at Miami in their ACC opener, the Tigers turned the ball over 18 times. Clemson led for more than 35 minutes against the Hurricanes before being done in by a late 19-5 run by Miami. The good news is that Clemson has won THREE straight since that loss and one must note that Clemson has excellent balance, with FIVE players averaging in double figures. The 6-10 P.J. Hall leads the way with 14.7 PPG (adds 6.3 RPG), joined up front by the 6-8 Hunter Tyson (11.3 & 6.1), The Tigers start three guards, Al-Amir Dawes (11.7), David Collins (11.7 & 6.9) and Nick Honor (10.2). 

The only returning starter for UVA is PG Clark (9.8 & 4.2 APG). Guard Beekman (6.1-3.9-4.6) is back, as is the 6-11 Shedrick (6.6 & 5.4), but UVA's two-most important players are transfers. The 6-6 Gardner comes from East Carolina and leads in scoring (15.3) and rebounding (8.3) plus guard Franklin comes via Indiana and chips in 11.4 PPG. As always, Bennett's team is one of the nation's best defensive squads in the nation, allowing just 55.2 PPG (6th).

The 7-4 Cavs (1-0 in the  ACC, edging Pitt at home by one point!) are jumping into the meat of their Atlantic Coast Conference schedule trying to find some continuity in what has already been an up-and-down season. The Cavs should be confident, as the Tigers have not managed to beat Virginia since January 2013, losing 11 in a row! Am I 'spitting into the wind' here by taking Clemson? It's possible but I really like Clemson's balance and I'll note that the Cavs played at James Madison back on Dec 7 with an 11-0 all-time record against their intrastate rival and LOST, 52-49 as a 4.5-point favorite. Virginia is just 3-8 ATS in its last 11 as a home favorite. Clemson says ENOUGH is ENOUGH. Take the points.

Good luck...Larry

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

Sean Miller was fired after 12 seasons in Tucson and longtime Gonzaga assistant Tommy Lloyd was hired (his first head coach gig). Lloyd learned more than a little about winning while at Gonzaga and his first Arizona team, unranked at the start of the season, has opened 11-0 and currently owns the AP's No. 6 ranking. Tennessee head coach Rick Barbnes 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). This year's team opened has opened 8-2 in his seventh season at Tennessee. The Vols opened the season at No. 18 and comes in ranked 19th.

Arizona begins its longest series of road games in 14 seasons when the Wildcats face Tennessee on Wednesday in Knoxville. After Arizona plays the Volunteers, it will visit No. 5 UCLA on Dec. 30 and No. 8 Southern California on Jan. 2. The Wildcats complete their four-game road trip Jan. 8 at Arizona State. The Wildcats own four double digit scorers, led by 6-6 guard Mathurin's 17.4 PPG (he adds 6.5 RPG). The 6-7 Tubelis averages 16.1 & 6.8  and the 7-1 Koloko adds 13.6 & 7.3 plus PG Kriisa is good for 11.8 PPG and 5.4 APG. Four more Vols have played in all 11 games, chipping in between 5.9 and 8.2 PPG. Arizona is averaging a nation-high 91.0 PPG.

Tennessee is also efficient on offense. Through the weekend, the Volunteers ranked fourth in the nation in assist/turnover ratio (1.80), fifth in turnover margin (plus-7.1) and sixth in assists per game (19.3). Guards Chandler (14.6 & 5.4 APG) and Vescovi (13.1-4.4-3.4) lead the scoring, with the 6-8 Nkamhoua (9.4 & 6.0) and the 6-9 Fulkerson (8.3 & 6.2) starting up front. 6-6 guard Jordan-James missed a few games but is back in the starting lineup, averaging 5.9 & 6.0. Defense is a Rick Barnes specialty and his team is allowing just 57.9 PPG (20th).

However, the Vols get quite a test with Arizona's top-ranked scoring offense and note the Wildcast are allowing a modest 62.8 PPG, while holding opponents are shooting only 36.1% (5th). This will be the first time the Wildcats will play four consecutive road games since January 2008, so the Game 1 result could 'set the stage' for the rest of the trip (VERY tough games at UCLA and USC). Tennessee's Saturday game against Memphis in Nashville was canceled due to COVID-19 protocols within the Tigers' program, meaning the Vols are playing off an eight-day break. That is NOT an advantage in my opinion. Arizona makes it a 'even dozen' wins to open the season with a victory here in Nashville.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Frisco Bowl play is on San Diego St at 7:30 ET.

UTSA (12-1) of Conference USA is in just its 10th season as an FBS program and is looking for its initial bowl victory. The school also has a chance to notch a rare 13th victory. The Roadrunners' opponent in the Frisco Bowl is San Diego State (11-2) of the Mountain West Conference. The Aztecs are looking to win 12 games for the first time in the school's Division I history (school has had 11-win seasons) in 1969, 2015 and 2016. 

Jeff Traylor's first head coaching came when he was given the UTSA job in 2020. He took over a program that was 3-9 and 4-8 in the previous two seasons and led the Roadrunners to a 7-4 regular season in 2020, finishing 7-5 after a bowl loss to ULL. This year's team opened 11-0 and was ranked 22nd in the CFP standings, before losing 45-23 at North Texas on Nov 27. The score was shocking and the UTSA defense allowed a whopping 340 yards on the ground. Note that on the season, UTSA has allowed just 112.3 YPG on the ground to rank 13th, while allowing 23.6 PPG (44th). The offense is averaging 37.8 PPG (12th) with excellent balance. The team's passing game averages 254.3 YPG and the rushing attack averages 189.0 YPG. QB Harris completes 66.9% for 2,906 yards with 25 TDs and 5 INTs plus has run for 595 yards (5.4 YPC with 6 TDs). RB McCormick is a 'stud,' rushing for 1,479 yards (eight games over over 100 yards) on 5.0 YPC with 15 TDs. The top-two WRs are Franklin (73 catches / 11 TDs) and Cephus (69 catches / 6 TDs).

San Diego State does not possess the offensive numbers of UTSA, averaging 26.5 PPG. The passing game ranks 113th (159.2 YPG) but the running game is good, at 175.3 YPG (55th). Greg Bell has run for 999 Yards (4.5 YPC / 8 TDs), plus five others chip in between 158 and 312 yards. The only receiver with more than 30 catches is WR Matthews (47 / 7 TDs). However, the SDSU defense is top-notch, holding opponents to 19.5 PPG (17th) on 319.6 YPG (14th).

Both schools played in their respective conference championship games, UTSA bouncing back from its embarrassing loss to North Texas by beating Western Ky 49-41. As for SD State, the Aztecs lost 46-13 to Utah State in the Mountain West title game. That type of beating was a stunner, as San Diego State allowed 16 points or less or on SEVEN occasions this season. It's that SDSU defense that has me on the Aztecs here plus the fact that while UTSA is playing in just its third bowl game, this marks San Diego State's 11th bowl berth since 2020. Oh, did I forget to mention! 'Stud' RB McCormick? He set school records for rushing yards and TDs (see above) on his way to earning C-USA Offensive Player of the Year honors but has decided to miss Tuesday's bowl game, 'saving himself' for the NFL draft.The Aztecs get that elusive 12th win right here!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Las vegas Insider is on Delaware at 7:30 ET.

The Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens and the Iona Gaels meet Tuesday in a non-conference contest from UBS Arena. Both teams had COVID-shortened season a year ago but both are off to strong starts this season, as Delaware (of the CAA) is 9-3 and Ions (MAAC) is 9-2.

Delaware head coach Martin Ingelsby is in his sixth season, having gone just 7-8 last year and 73-74 in his tenure with the Blue Hens. However, all FIVE of last year's starters returned and Delaware is looking like a contender in the CAA this season. Four players average in double digits, led by the 6-10 Painter, who leads in scoring (14.5) and rebounding (7.6). His frontcourt partner is the 6-9 Carr, who checks in just under double digits at 9.5 PPG (adds 4.7 RPG). Delaware has a terrific guard trio, consisting of Allen (13.4), Nelson (12.5 & 5.0) and Anderson (11.4 & 3.9).

You may just have heard about Iona head coach Rick Pitino. COVID limited the Gaels to just 13 regular season games last season (8-5 / 6-3 in the MAAC). However, tourney time was NOT head coach Rick Ptino's 'first rodeo!' Iona beat FOUR opponents (Gaels held those opponents to just 53.8 PPG) on its way to the tourney title and an NCAA bid. Iona fell to two-seed Alabama in the Big Dance, but held them 12 points less than its season average and covered, in a 68-55 loss. Iona lost its two top guards in Ross (18.4) and Gist (13.3). However, Pitino likes his three transfers, Joiner (9.5 & 5.5) from Tulsa, Jolly (14.6 & 5.4) from SMU and the 6-8 Slazinski (11.1 & 4.1) from Louisville. He loved the potential of 6-9 PF Joseph (11.1 & 7.5 as a freshman) and he has delivered, averaging 14.3 PG with a team-high 8.2 RPG. 6-8 veteran van Eyck is having an excellent season, averaging 10.4-4.7-3.7.

Iona got a rematch with Alabama this season and beat the then-No. 10 Crimson Tide, 72-68. The Gaels' two losses have come to Belmont and to then-No. 4 Kansas, 96-83. Delaware opened just 4-3 over its first seven outings but entered this contest on a 5-0 run. This contest is playing in the new UBS Arena on Long Island (Belmont Park site), not the Gael's homecourt in New Rochelle. I think the price is a little high on thsi neutral court and I will gladly take the points with a Delaware team that is beginning to "find itself!"

Good luck...Larry

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

The 7-5 Marshall Thundering Herd and the 7-3 Toledo Rockets hook up tonight from Toledo's Savage Arena. Marshall looks to bounce back from a 75-60 loss to Northern Iowa last time out, while Toledo looks to rebound from a 72-69 loss at the hands of Richmond in its last game.

Marshall head coach Dan D'Antonio is in his eighth season with Marshall and his team is coming off a 15-7 season. The Thundering Herd opened 6-1 but a team-wide COVID outbreak greatly influenced the rest of the team's season. PG West (12.5 & 6.0 APG) transferred to Louisville and forward Williams (9.4 & 3.4) transferred to Eastern Ky. However, 6-5 guard Taevion Kinsey returned and is having an excellent season, averaging 19.8-5.1-3.8. Fellow guard Taylor is also back, averaging 12.9 & 6.2 plus the 6-10 Beyers returned as well, averaging 5.6 & 2.5. Two solid frontcourt players are the 6-8 Anochili-Killen adds 13.4 PPG and is grabbing a team-high 7.2 RPG, a big jump from last season, while the 6-7 George is adding 9.2 & 5.6

Toledo's Tod Kowalczyk is in his 12th season at Toledo. Last year's team went 21-9 but wound up in the NIT after losing during the MAC tourney. The Rockets lost POY Jackson (18.1-6.1-5.9) to ASU and guard Littleson (13.4 PPG / shooting 47.2% on threes) is playing overseas. Freshman of the Year Rolins is back and is 'getting it done' by averaging 19.3-4.8-3.5. Replacing PG Jackson is Boise St transfer Dennis (11.3-5.9-3.9). Returning forwards Millner (15.0 & 6.4) and Shumate (17.3 & 7.3) are a strong duo.

Toledo may just have another sold season in the MAC but I believe this Marsahll team has a chamcnce to surprsie in C-USA this season. Marsahll matches up well with Toledo and I expect them to pick up the outright win. Points are a bonus. Take them.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Situational Stunner is on Utah at 7:00 ET. 

Once upon a time, Fresno St and Utah were Western Athletic Conference rivals. However, when the Bulldogs and Utes meet tonight in Salt Lake City, Fresno State is a member of the MWC and Utah is part of the Pac 12. Fresno State opened 5-0 but has cooled a little bit, going 4-2 since to enter 9-2.Utah also opened 5-0 but has lost FOUR of its last six and comes into the contest just 7-4.

The 7-0 Robinson is the lone frontcourt player of note and is Fresno's ONLY double digit scorer, leading the team with 18.3 PPG and a team-high 8.1 RPG. The trio of guards who have played in all 11 games are Campbell (9.5 & 3.5), Hill (8.5 & 3.1) and Holland (7.2 & 5.3). Guard Ballard matched Robinson with 18 points in Fesno's last game and his 18 points were EIGHT more than he'd totaled in his first four games after returning from a shin injury (he's averaging 5.6 PPG in five games)..

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) but saw the team's best player Timmy Allen (17.2 & 6.4) transfer to Texas. However, key returning players from last year's team are the 7-0 Carlson and the 6-9 Battin (6.5 & 4.5). Carlson leads the team in scoring with 13.7 (adds 6.0 RPG) but has missed recently with  COVID-19-related issues and likely won't return until the Utes' Dec. 30 Pac-12 game at Oregon State. Guards Wosrster (7.9 & 4.5)  and Anthony (7.8 & 7.4) followed Smith from Utah St plus guard Jenkins (12,4) came via UNLV and guard Gach, who started at Utah but moved on Minnesota, returned this year to play for Smith and is second to Carlson with 13.4 PPG.

Here's the rub. Fresno St is not just 9-2 SU but is also 8-2 ATS but both losses have come on the road, at Cal and San Francisco. Yes, Carlson is missed but the Utes are 5-1 at home, with the lone loss coming to rival BYU. A home meeting against a former rival should be "just what the doctor ordered," as Utah looks to head back into Pac 12 play on Dec 30 (has opened 1-1 in league play). No Carlson means a 'cheaper' price and I'm laying it!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Division Game of the Month (NFC North) is on the Chi Bears at 8:15 ET.

The 6-7 Minnesota Vikings will look to bolster their chances of making the playoffs when they visit the Chicago Bears on Monday night. Minnesota is among a crowded group of NFC teams that are chasing potential wild-card berths. The Vikings are coming off a 36-28 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers and have THREE wins in their last five games. The Vikings will move up to the No. 7 spot if they beat the Bears on Monday night and they'll stay there if Washington loses Tuesday to the Eagles. The homestanding Chicago Bears enter the contest 4-9 and just looking for a bright spot in what has been a dreary season. The Bears have SEVEN of theri last eight. Rookie QB Justin Fields has offered glimpses of his potential but he also has endured growing pains in his first season out of Ohio State.

There are NO 'growing pains' for Minnesota QB Kirk Cousins, who is completing 66.9% for 3,569 yards with 27 TDs and 5 INTs (103.5 rating). RB Cook returned in Week 14 to run for 205 yards and two TDs in the win over Pittsburgh. He needs only 22 rushing yards to reach the 1,000-yard milestone for the third season in a row. He is averaging 119.7 yards from scrimmage (97.8 rushing, 21.9 receiving) in 10 games this season. WR Justin Jefferson (2,688) needs 68 receiving yards for the most in NFL history in a player's first two seasons in the Super Bowl era. He has 85 catches (15.2 YPC) and 8 TDs. WR Thielen has 64 catches and 10TDs but missed last week (he's questionable here). The Vikings average 26.5 PPG (9th) but allow 25.6 PPG (25th).

I referred to Fields earlier and he enters (in 11 games) completing just 57.6% for 1,585 with 6 TDs and 10 INTs. He did pass frpo 224 yards with two TDs plus ran for 74 more yards last week vs Green Bay but also threw two INTs. Chicago led the Packers 27-21 at the half but got outscored 24-3 in the second half. That game kind of sums up Chicago's 4-9 season. RB Montgomery has 608 yards on 4.2 YPC with 4 TDs and the Chicago receiving corps is very mediocre. The Bears average only 17.8 PPG (28th) and allow 25.5 PPG (24th).

There every reason to think Minnesota should win this game but I'm guessing MOST thought that the Bucs(at home) would beat the Saints! Final Score: Saints 9 Bucs 0! The Vikings nearly blew a 29-0 lead last week, hanging on by forcing an incomplete pass in the end zone on the final play. Minnesota has been wildly inconsistent this season, so how can one trust them? Note that the Bears have won FIVE of the last six meetings between these two "Black & Blue" division rivals. Want more? Cousins enter the NFL in 2012 and in his career with Washington and Minnesota, owns an 0-9 record on MNF. Take the points!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Mid-West Crusher is on Nebraska at 6:00 ET.

Kansas State and Nebraska were longtime rivals in the Big 8 and Big 12, before Nebraska left to join the Big Ten. The last meeting was Kansas State's 61-57 victory in Lincoln back on Feb 23, 2011, its fifth straight win over Nebraska. The two former conference rivals are set to renew acquaintances for the first time in nearly 11 years Sunday in Lincoln, Ne. The schools are beginning a three-game series that also calls for games in Manhattan next season and in Kansas City in 2023. The series was initially slated to begin last season before being pushed back due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Wildcats head coach Bruce Weber said it was important to him to get the Cornhuskers back on the docket. "It's a great rivalry in K-State history," Weber told reporters. "I got here (in 2012) and it was sad that Nebraska is two hours away and Missouri is three hours away and we're not getting to play those guys. ... I think it's good for (college) basketball and it's good for us."

Weber came to fame at Illinois withe six NCAA appearances in eight seasons, including losing the national championship game to North Carolina in 2005 (team finished 37-2). However, after leading the Wildcats to five NCAA berths in his first seven seasons in Manhattan, the Wildcats have posted back-to-back seasons of 11-21 and 9-20. Kansas St has opened 6-3, led by a group of five guards plus the 6-9 Massoud (8.0 & 4.4) and Ezeagu (7.4 & 5.6). Those guards are Pack (14.4), Nowell (13.2-4.0-4.6), Smith (10.0 & 7.8), Miguel (8.0 & 5.3) and McGuirl (6.8-3.3-2.6). Weber is a "defense-first" coach and this year' team is allowing only 59.7 PPG (33rd).

Fred Hoiberg had an excellent five-year run as Iowa St's head coach, taking the Cyclones to the NCAA tourney in each of his last four seasons. However, that led the Chicago Bulls to think that he could be an NBA coach and that 'experiment' lasted three-plus seasons, with the Bulls going 115-155 (.426). He returned to the college ranks here at Nebraska, but his first season was a 7-25 disaster (2-18 in Big 12) and last season a repeat performance (7-20 / 3-12 in the Big 12). However, Hoiberg landed the first 5-star recruit in school history in Bryce McGowens, who has averaged 16.2 & 6.4. PG Verge is an ASU transfer averaging 16.0-5.8-5.2, giving Nebraska a terrific 1-2 'punch' The returning 6-8 Walker (9.1 & 6.1) plus a trio of guards round out the main contributors. Tominaga (7.7) is a JC transfer, Wilcher (7.5) a Xavier transfer and Webster (7.0) a returning senior.

Things were looking up as Iowa St opened the season 5-2 but a 1040100 four-OT loss at NC St in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge has derailed the season. Big Ten losses to Indiana and Michigan followed and then the 'Huskers were routed in Atlanta by Auburn,99-68 in the Holiday Hoopsgiving. That loss led Hoiberg to do some deep soul-searching. "It's urgency. It's playing harder. It's effort," Hoiberg told reporters. "We got our head kicked in for two straight games." He was referring to a 102-67 rout at home by Michigan on Dec 7. However, here's the rub. The 'Huskers have gone up against some pretty sturdy competition over their last four games. Off back-to-back 'ugly' efforts, Nebraska should be poised to give an all-out effort against this old rival. That's my bet!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* "Signature" LEGEND Play is on the Cin Bengals at 4:05 ET.

Cincy QB Joe Burrow was limited to 10 games as a rookie and the Bengals finished 4-11-1. It was the franchise's 5th consecutive losing season, after being a playoff team, in SIX of seven seasons between 2009-15. The Broncos would go 5-11 in 2020, the team's FIFTH consecutive losing season as well, after winning the team's third Super Bowl ring in the 2015 season.

The Bengals were 7-4 after a 41-10 Week 12 win over Pittsburgh but then dropped the last two games (BOTH at home), 41-22 to the Chargers and 26-23 in OT vs the 49ers. The Broncos surprised most (all?) by opening 3-0, but promptly lost FOUR in a row. However, Denver has recovered to win FOUR of its last six and now matches the Bengals at 7-6. The Bengals are still right in the AFC North race (Ravens lead at just 8-4) but the Broncos are hardly a threat in the AFC West, as the Chiefs are 9-4, after winning FOUR in a row. That said, BOTH are in a jam-packed race for one of three AFC wild card spots.

Burrow comes in completing 68.8% for 3,483 yards with 25 TDs and 14 INTs (QB rating of 100.6). RB Mixon is having a creer season, rushing for 1,038 yards and 12 TDs, plus has 28 catches for two more scores. LSU rookie WR Chase (No. 5 overall pick) leads with 60 catches (17.3 YPC / 10 TDs) and Higgins is up to 57 catches (14.2 YPC / 4 TDs), having caught 20 pases the last three games, after missing two games. The third WR is Boyd (55 catches / 2 TDs) plus TE Uzomah has 37 catches and 5 TDs. Cincy allows 22.5 PPG (17th) but note that's an improvement over the last seasons, when the Bengals allowed an average of 27.1 PPG.

Denver QB Bridgewater flies under the radar, completing 67.6 % for 2,954 yards with 18 TDs and 7 INTs. His WR group can't match Burrow's, with Sutton (48 catches / 2 TDs) and Patrick (42 catches / 4 TDs). However, TE Fant leads the team with 53 catches. Denver has two RBs with over 700 yards rushing, Williams (743 / 4.8 YPC / 3 TDs) and Gordon (716 / 4.8 / 7 TDs), which gives Denver an edge in that department. The Broncos also own the edge defensively, allowing 17.5 PPG, 2nd-best in the entire NFL.

Two fumbled punts by Cincinnati returner Darius Phillips led to 10 first-half points for the 49ers last Sunday. A taunting call against Bengals safety Vonn Bell extended the second of those Niners drives, which ended in a 14-yard TD pass from Garoppolo to Kittle that gave San Francisco a 17-6 halftime lead. However, Burrow showed how much he's grown this season by leading two late 4th-quarter drives, both ending with a TD pass to Chase. The Bengals took the lead in OT with a FG but lost on a San Francisco TD.

As for Denver, after pregame tributes to WR Thomas, the Broncos, notorious slow starters, scored TDs on their first two drives. The first quarter ended with the Broncos holding a 14-0 lead, an 11-0 advantage in FDs and a yardage disparity of 135 to minus-1. The final was 38-10, as the Lions fell to 1-11-1 on the season. Both teams are 7-6 and the winner here would own the head-to-head tiebreaker advantage, although with some many teams in the mix, other tiebreakers may decide things. However, as I noted at the top, the Bengals still have a real shot at winning the division. After two back-to-back home losses, getting a road game, where the Bengals are 4-2, is NOT a bad thing. In the end, I also like Burrow over Bridgeater in 'crunch time.' That said, I don't expect there to be 'crunch time,' as the Bengals win "with room to spare!"

Good luck...Larry

My 8* Las Vegas Insider is on the Pit Steelers at 1:00 ET.

The 9-5 Tennessee Titans entered Week 15 in a three-way tie atop the AFC standings with four games remaining. They are battling the New England Patriots and the Kansas City Chiefs for the conference's top seed and only postseason bye. However, the Chiefs got an early start to the week winning in LA over the Chargers on Thursday, moving to 10-4. The Pats play Saturday at Indy, so the Titans could take the field needing to win to keep pace with those teams. Are the Titans really rooting for AFC South rival Indy to beat the Colts? Heading into Week 15, the 8-6 Colts are still within striking distance of the Titans (two back with four to go). As for the Steelers, they are just 6-6-1 and in last place in the AFC North. However, the division is still "up for grabs," as the Ravens lead at 8-5, with the Bengals and Browns at 7-6. QB Ben Roethlisberger still believes the Pittsburgh Steelers have what it takes to be a playoff team. However, time is running out to prove it.

RB Henry (937 yards / 10 TDs) has not played since a 34-31 OT win at Indy, which gave the Titans a 6-2 record. Tennessee won its first two games without Henry (up to 8-2) but then lost a shocker to the Texans and were humbled 36-13 by the red-hot Pats. A Week 13 bye helped, as did Tennessee's opponent in its Week 14 return. The Titans drew the Jags and won, 20-0. The running game struggles without Henry plus 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 13 INTs and a QB rating of 84.5. The Tennessee offense and defense both rank 15th of the 32 teams. The Titans are averaging 24.9 PPG, while allowing 22.3.

The Steelers were 5-3 after eight games but have only one victory in their past five games, a 1-3-1 run that began with an embarrassing home tie against the Detroit Lions and continued in Week 14 (Thursday game) with a 36-28 road defeat to the Minnesota Vikings. The Steelers did storm back in that one, nearly erasing a 29-0, third-quarter deficit, but they ultimately fell short on the final play. They find themselves 11th in the AFC standings, although they are a mere half-game behind a pack of five teams that sit at 7-6. People have 'buried' Big Ben this season but he's completing 65.3% for 3,066 yards with 19 TDs and 7 INTs. Compare those numbers to Tannehill's? Rookie RB Harris may only average 3.7 YPC but he's run for 873 yards (6 TDs) plus caught 60 passes for another three TDs. Roethlisberger doesn't have a WR duo like Stallworh and Swan but the Pittsburgh receiving corps is solid. The Steelers have struggled offensively (20.9 PPG ranks 21st) and their defense is no longer an elite until (24.8 PPG ranks 22nd) but DON'T count them out in this one.

Yes, Tennessee can clinch the AFC South with a win here AND an Indy loss, which would also mean that the Pats, Chiefs and Titans would all remain tied atop the AFC at 10-4. However, a Pittsburgh win could really make things interesting in the AFC North, as Baltimore and Cincy are currently struggling plus the Browns have been ravaged by COVID. The Steelers have won THREE straight in the series, including a 27-24 victory last season but MORE importantly, Pittsburgh has gone 7-0 ATS in its last seven times as a home dog! Bow Wow!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Bowl Opener (LA Bowl) is on Oregon St at 7:30 ET.

Anyone ever think there would be a Jimmy Kimmel LA Bowl? Well there is and the 7-5 Oregon St Beavers of the Pac 12 will take on the 10-3 Utah St Aggies, the newly crowned champions of the MWC, after they impressively beat San Diego St 46-13 in the MWC championship game back on Dec 4.

Utah State was just 1-5 in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season but Blake Anderson was hired away from Arkansas State last December and introduced a new 'vibe' at the school, while QB Luke Bonner, who followed Anderson from Arkansas State, had a record-setting season (more in a bit). As for Oregon St, Jonathan Smith got his first head coaching gig with his alma mater back in 2018. Smith was a four-year starter for the Beavers at QB, taking over midway through his redshirt freshman season in 1998 and maintaining the job through his senior season in 2001. As a junior in 2000 under Dennis Erickson, he led the Beavers to their greatest season in school history. The Beavers finished 11–1, a school record for wins, won a share of their first conference title in 36 years, and finished fourth in the country. Smith was the MVP of the Fiesta Bowl. Smith went 2-10 in his first season at Oregon St, followed by a 5-7 year and a 2-5 year in the pandemic-season of 2020. However, his Beavers went 7-5 in 2021 and are in the school's first bowl since 2013.

Bonner has completed 61.2% for 3,560 yards with 36 TDs and just 11 INTs. His 36 TD pases are a school reord and he's just SEVEN passing yards shy of the record of 3,567 set by Jordan Love in 2018. He's got plenty of receiving targets in Thompkins (96 / 16.1 YPC / 9 TDs), Bowling (52 / 15.1 / 9 TDs), Wright (45 / 16.8 YPC / 11 TDs) and McGriff (34 / 12.1 YPC / 6 TDs). The running game features a two-back duo of Tyler (764 / 4.5 / 6 TDs ) and Noa (575 / 4.4 / 4 TDs). The offense is averaging 33.2 PPG (31st) and the defense is allowing 25.3 PPG (58th). Oregon St owns a dominating rushing attack (219.5 YPG to rank 13th), led by Baylor, who has 1,259 yards (6.0 YPC) with 13 TDs. Fenwick and Lowe combine for 778 yards (5 TDs) plus Colletto may only have 160 yards rushing but he's scored a team-high eight rushing TDs. QB Nolan has had a 'nice 'year' (63.5% / 2,414 yards / 19-9 ratio) but it is dwarfed by Bonner's numbers. OSU is averaging 32.8 PPG (35th) and allowing 25.9 PPG.

Oregon State finished third in its division in the Pac-12 and sixth overall in the conference but is a seven-point favorite over Utah State. That doesn't sit well with some of the Aggies, who are the champions of the Mountain West Conference and chasing the third 11-win campaign in program history. Oregon's St's "signature win" this season was its 42-34 home win over Utah, which is the Pac 12 champs (currently ranked 11th) and headed to the Rose Bowl for a showdown with Ohio St. I noted earlier that the Beavers are in a bowl game for the first time since 2013 but let me add that 2013 was also the last time this program posted a winning record. Utah St may be the underdog in this game but somehow I get the sense that OSU sees itself as the underdog and that a win could be just what Smith needs to get this program "back on track." The scoreboard said Utah St 46-13 over SD State but the stat sheet said Utah St had a modest 383-315 yardage advantage, while SDSU actually won the TOP battle. I see a 'let down' spot here for Utah St and believe Oregon St is favored by a TD for a reason. Lay it!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Weekend Wipeout is on Ole Miss at 6:30 ET.

The Dayton Flyers opened the season 1-3 but have won SIX of their last seven, including a 74-73 upset of then-No. 4 Kansas, to reach 7-4. The Ole Miss Rebels are 7-3, as they welcome Dayton to Oxford in this con-conference affair.

Leading the way this season are guard Weaver (11.0), the 6-10 Holmes (10.1 & 5.4), the 6-8 Camara (9.7 & 6.2) and freshman guard Smith (9.5-4.2-4.4). The 6-10 Amzil, who came on last season to average 9.9 & 5.6), has yet to match those numbers this season, averaging 6.9 & 3.9.

Ole Miss just defeated Middle Tennessee State -- Davis' team for 16 seasons (2002-18) -- on Wednesday, 62-52, using a stingy defense to limit the Raiders to 34.9% shooting from the floor and 11.1% from beyond the arc. However, the Rebels' offense also struggled, as they missed 16 of their 21 three-point attempts. The great news was, Daeshun Ruffin was strong in his return to action after breaking his hand on Nov 9. In 13 minutes of action, he made 4 of 9 shots from the floor to net 12 points. "Big things" are expected from the 5-9 freshman guard. Senior guard Joiner (15.0) leads the team in scoring plus the Rebels have excellent depth on the perimeter (three more players averaging between 5.8 and 7.3 PPG). Up front, it's the 6-8 Brakefield (8.6 & 4.3), the 7-0 Brown (8.3 & 7.5) and the 6-6 Murrell (7.2).

No way Kermit Davis takes a team that beat Kansa 'lightly' and overall, Ole Miss is a better and deeper team than Dayon. Lay the small 'sport,' as Ole Miss wins "with room to spare!'

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Blue Blood Bash is on Kentucky at 5:00 ET.

Roy Williams retired after last year's disappointing 18-11 season, one which ended in a first-round 82-65 NCAA loss to Wisconsin. Hubert Davis took over and the Tar Heels were ranked 19th in the AP's preseason poll. As for Kentucky, the 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.  Two of CBB's 'bluest' Blue Bloods meet Saturday in Las Vegas from T-Mobile Arena. 8-2 North Carolina opened 3-0 but then lost to then-No. 6 Purdue and then-No. 17 Tennessee, before winning its last FIVE. Meanwhile, 7-2 Kentucky lost its season opener in MSG to Duke (Champions Classic), before winning all SEVEN games at home in Rupp Arena against modest (I'm being kind here) competition. However, the Wildcats fell 66-62 at Notre Dame last Saturday (note: Irish were just 3-4 coming in).

North Carolina has a frontcourt led by the returning 6-10 Bacot (14.3 & 9.8), 6-9 Oklahoma transfer Manek (13.0 & 5.8) and Marquette transfer Garcia (12.2 & 6.1). Sophomore guard Love (16.2-4.3-3.9) teams with freshman Davis (13.1-4.0-3.7) and Black (5.0 & 5.0) in the backcourt. Kentucky is led by the 6-9 Tshiebwe (16.2 & 14.4) and the 6-7 Brooks (11.8 & 4.9) up front. SG Washington (13.8-4.4-3.3) and PG Wheeler (9.9 & 7.7 APG) lead a backcourt that also features Grady (9.1) and Mintz (7.5 & 4.0).

Both teams score well, as North Carolina averages 80.4 PPG and Kentucky 80.3. However, Kentucky is allowing about NINE points less per game, 61.4-to-70.9. Also, Kentucky is ranked first among Division I teams with an offensive rebound percentage of 45 percent. The Wildcats have averaged 15.4 offensive boards per game. ND head coach Mike Brey knocked Kentucky's 'cream puff' schedule in the post-game press conference after the Irish beat the Wildcats last Saturday. Coach Cal and his players likely 'got the message' and I'm expecting a HUGE bounce-back by Kentucky in this one.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* PERFECT STORM is on Wichita St at 4:00 ET.

The North Texas Mean Green and the Wichita State Shockers face off on Saturday in college hoops at Charles Koch Arena. North Texas comes into this game with a 6-3 record overall, while Wichita State is 8-2 record. Grant McCasland took over at North Texas starting in the 2017-18 season and won 20, 210 and 20 games. However, while last year's team won just 18 games, the Mean Green won the C-USA tourney and then upset 4th-seeded Purdue in OT in the first round of the Big Dance. Over at Wichita St, Gregg Marshall was forced out at Wichita St (verbal and physical abuse of players) and Isaac Brown took over, leading the Shockers to a 16-6 season, where they lost in the NCAA's First Four. 

North Texas is known for its tough defense and is allowing just 55.4 PPG (6th) so far this season. 6-6 forward Bell (13.2 & 6.4) is the team's best player, joined up front by the 6-10 Ousmane (8.6 & 4.9). The highest-scoring backcourt player is Perry (12.8), who comes off the bench. Starters Jones (9.3) and McBride (8.9) come in just under double digits. Gone at Wichita St are guard Gilbert (10.3 & 4.1 APG) and the 6-6 Wade (6.7 & 5.6), who transferred to Arkansas. However, the team has five guards and two frontcourt players in the regular rotation. Etienne is the leading scorer at 14.8 PPG, with Council (10.4 & 4.7), Dennis (7.5 & 5.0), Grant (5.9) and Porter (3.3 & 4.3) joining him on the perimeter. Up front, it's the 6-8 Udoze (11.3 & 5.9) and the 6-11 Pohto (6.9 & 3.2). Wichita St is hardly a defensive 'sieve,' allowing a modest 61.3 PPG.

Here's the rub. This marks North Texas's first true road game and Charles Koch Arena has NOT been kind to visitors. Wichita St is 59-12 at home since joining the AAAC to begin the 2017-18 season. Lay the small points.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Daydream Believer is on Notre Dame at 2:30 ET.

The Crossroads Classic in Indianapolis has featured Butler, Indiana, Notre Dame and Purdue but those schools have chosen against renewing the contract. Ostensibly, they are creating opportunities to schedule other non-conference teams. That means the 11-year event will come to a close on Saturday. Indiana comes in 8-2 under Mike Woodson, who is in his first season coaching his alma mater. As for 4-4 Notre Dame, head coach Mike Brey is in his 27th season at South Bend.

Indiana lost its final six games of last season and the Hoosiers fired head coach Archie Miller. Mike Woodson (former Indiana player under Bob Knight) was hired to lead the team in the 2021-22 season, The Hoosiers have used a six-man rotation (all players averaging 20-plus MPG), led by the 6-9 Jackson-Davis (19.3 & 8.4), who is joined in the frontcourt by the 6-8 Thompson (10.6 & 8.7) and the 6-7 Kopp (8.6 & 3.1). Xavier transfer Johnson (10.2-3.9-4.3) starts in the backcourt with Stewart (7.8), while 6th-man Bates (a freshman) chips in 6.7 PPG. Notre Dame got off to a promising 3-1 start but then lost three consecutive games. However, last Saturday, the Fighting Irish beat then-No. 10 Kentucky 66-62 and this will be their first game since then. Goodwin (14.3 & 5.5) and Wesley (13.0) are joined by Ryan (8.4) and Hubb (7.30 in the backcourt, while the 6-9 Atkinson (11.0 & 6.0) and the 6-10 Laszewski (8.4 & 8.4) are the best frontcourt players.

Indiana has had success in this event, going 7-3 in annual games against Butler and Notre Dame but head coach Woodson is wary of the problems this year's Fighting Irish team presents. "Their perimeter play is what drives them," Woodson said. "I think, when I watch film on them, they're very organized. I like the way they play on both ends of the floor. We got to commit ourselves for 40 minutes to come out with the win." I agree with Woodson's assessment and after taking down Kentucky last Saturday (I had the Irish over the Wildcats), I like Notre Dame's chances to win outright again this Saturday. Naturally, I'm taking the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Western Conference Game of the Month is on the Sac Kings at 10:10 ET.

The 18-11 Memphis Grizzlies are in Sacramento Friday night to take on the 12-17 Kings. The Grizz are wrapping up a brief two-game West Coast swing, after winning 113-103 Wednesday night in Portland. These two teams will be meeting for a second time this season (a third matchup, also in Sacramento, is just nine days away), after the Grizzlies won 128-101 at home back on Nov 28. That contest was the first game after PG Ja Morant (24.1-5.6-6.8) injured his knee. Despite playing without Morant, who sprained his left knee and later entered the league's health and safety protocols, Memphis has won FOUR in a row and nine of 10 since a disappointing 9-10 start.

We all know that Sacramento hasn't made the playoffs for 15 straight seasons The Kings fired Luke Walton after a 6-11 start, ending, at least for now, his legendary 166-241 (.408) record as an NBA head coach. The Kings have shown some 'life' and progress since being led by interim head coach Alvin Gentry but Gentry tested positive for COVID-19 this week and Doug Christie stepped in for him and directed a come-from-behind 119-105 victory over the Washington Wizards on Wednesday. Christie is a former Kings player and broadcaster, who was named assistant coach just this season. He was given the game ball afterward and showed his pride after the team ended a three-game losing streak. "I've done radio; I've done television. There's no other place I'd rather be than on the court with our team," Christie said. "It's joyous for me in ways I can't even explain."

Dillon Brooks (18.3) is the team's leading scorer with Morant sidelined, while PF Jackson has returned healthy this season to average 16.4 & 5.3. The real surprise has been SG Bane, who is averaging 16.2 PPG, after averaging 9.2 PPG as a rookie. The addition of center Adams (7.0 & 8.8) has turned out fine, although one CAN'T convince me the Grizzlies don't miss Valanciunas and his 17.1 & 12.5 from last season! I've been saying the same thing for the last two seasons, the Kings have way more talent than their record indicates. Maybe Gentry, whom players like, can get the most out of these perennial underachievers. PG Fox (21.3 & 5.0 APG) is joined on the perimeter by fellow starter Haliburton (11.5 & 5.7 APG) and Hield (15.6 & 4.0), who seems fine coming off the bench these days. Undersized center Holmes (14.0 & 9.3) has developed into a quality big man, but he is expected to miss again here with an eye injury. SF Barnes (17.5 & 6.6) has been terrific since arriving in Sacramento a few years ago and he led the comeback Wednesday, scoring 15 of his 19 points in the fourth quarter.

Congrats to the Grizz for their recent play but I believe they have played "over the heads." As for the Kings, they are in a solid recent ATS situation, having gone 7-2 ATS in their last nine as a home underdog in the +3.5 to +6.5 points range. Take those points but I'm issuing an "Upset Alert!"

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Weekly Wipeout is on the Min T-wolves at 10:10 ET.

The Los Angeles Lakers are coming off a 107-104 OT win against the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday, which included a game-winning three-pointer from rookie Austin Reaves. The win was LA's third in a row to get back to .500 at 16-16. They will try to win four games in a row for the FIRST time this season when they visit the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night at Minneapolis. The Timberwolves are back home after notching back-to-back road victories over the Portland Trail Blazers and Denver Nuggets. Their latest win, a 124-107 decision over Denver, tied for the team's second-highest point total this season. The two-game 'mini' winning streak ended a five-game slide, as Minnesota looks for a THIRD straight win tonight with a 13-15 record on the season.

LBJ leads Los Angeles with 26.1 points per game to go along with 5.9 rebounds and 6.9 assists. Anthony Davis is next with 23.8 points and a team-high 10.2 rebounds. Both have been bothered with injuries this season and LBJ is currently dealing with an abdominal issue and Davis with a knee issue. However, they are both expected to play. However, the mood was dampened Thursday with news that the Lakers' starting backcourt of Russell Westbrook (19.6-7.8-8.4and Avery Bradley were placed into COVID-19 protocols and are not expected to play Friday. They join teammates Talen Horton-Tucker, Dwight Howard and Malik Monk in protocols.

The Minnesota Timberwolves made Karl-Anthony Towns the No. 1 overall pick in 2015 and the LA Lakers made D'Angelo Russell the No. 2 pick of that same draft. Towns has been the 'centerpiece' (pardon the pun) of the T-wolves since joining the team but now Russell, who has had a nomadic career, is making a big impact with the T-wolves as Towns' teammate. Throw in swingman Anthony Edwards, the No. 1 overall pick of the 2020 Draft and the T-wolves own quite a trio. Towns is averaging 24.3 & 9.0, Edwards 22.1-5.8-3.6 and Russell 18.8-4.1-6.4.

Yes, LA is going for a fourth straight win but the two previous wins (before Dallas), came over 5-24 Orlando and 8-19 OKC. Alos, as noted above, LA's protocol 'list' is a full one! Meanwhile, let me note that with Russell out, the T-wolves are j 0-45 but with him playing, they are 13-10. Russell should enjoy picking up a "W' against the team that drafted him. My bet says it comes "with room to spare!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* West Coast Crusher is on San Diego St at 10:00 ET.

The Saint Mary’s Gaels and the San Diego State Aztecs meet tonight at Viejas Arena in San Diego. These are two high-quality programs. 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. Brain Dutcher was a longtime assistant under Steve Fisher (beginning in Michigan) and lasting through all of Fisher's great teams at SD St. Fisher stepped away and Dutcher took over in the 2017-18 season, going 22-11, 21-13, 30-2 and 23-5 the previous four years.

Saint Mary's is coming off of an easy beat down of Cal State Stanislaus in their last game and visits San Diego with an 8-2 record. The 6-7 Fotu is coming off the bench but is the Gaels' top scorer at 12.8 PPG (adds 4.7 RPG). The 6-10 Tass (11.6 & 5.4) is the only other double-digit scorer and is joined in the starting lineup by guards Ducas (9.6 & 4.2), Kuhse (9.3), and Johnson (9.3) plus Bowen (5.6 & 6.5), the team's top rebounder. Great balance and a team that allows just 57.6 PPG (1th).

The Aztecs lost forward Mitchell (15.4 & 5.6) and guard Schakel (14.4) from last season (the top-two scorers). However, Matt Bradley, who was an All Pac 12 player at Cal last season averaging 18.0 & 4.6 LY, leads SDSU with 15.0 PPG (adds 4.8 RPG). He is joined by three more guards in the starting lineup, Pulliman (10.9-3.4-3.3), Johnson (5.7 & 4.1) and Seiko (4.6) plus the 6-10 Mensah (7.4 & 7.7). Like St Mary's, SDSU also knows something about playing defense (is allowing 59.2 PPG to rank 28th).

The 8-2 Gaels have only lost to 9-2 Wisconsin (neutral site) and now-No.23 Colorado St (10-0). Meanwhile, while SDSU is just 6-3, all three losses have come to quality programs, BYU (on the road), now-No. 10 USC (10-0) on a neutral court and then-No.24 Michigan on the road. The Aztecs are 5-0 at home this season and are now 59-8 SU at home in Dutcher's four-plus seasons! That and I'm getting a few points! Too good to pass up!

Good luck...Larry

My 10 CBB Weekly Wipeout is on Weber St at 9:00 ET.

The 7-3 Utah State Aggies and the 9-1 Weber State Wildcats meet Wednesdayfrom Dee Events Center. Utah State opened the season with a loss but then won SIX in a row over Richmond, Penn, New Mexico State, Oklahoma, Texas Arlington and Carroll MT. However, the Aggies then lost 60-58 at home vs St Mary's (currently 10-2) and 82-71 at BYU (currently 8-2 and ranked 24th). The Aggies come into this contest off an 82-50 home win over New Orleans. As for Weber State, the Wildcats opened 8-0 but then shot 35.7% (including 5 of 23 on threes) in a 94-60 loss at Washington St. However, Weber St was able to win (and get a 'breather') with an 82-36 home win over Maine-Fort Kent.

Head coach Ryan Odom is in his first season at Logan, coming from UMBC. He brought the 6-10 Horvath with him and he's averaging 12.7 & 5.0. He was happy that the 6-7 Bean returned, as he leads the team in scoring (21.1) and rebounding (11.5). FOUR guards chip in between 6.6 and 8.9 PPG. In contrast, Weber St head coach Randy Rahe is in his 16th season at Ogden. He returned two key players from last seaosn, Guard Jawara (12.2) and the 6-6 Jones (12.0 & 3.7). New are Marquette transfer McEwen (a guard), who is the team's leading scorer at 15.6 PPG, plus the 6-6 Utan Valley transfer Jones (12.0 & 3.7). Things just 'brightened considerably" for the Wildcats, as 6-9 Florida transfer Bassett just became eligible and came off the bench to add 12 & 13 in his first game.

Utah St is a good team but I expect a HUGE seaosn from Weber St (won't Damian Lillard be proud!). BTW...Anyomne aware that Weber St was 11-0 SU at home last seaosn and has opened 4-0 at home this season? A home dog here?? Can you say 16-0?

Good luck...Larry

My 9* PERFECT STORM is on the Cha Hornets at 8:40 ET.

The 15-14 Charlotte Hornets head to San Antion Wednesday night off a 120-96 road loss in Dallas on Monday. That was the first contest of a six-game road trip taking the Hornets to Portland, Phoenix, Utah and Denver after palying the Spurs. For San Antonio, this contest marks the final one of a five-game stretch at home. The Spurs beat the Pelicans 112-97 on Sunday, evening their record to 2-2 on the homestand. However, the Spurs check in at a disappointing 10-16 on the season.

The Hornets have been shackled by COVID-19, as they played Dallas without Mason Plumlee, Jalen McDaniels, LaMelo Ball and Ish Smith because of the virus. That said, the only REAL loss there is Ball, who is having a terrific sophomore season (20.0-7.7-8.3). The good news was that Terry Rozier (17.9-3.6-3.5) returned to the team from the league's health and safety protocol in time to score 20 points in the loss to Dallas. Forwards Bridges (19.8 & 7.3) and Hayward (17,6-4.9-4.0) have each played all 29 games, as has swingman Oubre (17.0 & 4.2). Plumlee (6.8 & 7.3) had been solid at center but PJ Washington (10.6 & 5.1) has started in his place and has been more than adequate. There is talk that Plumlee may be back tonight.

The Spurs have SEVEN players averaging in double digits, led by Murray (18.0-8.4-8.3). Forwards Johnson (14.5 & 6.2) and McDermott (11.1) join center Poeltl (12.4 & 9.1) up front, while Murray is joined on the perimeter by White (13.9 & 5.1 APG), Vassell (11.2) and Walker (10.6). Somehow, with this roster, 'Pop' should have a better record than 10-16.

Through all its issues, the Hornets were on a FIVE-game winning ATS run prior to Monday's blowout loss in Dallas. Charlotte has a tough road ahead of them (see above) and that means getting a win here has to be pretty important. That's my call against the underachieving Spurs. Take the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Situational Stunner is on South Dakota St at 7:00 ET.

The 9-3 South Dakota State Jackrabbits and the 6-4 Missouri State Bears meet from the JQH Arena in Springfield, Mo on Wednesday night. The Jackrabbits are looking to build off a 77-74 win over Washington State last time out. The Bears are coming off a 69-60 win over Oral Roberts in their last game.

Third-year South Dakota State head coach Eric Henderson has all five starters back from last season's 16-7 team. All five starters this season are averaging in double digits for the Jackrabbits, who start four guards and the 6-7 Wilson (13.8 & 5.4). Freidel (20.2) leads the team in scoring, followed by big guard Scheierman, who averages 14.0 PPG and a team-high 9.2 RPG. Mayo (7.9) and Arians (7.4) complete the starting-five. Guard Easley chips in 7.8 PPG plus the 6-8 Appel (6.3) and the 6-8 Denlinger (6.3) also contribute off the bench.

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 16.7 PPG plus a team-high 9.1 RPG. Swingman Isiaih Mosley leads the Bears in scoring (17.4 PPG) plus adds 5.1 RPG. Guard Jaylen Minnett is an IUPUI transfer averaging 13.0 PPG and returning guard Ja’Monta Black adds 10.2 PPG to cap off the group of double-digit scorers for Missouri State.

The Jackrabbits are averaging 89.3 PPG (12th), shooting 51.1% from the floor (7th), while making 45.5% of their threes (1st!). Missouri State is 0-5-1 ATS in its last six games against a team with a winning percentage above .600 (SDSU is 9-3, .750) and I see no reason why the Jackrabbits can't win here (plus we are getting points). 

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Game of the Week is on Arizona St at 8:00 ET.

The Arizona State Sun Devils and the Creighton Bluejays meet in college hoops action from the CHI Health Center Omaha on Tuesday night. Bobby Hurley, a member of "the famous Coaching Hurleys," is in his seventh season at ASU but after three straight 20-win seasons, his team fell to 11-14 (7-10 in the Pac 12) last season. The Sun Devils are off to a disappointing 4-6 start to open the current season and that's only because they come in off back-to-back wins. Creighton lost all FIVE starters from last year's 22-9 team that made a Sweet 16 appearance. It was supposed to be a rebuilding year for Coach McDermott but the Bluejays are 8-2.

The Sun Devils have all sorts of problems 'scoring the ball,' as ASU enters averaging 64.7 PPG (309th). ASU was just 2-6 after losing 51-29 at home to Washington St on Dec 1. That loss may just have been the 'wake up call' this team needed, as ASU won 69-67 in OT at Oregon (Dec 9) and then followed with a 67-62 home win over a 7-1 Grand Canyon team on Dec 11.  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 (13.2) and the 6-6 Lawrence (11.4 & 8.5). 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 (8.2 PPG), while adding 4.2 RPG and 4.2 APG. The othr two starters are guard Muhammad (7.4) and the 6-9 Graham (5.6 & 3.0). Guard Heath (8.9) is the best reserve.

Creighton has rebuilt quickly. The starting guards are freshman Nembhard (13.1-3.7-4.6) and O'Connell (3.4 PPG last year), who is averaging 11.3 & 5.3 this season. 7-1 center Kalkbrenner returned (5.9 & 3.5 LY) and is a 'new man,' averaging 12.4 & 6.4. The 6-7 Hawkins is a Div II transfer and chips in 14.5 & 6.5 plus 6-7 freshman Kaluma adds 8.9 & 4.5. 8-2 Creighton got off to its best start since winning its first 13 games in the 2016-17 campaign and those two losses have come to Colorado St (10-0 and now ranked No. 23) and Iowa St (10-0 and now ranked No. 11). The Bluejays are off a nice 83-71 neutral-site win over then-No. 24 BYU. However, I also remember Creighton's less-than-impressive wins against Kennesaw State (4-6) and Arkansas-Pine Bluff (1-10) early in the year. 

Coach Hurley has made adjustments that have paid major dividends over the last week and I look for that progression to continue here for the hungry visiting side. As for Creighton, the Bluejays could be forgiven for 'peeking ahead' to Friday's Big East opener against No. 9 Villanova. Grab the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* MNF Magic is on the LA Rams at 8:15 ET.

Kyler Murray was the No. 1 overall pick of the 2019 Draft and in his first two seasons, the Cards went 5-10-1 and 8-8. However, he and his team opened the current season 7-0 before losing to Green Bay in Week 8. More bad news followed, as Murray was sidelined with an ankle in Weeks 9-11, although the Cards were able to go 2-1. Week 12 brought a bye and Murray returned in Week 13 in a 33-22 win at Chicago (two TD passses / 2 rushing TDs). The 10-2 Cardinals can essentially put the NFC West out of reach with a victory, which would be their second over the 8-4 Rams this season. Each team has four games remaining after Monday.

Speaking of the Rams, they opened 7-1 but then lost THREE in a row, as the defense allowed a whopping 31.7 PPG. The Rams finally broke that streak last week with a 37-7 home win over the Jags but does that REALLY count. Speaking of injury, there have been reports that Matthew Stafford is playing through multiple injuries, although he has not admitted to being physically restricted.

Let's start with Stafford. Happy to be out of Detroit, Stafford is completing 66.7% for 3,611 yards with 30TDs and 9 INTs (QB rating of 106.3 would be a career-best), despite the running game is of little help (97.9 YPG ranks 24th). WR Kupp (100 catches / 11 TDs) has blossomed into a star and while Woods (45 / 4 TDs) has been lost for the season, second-year WR Jeferson has 39 catches (15.9 YPC / 5 TDs), after catching just 19 last season (he played all 16 games). Then there's the signing of OBJ, who HC Sean McVay says will be a significant part of the offense (three games: 9 catches / 2 TDs). TE Higbee adds 44 catches (3 TDs). The offense is just fine (298.0 PPG) but the defense HAS to show up!

Murray returned last week from a three-game absence because of an ankle injury and guided the Cardinals to a 33-22 victory over the Chicago Bears. He had a modest 123 yards passing on 11 completions, amid inclement weather, but threw for two scores while running for two more on 59 yards rushing. Wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins also returned from a three-game absence and had a TD reception as the Cardinals. Arizona's rushing game ranks eighth at 128.2 YPG. Hopkins has 37 receptions (14.0 YPC / 8 TDs) but Kirk leads the team with 50 catches. Vet AJ Green has been solid (35 / 15.8 YPC / 3 TDs) and TE Ertz (41 / 5 TDs) was a GREAT pickup from Philly. Plenty to love about the Arizona offense (28.6 PPG) but the team's HUGE improvement is due to a defense allowing just 18.7 PPG (4th)

On the face of it, Arizona looks like the better team (and it may be) but this a "win or else" game for the Rams, if they ANY intention of winning the NFC West. Let me note that the Cardinals are 7-0 on the road but just 3-2 at home. History is on LA's side, as the Cards haven't defeated the Rams at Arizona since 2014. Rams get the "W."

Good luck...Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Ind Pacers at 7:10 ET.

There can be no doubt that the Warriors are back, even with Klay Thompson and last year's overall No. 2 draft pick (James Wiseman) still sidelined. Stephen Curry takes his pursuit of the NBA's all-time 3-point record on the road but much more importantly, he's been a great leader that has Golden St at 21-5, a half-game behind the 21-4 Suns for the NBA's best record. The Indiana Pacers missed the postseason with a 34-38 record last year, after playing in NINE of the previous 10. The Pacers opened 1-6 and were just 6-11 thru Nov 19. The Pacers did win three of four (reaching 9-12) but then lost FOUR in a row before ending that skid last Monday night with a 116-110 win over the Wizards. Indiana added home wins Wednesday (122-102 over the NYK) and Friday (106-93 over Dallas). Still, the Pacers are just 12-16 on the season.

Curry will take the court SIX 3-pointers short of Ray Allen's all-time career record of 2,973. Is he 'forcing' things? The numbers say just maybe, as in a home win over Portland and a loss at Philadelphia, he's combined to make just 9-of-31 from beyond the arc, Draymond Green said he didn't believe Curry's unsuccessful quest to break the record and the Warriors' lackluster play of late are related. Then again, anyone interested in Green's thoughts on ANY subject. Curry is averaging 27.1-5.5-6.3, Wiggins 18.5 & 4.4 and Poole 18.2, plus the Warriors own a plethora of role players. Mix them all up and the Warriors rank third in both scoring (112.5 PPG) and FG percentage (47.0%). Then there is the team's defense, which ranks 1st in both points allowed (100.4 PPG) and defensive FG percentage (42.5%).

The Pacers have All Star quality players in PG Brogdon (19.9-5.5-6.2) and PF Sabonis (18.2 & 11.9 plus a deep supporting cast. That list includes guards LaVert (15.5) and rookie Duarte (13.3 & 4.0) plus center Turner (13.1 & 7.4). Playing mostly in reserve roles, swingman Holiday (9.9) plus guards McConnell (8.4 & 4.8 APG) and Lamb (6.8) are effective contributors. However, Holiday will miss here due to health and safety protocols and McConnell to a wrist injury. That means Lamb, Martin (6.9) and Craig (5.0) will get some extra "PT."

Whether Curry is "forcing things" or not, the record book reveals that the Warriors were 18-2 and owners of the best record in the NBA two weeks ago, but have split their last SIX games. The Pacers enter this contest playing as well as they have all season. Bow Wow! Take the home dog.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Las Vegas Insider is on the Buf Bills at 4:25 ET.

The Buffalo Bills were 13-3 last season and played in the AFC championship game. Along with KC, they came into the season as one of the favorites to be in that AFC title game again, but the Bills are just 7-5 as they visit Raymond James Stadium Sunday afternoon to face the 9-3 Bucs, the defending Super Bowl champs. After losing at home 14-10 to the Pats last Monday, the 7-5 Bills trail the 9-4 Pats in the AFC East. New England is on its bye in Week 14, so a win moves the Bills to 8-5 and ONE game back, but a loss drops them to 7-6, TWO games back. That's a BIG difference with just four games remaining. Meanwhile, the Bucs can clinch the NFC South title with a victory over Buffalo and a loss or tie by both the New Orleans Saints (5-7) and Carolina Panthers (5-7). The Saints visit the New York Jets (3-9) on Sunday, while the Panthers host the Atlanta Falcons (5-7).

Buffalo's Josh Allen was terrific in 2020 and has been pretty darn good in 2021, although it doesn't quite seem like it. He's completing 65.7% for 3,216 yards with 26 TDs and just 10 INTs, while rushing for 422 yards with three TDs. RB Singletary leads the Bills with 495 yards (4.6 YPC / 2 TDs). The running is middle-of-the-pack, averaging 116.7 YPG (14th). Allen has a trio of dangerous WRs in Diggs (71 catches / 7 TDs), Beasley (63 / 1 TD) and the ageless Sanders (39 / 4 TDs). Buffalo's offensive numbers "took a hit" in the 14-10 loss to the Pats but the team entered averaging 28.0 PPG, 5th-best in the NFL.

 
Tom Brady saw plenty of the Bill in his 20-years with the Pats, posting a 32-3 record in 35 starts to hold the NFL record for most career wins by a QB against one opponent. He will get his first look at the Bills while wearing a Tampa Bay Buccaneers uniform on Sunday and comes in completing 68.3% for 3,771 yards with 34 TDs and 10 INTs. He leads the NFL's top-scoring offense, with the Bucs averaging 31.4 PPG. RB Fournette has replaced Jones as the lead back, rushing for 665 yards (4.4 YPC / 7 TDs) and catching 58 passes. WRs Godwin (82 / 5 TDs) and Evans (57 / 10 TDs) are terrific plus TE Gronk is back, with 33 catches and 6 TDs in just seven games.

Here's the rub. Brady plays like he's in his late-20s but Buffalo does own the No. 1 defense in the NFL in yards allowed (272.3 YPG). Most importantly, the Bills have surrendered the fewest passing yards per game this season (165.3) and the fewest passing TDs (eight). This could be seen as a "Make or Break" game for the Bills, while the Bucs will easily cruise to the NFC South title. That said, the Bucs are surely interested in the NFC's No. 1 seed and they are in a 'dog fight,' one game back of the 10-2 Cards and tied with the 9-3 Packers, so I won't dismiss Tampa Bay's motivation here. Still, I view this as a "Must Win" for Buffalo and so far this season, the Bills have bounced back with big wins after their first four losses (yet to lose back-to-back games). The scores in this bounce-back wins have been 35-0, 26-11, 45-17 and 31-16. 

Take the points but I'm calling for an outright Buffalo win.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Marquee Classic is on Villanova at 3:00 ET.

Talk about a marquee classic! It doesn't get too much better than No. 6 Villanova and No. 2 Baylor when the two BKB powers square off today from the Ferrell Center in Waco, Tx. on Sunday afternoon. 'Nova head coach Jay Wright owns two national titles and what Baylor's head coach Scott Drew has done in his near-two-decade run in Waco, has been nothing short of miraculous. Drew's program has overcome the murder of a player, a cover up by the school's previous head coach and severe NCAA sanctions to become one of CBB's elite programs, 'putting a cherry on top' with the school's first-ever NCAA championship by routing 31-0 Gonzaga in the national championship game.

The Wildcats are 7-2 and will look to build on a 67-53 win over Syracuse in their last game. Wright is going with a basic six-man rotation so far this season. Collin Gillespie has fully recovered from an MCL injury that ended his 2020-21 campaign early, as leads the Wildcats in scoring with 17.3 PPG as well as in assists with 3.7 APG. Fellow guard Justin Moore adds 15.7-5.4-3.1) and Daniels chips in 9.6 & 4.0. Up front, it's the 6-7 Slater (12.9 & 4.1), the 6-7 Samuels (12.0 & 6.1) and the 6-8 Dixon (7.4 & 6.0). Villanova’s averaging 78.2 PPG and allowing just 62.0 PPG.

The 8-0 Baylor Bears come into this game on the heels of a 99-54 rout of Arkansas-Pine Bluff last time out and with No. 1 Purdue losing 70-68 at Rutgers on Thursday, Baylor will move to No. 1 in Monday's poll with a win here. LJ Cryer leads the Bears in scoring with 15.4 PPG while 6-8 freshman Kendall Brown avegaes 13.4 PPG and 6-9 swingman Mayer chips in 11.6 & 5.1. Arizona transfer Akinjo (9.9 & 6.1) joins Cryer in the backcourt, as does Flager (8.4). Let's NOT forget the 6-8 Tchatchoua (8.4 & 8.3) or 6-9 freshman Suchan (7.9 & 6.1). Baylor is averaging 84.0 PPG and allowing even less than Villanova, at 56.4 PPG (7th).

Baylor is a terrific team but the Bears just could 'blink' here, with the No. 1 ranking just a win away. Meanwhile, Wright's team has only lost to then-No. 2 UCLA and then-No. 6 Purdue, both in tight contests. UCLA needed OT to win and Purdue won by six points. This game comes right down to the wire and I Want any points we can get. That said, I'm calling for an outright Villanova win.

Good luck...Larry

My NFL 10* ONE & ONLY Game of the Year is on the Dal Cowboys at 1:00 ET.

Jason Garrett was given MORE than enough time as the Cowboys' head coach but finally Jerry said "enough was enough" Mike McCarthy, who won a Super Bowl with Green Bay, was hired in 2020 and executions were high. It was a tough season with COVID for all teams but Dallas' season looked over when Dak Prescott was lost in Week 5 to season-ending injury. At 2-3, Dallas would lose FOUR in a row and six of seven. However, at 3-9, a three-game winning streak actually gave them a chance at the division title (at 6-9), entering Week 17. The Cowboys lost and finished at 6-10. The 'winner' of the NFC 'Least' last season was Washington, led by Ron Rivera (former Carolina head coach who led the Panthers to a 15-1 record in 2016 and into the Super Bowl, where the Panthers lost to the Broncos), despite only a 7-9 record. The Washington defense gelled at the end of 2020, allowing just 15.9 PPG in winning FIVE of its last seven.

Dak Prescott has come back healthy in 2021 (he has only missed one game), completing 69.0% of his pases for 3,170 yards with 23 TDs and eight NTs (101.7 QB rating). He's supported by the RB duo of Elliott (765 yards / 4.4vYPC / 8 TDs) and Pollard (602 yards / 5.6 YPC / 2 TDs). 2nd-year WR Lamb (57 catches / 14.5 YPC / 6 TDs) and veteran WR Cooper (46 catches / 13.8 YPC / 5 TDs) plus TE Schultz (52 catches / 11.2 YPC / 4 TDs) are his main targets. Dallas is averaging 416.3 YPG (1st) and 29.4 PPG (3rd), while the Dallas defense is allowing 22.3 PPG, more than a full TD less than last season (29.5).

Ryan Fitzpatrick was hurt before the start of the season, leaving the starting QB job to Taylor Heinicke, who played college ball at Old Dominion, one of the nation's top FB programs. However, Heinicke has proven he can be a starting QB in the NFL, completing 67.9% for 2,809 yards with 18 TDs and 11 INTs. He has added 289 rushing yards (on 5.6 YPC). RB Gibson leads the team with 820 rushing yards but just 3.9 YPC (5 TDs). The team's only WR with more than 30 receptions is McLaurin (61 / 13.2 YPC / 5 TDs), as RBs McKissic (43) and Gibson (31) rank second and third on the team (note: the duo has combined for just 4 TDs plus both average below 10.0 YPC). Washington's defensive surge down the stretch in 2020 led to high expectations for the unit this season but Washington opened 2-6, with the defense allowing 28.4 PPG.

However, coming into this contest, the Cowboys have been the more inconsistent team. After opening 6-1 SU (7-0 ATS), Dallas is 2-3 SU and ATS its last five, after breaking a two-game slide with a 27-17 win at hapless New Orleans (Saints have lost FIVE straight!). Meanwhile, after opening 2-6, Washington has won FOUR straight (4-0 ATS), as the defense has found its expected form, allowing only 17.5 PPG. However, the offense remains below average, scoring just 20.5 PPG (20th).

HUGE game here, as Dallas can pretty much 'salt away' the division with a win (would move to 9-4, with Washington falling to 6-7), but of course, a Washington "W" means the team closes within one game of Dallas (7-6 to 8-5). Dallas had dominated this series by winning SEVEN of eight but Washington won both meetings last season, 25-3 at home and 41-16 in Dallas last Thanksgiving.

Yes, Dallas is playing a THIRD straight road game but Prescott and the Dallas offense owns a HUGE edge over Heinicke and the Washington offense, averaging 29.4 PPG to Washington's 20.4 PPG. Checking the defensive numbers show that while Washington is holding opponents to just 17.5 PPG its last four, the Dallas 'D' has greatly improved this season (see above). Dallas has won SIX of its last eight in Washington and has also gone 5-1 against the spread on the road this season. It's Dak over Taylor, as Dallas puts itself in a great position to win its division and get a first round playoff game at home (note: Would need a lot of help to get the overall No. 1 seed). Play the road favorite, which wins going away! "How 'bout 'dem Cowboys!"

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Daydream Believer is on Florida St at 12:00 ET.

Leonard Hamilton has built quite a program in Tallahassee with his FSU Seminoles but lost a 'ton' of talent from last year's team. However, the cupboard is hardly bare (more in a bit). The 5-3 Seminoles travel to Rock Hill, SC for the No Room for Racism Classic to take on South Carolina. The ever-lovable Frank Martin sure built up some goodwill by leading South Carolina to the school's only Final 4 back in 2017 but these last four seasons, the Gamecocks have gone 17-16, 16-16, 18-13 and an 'ugly' 6-14 last season. That goodwill is about ALL used up and the Gamecocks need to build on their 6-3 start.

Guard Caleb Mills (a Houston transfer) leads SFSU in scoring with 12.6 PPG, followed by the 6-9 Malik Osborne (11.4 & 7.3). Guard Anthony Polite returns and is starting, averaging 8.4 & 5.8. 7-1 freshman Butler (5.0 & 5.3) but Hamilton gets some good production from guards Cleveland (9.8 & 4.0), Evans (7.5) and Fletcher (6.4), who all come off the bench.

South Carolina added North Texas transfer Reese (9.1) to the backcourt featuring Stevenson (12.3 & 3.9) and Couisinard (12.1). Freshman guard Carter is adding 9.1 PPG, while swingman Bryant (11.3 & 5.0) plus the 6-10 Levesque (10.4 & 6.8)) have had solid starts. The 6-7 AJ Wilson, a graduate transfer from George Mason, was bothered early by a back injury and distracted by a recent death in the family but is now starting, averaging 4.8 & 4.3).

Here's the bottom line. FSU has shown weakness in losing 71-55 at Florida and 93-65 at Purdue in "step up" games, plus recently lost 63-60 at home to Sryacuse, as a seven-point favorite. However, South Carolina really hasn't been tested this season, as its best win was 80-67 at home over Georgetown, which is a modest 5-4. FSU is coming off its first home loss against an Atlantic Coast Conference opponent in more than a year when it fell to Syracuse on Dec 4. "We're extremely disappointed that we couldn't execute those open looks and make the plays we needed down the stretch," Florida State coach Leonard Hamilton said. "I thought there were a couple of periods where we just couldn't put the ball in the basket. In the second half, we had excellent opportunities. We just couldn't maintain the scoring output and we dug that hole that was very difficult for us to get out of." Yes, Florida State has struggled against elite competition, but this game lines up well for it. South Carolina is about to be exposed here, as it faces the best defense it's seen so far this season.

Good luck...Larry

The 2nd play of my 3-in-1 STP is on UCLA at 9:30 ET.

All remember UCLA's great run to the Final 4 last season and with a 'TON' of talent back, the Bruins have opened 7-1 (ranked No. 4), losing only to Gonzaga back on November23.The Bruins will be anxious to get back on the court, as they last played Dec 1 in a 73-61 victory over Colorado. Washington had to forfeit its Dec 5 game against the Bruins due to COVID-19 concerns. Marquette (8-2) earned a 64-63 victory against Kansas State on Wednesday night to cap off a two-game road trip and will welcome the Bruins to Fiserv Forum, where the team is 5-0.

Mick Cronin's team is led by a 'Core 4' of guards. Juzang (17.1 & 4.9) leads the way, followed by Bernard (14.0 & 4.4), Jaquez (13.6 & 5.9) and Cambell (12.6 & 3.8 APG). All four are playing 28-plus minutes. Cronin is a defensive coach first and the Bruins are holding opponents to 59.3 PPG (32nd).

Shaka Smart was booted out of Austin but has done quite a job at Marquette, which did not return a single starter from last season's disappointing 13-14 team. Marquette has four players averaging 22-plus MPG, with the 6-7 Josh Lewis leading in both scoring (15.7) and rebounding (7.7). Morsell is a Maryland transfer and adds 14.1 PPG. PG Kolek adds 6.9-4.0-5.5 plus guard Jones chips in 8.3. The fifth starter is the 6-10 Kuath (6.3 & 4.3).

Marquette has not lost at Milwaukee since Feb 6 but note that UCLA is 6-0 ATS in its last six road games against a team with a winning home record. The game matches Shaka Smart against UCLA's Mick Cronin, the only coaches who have advanced their teams from a First Four matchup in the NCAA Tournament to a Final Four. Cronin did it last season, while Smart did it while at VCU in 2011. The winner today? UCLA "with room to spare!' Lay the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Las Vegas Insider is on the Phi 76ers at 8:40 ET.

There can be no doubt that the Warriors are back, even with Klay Thompson and last year's overall No. 2 draft pick (James Wiseman) still sidelined. Stephen Curry takes his pursuit of the NBA's all-time 3-point record on the road but much more importantly, he's been a great leader that has Golden St at 21-4, tied with the Suns for the NBA's best record. The 76ers earned the East's No. 1 seed last year but then fell in the second round of the playoffs, to the Hawks. The current season began and remains with Ben Simmons 'pouting' plus COVID protocols and injuries have limited the team's two-best players, Embiid and Harris.

s
Curry is averaging 27.5-5.5-6.3, Wiggins 18.5 & 4.4 and Poole 18.0, plus the Warriors own a plethora of role players. Mix them all up and the Warriors rank third in both scoring (113.2 PPG) and FG percentage (47.3%). Then there is the team's defense, which ranks 1st in both points allowed (110.3 PPG) and defensive FG percentage (42.3%).

With Joel Embiid back in the lineup after missing nine straight games for COVID reasons, including a 116-96 loss at Golden State, the 76ers had won three in a row before falling 118-96 at home to the Utah Jazz on Thursday. Embiid played through right abdominal pain, with 19 points against the Jazz, while Steph's brother Seth, added 18 points. The 76ers own a deep team, led by Embiid (24.1 & 10.9), Harris (19.1 & 8.2) up front, plus Maxey (16.5-3.7-4.7), Curry (16.3) and Milton (11.3) on the perimeter. SF Niang (10.8), guard Korkmaz (8.6), swingman Green (7.4) plus center Drummond (6.2 & 9.7) also contribute.

There is some concern regarding Embiid's status and also Maxey (head?) but trying to 'read into' injury reports have been nearly IMPOSSIBLE for quite some time now. TV cameras will be on hand for Steph and after a shellacking from the Jazz, I expect the 76ers to play very well in this one. Take the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on the Was Wizards at 7:10 ET.

The Utah Jazz owned the NBA's best regular season record last season but injuries kind of derailed them in the playoffs. Utah opened the current season a modest 8-5 but enters tonight's game at Washington (final contest of a 5-game road trip) having won 10 of 12, including SIX in a row. Utah is 18-7 on the season. The Wizards snapped a three-game losing streak with a 119-116 overtime victory over the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday and will welcome the Jazz to the Verizon Venter at 15-11 overall, including 8-3 at home.

A disappointing 98-97 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans back on Nov 26 has sparked Utah's five-game winning streak. The Jazz have averaged 126.0 points per game in their winning run, shooting 50 percent or better from the floor in FOUR of those six contests. Only two teams have held Utah under 100 points this season: the Chicago Bulls and New Orleans Pelicans. Donovan Mitchell (24.6-4.0-5.0) has been highly efficient on offense and center Rudy Gobert (14.9 & 14.7) has been stifling on defense. Mitchell is averaging 29.7 PPG over Utah's last six games, while shooting 54.9 percent from the floor. Gobert is averaging 13.5 points, 14.5 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks.

The Wizards have been searching for an identity for some time now and MAY have found one this season. Guards Beal (22.6-4.7-5.7) and Dinwiddie (13.4-5.0-5.3) are the 'heart' of the team but a trio I like to call "Lakers-East," have been MAJOR additions. PF Harrell (15.2 & 8.2), SF Kuzma (13.4 & 8.3) and swingman Caldwell-Pope (11.4) have really found a home on the East Coast. Undersized center, the 6-9 Gafford, is averaging 9.0 & 6.2. Kuzma hit the game-winning three-pointer with 0.6 seconds left to help the Wizards beat the Pistons, after they blew a 13-point fourth-quarter lead.

Believe it or not, the 34-38 Wizards swept the season series with Utah a year ago as Beal averaged 38.5 points in the two games. Washington is greatly improved this season and catches the Jazz at the end of their five-game road trip. Washington has a tough six-game road trip over the holidays, starting in Denver on Monday night, so this home contest takes on added importance. Great situation for the home dog. Bow Wow!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Weekend Wipeout is on TCU at Texas A&M at 6:30 ET.

It's a showdown of two former Big 12 Conference opponents when TCU squares off against Texas A&M on Saturday in The Battleground 2K21 at the Toyota Center in Houston. Both schools have struggled the previous two seasons, as both have been hit hard by COVID. However, Jamie Dizon (of Pitt fame) and Buzz Williams (Marquette and Va Tech) have each gotten their respective teams off to 7-1 starts. The Horned Frogs' most recent outing produced a 76-62 win over Utah in a neutral site contest in Fort Worth. While the Aggies head to Houston after an 85-65 home victory over New Orleans back on Nov 30, meaning A&M has had 10 days off (I don't see that as being an advantage).

Mike Miles poured in a career-high-tying 28 points and grabbed a team-best eight rebounds for TCU in its win over Utah. "Mike was tremendous early and then kept attacking as the game went on," Jamie Dixon said. "We played good defense. We reached every goal we wanted to get coming into the game as far as guarding and taking care of the basketball -- we just need to shoot it a little better." Miles leads the way with a line of 17.1-3.6-46 and the 6-7 Miller (10.6 & 7.1.) is the only other TCU player in double digits. Baugh (8.0) and Peavy (7.5) are guards, while the 6-6 O'Bannon (7.1 & 3.0), the 6-7 Coles (6.1 & 4.1) and 6-11 center Lampkin (5.1 & 4.6) contribute up front.

A&M has just ONE player in double figures and that's guard Jackson (12.3). The team's second-leading scorer (9.6) and leading rebounder (5.7) is the 6-7 Coleman but he's questionable with a back issue. Williams' team is basically a perimeter-based team, as five guards chip in between 6.3 and 9.5 PPG. Other than Coleman, the team's only other big man is the 6-8 Henderson, who averages just 2.6 & 3.1 in about 17 minutes.

As noted above, I don't see being off for 10 days as being beneficial to the Aggies. Both play excellent defense, as TCU allows 60.9 PPG on 38.9% shooting, while A&M allows 60.1 PPG on 38.1% shooting. It's a neutral court but the edge goes to the more talented Horned Frogs, who are the team to watch in this year's Big 12. It's worth noting that the Aggies are a poor 3-7 ATS in their last 10 neutral-site contests plus that TCU owns a significant rebound advantage (45 to 36 per night). Expect TCU to win by double digits.

Good luck...Larry

he 3rd play of my STP is an 8* on Notre Dame at 5:15 ET.

The Kentucky's 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 were faced with a seven-game homestand at Rupp Arena against mid-major opponents. After Tuesday's 76-64 win over Southern, Kentucky wrapped it up at 7-0. Now at 7-1, the Wildcats are right where they started the season, ranked 10th. The Wildcats (7-1) will hit the road again, making the trip to South Bend to take on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, who have struggled to a 3-4 start.

The seven-game winning streak has given the Wildcats some early momentum, but it is yet to be determined how the team will play away from Rupp Arena. The 6-9 Tshiebwe (15.3 & 15.4) and the 6-7 Brooks (11.7 & 4.6) are the two main frontcourt players, while SG Washington (14. & 4.9) and PG Wheeler (10.8 & 8.4 APG) lead a backcourt that also features Grady (9.7) and Mintz (7.8 & 34.0).

Notre Dame got off to a promising 3-1 start that included one win in the Maui Invitational, but the Fighting Irish have lost three consecutive games. One of those games was against another SEC opponent in a 73-67 defeat against Texas A&M, and most recently Mike Brey's team suffered a 73-57 loss in the opening game of ACC play at Boston College. Goodwin (14.3 & 5.4) and Wesley (12.9) are joined by Ryan (8.6 & 3.6) and Hubb (7.30 in the backcourt, while the 6-9 Atkinson (12.9 & 6.0) and the 6-10 Laszewski (8.6 & 9.1) could have their hands full with Tshiebwe.

All that said, this will be Notre Dame's first home game in 25 days after five games away from South Bend, while as noted above, the Wildcats haven't left the Bluegrass state since playing Duke on Nov 9. I'm taking the points.

Good luck...Larry

The 1st play of my STP is an 8* on Drake at 2:00 ET.

Drake and Clemson meet in a Holiday Hoopsgiving game at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Saturday afternoon. The Tigers opened the season 4-0 but entered this contest having lost FOUR of their last five games (now 5-4 on the season; Meanwhile, the Drake Bulldogs have won THREE in a row to reach 6-3.

"I don't know if it's any one thing," Clemson head coach Brad Brownell said. "But we've had some issues with turnovers. Turnovers are hurting us. It's not every game, but they rear their head when we don't need them." The Tigers are coming off a five-point loss at Miami in their ACC opener, turning the ball over 18 times. Clemson led for more than 35 minutes against the Hurricanes before being done in by a late 19-5 run by Miami. Still, one must note that Clemson has excellent balance, with FIVE players averaging in double figures. The 6-10 P.J. Hall leads the way with a 13.9 PPG (5.4 RPG), joined up front by the 6-8 Hunter Tyson (11.3 & 5.3) The Tigers start three guards, Nick Honor (11.2), Al-Amir Dawes (11.1) and David Collins (10.9).

Drake is coming off a 26-5 season in which it posted its first NCAA Tournament victory in 50 years! The Bulldogs dropped three straight at the ESPN Events Invitational (to Belmont, Alabama and North Texas) but enters Saturday's game riding a three-game winning streak The 6-7 Tucker DeVries, the son of Drake head coach Darian DeVries, scored a career-high 24 points, 15 of which came on three-pointers, in a come-from-behind victory against Omaha on Wednesday. He leads the team averaging 13.7 PPG and a pair of 6-6 forwards, Murphy (12.2 & 5.8) and Hemphill (10.0 & 4.3) are solid contributors. depth in the backcourt comes from Sturtz (9.0), who is also the team's leading rebounder (6.7) plus Wilkins (9.0). The 6-10 Brodie adds 6.1 & 3.89 up front.

Clemson enters with zero momentum and I'm giving the edge to the mid-major team over an underperforming ACC one.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Daydream Believer is on Oklahoma at 1:30 ET.

Eric Musselman, in just his second year at Arkansas (2020-21 season), led the Razorbacks to a 25-7 year and into the Elite 8. It marked the highest winning percentage for an Arkansas team and its highest finish in the final AP poll (No. 10) since the 1995 team lost in the national championship game to UCLA. Key players are gone from that team in the 6-7 Smith (16.8 & 7.3) plus guards Moody (16.6 &5.8) and Tate (11.0) but this year's Razorbacks are unbeaten (9-0) and ranked No. 12 when they take the court this afternoon at the Bank of Oklahoma Center in Tulsa. Porter Moser (of Loyola-Chicago fame) is in his first season at Norman and he has the Sooners off to a 7-2 start. Oklahoma lost 73-70 to Utah St in the championship game of the Myrtle Beach Invitational and then in its last outing, 66-62 in overtime to Butler when the Sooners went just 1-for-9 from beyond the arc over the last eight minutes of regulation, watching an eight-point lead evaporate.

Musselman returned players like SEC 6th-man of the year Notae and he leads the team with a line of 18.7-4.8-3.4. Fellow guard Davis averaged just 6.3 points per game in the Razorbacks' first six games, but he's scored 50 points in his last three and is now averaging 9.8 & 4.3. Two big men returned as well, the 6-10 Williams (7.1 & 8.7) and the 7-3 Vanover (7.1 & 3.4). Pitt transfer Toney (13.1 & 6.8) plus South Dakota transfers Lykes (12.4) and Umude (9.3 & 4.7) give Arkansas a VERY deep group of perimeter players. Moser's starting-five is VERY good, led by the 6-10 Tanner Groves (14.9 & 6.2), who gets some help up front from the 6-6 Hill (9.2 & 6.2). Then there is a trio of backcourt players led by Gibson (11.3), PG Goldwire (9.4 & 56.2) and Harkless (9.0 & 4.6).

Back on Dec 1, Mike White's Florida Gators visited Norman at 6-0 (the school's best start since 2012) and the Sooners handed them their first loss of the season, 74-67. I know this game is NOT in Norman, but Tulsa is surely a favorable venue for the Sooners. The key matchup is that the Razorbacks are shooting just 28.5 percent on three-pointers this season, including only 20.6 percent their last six games (3 of 13 the last time out). Meanwhile, the Sooners have been among the nation's best in defending along the perimeter, holding teams to just 27.5 percent on three-pointers (33rd). I had Okla over Florida back on Dec 1 (part of 3-0 STP sweep) and 'believe' in the Sooners just as much here.

Good luck...Larry

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

Porter Moser left after last season to take the Oklahoma job. He spent 10 years as the Ramblers' head coach, winning 99 games his last four years, reaching the Final 4 in 2018 and the Sweet 16 last year. Drew Valentine, Moser's assistant the last four seasons, lost the 6-9 Kurtwig (MVC p-o-y) but has the Ramblers off to an 8-2 start. Jerry Stackhouse was just 20-37 in his first two seasons at Nashville but this year's team got off to a 5-1 start. However, the Commodores will be trying to break a two-game slide that includes a 12-point loss at SMU in which they squandered a 12-point halftime lead last Saturday, and a 72-68 overtime loss to visiting Temple on Tuesday in which they shot a woeful 4-for-26 (15.4 percent) from three-point range.

Loyola Chicago rolled to an 88-49 win over NAIA program Roosevelt (Ill.) on Tuesday, despite the fact that starters Braden Norris (8.2 & 4.1 APG) and the 6-7 Aher Uguak (10.0 & 3.9) ppg) sat out with undisclosed injuries. Both are expected to return to face the Commodores. Guard Williamson (11.7 & 5.0) joins Norris in the backcourt, while 6-7 Princeton grad transfer Ryan Schwieger (11.2 & 3.3) and the returning 6-10 Hutson (9.1 & 2.7) join Uguak up front. Loyola always plays good defense (61.4 PPG ranks 52nd) and has scored well so far, averaging 79.9 PPG.

Vandy is led by the backcourt duo of Pippen (16.5 & 4.1) and Wright (14.9 & 7.0). Stackhouse got great news when Pippen decided to pull himself out of the NBA Draft and return to Nashville but got bad news when the 7-0 Robbins (Minnesota grad transfer who averaged 11.7 & 6.6 LY), was sidelined by a foot injury with no timetable for a return. The 6-7 Stute (9.7 & 2.8), guard Lawrence (6.6 & 3.3) and the 6-10 Brown gives them some size up front but he's only averaging 4.5 & 4.1.

This marks the Ramblers final non-conference game this season against a power-conference team and frankly, Loyola is the better team. However, I believe Vandy is the 'hungrier' side in this one. Vandy opened 5-1 but enters this contest off back-to-back losses and really NEEDS a win here. After Loyola, the 'Dores host Austin Peay and play at Hawaii on Dec 22. The team then has off until Jan 4, when SEC play opens. A win here and Vandy just could be 8-3 when SEC play opens. First things first. I'm taking the points but expect an OUTRIGHT win.

Good luck...Larry

 My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the NY Knicks at 7:40 ET.

The Knicks ended a seven-year postseason drought last year by going 41-31 but lost in the first round to the Atlanta Hawks, who made it all the way to the East Conference Finals. Expectations were high in Madison Square Garden to open the season but so far, the Knicks have been a disappointment. New York snapped a three-game losing streak Tuesday night, when it didn't trail in the final three quarters of a 121-109 win over the host San Antonio Spurs; However, the Knicks fell Wednesday night 122-102 to the Indiana Pacers at Indianapolis.

Toronto went 58-24 in the 2018-19 season (.707) and went onto win the franchise's lone NBA title led by Kawhi. Kawhi 'flew the coop' before the 2019-20 season but the Raptors had even a better regular season record, going 53-19 (.736). However, the Raptors couldn't replicate their postseason success. Last season, Toronto tumbled to a 27-45 record. The Raptors are just 11-14 so far this season, after they lost 110-109 at home on Wednesday to the Oklahoma City Thunder (8-16), dropping their home record to 4-9.

"Just having the necessary energy at the start of the game ... that's probably the biggest thing (that was missing)," Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau said abou Wednesday's loss to the Pacers. "Just our defense. They're a good team. I thought we scored, but we didn't guard." The good news for New York fans is that the Knicks are as healthy as they've been all season. SIX players are averaging in double digits, with guard Quickly (9.7) and the 6-9 Toppin (8.3 & 3.)6 coming close. The only starter not in double digits is center Robinson (6.9 & 7.7). PF Randle (19.8-9.8-5.2) is again having an All Star-like season, joined by SF Barrett (15.0 & 5.6) plus guards Fournier (12.8) and Burks (11.8). Guards Rose (12.1) and Walker (11.7) are coming off the bench.

OG Anunoby has blossomed this season, averaging 20.1 & 5.5 but a hip pointer has caused him to miss FOUR straight games (don't expect him to play here). PG VanVleet (19.8-5.1-6.3) is a true All Star, as is PF Siakam (19.4 & 7.4), who is back after beginning the season injured. SG Trent (16.7) has been a valuable addition plus rookie Barnes (Florida) has been a HUGE surprise, averaging 15.2 & 8.0. However, depth is an issue right now. I referred to Anunoby at the top but PG Dragic, PF Achiuwa and center Birch are all expected to miss as well.

The Knicks lost 113-104 at home to the Raptors back Nov 1 and you know what they say about paybacks?

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Late Breaker is on the Dal Mavs at 7:10 ET.

The Dallas Mavs opened 9-4 but followed by losing EIGHT of 10 to fall under .500 at 11-12. Dallas capitalized on 26 points, eight rebounds and seven assists from Luka Doncic, and 19 points from Kristaps Porzingis to win at Memphis 104-96 on Wednesday and get back to .500 (12-12). The Indiana Pacers missed the postseason with a 34-38 record last year, after playing in NINE of the previous 10. The Pacers opened 1-6 and were just 6-11 thru Nov 19. The Pacers did win three of four (reaching 9-12) but then lost FOUR in a row before ending that skid Monday night with a 116-110 win over the Wizards and following with a 122-102 rout of New York on Wednesday.

Doncic (25.6-8.0-8.5), Porzingis (19.5 & 8.0), Hardaway (14.3 & 3.8) and Brunson (14.3-3.8-5.0) all average in double digits plus the Mavs have excellent depth when the roster is healthy. That's the case right now, so add in frontcourt players Finney-Smith (9.3 & 4.5), Kleber (7.3 & 5.3) and Powell (6.0 & 4,5) plus guard Bullock (6.0). The Pacers have All Star quality players in PG Brogdon (20.3-5.7-6.1) and PF Sabonis (18.0 & 12.0) plus a deep supporting cast. That list includes guards LaVert (14.9) and rookie Duarte (13.5 & 4.0) plus center Turner (12.9 & 7.7). Playing mostly in reserve roles, swingman Holiday (9.9) plus guards McConnell (8.4 & 4.8 APG) and Lamb (7.3) are effective contributors. However, Holiday will miss here due to health and safety protocols and McConnell to a wrist injury. Lamb (7.2), Martin (6.9) and Craig (5.2) will get some extra "PT."

When healthy, the Mavs are a quality, playoff-bound team. That CAN NOT be said of the Pacers. Take Dallas.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Situational Stunner is on Arizona St at 9:30 ET.

Former NBA star Dan Majerle took over at Grand Canyon when it moved up to Division I for the 2013-14 season. His first two teams went 15-15 and 17-15 but he then put together three straight 20-win seasons. However, after falling to 13-17 in 2019-20, he was fired. To the rescue came Bryce Drew, who led the Antelopes to a 17-7 record and the school's first WAC regular season championship, its WAC tourney championship and to the school's first-ever NCAA tourney berth. Not a bad start, The 'Lopes have opened the current season 8-1, as they head to Tempe to take on Arizona St on Thursday.

Bobby Hurley, a member of "the coaching Hurleys," is in his seventh season at ASU but after three straight 20-win seasons, his team fell to 11-14 (7-10 in the Pac 12) last season. The Sun Devils are off to a disappointing 3-6 start to open the current season, as ASU is having trouble putting the ball in the basket, averaging only 64.4 PPG (309th).

Grand Canyon lost FOUR of its top-five scorers from last year's team, but the lone returning starter was Blacksher, who leads the team this season at 16.1 PPG (adds 4.1 APG). Fellow guard Holland Woods (who played for Hurley LY at ASU) is the only other player in double digits at 13.4 PPG. The 6-7 McGlothan adds 9.7 & 7.0 and that trio sees all players averaging 27-plus minutes per game. Defense has been the team's strength, as Grand Canyon is allowing just 58.4 PPG (21st)

I mentioned Arizona State's scoring issues (see above) and it sure didn't help that 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 and the 6-6 Lawrence (11.1 & 7.9). Hurley was really counting on Toledo grad transfer Jackson, who was the MAC player-of-the-year last season, averaging 18.1-6.2-59. However, his scoring has been cut by more than half (7.7 PPG), while adding 4.6 RPG and 4.4 APG.

Grand Canyon enters on a five-game winning streak (lost to Wyoming 68-61 at home on Nov 22) and would no doubt love to KO a nearby in-state rival of Pac-12 status. However, Arizona State just snapped a five-game losing streak Sunday with a 69-67 overtime win at Oregon, responding "big time" after losing 51-29 at home against Washington State in the previous game. This is a big step up in competition for the Antelopes. Meanwhile, Arizona State has faced some tough competition and after its first quality victory of the season, I expect them to "take care of business" here vs the upstart 'Lopes. ASU and its 3-6 record is favored over an 8-1 Grand Canyon team for a reason. Lay the points!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Game of the Week 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 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 now-No. 1 Purdue and Illinois.The Hawkeyes travel to Ames for another contest in the Cy-Hawk rivalry. Iowa State (8-0) is seeking to match the third-best start in school history (9-0 in 2015-16). The early-season success represents quite a turnaround under first-year coach T.J. Otzelberger, who came from UNLV to take over an Iowa St team that went 2-22 last season (0-18 in the Big 12).

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 (8.0) while his brother Kris comes off the bench to chip in 11.3 & 5.6. Returning players like the 6-9 Patrick McCaffrey is averaging 12.0 PPG and returning guard Bohannon adds 9.8 PPG. 6-7 freshman Sandfort (7.1), Perkins (9.8), Toussaint (5.9 & 4.1 APG) and the 6-9 Rebraca (5.4 & 6.4) round out the main contributors.

A trio of guards lead the way for Iowa St, starting with standout Izaiah Brockington, who leads the team in scoring (16.0) and rebounding (7.5). He's joined on the perimeter by Kalscheur (12.1) and Hunter (11.6 & 5.4 APG). The team's frontcourt rotation is led by the 6-8 Kunc (6.8 & 4.6) and the 6-9 Conditt (5.9 & 5.1). The Cyclones snapped a 25-game road losing streak on Saturday when they posted a 64-58 win at Creighton. Iowa St had already picked up wins this season over then-No. 9 Memphis (by 19 points), then-No. 25 Xavier (12 points) and 2021 Elite Eight team Oregon State (10 points).

Now, the 17th-ranked Cyclones will try to avoid losing for the FOURTH consecutive time to Iowa, when the in-state rivals square off on Thursday night in Ames. "I've done this -- not forever -- but long enough," Otzelberger said. "I don't know that I've seen a group that has more pride in Iowa State and in their team success and cares about each other and is giving what they have every single day." That said, McCaffrey and his Hawkeyes know all about success (see above) and after back-to-back losses, NEED to get back on track before resuming Big Ten play on Jan 3.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the Min Vikings at 8:20 ET.

The Pittsburgh Steelers survived a game-winning two-point conversion try by the Baltimore Ravens last Sunday and with their 20-19 win, have turned the AFC North into a real 'horse race!' The Ravens stand at 8-4, while Cincy is at 7-5, after a crushing home loss to the Chargers. The Steelers are presently 6-5-1, plus the 6-6 Browns were idle last week. First-to-last is separated by just two games. Just as notable, Pittsburgh is just a half-game behind three 7-5 teams for one of three wild card berths. That makes this Thursday night visit to Minnesota, to say the least, VERY important.

As for the Vikings, they are second in the NFC North but at just 5-7, there is no realistic chance for them to catch the 9-3 Packers. That said, accepting that the 8-4 Rams will earn one of the three wild card berths, the Vikings only trail 6-6 Washington and San Francisco plus 6-7 Philadelphia. That means a "W" here by Minnesota, "keeps hope alive."

Let me do a little "compare and contrast," as I was asked to do in my Grade-7 thru Grade-12 years (no metal detectors or active-shooter drills to distract me). Big Ben and his two Super Bowl rings are headed to Canton but he is NOT the equal of Cousins here in 2021. Roethlisberger is completing 64.8% for 2,758 yards with 16 TDs and 6 INTs (QB rating of 90.6). As for Cousins, he's completing 68.4% for 3,353 yards with 25 TDs and just 3 INTs (QB rating of 106.3). Rookie Harris has 779 yards rushing on just 3.6 YPC with 5 TDs but the Steelers are averaging a pathetic 86.9 YPG on the ground (29th) on 3.7 YPC Minnesota RB Cook is one of the best RBs in the league but has struggled with injuries, missing three games and is questionable here. He's still rushed for 773 yards on 4.5 YPC with 4 TDs. Minnesota has managed 113.3 YPG on the ground (15th) on 4.2 YPC.

Pitt WRs Johnson has 76 catches (6 TDs) and Claypool 39 catches but just one TE. TE Freiermuth is underrated with 43 catches, six going for TDs, However, Cousins has two OUTSTANDING wide-outs in Jefferson (78 catches with 10 TDs) and Thielen (64 catches with 10 TDs), TE Conklin has 47 catches and 3 TDs. Defense was always a Pittsburgh strength but this year the team allows 23.8 PPG (21st), which is not all that much less than Minnesota's 25.4 PPG allowed.

A short week and a road game against a desperate Minnesota side is not what the doctor ordered for Big Ben and the Steelers. After back-to-back wins, including a 34-31 victory over Green Bay, Minnesota enters this contest having lost two in a row. Most recently it was a heart-breaking, last-second 29-27 setback at Detroit last weekend as a 7-point favorite, the Lions' first win of the season (that HAD to be a wake-up call!). Pittsburgh knows all about the Lions, as its home tie last month with 1-10-1 Detroit means even a win against the Vikings could leave Pittsburgh trailing the Chargers, Bengals and Bills in the wild-card standings by week's end.

After their last second win over the hated-Ravens last weekend, it would NOT be a stretch for the Steelers to have a predictable letdown in this one. Meanwhile, expect a full four-quarter, 110 percent effort from the Vikings. I'm laying the 'short' price.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* East/West Game of the Month is on the Phi 76ers at 7:10 ET.

The Utah Jazz owned the NBA's best regular season record last season but injuries kind of derailed them in the playoffs. Utah opened the current season a modest 8-5 but enters tonight's game at Philly (4th contest of a 5-game road trip) having won NINE of 11, including FIVE in a row Utah is 17-7 on the season). The 76ers were the East's No. 1 seed last year but were upset in the second round of the playoffs by the red-hot Hawks. Of course, all know about the Simmons situation (hasn't played yet TY) but Philly has also been besieged with injuries and COVID-19 issues. However, Philly is back healthy and welcomes the Jazz to town on a three-game winning streak (76ers are 14-11 on the season).

A HUGELY disappointing 98-97 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on Nov 26 sparked Utah's five-game winning streak. Utah handily defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 136-104 on Wednesday in Minneapolis behind 36 points from Donovan Mitchell and 21 from Bojan Bogdanovic. Mitchell (24.7-4.1-5.0) has been effective all season and enters this contest on a four-game run of 30-plus-point performances. Jazz PG Mike Conley (12.0 & 4.5 APG) also is playing well. The 34-year-old veteran has steadily improved his shooting, as he is hitting 50.9 percent from the floor, which would be a career high, and is leading the league with a 47.6 percent success rate from three-point range. SF Bogdanovic (17.0 & 4.0), center Gobert (14.8 & 14.5) and PF O'Neale (8.0 & 5.1) complete the starting lineup. 6th-man Clarkson (14.9) leads the reserves.

The best news for Philly fans is that the team is back healthy. Center Embiid (24.5-11.1-4.3) and PF Harris (19.3 & 8.3) have missed time because of COVID protocols but that's behind them. Simmons has NOT been missed, as PG Maxey (16.8 & 4.2 APG) has been very good, while Curry adds 16.2 PPG in the backcourt. Guards Milton (11.6) and Korkmaz (8.8) add depth on the perimeter, while the 6-7 Niang (10.9) and the 6-10 Drummond (6.5 & 10.0 in about 21 minutes per game) fill in nicely in the frontcourt.

Both teams played last night (Philly won 110-106 at Charlotte), giving a slight edge to the home team in this one. The 76ers are a good defensive team, as evidenced by last night's victory over the highest-scoring team in the league, and while Utah center Rudy Gobert is a defensive specialist, Embiid is a matchup issue for ANY opposing center, as he's averaged 34.3 PPG in Philly's three-game winning streak.

Bow Wow! Take the home dog.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* PERFECT STORM is on the Bos Celtics at 10:40 ET.

The inconsistent Los Angeles Clippers will host the equally inconsistent Boston Celtics tonight at Staples Center. The Celtics should feel 'right at home,' as they lost 117-102 to the Lakers last night, right here at Staples. The loss left them 13-12, while Clippers 'ugly' 102-90 win over the injury-depleted Blazers gives them the exact same record as Boston (also 13-2).

Jayson Tatum (25.5 & 8.8) scored 34 points for the Celtics but none of his teammates had more than 13, as Boston was outrebounded 51-34. Meanwhile, the Celtics' defense let the Lakers shoot 51.6 percent from the floor. brown (21.4 & 5.2) remains questionable (conditioning), leaving guards Schroder (17.5 & 4.9 APG) and Smart (11.1-3.8-5.5) plus big man Horofrd (12.5 & 8.2) as the team's only other double digit scorers. The good news is that big man Robert Williams (9.3 & 8.4) returned at the beginning of November, after missing time due to COVID.

The Clippers won in Portland without Nicolas Batum (COVID protocols) and with Luke Kennard making his first start of the season. However, the victory had more to do with the shortcomings of the Blazers, who were without stars Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum because of injury. Even so, the Blazers still had the chance to tie or take the lead with possession of the ball down 90-88 with less than three minutes to go. Paul George (25.0-7.3-5.4) had 21 points for the Clippers and Marcus Morris Sr. (12.1 & 3.7) added 17 as he quickly rounds into form after missing 15 games with a left knee injury. After finally returning Nov 23, Morris has averaged 19.7 points over his past three games. PG Jackson (17.2 & 4.0 APG) has been solid plus Kennard (10.6), center Zubac (10.0 & 8.1) and guard Bledsose (9.1-4.0-3.4) have all not missed a single game.

One never knows when Brown will get back in the lineup (tonight would be nice) but let me note that Boston is 6-1 ATS in its last seven road games against a team with a winning home record. I'm taking the points!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Big Ten Conf "Best of the Best" is on Mich 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 Minnesota ranked No. 19 at 7-2. Minnesota saw a 9-1 start to its 2020-21 season (No. 21 in the AP poll) fall apart by losing 14 of its final 19 games to finish 14-15. That was enough to end Richard Pitino's 8-year run at Minnesota, as Ben Jonhson took over (first head coaching gig). Johnson was hired and there was a mass exodus at Minnesota, as players transferred right and left (NONE of last year's starters are back!). However, the Gophers have been 'Golden' so far, going undefeated in non conference play (7-0) but remains unranked. 

The Spartans do not have a 'big gun,' as the team's leading scorer is SF Brown (12.9), who adds 4.3 RPG. 7-0 center Bingham adds 10.6 PPG and a team-high 7.6 RPG. Joining those two in the starting lineup are guards Christie (8.90 and Walker (5.8) plus 6-9 Hauser, who has disappointed averaging only 5.6 & 6.0. Bench strength comes from the 6-9 Hall (9.1 & 4.8) and the 6-9 Marble (6.4) plus guard Hoggard (6.4 & 4.2 APG).

The "new-look" Golden Gophers are led by 6-7 George Wasghington transfer Battle (17.9 & 6.1) and College of Charleston transfer guard Willis (17.4-5.1-3.9). Guards Stephens (11.1 & 4.0) and Loewe (6.9) start with New Hampshire transfer Sutherlin coming off the bench to average 9.2 & 4.3 in the backcourt.

Both teams are playing solid defense, as Michigan St allows 63.6 PPG and Minnesota 61.0 PPG. Talking about the conference-opener for both teams, MSU head coach Tom Izzo said, "Conference play is so much different than regular season (non-conference) play. And Minnesota, they've won some games. They won a tough, close game (against Pittsburgh) last week. Ben has done a great job with his team. They've got two guys that really, really shoot the ball." He's obviously talking about Battle and Willis.

Here's the rub. The Golden Gophers have pulled out a number of close games, defeating Western Kentucky by four points, edging Princeton in double overtime, while beating 2-6 Pitt by ONE point. Minnesota led Mississippi State by as many as 14 points in its most recent game, before hanging on for a 5-point win. Michigan St has played a MUCH tougher schedule to this point, losing to now-No.8  Kansas and now-No. 2 Baylor, plus own a victory over now-No. 15 UConn. That trio is currently a combined 22-2! Which coach do you want, Izzo or Johnson? You think Izzo will remind his team that it lost at Minnesota last season 81-56!

Good luck...Larry

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

Marquette is coming off an 11-13 season and lost all FIVE starters plus added a new head coach in Shaka Smart. Smart was one of the hottest coaching commodities after leaving VCU for Texas but he was fired after six seasons with zero NCAA wins. He has Marquette off to a 7-2 start, as the team travels to Manhattan. Kansas to meet the 5-2 Kansas State Wildcats. Bruce Weber has been at it for almost 25 years (with plenty of success), but his team won just 11 games two seasons ago and last year went 9-20, including 4-1 in Big 12 play.

Marquette has four players averaging 22-plus mPG, with the 6-7 Josh Lewis leading in both scoring (15.9) and rebounding (7.6). Moresll is a Maryland transfer and adds 14.8 PPG. PG Kolek adds 7.7 & 5.3 APG plus guard Jones chips in 7.6. The fifth starter is the 6-10 Kuath (6.1 & 4.3). Kansas State is coming off a road victory over Wichita State on Sunday. However, leading scorer Pack (15.8) suffered a concussion and will likely NOT play here. Arkansas-LR transfer Nowell (12.3) is the only other player in double digits but fellow guards Miguel (9.3 & 6.2) and Illinois transfer Smith (8.4 & 8.4) are quality players, who can rebound. The 6-10 Ezeagu is a Wake transfer adding 8.6 & 4.7 and the 6-9 Massoud (5.6 & 4.3) also starts up front.

Here's the rub. Kansas St has lost to the two-best teams it has played, losing to Arkansas and Illinois at neutral sites by the identical scores of 72-64. In fact, the Wildcats' win over Wichita State marked their first victory over an opponent in the top 280 in the KenPom.com rankings. Marquette comes in having averaged 79.7 PPG over its last three games and I don't believe the Wildcats can match them score-for-score, especially without (or a less than 100%) Pack in the lineup.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Weekly Wipeout is on the Ind Pacers at 7:10 ET.

The Knicks ended a seven-year postseason drought last year by going 41-31 but lost in the first round to the Atlanta Hawks, who made it all the way to the East Conference Finals. Expectations were high in Madison Square Garden to open the season but so far, the Knicks have been a disappointment. New York snapped a three-game losing streak Tuesday night, when it didn't trail in the final three quarters of a 121-109 win over the host San Antonio Spurs but the "W" only got them back to .500 on the season.

The Indiana Pacers missed the postseason with a 34-38 record last year, after playing in NINE of the previous 10. The Pacers opened 1-6 and were just 6-11 thru Nov 19. The Pacers did win three of four (reaching 9-2) but then lost FOUR in a row before ending that skid Monday night with a 116-110 win over the Wizards (Pacers check in at 10-16).

The good news for NY fans is that the Knicks are as healthy as they've been all season. SIX players are averaging in double digits, with guard Quickly (9.7) and the 6-9 Toppin (8.1 & 3.7) coming close. The only starter not in double digits is center Robinson (7.0 & 8.0) but after NOT starting last night vs the Spurs, came off the bench with a double-double (11 & 14). PF Randle (19.9-9.9-5.4) is again having an All Star-like season, joined by SF Barrett (14.8 & 5.8) plus guards Fournier (13.0) and Burks (11.6). Guards Rose (12.3) and Walker (11.7) are coming off the bench.

The Pacers have All Star quality players in PG Brogdon (20.5-5.8-6.2) and PF Sabonis (17.8 & 12.0) plus a deep supporting cast. That list includes guards LaVert (14.9) and rookie Duarte (13.1 & 4.1) plus center Turner (12.6 & 7.5). Playing mostly in reserve roles, swingman Holiday (9.9) plus guards McConnell (8.4 & 4.8 APG) and Lamb (7.3) are effective contributors. Holiday will miss here to health and safety protocols.

The Knicks haven't won consecutive games in more than a month, so why expect them to build on their 121-109 win in San Antonio last night. I had a 10* on the Knicks last night (great situational spot against the Spurs) but I want no part of the Knicks on the second of this back-to-back situation. The Pacers are also playing with some revenge after falling to New York 92-84 back on November 15th. Pacers win this "with room to spare!"

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Las Vegas Insider is on Indiana at 7:00 ET.

Indiana lost its final six games of last season and the Hoosiers fired head coach Archie Miller and hired Mike Woodson (former Indiana player under Bob Knight) to lead the team in the 2021-22 season, Greg Gard is in his seventh season at Madison but while Wisconsin featured four, 5th-year seniors and three regular seniors last season, the 'landscape' was MUCH different this season. Of the 14 scholarship players this season, 10 are classified as freshmen for eligibility purposes. Both schools have opened 7-1 as the schools get set for a Big Ten game at the Kohl Center tonight.

The Hoosiers have used a six-man rotation (all players averaging 22-plus MPG), led by the 6-9 Jackson-Davis (21.0 & 8.6), who is joined in the frontcourt by the 6-8 Thompson (10.0 & 8.9) and the 6-7 Kopp (8.9 & 3.5). Xavier transfer Johnson (10.4) starts in the backcourt with Stewart (8.6), while 6th-man Bates (a freshman) chips in 7.1 PPG.

Wisconsin guard Davison began the season with 124 career starts and is averaging 15.9 & 4.5. The great news for Wisconsin fans is, fellow guard Davis (7.0 & 4.1 LY) is averaging 20.1 & 5.6 this season. Also back, after limited playing time last season, are the 7-0 Crowl (9.4 & 5.3) and the 6-9 Wahl (8.8 & 4.8). Guard Hepburn (7.4) is the 5th starter, with NO other player averaging as much as 5.0 PPG.

Indiana opened 6-0 but then lost 112-110 at Syracuse in two OTs but bounced back to win its Big Ten opener 68-55 over Nebraska. Wisconsin defeated three previously undefeated teams -- including a win over then-12th ranked Houston -- to win the Maui Invitational (Nov 22-24), then ground out a gutty 70-66 road win over Georgia Tech in the ACC/Big Ten challenge, before beating Marquette 89-76 in its last game.

The Badgers are ranked 22nd and have won 18 consecutive games at the Kohl Center against the Hoosiers, including 80-73 last season in double overtime. Is win No. 19 in a row a 'done deal?' Not so fast. Wisconsin is allowing only 59.1 PPG but Indiana counters by allowing 63.8. Remember, that includes the 112 points the team allowed in that double-OT loss. Meanwhile. while Wisconsin averages 70.6 PPG, while Indiana scores 80.4 PPG. I'm calling for a SU win by Indiana.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the NY Knicks at 8:40 ET.

The San Antonio Spurs head home after their most successful road trip of the season to take on the NY Knicks. Monday's 108-104 loss in Phoenix last night snapped a season-best, four-game winning streak. However, the loss came after road wins over the Portland Trail Blazers and Golden State Warriors. Those wins had to give 8-14 San Antonio some needed momentum for the upcoming stretch of five games in eight days (note: the good news is, all will be played at home). In contrast, the 11-12 Knicks travel to San Antonio on the heels of a 113-99 home loss to the Denver Nuggets on Saturday. New York has now dropped three straight and four of its past five games to fall under .500 for the first time this season.

The Knicks ended a seven-year postseason drought last year by going 41-31 but lost in the first round to the Atlanta Hawks, who made it all the way to the East Conference Finals. Expectations were high in Madison Square Garden to open the season but so far, the Knicks have disappointed. The good news here is that the Knicks are as healthy as they've been all season. SIX players are averaging in double digits, with guard Quickly (9.4) and the 6-9 Toppin (8.1 & 3.7) coming close. The only starter not in double digits is center Robinson (6.9 & 7.7). PF Randle (20.1-10.0-5.3) is again having an All Star-like season, joined by SF Barrett (14.0 & 5.8) plus guards Fournier (13.3) and Burks (11.3). Guards Rose (12.4) and Walker (11.7) are coming off the bench.

"Pop" is still coaching in San Antonio but these are NOT your grandfather's Spurs. SEVEN players are in triple digits, although second-year guard Vassell (11.6 & 3.7) will not play. The starters are PG Murray (19.0-8.5-8.5) and backcourt partner White (12.7 & 5.0 APG), center Poeltl (12.3 & 9.4) plus forwards Johnson (14.8 & 6.5) and McDermott (11.2). Guard Walker (10.2) is a sometime starter but mostly comes off the bench.

A good part of the problem for the Knicks has been a lack of attention on defense. After finishing fourth in defensive rating last season, New York is 22nd this season. The Knicks are allowing 106.5 PPG and are scoring 107.7 PPG. The Spurs average 107.5 PPG and allow 107.7. New York has been drastically underperforming of late, but here's the perfect opportunity to get back on track. After all, the Spurs are just 8-14, including 4-6 at home. Yes, the Spurs are now home for FIVE straight games but tonight is the second of a back-to-back, as they played the Suns in Phoenix last night, taking them to the wire. Fatigue works against them here plus the Knicks haven't played since Saturday.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Weekly Wipeout is on Bowling Green at 7:00 ET.

The Oakland Golden Grizzlies and Bowling Green Falcons meet Tuesday night at the Stroh Center. Oakland checks in at 7-2, while Bowling Green is just 4-4. Oakland remains coached by Greg Kampe, who is in his 38th season (coached the team when it was a Division II school). The Grizzlies joined Division I in the 1999-2000 season and have had a number of successful seasons but the school hasn't had a 20-win season the last four years, averaging only 15.3 wins per season. BG is coached by Michael Huger, who is in his 7th season at the school. The Falcons won 22 games in the 2018-19 season and 21 the following season but is off a 14-12 season.

Oakland is off a relatively simple 78-45 win at IUPUI as a 14.5-point favorite last time out to get to 7-2 (nice start). The team is led by 6-7 Marquette transfer Cain, who leads in scoring (21.2) and rebounding (10.7). The Golden Grizzlies lack depth, as four players are averaging 33-plus MPG, with few other contributors. Along with Cain you have swingman Townsend (14.0 & 6.4), PG Moore (13.2 & 6.9 APG) and SF Parrish (7.7 & 6.1).

The Falcons are coming off an impressive 78-70 road win at Duquesne as 4.5-point underdogs to reach .500 (not the start the team had hoped for). Unlike Oakland, BG has depth with NINE players getting involved. The 6-9 Reese (10.6 & 7.3) is the lone big man of note but Plowden (15.0 & 7.1) leads a perimeter group that includes Gordon (9.8), Diggs (8.8 & 4.0), Metheny (8.4) and Curtis (6.8).

Cain leads a nice trio for Oakland but BG's depth and balance wins the day. The Falcons were blown out 89-59 at Ohio St but rebounded in their next game to lose just 90-84 at home against a Norfolk St team that made the NCAAs last season and has opened 9-2 this season. Oakland is nowhere near as good as Norfolk St and I expect the outright win here by BG. But of course, take the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* PERFECT STORM is on Virginia at 7:00 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. Gone from last year's team are big big men Hauser (16.0 & 6.8) and Huff (13.0 & 7.1) plus guard Murphy (11.3). UVA has opened 6-3 as it heads to Harrisonburg, Va to face James Madison. Head coach Mark Byington led James Madison to a Colonial Athletic Association regular-season title in his first season in charge in 2020-21 and this year's team is off to a 7-2 start, including a 4-0 start at home (JMU already owns wins against Virginia schools Old Dominion and George Mason).

The only returning starter for UVA is PG Clark (10.7 & 4.2 APG). Guard Beekman (6.4-3.7-4.6) is back, as is the 6-11 Shedrick (6.8 & 65.6), but UVA's two-most important players are transfers. The 6-6 Gardner (14.1 & 7.9) comes from East Carolina and guard Franklin (11.6) comes via Indiana. As always, Bennett's team is one of the nation's best defensive squads in the nation, allowing just 56.2 PPG (10th).

JMU has outstanding balance with SIX players contributing between 8.1 and 11.3 PPG. Canisius transfer Molson (11.3 & 6.) leads the team in scoring, followed by fellow guard Morse (11.2) and 6-6 Winthrop transfer Felden (10.5). The 6-7 Sule, a Texas St transfer, adds 8.8 & 6.3 and the 6-7 Amadi, a returning player, chips in 9.2 & 4.6. Returning guard Hodge (8.1) completes the 'six-pack!'

One could argue that if James Madison is ever going to beat Virginia, Tuesday night's home contest might be its best shot. However, the Dukes are also 0-11 in their intrastate rivalry with the Cavaliers and lost by 31 points in the most recent meeting in November 2019. Virginia has won FIVE of the last six meetings by double digits. What changes here? Nada!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Rivalry Game of the Month is on New Mexico St at 9:00 ET.

The 6-2 New Mexico State Aggies travel to The Pit to take on the 5-3 New Mexico Lobos Monday night in Albuquerque. TheAggies improved to 6-2 on the season after defeating the UTEP Miners 72-69 this past Friday. Meanwhile the Lobos haven't played since last Tuesday when they snapped a two-game losing streak by beating the Aggies 101-94 in Las Cruces.

Chris Jans is in his fifth season with the Aggies, going 95-25 in his first four. New Mexico St had a troublesome season last year, as a public health order would not allow them to play any games in the state, plus the team wasn't allowed to fully practice until mid-January. Despite all this, the Aggies did advance to the WAC championship game, before falling to Grand Canyon. The result? It was the first time that NMSU ended a season as neither the WAC's regular season champ or the WAC tourney champs. Swingman Allen (18.0 & 6.0) is a Nebraska transfer and joins last year's top scorer Rice (13.2), who is averaging 14.4 & 4.4 this season. The team features a solid trio up front in the 6-10 McNair (9.1 & 6.1), the 6-7 McCants (8.5 & 4.9) and the 6-7 Tillman (8.3 & 3.5).

The situation is MUCH different for New Mexico, who hired Richard Pitino after he was fired at Minnesota. Pitino has his fans and critics and I'm part of the latter. The Lobos are coming off an 'ugly' 6-16 year last season and have been rebuilt through the transfer portal. Guard Mashburn followed Pitino from Minnesota and leads with 20.4 PPG. ASU transfer House adds 18.1 & 4.6 APG plus Johnson, a 6-6 returnee, is a third player in double digits at 10.0 & 5.4. Adding depth on the perimeter are JC transfer Jenkins (8.8) and TCU transfer Todd (8.4). The 6-10 Muscadin played in 12 games last season (0.2 PPG!) but averages 9.6 so far this season plus the 6-9 Tovar (7.5 & 4.0) is another JC transfer.

New Mexico beat rival New Mexico St 101-94 in a shootout last Tuesday but I believe the Aggies are the better team (much better?) and turnabout is fair play. New Mexico St "gets even" with a win in "The Pit," which is no longer a feared venue.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* PERFECT STORM is on the Atl Hawks at 8:10 ET.

The Atlanta Hawks went 41-31 last season and advanced all the way to the Eastern Conference finals. That's after going 73-158 (.316) the previous three seasons. In STARK contrast, the T-wolves finished 23-49 last year, missing out on the playoffs for the 16th time in their last 17 seasons. That said, when the teams meet tonight in Minnesota, both teams are looking to snap two-game losing streaks, and the Hawks' record of 12-11 is only slightly better than that of the 11-12 T-wolves. Who'da thunk that?

Atlanta has dropped two straight and lost three of its last four. The Hawks were beaten 130-127 by the short-handed Charlotte Hornets on Sunday night and could really use a "W" in tonight's contest. PG Young (26.2 & 9.4 APG) is again the leader plus the frontcourt duo of PF Collins (17.1 & 7.9) and center Capela (11.5 & 12.4) are both playing much like they did last season. However, three key role players are currently sidelined, in Bogdanovich (11.6), Reddish (11.5) and Hunter (10.8). The good news is that the Hawks have excellent depth and Huerter (10.7), Gallinari (8.90 and even Williams (just 6.4) are more than capable of filling in.

The Timberwolves are led by center Towns (24.0 & 9.0), former No. 1 draft pick SF Anthony Edwards (22.0 & 6.3) and PG Russell (19.0 & 6.4 APG). Edwards scored a career-high 48 points against Golden State on Nov 10 to become the fifth-youngest player in NBA history to score 45-plus points. However, Towns is listed as questionable because of a tailbone issue and Russell is struggling with ankle issues.

Minnesota returns home off an 0-2 road trip, falling 115-107 at Washington, before then dropping a 110-105 decision at Brooklyn on Friday, while a date on the road is just what the doctor ordered for the Hawks, who have won three in a row away from friendly confines, while averaging 123.3 PPG. With Minnesota's best player (Towns) either out due to injury, or playing and not at 100 percent health, I like the Hawks to bounce back in this favorable spot.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on the Was Wizrads at 6:10 ET.

The Wizards opened the season on Oct 20 with a defensive-minded 98-83 victory over the host Raptors, who got their revenge at Washington with a 109-100 win on Nov 3. The teams meet again Sunday in Toronto, with Wizards checking in at 14-9 and the Raptors struggling at 10-13. The Wizards are coming off a 116-101 home loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday, while the Raptors haven't played since Thursday, when they beat Milwaukee 97-393 in Toronto, as the Bucks olayed without some guy named Giannis Antetokounmpo (funny name, I wonder if he's any good?).

The Wizards have been searching for an identity for some time now and MAY have found one this season. Guards Beal (22.3-5.0-5.9) and Dinwiddie (13.7-5.0-5.4) are the 'heart' of the team but a trio I like to call "Lakers-East," have been MAJOR additions. PF Harrell (16.2 & 8.1), SF Kuzma (13.0 & 8.7) and swingman Caldwell-Pope (10.8) have really found a home on the East Coast. Undersized center, the 6-9 Gafford, is averaging 9.1 & 5.9.

Toronto went 58-24 in the 2018-19 season (.707) and went on to win the franchise's lone NBA title led by Kawhi. Kawhi 'flew the coop' before the 2019-20 season but the Raptors had even a better regular season record, going 53-19 (.736). However, the Raptors couldn't replicate their postseason success. Last season, Toronto tumbled to a 27-45 record. OG Anunoby has blossomed this season, averaging 20.1 & 5.5 but a hip pointer has him sidelined plus center Khem Birch (6.9 & 5.4) is dealing with a knee issue. PG VanVleet (20.3-5.2-6.2) is a true All Star, as is PF Siakam (18.1 & 7.2), who is back after beginning the season injured. SG Trent (16.9) has been a valuable addition plus rookie Barnes (Florida) has been a HUGE surprise, averaging 15.3 & 8.1.

Playing at home has been anything but an advantage for the Raptors, as their win over Milwaukee snapped a five-game honme losing streak and Toronto checks in just 3-8 SU at home this season. That's not a good situation when a team needs to win in order to cover. Toronto is banged up and ripe for the picking by a Washington team looking to (needing to?) to bounce back from a Friday night shellacking at home buy the red-hot Cavs (when's the last timw anyone reffered to the Cavs as being red-hot?).

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Non-Confrerence Game of the Month is on Oklahoma St at 5:00 ET.

The 6-1 Xavier Musketeers are looking to reclaim a spot in the top-25 (after back-to-back wins), when they visit 6-2 Oklahoma State (coming off a loss at home against Wichita State on Wednesday) on Sunday in Stillwater as part of the Big East-Big 12 Battle.

Xavier head coach Travis Steele is badly in need of a 20-win season. He took over from Chris Mack (23.9 wins per season with NINE straight Big Dance bids), who took over from Sean Miller (24 wins per season and NCAA bids in his last four seasons of his five-year stint). The Musketeers entehavingred the season having won just 51 games (17 per) in Steele's first three seasons, without an NCAA bid. Guard Scruggs (11.0-3.7-4.3) is only back because COVID gave him an extra year of eligibility but fellow guard Jones has been a HUGE surprise, averaging 12.0 & 9.3, after chipping in a modest 7.7 & 4.8 last year. Nate Johnson averages a team-high 14.6 points and he's been on a roll the last two games with a combined 54 points on 12-of-19 shooting from three-point range. The team's top frontcourt players are the 7-0 Nunge (11.1 & 7.7) and the 6-8 Hunter (5.8 & 6.7).

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 return a solid group plus welcomes Kansas transfer Thompson and Memphis transfer Cisse to the fold. No player is averaging in double digits but OSU has balanced scoring and depth! Kansas transfer Thompson leads the team in scoring at 9.8 PPG, joined on the perimeter by returning guards Anderson (9.3), Boone (9.3), Williams (8.5) and Likekele (7.1 & 6.0). The 6-10 Cisse (6.9 & 5.9) joins the returning 6-7 Moncrieffe (6.1 & 6.3) up front.

This will be Xavier's first true road game, after two neutral site games resulted in an 82-70 loss to Iowa St and a 59-58 win over Va Tech. I forecast a comfortable win here by the home team. Lay the 'short' price!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* NFC West Game of the Month is on the Sea Seahawks at 4:25 ET.

The Seattle Seahawks find themselves in an unfamiliar position entering December. In the 10 seasons since the Seattle Seahawks drafted QB Russell Wilson in the 2012 draft, the franchise has been a regular contender, making the playoffs in EIGHT of the nine seasons prior to 2021 (played in two Super Bowls, winning one). However, when the 3-8 Seahawks play host to the 6-5 49ers on Sunday, they are little more than an also-ran with little to play for over the season's final six weeks. Conversely, the 49ers have won THREE in a row (while averaging 31.6 PPG) and currently own the 6th and final playoff spot in the NFC.

The 49ers' winning streak has come with a renewed commitment to run the ball. San Francisco has averaged 41.7 rushing attempts over the past three games to amass 178.3 YPG, as rookie RB Elijah Mitchell gained 133 of San Francisco's season-high 208 yards on the ground last week in a 34-26 victory against the visiting Minnesota Vikings. QB Jimmy G has been looking over his shoulder for most of the year but is completing 66.8% for 2,342 yards with 13 TDs and 6 INTs. However, the bad news for San Francisco is that the 49ers will be without leading receiver Deebo Samuel (groin), who has 56 catches (18.0 YPC / 5 TDs) and has also rushed for five TDs (203 yards on 8.1 YPC). "(Samuel has) been a big part of our offense, but I think we're in a spot right now that we can overcome that," 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said. Methinks, he's "whistling past the graveyard!"

Wilson (64.9% with 12 TDs and just 3 INTs) got hurt in a Week 5 loss to the Rams and didn't return until a Nov 14th 17-0 loss at Green Bay. Wilson threw for just 161 yards in his return with two INTs. However, while Seattle has lost his last two starts as well, he hasn't been intercepted in 57 attempts and passed for 247 yards with two TDs (110.6 QB rating) in last Sunday's loss at Washington. With starting running back Chris Carson out for the season due to a neck injury and Rashaad Penny and Travis Homer both missing the last game, the Seahawks signed veteran Adrian Peterson to the practice squad on Wednesday. The 'Hawks are averaging only 92.5 YPG rushing but Carroll is hopeful that Penny will return vs the 49ers. The good news is that Wilson looked good last week and he has two excellent WRs in Lockett (50 / 3 TDs) and Metcalf (47 catches / 8 TDs). Seattle's defense has allowed a league-high 399.0 YPG but only 20.5 PPG, which ranks 7th.

However, here's the rub. The Seahawks won 28-21 at San Francisco in Week 4, their 13th victory in 15 tries against the 49ers, including SEVEN of nine since Kyle Shanahan arrived in San Francisco in 2017. What's more, Seattle is 7-2 in its last nine as a home dog. Good enough for me. Take the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Rivalry Game of the Month is on the Bal Ravens at 4:25 ET.

The 8-3 Baltimore Ravens lead the AFC North but have not been able to 'shake the 7-4 Bengals. The 6-6 Browns and 5-5-1 Steelers fill out the rest of the division. The Steelers looked like a contender at 5-3 but they welcome the hated-Ravens to Heinz Field on an 0-2-1 run. This is the first meeting between the two rivals in 2021, with the teams playing again at Baltimore in Week 18.

The Ravens enter December with the best record in the AFC, but their recent performances have been anything but pretty. Baltimore heads into the weekend a half-game ahead of the Patriots and Titans (both 8-4) for the top spot in the conference and. The playoff structure is the same as last season, meaning only the No. 1 seed gets a first-round playoff bye, so the Ravens certainly cannot afford many slip-ups over their final six games. QB Lamar Jackson (64.2% for 2,612 yards with 15 TDs and 12 INTs) is NOT having a vintage season, evidenced by him throwing a career-high four interceptions Sunday night in a 16-10 win over the Cleveland Browns. He also threw for a season-low 165 yards and was sacked multiple times for the ninth time in 10 games. However, he does lead the team in rushing (707 yards on 5.7 YPC) and is the reason the Ravens are No. 2 in the NFL averaging 150.7 YPG on the ground. His top receivers are WR Brown (60 catches / 6 TDs) and TE Andrews ( 60 catches / 5 TDs). The defense is no longer a dominating unit (ala the Ray Lewis years) but Baltimore does rank 9th in allowing 21.8 PPG.

Big Ben is not the QB he once was but he can still be dangerous. He enters the game completing 64.6% for 2,522 yards with 14 TDs and 6 INTs. He gets little help from a running game that averages only 87.1 YPG (28th), although rookie RB Harris does have 708 yards with 5 TDs but averages only 3.6 YPC. He is also Pitt's second-leading receiver (52 catches / 2 TDs), behind WR Johnson (68 catches / 4 tDs). WR Claypool adds 37 catches (16.4 YPC / but just 1 TD) and TE Freiermuth adds 40 catches and a team-high 6 TDs.The offense averages only 20.4 PPG (22nd), while the defense allows 24.3 PPG, which ranks 23rd. Pittsburgh is also just 29th in takeaways with only NINE.

The Ravens have averaged only 14 points over the last three games but have won two of them, while Pittsburgh's last three games have seen them tie Detroit 16-16 (Lions are 0-10-1 on the season), while allowing 41 points in back-to-back losses to the Chargers and Bengals. Jackson is a highly accomplished QB and this Pittsburgh defense may be "just what the doctor ordered" for the Baltimore offense to shake its doldrums! The Ravens are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 against AFC North opponents, while the Steelers are just 2-8 ATS their last 10 following a SU loss. I'm on the road favorite.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Las Vegas Insider is on the LV Raiders at 4:05 ET.

Washington was able to capture the NFC 'Least' last season with a 7-9 record but with Dallas jumping out to a 6-1 start and Washington opening 2-6, the Cowboys seemed like a 'lock' to win the NFC East in 2021. However, Dallas has lost THREE of four to fall back to 7-4, while Washington has won THREE in a row to reach 5-6. Washington looks to make it FOUR straight wins this week in Las Vegas against the Raiders, who are one of three AFC West teams that are currently 6-5. Kansas City, which has won FIVE straight division titles, leads the AFC West at 7-4, so clearly, that division is far from settled. Speaking of Dallas, the Raiders snapped a three-game skid by defeating the Dallas Cowboys 36-33 in overtime on Thanksgiving.

Washington eked out a 19-17 home win over the struggling 3-8 Seahawks this past Monday and now travels cross-country on a short week to play the team's final non-division game of the season (Washington's final five games will all come against NFC East rivals). Taylor Heinicke has proven he can be a starting QB in the NFL, completing 67.2% for 2,613 yards with 16 TDs and 10 INTs. He has added 279 rushing yards (on 5.7 YPC) with five TDs. RB Gibson leads the team with 712 yards (just 3.9 YPC) but Washington's running game has been solid, averaging 125.5 YPG (9th). However, the team's only WR with more than 25 receptions is McLaurin (58 / 13.6 YPC / 5 TDs), as RBs McKissic (43) and Gibson (26) rank second and third on the etam (note: the duo has combined for just 3 TDs plus both average below 10.0 YPC). Washington's defensive surge down the stretch in 2020 led to high expectations for the unit this season but the "D" has NOT delivered, allowing 25.6 PPG (25th of 32 teams!).

The Raiders piled up a season-high 509 total yards in their win at Dallas. Making that effort even more impe=ressive is the fact that the offense had been held to just 14.3 PPG in a three-game slide against the Giants, Chiefs and Bengals. QB Carr has completed 67.3% for 3,414 yards (more than 800 more than Heinicke) but he's thrown for just one more TD pass (17-9 ratio). However, Carr remains underrated. Say what? How about this. He needs just 22 completions to reach 300 in each of his first eight NFL seasons, something only Peyton Manning has accomplished. Injuries have limited RB Jacobs, who entered this season off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, while scoring 19 TDs. He's missed two full games (and been limited cn a number of others), running for only 420 yards  on 3.8 YPC with six TDs. The bottom line is, Las Vegas has run for just 89.1 YPG (27th). WR Renfrow (64 catches  with 4 TDs) and TE Waller (53 catches / 2 TDs) are Carr's favorite targets but Waller left the Dallas game with a knee injury (status uncertain). The Jon Gruden (head coach) and Henry Ruggs (WR) "incidents" have really messed up the Raiders, who are trying to make the playoffs for the first time in FIVE seasons. A defense allowing 26.8 PPG (30th) hasn't helped.

All that said, this marks the ONLY home game for the Raiders in a 4-week span and don't forget, it's an extremely bad situational spot for Washington, traveling cross-country on a short week. With FIVE consecutive NFC games coming up to end the regular season, this seems like a perfect "let-down" spot for Washington. This really is a "must win'' for the Raiders as the 6-5 Chargers are on the road vs a very good Cincy team, plus 6-5 Denver is at 7-4 KC. The Raiders really need to get to 7-5 with a "W" in this one. A win basically means a cover at this pointspread but my bet says the Raiders win handily.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* ACC Game of the Week is on Ga Tech at 3:00 ET.

North Carolina's first-year head coach Hubert Davis and his players took exception to criticism following a pair of defeats to top programs in Purdue and Tennessee the weekend before Thanksgiving. The Tar Heels responded with their best effort of the young season, routing No. 24 Michigan 72-51 on Wednesday in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge. They now travel to Atlanta for their ACC openers against the Ga Tech Yellow Jackets, who enter Sunday's game off a 70-66 home loss Wednesday night against No. 23 Wisconsin in their ACC/Big Ten Challenge game. Both schools come in 5-2.

North Carolina has a frontcourt led by the returning 6-10 Bacot (15.0 & 7.4), 6-9 Oklahoma transfer Manek (14.0 & 6.1) and Marquette transfer Garcia (11.1 & 6.1). Sophomore guard Love (16.1-3.7-4.1) teams with freshman Davis (13.0-3.9-3.6) and Walton (5.7) in the backcourt. "feel like we took a step in the right direction," said Armando Bacot, who had 11 points and 14 rebounds against Michigan. "I mean, we were all just pretty upset and really (ticked) off about it. And just some of the things that were said about us as a team, we didn't like it at all." Caleb Love scored a game-high 22 points against Michigan and Marquette transfer Dawson Garcia added 14. 

Josh Pastner (of Memphis fame) led Ga Tech Yellow Jackets to a 17-9 record and their first ACC tourney championship since 1993 last season. Ga Tech lost ACC player of the year Wright (14 & 8.0) and PG Alvarado (15.2-3.5-4.1) but this season features a guard trio of Devoe (25.0-5.7-4.3), Usher (14.3 & 7.7) and freshman Coleman (6.9) plus 6-10 center Howard (8.6 & 7.0). Also chipping in are guards Smith (7.8 & 4.3) and Sturdivant (6.4). Ga Tech played Wisconsin right to the wire and the defeat couldn't be blamed on Michael Devoe, the ACC's leading scorer (see above), who pumped in a game-high 33 points on 11-of-20 shooting. He making 56.5 percent from the floor and 59.0 percent on three-pointers.

This has all the makings of a classic letdown spot for the visiting side after its big win last time out. Conversely, the Yellow Jackets flirted with a near-upset of their own, only to be denied late in the game. I'm grabbing the points, noting that North Carolina comes in just 1-6 ATS on the season!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* 'Battle of the QBs" is on the lA Chargers at 1:00 ET.

The 7-4 Cincinnati Bengals are positioned to make some noise in December, as except for the 8-3 Baltimore Ravens, every AFC team has at least four losses, with 12 at .500 or better. One of those 12 teams at .500 or better is the 6-5 LA Chargers, who remain in the playoff mix despite losing FOUR of their last six games. Baltimore leads the AFC North at 8-3, Cincy checks in at 7-4, the Browns at 6-5 and the Steelers at 5-5-1. Over in the AFC West, KC is 7-5, while the Chargers, Broncos and Raiders are all 6-5.

The Chargers come to Cincinnati, having NOT managed to win two straight games since October. The team's 28-13 loss to the Denver Broncos last Sunday was full of costly mistakes. QB Justin Herbert threw two TD passes but also had two INTs, one returned 70 yards for a TD and the other was in the end zone. That said, he's had a productive season, completing 66.0% for 3,230 yards with 24 TDs and 10 INTs. RB Ekeler has developed into one of the NFL's better all-purpose players, rushing for 604 yards (4.5 YPC / 7 TDs) plus catching 51 passes for another 7 TDs. WRs Allen (81 catches but just two TDs) and Williams (50 catches / 7 TDs) are quite a pair, while TE Cook has 33 receptions for three TDs. The Chargers' defense has been a weak link, allowing 26.6 PPG (29th).

Speaking of QBs having productive seasons, Joe Burrow is proving he deserved to be the No. 1 overall draft pick in 2020. He's completing 69.3% for 2,875 yards with 22 TDs and 12 INTs. Chase (50 catches / 18.1 YPC / 8 TDs), Boyd (46 catches / 2 TDs) and Higgins (43 catches / 3 TDs) give him a trio of quality WRs plus TE Uzomah has caught 30 balls with 5 TDs. RB Joe Mixon is having a career season, running for 924 yards on 4.4 YPC with 11 TDs (he also has 26 catches with 2 TDs). Mixon enters off back-to-back 100-yard games for the first time since 2019, running for a career-high 165 and two TDs in the 41-10 rout of Pittsburgh last Sunday. The Bengals have worked hard for the past couple of years rebuilding their defense, and the efforts are paying off. Consider this. Heading into the 2021 season, the Bengals had allowed 28.4 PPG in 2018, 26.3 PPG in 2019 and 26.5 PPG in 2020. The 2021 edition is allowing 20.5 PPG, to rank 6th-best in the NFL!

There is plenty to like about Cincy but it's been SIX years since the Bengals have been in playoff contention. Off back-to-back dominating performances (beat the Raiders 32-13 and the Steelers 41-10), I believe they throw in a 'clunker' in this spot. The Chargers have been a better road team than home team in recent years and I believe Herbert, the No. 6 pick in 2020 draft, may just have "something to prove" in his matchup with Burrow. I'm taking the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Weekend Wipeout is on the Sac Kings at 10:10 ET.

The Sacramento Kings fired Luke Walton after a 6-11 start, ending, at least for now, his legendary 166-241 (.408) record as an NBA head coach. However, I'm sure there will be many opportunities for him down the road. The Kings have shown some 'life' and progress since being led by interim head coach Alvin Gentry, going 3-3. The LA Clippers have been without Kawhi up until now and may be without him all season. They visit Sacramento just 12-11, after beating the Lakers Friday night in Staples Center.

The Clippers played the Lakers for the first time this season on Friday night and came away with a 119-115 win to end a season-long three-game losing streak. SIX players reached double digits, with PG (25.6-7.3-5.3) just missing a triple-double with 19-8-9 and Kennard (10.4) matching him with 19 points. Kennard has played all 23 games this season (zero starts), as have PG Jackson (17.3 & 4.0 APG), center Zubac (10.2 & 8.1) and SG Bledsoe (9.7-4.1-3.4), while George has missed just one game. The Clippers had one of their most balanced scoring games of the season against the Lakers, as six players scored between 11 and 21 points. "Seeing us tonight, that's how we got to play," Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue said. "That's the blueprint right there." However, Paul George rolled his ankle against the Lakers after initially injuring it against the Warriors but said he's hopeful to play against the Kings (??).

I've been saying the same thing for the last two seasons, the Kings have way more talent than their record indicates. Maybe Gentry, whom players like, can get the most out of these perennial underachievers. pG Fox (20.3 & 5.5) is joined on the perimeter by fellow starter Haliburton (1.5 & 5.5 APG) and Hield (16.2 & 4.3), who seems fine coming off the bench these days. Undersized center Holmes (15.2 & 9.8) has developed into a quality big manSF Barnes (19.0 & 7.2) has been terrific since arriving in Sacramento a few years ago. The Kings would get a major boost with the return of Barnes, who has missed the past four games because of a sprained right foot. He's questionable against the Clippers.

The Clippers win last night snapped a three-game slide, which included 124-115 loss in Los Angeles against these very same Kings. Beating the Clippers in back-to-back games would be a MAJOR step in the right direction for Sacramento and Gentry. The Kings won two of their first three under Gentry, including a wild triple-overtime win at the Los Angeles Lakers on Nov 26, when the lead changed 23 times. However, Sacramento didn't come near that performance in its next two games, losing by 27 points at the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday and by 25 at the Lakers on Tuesday. That bounce-back win 24 hours later against the Clippers was VERY welcoming. Another "W" here would be HUGE. 

Haliburton, for one, said he appreciates Gentry's hands-off style. "Coach Gentry has done a good job in letting the players kind of have a lot to say," he said. "He comes in and we're already talking and having that conversation, and he just lets us go." I'm "all over" the Kings in this one! Expect a double-digit win.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Late Breaker is on Iowa St at 9:30 ET.

No. 19 Iowa State checks in at 7-0, as it takes on 7-1 Creighton in a Big East/Big 12 matchup at Omaha. The matchup also features the first meeting between Bluejays head coach Greg McDermott and Iowa State coach T.J. Otzelberger. The latter served on McDermott's Cyclones staff from 2006-10 when Iowa State went 59-68 during McDermott's tenure as head coach.

Creighton owns a rich basketball tradition but the last two seasons have been pretty special for Doug McDermott's team. The Bluejays won their first-ever Big East title in the 2019-20 season, only to see COVID shutdown the postseason. Then, Creighton spent all season in the top-25 and advanced to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 1974 (finished 22-9). At 7-1, Creighton is off to its best start since winning its first 13 games in the 2016-17 campaign. As for Otzelberger, he has quickly changed the Cyclones' fortunes after bolting UNLV to take the Iowa State gig. Iowa St is 7-0 to open the current season, after going 2-22 last season, including 0-18 in the Big 12.

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 (7.6). He's joined on the perimeter by Kalscheur (13.6) and Hunter (12.1). The team's frontcourt rotation is led by the 6-8 Kunc (6.7 & 4.3), the 6-9 Conditt (5.6 & 5.4) and the 6-8 Enaruna (6.0).

Creighton lost all FIVE starters from last year's team and are rebuilding this season. The starting guards are freshman Nembhard (13.0-3.8-5.3) and O'Connell (3.4 PPG last year), who is averaging 12.0 & 5.9 this season. 7-1 center Kalkbrenner returns (5.9 & 3.5 LY) and is a 'new man,' averaging 13.0 & 5.6. The 6-7 Hawkins is a Div II transfer and chips in 11.9 & 6.5 plus 6-7 freshman Kaluma adds 9.8 & 4.1.

Creighton's lone blemish this season came in a 95-81 loss to Colorado State, which knocked down 20 three-pointers in a win. That contest came as a shock, as the Bluejays have held five previous opponents to 65 or fewer points. Now, the Bluejays will be attempting to beat the Cyclones for the first time since Jan 16, 1990, in Ames. In contrast, the 7-0 Cyclones will be looking for SEVENTH straight win over Creighton. Noting that the Cyclones already own wins this season over then-No. 9 Memphis (by 19 points), then-No. 25 Xavier (12 points) and 2021 Elite Eight team Oregon State (10 points), why shouldn't I 'jump all over' the chance to take about a 'TD' with Iowa St?

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Signature 38-Club Play is on Pittsburgh at 8:00 ET

The 10-2 Pittsburgh Panthers (AP No. 17) and the 10-2 Wake Forest Demon Deacons meet Saturday in the ACC Championship Game at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte (no Clemson this year, after the Tigers had won the last SIX!). Pat Narduzzi was hired as Pitt's head coach on Dec 26, 2014. He led Pitt to bowl games in FOUR of his first five seasons, before last year's team went 6-5 but declined an invite due to COVID conditions. However, this year has been special, as Pitt has lost at least three games in every season since 1981 and has not ended a season in the AP top-25 since the 1982 season. That could all change this season, beginning with the ACC title game. Dave Clawson is in his eighth season at Winston-Salem and considering his record was 40-45 coming into the 2021 season, it's safe to say that this is the best team he's had. The Demon Deacons opened 8-0 (first time in school history) and with a dominating 41-10 win last Saturday at Boston College, clinched the Atlantic Division with a 7-1 record (Pitt was 7-1 in the Coastal).

Pitt QB Kenny Pickett was not among the preseason Heisman-favorites but he's sure played like a Heisman-winner in 2021. He's completing 67.7% for 4,066 yards with 40 TDs and just seven INTs (he broke Dan Marino's single-season record of 37 TDs). Two RBs top 500 yards and a third has over 450, as the Pitt running game (157.8 YPG) gives the Pitt offense balance. WR Addison (85 catches / 15.9 YPC / 17 TDs) is among the top WRs in the nation and Pittsburgh averages 42.8 PPG (4th) on 514.5 YPG (3rd). The defense allows 23.3 PPG (44th), which is plenty good enough for a team that scores almost TWICE what it allows.

Wake's offense is averaging 42.9 PPG (3rd) on 483.7 YPG (9th). QB Hartman can almost match Pickett's numbers, completing 60.3% for 3,711 yards with 34 TDs and 10 INTs (he also has 10 rushing TDs!). Much like Pitt's running game, Wake has three RBs that have run for between 429 and 557 yards, as the team averages 168.2 YG on the ground. Hartman has two, 1000-yard WRs in Roberson (62 catches / 16.5 YPC / 8 TDs) and Perry (56 catches / 19.9 YPC / 13 TDs). The real difference between the two teams is that Wake's defense allows 29.1 PPG, about a TD more per game that Pitt's D.

Bank of America Stadium tops is considered a neutral field but Winston-Salem is only about 80 miles from Charlotte, so Wake will likely have more fans. However, Pittsburgh has won all FIVE of its away games this season. After winning by seven at Tennessee, the Panthers won their next four road games by 31, 21, 25 and 17 points. Wake's defense is an issue and note that Pitt has gone 9-1 ATS in its 10 SU wins this season, the only blemish coming in a 48-38 win at UVA, where the Panthers were laying 13 points. Hartman's terrific but he is NOT as good as Pickett plus the Pitt defense owns a significant edge over Wake's "D." A win here would put a 'cherry on top' of Pitt's season, as the Panthers would head to a New Year's Six Bowl. That's my bet.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Situational Stunner is on SMU at 6:00 ET.

Vanderbilt's Jerry Stackhouse was just 20-37 in his first two seasons at Nashville, but he has this year's team off to a 5-1 start as the 'Dores visit Dallas to take on a 6-3 SMU team. 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.

Vandy is led by the backcourt duo of Pippen (14.8-4.0-3.2) and Wright (14.8 & 5.3). Stackhouse got great news when Pippen decided to pull himself out of the NBA Draft and return to Nashville but bad news when the 7-0 Robbins (Minnesota grad transfer who averaged 11.7 & 6.6 LY, was sidelined by a foot injury with no timetable for a return. The 6-7 Stute (9.7 & 2.8) and guard Lawrence (8.2 & 3,2) are the team's next-best players. Vandy is NOT a deep team.

Meanwhile, SMU has returning gourds Davis (20.2-5.1-5.7) and Bandoumel (11.2), who can match Vandy's duo of Pippen and Wright. 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. Marcus is averaging 11.3 & 6.7, while Michael adds 7.6 & 4.3. Fellow guard Nutall chips in 7.9 PPG 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 7.0 & 4.1 in 19 minutes.

I really like this SMU team and note the Mustangs are 6-0 at home, winning by an average of 20.5 PPG. This is just Vandy's second road game and in the team's first, it got a struggling Pittsburgh that the 'Dores beat 68-52. The 'test' will be much tougher here and my P/F grade for "The Harvard of the SEC" is an "F!". Lay the short points.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Oddsmaker's Error is on Missouri St at 4:00 ET.

BYU and Missouri State will come into their Saturday meeting in Springfield, Mo with each team coming off OT losses on Wednesday. The Cougars moved into the top-25 after a 6-0 start that included a nice win in Salt Lake City over Utah but were upset at neighboring Utah Valley St, 72-65 in overtime, dropping their first game of the season to fall to 6-1. Meanwhile in Normal, Illinois, the Bears (4-3) opened their Missouri Valley Conference schedule with a disappointing 79-74 overtime setback at Illinois State.

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. 18 in the AP poll, before rising to No. 12 (after the Utah win), the school's highest ranking this far into the season in 40 years. 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 Parcello (16.1-4.7-4.2 LY). He leads in scoring at 18.3 PPG and is surrounded by a 'deep' cast. Guard Lucas (10.1 & 5.0 APG) is the only other double-digit scorer but fellow guards Johnson (9.0 & 3.1) and Traore (6.8 & 6.5) are solid contributors. Up front, there are the 6-9 Baxter (7.6 & 3.4), the 6-8 Lohner (7.0 & 67.7) and the 6-6 George (5.7 & 7.0). George was sidelined because of a non-COVID illness vs Utah Valley St and then Baxter tore an anterior cruciate ligament.in the first half and is now out for the season.

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 20.0 PPG plus a team-high 10.6 RPG. The 6-8 Clay (8.7 & 4.7) joins him in the frontcourt. Mosley (18.3 & 5.1) leads a backcourt that also includes returning players Black (8.4), Hervey (6.2) and Sharp (5.4). The 6-8 Minnett is a Valpo grad transfer, and the swingman adds 12.8 PPG. Sharp will be unavailable due to a leg injury but besides that, Missouri St is "good to go."

Missouri St has underachieved so far, and I believe BYU is somewhat overrated and that was BEFORE the Cougars saw George sidelined with an illness and Baxter was lost for the season. I believe the WRONG team is favored in this one.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Weekly Wipeout is on the Cle Cavs at 7:10 ET.

Two teams that were expected to struggle this season, but which have done better than projected to this point, collide on Friday night when the 12-10 Cleveland Cavaliers visit the Verizon Center for a game with 14-8 Washington Wizards. These teams met back on Nov. 10 in Cleveland, with the Wizards winning 97-94.

Talk about quick turnarounds! LBJ bolted Cleveland for a second time after the 2017-18 season and the Cavs entered this season having gone 60-159 (.274) the previous three seasons. However, the Cavaliers posted their third straight lopsided victory with a 111-85 win over the Miami Heat on Wednesday and will try to match a season-high four-game winning streak tonight in D.C. The Cavs continue to play well despite losing standout guard Sexton (16.0) for the season due to a knee injury. PG Garland (18.5 & 7.2 APG) has been terrific plus the Cavs have found themselves quite a frontcourt. 6-10 center Allen leads the group in scoring (16.3) and rebounding (11.3) Then the Cavs have the 6-11 Mobley, the third pick of last year's draft, averaging 14.5 & 8.2), while the 6-11 Markkannen, formerly with the Bulls, is adding 14.5 & 6.2. Guard Okoro (7.9 & 4.2) has been starting lately in Sexton's place but picking up vet PG Rubio ahs been HUGE, as he has played in ALL 22 games, averaging 13.8-4.0-6.3. Formerr All Star Love is now more of a role player but he's a pretty good one, averaging 11.1 & 7.5.

The Wizards have been searching for an identity for some time now and MAY have found one this season. Guards Beal (22.7-5.1-6.2) and Dinwiddie (14.1-5.2-5.5) are the 'heart' of the team but a trio I like to call "Lakers-East," have been MAJOR additions. PF Harrell (16.6 & 8.1), SF Kuzma (13.0 & 8.9) and swingman Caldwell-Pope (11.2) have really found a home on the East Coast. Undersized center, the 6-9 Gafford, is averaging 9.3 & 5.9.

A couple points of interest in this one. The Cavs are an impressive 15-7 ATS, while the Wizards are a more modest 12-10. I noted that the Cavs enter on a three-game winning streak (they are also on a 5-game ATS run) and they've allowed just 91.0 points in their three-game winning streak. Meanwhile, the Wizards have allowed 112.3 PPG over their last three games. Jarrett Allen followed up a career-high 28-point, 14-rebound performance in Cleveland's 114-96 win in Dallas on Monday and then with his fifth straight double-double (19 & 11) two nights later in Wednesday's win in Miami. Mobley scored 15 of his 17 points in the third quarter versus the Heat and finished with 11 rebounds, as the Cavaliers moved to 9-2 in the last 11 games played with Mobley in the lineup. Love the way the Cavs are playing. Take the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Pac 12 Game of the Month is on Oregon St at 10:30 ET.

Oregon State head coach Wayne Tinkle came from Montana to take over at Oregon St in the 2014-15 season. His overall record entering this season was just 113-109 but he did lead last year's team to the Pac 12 tourney championship and all the way to the Elite 8. Cal head coach Mark Fox is in his third season, entering the current season with a 23-38 record, including a 9-20 record (3-17 in the Pac 12). Cal began 0-2 but has gone 3-2 to enter its Pac 12 opener 3-4.

Getting back to the 1-6 Beavers, they are in danger of going from reaching the Elite Eight last season to having an eight-game losing streak if the Beavers lose to Cal and to No. 11 Arizona on Sunday to start the Pac-12 season. Oregon St won its season-opener over Portland St but enters this contest on a SIX-game losing streak (1-5 ATS). Tisdale lost his top scorer in Thompson (15.7 & 4.0) plus starting yard Reichle (7.2) but returned SIX of his top-eight scorers. The 6-8 Alatishe (10.9 & 7.0), the 6-10 Calloo (8.5 & 4.5) are the best frontcourt players, joined by guards Lucas (10.4), Davis (6.5-4.2-3.3) and Hunt (4.9-3.0-2.7).

Matt Bradley took his 18 points and 4.6 rebounds per game with him when he transferred to San Diego St after last season but Cal has two 6-9 frontcourt players off to good starts in Kelly (16.1 & 9.0) and Anticevich (11.6 & 6.0). Shepherd leads with 13.1 PPG on the perimeter. Cal lost consecutive games last week in the Fort Myers (Fl) Tip-Off Classic against Florida and Seton Hall before returning home to beat previously unbeaten Fresno State 65-57 on Sunday.

The Beavers are most recently coming off a 60-45 defeat to Penn State. However, previous to that blowout loss, Oregon St lost by one point, and then by three in overtime. I like head coach Tinkle. who is a master at tinkering his line-ups and I think he'll start to create the same magic which saw his team make a deep tournament run last season. Oregon State has gone 4-1 ATS the last five in this series and tonight make it 5-1 with an outright win!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Big10/ACC Challenge Game of the Year is on Ga Tech at 9:15 ET.

Wisconsin won three straight games to claim the Maui Invitational in Las Vegas last week by defeating Texas A&M, then-No. 12 Houston before posting a 61-55 over St. Mary's in the title game. The 5-1 Badgers entered the new AP poll Monday at No. 23 and will take that ranking to Atlanta to face 5-1 Ga Tech in a Big Ten/ACC Challenge contest on Wednesday.

Wisconsin featured four, 5th-year seniors and three regular seniors alst 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 13.3 & 5.0. The great news for Wisconsin fans is, fellow guard Davis (7.0 & 4.1 LY) is averaging 20.2 & 5.6 this season. Also back, after limited playing time last season, are the 6-9 Wahl (9.3 & 5.0) and the 7-0 Crowl (9.2 & 5.2).

Josh Pastner (of Memphis fame) led Ga Tech Yellow Jackets to a 17-9 record and their first ACC tourney championship since 1993. Ga Tech lost ACC player of the year Wright (14 & 8.0) and PG Alvarado (15.2-3.5-4.1) but this season features a guard trio of Devoe (23.4-5.6-5.0), Usher (15.8 & 8.7) and freshman Coleman (7.7) plus 6-10 center Howard (8.5 & 7.3). Also chipping in are guards Smith (7.6) and Sturdivant (7.5).

No one will be surprised if Wisconsin makes it 22 NCAA appearances in the last 23 years this season but this is a tough spot for the Badgers, playing on the road against a team that is frankly, the defending ACC tourney champs. After losing its season opener at home to Miami-Oh (72-69), Ga Tech has won FIVE in a row and tonight is a home dog. Bow Wow! 

Good luck...Larry

The 2nd play of my STP is an 8* on North Carolina at 9:15 ET.

No. 24 Michigan opened the season No. 6 in the AP's preseason poll and North Carolina was ranked 19th. Both are 4-2 and while Michigan barely remained in the latest AP poll (Monday) at No.24, the Tar Heels welcome the Wolverines to Chapel Hill's "Dean Dome" unranked under first-year head coach Hubert Davis. North Carolina has not played since Nov 23rd and Michigan since Nov 24th, so both schools have had some extra time to prepare for their matchup in the ACC-Big Ten Challenge.

Michigan played four games in nine nights prior to the break in the schedule, falling to two teams now ranked in the top-25. First came a two-point home loss to Seton Hall and then a 82-60 loss to Arizona in Las Vegas. "To get away from the game and be able to enjoy your family," Michigan coach Juwan Howard said of the gap in the schedule. "To reset the mind because they need it." Guar Brooks (15.7) leads in scoring, joined in double digits by 7-0 center Dickinson (14.8 & 8.2). Freshman forwards Houston (8.8 & 4.2) and Diabate (7.7 & 5.7) plus PG Jones (7.2-5.8-4.0) round out the core of the team.

North Carolina's Hubert Davis said the plan for his team during the layoff was to bond on and off the court. "We're going to practice a lot. We're going to get better," Davis said. "I'm excited about this (time) to get better as a team. North Carolina has a frontcourt led by the returning 6-10 Bacot (15.7 & 8.7), 6-9 Oklahoma transfer Manek (14.8 & 6.3) and Marquette transfer Garcia (10.7 & 6.5). Sophomore guard Love (15.2-3.7-4.2) teams with freshman Davis (13.7 & 4.0 APG) and Walton (6.7) in the backcourt.

I believe Michigan has been overrated since the start and this marks its first true road game of the season. Michigan has struggled against the two skilled teams it has already this season and I expect that to continue here in this difficult road venue. "We were not a team," forward Manek said of the current situation at North Carolina. "We did not play as a team. ... We have to fix whatever is wrong. Everybody is down on us. We're down on ourselves. We have to get out of this hole that we dug for ourselves." Manek said the Tar Heels can't waste any time snapping out of the doldrums with the Wolverines in town. He's right about that and I believe this team has the talent to grab the win, plus we get some 'bonus' points. Take them.

Good luck...Larry

The 3rd play of my STP is an 8* on Miami-Fl at 9:15 ET.

The 4-3 Miami Florida Hurricanes come to 'Happy Valley" to take on the 4-2 Penn St Nittany Lions. Miami is led by the guard trio of McGusty (17.6 & 7.1), Wong (15.6) and Moore (10.7) but hasn't gotten much production from the 6-9  Walker (6.9 & 2.3) or the 6-10 Waardenburg (6.1 & 3.9) up front. Penn St is led by the 6-6 Lundy (15.3 & 5.7), who is getting help in the frontcourt by the 6-9 Harrar (9.7 & 10.8. A guard trio of Sessoms (15.3-5.2-3.5), Pickett (10.5-4.0-4.7) and Dread (6.2) round out Penn St's main contributors.

I wouldn't argue with anyone who said Penn St may be the better team but Miami is 6-2 ATS in its last eight road games vs a team with a winning home record (Penn St is 3-0 at home). More notably, I like the head coaching edge Miami owns with Jim Larranaga  over Penn St's Micah Strewsberry. 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 two of the school's three Sweet 16 appearances. I could also throw him leading unheralded George Mason to a Final 4 appearance back in 2006. Meanwhile, this is Strewsberry's first head coaching gig at a Division I school. Take the points!

Good luck...Larry

The 1st play of my STP is on Oklahoma at 8:00 ET.

Mike White's Florida Gators are 6-0, off to the school's best record since 2012 (5-1 ATS). Still, White is looking to put more emphasis on cutting down turnovers and attacking the defensive glass. Maybe he should be complaining less, as the Gators are ranked higher than they've been since the 2019 preseason at No. 14. It also marks Florida's highest in-season ranking since December 2017. Porter Moser (of Loyola-Chicago fame) is in his first season at Norman and he has the Sooners off to a 6-1 start, with the team's lone loss coming 73-70 to Utah St in the championship game of the Myrtle Beach Invitational.

The Gators have won by an average of more than 21 points per game with a balanced lineup that features FIVE players averaging in double figures scoring, led by the 6-11 Colin Castleton's 14.8 PPG, who also leads in rebounding at 10.0 per game. He's joined up front by the 6-7 Duruji (10.2 & 4.8) plus a trio of guards in Jones (11.8), Appleby (11.3) and Fleming (11.0).

The Sooners' starting-five has been good, led by the 6-10 Tanner Groves (14.9 & 6.1, who gets some help up front from the 6-6 Hill (8.6 & 6.7). Like Florida, Oklahoma has a pretty solid troio of guards in Gibson (11.3), Goldwiree (9.6 & 4.3) and Harkless (8.3 & 5.1). Moser is hoping to build some depth by bringing along a trio of freshmen like Alston Mason, Bijan Cortes and C.J. Noland. So far, that trio has been 'quiet.' However, the Sooners got a significant contribution -- a season-high 12 points in 15 minutes -- from one of their more experienced bench players, 6-9 SMU transfer Ethan Chargois (5.4 & 2.6) in Saturday's win.

The time seems "just right" for the Gators' first loss of the season. The Lloyd Noble Center has always been a tough venue for visiting teams, and Porter is a quality coach getting his first shot with a so-called Power-5 school. Great price here on the homestanding Sooners.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Division (Atlantic) Game of the Month is on the Phi 76ers at 7:40 ET.

Both the 76ers and Celtics have opened 11-10 and meet for the first time this season in Boston on Wednesday night. Philadelphia began its season with eight wins in 10 games before dropping eight of its next 11 amid a COVID-19 outbreak (more later). Boston has a new head coach this year (Ime Udoka) and opened just 2-5 but are now, like Philly, 11-10 on the season.

The 76ers' 101-96 win over Orlando on Monday snapped the team's two-game skid and the best news is that the team is back healthy. Seth Curry (16.2) led the way with 24 points while PF Tobias Harris (20.1 & 8.4) added 17 with nine rebounds and center Joel Embiid (22.8 & 10.3) contributed 16 & 13. Embiid has missed 10 games and Harris eight but both are AOK at the moment. Guard Maxey has played all 21 games and has averaged 18.0 & 5.0 APG. Milton (11.6), Niang (11.2) and Korkmaz (9.7) have mostly been used off the bench, adding excellent depth.

Boston played without guard Dennis Schroder (17.1-4.0-4.9) and center Robert Williams III (9.4 & 9.6) in its 109-97 win at Toronto on Sunday. Schroder was sidelined with a right ankle sprain while Williams sat out with a non-COVID-19 illness. All-Star Jaylen Brown (22.4 & 5.3) was a game-time decision as the team continued to manage his return from a hamstring injury. Brown played 27 minutes and scored 16 points. Tatum (24.3 & 8.5) has played in all 21 games and Horford is back in Boston, averaging 12.5 & 8.3 (he's missed just three games). Smart (11.2-4.1-5.7) has been Schroder's backcourt partner and Josh Richardson is adding 9.5 PPG, after scoring 18 points in Boston's latest game (he had missed three games with a non-COVID-19 illness).

Boston has struggled to shoot the ball this season, hitting 43.5 percent from the floor (24th), including only 32.6 percent on three-pointers (25th). As noted above, this the first of four meetings between Philadelphia and Boston and I'll add that the 76ers swept the three-game series between the teams last season. New season, same result!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Oddsmaker's Error is on Syracuse at 7:00 ET.

3-3 Syracuse returns home to face 6-0 Indiana on Tuesday night in the ACC-Big Ten Challenge. The Orange lost two of three games at the Battle 4 Atlantis Tournament in the Bahamas and have given up 80 or more points in THREE of six games this season. Where's that famous Boeheim "2-3 Zone?" While Boeheim has been at Syracuse since 'FOREVER,' Indiana is led by first-year coach Mike Woodson, who has the team off to an undefeated start.

The Hoosiers have used a six-man rotation (all players averaging 22-plus MPG), led by the 6-9 Jackson-Davis (20.5 & 7.7) and Xavier transfer Johnson, who adds 11.8-3.8-3.8 as the team's PG. No other player is in double digits, The other four contributors are the 6-8 Thompson (8.7 & 8.0), 6-7 Northwestern transfer Kupp (7.2), freshman guard Bates (7.0) and guard Stewart (6.9).

Boeheim's team is led by his son Buddy, who is averaging 20.0 PPG as the team's SG. His backcourt partner Girard (13.8-3.2-4.7) returns 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 12.3 & 6.7. The 6-11 Edwards returns up front and chips in 11.8 & 5.3.

Here's the deal. Indiana is off to a 6-0 start but this is the team's first road game, while Syracuse is more battle-tested and is a MUCH better team than its 3-3 record indicates. For history Buffs, this Indiana-Syracuse game is a rematch of the 1987 national title game, which the Hoosiers won 74-73 on a last-second Keith Smart shot. However, Syracuse has won five straight against Indiana since, including in the Sweet 16 of the 2013 NCAA Tournament. Wrong team is favored in this one!

Good luck...Larry

 My 9* Weekly Wipeout is on Pittsburgh at 7:00 ET.

Minnesota saw a 9-1 start to its 2020-21 season (No. 21 in the AP poll) fall apart by losing 14 of its final 19 games to finish 14-15, That was enough to end Richard Pitino's 8-year run at Minnesota, as Ben Jonhson takes over (first head coaching gig). Johnson was hired and there was a mass exodus at Minnesota, as players transferred right and left (NONE of last year's starters are back!). Most notably, Minnesota lost (to Texas) one of last season's best backcourt players in Carr (19.4-4.0-4.9), and was picked to finish last in the Big Ten. However, Minnesota is off to a 5-0 start.

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) and prepared for the 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.

The Golden Gophers are led by 6-7 George Wasghington transfer Battle (17.8 & 6.2) and College of Charleston transfer, guard Willis (16.6-5.6-3.4). Guards Stephens (11.4 & 3.8) and New Hamphire transfer Sutherlin (10.2 & 4.4) plus 6-9 SF Austin transfer Curry (7.0 & 6.8) join Battle and Willis to give Minnesota a whole new look this season.

The Panthers are led by the 6-9 John Hugley (14.3 & 7.2) and 6-5 gaurd Femi Odukale (13.2-3.8-3.5). Freshman Nate Santos (7.2 & 4.3) is off to a solid start plus senior guard Burton (8.5) and 6-7 sophomore Jeffress adds 6.5 & 6.3. All of Pitt's four defeats have come by double figures, including an 87-77 loss to UMBC over the weekend. However, the 77 points were a season-high for the etam. Head coach Jeff Capel afterward, "I thought we did some good things. For us to score 77 points, for us to make 11 threes. I thought that was good for us. So hopefully we can carry over and have some confidence."

I'm with Jeff. I believe Pittsburgh cand and WILL play better and expect a win here against an overrtaed Minnesota team playings its first true road game of the season.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Cha Hornets at 8:10 ET

The Charlotte Hornets were 33-39 last season and the Chicago Bulls were 31-41. The two teams meet for the first time this season with the Hornets coming to Chicago with a 13-9 record and the Bulls checking in at 13-8. Charlotte had won EIGHT of nine before falling 146-143 in overtime at cellar-dwelling Houston on Saturday night. That was NO way to open a four-game road trip. As for Chicago, the Bulls have lost THREE of four, after Saturday's 107-104 home loss to the Miami Heat.

Charlotte is led by the outstanding trio of Bridges (20.3 & 7.4), Ball (19.4-7.9-8.0) and Hayward (17.0-4.9-3.5). Plumlee (6.8 & 7.3) started the first 20 games but is currently sidelined (right calf strain), with PJ Washintgton (9.9 & 4.3) filling in the last two (15.0 & 5.5 in his two starts!). Perimeter players Rozier (17.4-3.6-3.3) and Oubre (14.7 & 4.0) have also been regular and effective contributors.

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. 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 25.8-5.2-4.1. He has energized the Chicago Bulls, along with LaVine (25.3-5.1-3.7), Vucevic (13.4 & 11.0) and Ball (12.3-5.4-4.7). Vucevic missed time while part of the NBA's COVID-19 protocol but he returned three games ago and is just fine (12.3 & 11.3).

This contest is a "toss up" in my view and the Hornets come in on a 7-3 ATS roll, while the Bulls are 0-8 ATS in their eight SU losses this season. I 'smell' an outright win here by the Hornets and will gladly take the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Game of the Month is on Virginia at 7:00 ET.

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 have opened 6-0 by averaging 97.2 PPG, tops in the nation. 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. Gone from last year's team are big big men Hauser (16.0 & 6.8) and Huff (13.0 & 7.1) plus guard Murphy (11.3). UVA has opened 5-2 as it gets set to host Iowa as part of the Big Ten-ACC Challenge.

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 nation in scoring (25.7 PPG), while adding 8.8 RPG. His brother Kris comes off the bench to chip in 12.8 & 6.8. Returning players like the 6-9 Patrick McCaffrey is averaging 12.5 PPG and returning guard Bohannon adds 10.0 PPG. 6-7 freshman Sandfort (9.7) and sophomore guard Perkins (9.0) round out the main contributors.

The only returning starter for UVA is PG Clark (10.3 & 3.9 APG). Guard Beekman (6.7-3.7-2.9) is back, as is the 6-11 Shedrick (6.6 & 6.3), but UVA's two-most important players are transfers. The 6-6 Gardner (13.4 & 8.3) comes from East Carolina and guard Franklin (13.0) comes via Indiana. As always, Bennett's team is one of the nation's best defensive squads in the nation, allowing just 53.6 PPG (4th).

Of course, one can't ignore that Iowa is averaging about five 'TDs' more per game than UVA (97.2-to-61.4) but it's rare that UVA doesn't control the flow of a game playing here at John Paul Jones  Arena. Iowa's gaudy numbers have been rolled up exclusively at home and against teams such as North Carolina Central and Portland State but now plays on the road for the FIRST time this season. What's more, Iowa could be peeking ahead to opening its Big Ten schedule in its next two games vs No. 3 Purdue and No. 14 Illinois.

Patrick McCaffery, the son of coach Fran McCaffery, says Iowa is eager for the challenge to face tough competition. "You love the increased competition," he said. "I'm ready and I've got a lot of dogs in the locker room who are ready." My response? Be careful what you wish for. The 'dogs' playing at UVA may reply, as a tribute to John Paul Jones, "I (we) have not yet begun to fight!" A closing note of interest. The Hawkeyes have struggled in this spot for bettors, going 0-8 ATS in their last eight road games following three or more consecutive home contests

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Division (Central) Game of the Month is on the Ind Pacers at 5:10 ET.

The reigning NBA champion Milwaukee Bucks carry a six-game winning streak into Indianapolis for a Sunday matchup with the Indiana Pacers. The Bucks got off to just a 6-8 start, before beginning their current winning run Nov 17. That gives them a 12-8 mark but no one is off to a blazing start in the East (like the 17-2 Warriors and 17-3 Suns out West), as the Nets lead the East at 14-6, just TWO games better than Milwaukee. The Indiana Pacers missed the postseason with a 34-38 record last year, after playing in NINE of the previous 10. The Pacers opened 1-6 and were just 6-11 thru Nov 19 but do enter this contest having won THREE of four (lone loss was in OT vs the Lakers).

The Bucks had some health and injury issues early on but are in pretty good shape right now. Naturally, the Bucks are led by Giannis Antetokounmpo (winner of the MVP award the two previous seasons), whose line reads 27.1-11.7-6.0. However, FIVE more players are averaging in double digits. That group includes Middleton (17.1-5.2-4.8), Portis (15.4 & 8.5), Holiday (14.2-4.4-5.6), Allen (14.2) and Connaughton (12.1 & 5.1). Nwora (8.0) and Hill (7.4) are also reliable contributors.

The Pacers have All Star quality players in PG Brogdon (20.7-6.0-6.2) and PF Sabonis (18.0 & 11.5) plus a deep supporting cast. That list includes guards LaVert (14.2) and rookie Duarte (13.3 & 4.3) plus center Turner (12.9 & 7.6). Playing mostly in reserve roles, swingman Holiday (9.6) plus guards McConnell (8.7 & 5.2 APG) and Lamb (7.7) are effective contributors.

In their three wins over the last four games, the Pacers limited New Orleans, Chicago and Toronto to 94, 77 and 97 points, respectively. Indiana complemented its tough defensive play in Friday's 114-97 win over Toronto with balanced scoring. SEVEN Pacers scored in double-figures, including three off the bench: Kelan Martin with 15 points, Chris Duarte with 12 and Torrey Craig with 11. Caris LeVert scored 19 points, his most since returning to the lineup on Nov 13. Domantas Sabonis led the way with 23 points, and with 18 rebounds in his 15th double-double of the season.

This Indiana is WAAAY better than its record and a home win over the Bucks would be a much-needed confidence-builder. Yes, the Bucks have won six straight (just 3-3 ATS) but it's hard to ignore that Milwaukee is more than 10 points per game off of its NBA-leading scoring average of a season ago. The Bucks are averaging 109.5 PPG this season, down from 120.1 last season. I'm taking the home dog.

Good luck...Larry

My NFC 10* Game of the Month is on the LA Rams at 4:25 ET.

The Rams lost in Green Bay to the Packers 32-18 in last year's Divisional Round but much has changed as the Rams venture back to Lambeau Field Sunday afternoon for this Week 12 contest. I'll get to those changes in a bit but first, let me set the stage. The Rams opened the season 7-1 through Week 8 but were then upset by the Tiatns at home, who were playing without Henry. They then lost 31-10 at San Francisco in Week 10. A Week 11 bye likely came at a good time. The Packers lost 38-3 in Week 1 against the Saints (game was played in Jacksonville due to Hurricane Ida) but rebounded to win their next SIX games, before the Rodgers 'vaccination fiasco!' Rodgers sat out the 13-7 loss at KC but returned in a 17-0 win over Seattle, before the Packers lost 34-31 at Minnesota last Sunday. The Packers are 8-3 and battling the 9-2 Cardinals for the NFL's No. 1 seed.

Returning to the Rams and the team's "new look." Matthew Stafford is the QB, not Jared Goff. Stafford is completing 67.7% for 3,14 yards with 24 TDs and 8 INTs (QB rating of 106.1 would be a career-best). The running game is of little help (97.9 YPG ranks 24th). WR Kupp (85 catches / 10 tDs) has blossmed into a star and while Woods (45 / 4 TDs) has been lost for the year, second-year WR Jeferson has 30 catches (16.2 YPC / 3 TDs), after catching just 19 last season (he played all 16 games). Then there's the signing of OBJ, who HC Sean McVay says will be a significant part of the offense on Sunday. LA also recently added Von Miller to the defense to join Aaron Donald. The defense has been dominating so far (22.7 PPG ranks 14th) but I expect it to really improve down the stretch.

Rodgers is again putting up outstanding numbers (66.8% for 2,571 yards with 21 TDs and 4 INTs) but the team is 1-2 since his vaccination status became an issue. Jones has run for 541 yards (4.4 YPC / 3 TDs) and is second on the team with 37 catches (4 TDs). Dillon has added 474 yards (4.4 YPC / 2 TDs) but Green Bay averages only 108.0 YPG on the ground (20th). WR Adams has 72 catches (13.6 YPC and 5 TDs) but the rest of the team's WRs have had health issues limiting their production, The defense has been excellent, allowing 19.5 PPG (5th).

Stafford averaged 309.6 passing YPG over the Rams' first eight games with 22 TDs and 4 INTs interceptions as the team went 7-1. However, in losses to the Titans and 49ers, he's averaged 268.5 yards with two TDs and four INTs. On the GB side, Rodgers did not practice Wednesday but is expected to play Sunday, although he admitted to being in significant discomfort. Meanwhile, the Packers OL is still missing 2020 All-Pro tackle David Bakhtiari and just lost Elgton Jenkins to a season-ending knee injury.

Despite Rodgers' excellent stats (see above), the Packers are averaging just 22.1 PPG (18th), while the Rams check in at 27.1 PPG (7th). Stafford is just 3-7 at Lambeau Field but of course, those games were with the putrid Lions. The key to being successful in the NFL (and in handicapping it!), is about making adjustments from week to week. One of the best in the business in doing that is Rams' head coach Sean McVay. Winning at Lambeau is tough but off back-to-back losses (and coming off a bye week), the "time is right" for the Rams to get their season back on track!

Good luck...Larry

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

The 6-4 Cincinnati Bengals will welcome the 5-4-1 Pittsburgh Steelers to Paul Brown Stadium on Sunday. The 7-3 Ravens lead the tightly-contested AFC North, with the Bengals, Steelers and 6-5 Browns in hot pursuit. Cincinnati snapped a two-game slide with a definitive win at Las Vegas (32-13) last week, while Pittsburgh saw a five-game unbeaten streak end on Sunday night in a 41-37 loss at the Los Angeles Chargers.

Many felt "Big Ben" was way past his prime but he's completed 65.3% for 2.259 yards with 13 TDs and just 4 INTS (he has started 9 of 10 games). He no longer has a WR like Antonio Brown settling for WRs Johnson (59 / 2 TDs) and Claypool (34 / 15.5 YPC / just 1 TD) plus TE Freiermuth (36 / 5 TDs). Rookie RB Harris has 49 catches (2nd-most) and has added 685 yards and 5 TDs on the ground. However, he's averaging just 3.6 YPC and the team runs for ONLY 90.7 YPG (27th) on 3.7 YPC.

Cincy QB Burrow was limited to 10 games as rookie (lost to an injury) but through 10 games, has pretty much duplicated his strong play as a rookie. He enters the team's 11th game completing 68.3% (65.3% LY) for 2,645 yards (2,688) with a 21-11 ratio (13-5). Burrow threw the ball just 18 times for 148 yards (career-low) vs the Raiders but he had three TD passes, as the Bengals leaned on RB Joe Mixon and their defense (Raiders were held to 2678 total yards and 13 FDs) to blow the game open in the second half. Mixon (759 yards on 4.2 YPC and 9 TDs) averaged just 2.4 yards on 11 carries in the first half but then averaged 6.5 on 19 carries in the second. His 30 carries were a season high. It was a gritty rebound from the two previous weeks when he rushed for 64 yards against the Browns and just 33 against the Jets as the Bengals lost both games.

The Bengals are more balanced this year with second-year QB Joe Burrow getting all of his 'weapons' involved, from rookie WR Ja'Marr Chase (42 for 867 yards, eight TDs) to experienced RB Joe Mixon. Then there is a defense that has cut its points allowed from 26.5 PPG in 2020 to 21.6 in 2021 (ranked 9th). Burrow gets to face an injury-plagued Pittsburgh's defense that allowed the Chargers to put up 533 yards against last Sunday, the most the Steelers have allowed since the 2013 season!

The Bengals have won the last two meetings with the Steelers, including the blowout victory two months ago in Pittsburgh. Prior to that, the Steelers had won 11 straight dating back to 2014. Cincinnati is trying to sweep Pittsburgh for the first time since 2009 and is positioned to win a third in a row against Pittsburgh, something that hasn't happened since the late 1980s, when the Bengals won SIX straight over the Steelers from 1988-90.

It's a "new day" in Cincinnati and somewhere Paul Brown is smiling. Lay the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Sitautional Stunner is on the Ind Colts at 1:00 ET.

My 10* Late Breaker is on BYU at 9:30 ET.

When the 5-0 BYU Cougars and the 5-0 Utah Utes take to the court at the Huntsman Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday night, it will mark the first time since the 1912-13 season where both rivals come in undefeated and with at least five wins. Other than that, it's "just another game!"

Mark Pope is in just his third season at BYU but has delivered a 44-15 two-year mark, including 20-7 last season. However, BYU is off to its best start under Pope, having already beaten four NCAA Tournament teams from a season ago, Cleveland State, San Diego State, Oregon and Texas Southern. The Cougars do not begin the season ranked but are currently No. 18. 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 has 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. However, the Utes haven't gotten the pollsters attention, as Utah did not receive even a single vote in last Monday's poll.

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 Parcello (16.1-4.7-4.2 LY). He leads in scoring at 18.8 PPG and is surrounded by a 'deep' cast. Guard Lucas (10.0 & 5.0 APG) is the only other double digit scorer but fellow guards Taure (9.3 & 7.0) an Johnson 8.4) are solid contributors. Up front, there is the 6-9 Baxter (7.8 & 3.6), the 6-8 Lohner (7.0 & 6.2) and the 6-6 George (6.0 & 7.4). BYU has always scored well but this year's team has allowed opponents just 58.6 PPG (38th) and only 21.0% on threes (3rd).

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 (15.4 & 7.2) and the 6-9 Battin (5.2 & 6.0). Guards Wosrster (9.2-5.0-4.2) and Anthony (6.4 & 8.6) followed Smith from Utah st plus guard Jenkins (14.6) came via UNLV and Gach, who started at Utah but moved on Minnesota, returned this year to play for Smith (he's adding 10.0 PPG). I mentioned BYU's defense but Utah plays it as well, allowing 57.2 PPG (21st) on 36.8% shooting (23rd).

BYU has had the upper hand in the hoops rivalry in recent years, winning three of the four most recent games and 14 of 19. Utah will have had nearly a week off since beating Tulsa on Sunday, while BYU is coming off of an 81-64 home win over Texas Southern on Wednesday. Utah is at home but BYU is the better team and has played MUCH better competition. Let me also note that the Cougars have dominated in this spot recently for bettors, going 7-0-1 ATS in their last eight road games vs a team with a home winning percentage of greater than .600. BYU is the play at this basically pick'em price.

Good luck...Larry

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

The 10-1 Oklahoma Sooners and the 10-1 Oklahoma State Cowboys meet Saturday from Boone Pickens Stadium in a series nicknamed "Bedlam." Oklahoma opened as the AP's No. 2 ranked team and while the season was full of close calls the Sooners were 9-0 before losing 27-14 at Baylor on November 13. Oklahoma bounced back with a 28-21 win over Iowa St last Saturday and that means a win in Stillwater means the Sooners will advance to the Big 12 championship game. Oklahoma St just missed making the AP's preseason poll (ranked first among "others receiving votes") but has put together a terrific season, going 10-1 (lone loss was 24-21 at Iowa St), beating three ranked opponents along the way. Cutting to the case, Oklahoma St has already clinched a spot in next Saturday's Big 12 championship game but if the Cowboys don't want to have to face the Sooners again next Saturday, they'll have to beat them here.

Oklahoma QB Spencer Rattler was one of the Heisman favorites but lost his job to Caleb Williams, who gave the offense a big boost initially but he's struggled recently. Wiliams enters the game having completed 65.5% for 1,418 yards with 15 TDs and 4 INTs plus he'as added 372 rushing yards (7.0 YPC / 6 TDs). However, in the loss to Baylor and last week's win over Iowa St, he completed just 17 of 36 (47.2%) for 229 yards with one TD and 3 INTs (84 yards rushing and two TDs). RB Brooks is explosive and has gained 972 yards on 6.0 YPC with 10 TDs for a running game that averages 175.4 YPG (56th). WR Haselwood has the most catches (36) and TDs (6) but averages only 10.6 YPC. Mims has 29 catches and 4 TDs plus is the "big play guy" averaging 22.2 YPC. The Oklahoma defense allows 24.2 PPG, which works when the team's offense averages 38.9 PPG

QB Sanders has put up good but not great numbers for Okla St. He's completed 60.2% for 1,997 yards with 15 Tds and 6 INTs, while running for 417 yards with 5 TDs. RB Warren has topped 1,000 years (1,078) on 4.9 YPC and 10 TDs (Cowboys average 195.7 YPG to rank 33rd). WR Martin leads with 54 catches (6 Tds), while Presley has 35 catches (5 TDs). The defensive edge certainly goes to the Cowboys, who rank 3rd nationally in both points allowed (14.90 and yards allowed (261.3).

This is the 116th meeting between the two schools and Oklahoma leads 90–18–7. Most notably, Oklahoma has won six straight and 16 out of the last 18 in the series. This year’s game marks the first time since 1984 that both will be ranked in the top 10 at the time of the game. It should be noted that while Oklahoma is just 4-6 ATS against FBS opponents this season, Oklahoma St lost its first game this season ATS but takes a 9-game ATS winning streak into this showdown. I will also note that the Sooners are an underdog in a non-bowl game for the first time since the 2017 edition of "Bedlam" (62 straight games) when the Sooners (as a 2.5-point underdog) beat the Cowboys 62-52 in Stillwater. See you all again next Saturday in a rematch of Okla/Okla St in the Big 12's 2021 championship game.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* LEGEND Play is on LSU at 7:00 ET.

The Aggies felt that they were snubbed last season, finishing FIFTH in the CFP rankings. A%M opened No. 6 in the AP's preseason poll but after a 3-0 start, A&M lost 20-10 to Arkansas (neutral site) and at home 26-22 to Miss St. However, A&M's 41-38 home victory over then-No. 1 Alabama on Oct 9 gave the team's season new 'life.' A&M added three more victories after the Alabama win, riding some dominating defense in which the Aggies allowed only 31 points in those three games. However, A&M came up short on Nov 13 in Oxford, losing 29-19 to Ole Miss. A 52-3 win over Prairie View A&M hardly eased the pain of the Ole Miss loss. The 8-3 Aggies now finish up a disappointing season at LSU on Saturday.

Talk about disappointing! LSU's 2019 'magical' season seems more like 20 years ago, not just two. LSU opened the season with a loss at UCLA but then won THREE in a row. However, the Tigers have lost FIVE of seven since, with their only two wins coming 49-42 over a Florida team that has 'IMPLODED' and ULM. LSU and head coach Ed Orgeron reached agreement last month on a buyout that will take place at the end of the season. At 5-6, LSU's season would end with a loss to Texas A&M but a win would make the Tigers bowl-eligible and allow Orgeron to coach his final game as LSU's head coach in a bowl game.

QB Calzado is hardly a star for A%M, completing only 56.0% of his passes for 1,943 yards with 14 TDs and 9 INTs. His top-two receivers are WR Smith (41 catches / 6 TDs) and TE Wydermyer (36 catches / 4 TDs) but A&M does have a pair of RBs that allow the team to average 195.0 YPG (34th). Spiller has run for 984 yards (5.9 YPC / 6 TDs) and Achane has 861 yards (7.3 YPC / 9 TDs). The A&M offense averages 29.8 PPG (60) but it's the defense that carries this team, allowing 14.9 PPG (2nd in the nation!).

Max Johnson is no Joe Burrow but don't put the blame on him for LSU's less-than satisfying season. He's completing 60.6% for 2,509 yards with 24 TDs and 11 INTs. WR Bech has 42 catches (just 3 TDs) and fellow WR Boutte has 38 but 9 TDs. A HUGE issue has been a running game that is averaging only 109.8 YPG (117th) on 3.2 YPC. That said, RB Davis-Price has 919 yards (4.8 YPC with 6 TDs) and is capable of a big game (see the Florida game when he ran for 287 yards). LSU is averaging 27.1 PPG and allowing 25.5. Remember that 2019 team? It averaged 48.4, while allowing 21.9 

I will go on record to say that A&M was overrated last season and the team's effort this season, save the Alabama upset, has been disappointing as well. That defense is terrific but note that the Aggies have hardly been 'road warriors' in 2021. They edged the Buffs 10-7 at Colorado early on, then lost to Arkansas and Ole Miss (see above for both recaps). Should we really be impressed by the team's 34-14 at Missouri? I've NEVER been an Ed Orgeron fan but he is a motivator. Note that despite the team's lack of any consistent scoring, LSU had Alabama on its heels in a 20-14 loss and pushed Arkansas into OT in a 16-13 loss. LSU has six losses but those defeats have come against ranked and quality teams. Oregron's "Win One for the Gipper" pregame 'sermon' just could motivate LSU to get the outright win and give "Mr Ed" a bowl game to prepare for. Taking the points here is an easy choice.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Daydream Believer is on Rutgers at 2:00 ET.

Rutgers' Steve Pikiell led the Scarlet Knights to their first 20-win season in 37 years in the 2019-20 season but COVID forced the NCAA to cancel its postseason. Rutgers came back and while its record was a modest 16-12, the Scarlet Knights made the Big Dance for the first time since 1991 and won a first-round game against Clemson, before running into an outstanding Houston team (Final 4 bound!). Coming off its most decorated season in 30 years, the team has struggled in all five games and lost its last two. UMass is coming off an 8-7 season (greatly limited by COVID), giving head coach Matt McCall a very mediocre 46-61 record in his four years at the school. The Minutemen have opened 4-3 and will welcome Rutgers to the Mullins Center with a 4-3 record to open the current season. 

Rutgers opened 3-0 but was hardly impressive in doing so and then lost back-to-back close games 73-70 at Depaul and 53-51 at home to Lafayette. However, even if the Scarlet Knights were 5-0, there would be alarm bells. Rutgers trailed at halftime in its first four games (against Lehigh, Merrimack, NJIT and DePaul) and is averaging 63.4 PPG (304th in the nation), while shooting 24.2% on threes (346th!). The 6-6 Harper (leads in scoring (15.8) and rebounding (9.8) and is joined by double digit corers PG Baker (11.2 & 4.0 APG) and the 6-11 Omoruyi (11.4 & 7.6). Baker hurt his leg in the loss to Lafayette (three points in 26 minutes) and his status is uncertain for this one.

UMass is scoring well (81.9 PPG ranks 44th) but also allows points, giving up 79.3 PPG to rank 329th. This Atlantic 10 team is 3-0 at home after outlasting in-state rival UMass Lowell 92-81 on Wednesday, as SIX players scored in double figures, led by Javohn Garcia's 18 points. 6-10 Montana transfer Michael Steadman made his debut for the Minutemen in that game and provided 10 points and four rebounds in just 12 minutes off the bench. However, leading scorer Fernandez (15.2 PPG) missed for undisclosed reasons and his availability is up in the air, here! The 6-9 Buttrick (15.1 & 4.9) will love the help he'll get from Steadman plus a trio of guards are around even if Fernandez doesn't play. That group is CJ Kelly (12.5), Rich Kelly (11.4) and Weeks (9.4).

Here's the bottom line. "I think we're a lot better than this, obviously," Rutgers' head coach Steve Pikiell told reporters. "We lost two one-possession games. I'd like to be 5-0. That's where I thought we'd be right now, but we're not there and there's nothing you can do about the past. You only can work on what you need to do to get better in the future. We'll devour film, we'll keep working." It would be great if Baker is able to go but I believe Pikiell has "had enough" and will have his team ready for a very beatable UMass team. The fact that the Minutemen routed Penn State 81-56 on Nov 15 only serves as a stark reminder that Rutgers needs to "step up" its game. Don't forget, Rutgers knows how to pay D, allowing just 58.4 PPG (34th). That's the bet!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Eye Opener is on Boston College at 12:00 ET.

No. 18 Wake Forest will know the result of the North Carolina/NC State game (Friday night) when it takes the field at 12 noon ET in Chestnut Hill, Ma on Saturday, If NC State beats North Carolina, the Demon Deacons will need to beat BC in order to win the Atlantic Division and play Pittsburgh in the ACC title game next Saturday. Even if the Wolpack lose to the Tar Heels, the Demon Deacons would still need to win, because losses by NC St and Wake would give Clemson the Atlantic Division title!

Dave Clawson is in his eight season at Winston-Salem and considering his record was 40-45 coming into the 2021 season, it's safe to say that this is the best team he's had. The Demon Deacons are 9-2 entering Saturday's contest but after opening 8-0 (first time in school history), have lost TWO of three (more in a bit). QB Hartman has been excellent, completing 60.1% for 3,475 yards with 31 TDs and 9 INTs. He's also run for 9 TDs! A trio of RBs have run for between 378 and 533 yards (17 TDs), allowing Wake to average 167.4 YPG on the ground (63rd). WRs Roberson (57 / 16.7 / 8 TDs) and Perry (52 / 19.8 / 11 TDs) are 'big time," helping Wake to average 43.1 PPG (4th) on 490.1 YPG (8th). However, the Wake defense is a liability, allowing 30.8 PPG (94th). Again, more in a bit.

The Boston College offense can't come close to matching Wake's firepower, although led by RB Garwu (980 yards / 5.1 YPC / 7 TDs), the Eagles also rush for 167.4 YPG (same as Wake). However, the QB play (mainly Grosel, who completes 57.8% for 1,216 yards with a 6-7 ratio) is dwarfed by Hartman's production and BC is lucky to be averaging 26.0 PPG. That said, the Eagles had won two straight since the surprise return of starting quarterback Phil Jurkovec (895 passing yards with 10 TDs and 6 INTs in five games) from a potential season-ending hand injury. The not-so-good news is that Jurkovec was held to 148 yards passing (10-of-24) with a touchdown and an interception while rushing for 59 yards and a TD in last week's 26-23 home loss to the Seminoles.

Why am I taking the home dog? "It's the DEFENSE, stupid!" Wake Forest has allowed 49.3 PPG on 523.7 YPG in losing two of Its last three games, while BC is allowing 20.5 PPG (25th) on 338.0 YPG (30th) on the season. What's more, BC is 10-31 ATS aa home dog going back to the 2017 season. Third-year head coach Jeff Hafley has done a good job and witha win (7th) would give BC a chance to in an eigth game (in a bowl) for the first time since 2009. I'm not sure whether it will be NC St or Clemson playing Pitt next Saturday but it WON'T be Wake. "Upset Alert" issued!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on Missouri at 9:00 ET.

4-1 Wichita State and 3-2 Missouri are from bordering states but one could hardly call this a rivalry, as tonight's contest in Columbia, Mo will be just the FIFTH time (and second time since 1951) that the schools will meet on a basketball court. Wichita State is coming off a 74-73 victory over UNLV in the consolation game of the Roman Main Event in Las Vegas on Sunday, where teams and coaches had to be separated after the midcourt handshake. Meanwhile, Missouri is reeling from an 81-58 loss to Florida State Monday in the championship game of the Jacksonville Classic in Jacksonville, Fl.

Gregg Marshall was forced out at Wichita St (verbal and physical abuse of players) and Isaac Brown took over, leading the Shockers to a 16-6 season, where they lost in the NCAA's First Four. Gone are guard Gilbert (10.3 & 4.1 APG) and the 6-6 Wade (6.7 & 5.6), who transferred to Arkansas. However, the team has five guards and two frontcourt players in the regular rotation. Etienne scored 23 of his game-high 28 points in the second half vs UNLV and leads the team at 18.8 PPG. Joining him on the perimeter are Council (11.0), Dennis (8.0 & 6.0), Grant (7.6) and Porter (4.8 & 4.8). Up front, it's the 6-8 Udoze (7.0 & 6.0) and the 6-11 Pohto (6.2 & 2.8).

Cuonzo Martin (earlier stops at Mo. St, Tenn and Cal) is in his fifth season at Missouri, where he's led the Tigers to two NCAA tourneys, including last season. However, he lost three double-digit scorers from that team, guards Smith (14.3 & 3.8 APG) and Pinson (13.6) plus forward Tilman (12.4 & 7.3). This year's team is led by 6-7 Brown (16.0 & 7.2) plus the 6-6 DeGray (11.4 & 6.6), a UMass transfer. The perimeter has a quartet of guards all playing 29-plus minutes while chipping in between 7.2 and 9.4 PPG.

I noted above that this is just the second meeting since 1951 between the schools but that other meeting was last season, when Missouri won 72-62! First thought? Revenge for Wichita St. However, my bet says that the Tigers, coming off that embarrassing 81-58 loss to Florida State on Monday, are ready for a bounce back game here and last season's win over Wichita St provides some much-needed confidence. Home court means something here with visiting teams being forced to travel during the holiday weekend. Take the small home dog.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* NBA Game of the Month is on the Ind Pacers at 8:10 ET.

The 9-10 Toronto Raptors play the 8-12 Indiana Pacers at Indianapolis on Friday night. Toronto went 58-24 in the 2018-19 season (.707) and went onto win the franchise's lone NBA title led by Kawhi. Kawhi 'flew the coop' before the 2019-20 season but the Raptors had even a better regular season record, going 53-19 (.736). However, the Raptors couldn't replicate their postseason success. Last season, Toronto tumbled to a 27-45 record. The Indiana Pacers missed the postseason with a 34-38 record last year, after playing in NINE of the previous 10. As one can see by the team's current records, the 2021-22 season has not exactly gone too well for either team.

OG Anunoby has blossomed this season, averaging 20.1 & 5.5 but a hip pointer has caused him to miss FOUR straight games (he's questionable again here). Center Khem Birch (6.9 & 5.4) also did not play on Wednesday due to a knee issue. PG VanVleet (19.4-4.9-6.8) is a true All Star, as is PF Siakam (17.8 & 6.6), who is back after beginning the season injured. SG Trent (17.5) has been a valuable addition plus rookie Barnes (Florida) has been a HUGE surprise, averaging 14.8 & 8.4.

When healthy (and that's the current situation), the Pacers have All Star quality players in PG Brogdon (21.3-6.1-5.8) and PF Sabonis (17.8 & 11.2) plus a deep supporting cast. That list includes guards LaVert (13.8) and rookie Duarte (13.3 & 4.2) plus center Turner (12.7 & 7.5). Playing mostly in reserve roles, swingman Holiday (10.0) plus guards McConnell (9.0 & 5.2 APG) and Lamb (7.7) are effective contributors.

Here's the catch. This contest marks Toronto's final one of a six-game, 11-day road trip that began back in Portland on Nov 15. The Raptors have already beaten the Packers TWICE this season in late-Oct, when Indiana opened 1-6. The Pacers are hardly 'rolling' since but they have gone 7-6 since that 'ugly' start. Toronto's been good on the road but the Raptors are a poor 2-7-1 ATS in its last 10 following an ATS victory. Indiana, on the other hand, is 5-1 ATS in its last six home games against teams with winning road records. What a GREAT spot for the Pacers in this one!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Rivalry Rout (Apple Cup) is on Washington at 8:00 ET.

COVID pretty much wiped out almost all of the 2020 season for Washington St (1-3) and its in-state rival Washington (3-1). Both teams had new head coaches in 2020, Nick Rolovich at Washington St and Jimmy Lake at Washington. As the two rivals square off for the latest edition of the series called "The Apple Cup," both teams have a different head coach. Nick Rolovich lost his job for not following the state's COVID-19 mandate, while Jimmy Lake was let go because the Huskies, who were ranked No. 20 in the AP's preseason poll, were just 4-6 through 10 games.

Incredibly, after his Cougars beat lowly Arizona 48-14 last week, Washington State interim head coach Jake Dickert said, "There's still a lot to play for." He was alluding to the Apple Cup rivalry against Washington and the Cougars' impending bowl game. However, a day later, when Oregon lost, Dickert could add a potential Pac-12 North championship to the list of things his team could still accomplish. Say what? With a WSU victory in Seattle on Friday, and an Oregon State win over Oregon on Saturday, the Cougars would tie for first place atop the division with the Ducks and Beavers. Washington State would hold the tiebreaker with a 4-1 record in divisional play and would advance to the Pac-12 title game in Las Vegas on Dec 3. As for Washington and Bob Gregory, in his eighth season on the Huskies' staff, the team that was No. 20 in the preseason, can only hope to play 'spoiler' as at 4-7 / 3-5), the Huskies have failed to qualify for a bowl game for the first time since 2009.

Wash St QB DeLaura is completing 62.3% for 2,512 yards with 23 TDs and 9 INTs. The Cougars' running game is averaging just 123.2 YPG (105th), although RB Borhi (751 yards / 5.4 YPC / 10 TDs) is a solid player. WRs Harris (68 catches / 9 TDs) and Jackson (57 / 15.6 YPC / 7 TDs) are an impressive duo. The Wash St defense allows 25.3 PPG, ranking 58th. Washington QB Morris completes 60.6% for 2,456 yards but has a poor 14-12 TD-to-INT ratio. The running game is pretty much non-existent, averaging 108.8 YPG (118th). The Huskies are scoring only 22.3 PPG (106th), leaving it to the team's defense to keep them competitive (22.1 PPG allowed ranks 28th).

Washington St has EVERYTHING to play for in this game, while Washington can only play spoiler. Does recent series count for anything? If it does, the Cougars are in trouble. Washington has dominated the Apple Cup, going 10-1 SU (9-2 ATS) and has won the last SEVEN overall (ALL by double digits), longest series winning streak since UW’s 8-game run from 1974-’81). Bottom line, this is basically Washington's de-facto bowl game with no postseason in its future.

Here's why I believe Washington can win. In Its first game under Bob Gregory, the Huskies outgained the Buffs of Colorado by a 426-183 margin (22-9 advanatge in FDs), while holding them to just 2 of 13 on third-down opportunities. The Huskies were 'done in' by a minus-4 TO deficit.

Washington St will get a chance to go bowing' in December, while Washington gets its 'bowl game' and a W-I-N on Friday at home.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Game of the Week (ACC) is on NC State at 7:00 ET.

North Carolina opened No. 10 in the AP's preseason poll and was led by one of the Heisman favorites, QB Sam Howell. However, as the Tar Heels roll into Raleigh to take on rival North Carolina St, Mack Brown's team is an UNDERWHELMING 6-5. Meanwhile, Dave Doeren's Wolfpack come in 8-3 (5-2 ACC) and can still take the ACC Atlantic Division with a win and a Wake Forest loss on Saturday at Boston College.

Sam Howell has had an excellent season but NOT a Heisman-like season, completing 63.5% for 2,704 yards with 22 TDs and 8 INTs, while rushing for 717 yards (4.7 YPC / 9 TDs). He sat out last week (upper body injury) and his status for this game has not been determined. Howell's running plus that of RB Chandler (1,004 yards (6.0 YPC / 13 TDs) gives the Tar Heels an excellent rushing attack (212.7 YPFG to rank 20th). WR Downs is having a terrific season with 90 catches (13.3 YPC / 8 TDs) plus Green may only have 26 receptions, but he averages 20.3 YPC with 5 TDs. North Carolina can score (37.0 PPG ranks 14th) but the defense is 'ugly,' allowing 31.4 PPG (98th).

QB Devin Leary did not come into the season with the hype of Howell but is having a terrific season, completing 65.8% for 3,186 yards with 31 TDs and only 5 INTs. RBs Knight (684 yards / 5.2 YPC / 3 TDs) and Person (573 yards / 4.6 YPC / 5 TD)  are solid but the team is only averaging 127.8 YPG on the ground (98th). Emezie leads with 55 catches (4 TDs), while Thomas (47 / 7 TDs) and Carter (31 / 6 TDs) give Leary multiple options. The offense is not far behind North Carolina's (33.0 PPG ranks 24th) but the HUGE edge comes on the defensive side of the ball, where the Wolfpack are holding opponents to 18.7 PPG (13th), almost two TDs less than the Tar Heels' D.

Here's the bottom line, Howell's status is up in the air and the Tar Heels would LOVE to hand their rival a loss, knocking them out a chance to win the Atlantic Division. However, North Carolina is 0-4 away from Chapel Hill, losing 17-10 at Va Tech, 45-22 to Ga Tech at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, 44-34 at Notre Dame and 30-23 at Pitt. Meanwhile, Dave Doeren just could have a 'magical' season in 2021. A win here gives NC St nine wins and could lead to a championship game appearance and a bowl berth. He's been at NC St since 2013 and has led NC St to bowls in seven of the last eight years but his teams have never won more than nine games. NC St can't control what Wake Forest does but the Wolfpack can win (and cover) here against a team that hasn't wom awy from home in four previosu tries, while allowing 39.3 PPG in its last three away games

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Oddsmaker's Error is on Louisville at 9:30 ET.

4-0 Mississippi State and 3-1 Louisville have gotten off to good starts at home, as both hit the road for the first time this season when the two schools meet in the Bahamas Championship in Nassau on Thursday night. Both teams are led by outstanding head coaches, Ben Howland of Miss St and Chris Mack of Louisville. However, each team is coming off a disappointing 2020-21 season. Louisville was just 13-7, after the program had won 20-plus games in 18 of the previous 19 seasons, while Miss St had averaged 22.7 wins per season the previous three, before last year's 18-15 finish. Both teams have made 'heavy' use of the transfer portal.

Louisville's leading scorer is Florida transfer Locke (16.0), who is joined in the starting backcourt with Marshall transfer West (7.0) and returning swingman Davis (7.3). The 6-11 Williams (6.8 & 9.3) and the 6-8 Withers (7.5& 5.8) are both returnees but the 6-7 Cross (9.0) comes via Miami. Throw in the 6-8 Williamson's 8.3 & 6.5 numbers and Mack has PLENTY to work with in the 2021-22 season. PG Molinar (15.8-4.0-5.3) is back for Howland and is leading the way. However, fellow guard Moore (13.8) is an NC St transfer plus the 6-9 Brooks (11.5 & 7.3) comes via North Carolina and the 6-7 Jeffries (11.3 & 5.3) via Memphis.

This is the first real test for each team. A quick look shows that Miss St is allowing only 52.0 PPG (3rd) on 34.2% shooting but again, the competition has not been great. The Bulldogs are only 3-7 ATS in their last 10 neutral site games and I believe the Cards should be favored by a handful of points in this one (I took 1 1/2-points!). Expect Louisville to deliver the goods here on Thanksgiving.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Turkey Shoot is on the NO Saints at 8:20 ET.

The Buffalo Bills and the New Orleans Saints are both dealing with a short week as they prepare to meet Thanksgiving night in New Orleans plus both are trying to "regain their footing." The Bills were in the AFC  championship game last season (13-3 regular season) but after a surprising upset at home to Pittsburgh in Week 1, won their next FOUR games, averaging 39.0 per contest. However, a 34-31 loss to Titans began a slide in which Buffalo has lost THREE of five and at 6-4, find themselves a half-game back of the 7-4 Patriots in the AFC East. The New Orleans Saints began the season without Drew Brees and then lost Jameis Winston in the team's Week 8 win over Tampa Bay, which gave them a 5-2 record. However, the Saints then lost back-to-back games by two points in the final moments. The Atlanta Falcons kicked a game-winning FG as time expired in Week 9 and then the Saints had a chance to tie but failed on a two-point conversion with 1:16 left at Tennessee (lost 23-21). Last Sunday, the Saints lost 40-29  at Philly, for their THIRD straight loss.

Buffalo QB Josh Allen to his place among the elite QBs last season and through the Bill's first seven games, had a 17-3 TD to INT ratio. However, over the last three games (two losses), he has four TDs and five INTs. He's still having a good season (65.7% / 2,811 yards / 21-8 ratio with 340 rushing yards and 3 TDs) but it's time for him to step up. The running game is nothing special (118.8 YPG ranks 12th) but Allen has a strong cast of receivers. Diggs leads the way 60 / 6 TDs0 and possession receiver Beasley has 57 catches  but a YPC average of only 8.8. Samuels has 33 catches (16.1 YPC / 4 TDs) and E Knox (28 / 5 TDs) complete the major contributors. However, Beasley's been limited in practice and is listed as questionable. The defense has remained solid throughout the ups and downs, allowing 17.6 PPG (2) and just 283.7 YPG (1st).

Trevor Siemian finished up for Winston in the Tampa Bay win but despite the fact that he had two straight interception-free games in his first two games as the Saints' starter, the Saints lost both contests. That said, Siemian brought his team back from an 18-point fourth-quarter deficit against the Falcons to briefly take a lead with a minute left. He then brought the team back from a 14-point third-quarter deficit to the brink of tying the Titans. He threw three TDs at Philly (team's third straight loss) but had two INTs and a modest 214 passing yards. The Saints have played the last two weeks without injured RB Alvin Kamara, their most productive offensive player (530 yards rushing and a team-high 32 receptions). Kamara (knee) remains questionable for this game and so is his backup Ingram, who ran for 88 yards at Philly (was limited in practice this week).

The Saints' offense this season has borne little resemblance to the prolific Payton-designed attacks that led the NFL in passing a half dozen times while Drew Brees was the QB New Orleans ranks second to last in passing, averaging 203.4 yards per game through the air (26th). It hasn't helped that top receiver Michael Thomas is missing this season because of complications related to his offseason ankle surgery. The Saints have won the last five meetings with the Bills, although the last meeting came back in 2017. However, New Orleans is 3-0 all-time on Thanksgiving and is playing on the holiday for the THIRD time in four seasons. Sure, Buffalo is the better team but so were the defending champion Bucs when they lost 36-27 back in Week 8. BTW...Wouldn't it be nice if all we had to do to win in the NFL was to "pick the better team?" The Saints have lost three games in a row for the first time since 2016 but take notice of this trend. The Saints opened the season with a 38-3 Week 1 shocker over the Packers and have been trading ATS wins and losses every single week. My bet says this trend (or pattern, or whatever you want to refer to it as) continues Thanksgiving night with the home dog 'barking' VERY loudly. Take the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* CFB Thursday Game of the Year is on Ole Miss at 7:30 ET.

The ever-lovable Lane Kiffin will take Ole Miss (9-2, 5-2 SEC) to Starkville to play Mississippi State (7-4, 4-3) in the Egg Bowl, the state's annual Thanksgiving matchup between these two in-state rivals. Two of the nation's best QBs will be the featured attraction. Ole Miss' Matt Corral is completing 67.5% for 3,100 yards with 19 TDs and just three INTs. He's also run for 552 yards and 10 more scores. His counterpart is Mississippi State's sophomore Will Rogers. He is completing a staggering 76% for 4,113 yards with 34 TDs and eight INTs. NO QB in the nation has put up the numbers Rogers has in his last nine games, as he has clipsed 300 passing yards in each contest, with more than 400 yards in four of them!

The edge for Ole Miss on the offensive side of the ball is a running game that averages 231.1 YPG (8th), as RBs Ealy (643 yards / 6.1 YPC / 5 TDs) and Connor (561 yards / 5.2 YPC / 11 TDs) join Corral for quite a balanced attack that is averaging 517.4 YPG overall (5th). WR Drummond is the best receiver (53 / 8 TDs) but four other WRs average between 15.6 and 22.1 YPC! In fact, Ole Miss is the ONLY team in the country with SIX players having recorded 100-yard receiving games this season! Th e defense is allowing 25.4 PPG, plenty good enough when the offense is averaging 36.4 points.

Obviously, Rogers has thrived in Mike Leach's "Air Raid" offense but with the Bulldogs' running game averaging a putrid 62.1 YPG (129th) on 3.0 YPC, there is never any room for error with Miss St's passing game. WR Polk leads the way with 88 catches (9 TDs) and much like the Rebels' receiver corps, the Bulldogs have plenty of depth and talent. Much like Ole Miss, the Mississippi St defense allows 24.7 PPG but it doesn't own the kind of balance the Ole Miss offense has.

Ole Miss has gotten healthier as the season has progressed and was clearly looking ahead last Saturday in only beating Vandy 31-17 but a win here would be VERY special. The Ole Miss program owns 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. A win here gets Ole Miss to 10-2 and could possibly lead to a New Year's Six Bowl berth. "Hotty Toddy!"

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on Notre Dame at 11:30 ET.

Fifth place in the eight-team relocated Maui Invitational comes down to 5-1 Texas A&M and 3-1 Notre Dame on Wednesday night in Las Vegas. Both teams lost Monday but each bounce back with wins last night. The Aggies got 15 points and five steals from Quenton Jackson, marking his fifth consecutive game with at least 13 points, and held on for a 57-50 win over Butler. Texas A&M led by 12 points at halftime but by just three with 27 seconds to play. Notre Dame trailed by four twice in the first half against Division II Chaminade but used a 21-0 run over the first seven minutes of the second half to seize control of the game the Irish won 90-64.

Buzz Williams is in his third season at College Station but has gone a disappointing 24-24 in his first two. Jackson is the team's leading scorer at a modest 12.2 PPG, while the only other player in double digits is the 6-7 Henry Coleman (11.0 & 6.2), who pulled down a game-high 10 rebounds for the Aggies. Three more guards are just under double digits in Radford (9.8 & 6.0), Williams (9.8) and Gordon (8.0). Defense has so far been the key for Williams' team, as the Aggies are allowing just 58.2 PPG (35th).

Notre Dame's Mike Brey began at South Bend way back in the 200-01 season and while he's led the Irish to 12 NCAA appearances, the most recent was back in 2017. Notre Dame is off a poor 11-15 last season and this year's team is pretty much new, as four starters are gone. The 6-9 Paul Atkinson (Yale transfer) is leading Notre Dame by averaging 15.0 points and 8.5 rebounds, while getting help from guards Dane Goodwin (14.3 & 5.3), Wesley (11.0) and Ryan (10.3). A real area of concern is guard Prentiss Hubb, who led the team last season by averaging 14.6 points but is averaging only 6.3 PPG on 24.3% shooting, including 14.3% on threes. He HAS to improve, right? Joining Atkinson up front is the 6-10 Laszewski (7.8 & 11.5).

I had a free play win on St Mary's over Notre Dame on Monday but I believe the Irish match up VERY well here vs A&M. The Irish have the defense to match the Aggies, as the Irish are allowing just 59.8 PPG but Atkinson and Laszewski will be too much for A&M's 6-7 Coleman and Notre Dame's perimeter game is better and DEEPER than A&M's.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Sac Kings at 10:10 ET.

The Portland Trail Blazers have made the NBA playoffs in each of the last EIGHT years, while the Sacramento Kings own a 15-year postseason drought! Other than that minor fact, it's hard to tell these two franchises apart! The Blazers are near-perfect at home (9-1) but will bring a 1-7 record with them to Sacramento, which is just 6-12 (2-7 at home) and will be playing its second game after the firing of head coach Luke Walton.

The Blazers have been led by one of the NBA's best backcourt duos for quite some time now. Lillard (21.8 & 7.9 APG) has taken over the scoring lead from backcourt partner McCollum, shaking off a poor start by scoring at least 20 points in EIGHTstraight games. McCollum (21.0-4.2-4.3) is right behind Lillard, as the duo is joined in the starting lineup by SF Powell (16.7), center Nurkic (10.8 & 11.8) and PF Covington (7.1 & 4.8). Guard Simons (11.6) plus forwards Little (8.2 & 5.4) and Nance (6.6 & 5.1) add depth off the bench.

There is NOTHING wrong with the talent Sacramneto puts out on the court, it's just the Kings can't seem to "get it right." Fox (19.9 & 5.6 APG), Haliburton (12.1 & 5.1 APG) and Hield (16.8) are a terrific guard trio plus SF Barnes (19.3 & 7.4) and undersized center Holmes (14.4 & 9.8) are quality players. Harkless is a nominal starter at PF but big men like Metu (8.7), Len (6.2 & 4.1) and Thompson (4.8 & 5.3) are gaining more playing time. Baylor rookie Mitchell (8.7) has also shown promise on the perimeter.

Here's the 'dope.' Portland's only road win came back on Nov 12 in a 104-92 victory at Houston, which owns an NBA-worst 1-16 record. Ironically, Portland's only home loss came in its season-opener, when the Kings beat the Blazers 24-121 victory. "Revenge" would be an easy call but "not so fast." Sacramento forward Harrison Barnes established career bests of 36 points and eight 3-pointers in that win and I believe Alvin Gentry can help this team to perform up to the level of its talents.

The Kings have lost EIGHT of nine (including four straight) and their first game under Gentry looked a lot like most Kings games. "I do think our confidence has been rattled a bit," Gentry said. "You do have a tendency to go through that somewhat. The one message I said from Day 1 is that the only thing and the only one that's going to rescue us from this is us. There's nobody in this league, not in the 35 years I've been in it, that has any sympathy for us. So you have to come together and you have to find a way to bail yourself out of this."

Here's the perfect spot for the Kings to earn a much-needed win. They should have some confidence from theri win at Portland but they also catch Portland on the second of a back-to-back, having won 119-100 last night at home over the Nuggets.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Weekly Wipeout is on Vandy at 9:00 ET.

The Pitt Panthers have been ravaged by transfers, injuries and other issues over the last year.Jeff Capel has had a tough start at Piit (40-48) and prepared for the 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.Pitt started 0-2 but has bounced back with back-to-back wins. Jeff Capel knows Vandy head coach well, as Jerry Stackhouse, like Capel, is a "Dookie." Stackhouse has opened his career at Vandy 20-37 in his first two seasons, so this year's 3-1 start is promising

The 'Dores travel to Pittsburgh led by a backcourt duo of Wright (18.& 5.23) and Pippen (16.5 & 3.8). Wright had 28 points and Tyrin Lawrence (8.0 & 3.3) had 20 points (each set a career high in scoring), as part of a strong bounce-back effort in which Vandy responded from an ugly 48-37 loss to VCU by defeating Winthrop 77-63 on Saturday. Stackhouse got great news when Pippen decided to pull himself out of the NBA Draft and return to Nashville but bad news when the 7-0 Robbins (Minnesota grad transfer who averaged 11.7 & 6.6 Y), was sidelined by a foot injury with no timetable for a return.

The 6-9 Hughley leads Pitt in scoring (16.0) and rebounding (8.0) but guard Odukale (11.5-3.8-3.8) is the only other player in double digits. Some good news was that freshman Nate Santos (7.5 & 4.8) rose to the occasion with 14 points and eight rebounds in Friday's win over Towson.

I won't make too much of Pitt's wins over NC-Wilmington (59-51) and Towson (63-59) and the oddsmakers agree, making Vandy, a team with a 20-37 two-year record, a small road favorite. Lay it!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Tourney Takedown is on Ohio St at 8:30 ET.

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

My 9* Las Vegas Insider is on the Cle Cvs at 7:10 ET.

The Phoenix Suns used their perfect 8-0 record in the Orakndo 'bubble' two years ago, to end a 10-year playoff drought last season, finishing just ONE game behind the Utah Jazz for the best regular season record. The Suns extended their win streak to 13 games in Monday's opener of a four-game road trip with a 115-111 victory over the San Antonio Spurs and can match the third-longest win streak in franchise history with a victory tonight in Cleveland on Wednesday. The Cavaliers have been an early-season surprise but their 117-112 loss to Brookly on Sunday give them a season-high four-game losing streak.

Guards Booker (22.4-5.6-4.9) and Paul (13.9-4.0-10.3) plus center Ayton (16.0 & 12.) are the Suns' version of a "Big Three." Devin Booker had 23 in the win over the Spurs, while Ayton added 21 &14 for his sixth double-double in his last eight games. Cameron Payne added 20 points off the bench to lead six players in double figures for the Suns, who shot a blistering 51.1 percent from the floor. Obviously, the Suns are more than just their "Big Three."

Darius Garland (18.2 & 6.8 APG) scored 24 points in the loss to the Nets but was absent for an extended period after absorbing an accidental elbow to the face in the third quarter. Garland's backcourt partner Sexton (16.0) has already been lost for the season. The good news is that the Cavs' addition of veteran PG Rubio (15.1 & 6.3 APG) now looms large! The team's No. 1 pick, Evan Mobley (14.6 & 8.0) is also currently sidelined but the 7-0 Lauri Markkanen (13.9 & 6.1) collected 22 points and eight rebounds in his return from a nine-game absence due to COVID-19. Center Jarrett Allen (14.6 & 11.2) added 20 and 15, respectively, in his return from a three-game absence due to a cold.

Now we all know the Suns will eventually lose but I'm not big on trying to predict when that will happen. That said, this Cleveland team has shown some 'guts' this season. Cleveland 'hung' with the Suns in Phoenix (lost 101-92 back on Oct 30) and even though the Cavs are not 100% healthy, here's my reason for playing them here. The Cavs opened the season 0-2 SU and ATS (were underdogs in bothe contests). However, since then, the Cavs are 10-4 ATS as an underdog. The Suns may get their 14th straight win but it won't come easily. Take the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Marquee Classic is on UCLA at 10:00 ET.

It's just a little more than seven months ago that Gonzaga eked out a 93-90 OT win over UCLA in a national semifinal contest on Jalen Suggs' 37-foot three-pointer. Gonzaga opened as the AP's preseason No. 1 and has began 5-0, while UCLA opened No. 2 and has matched the Bulldogs by starting 5-0 as well. The nation's top-two teams square off Tuesday night in the Good Sam Empire Classic in Las Vegas, making it the first game between No. 1 and No. 2 since Michigan State beat Kentucky 69-62 in the Champions Classic to open the 2019-20 season (fourth No. 1 vs No. 2 since 2016).

Gone from Gonzaga's near-perfect team last year are the 6-7 Kispert (18.6 & 5.0), PG Suggs (14.4-5.3-4.5) and guard Ayayi (12.0 & 6.9) but Mark Few's team hasn't missed a beat. The 6-10 Timme (18.8 & 5.6) and PG Nembard (7.0 & 4.8 APG) return, joined by a recruiting haul that netted Gonzaga THREE of nation's top 25 high school recruits in ESPN's rankings, including 7-footer Chet Holmgren, the top overall prospect who has been called a "unicorn." Holmgren has averaged 12.8 & 6.8. 6-7 freshman Julian Strawther is averaging 12.8 & 6.8 plus transfer Rasir Bolton (Iowa State/Penn State) is the fourth double digit scorer at 10.4. The above-mentioned are the starting-five plus 6th-man Hickman chips in 9.4. The bottom line is this; Gonazag is averaging 93.2 PPG (2nd) on 55.5% shooting (1st), while holding opponents to 59.8 PPG.

UCLA has the most-talented perimeter group in college basketball, as a trio of 6-7 players (guards/swingmen) lead the way. Juzang (19.8 & 4.2) is the top-scorer, while Jaquez and Bernard each average 15.4 PPG, plus add 7.6 and 4.8 rebounds, respectively. PG Campbell (10.8 & 4.8 APG) runs the show plus guards Singleton (9.0), Clark (6.8 & 5.2) and Watson (6.4) add incredible depth. The 6-9 Hill hurt his knee in the team's first game (return status uncertain) but 6-10 senior Johnson (4.2 & 7.0) has filled in admirably.

I guess one could make a case for either side but I just love Mick Cronin's team and I believe its OUTSTANDING perimeter game (and depth) will keep the Bruins in this game all the way. I could argue the revenge motive and it deserves a mention but more importantly, I think this Bruins team has an eerily similar make-up to the Baylor team that routed Gonzaga in the national championship game last year. Yes, I'll issue an "Upset Alert" but of course, I'm taking the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Game of the Week is on Washington at 9:00 ET.

It's the opening round of the Crossover Classic in Sioux Falls, SD on Monday, as 4-1 George Mason takes on 2-2 Washington. George Mason has a new coach in the 32-year-old Kim English (first-ever head coaching gig). Washinbton head coach Mike Hopkins is in his fifth year at Seattle.

English is a former standout at Missouri who played briefly in the NBA. he inherited a team that was 13-9 last season but saw the transfer of four starters. However, he reloaded with his own set of new players. Guard D'Shawn Schwartz (Colorado) is averaging 15.4 points per game and shooting 47.1 percent from beyond the arc, while adding 5.8 RPG. 6-7 guard Davonte Gaines (Tennessee) is the top rebounder at 8.8 RPG, while averaging 12.8 points. Then there is guard DeVon Cooper (Morehead State), who adds 12.4 PPG. 6-9 holdover Josh Oduro is the leading scorer (15.8) and holdover guard Xavier Johnson, leads in assists (4.6 per game) and adds 7.8 PPG and 5-0 RPG. George Mason owns a "signature win" when it beat 20th-ranked Maryland, 71-66 (1st win in 10 tries vs Maryland) but enters this tournament off its first loss, 67-64 Friday night at James Madison.

Hopkins was a longtime assistant to Jim Boeheim and won 21 and 27 games in his first two seasons in Seattle but the Huskies fell to 15 wins in his third season and then had a 'nightmare' season last year, going 5-21 (4-16 in the Pac 12). It's been a COMPLETE makeover (turnover) for Washington for the current season, losing players right and left to the transfor portal but also the team was able to bring in a similar group of transfers, themselves. Transfers like Brown (20.8-3.3-4.0), Matthews (11.3 & 5.8), Davis (7.8 & 4.0) and Fuller (7.0 have made an immediate impact among the newcomers. Returning players like the 6-6 Bey (11.3 & 5.8) and the 6-11 Roberts (4.5 & ) have both begun playing well.

Washington opened 2-1 but fell to 2-2 after a late lead against Wyoming on Thursday, before losing 77-72 in overtime. The Huskies missed 13 of their last 14 tries from beyond the arc. "They went zone and we weren't able to get great shots," Hopkins said. "It's a fine line. We missed some bunnies. We had some right there that hopefully the next game we don't miss." Washington needs to get some wins, as it opens December with a game at Arizona, a home game vs No. 2 UCLA and then a game at No. 1 Gonzaga. 

George Mason has been the better team so far but Hopkins' 2-3 zone is the same one used by his mentor (Jim Boeheim) with so much success for decades at Syracuse. Hopkins NEEDS some wins here in South Dakota and grabbing the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Late Breaker is on the Ind Pacers at 8:10 ET.

The Indiana Pacers missed the postseason with a 34-38 record last year, after playing in NINE of the previous 10. They visit Chicago Monday night with an underachieving 7-11 record, for a road game with the 12-5 Bulls.

Indiana snapped a three-game losing streak Saturday with a 111-94 home victory against New Orleans. The Pacers seemingly got the message from a night before, when coach Rick Carlisle benched the starters midway through the third quarter of an eventual three-point loss at Charlotte. The Pacers' second and third units nearly helped the team erase a 25-point deficit against the Hornets. Saturday night, Indiana led New Orleans by 13 after one quarter before pulling away behind a 38-18 third quarter. The Pacers have talent, led by PG Brogdon (21.2-6.2-6.0) and PF Sabonis (17.8 & 11.1). LeVert (14.4) and rookie Duarte (13.4 & 4.2) are excellent perimeter scorers, while Turner (12.7 & 7.4) is an effective center. Swingman Holiday (9.4) and PG O'Connell (9.2 & 3.2 APG) are also valuable contributors.

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. 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 26.8-5.4-5.2. He has energized the Chicago Bulls, along with LaVine (26.5-5.6-3.7), Vucevic (13.6 & 10.8) and Ball (12.7-5.2-4.1). 

Chicago is coming off a come-from-behind, 109-103 victory against the visiting New York Knicks on Sunday and will look to extend its home winning streak to four (Bulls are 6-2 at home on the season). Vucevic returned to the team Sunday (has been sidelined since Nov 11)  but it still is unknown when he'll be able to resume game action. Head coach Billy Donovan confirmed Sunday that "it's all up to the doctors at this point," saying "the next step is clearing all the cardiovascular protocols."

I'm expecting this Indiana team to start playing up to its talent level and why not start here, as the Bulls returned home after a 5-game West Coast trip and are now playing on back-to-back nights. Take the points.

Good luck...Larry