My 10* Situational Stunner is on the Bos Celtics at 9:00 ET.

The Celtics and Warriors were tied at two-all in this year's NBA Finals, with the Warriors having outscored the Celtics by just ONE point (422-421). Couldn't be any tighter, right? Well, maybe not, as no single game has been decided by fewer than 10 points! Game 5 was in San Francisco and the Warriors led by just one point entering the 4th quarter but would win 104-94 (yet another game decided by 10-points or more). Wiggins had a great game (26 & 13), despite going 0 of 6 from three-point range. Curry, the series' highest scorer, had only 16 points, while missing all NINE three-point attempts. The career three-point leader’s NBA-record streak of 132 straight postseason games with at least one three ended, along with his NBA-best run of 233 consecutive games with a three between regular season and playoffs combined. Tatum led Boston with 27 points (added 10 rebounds), while starting guards Brown and Smart combined for 38 points, while shooting poorly. The duo combined to make only 12 of 33 FGs (36.4%), including 3 of 11 on threes (27.3%).

Boston is home for Game 6, looking to extend the series to a Game 7 back in San Francisco. the West Coast. A championship would give Boston an 18th banner to hang in the rafters, which would be the most all-time. They are tied with the Los Angeles Lakers at 17 championships apiece, but they have not won one since 2008. The Warriors can win their fourth title in eight years, giving the franchise its 7th NBA title (Warriors and Bulls are tied with six championships, behind only the Lakers and Celtics).

The Celtics fell to 8-4 in road games in this postseason with the Game 5 loss plus more notably, lost for the FIRST time this postseason after a loss, after winning the previous SEVEN games they had played after a loss. It was just Boston's second back-to-back in 15 such opportunities since the team began turning its season around in late January. The Warriors moved one victory away from a championship in Game 5, despite shooting 9 of 40 (22.5 percent) from three-point range as a team. The Warriors won by playing high-level defense, holding the Celtics to 39 first-half points and 41.3 percent shooting for the entire game. Golden St had just SEVEN turnovers, compared to Boston's 18.

The Celtics are just 6-5 at home this postseason in the playoffs but reportedly, the mood at Wednesday’s practice session was loose. Maybe that's because Boston’s path to the NBA Finals has included Game 7 victories over Milwaukee in the second round and Miami in the conference finals. In fact, the Celtics entered the finals as only the 12th team in league history to win back-to-back Game 7s in the preceding rounds. The 'key' to a Boston win? The Celtics lost Game 5, dropping to 1-7 this postseason when committing 16 turnovers or more. Doing the math, that makes them 13-2 in games when committing LESS than 16 turnovers in a game. See you Sunday for Game 7 in San Francisco, as Boston wins AND covers tonight.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Game 5 Tiebreaker is on the Bos Celtics at 9:00 ET.

The Celtics and Warriors are tied at two-all in this year's NBA Finals, with the Warriors having outscored the Celtics by just ONE point (422-421). Couldn't be any tighter, right? Well, maybe not, as the fact remains that no single game has been decided by fewer than 10 points! Boston failed to take advantage of securing home court by dropping Game 4 on Friday. Curry delivered a 43-point performance, his third-highest scoring total in the postseason. The Warriors have won at least one road game for an NBA-record 27 consecutive playoff series since 2013, taking Game 4 by the score of 107-97. Golden St scored 17 of the game's last 20 points, as Boston's Jayson Tatum, who had 23 points and 11 rebounds, managed just one basket while playing the entire fourth quarter.

Here's one thought on Game 5. Having seen rival Curry at his best in Game 4, Tatum believes it's his turn to play difference-maker. "I just got to be better," the only first-team All-NBA performer in the series insisted. "I know I can be better, so it's not like I, myself or my team is asking me to do something I'm not capable of. They know the level and I know the level that I can play at. It's not too much pressure at all. It's kind of like my job." He doesn't have to do it alone, as Boston's starting guards, Brown and Smart, have each played 40 MPG the last two, with Brown averaging 24.0 PPG and Smart 21.0 PPG. Curry is averaging 34.3 PPG in the series but neither Thompson nor Green (also part of the Warriors' three NBA titles in a five-year span) have been anything special. Thompson is averaging a modest 17.2 PPG on 36.6% overall, including 33.5% on threes. As for Green, he has the ability to be the "Great Disruptor," and can influence a game without putting up big points. However, he has scored just two points in each of the last two games, plus had only four points in Game 1 (Golden St has lost TWO of those games).

The Warriors have gone 10-1 SU at home this postseason (8-3 ATS), but I won't ignore this fact. The Celtics are 8-3 SU in road games in this postseason, winning all SEVEN games they have played after a loss so far in these playoffs, plus have gone 13-1 in such games since the team began turning its season around in late January. Take the points!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner in on the GS Warriors at 9:00 ET.

The Boston Celtics entered this year's NBA Finals looking to win the franchise's 18th NBA championship, breaking a tie with the Lakers for the most in NBA history. Meanwhile, the Golden St Warriors were seeking their seventh NBA title (Warriors and Bulls are tied for third with six NBA titles apiece) playing in their SIXTH Finals in eight seasons. The Warriors began the series with their players owning a total of 123 games of Finals experience compared to the Celtics' ZERO! Plus, let's not even try to equate Boston's rookie coach Ime Udoka with Golden St's Steve Kerr.

The Celtics outscored the Warriors 40-16 in the final 12 minutes of Game 1, after trailing by 15 points late in the third quarter. Boston delivered the most lopsided fourth quarter in NBA Finals history and came away with a 120-108. The Celtics went on a 48-18 run in the second half to decide the opener, but the Warriors didn’t wait that long in Game 2, going on a 43-14 burst from late in the first half until early in the fourth quarter to turn a tie game into an absolute runaway. Golden St outscored Boston 35-14 in the third quarter to turn a two-point halftime lead into a 23-point edge. The 107-88 win evened the NBA Finals at one-all.

Jayson Tatum finished with 26 points in Game 3 plus starting guards Brown and Smart combined for 51 points to lift the Celtics to a 116-100 victory over the Warriors on Wednesday in Game 3. Tatum, who made just 3 of 17 FG attempts, has now put together back-to-back strong games. Brown had a line of 27-9-5 and Smart one of 24-7-5, after that duo had combined to make 6 of 23 shots (3 of 12 on threes) to total only 19 points in Game 2. Curry scored 31 points for the Warriors, but he was injured during a scramble for the ball when Celtics big man Al Horford landed on his leg. Curry was in pain on the floor and initially remained in the game with 4:07 to play. He was removed less than two minutes later when coach Steve Kerr decided the game was out of reach. Thompson scored 25 points, after averaging just 13.0 PPG in the first two games when he shot 10-33 from the floor, including 4 of 15 from three-point range. Wiggins was again solid (18 & 7) but Green was AWFUL (two points) and Looney was a non-factor (6 & 7). Poole had just 10 points off the bench plus EIGHT more Warriors got in the game, combining for only EIGHT points.

Boston's Game 3 win Celtics, make them 7-0 following a loss this postseason but the Warriors enter Game 4 having gone 5-0 this postseason following a loss, outscoring their opponents by 15.4 PPG. Curry insists he'll play and there is little reason to doubt his claim (note: Curry is averaging 31.3 points in this series so far, shooting a sizzling 49% on three-pointers). Thompson had his best game of the Finals in Game 3 and I think we should expect another strong effort here. Then there is Green, the 'Great Disruptor!' He's been a 'no-show' in Games 1 and 3 and the Warriors can't afford that here in Game 4.

Boston lost twice at home to the Bucks in the second round and twice to the Heat in the conference finals, so why can't (won't) the Warriors win in Boston. The Warriors have won road games at Denver, Memphis and Dallas this postseason least on, giving the franchise e road win in each of their last 26 playoff series, an NBA record. Take the points!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Game 3 Tiebreaker is on the Bos Celtics at 9:00 ET.

The NBA Finals opened on June 2 in San Francisco with Boston owning this year's best postseason road record (7-2) but with Golden St being the only team yet to lose at home (9-0). The Celtics outscored the Warriors 40-16 in the final 12 minutes of Game 1, after trailing by 15 points late in the third quarter. Boston's Al Horford scored a team-high 26 points plus Brown (24 points) and reserve guard White (21 points) helped lead the Celtics in completing the most lopsided fourth quarter in NBA Finals history. All that despite Jayson Tatum, the team's leading scorer in the regular and the postseason, shooting 3 of 17 (note: he did have 13 assists, the most in any game of his career).

Curry scored 29 points and Poole added 17 points off the bench, as the Warriors beat the Boston Celtics 107-88 on Sunday night in Game 2 to even the NBA Finals. The Celtics went on a 48-18 run in the second half to decide the opener, but the Warriors didn’t wait that long in Game 2, going on a 43-14 burst from late in the first half until early in the fourth quarter to turn a tie game into an absolute runaway. Golden St outscored Boston 35-14 in the third quarter to turn a two-point halftime lead into a 23-point edge. Jaysom Tatum answered a dismal 3-for-17 shooting performance in Game 1 by scoring 21 of his team-high 28 points in the first half of Game 2. However, Horford 'disappeared' (scored just TWO points) plus starting guards Brown and Smart made a combined 6 of 23 shots (3 of 12 on threes) to chip in only 19 points.

Here's what we know heading into Game 3. With Sunday's win, the Warriors are now 5-0 this postseason following a loss, outscoring their opponents by 15.4 points in those games, the fifth-highest point differential over the past 50 postseasons. Fourth on that list? This year's Celtics, who are 6-0 off a loss (+15.5) PPG). What's more, the Celtics ended the regular season winning 28 of their final 35 games, losing back-to-back games just ONCE. The Warriors began the series with their players owning a total of 123 games of Finals experience compared to the Celtics' ZERO! Plus, let's not even try to equate Boston's rookie coach Ime Udoka with Golden St's Steve Kerr. All that said, I'm NOT bucking the Celtics off their Game 2 loss. Lay the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on the GS Warriors at 8:00 ET.

The Celtics outscored the Warriors 40-16 in the final 12 minutes of Game 1, after trailing by 15 points late in the third quarter. Boston's Al Horford, who turned 26 on Friday, celebrated his birthday a day early by scoring a team-high 26 points. The Celtics rode Horford plus Brown (24 points) and reserve guard White (21 points) to complete the most lopsided fourth quarter in NBA Finals history (won 120-108). All this despite Jayson Tatum, the team's leading scorer in the regular and the postseason, shooting 3 of 17 (note: he did have 13 assists, the most in any game of his career). Curry led Golden St with 34 points, Wiggins had 20 points and Thompson a modest 15. However, Green shot just 2 of 12 (4 points / 11 rebounds / 5 assist) and Poole made only 2 of 7 shots for nine points. The Warriors small-ball lineup, one of the most feared in the NBA, just fell apart in the 4th quarter. It was not only Golden St's first home loss of this postseason (had opened 9-0) but the Warriors had won 13 straight playoff series openers at home, the third-longest streak in NBA history.

Boston is now 8-2 away from home this postseason, including three wins at Miami in the Eastern Conference finals and a Game 6 victory at defending-champion Milwaukee that kept the Celtics alive in the conference semifinals. That said, Steve Kerr's team certainly doesn't envision falling behind 2-0 in the series. However, the collapse in Game 1 ramps up the importance of Sunday's game. "It's a different feeling," Kerr said. "Obviously you go into Game 2 with more of a sense of desperation." This is the Warriors' SIXTH trip to the NBA Finals in eight years, and Curry, Thompson and Green are hardly surrendering after one setback. "It's just nothing to panic about," Green said. "It's the first team to win four games, not the first to win one."

I couldn't agree more. Golden St did EXACTLY what it wanted in Game 1, UNTIL the 4th quarter. Now, it's "put up or shut up" time.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* NBA Game of the Year is on the GS Warriors at 9:00 ET.

The Celtics closed the regular season winning 28 of their final 35 games to earn the East's No. 2 at 51-31 (won tiebreakers over Milwaukee and Philadelphia, which both finished 51-31, as well). Boston opened the playoffs with a 4-0 "revenge" sweep of Brooklyn but has then had its last two series "go the distance." The Celtics needed to win Game 6 in Milwaukee and then Game 7 at home to eliminate the defending NBA champion Bucks in the second round and then in the conference finals, lost Game 6 at home against the top-seeded Heat, before winning Game 7 in Miami.

The Warriors had to play their final 12 games of the regular season without Curry but entered the playoffs on a five-game winning streak and as the West's No. 3 seed. Golden St made short work of Denver, taking the series 4-1 with the lone loss coming at Denver in Game 4, when the Nuggets avoided the sweep. Then came the second-seeded Grizzlies, who pushed the Warriors to six games. Dallas, not top-seeded Phoenix, was Golden St's opponent in the conference finals. That series went similarly to the team's opening round series vs Denver. The Warriors opened a 3-0 lead, lost Game 4 in Dallas (as the Mavs avoided a sweep), before closing out the series with a Game 5 win.

The Celtics own 17 NBA titles, tied with the Lakers, for the most in NBA history. However, Boston's last championship came back in 2008 and its last appearance in the NBA Finals was in 2010. Boston had lost in its last FOUR visits to the Eastern Conference finals, before winning Sunday's Game 7 in Miami. Tatum (27.0-6.7-5.9) has had a terrific postseason so far, while Brown (22.9 & 6.8) has done his part. PG Smart, the NBA's Defensive Player of the Year, had missed two games (midfoot sprain) but checks in averaging 15.5-4.5-6.2 in the playoffs. Center Al Horford (who turns 36 on Friday) has averaged 11.9 & 9.6 this postseason and will be playing in his first Finals after playing an NBA-record 141 playoff games without an appearance in the NBA Finals.

The Warriors small-ball lineup of guards Stephen Curry (25.9-4.9-6.2), Klay Thompson (19.8 & 4.3) and Jordan Poole (18.4 & 4.5 APG) plus SF Andrew Wiggins (15.8 & 7.0) and PF Draymond Green (8.7-6.9-6.3) is one of the most feared in the NBA. However, don't overlook Golden State center Kevon Looney. He was inserted back into the starting lineup in Game 6 vs Memphis, and he pulled down 22 rebounds in that series clinching win. He then started all five games against Dallas, averaging 10.6 & 10.6. Looney had 21 points and 12 rebounds in Game 2 for just his second career postseason double-double. Looney credits a lack of playing time with keeping him fresh for the playoffs. He played the fewest minutes in the NBA this season (1,732) among all players with 60 or more starts (he made 80).

Boston has this year's best postseason road record (7-2) but Golden St is the only team yet to lose at home, going 9-0. The series could be determined by shooting percentages, as it pits the long-range marksmanship of Golden State's Curry and Klay Thompson against Boston's suffocating perimeter defense featuring Smart and Brown. The Warriors rank third in the NBA in the postseason in field-goal percentage (49.3 percent) and fourth in three-point percentage (37.9 percent). They'll be up against a Celtics defense that ranks second in both categories (43.3 percent and 31.7 percent, respectively).

The Game 1 winner? I'm "all over" the Warriors, whose players enter the series with a total of 123 games of Finals experience compared to the Celtics' ZERO!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Game 7 Tiebreaker is on the Mia Heat at 8:30 ET.

The Miami Heat lost Games 4 and 5 in the Eastern Conference finals, getting held to just 82 and 80 points. However, with the Miami Heat facing elimination in Game 6 at Boston, the top-seeded Heat won 111-103. Jimmy Butler (26.9-7.3-4.8 this postseason), who had scored just 27 points over the previous three games, put on a show for the ages. He set a personal playoff high with 47 points and also contributed nine rebounds, eight assists and four steals. It Was his fourth, 40-point game of the 2022 playoffs and the second of this series (he had 41 in Game 1). Butler made just 7 of 32 shots in Games 4 and 5, totaling only 19 points. Starting guards Lowry (1 of 12) and Strus (0 of 16) had been just AWFUL in the back-to-back losses, but Lowry had 18 points and 10 assists in Game 6, while Strus had 13 points. Tatum (27.1-6.5-5.9 this postseason) had 30 & 9 in Game 6, while Brown (22.9 & 6.8) added 20-6-5. PG Smart (14.9-4.2-6.3), who has struggled with a midfoot sprain this postseason, had 14-4-3, making only 4 of 15 shots.

It's now on to Game 7, the second series in a row that Boston's had to 'go the distance.' The good news for Celtic fans is that Boston has NOT lost back-to-back games this postseason. What's more, the Celtics closed the regular season winning 28 of their final 35 games, losing back-to-back games just ONCE. Now for the bad news. The Celtics are trying to reach the finals for the first time since 2010, two years after their "Big Three" of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen won the franchise's 17th NBA title. Boston has lost in its last FOUR visits to the Eastern Conference finals and on two of the occasions, the Celtics have let a 3-2 lead slip away. Is it deja vu all over again in 2022?

Miami made four straight appearances in the Finals from 2011-14, winning in '12 & 13, while losing in '11 and '14. The Heat then surprised all with a run to the Finals in the COVID-interrupted season of 2020 (lost 4-2 to the Lakers). Miami is now just ONE win away from a second trip in three seasons. Tyler Herro, the Sixth Man of the Year, has missed the last three games due to a left groin injury but has been cleared to play. That said, he's listed as questionable. "This is the way it should be with these two teams. It should have gone seven games," Miami head coach Erik Spoelstra said. "The margin for error on both sides is so small. There's no two better words in pro sports than Game 7. I'm really thrilled our group gets an opportunity to compete in a Game 7 in front of our home crowd. I'll take Spoelstra (he's led Miami to five NBA Finals!) over Boston's first-year head coach Ime Udoka on the sidelines anytime, especially in a Game 7.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on the Mia Heat at 8:30 ET.

The Miami Heat (the East's No. 1 seed) took the floor in Boston for Game 4 with a 2-1 lead in the Eastern Conference finals but return to Boston tonight for Game 6 on the brink of elimination. The Celtics routed the Heat 102-82 in Game 4 and then took a 3-2 lead in the series with another impressive win in Game 5 at Miami, 93-80. Both teams have dealt with nagging injuries but these last two games, the Mavs have gotten the worst of it plus have just simply been plain 'offensive' on that end of the court. Jimmy Butler, Miami's best player, has made just 7 of 32 shots in Games 4 and 5, totaling only 19 points. Starting guards Lowry (1 of 12) and Strus (0 of 16) have been just AWFUL in the back-to-back losses. To add insult to injury, NBA Sixth Man of the Year Tyler Herro (groin) has sat out the last two games with a groin injury.

Boton's been led this postseason by Tatum (26.9-6.3-6.0), Brown (23.1 & 6.9), Smart (15.0-4.2-6.5) and the surprising play of veteran center Horford (12.9 & 9.3). The Celtics have to 'LOVE' the situation that they are in, but nobody associated with the Celtics is ready to celebrate. The franchise has lost in its last FOUR visits to the Eastern Conference finals and on two of the occasions, they have let a 3-2 lead slip away. The Celtics would love to close out the Heat here, avoiding a Game 7 in Miami, as the Warriors have already clinched the West and are waiting for an opponent in the NBA Finals, which will begin June 2.

"It's an elimination game, to have it on our home court is an advantage," Boston head coach Ime Udoka said. "They beat us here already. So we have to come out with the same urgency after these last two wins and try to put it away. Miami has listed Lowry (left hamstring), Strus (right hamstring), Gabe Vincent (left hamstring) and P.J. Tucker (left knee) as questionable. That said, expect most if not all of them to play, plus Herro has been cleared to play. Then there is Jimmy Butler, who prior to the last two games, has been one of the 2022 NBA playoffs' best players. When is the last time you've seen a No. 1 seed as this kind of an underdog in the playoffs? I'm taking the points!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Conference Finals Game of the Year is on the Mia Heat at 8:30 ET.

This series is tied 2-2 but THREE of the four games have been decided by double digits (two by 20-plus points!). Miami won Game 1 and the teams have alternated wins and losses. When a series is knotted at 2-all in a best-of-seven series, the Game 5 winner ultimately prevails 82% of the time. The Celtics rode their defense to a 102-82 victory in Game 4. Both teams were without key players Monday, but the Heat were more out of sync without NBA Sixth Man of the Year Tyler Herro (groin). The Celtics were without the league's Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart (ankle) but were still able to do some high-level defending.

Boston opened an 18-1 lead in Game 4, as Miami missed its first 14 FG attempts. It was 29-11 at the end of the first quarter and 57-33 at the half. Miami starters scored a total of just 18 points, shootings combined 7 of 36 from the floor. Tucker (17 pints in Fame 3) and Strus (16 points) combined to go 0 of 11 from the floor without accounting for a SINGLE point. Butler played 27 minutes and scored just six points (3 of 14 from the floor) and Adebayo, coming off one of his best-ever performances in Game 3 (31-10-6), was held to nine points and six rebounds.

Boston's Tatum, who scored just 10 points in Game 3 (was 3 of 14 from the floor), rebounded to score 31 points but Jaylen Brown (off a career-best 40-point effort in Game 3) made just 5 of 20 shots for 12 points. Was Boston's defense the reason for Miami's poor shooting, or did Miami just 'stink out the joint?' Boston shot just 39.7% in Game 4, including 8 of 34 on three-pointers. Teams that shoot that poorly, rarely (if ever) win a game like that by 20 points. We won't know which players will be available until game-time but note that Miami was 7-0 SU at home this postseason, before losing Game 2 at home in this series. This morning, the Heat were listed as a home dog and it's noteworthy the Heat have been favored in 35 of their last 36 home games entering Wednesday, AND Miami is 4-1 outright as a home underdog this season. The Heat take a 3-2 lead with a "W' and it's "back to Boston" for Game 6.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Conf Finals O/U Game of the Year is on G St/Dal Over at 9:00 ET.

The Golden State Warriors have won NINE consecutive games in the Western Conference finals, after a 109-100 win over Dallas in Game 3. The Warriors haven't lost in the West finals since erasing a 3-2 deficit to Houston in 2018, when they won the last of their three titles in four years by beating Cleveland in the NBA Finals. Golden State swept Portland for a fifth consecutive trip to the Finals in 2019 before losing in six games to Toronto. The Warriors can make it an even 10 straight wins, eliminate Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks and return to the NBA Finals after three years away with a victory in Game 4 in Dallas on Tuesday night. Golden State looks to become the first team since Michael Jordan's Chicago Bulls to make SIX trips to the NBA Finals over an eight-year.

The Warriors small-ball lineup of Stephen Curry (27.1-5.1-5.9), Klay Thompson (19.5 & 4.6), Jordan Poole (18.9 & 4.4 APG), Andrew Wiggins (15.9 & 6.9) and Draymond Green (8.0-7.1-6.1) is one of the most feared in the NBA. Then there is Golden State big man Kevon Looney, who was inserted back into the starting lineup in Game 6 vs Memphis. He pulled down 22 rebounds in that series clinching win. He then made all five FG attempts in Game vs Dallas (10 points / 5 rebounds), before making 10 of 14 shots in scoring 21 points and grabbing 12 rebounds in Game 2. In Game 3, he had 9 points and 12 rebounds. 

Doncic is averaging 32.1-9.5-6.2 this postseason, while Brunson has increased his scoring by almost a 'TD' more in the postseason (22.7 PPG) than he averaged in the regular season (16.3). Doncic has scored 42 and 40 points in the last two games, but he NEEDS more help than just Brunson. In Game 3, Dallas' three other starters combined for only NINE points (Dinwiddie did have 26 off the bench). Key three-point specialists Dorian Finney-Smith, Maxi Kleber and Reggie Bullock combined for just nine points (all of them from Finney-Smith), as Kleber and Bullock missed all 12 of their threes and all 15 of their shots overall.

NO team has overcome an 0-3 'hole' to win an NBA seven-game series and Dallas won't be the first to do so. After all, the Warriors have been great at winning series in the Kerr era, capturing 20 of 22, losing only to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2016 Finals and to the Toronto Raptors in the 2019 Finals. That said, I just don't see Dallas going quietly. The Mavs scored 117 points (had 72 at the half) in Game 2 but scored just 87 points in Game 1 and only 100 in Game 3. Expect Doncic and his 'helpers' to put together a solid offensive effort in Game 4. The problem? The Warriors had 82 FG attempts in Games 1 and 2 plus 81 in Game 3 (talk about consistency). The Warriors are shooting 53.1% for the series, averaging 115.7 PPG. This one is Goin' Over!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on the Bos Celtics at 8:30 ET.

The Celtics never led in Game 3 and trailed by as many as 26 points early in the second quarter. "We didn't match (their physicality) from the start," Boston head coach Ime Udoka said. "We got into complaining and let it take us out of our game. It's disappointing to come out that flat in a conference finals game.' Still, the Celtics had a chance to post a comeback victory before the Heat held them off down the stretch. Miami led by 13 with 6:30 left before Boston responded with 12 consecutive points to cut the Heat's lead to 93-92 with 2:40 to play. However, the Heat held on to win 109-103.

Miami's Jimmy Butler sat out the second half of Saturday's game due to right knee inflammation. Butler had eight points in 20 minutes in Game 3, after averaging 35 points over the first two games. Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra said the training staff made the call on Butler. The Heat were led by center Bam Adebayo, who had been missing in action in the first two games of the Eastern Conference finals. He played one of the top games of his five-year career. Adebayo exploded for 31 points, 10 rebounds, six assists and four steals on Saturday night, making 15 of 22 field-goal attempts. That effort came on the heels of him taking just 10 total shots over the first two games. Adebayo scored 10 points in Miami's Game 1 win and just six in its Game 2 loss. PF Tucker contributed 17 points and seven rebounds and guard Strus scored 16 points. PG Kyle Lowry returned from a hamstring injury and recorded 11 points, six assists and four steals.

Boston's Jaylen Brown set a personal playoff high with 40 points and also collected nine rebounds for the Celtics in Game 3. Al Horford added 20 & 14 and PG Smart had 16 points and seven assists. However, Boston's top player (Jaysom Tatum) had just 10 points on 3-of-14 shooting and committed SIX turnovers (Boston committed 24 TOs in the game). Tatum never found a groove during Game 3. "My neck got caught in a weird position," Tatum said. "Obviously I went down and felt some pain and discomfort in my neck and down my arm, and then went to the back. I got it checked on, and started to gain some feeling back and got it checked by the doctors and ran some tests and decided to give it a go." Tatum is listed as probable for Monday's game.

That said, it is the Heat facing a bigger injury dilemma heading into Game 4. Along with Butler's status (see above), Miami listed five other players as questionable: Tucker (knee), Strus (hamstring) and guards Tyler Herro (groin), Kyle Lowry (hamstring) and Gabe Vincent (hamstring). In particular, Herro has GREATLY underachieved this postseason, averaging 13.5 PPG compared to 20.7 PPG in winning 6th-man-of-the-year during the regular season. The Celtics closed the regular season winning 28 of their final 35 games, losing back-to-back games just ONCE. Here in the postseason, they have lost five times, bouncing back to win AND cover after each of their first four playoff defeats. The number is a tad 'high' but I expect a HUGE bounce-back from Tatum and no one knows for sure just which Miami players will be able to produce (or even suit up) in Game 4.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the Dal Mavs at 8:0 ET.

The Warriors small-ball lineup of Stephen Curry, Jordan Poole, Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins and Draymond Green is one of the most feared in the NBA but Golden St has also dominated Dallas down low. The Warriors have outscored the Mavericks 106-62 in the paint while taking a 2-0 lead. Golden State big man Kevon Looney was inserted back into the starting lineup in Game 6 vs Memphis and he pulled down 22 rebounds in that series clinching win. He then made all five FG attempts in Game vs Dall (10 points / 5 rebounds), before making 10 of 14 shots in scoring 21 points and grabbing 12 rebounds in Game 2. It was just his second career postseason double-double. Looney credits a lack of playing time with keeping him fresh for the playoffs. He played the fewest minutes in the NBA this season (1,732) among all players with 60 or more starts (he made 80).

Doncic was held in check in Game 1, scoring only 20 points (2022 playoff-low), as the Warriors shot 56.1% to the Mavs' 36.0% (including an awful 11 of 48 on threes!) in an easy 112-87 win. However, Doncic had 18 points in the first quarter of Game 2 and 24 at the half, as Dallas led 72-58. Golden State answered with a 25-13 third quarter to pull to 85-83 going into fourth and grabbed its first lead of the night on Otto Porter Jr.'s three-pointer 18 seconds into the fourth. That was "all she wrote," as the Warriors outscored Dallas 43-32 for a 126-117 win. Doncic wound up with 42 points, with Brunson adding 31 and Bullock 21. However, Dallas got just 10 points from its other two starters and only 17 points from its bench.

The Mavericks have attempted 93 three-pointers in the series, 36 more than the Warriors, but have made just EIGHT more. Dallas shot 3-for-19 from three-point range in the first quarter of Game 1 as the game got away early. In Game 2, the third quarter was the Mavs' demise, as they went 2-for-13 from behind the arc, as the Warriors moved from a 14-point halftime deficit to trailing just 85-83 heading into the final quarter. Head coach Jason Kidd said after Friday's 126-117 defeat at San Francisco, "If you make (3-pointers), that's great. But you just have to understand: If you miss four in a row, you can't take the fifth. You've got to make it. That just puts too much stress on yourself and on your team because, if you're not getting stops on the other end, it turns into a blowout."

Dallas was able to overcome an 0-2 'hole' to beat the Suns (owners of an NBA-best 64-18 record) in seven games but are now faced with "doing it again" vs the red-hot Warriors. That might be a 'bridge too far,' but one HAS to take each playoff series game-by-game, rather than '"looking ahead." The Warriors are a perfect 8-0 this postseason but a modest 2-3 at home. Meanwhile, after losing Game 1 of the Utah series (Doncic did not play), the Mavs have won FIVE consecutive home playoff games, outscoring their opponents on average, 107.8-to-92.4 PPG. Will this turn into a series like against Phoenix, where the Mavs won Games 3 and 4 at home to even things up at two-all? First things first. Dallas wins Game 3 and sets up that possibility. Game 4 result? TBD!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Game 3 Tie-Breaker is on the Mia Heat at 8:30 ET.

Boston lost Game 1 of its series with Miami 118-107, despite outscoring the Heat in THREE of the game's four quarters. However, that ONE quarter (third) was a 'killer!' Boston didn't make a field goal in the first six minutes of the third quarter, as Miami outscored the Celtics 22-2 to start the third quarter and concluded it with a 39-14 advantage (Boston ended the quarter 2 of 15 from the floor!). Jimmy Butler had 17 of his 41 points in the third quarter. That said, I took Boston in Game 2, noting that the Celtics closed the regular season winning 28 of their final 35 games, losing back-to-back games just ONCE. Here in the postseason, they had not lost back-to-back games in 12 playoff games.

Boston was hopeful that Marcus Smart (mid-foot sprain) was going to play after missing Game 1 but Horford (virus-related issues) being able to play was a surprise AND a bonus. Boston trailed by 10 in the first quarter of Game 2 but then outscored Miami 60-21 over the next 18 minutes — a 39-point turnaround that wound up leading to a 70-45 halftime lead. Grant Williams checked into the game at at the 5 minute, 14 second mark of the first quarter and never left the floor over the final 17 minutes of the first half. The 127-102 victory sends the series back to Boston tied at one-all. Williams had 19 & 4, while Boston's "Big 3" did its job as well. Tatum had 27-5-5, Brown 24 & 8 plus Smart added 24-9-12. The Celtics shot 51.2% from the floor, including making 20 of 40 three-pointers. Butler had 29 for Miami but didn't get much help from his teammates. While Boston was making 20 three-pointers, Miami made just 10, on 34 attempts (29.4%).

Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra said the off day would be used to determine a response to the lopsided Game 2 result. "That's definitely part of the process in the playoffs," Spoelstra said. "You get to this point of the conference finals; you just have very good teams. You have teams without many weaknesses. It's great competition." Butler's had a terrific postseason, averaging 29.8-7.6-5.2 but 6th-man-of-the-year Herro (20.7 PPG in the regular season) and center Adebayo (19.1 & 10.1) have been hit-or-miss. Herro is averaging 13.9 PPG and Adebayo's numbers are off too, averaging 13.6 & 7.5.

Noting all of the above, this point spread is too high in my opinion and I'll take Erik Spoelstra (he's led Miami to five NBA Finals!) over Boston's first-year head coach Ime Udoka on the sidelines. Take the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the Bos Celtics at 8:30 ET.

The Celtics knew that they were going to play Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals without Defensive POY Marcus Smart (15.0 & 6.2 APG this postseason) with a midfoot sprain) but big man Al Horford (13.0 & 9.4) was a late scratch. due to COVID-19 protocols. Boston got off to a strong start, with Tatum scoring 21 points in the first half and Robert Willaims playing for the first time since Game 3 vs Milwaukee (he wound up with 18 & 9). The Celtics led by EIGHT points at the half but then didn't make a field goal in the first six minutes of the third quarter. Miami outscored the Celtics 22-2 to start the third quarter and concluded it with a 39-14 advantage (Boston ended the quarter 2 of 15 from the floor!).

Miami star Jimmy Butler had 17 points in the third quarter, 27 in the second half and finished the game with 41 points (he also contributed nine rebounds, five assists, four steals and three blocked shots). The guard trio of starters Vincent (17) and Strus (11) plus Herro (18) off the bench. Butler now has three 40-point outings this postseason, averaging 29.8-7.7-5.4. Tatum finished with 29 points for Boston (just eight in the second half), while sidekick Brown added 24 & 10. I noted earlier that Robet Williams (10.0 & 9.6 in the regular season) was excellent in his return to the starting lineup (see above) but with Smart out, White made his second start of the postseason and scored just THREE points in 29 minutes. In his first start (stepping in for Smart), he was scoreless in 28 minutes. However, Smart is expected to play in Game 3 and White will come off the bench (he's averaged 7.7 PPG as a reserve this postseason).

So far, Miami is 7-0 SU & 6-1 ATS at home this postseason, but the Celtics closed the regular season winning 28 of their final 35 games, losing back-to-back games just ONCE. Here in the postseason, they have not lost back-to-back games in 12 playoff games. I'm taking the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the GS Warriors at 9:00 ET.

The Dallas Mavericks finished with ONE less win than the Golden St Warriors during the regular season which is why the Warriors own the home court advantage in the Western conference finals. However, it should be noted that the Mavs won THREE of the four regular season matchups between the two teams. The series' two stars are Doncic and Curry but note that Doncic outscored Curry in all four regular-season head-to-heads this season. In fact, their personal duel wasn't close, with the Doncic running up 26-14, 25-18, 34-27 and 41-21 scoring advantages. That said, this series is much more than a 'One-on-One' showdown between Doncic and Curry.

Doncic missed the Mavs' first three playoff games, then returned to average 31.5-10.1-6.6 in 10 games. Fellow guard Brunson was the star of the Utah series, averaging 27.8 PPG but then totaled just 22 points as the Mavs fell into an 0-2 hole vs the Suns. However, Brunson averaged 21.8 PPG as Dallas came back to take FOUR of the last five games against Phoenix. Joining Brunson in playing all 13 postseason games for Dallas are six others. Four have averaged 10-plus points. Guard Dinwiddie leads that group averaging 13.2 PPG (he had 30 in the Game 7 clincher), while forwards Finney-Smith (11.6 & 5.4), Bullock (10.2 & 5.1) and Kleber (10.1 & 4.5) have all had their 'moments!'

Moving to the Warriors, they ended the regular season playing without Curry in their final 12 games. They went 6-6 in that span, but won their final FIVE! Curry returned for the playoffs and the Warriors have gone 8-3, giving them wins in 13 of their last 16 games. Golden St's "small ball" lineup has been VERY effective in the playoffs so far. Guards Curry (26.9-4.2-5.6), Thompson (20.4 & 4.5) and Poole (19.3-3.4-4.8) have led the way, while SF Wiggins (14.5 & 7.7) and PF Green (7.8-7.2-6.6) complete the group. Taking a closer look reveals that Curry has led in scoring in seven games, while Poole and Thompson have led in two each. Wiggins leads the team in rebounding during the postseason, despite being the team's leading rebounder in just three of 11 games. Green has been the leading rebounder in four games and center Looney, who has also played in all 11 games, pulled down 22 rebounds in the Warriors' Game 6 clincher over Memphis. Green has led in assists in six games, Poole has led in three games and Curry in two games.

The Warriors talent and balance seems superior to that of the Mavs plus having lost THREE of four to Dallas in the regular season, surely "got their attention." What's more, the Mavs are coming off beating the Suns in a Game 7 at Phoenix, in one of the biggest playoff blowouts in history! Dallas could easily be a little 'flat!'  Lay the points with the Warriors.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on the Mia Heat at 8:30 ET.

No teams have been in the East finals more than the Heat and Celtics, beginning in 2005.Miami will make its EIGHTH appearance in 18 seasons, while Boston will make its SEVENTH in the last 15. The top-seeded Heat have won SIX straight conference final appearances, (tied for the fourth-longest streak in NBA history), with two of those series victories coming against Boston (2012, 2020). Meanwhile, the second-seeded Celtics have lost FOUR straight Eastern Conference finals, including three in a four-season stretch from 2017-20. While the teams enter this series as the East's top-two seeds, they took different paths to reach that point. While the Heat battled at the top of the Eastern Conference season the entire season, the Celtics were just 24-25 through Jan 19, before closing the regular season winning 28 of their final 35 games.

Boston began the playoffs with a 4-0 'revenge' sweep of Brooklyn in the first round and then ousted the defending champion Bucks in seven games, winning Game 6 in Milwaukee and Game 7 in Boston in blowout fashion (109-81). Celtics forward Jayson Tatum is having an outstanding postseason, averaging 28.3 points, 5.6 rebounds and 6.1 assists. Jaylen Brown has added 22.2 & 6.5 plus PG Smart (Defensive POY) averaged 15.0 PPG and 6.2 APG. He missed one game in the Milwaukee series and Boston has listed him as questionable after an MRI exam on Monday detected a right midfoot sprain (Smart was injured during Sunday's game). Veteran center Horford (13.0 & 9.4) has made significant contributions but after a career playoff-high 30 points in Game 4, he looked 'tired' in the final three games of the series, scoring a total of just 16 points.

Miami dispatched Atlanta 4-1 (lone Atlanta win came by one-point) and then with its series vs Philly tied at 2-all, closed out the 76ers 120-85 and 99-90, holding the 76ers to an average of just 87.5 PG on 39% shooting. Miami can match Tatum with Jimmy Butler, who comes in averaging 28.7-7.6-5.4. He missed ONE of Miami's 11 playoff games, but he's joined by FIVE others who have played in all 11. That group includes Center Adebayo (14.6 & 7.7), guards Herro (13.8 & 4.3), Strus (12.5 & 4.4 APG) and Vincent (7.5) plus PF Tucker (8.8 & 5.6). The Heat will be without PG Kyle Lowry (left hamstring) for the seventh time in the past nine games, but they've been just fine without him. P.J. Tucker (calf), Max Strus (hamstring) and Gabe Vincent (hamstring) are all listed as questionable but that was the case last Friday in Game 6 vs Philly, when ALL three played. Tucker played 39 minutes (12 & 9) and Strus 40 minutes (20-11-5).

Miami has had three days off, while Boston has had just ONE day to travel to Miami and get ready for the Heat, after a brutally tough seven-game series against Giannis and the Bucks. Boston got a career-high 27 points from the 6-6 Grant Williams in Game 7, after he had totaled TWO points in Games 5 & 6. That's NOT happening here! Miami takes a 1-0 lead.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* 2nd Round Game of the Year is on the Pho Suns at 8:00 ET.

The fact that the Suns owned the NBA's best record at 64-18, EIGHT games better than Memphis (owners of the 2nd-best mark) and 12 games better than the 4th-seed Mavs, means absolutely NOTHING at the moment. All the pressure is on the Phoenix Suns when they host the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday night in Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinals. The home team has won in the previous six games of the series (also covered), including Dallas staving off elimination in Game 6 with a 113-86 rout of the Suns. A loss here by the Suns would be a 'killer' for a team that made the NBA Finals last season and rolled through the current regular season. The situation allows the fourth-seeded Mavericks to play freely, while the Suns' play will be 'put under the microscope' if they were to be eliminated in the second round.

Doncic missed the first three games of the postseason for Dallas but enters Game 7 tonight averaging 31.1-10.1-6.9. Brunson was the star of the 1st round win over Utah (averaged 27.8 PPG, while topping 20 points in each game) but then scored a total of just 22 points as Dallas fell into an 0-2 'hole.' He's rebounded to help Dallas win THREE of the last four, by averaging 21.3 PPG. SIX Dallas players have played in all 12 games, with Finney-Smith (12.2 & 5.4), Dinwiddie (11.8), Bullock (10.7 & 5.3 plus some excellent defensive efforts) and Kleber (10.7 & 4.5) all chipping in at different times.

The Suns' two-best players have been SG Booker (24.7-5.0-4.7) and center Ayton (19.0 & 9.3). SFs Bridges (13.9 & 4.9) starts and Johnson (10.7 & 3.4) comes off the bench. However, the Suns will need PG Chris Paul to come through for them. He's averaging 18.2 & 8.7 APG in the postseason but that's deceiving. After scoring 47 points with 11 rebounds and 11 assists while Phoenix took a 2-0 lead, he's averaging only 9.3 & 6.3 APG while the Suns have lost THREE of four. He's also had almost as many TOs (18) as assists (25) in that four-span as well.

Speaking of turnovers, the Mavericks committed just SEVEN in their Game 6 rout, while forcing the Suns into 22. "They played harder than us and we typically don't allow that," Phoenix head coach Monty Williams said. "We understand that we turned it over and we did not have a focus. Our concepts in our defensive coverages was nowhere near average." I've NEVER been a huge fan of Paul but he has delivered some 'special' efforts this postseason, along with his 'clunkers.' Doncic is Doncic but Phoenix owns MORE talent and both Booker and Ayton have played at an elite level all season. No reason why the home team won't win AND cover again here, as the Mavericks have lost SEVEN straight games on the Suns' home floor since a victory early in the 2019-20 season. Suns /Warriors will be a great matchup in the Western Conference finals. Meet you there.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Game 7 Decider is on the Mil Bucks at 3:30 ET.

Boston and Milwaukee both finished 51-31, two games behind Miami for the East's best record. However, the Celtics earned the No. 2 seed (Milwaukee settled for No. 3) due to tiebreakers. Milwaukee opened the series with a 101-89 Game 1 win (in Boston), with the Celtics bouncing back with 109-86 win in Game 2. That set a trend that continued all series, with the teams alternating wins and losses. Giannis Antetokounmpo poured in 44 points with 20 rebounds in a potential series-clincher on Friday for Milwaukee but he was upstaged by Jayson Tatum's 46 points plus a better performance from Tatum's supporting cast (brown had 2 points and Smart 21), than Gianinis got from his. The result? The 108-95 Boston road win set up this Game 7 in Boston.

Giannis has been superb in the postseason (32.3-13.6-6.5) but with Middleton sidelined since getting hurt in Game 2 of Milwaukee's first round series, his supporting cast has NOT been consistent vs the Celtics. PG Holiday (18.9-5.6-6.4) has been the most consistent performer but made just 3 of 10 three-pointers in the Game 6 "would-be clincher." Big men Portis (10.6 & 10.4) and Lopez (10.2 & 5.5) have had their moments this postseason but the duo combined for just 10 points in Game 6. Reserve guard Connaughton has come off the bench in every postseason game, averaging 10.2 PPG, including 11.7 this series, while shooting 59.6% (52.4% on threes). He could be a key.

Tatum (28.8-5.6-6.4) is clearly a STAR, plus Brown 22.5-6.4-4.2) and Defensive POY Smart (15.4 & 5.8 APG) have been solid. Veteran center Horford is averaging 13.7 & 9.3 in the postseason but he's looked tired the last two games, scoring just a total of 10 points (he did add 18 rebounds in those games, though).

It's a Game 7 in Boston but the Celtics no longer own the cache of Celtics teams of the past. While Tatum is terrific, Giannis will be the best player in the game. The Celtics are at home but the visiting Bucks will not be deterred. The visiting team has won FOUR of the first six games (each team is just 1-2 at home) and remember, the defending-champion Bucks have NEVER trailed in the series, winning each time the best-of-seven matchup was tied, before losing every time in the meeting immediately after having taken a one-game advantage. LOVE the fact that Milwaukee is getting almost two, three-pointers worth of points but expect Milwaukee to win outright and then head to South Beach!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Weekly Wipeout is on the Bos Celtics at 7:30 ET.

Boston and Milwaukee both finished 51-31, two games behind Miami for the East's best record. However, the Celtics earned the No. 2 seed (Milwaukee settled for No. 3) due to tiebreakers. The teams were tied two-all in this second round series going into Wednesday's Game 5 in Boston (had alternated wins the first four games) and the defending champs kept that trend going with a comeback win. Boston turned a 71-68 edge into a 12-point lead and was up 93-79 with 10:19 to play. However, Milwaukee won the fourth quarter 33-21 to give them a 110-107 victory and a 3-2 series lead. It marked Boston's biggest blown lead in the playoffs in more than 25 years! The Bucks will get an opportunity on their home floor to close out at Celtics on Friday night.

Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 40 points and pulled down 11 rebounds in Game 5, while Milwaukee also got last-second heroics from Bobby Portis (14 & 15) and Jrue Holiday (24-8-8), Tatum had 34 points for Boston and Brown 26, but the remaining three Boston starters totaled just 23 points. Big men Grant Williams and Al Horford (who scored a career playoff-high 30 points in Game 4) showed some wear and tear at the offensive end in Game 5, combining for eight points on 4-for-10 shooting in a total of 71 1/2 minutes. Reserves Theis and White made a combined 9 of 10 shots for 20 points.

Three of the second round's four series have been tied at two-all and a check of the history books reveals that the winner of Game 5 (in a 7-game series tied at two-all) had gone on to win 183 of the previous 222 series (82.4%). Last night, Miami eliminated Philly 4-2 in a Game 6 win but Phoenix got blown out by Dallas and now heads back home for a deciding Game 7 on Sunday. Boston and Milwaukee have alternated wins and losses through five games, with the Celtics having outscored the Bucks by a mere four points (pretty tight, huh?).

The Bucks were the NBA's best regular season team in the 2018-19 and 2019-20 regular seasons, only to 'flop' in the playoffs. Milwaukee was the East's No. 3 seed last year (7th-best record in the NBA, overall), but would go on to win the franchise's second-ever title. The Bucks fell behind the Suns 0-2 in the Finals but won the next FOUR games. The Bucks have TWO chances to win this series but for Boston, it's win or else in Game 6. I'm a perfect 3-0 in this series and I say we are headed for a Game 7 in Boston on Sunday. Can you say 4-0?

Good luck...Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Dal Mavs at 9:30 ET.

The Phoenix Suns were easily the NBA's best team during the regular season but needed six games to eliminate No.8 New Orleans and now need to win Game 6 in Dallas (No. 4 seed) to avoid a Game 7. Despite the Suns' 110-80 win in Game 5, it has to be noted that the home team is a perfect 5-0 SU & ATS in this series. Dallas lost Games 1 and 2 in Phoenix, as Doncic (combined 80 points) got very little help from his supporting cast and the Dallas defense (104.7 PPG allowed ranked 2nd during the regular season) could not slow down the Suns, who averaged 125.0 PPG. However, back in Dallas for Games 3 and 4, Doncic finally got some help and the Mavs controlled the Phoenix offense, holding the Suns to 97.5 PPG, as Dallas tied the series at two-all.

The Suns outscored Dallas 33-14 in the third quarter of Game 5 to take a 22-point lead into the final quarter and won by 30! Booker scored 28 points (he's averaging 26.8-5.2-5.4 in the series), Ayton added 20 & 9 plus SF's Bridges and Johnson each had 14. Phoenix may just be worried about Chris Paul. He scored 47 points in Games 1 and 2 but was awful in Games 3 & 4 in Dallas (a total of 17 points) and was non-factor in Game 5's blowout win (3 of 8 for 7 points). Luka Doncic said his team never got its offense into gear in Game 5. He had 28 points and 11 rebounds on Tuesday and is averaging 32.0-9.6-7.4 in the series. Brunson added 21 points (he's averaged 22.3 PPG in the last three games, after averaging 11.0 PPG in the first two), as the backcourt combined for 49 points. However, the rest of the Mavericks totaled only 31 points on 8-of-31 shooting.

Doncic's 'helpers' stepped up in Games 3 and 4 at home and I'm betting they do so again in Game 6. "When you talk about the playoffs it's about protecting home court," Mavericks coach Jason Kidd said. "It's hard to win on the road. So far, both teams have held serve. Now our goal is to hold serve in Game 6." See you Sunday in Phoenix!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Las Vegas Insider is on the Phi 76ers at 7:00 ET.

Miami is the East's No. 1 seed (53-29) and Philadelphia (51-31), which won just two fewer games than the Heat (but lost tiebreakers to both Boston and Milwaukee), settled for the No. 4 seed. Joel Embiid was a Most Valuable Player candidate all season but sat out the first two games, as Miami won 106-92 and 119-103. However, Embiid made a surprise return to play Games 3 and 4 in Philadelphia. He's playing with a torn ligament in his right thumb and a face mask to protect an orbital fracture but helped Philly to 99-79 and 116-108 wins. Embiid had 42 points and 22 rebounds in the two wins and Harden had a terrific Game 4 with 31 points, seven rebounds and nine assists. However, back in Miami for Game 5, Embiid (17 & 5) looked tentative and also appeared to tweak his back. Harden managed only 14 points in 37 minutes and fellow guard Maxey, who averaged 23.0 PPG through the first four games, had just NINE points (2 of 10 shooting).

All five Miami starters scored in double digits in the team's 120-85 Game 5 win, led by Jimmy Butler's 23 points. Butler is averaging 26.6-7.4-5.8 vs Philly, after averaging 30.5-7.8-5.3 against Atlanta in the first round. Miami's Kyle Lowry will miss Game 6 due to a strained left hamstring but note that in the last three games he's played, Lowry's scored a total of just 12 points with the Heat losing ALL three. Behind Butler, SIX Heat players are averaging between 7.6 and 15.1 PPG. Center Adebayo heads that group (15.1), while his 7.7 RPG puts him a 'tick' above Butler's 7.6.

Miami is the better team but as the 76ers proved in Games 3 and 4, they are more than capable of sending this series to a Game 7. Coming off a humiliating 35-point loss, expect Embiid, Harden and Maxey to lead the way to a 76ers win. See you Sunday in South Beach.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Mem Grizzlies at 9:30 ET.

Grizzlies PG Ja Morant has a bone bruise in his right knee and is considered doubtful for the remainder of the playoffs, the team announced Tuesday. Morant will definitely miss his second straight contest tonight, when Memphis attempts to stave off elimination at home against Golden St (Warriors lead 3-1). There is NOTHING good about Morant NOT playing but the Grizzlies went 20-5 without Morant this season. Memphis definitely missed his scoring down the stretch in a 101-98 loss in Game 4, as Memphis missed SIX of its final eight shots after leading by three with 2:32 remaining.

The Warriors are rolling behind the guard trio of Curry (29.1-4.0-5.9), Poole (21.9-3.7-5.3) and Thompson (19.4 & 4.2) plus SF Wiggins (15.2-7.1) and PF Green (7.4-6.3-6.7). The Warriors are expecting to use this 'small ball' lineup into the Western Conference finals for the first time since 2019. Without Morant (27.1 & 9.8 APG). Memphis needs Jackson (20.3 & 6.5 this series) to continue his fine play plus for Bane, Brooks and Clarke have to step up. Bane averaged 23.5 PPG vs Minnesota but has averaged just 9.5 PPG vs the Warriors. Brooks averaged 16.5 PPG vs Minnesota but in three games vs Golden St, he's scored a total of just 20 points. Clarke has been the team's best bench player but after averaging 16.5 & 9.0 vs Minnesota, he's averaged only 7.5 & 4.8 vs Golden St. Some good news for Memphis is, center Steven Adams returned from the health and safety protocols to play six minutes in the waning moments of Game 3's blowout. He then started Game 4 and contributed 10 points and 15 rebounds.

Let's NOT forget that Memphis was the NBA's best regular season team ATS (52-29-1) and that the Grizzlies have covered THREE of four in this series (including BOTH games in Memphis). Game 4 was played in San Francisco and the Warriors needed to outscored Memphis by 15 points over the final 10:12 to win by THREE, after sputtering offensively to that point. DON'T sell Memphis short on its home court. I'm taking the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the Pho Suns at 10:00 ET.

The Mavs fell behind 0-2 in this series for two reasons. The No. 1 reason was that they couldn't win with just Doncic (45 and 35 points) being a "one-man show," but reason No. 1-A was that a defense that ranked 2nd in the NBA in holding opponents to 104.7 PPG and one which held the Jazz to just 99.0 PPG in the first round, was 'helpless against the Suns in Games 1 and 2 in Phoenix. The Suns made 50.5 percent in a 121-114 win in Game 1 (final margin was made respectable by a late run by the Mavs) and then made 64.5% in Game 2's 129-109 win. The Suns started the fourth quarter of Game 2 nursing an 89-83 advantage, but they then made 16 of 19 from the floor! The Western Conference semifinal series between the Phoenix Suns and the Dallas Mavericks has followed a pattern.

However, things changed for the Mavs in Games 3 and 4 at home. Doncic scored 26 points in each game, but Brunson averaged 23.0 PPG, after he had scored a total of 22 points in the first two games (9 of 28 from the floor). Forwards Finney-Smith (19.0 PPG) and Kleber (12.5 PPG) also stepped. Even more importantly, the defense found a way to slow down the Phoenix offense that had averaged 125.0 PPG on just over 50% shooting in Games 1 and 2, holding the Suns to 94 points (44.7%) and 101 points (46.4%).Suns guard Chris Paul was outstanding in his team's two wins, averaging 23.5 points, but had just 12 points in Game 3 (plus SEVEN 1st-half TOs and got in foul trouble in Game 4 (took just FOUR shots and ended with FIVE points).

So here Phoenix is, tied at two-all for the second straight series. The home team is 4-0 SU and ATS this series and I believe that trend continues. Booker, coming off a 35-point effort in Game 4, has averaged 26.5-4.8-6.3 this series plus center Ayton averaged 15.0 and 11.0 in the two losses In Dallas. CP3 bounces back with a HUGE game here and I believe Doncic's 'helpers' will NOT play as well as they did at home. The Suns have been the NBA's best team all season and I'm laying the points!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on the Bos Celtics 7:30 ET.

The Milwaukee Bucks were the NBA's best regular season team in the 2018-19 and 2019-20 regular seasons, only to 'flop' in the playoffs. Milwaukee was the East's No. 3 seed last year (7th-best record in the NBA, overall), but would go on to win the franchise's second-ever title. The Bucks fell behind the Suns 0-2 in the Finals but won the next FOUR games. Milwaukee, Boston and Philadelphia all finished at 51-31 this regular season with tiebreakers leaving Boston as the No. 2 seed, Milwaukee the No. 3 seed and Philly the No. 4 seed. Milwaukee only had a small blip against the slumping Bulls (Chicago won Game 2 in Milwaukee) in the first round, winning the series 4-1. That set them up for a 2nd-round matchup with Boston. Boston went 'quietly' against Brooklyn (lost 4-1) in the first-round last season and was seemingly going nowhere this season, with a 24-25 record back on the morning of January 27th. However, the Celtics would go 28-7 to finish the regular season and then served up a 4-0 'revenge' sweep over the Nets in the first round.

Milwaukee, who is without its No. 2 Khris Middleton (20.1-5.4.-5.4), got the best of Boston in Game 1, winning 101-89 as Giannis Antetokounmpo posted his second career playoff triple-double (24-13-12), The Celtics rebounded in Game 2 with a 109-86 rout, as the "Dynamic Duo" of Brown (30) and Tatum (29) led the way (also combined to add 14 assists). The 6-6 Grant Williams also played a vital role off the bench, scoring 21 points, while going 6 of 9 from three-point range. In Game 3, the Bucks broke open a close contest by outscoring the Celtics 34-17 in the third quarter, but the Bucks struggled to put Boston away. After trailing by 13 with 9:48 left to play in the fourth quarter, the Celtics stormed all the way back and eventually went ahead 100-99 after a pair of free throws from Jaylen Brown. Milwaukee's 103-101 victory wasn't secure until replays confirmed that Al Horford's potential tying putback –- capping a wild sequence after Marcus Smart intentionally missed a free throw — came just after the buzzer.

Jaylen Brown paced Boston with 27 points and 12 rebounds on 8-of-16 shooting, while Al Horford added 22 points and 16 rebounds. Derrick White, who started Game 2 and went scoreless in 28 minutes, returned to the bench (Smart returned to the starting lineup) and posted 14 points in a reserve role. Jayson Tatum struggled all game and was held to just 10 points on 4-of-19 shooting which included a 0-for-6 effort from three-point range (note: Tatum shot just 6 of 18 in Game 1). Giannis Antetokounmpo poured in 42 points, plus added 12 rebounds and eight assists in Game 3. It was the sixth time he has scored at least 40 points in a playoff game and he's averaging 31.3-11.3-9.0 in the series. PG Holiday contributed 25 points and seven rebounds, and Brook Lopez added 13 points and 10 rebounds. Holiday is averaging23.0-6.7-5.0 in the series plus guard Pat Connaughton has been able to get some meaningful bench minutes through the first three games (26.3 per game), averaging 10.7 PPG while shooting 56.5 percent from the floor.

Celtics coach Ime Udoka said about Game 3, "Didn't even have to come down to that last play honestly. We were sloppy in the third and execution-wise at times. We Battled back well in the fourth but can play a whole lot better." The time to "play better" is N-O-W! Monday's game is now essentially a must-win for the Celtics, who will host Game 5 on Wednesday night.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Game of the Week is on the Pho Suns at 3:30 ET.

The Mavs fell behind 0-2 in this series for two reasons. The No. 1 reason was that they couldn't win with just Doncic (45 and 35 points) being a "one-man show," but reason No. 1-A was that a defense that ranked 2nd in the NBA in holding opponents to 104.7 PPG and one which held the Jazz to just 99.0 PPG, was 'helpless against the Suns in Games 1 and 2 in Phoenix. The Suns made 50.5 percent in a 121-114 win in Game 1 (final margin was made respectable by a late run by the Mavs) and then made 64.5% in Game 2's 129-109 win. The Suns started the fourth quarter of Game 2 nursing an 89-83 advantage, but they then made 16 of 19 from the floor!

The Dallas defense used a swarming attack that slowed down Suns guard Chris Paul. Paul scored 19 points in Game 1 and had 28 in Game 2. However, Reggie Bullock (who also scored 15 points) set a different tone Friday against Paul, who committed SEVEN first-half turnovers as the Mavericks ended an 11-game losing streak against Phoenix with a 103-94 win. Doncic just missed a triple-double (26-13-9) but finally got some help. Jalen Brunson scored 20-plus points in all six games vs Utah, despite NEVER having had 20-plus points in more than TWO straight regular-season games. He averaged 38 minutes per game vs Utah and committed just FOUR turnovers, while averaging 27.8 PPG. However, he had scored a total of 22 points in the first two games (9 of 28 from the floor) Brunson led the way in Game 3, scoring 28 points. "I found a way to bounce back," Brunson said. "I just can't be satisfied with this. Sunday's going to be another brutal game. I have to bring the same energy, the same intensity, the same everything." Also, forwards Finney-Smith and Kleber each chipped in 14 points.

As for the Suns, ALL five starters scored in double figures (none reached 20 points) plus their bench added 17 points. Most notably, the Suns shot just 44.7 percent from the floor, the first time in NINE playoff games they failed to make at least 50.0 percent of their shots. "It wasn't like us," said Phoenix guard Devin Booker, who scored 18 points. "You can credit them. They came out, played hard, played desperate. That's that. We've got a series." Or do we? We'll find out Sunday afternoon. A Phoenix win puts the Suns up 3-1 and headed back home for Game 5. A Dallas win and THEN, we have a series.

The Suns have been the league's best team all season and coming off their lowest scoring game of the ENTIRE season (91 games, including playoffs), I see a big BOUNCE-BACK coming against a team that in the end, doesn't have the depth (behind Doncic) to match up. Don't forget. the Suns had beaten the Mavs 11 straight times prior to losing Game 3! Golden St is looking pretty good in the other West bracket and the LAST thing the Suns want is for this series to go 6 of 7 games. The solution to that? Win Game 4, which I believe they'll do.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on the Mil Bucks at 3:30 ET.

The Milwaukee Bucks were the NBA's best regular season team in the 2018-19 and 2019-20 regular seasons, only to 'flop' in the playoffs. Milwaukee was the East's No. 3 seed last year (7th-best record in the NBA, overall), but would go on to win the franchise's second-ever title. The Bucks fell behind the Suns 0-2 in the Finals but won the next FOUR games. Milwaukee, Boston and Philadelphia all finished at 51-31 this regular season with tiebreakers leaving Boston as the No. 2 seed, Milwaukee the No. 3 seed and Philly the No. 4 seed. Milwaukee only had a small blip against the slumping Bulls (Chicago won Game 2 in Milwaukee) in the first round, winning the series 4-1. That set them up for a 2nd-round matchup with Boston.

Boston went 'quietly' against Brooklyn (lost 4-1) in the first-round last season and was seemingly going nowhere this season, with a 24-25 record back on the morning of January 27th. However, the Celtics would go 28-7 to finish the regular season and then served up a 4-0 'revenge' sweep over the Nets in the first round. Milwaukee, who is without its No. 2 Khris Middleton (20.1-5.4.-5.4), got the best of Boston in Game 1, winning 101-89 as Giannis Antetokounmpo posted his second career playoff triple-double (24-13-12), The Celtics rebounded in Game 2 with a 109-86 rout, as the "Dynamic Duo" of Brown (30) and Tatum (29) led the way (also combined to add 14 assists). The 6-6 Grant Williams also played a vital role off the bench, scoring21 points, while going 6 of 9 from three-point range.

The series is tied one-all as it moves to Milwaukee for Games 3 and 4. Boston made 20 three-pointers in Game 2, the most made three-pointers in franchise playoff history. That's NOT going to happen again but Marcus Smart, the NBA Defensive Player of the Year, is expected to be back for Game 3. Derrick White started for Smart in Game 2 but was held scoreless through 28 minutes. The Celtics won Game 2 by 23 points, despite getting a total of just 21 points from starters not named Tatum and Brown. As for Milwaukee, Giannis finished with 28-9-7 but had just FIVE points in the first half on 2 of 12 shooting. PG Holiday, who put up a line of 25-9-5 in Game 1, made just 7 of 20 shots in Game 2, scoring 19 points (4 rebounds and 7 assists).

The Bucks will still be without Khris Middleton, who is expected to miss the entirety of the series with a Grade 2 MCL sprain, plus George Hill is also out with an abdomen injury. Those injuries have provided guard Pat Connaughton some meaningful bench minutes through the first two games, and he's averaged 10.5 PPG while shooting 69.2 percent from the floor and 50.0 percent from three-point range. Milwaukee shot just 16.7 percent from three-point range (3 of 18) in Game 2 and committed 16 turnovers, which translated to 24 Boston points. The Celtics held the Bucks to 86 points in Game 2, their season low in points! Big time bounce-back here by the Bucks.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Weekly Wipeout is on the Dal Mavs at 9:30 ET.

With Doncic missing the first three games of its series against Utah, the Mavs were able to go 2-1 without him and then closed out the series by taking two of three games when he returned. More notably, after holding opponents to just 104.7 PPG on the season (2nd-best), the Mavs held the Jazz to just 99.0 PPG. However, the Mavs have been unable to slow down Phoenix in the first two games of this series, The Suns made 50.5 percent in a 121-114 win in Game 1 (final margin was made respectable by a late run by the Mavs) and then made 64.5% in Game 2's 129-109 win. The Suns started the fourth quarter of Game 2 nursing an 89-83 advantage, but they then made 16 of 19 from the floor!

The series moves to Dallas and the question is can the Mavs turn things around. Head coach Jason Kidd knows his team can't win with Doncic (45 and 35 points) doing it alone. In particular, Kidd wants (needs) fellow guards Jalen Brunson and Spencer Dinwiddie to regain their respective games. Jalen Brunson scored 20-plus points in all six games vs Utah, despite NEVER having had 20-plus points in more than TWO straight regular-season games. He averaged 38 minutes per game vs Utah and committed just FOUR turnovers, while averaging 27.8 PPG. Spencer Dinwiddie averaged 15.3 PPG against Utah Brunson has scored a total of 22 points in the first two games (9 of 28 from the floor) and Dinwiddie has 19 points (6 of 18 from the floor). Throw-in frontcourt players Dorian Finney-Smith and Dwight Powell, and that 'group of four' has combined to score fewer points (66) than Doncic in the first two games. They also have fewer assists (12) than Doncic (15).

The Suns are on a roll but they are not bullet-proof (see Games 2 and 4 vs the Pelicans). Doncic will lead the way (career playoff average 33.5 points in just 18 games), but he CAN'T do it alone. Tonight, expect his supporting cast to step, as the Mavs win by a margin.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the Dal Mavs at 10:00 ET.

The Dallas Mavericks (No. 4 seed) and the Phoenix Suns (No. 1 seed) met in Game 1 on Monday of their second round series and while the final score landed 121-114, the contest wasn't as close as the final score indicated. Luka Doncic was terrific, scoring 45 points, adding 12 rebounds and handing out eight assists. However, Dallas never led at any point and trailed by as many as 21, before staging a frantic fourth-quarter comeback that made the score respectable. The major problem? Doncic was a "one-man band," as he scored more points by himself than the rest of the Mavericks' starters combined (just 39). In contrast, SIX Suns scored in double digits. All five starters did so, led by Ayton (25) and Booker (23). Ayton added eight rebounds and Booker just missed a triple-double, adding nine rebounds and eight assists. The sixth Sun to reach double digits was SF Cam Johnson, who chipped in 17 points.

I took the Suns in Game 1 and noted that Jalen Brunson had scored 20-plus points in all six games, despite NEVER having had 20-plus points in more than TWO straight regular-season games. He averaged 38 minutes per game vs Utah and committed just FOUR turnovers. I added, "I find it hard to believe that Brunson can repeat that kind of effort against the NBA's best team." Good call! Brunson was just 6-of-16 from the floor, scoring 13 points. Fellow guard Spencer Dinwiddie, who averaged 15.3 PPG against Utah, had just eight in the opener.

As for the Suns, let's note that Booker is struggling to regain his shooting stroke after missing three games in the first-round series against the New Orleans Pelicans due to a right hamstring injury. Booker had 23 points in Game 1 but was just 7-of-20 from the floor vs the Mavericks after having 13 points on 5-of-12 shooting in the final game against the Pelicans. I called Phoenix the NBA's best team but will note that the Suns almost blew a HUGE lead. The Suns led 106-85 with 8:48 remaining but the Mavs closed within five before Phoenix held off the Mavericks. In fact, the Suns were 8 of 8 from the FT line in the final 47.3 seconds to thwart the Dallas comeback bid.

Doncic's 45 points raised his career playoff average to 33.4 points in just 17 games. He CAN'T do it alone, but his supporting cast almost HAS to play better in Game 2. I'm taking the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Las Vegas Insider is on the Mem Grizzlies at 9:30 ET.

The Golden State Warriors made FIVE consecutive NBA Finals appearances from 2015 to 2019, winning three. Now, after missing out on the playoffs in each of the last two postseasons, Golden St (No. 3 seed) is looking to make another postseason run. The Warriors took a 3-0 lead over Denver in the first round, lost Game 4, but then eliminated the Nuggets in Game 5. That set up a matchup with the 2nd-seeded Memphis Grizzlies, who had a tough time in the first round against the Minnesota T-wolves. Memphis needed six games to put away Minnesota and the series featured THREE Memphis wins in which the Grizzlies overcame double-digit 4th-quarter deficits, setting an NBA playoff record.

Game 1 of the series was Sunday and Memphis found itself on the "wrong side" of a comeback. The Grizzlies led by as many as 13 points in the second quarter and were up 61-55 at the half. The Grizzlies entered the 4th-quarter trailing 91-90 but led the NBA in the fourth with an average of 33 points and outscoring opponents by 10.3 points a game. However, on Sunday they could only match the Warriors point for point in the period. Neither team led by more than four points during the final five minutes, which featured four ties and two lead changes. Golden State's Gary Payton II made a layup to even the score at 114-114 with 1:35 remaining. Memphis quickly bounced back with an alley-oop dunk by Brandon Clarke that made it 116-114 in favor of the Grizzlies with 1:16 to go. Klay Thompson put Golden State on top for good on a three-pointer with 36.6 seconds remaining and there was no scoring after that.

Jordan Poole exploded onto the postseason scene with 30 points as a starter in his playoff debut against Denver last month but was even better in his first postseason reserve role, scoring 31 points to go along with eight rebounds and nine assists. Curry had 24 points, Wiggins 17 & 8 and Thompson had 15. Ja Morant led Memphis with 34 points (also had 9 rebounds and 10 assists), while PF Jackson added 33 and 10. Bane, who led Memphis by averaging 23.5 PPG against Minnesota, made just 3 of 10 shots, while scoring just NINE points.

In the end, Morant couldn't convert a buzzer-beating driving layup that could have flipped the final score in Memphis' favor. "I missed a layup I normally make all the time," Morant admitted after finishing with 10 assists and nine rebounds. "Onto the next (game)." That's head coach Taylor Jenkins' state of mind as well. he left the arena Sunday expecting the same type of rebound that saw his team win four of the next five games against Minnesota, after the T-wolves upset Memphis in Game 1 of that series. "Do what we've done all season," he said of the plan moving forward. "Rest. Recover. Watch the film. Get better and come out and compete hard (in Game 2)." Don't forget, Memphis was easily the NBA's best ATS team this season (52-29-1). Memphis lost Game 1 but did get the cover and I'll back them again in Game 2, expecting them to win outright and send this series back to San Francisco tied at one-all.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on the Bos Celtics at 7:00 ET.

The Milwaukee Bucks were the NBA's best regular season team in the 2018-19 and 2019-20 regular seasons, only to 'flop' in the playoffs. Milwaukee was the East's No. 3 seed last year (7th-best record in the NBA, overall), but would go on to win the franchise's second-ever title. The Bucks fell behind the Suns 0-2 in the Finals but won the next FOUR games. Milwaukee, Boston and Philadelphia all finished at 51-31 this regular season with tiebreakers leaving Boston as the No. 2 seed, Milwaukee the No. 3 seed and Philly the No. 4 seed. Milwaukee only had a small blip against the slumping Bulls (Chicago won Game 2 in Milwaukee) in the first round, winning the series 4-1. That set them up for a 2nd-round matchup with Boston.

Boston went 'quietly' against Brooklyn (lost 4-1) in the first-round last season and was seemingly going nowhere this season, with a 25-25 record back on the morning of January 29th. However, the Celtics would win 30 of their next 36 games, including a 4-0 'revenge' sweep over the Nets in the first round. The Celtics received rave reviews for keeping Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant in check during that series, but Boston was not as fortunate against Giannis Antetokounmpo in Game 1 of this series, as the two-time NBA MVP posted his second career playoff triple-double (24-13-12) in Milwaukee's 101-89 win on Sunday afternoon.

Milwaukee's No. 2, Khris Middleton (20.1-5.4.-5.4), is expected to miss the entire series but PG Holiday (25-9-5) and PF Portis (15 & 11) supported Giannis well in Game 1. As for Boston, Marcus Smart sustained an injury to his right arm late in the first half on Sunday. The newly crowned NBA Defensive Player of the Year returned for the second half, but he is also nursing a troublesome right quad contusion. He will be listed as questionable for Tuesday's game, Celtics head coach Ime Udoka said. Boston rode Tatum and Brown all season but the team's two-best players were held in check by Milwaukee's bigger bodies and active perimeter defense. Tatum (4 of 13) and Brown (6 of 18) combined to make just 10 of 31 shots from the floor in Game 1, combining for only 31 points. The Celtics shot just 33.3 percent for the game, making just 10 of 31 attempts in the paint.

However, this is a game the Celtics NEED to win and DON'T have a short memory. Boston was the NBA's best (hottest?) team down the stretch and averaged 113.5 PPG in its 4-0 sweep of Brooklyn, never scoring less than 109 points (20 points more than the team's point total in Game 1). Boston bounced back in a BIG way!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on the Pho Suns at 10:00 ET

The Dallas Mavericks (No. 4 seed) visit the Phoenix Suns (No. 1 seed) for Game 1 on Monday night. Both teams overcame the absence of their young superstars in tough first-round matchups. The Mavericks ousted the fifth-seeded Utah Jazz and the Suns survived the eighth-seeded New Orleans Pelicans, both winning in six games. Dallas was without Luca Doncic in the first three games of its series with a calf strain, while Phoenix saw Devin Booker leave Game 2 against the Pelicans with a hamstring strain, before returning in the Game 6 series-clincher in New Orleans. The Suns swept the season series 3-0 from the Mavericks, finishing with an NBA-best 68-14 record, 12 games better than the Mavs' 52-30 mark.

Doncic returned to average 29.0-10.7-5.7 in Games 4 through 6 but I'd be remiss to not give a shout out to Jalen Brunson. The four-year vet from Villanova owns a career regular season line of 11.9-3.0-3.7 but averaged 27.8-4.8-4.2 against Utah. Brunson scored 20-plus points in all six games, despite NEVER having had 20-plus points in more than TWO straight regular-season games. Want more? He averaged 38 minutes per game and committed just FOUR turnovers. I find it hard to believe that Brunson can repeat that kind of effort against the NBA's best team. Phoenix head coach Monty Williams is convinced Booker's good health and that means he and Paul join a frontcourt of center Ayton, SF Bridges and veteran PF Crowder. Booker averaged 26.8-5.0-4.8 in the regular season, while in the playoffs, Paul has averaged 22.3 & 11.3 APG, Ayton 20.5 & 9.8, Bridges 17.3 & 4.5 and Crowder 7.5 & 3.5. SF Johnson has averaged 11.0 & 3.1 and backup center McGee, 8.3 & 3.7 in just 11 MPG.

The Suns saw red-hot Boston lose Game 1 at home on Sunday (101-89!) and Memphis, owners of the NBA's second-best record, lose Game 1 at home against Golden St 117-116, blowing a double-digit first half lead. The Suns want NO part of giving Dallas a 'shot of confidence,' with a Game 1 win. Yes, the Suns are giving about a 'TDs' worth of points but I'm laying the points!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Weekend Wipeout is on the Mem Grizzlies at 3:30 ET.

The Golden State Warriors made FIVE consecutive NBA Finals appearances from 2015 to 2019, winning three. Now, after missing out on the playoffs in each of the last two postseasons, Golden St (No. 3 seed) is hoping to make another postseason run. The Warriors took a 3-0 lead over Denver in the first round, lost Game 4 but then eliminated the Nuggets in Game. Up next will be the 2nd-seeded Memphis Grizzlies, who had a tough time in the first round against the Minnesota T-wolves. Memphis needed six games to put away Minnesota and the series featured THREE Memphis wins in which the Grizzlies overcame double-digit 4th-quarter deficits, setting an NBA playoff record. Beating Minnesota marked the franchise's first playoff series win in SEVEN years.

Steph Curry missed the final 12 games of the regular season but returned against Denver and led the Warriors by averaging 28.0 PPG on 50 percent shooting. Thompson is obviously healthy, as he averaged 34.5 MPG while scoring 22.6 PPG on 50.6% shooting (including 45.8% on threes). Poole averaged 21.0 PPG (54.8%, including 48.4% on threes) and SF Wiggins, coming off his first-ever All-Star appearance, averaged 14.0 PPG and a team-high 6.8 RPG. Then there is the "Great Disruptor" Draymond Green, who averaged 9.6-5.4-7.4. Both Wiggins (54.0%) and Green (52.9%) also shot better than 50% from the floor. Golden St's 'small ball' lineup seems to be head coach Steve Kerr's strategy moving forward.

PF Fox led Memphis all season (27.4 PPG on 49.3% shooting) but his shooting was "off' all series, as he shot 38.6% against Minnesota, including 20.0% on threes. However, he had some big moments and finished the series averaging 21.5-8.7-10.5. SG Desmond Bane led the way averaging 23.5 PPG, while fellow starters SF Brooks (16.5) and PF Jackson (11.8 & 7.2) also contributed solid performances. PF Clarke averaged 16.5 & 9.0 off the bench, while backup PG Jones added 9.3 PPG and 4.2 APG.

Curry, Thompson and Green were all key components to Golden St's FIVE consecutive NBA Finals appearances plus are now joined by Poole and Wiggins. The coaching matchup of Steve Kerr and Memphis' Taylor Jenkins looks like this. Kerr has an 81-29 career record in the playoffs with three NBA championships, while Jenkins is 5-6 in the postseason. However, the past does not always dictate the future and Jenkins is confident in his young group. "You definitely have got to celebrate moments like this," Jenkins said after the first-round win. "You've got to cherish this. Winning a series, you don't want to take it for granted."

Of course, if Golden St's small-ball lineup of the above-mentioned five ALL shoot 50% or more in this series, the Warriors win easily. However, Memphis has had a terrific season (finished three games better than Golden St) plus was the NBA's best ATS team at 52-29-1. Memphis has a short turnaround after Friday's win over Minnesota but I'm NOT sure that's all that much of a disadvantage. In fact, I see Memphis winning with "room to spare" in this one as a small home underdog.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* 'Signature' LEGEND Play is on the Ut Jazz at 10:00 ET.

The Utah Jazz are on the brink of elimination, after getting routed 102-77 at Dallas in Game 5. The Jazz won Game 1 in Dallas (no Doncic for the Mavs but lost Game 2 (in Dallas) at Game 3 (in Utah), despite Doncic's absence. Doncic returned in Game 4 and scored 30 points with 10 rebounds. The Jazz led by 16 points in the late second quarter but Doncic's three-pointer with 39.6 seconds remaining gave Dallas a 99-95 lead. However, everything went Utah's way in those final 40 seconds. Utah won 100-99 to tie the series at two-all. Game 5 was a Maverick blowout, winning at home by the score of 102-77. Doncic has 33 points and 13 rebounds, while fellow guard Brunson scored 24 points. Brunson's been a "breakout star' this series, averaging 28.6-5.2-4.6. He has scored 20-plus points in five straight playoff games, despite NEVER having had 20-plus points in more than TWO straight regular-season games. Utah's Mitchell (26.7 PPG) limped off the court and grabbed at his hamstring with 4:55 to play in Game 5. An ensuing MRI was negative, and Mitchell said Wednesday, "I'm good to go. I'll be ready."

The Mavs did not make the postseason in Doncic's rookie season and in each of the last two postseasons, they have been eliminated in the first round. Dallas (with Doncic) is now just ONE win away from its first playoff series win but getting a 'W" here, will be a challenge. The Jazz have underachieved in recent postseasons but with Mitchell playing, the Jazz have the players to match Dallas. Clarkson is averaging 18.0 PPG off the bench, SF Bogdanovich (17.8 & 4.2) has had a strong series both offensively and defensively plus center Gobert (12.4 & 13.4) is easily the best big man in the game.

I think the home court WILL matter here. Utah made just 3 of 30 from three-point range in the Game 5 blowout loss and it not only was that the worst three-point field-goal percentage in Jazz history (minimum 20 attempts), it was the least-accurate performance in NBA postseason history (minimum 25 attempts), according to ESPN Stats & Info. This series is headed back to Dallas for a Game 7 on Saturday.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Situational Stunner is on the Pho Suns at 10:00 ET.

The 64-18 Suns were easily the NBA's best team this season and their first round series against the Pelicans (36-46) was expected to be a 'walk in the park!' The Suns won 110-99 in Game 1 but Devin Booker (26.8-5.0-4.8) sustained a hamstring injury in the third quarter of Game 2. He injured his right hamstring while chasing New Orleans' Jaxson Hayes in transition as the latter scored on a dunk. The Suns called timeout with 4:35 left in the quarter but Booker's night was done with the Suns trailing by three. The Pelicans then outscored Phoenix 48-40 the rest of the way to record a 125-114 road victory. Booker, who scored 31 points in the first half of Game 2, will miss the rest of the series. Suddenly, eighth-seeded New Orleans had life in the series plus home court advantage, with three of the potential five remaining games on its home floor. The Suns won Game 3 in New Orleans behind big efforts from Ayton (28 & 17) and Paul (28 & 14 assists) but the Pelicans rebounded with an impressive 118-103 home victory against the Suns on Sunday night to even the series. The Phoenix Suns are back home tonight in an unexpected situation with the No. 8 seed New Orleans Pelicans in their first-round playoff series: tied 2-2 entering Game 5.

The Pelicans heavily rely on SF Ingram (29.8-6.8-5.0), SG McCollum (24.0-7.3-6.0 and center Valanciunas (15.0 & 16.0). "Brandon is playing some of his best basketball of the season, and he's doing it on the biggest stage, and it's great to see," New Orleans coach Willie Green said. "I'm just trying to move out of the way and let him do his thing." Ingram scored 16 of his 30 points in the pivotal third quarter of Game 4 and became the first Pelicans player to score 30 points in three consecutive playoff games. Valanciunas bounced back from a poor performance in Game 3 (1 of 5 shooting for six points) to add a career playoff-high 26 points and 15 rebounds.

Here's what Phoenix head coach Monty Williams said after the Game 4 loss. "We can't worry about whether Book comes back. Obviously, we need Book back, but that's not why we lost the game. They played much harder than we did." He added, "They outplayed us; they deserve to win. (But) that's a free throw disparity that you have to look at." He was referring to the fact that the Pelicans shot 42 free throws (making 32) and the Suns shot 15 (making 10).Williams may have a point but the Suns can't afford Paul to repeat his Game 4 performance (2 of 8 shooting for four points). The Suns have outstanding depth and will need it here. Ayton is averaging 20.5 & 10.8 in the four games, while Paul has added 19.8 and 12.3 APG, despite his 4-point Game 4 performance. SFs Bridges (13.8 & 4.8) and Johnson (11.3 & 2.8) have been consistent plus backup center McGee has averaged 11.5 & 4.3 in just 13 1/2-minutes.

The Suns ARE the better team (even without Booker) and will show it here. Paul has 58 points in the Suns' two wins but just 21 in the two losses. Time to step up Chris and the Suns are favored by about a 'FG' less than they were in Games 1 and 2 at home. Lay it!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Game of the Week is on the Mem Grizzlies at 7:30 ET.

The Minnesota Timberwolves shocked the Memphis Grizzlies by winning Game 1 in Memphis 130-117. However, the second-seeded Grizzlies rebounded to win 124-96 in Game at home and then 104-95 in Minnesota in Game 3. The Game 2 win was expected but the game 3 win needed a HUGE comeback. Minnesota seemed to be on a path toward duplicating its opening success when it put up 39 points in the first quarter and then 32 in the third, while leading by as many as 26 points in Game 3 at home. However, Memphis would outscore Minnesota 37-12 in the fourth quarter, making 12 of 23 (52.2 percent) and retrieving five of its misses with offensive rebounds. The question before Game 4 was, "Would the T-wolves be able to recover from its Game 3 collapse?" The T-wolves answered with a 119-118 win, sending this series back to Memphis tied at two-all.

This is just Minnesota's SECOND postseason appearance since 2004 and a loss in Game 4 would have pretty much ended the team's postseason. However, after scoring just 15 and eight points in the team's Game 2 and 3 losses, respectively, Towns recorded a team-high 33 points, including the victory-sealing free throws in the closing seconds (plus grabbed a game-high 14 rebounds). SF Edwards (24.8-4.8-3.3) has been Minnesota's best playoff performer. Towns is averaging 21.3 & 10.8 so far, while PG Russell is scoring about FIVE points under his regular season average (13,3 to 18.1).

The Grizzlies' Ja Morant (regular-season averages of 27.4-5.7-6.7) scored 32 points in a Game 1 but Morant has scored less than his season average in each of the following contests and finished with just 11 points on 4-of-13 shooting in Saturday's Game 4 loss. He's averaging 20.5 PPG in the series but is averaging 7.8 RPG and 10.8 APG. Desmond Bane had a game-high 34 points in Game 4 and leads the Grizzlies by averaging 23.3 PPG vs Minnesota. Brooks (17.0), Clarke (15.3 & 7.0) and Jackson (10.3 & 6.0) make up a solid supporting cast.

The Game 5 winner in a seven-game series tied at two-all has a huge historical edge to eventually win the series. Only the Suns (64-18) had a better regular season record than the Grizzlies (56-26) and NO team owned a better ATS record (52-29-1). Lay the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Weekly Wipeout is on the Dal Mavs at 9:30 ET.

Dallas ended the regular season 52-30, three games better than Utah's 49-33 mark. That earned the Mavs the No. 4 seed and the home court edge in their first round series with the Jazz. However, Dallas star Luka Doncic (28.4-9.1-8.7) would miss the first three games of the series due to a strained left calf. Utah won Game 1 in Dallas but the Mavs rebounded to win Games 2 and 3. Doncic returned in Game 4 and scored 30 points with 10 rebounds and four assists. The Jazz led by 16 points in the late second quarter but Doncic's three-pointer with 39.6 seconds remaining gave Dallas a 99-95 lead. However, everything went Utah's way in those final 40 seconds. Utah won 100-99 and the series is now tied at two-all.

2021 Sixth Man of the Year Jordan Clarkson led Utah with 25 points, while Mitchell had 23-6-7 and Gobert 17 & 15. Mitchell is averaging 30.3-4.0-6.0 on the series, while Bogdanovic has added 21.8 & 5.0 (he is also being credited for some excellent defensive efforts). Clarkson has averaged 17.5 PPG and Gobert 11.3 & 14.9. Stepping up with Doncic sidelined have been guards Brunson (29.8-5.3-4.8) and Dinwiddie. Forwards Kleber (13.8 & 4.8), Bullock (12.3 & 5.8) and Finney-Smith have all outperformed their regular season numbers in this series.

The Jazz have been surrounded for quite a while now by rumors of chemistry issues between Mitchell and Gobert. How much truth there is to that is hard to decipher. Doncic 'EXPLODED' on the scene as a rookie in the 2018-19 season and is already considered as one of the NBA's best players. The Mavs did not make the postseason in his rookie season and in each of the last two postseasons, the Mavs have been eliminated in the first round. This series is VERY winnable and for that to become a reality, the Mavs need to win Game 5. The "Price is Right" and I'm backing the Doncic and Mavs tonight.

Good luck...Larry

The 3rd pick of my STP is a 9* on the Pho Suns at 9:30 ET.

The 64-18 Suns were easily the NBA's best team this season and their first round series against the Pelicans (36-46) was expected to be a 'walk in the park!' The Suns won 110-99 in Game 1 but Devin Booker (26.8-5.0-4.8) sustained a hamstring injury in the third quarter of Tuesday's Game 2. He injured his right hamstring while chasing New Orleans' Jaxson Hayes in transition as the latter scored on a dunk. The Suns called timeout with 4:35 left in the quarter but Booker's night was done with the Suns trailing by three. The Pelicans then outscored Phoenix 48-40 the rest of the way to record a 125-114 road victory. Booker is expected to miss the rest of the series (maybe much longer). Suddenly, eighth-seeded New Orleans (36-46) had life in the series plus homecourt advantage, with three of the potential five remaining games on its home floor.

Booker is a HUGE loss but the Suns have outstanding depth plus stars in center Ayton (17.2 & 10.2) and PG Paul (14.7 & 10.8 APG). SFs Bridges (14.2 & 4.2) and Johnson (12.5 & 4.1) both averaged in double digits on the season, while PF Crowder (9.4 & 5.3) is a proven veteran plus backup center McGee averaged 9.2 & 6.7 in just 16 MPG during the regular season. The top-seeded Suns bounced back from a series-tying loss at home in Game 2 to beat the host Pelicans 114-111 and take a 2-1 lead on Friday night. Deandre Ayton dominated the first half and Chris Paul dominated the fourth quarter in Game 3. Ayton had 21 of his 28 points and seven of his 17 rebounds to help Phoenix grab a 59-48 halftime lead. New Orleans got within two points at the end of the third quarter but couldn't keep up with Paul in the fourth quarter. Paul scored 19 of his 28 points in the fourth quarter, finishing with 14 assists plus didn't commit a SINGLE  turnover. For good measure, backup center McGee had 15 points (on 7 of 8 shooting) in only 15 minutes.

SF Ingram (29.7-7.7-5.0) and SG McCollum (26.0-6.7-7.3) have been outstanding in the first three games but while center Valanciunas has averaged 16.3 RPG, he's averaging only 11.3 PPG after he scored only SIX points in the Game 3 loss. Meanwhile, his backup (Larry Nance Jr.) made just ONE of eight shots and had four rebounds. In the first two games, Valanciunas averaged 14 points and 19.0 rebounds, while Nance averaged 13.5 points (on 11-of-17 shooting). "We'll be fine," Pelicans head coach Willie Green said. "(It's a) long series. We still won at their place. They came and got one at our place. Give them credit. They played hard (and) played together. We'll regroup, watch some tape, and come back Sunday and be ready."

I do NOT think New Orleans "will be fine," nor do I think it will be a LONG series. Take the Suns to win and cover here, which will give them a 3-1 lead.

Good luck...Larry

The 2nd pick of my STP is a 10* on the Atl Hawks at 7:00 ET.

The Atlanta Hawks made a surprising run to the Eastern Conference finals last season, while the Miami Heat, after making it to the NBA Finals two years ago (lost to the Lakers 4-2), got swept 4-0 in the first round by the Milwaukee Bucks. Much was expected from Atlanta this season but the Hawks finished as the East's No. 9 seed and needed two 'play in' wins to earn the final playoff spot in the East. As for the Heat, they spent most of the season at or near the top of the highly competitive East and finished with the No. 1 seed (53-29), two games better than Celtics, Bucks and 76ers (all 51-31).

The Heat scored exactly 115 points in each of the first two games of this series, with Atlanta scoring only 91 points in Game 1's blowout, before playing better in Game 2 with 105 points in a 10-point loss. Game 3 was Friday night in Atlanta and it was close all the way. Miami's Butler missed a jumper off the front rim with 12.6 seconds left with Miami up 110-109. Atlanta's Bogdan Bogdanovic grabbed the rebound and quickly flipped the ball to Young in transition. Young drove the lane and floated a shot over Butler's attempted block. The ball hit the front rim, backboard and rim again before dancing into the net, giving the Hawks a 111-110 lead with 4.4 seconds remaining (that was the final).

Game 4 is Sunday and by tonight, it will be either 3-1 Miami or the series will be tied at two-all. Miami may be without PG Kyle Lowry, who injured his left hamstring in the third quarter of Game 3. Lowry (13.4-4.5-7.5 in the regular season) missed the entire fourth quarter, finishing with six points and five assists in 23 minutes. His status for Sunday has not yet been determined. Another issue for Miami is that center Adebayo is managing a left quad injury and it has yet to be determined if he will play in Game 4. Adebayo averaged 19.1-10.1-3.4 during the regular season but his line is 9.3-7.0-4.3 after three games of this series.

Trae Young is just the second player in NBA history to lead the league in total points and assists, averaging 28.4 PPG and a career-high 9.7 APG. He made the game-winning play on Friday but he has averaged a modest 19.0 PPG in the series, shooting only 37.0% overall, including an abysmal 17.4% on threes. That's compared to him shooting 46.0% on the season, including 38.2% on threes. I say, look out for a BIG game from Trae. Center Capela (11.1 & 11.9) has missed the entire series but note that Atlanta has SIX players averaging between 9.0 and 17.7 PPG in the series. Most importantly, the Hawks have won 21 of their last 24 games at home. The series heads back to Miam tied at two-all.

Good luck...Larry

The 1st pick of my STP is a 9* on the Mil Bucks at 1:00 ET.

The Chicago Bulls ended a four-year playoff drought this season by going 46-36 (East's No. 6 seed). Chicago's first round opponent would be the third-seed Bucks, who are the NBA's defending champs. Milwaukee won a low-scoring contest in Game 1 (93-86) but the Bulls shocked the Bucks with 114-110 win in Game 2, as the Bulls' key trio of DeRozan, Vucevic and LaVine went 33 of 62 (53.2 percent) from the floor while scoring a combined total of 85 points. To add insult to injury, Milwaukee's Khris Middleton (20.1-5.4-5.4 in the regular season) sprained the MCL in his left knee, leaving Game 2 with 6:49 remaining. He did not return and he is expected to miss the remainder of the series (at least!).

The series shifted to Chicago for Game 3 but DeRozan, Vucevic and LaVine combined for only 45 points, 40 points less than in Game 2. The result? Milwaukee won going away, 111-81. Chicago shot 49.4 percent overall (48.0 percent on three-pointers) in its Game 2 win but has shot poorly while averaging only 83.5 PPG in its two losses. Is the Chicago offense to blame or does the Milwaukee defense deserve the credit? Here's a stat no one can dispute. Chicago is 1-6 against Milwaukee this season and 2-18 against them going back to 2018. What's more, while the Bulls were in the mix all season in the competitive East, they went just 2-21 against the top-four teams in both conferences during the regular season. Take the Bucks.

Good luck...Larry

The 3rd pick of my STP is a 9* on the Min T-wolves at 10:00 ET.

The Minnesota Timberwolves shocked the Memphis Grizzlies by winning Game 1 in Memphis 130-117 However, the second-seeded Grizzlies rebounded to win 124-96 in Game at home and then 104-95 in Minnesota in Game 3. The Game 2 was expected but the game 3 win needed a HUGE comeback. Minnesota seemed to be on a path toward duplicating its opening success when it put up 39 points in the first quarter and then 32 in the third, while leading by as many as 26 points in Game 3 at home. However, Memphis would outscore Minnesota 37-12 in the fourth quarter, making 12 of 23 (52.2 percent) and retrieving five of its misses with offensive rebounds.

As Game 4 gets set to tip-off, the question looms, "Will the T-wolves be able to recover from its Game 3 collapse?" The Timberwolves led for more than 39 of the 48 minutes in Game 3. The T-wolves need Towns (24.6 & 9.8) to get back on track. He shot 11 of 18 and scored 29 points in the Game 1 win but he has been harassed into just 11 total shots and 23 total points in the Game 2 and Game 3 losses. Memphis star Ja Morant (27.4-5.7-6.7) has seen his numbers go down over the course of the series as well, from 32 points to 23 and then to 16 in Game 3. However, his supporting cast has been MUCH better than Towns'. In fact, the Memphis bench has outscored Minnesota's 133-108, shooting 54.3 percent as opposed to the Timberwolves' 42.7 percent.

This is just Minnesota's SECOND postseason appearance since 2004 and a loss here pretty much ends its 2022 'journey.' I'm taking the near-desperate home dog.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* 1st Round Game of the Year is on the Brk Nets at 7:30 ET.

The Nets were preseason favorites in the East and were fighting for the East lead back in January but at 29-16 through Jan 21, went on an 11-game losing streak. The Nets were not able to hold onto a top-six seed and entered the 'play-in' round as the No. 7 seed, where they beat the Cavs 115-108 to earn this first-round contest with the Celtics. Boston was just 25-25 back on Jan 28 but ended the regular season on a 26-6. Boston's 51-31 matched that of Milwaukee and Philadelphia, but the Celtics got the No. 2 seed via tiebreakers. The Nets have had a chance in each of the first two games in this series but the Celtics have gone up 2-0. Boston won 115-114 on a last second basket by Tatum in Game 1 and then outscored Brooklyn 29-17 in the fourth quarter of Game 2 (Nets shot 5 of 19) to win 114-107. It's safe to say "it's NOW or NEVER for the Nets!"

Boston's "Dynamic Duo" of Tatum (5.0-5.0-9.0) and Brown (22.5-4.5-4.5) have led the way plus have been ably supported buy veteran PF/C Horford (18.0 & 10.5) and Defensive POY Smart (16.0-4.0-5.5). Durant (25.0-4.0-4.0) and Kyrie (24.5-6.5-3.5) have similar numbers to Tatum and Brown but K.D. has been "off his game." The Celtics held Durant to 9-of-24 shooting in Game 1 and forced him into six turnovers. Boston erased a 17-point deficit in Game 2 and held Durant to 4-of-17 shooting with another six turnovers. Looking closer,  KD was 2 of 12 in the first half of Game 1 and 0 of 10 after halftime in Game 2.

"It's on me to just finish it and figure it out," Durant said. "I'm not expecting my teammates or the defense to give me anything. I just got to go out there and play." He added, "I've just got to come back and play. Get ready to work, just keep grinding. I'm going to be expected to be aggressive throughout the rest of this series, so control some of that stuff and look at film and keep playing." Boston's on a roll (to say the least) but this is a game the Nets HAVE to win and WILL win! Expect a HUGE game from KD.

Good luck...Larry

The 2nd pick of my STP is a 9* on the Ut Jazz at 4:30 ET.

The Utah Jazz had a great chance to take a 2-0 lead in their series with the Dallas Mavericks after winning Game 1 at Dallas 99-93. Doncic was a definite "no go" in Game 2 but Jalen Brunson scored a career-high 41 points plus Dallas made a team playoff-record 22 three-point and had only THREE turnovers in a 110-104 Dallas. Utah returned home tied 1-1 and still owned the home court edge but the Jazz fell behind by 17 points at home in Game 3 and got outplayed down the stretch against a team still missing its superstar. The Doncic-less Mavericks won Game 3 by a score of 126-118 at Vivint Arena (Brunson had 31 points!) and it didn't sit well with the home crowd. The boos from Utah fans were aimed at their own team

Brunson (32.0-5.3-5.0) has been a revelation for the Mavericks in this series. Fellow guard Dinwiddie has added 19.7-4.3-6.7 plus forwards Kleber (17.3 & 4.3), Bullock (12.7 & 5.3) and Finney-Smith (12.3 & 6.3) have also performed admirably. As Utah's Donovan Mitchell said about the boos, "It's part of the game. And we weren't playing well." Mitchell (32.7-3.3-5.7) and Bogdanovich (25.9 & 5.3) have played well but the Jazz have yet to put together a solid 48 minutes in this series. The Jazz gradually trimmed a 17-point deficit down to one in the fourth quarter of Game 3 and part of that comeback came when Utah had its best defender, Rudy Gobert, on the bench and went small ball. "I like what we did in the second half," Gobert said. "I like how we came out defensively and the offense takes care of itself when we play with that intensity defensively. Now the question is for us: Can we have that intensity for 48 minutes?" It's still questionable whether Doncic will be healed enough to play on Saturday (the line indicates he likely won't) and I'm taking the Jazz to even the series at 2-2 all with a win AND cover!

Good luck...Larry

The 1st pick of my STP is a 9* on Phi/Tor Over at 2:00 ET.

Toronto won 50-plus games over a five-year stretch prior to last season (won the NBA title in 2019), playing .693 basketball. However, the Raptors 'dropped like a rock' last season, finishing 27-45 (.375). The Raptors were a .500 team in late January, but an eight-game winning streak got them back in playoff position. The team was a modest 34-30 in early March but ended the season winning 14 of 18 and wound up with the East's No. 5 seed. Philadelphia battled at the top of the East all season but in the end, Miami (53-29) won the East, while Boston, Milwaukee and Philadelphia all finished 51-31. Due to tiebreakers, the 76ers wound up as the No. 4 seed and got Toronto in the first round.

The 76ers won Games 1 (131-111) and 2 (112-97) in Philly, then Joel Embiid's clutch overtime winner in Game 3 (104-101 Philly victory) gave Philadelphia a 3-0 lead. Saturday, the visiting 76ers will go for a 4-0 sweep. Embiid (27.7 & 13.0), Maxey (26.7-5.7-3.7), Harris (19.0 & 9.3) and Harden (18.3-5.7-10.0) have made up Philly's "Core 4." Toronto hopes to have rookie Scottie Barnes (15.3 & 7.5) back for Game 4 from his sprained ankle, as he has missed the past two games after playing well until he was injured in Game 1 (15-10-8). A return by Barnes would surely help but Toronto still has FOUR more players who all averaged more than 17 PPG this season. The group includes Siakam (22.8-8.5-5.3), VanVleet (20.3-4.4-6.7), Trent (18.3) and Anunoby (17.1 & 5.5).

No NBA team has overcome a 3-0 deficit to win a playoff series but I do NOT see Nick Nurse letting his team go out with a whimper. The Raptors scored just 97 points in Game 2 (11 of 32 on threes) and then had just 95 points in Game 3 during regulation (13 of 35 on threes). The Raptors won't win this series and may not win Game 4 but I see them scoring in the 110s. Considering that the 76ers have averaged 115.7 PPG in the series, this game is Goin' Over!

Good luck...Larry

The 3rd pick of my STP is a 10* on the Pho Suns at 9:30 ET.

The 64-18 Suns were easily the NBA's best team this season and their first round series against the Pelicans (36-46) was expected to be a 'walk in the park!' The Suns won 110-99 in Game 1 but Devin Booker (26.8-5.0-4.8) sustained a hamstring injury in the third quarter of Tuesday's Game 2. He injured his right hamstring while chasing New Orleans' Jaxson Hayes in transition as the latter scored on a dunk. The Suns called timeout with 4:35 left in the quarter but Booker's night was done with the Suns trailing by three. The Pelicans then outscored Phoenix 48-40 the rest of the way to record a 125-114 road victory. Booker, who scored 31 points in the first half of Game 2, is expected to miss the rest of the series (maybe much longer). Suddenly, eighth-seeded New Orleans has life in the series plus homecourt advantage, with three of the potential five remaining games on its home floor.

Booker is a HUGE loss but the Suns have outstanding depth plus stars in center Ayton (17.2 & 10.2)) and PG Paul (14.7 & 10.8 APG). SFs Bridges (14.2 & 4.2) and Johnson (12.5 & 4.1) both averaged in double digits on the season, while PF Crowder (9.4 & 5.3) is a proven veteran plus backup center McGee averaged 9.2 & 6.7 in just 16 MPG during the regular season. SF Ingram (27.5-8.0-6.5), SG McCollum (24.0-8.0-7.5) and center Valanciunas (14.0 & 189.0) have been outstanding in the first two games for New Orleans. However, just FIVE No. 8 seeds have upset a No. 1 seed and I don't believe New Orleans will be the sixth. The Suns went 32-9 at home and also 32-9 on the road (both were NBA bests!). No Booker, No problem here!

Good luck...Larry

The 2nd pick of my STP is a 9* on the Mil Bucks at 8:30 ET.

The Chicago Bulls ended a four-year playoff drought this season by going 46-36 (East's No. 6 seed). Chicago's first round opponent would be the third-seed Bucks, who are the NBA's defending champs. Chicago shot just 32.3 percent from the floor in Game 1, scoring just 86 points in a seven-point loss. That couldn't have come as a surprise, as the Bulls fell to 0-5 against Milwaukee this season and 1-17 against them going back to 2018. What's more, while the Bulls were in the mix all season in the competitive East, they had gone just 2-21 against the top-four teams in both conferences.

However, led by DeRozan's career playoff-high 41 points, Chicago took Game 2 by the score of 114-110. The Bulls' key trio of DeRozan, Vucevic and LaVine went 21 of 71 (29.6 percent) from the floor in Game 1 but in Game 2, went 33 of 62 (53.2 percent). To add insult to injury, Milwaukee's Khris Middleton (20.1-5.4-5.4 in the regular season,) sprained the MCL in his left knee, leaving Game 2 with 6:49 remaining. He did not return and according to multiple reports, he is expected to miss the remainder of the series (at least!). I refuse to overthink this. Even without Middleton, the Giannis Antetokounmpo-led Bucks are the much superior team. "The Price is Right" for a Milwaukee win AND cover!

Good luck...Larry

The 1st pick of my STP is a 9* on the Atl Hawks at 7:00 ET.

The Atlanta Hawks made a surprising run to the Eastern Conference finals last season, while the Miami Heat, after making it to the NBA Finals two years ago (lost to the Lakers 4-2), got swept 4-0 in the first round by the Milwaukee Bucks. Much was expected from Atlanta this season but the Hawks finished as the East's No. 9 seed and needed two 'play in' wins to earn the final playoff spot in the East. As for the Heat, they spent most of the season at or near the top of the highly competitive East and finished with the No. 1 seed (53-29), two games better than Celtics, Bucks and 76ers (all 51-31).

Miami's Jimmy Butler has helped Miami to a 2-0 lead by scoring 21 points in Game 1 and then 45 in Game 2, The Heat have scored exactly 115 points in each game, with Atlanta scoring only 91 points in Game 1's blowout, before playing better in Game 2 with 105 points in a 10-point loss (Hawks were 8-point underdogs). Meanwhile, Atlanta star Trae Young (28.4 & 9.7 APG on the season) has been awful. He made just 1 of 12 shots (0-7 on three) in Game (eight points) and even though his line looked better in Game 2 (25-6-7), he was 2 of 10 on threes plus had a career-worst 10 turnovers.

History tells us that NBA teams that take 2-0 leads eventually win that series 92.9 percent of the time. In fact, the Hawks have never rallied from an 0-2 deficit, losing in all 26 of those cases. Miami is 17-0 when taking a 2-0 lead but the question here isn't whether the Hawks can come back and win the series. Rather, it's can they win Game 3? The Hawks finished the regular season and play-in tournament with wins in 20 of their last 23 home games. I say Atlanta wins this one.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Game of the Week is on the Den Nuggets at 10:00 ET.

PG Jamal Murray has never played a game for Denver this season and SF Michael Porter Jr. was lost after he played in just nine. However, the Nuggets would go 48-34 to earn the West's No. 6 seed. Denver drew the Golden St Warriors in the first round, the West's No. 3 seed. Steph Curry missed the final 12 regular season games with the Warriors going 6-6. However, they entered the playoffs having won their last FIVE. The Warriors have opened the series with two impressive wins, as Poole has taken Curry's place in the starting lineup. Poole (18.5 PPG). scored 30 points in Game 1 and scored 29 in Game 2. As for Curry, he had 16 points in Game 1 in 22 minutes off the bench, then scored 34 points (again off the bench in 23 minutes) in Game 2. Thompson (20.0) and Wiggins (14.5 & 8.5) have also had two solid games.

Denver had a solid regular season even without two of their top-three players but have NOT been able to stay with Golden St in San Francisco, allowing 123 and 126 points in 16- and 20-point losses. Jokic has averaged 25.5-10.5-5.0 in the first two games but swingman Barton (18.0-8.0-3.5) is the only other Nugget to play well. PF Gordon (15.0 PPG in the regular season) has been awful (7.5 PPG) and a fairly deep group of role players have NOT been up to the challenge. The Nuggets didn't have an answer for the Warriors' small lineup of Curry, Thompson and Poole (trio combined for 84 of the Warriors 126 points in Game 2). Denver NEEDS a win Thursday in Game 3 or will face the possibility of being swept out of the postseason for the second straight season. "We've got to figure it out, because getting swept again, not a good look for nobody, and it's embarrassing," PG Monte Morris said. "If we've got any pride, we've got to find out real soon because it's not going to get no easier for us." The Warriors are off two near-perfect efforts, so I'm taking the small home underdog.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Weekly Wipeout is on the Tor Raptors at 8:00 ET.

Full, detailed analysis by 7:00 ET.

My 10* Playoff Game of the Day is on the Mem Grizzlies at 8:30 ET.

The Memphis Grizzlies opened the season just 9-10 but then won 10 of 11. From there, it was a steady climb up the Western Conference standings, as the Grizzlies would finish 56-26 by going 47-16 after that 9-10 start. Only the 64-18 Suns had a better regular season at 64-18 (Suns' winning percentage was .780 and Memphis' was .746 over its final 63 games). Minnesota went 46-36 and finished as the top-seed in the 'play-in' tournament (No. 7). The T-wolves needed a big 4th-quarter comeback against the Clippers in the 7 vs 8 game but got it and earned just its second postseason appearance since 2004. In Game 1, the T-wolves pulled away for a 130-117 victory.

Minnesota's "Big 3" this season was center Towns (24.6 & 9.8), SF Edwards (21.3 & & 4.8) and pG Russell (18,1 & 7.1 APG). The team has excellent depth, although only Beasley (12.1) reached double digits on the season. Anthony Edwards was the Game 1 star, scoring 36 points in 40 minutes against Memphis on Saturday. Towns finished with 29 points and 13 rebounds plus Beasley scored 23 points. PG Russell had an off night, with 10 points (made only 2 of 11) but added nine assists. Ja Morant (27.4-5.7-6.7) scored 32 points and added eight assists in Game 1, while fellow guards Brooks had 24 and Bane 17 points, respectively. PF Clarke added 13 & 12 but center Adams (6.9 & 10.0 on the season) was INEPT against Towns, playing 24 minutes with ZERO points and just three rebounds.

Bounce -back time for Memphis, as the Grizzlies made only 7 of 27 from three-point range, while the T-wolves made 16 of 41 and shot 50.0% overall for the game. Lay the points!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* PERFECT STORM is on the Atl Hawks at 7:30 ET.

Much was expected from the Hawks after they made it all the way to the Eastern Conference finals last season. However, Atlanta was just 17-25 through Jan 15, before a seven-game winning streak put them back in 'play-in' position (hovered around .500 since that winning streak). Atlanta finished 43-39 (No. 9 Seed) but beat the Hornets 132-103 and Cleveland 107-101 on the road to capture the No. 8 seed. The Heat made an improbable run all the way to the NBA Finals in 2020 but last season were swept 4-0 in the first round by Milwaukee, the eventual NBA champs. Miami hung around the top of the East all season and clinched the No. 1 overall seed in the Eastern Conference playoff during the final week, giving Miami (53-29) its fourth No. 1 seed in team history. In Game 1, it was all Miami in Game 1, as the heat won 115-91.

The Heat won easily, despite poor games from TWO of their "Big 3" players. SF Butler (21.4-5.9-5.5) had 21 points but guard Herro (20.7) and center Adebayo (19.1 & 10.1) each scored only SIX points (duo combined to make 4 of 16 shots). The 'star' was Robinson, who was recently replaced in the starting lineup by Strus, scored 27 points (made eight of nine 3-pointers). Atlanta got good news with the return of PF Collins (16.2 & 7.8), who scored 10 points and added four rebounds in 21 minutes. However, center Capela (11.1-11.9) injured his knee and will miss at least a week. Seven Atlanta players averaged double digits this season, but the Hawks CAN'T win when Trae Young (28.4 & 9.7 APG) makes ONE of 12 shots (0-7 on threes) like he did in Game 1.

Adjustments will be made and while Hero and Adebayo will play better, Robinson and PJ Tucker (16 points), won't. NO doubt that Young will bounce back (he averaged 31.5 PPG in the two 'play-in' wins) and I see this game coming down to the wire. Take the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on the Den Nuggets at 10:00 ET.

Steph Curry missed the final 12 regular season games with the Warriors going 6-6. However, they entered the playoffs having won their last FIVE. Golden St hosted Denver in Game 1 on Friday and Jordan Poole got the start over Curry, who came off the bench. All Poole (18.5 PPG) did was score 30 points to tie Hall of Famer Mitch Richmond (1989) for the second-highest scoring playoff debut in Warriors' history, as Golden St won 123-107. Four more teammates joined Poole in double digits, led by Thompson's 19 points and Curry's 16 (off the bench). Wiggins had 16 & 9, while Green's line was 12-6-9. The Warriors made 54.2% from the floor, including 16 of 35 on threes. Denver's Nikola Jokic (27.1-13.8-7.9), the favorite to repeat as league MVP, registered 25 points, 10 rebounds and six assists for Denver. However, his impact was minor, as the Nuggets trailed by as many as 24 points. Swingman Barton had 24-6-5 and was really the only other Denver player to have a good game. Denver made 46.2% for the game, including 11 of 35 on threes.

Steve Kerr has not announced whether Poole will start again but the Warriors will feel confident either way. "Wow, what a playoff debut," Klay Thompson said. "He's just incredible. What a star in the making." The Nuggets didn't look anything like the team that won three of four regular-season outings against the Warriors. There also continue to be rumblings that star guard Jamal Murray -- out the past 12 months due to an ACL tear -- could return later in the series. Then, after the Game 1 loss, forward Michael Porter Jr. said he might return during the series. Porter has been sidelined five-plus months due to back woes that included undergoing surgery for the third time in the past 4 1/2 years. I sure wouldn't count on those guys coming back and if they did, how effective could they be.

The Nuggets have plenty of depth and I expect them to bounce back here, with Jokic leading the way. Denver's recent playoff history has been that of a team that just "never gives up" and I expect the Nuggets will be a 'tough out' in this one. Take the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* "Signature" 38-Club Play is on the Bos Celtics at 3:30 ET.

The Nets were preseason favorites in the East and were fighting for the East lead back in January but at 29-16 through Jan 21, went on an 11-game losing streak. The Nets were not able to hold onto a top-six seed and entered the 'play-in' round as the No. 7 seed, where they beat the Cavs 115-108 to earn this first-round contest with the Celtics. Boston was just 25-25 back on Jan 28 but ended the regular season on a 26-6. Boston's 51-31 matched that of Milwaukee and Philadelphia, but the Celtics got the No. 2 seed via tiebreakers.

The Nets beat the Cavs last Tuesday in large part due their "Dynamic Duo" of to its superstar firepower. Kyrie Irving (27.4-4.4-5.8) and Kevin Durant (29.9-7.4-6.4). Kyrie had 34 points and 12 assists, while KD added 25 points and 11 rebounds. PF Aldrige (12.9 & 5.5) and guard Mills (11.4 PPG) have been solid contributors on the season (note: Mills missed just ONE game). Guard Curry has averaged 14.9 PPG and center Drummond (11.8 & 10.3) have played VERY well after coming to Brooklyn in the Harden-Simmons trade. Speaking of Dynamic Duos, the Celtics own one in Tatum (26.9 & 8.0) and Brown (23.6 & 6.1). I guess all the talk that Tatum and Brown were NOT getting along and that they were NOT able to "play well with others," is nothing but a distant memory (distraction). Guard Smart (12.1-3.8-5.9) is a team leader and its best perimeter defender. White has joined him in the backcourt to add 11.0 PPG in his 26 games since coming from the Spurs. C/PF Horford (10.2 & 7.7) is the veteran of many playoff 'wars' but the Celtics will be without Roberts Williams (10.0 & 9.6), due to meniscus damage in his left knee. The Nets won the first meeting of the season with the 123-10 (Nov 24) but have lost the last three (played from Feb 8-Mar 6), allowing 126,129 and 126 points. Defense is NOT a Brooklyn strength. Meanwhile, the Celtics led the NBA in several defensive categories, including points allowed at 104.5 per game (isn't that the MOST important defensive stat?). Holding opponents to 43.4% shooting (including 33.9% on threes), are also two pretty good stats to rank No. 1 in!

Boston's rookie head coach Ime Udoka, a longtime assistant to Gregg Popovich in San Antonio, believes having six days off leading into Game 1 has benefited him and his team. "I think nine years of being an assistant, and making the playoffs every year, and playing in a few championships in high-pressure situations has prepared me for this," he claimed. "I think the team is ready as well." I'm with Ume. Lay the modest points. 

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Game of the Week is on the Phi 76ers at 6:00 ET.

Toronto won 50-plus games over a five-year stretch prior to last season (won the NBA title in 2019), playing .693 basketball. However, the Raptors 'dropped like a rock' last season, finishing 27-45 (.375). The Raptors were a .500 team in late January, but an eight-game winning streak got them back in playoff position. The team was a modest 34-30 in early March but ended the season winning 14 of 18 and wound up with the East's No. 5 seed. Philadelphia battled at the top of the East all season but in the end, Miami (53-29) won the East, while Boston, Milwaukee and Philadelphia all finished 51-31. Due to tiebreakers, the 76ers wound up as the No. 4 seed and will get Toronto in the first round.

The Raptors have FIVE players scoring 15-plus PPG, led by PF Siakam (22.8-8.5-5.3) and PG VavVleet (20.3-4.4-6.3). They also have quality big men coming off the bench in Boucher (9.4 & 6.2) and Achiuwa (9.1 & 4.5). The 76ers thought their championship window would be open for a decade with the Embiid-Simmons pairing, only to watch their relationship with Simmons disintegrate. They traded him to Brooklyn for Harden. Embiid (30.6-11.7-4.2) has MVP-worthy numbers, plus PG Maxey (17.5 & 4.3 APG) and PF Harris (17.2 & 6.8) have had strong seasons. In fact, Embiid won the scoring title this season and joined Allen Iverson and Wilt Chamberlain as the only 76ers to average at least 30 points in a season. As for Harden, he's averaged 21.0-7.1-10.5 in his 21 games with Philly, with the Sixers going 14-7 (.667). In games before Harden arrived and in games he missed while with Philly, the 76ers are 37-24 (.607). The verdict is in. Philly is a better team with Harden and the team believes it's in "full win-now mode."

The best Philly team in Embiid's tenure was in 2019 when the 76ers lost to the Raptors on Kawhi Leonard's four-bounce Game 7 buzzer-beater in the second round. The Raptors went on to win the NBA title. The 76ers have seemingly never recovered from one of the more crushing defeats in team history. Philly needs to get off to a winning start in this series and the fact that Toronto won THREE of the four meetings this season will provide all the motivation the team will need. Lay the modest points.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Weekly Wipeout is on the LA Clippers at 10:05 ET.

The New Orleans Pelicans haven't seen Zion Williamson on the court all season and similarly, the LA Clippers' Kawhi Leonard never got near the court this season and Paul George was limited to 31 games. However, ONE of the two teams will grab final Western Conference postseason berth Friday night in LA. The Pelicans began the season losing 12 of 13 games but the bottom half of the Western Conference was VERY weak this season, so despite a 36-46 record, the Pels made the 'Play-In' round as the No. 9 seed. They advanced to this game by beating the visiting Spurs, who were just 34-48, 113-103. The Clippers were one of the final four teams standing last season before falling to the Suns in six games in the Western Conference finals but the club has often been in disarray this season with Leonard sidelined all season and fellow star Paul George missing more than three months with an elbow injury. The Clippers finished 42-40 (No. 8 seed) and played at Minnesota (No. 7 seed) on Wednesday, losing 109-104 (more in a bit).

The midseason acquisition of guard CJ McCollum from the Portland Trail Blazers has helped New Orleans reach this stage. He averaged 24.3-4.5-5.8 in 26 regular season games with New Orleans, joining SF Ingram (22.7-5.8-5.6) and center Valanciunas (17.8 & 11.4) as the team's mainstays. In the Pels' win over SA, McCollum scored 32 points (added six rebounds and seven assists), Ingram had 27-5-5 and Valanciunas 222 & 14. Doing the math, those three accounted for 72% of New Orleans' points. Meanwhile, George (24.3-6.9-5.7) was superb in his return from an elbow injury that sidelined him for more than three months. He has averaged 22.6-5.6-6.8 in the five games after rejoining the team on March 29, making 21 of 40 three-point attempts (52.5 percent). The Clippers are also a deep team, as FIVE season-long regulars are scoring in double figures (PG Jackson tops the list averaging 16.8 PPG), plus trade pickup PF Covington (10.4 & 5.1) has added notable contributions. The Clippers received a MAJOR boost last week when Norman Powell returned from a foot injury that sidelined him for 22 games. He came from Portland in early Feb and averaged 21.0 PPG in three games, then went down with an injury. However, in his two games back, he's scored 24 and 20 points, making 7 of 10 from three-point range.

The Clippers HAD the T-wolves beat on Tuesday, leading by 10 points with 8:54 remaining before the Timberwolves took control with a 16-2 surge. Amazingly, most of that run occurred after Minnesota star Karl-Anthony Towns fouled out with 7:34 left. The contest against Minnesota was George's sixth since returning and he poured in 34 points while making six 3-pointers. Jackson added 17-7-5 and Powell had 16 points off the bench. The Clippers hope to have backup guard Luke Kennard (11.9 PPG on 44.9% shooting from three-point range) back from a hamstring injury in the regular-season finale against the Oklahoma City Thunder. He sat out the game in Minnesota after being injured. Both LA head coach Lue and George have been quick to say the Clippers need to set aside the disappointing setback at Minny in the team's second-chance play-in game. "That's our focus now," Lue said of the must-win contest. "Got one game to win to get into the playoffs. We'll be ready to go on Friday." Surprisingly, the Pelicans went 3-1 against the Clippers this season with the victories coming by an average of 18.7 points. However, Los Angeles won the final meeting, 119-100 at home on April 3. That's what I'm expecting here. as LA's playoff experience (led by George) produces a B-L-O-W-O-U-T!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* "Win or go Home" play is on the Cha Hornets at 7:00 ET.

The Charlotte Hornets went 33-39 last season but then got routed 144-117 by the Pacers in the 'play-in' round, missing the postseason for the FIFTH straight season. The Hornets improved to 43-39 this season but are in the 'play-in' round again, this time against the Atlanta Hawks. Much was expected from the Hawks after they made it all the way to the Eastern Conference finals last season. However, Atlanta was just 17-25 through Jan 15, before a seven-game winning streak put them back in 'play-in' position (hovering around .500 since that winning streak). Atlanta would go 26-14 its last 40 games (won SEVEN of the last nine) and would finish 43-39. The Hawks own a tiebreaker edge over the Hornets and that means tonight's "Win or go Home" game will be played in Atlanta.

The Hornets and Hawks split four games during the season, with THREE of the four games being decided by 10-plus points. The Hornets will continue to be without forward Gordon Hayward (15.9-4.8-3.6) because of an ankle injury but Charlotte has become used to playing without him. The Hornets have three quality point-producers in SF Bridges (20.2-7.0-3.8), PG Ball (20.1-6.7-7,6) and guard Rozier (19.3-4.3-4.5). Oubre (15.0 & 4.0) has come off the bench most of the season, PF Washington (10.3 & 5.2) will likely start in Hayward's place plus Plumlee (6.5 & 7.7) has played in AND started 73 games this season. Then there is PF Harrell, who has averaged 11.4 & 4.9 in 21 minutes off the bench in his 25 games since joining the Hornets back in early Feb.

Trae Young (28.4 & 9.7 APG) led the NBA in total points and assists this season, with his 28.4 PPG ranking 4th-best. PF John Collins (16.2 & 7.8) has played in just FOUR of the team's last 27 games and remains out with a foot injury. However, the Hawks do have FIVE more players averaging between center Capela's 11.1 & 11.9 and SG Bogdanocvich's 15.1 & 4.0.

As noted, the teams finished with the same record and both were just ONE game behind the Nets and the Cavs (7th and 8th seeds). The Nets won last night but failed to cover against the Cavs and I can see a similar scenario in this game, with the Hawks winning but NOT covering. Actually, I expect the Hornets to win outright but TAKE the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* 'Play-In' Payoff is on the LA Clippers at 9:30 ET.

The Minnesota Timberwolves began the current season having reached the playoffs just once since the 2003-04 season and had a winning record just TWICE in that 17-year span (in 2004-05 and in 2017-18, the team's lone postseason appearance). However, the 46-36 T-wolves can clinch a postseason spot tonight when they host the Los Angeles Clippers in a play-in game. The Clippers finished 42-20 in a season in which Kawhi never got near the court and Paul George was limited to 31 games.

However, George (24.3-6.9-5.7) has been superb since his return from an elbow injury that sidelined him for more than three months. He has averaged 22.6-5.6-6.8 in the five games after rejoining the team on March 29, making 21 of 40 three-point attempts (52.5 percent). The Clippers are a deep team, as FIVE season-long regulars are scoring in double figures (PG Jackson tops the list averaging 16.8 PPG), plus trade pickup PF Covington (10.4 & 5.1) has added notable contributions. The Clippers received a MAJOR boost last week when Norman Powell returned from a foot injury that sidelined him for 22 games. He came from Portland in early Feb and averaged 21.0 PPG in three games, then went down with an injury. However, in his two games back, he's scored 24 and 20 points, making 7 of 10 from three-point range.

Minnesota's "Big 3" consists of center Towns (24.6 & 9.8), SF Edwards (21.3-4.8-3.8) and PG Russell (18.1 & 7.1 APG). Beasley (12.1) is the fourth double digit scorer but Minnesota also has SEVEN more players adding between 6.9 and 9.2 PPG. Of concern for Minnesota is that PG Russell is dealing with hamstring soreness and it remains to be seen if he will be available for tonight's contest.

It's hard NOT to root for Minnesota but the team struggled down the stretch, going 4-6 SU and 2-8 ATS. The Clippers own a big experience edge, having made the postseason in NINE of the previous 10 seasons, reaching the Western Conference finals before losing to the Phoenix Suns in six games last year. The Clippers have averaged 127.3 PPG in winning SIX of their final seven games (lone loss was in OT at Chicago), while the Timberwolves are allowing 122.8 PPG over their last 10 games. Take the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Eastern Conference Game of the Month is on the Atl Hawks at 8:10 ET.

Much was expected from the Hawks after they made it all the way to the Eastern Conference finals last season. However, Atlanta was just 17-25 through Jan 15, before a seven-game winning streak put them back in 'play-in' position (have hovered around .500 since that winning streak). The 42-38 Hawks visit Miami having secured a 'play-in' berth and are tied with the Nets for the No. 8 seed. Atlanta has won SIX of seven and a chance at earning that No. 8 seed WILL provide motivation plus both the Hawks and Nets are just ONE game behind the Cavs (No. 7 seed).

As for Miami, the Heat made an improbable run all the way to the NBA Finals in 2020 but last season were swept 4-0 in the first round by Milwaukee, the eventual NBA champs. Miami has been around the top of the East all season and clinched the No. 1 overall seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs on Thursday. Losses by the Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics gave Miami its fourth No. 1 seed in team history. The Heat came out on top of the competitive conference despite Jimmy Butler (21.4-5.9-5.6), Bam Adebayo (19.0 & 10.1) and Kyle Lowry (13,4-4.5-7.6) missing significant time throughout the season. Herro (20.8-5.0-3.9) seems a shoo-in to win 6th-man-of-the-year.

PG Young (28.3 & 9.7 APG) continues to shine for Atlanta but PF Collins (16.2 & 7.8) has played in just FOUR of the team's last 25 games. Five more Hawks contribute double digits, spanning from SG Bogdanovich (14.9 & 3.9) to center Capela (10.9 & 11.8). Young scored 30 points in Wednesday's win over the Wizards, Danilo Gallinari added 26, and Bogdan Bogdanovic scored his 18 points off 6-of-9 shooting from three-point range as a reserve. I noted earlier that the Hawks enter having won SIX of seven and will add here that in each of their six wins, the Hawks have scored 118 points or more. Atlanta has LOTS to play for here (end season at the pathetic 20-60 Rockets), while Miami is just biding time until it learns which one of the four 'play-in' teams will be its first round opponent (could be Atlanta). The Hawks roll in this one, as it would be no surprise if Miami rested some players.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Western Conference Game of the Month is on the Den Nuggets at 9:10 ET.

The 55-24 Memphis Grizzlies are locked into the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference and won't know who they will face in the first round until the play-in tournament is complete. "The Grizz" are in Denver tonight to take on the 47-33 Nuggets, who had a chance to clinch at least the No. 6 seed with a home win over San Antonio on Tuesday night. Minnesota had lost at home earlier on Tuesday, giving Denver a chance to clinch a dedicated playoff spot as a top-six team in the conference, but was blown out 116-97 by the Spurs.

Here's tonight's set-up. Memphis has played without its best player, Ja Morant, (27.6-5.7-6.7) since mid-March but is 19-3 without him in the lineup (hard to believe). The Grizzlies had won 11 of 12 games before losing in overtime at Utah 121-115 on Tuesday night, despite not having Morant or Dillon Brooks (at 18.5 PPG, the team's second-leading scorer). The Grizzlies' final three games are meaningless in the standings, but they do have a chance to surpass the franchise record of 56 wins set in the 2012-13 season. Does that really mean much?

The Nuggets have persevered this season without their second- and third-best players. Jamal Murray (21.2-4.0-4.8 LY) hasn't played after ACL surgery, and Michael Porter Jr. (19.9 & 7.3 LY) has missed most of the season after back surgery. It doesn't appear as if either will return for the last two games of the season. However, Jokic, who had 41 points and 17 rebounds against the Spurs, just may win a second straight MVP award (27.0-13.7-7.9 on the season).

It is doubtful Morant or Brooks will play against Denver and Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins can opt to rest other players. The Nuggets won't be resting ANYONE, as they can end the drama (clinch the No. 6 seed) by beating the Grizzlies tonight. That's the bet!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Weekly Wipeout is on the Phi 76ers at 7:40 ET.

Toronto won 50-plus games over a five-year stretch prior to last season (won the NBA title in 2019), playing .693 basketball. However, the Raptors 'dropped like a rock' last season, finishing 27-45 (.375). However, the Raptors posted a 118-108 win over the visiting Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday night to earn a spot in the top six of the Eastern Conference and avoid the play-in tournament. It was Toronto's 12th win in its last 15 games. The Raptors look to clinch the season series against the visiting Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday night, having won two of the first three meetings with Philadelphia this season.

The last thing Philly needed was a three-game losing streak to end March but that's exactly what happened. However, the 76ers have rebounded with three straight wins (have averaged 129.0 PPG!) and at 49-30, are tied with Milwaukee (battling for with No. 3 seed), with both teams just a half-game back of 50-30 Boston for the No. 2 seed. While Philly is in Toronto, Boston is in Milwaukee tonight.

The bottom line is this. Toronto is just about 'locked into' the No. 5 seed, while a Philly win would be HUGE. If Milwaukee beats Boston, both the Bucks and 76ers would be a half-game ahead of the Celtics and fighting for the No. 2 seed. If Boston beats Milwaukee, a Philly win would move the 76ers one game ahead of the Bucks and still leave them just a half-game behind the Celtics.

Talk about being motivated? A Philly win here and the team's final two games of the season coma against 25-55 Indiana and 23-57 Detroit. I say Philly in a R-O-U-T!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* O/U Game of the Week is on Was/Atl Under at 8:10 ET.

The 35-44 Washington Wizards and the 41-38 Atlanta Hawks get together at the State Farm Arena on Wednesday night in Atlanta. The Wizards are playing out the string but do enter having won FIVE of seven, including an impressive 132-114 win last night in Minnesota. Much was expected from the Hawks after they made it all the way to the Eastern Conference finals last season, However, Atlanta was just 17-25 through Jan 15, before a seven-game winning streak put them back in 'play-in' position (have hovered around .500 since that winning streak). The Hawks enter tonight's game having won 17 of their last 23, but saw their five-game winning streak end 118-108 last night in a loss at Toronto. Atlanta is tied with the Nets, with both teams trailing the Cavs (No. 7 seed) by 1 1/2-games (note: Brooklyn owns the tie-breaker over Atlanta).

The current Wizards look nothing like the team did at the midpoint of the season, when guards Beal and Dinwiddie were joined by a trio of former Lakers (Caldwell-Pope, Harrell and Kuzma) plus undersized center Gafford as the team's "Core 6." Beal's season ended after playing just 40 games, Dinwiddie and Harrell have both been traded, while Kuzma is currently out of commission with right knee tendinitis. In last night's win at Minnesota, Porzingis led the team with 25 points, Gafford added 24 points with 12 rebounds off the bench, Rui Hachimura added 21 points while Deni Avdija chipped in with 17 points, eight rebounds and five assists off the bench. The Wizards shot 55 percent from the floor, including 13 of 30 from the three-point line.

PG Young (28.2 & 9.67APG) continues to shine for Atlanta but PF Collins (16.2 & 7.8) has played in just FOUR of the team's last 24 games. Five more Hawks contribute double digits, spanning from SG Bogdanovich (14.9 & 3.9) to center Capela (10.8 & 11.9). Young led the team with 26 points and 15 assists in last night's loss at Toronto, followed by Huerter's 21 points, Hunter's 20 points and Bogdanovic's 19 & 9 off the bench. 

I expect the Hawks to grab the win here, as earning the No. 8 seed would give the team a much better chance to reach the playoffs through the play-in round. Both teams are playing the second game of a back-to-back and at this stage of the season, fatigue is a factor. After an offensive "outburst" by Washington last night (132 points on 55% shooting), expect the Wizards to play closer to their season form (108,9 PPG). Go UNDER!

Good luck...Larry

The 3rd pick of my STP is a 10* on the Ut Jazz at 9:10 ET.

Memphis picked up an impressive win last Friday when it beat the Suns at home 122-114, snapping Phoenix's nine-game winning streak. The win came even though Ja Morant (knee), Desmond Bane (ankle), Steven Adams (calf), Tyus Jones (hand) and Jaren Jackson Jr. (thigh) were sidelined with injuries. The Grizzlies have gone 19-2 without Morant (27.6-5.7-6.7), a record that is somewhat hard to believe. 55-23 Memphis comes into this contest having won SEVEN games in a row and is locked into the West's No. 2 seed. The Utah Jazz were 33-21 through Feb 7 and 45-26 through March 20, but a five-game slide followed, before they beat the 'sad-sack' Lakers 122-109 at home last Thursday. However, the Jazz lost Saturday night in San Francisco, again blowing a big lead. Utah held a 21-point lead but the Warriors scored 18 straight points on six 3-pointers to rally past the Jazz for a 111-107 win. 46-21 Utah is now the No. 6 seed in the West, (with four games left), but just a half-game behind Denver, which has three games remaining. Most importantly, the Jazz need to hold on to a top-six finish (last of the guaranteed playoff spots), The Jazz lead the 45-34 Timberwolves (No. 7 seed) by 1 1/2-games, who have just three games remaining.

Memphis has beaten Utah in its first two meetings this season, 119-118 here in Salt Lake City back in November and 119-109 at home in January. I realize that the Grizzlies have just "continued to win" but I'm siding with the linemakers here, who have made the struggling Jazz the favorite in this game. Utah's big pieces started falling back into place Thursday against the Lakers, with SG Donovan Mitchell (26.1-4.1-5.4) scoring 29, center Rudy Gobert (15.3 & 14.7) adding 25 & 17, 6th-man Jordan Clarkson (16.1) scoring 19 and PG Mike Conley (13.7 & 5.3 APG) scoring 18. However, then came another collapse against the Warriors. Back at home and NEEDING a win, I'm betting the Jazz "get the job done!" Lay the points.

Good luck...Larry

The 2nd pick of my STP is a 9* on the Atl Hawks at 7:40 ET.

Much was expected from the Hawks after they made it all the way to the Eastern Conference finals last season, However, Atlanta was just 17-25 through Jan 15, before a seven-game winning streak put them back in 'play-in' position (have hovered around .500 since that winning streak). The Hawks enter tonight's game having won 17 of their last 22, including FIVE in a row. At 41-37, they enter on a five-game winning streak and as owners of the No. 8 seed. Goal No. 1 this final week is to stay ahead of the Hornets and Nets, who are within ONE game of Atlanta. Toronto won 50-plus games over a five-year stretch prior to last season (won the NBA title in 2019), playing .693 basketball. However, the Raptors 'dropped like a rock' last season, finishing 27-45 (.375). Toronto is currently 45-33, tied with the Bulls.

PG Young (28.3 & 9.6 APG) continues to shine for Atlanta but PF Collins (16.2 & 7.8) has played in just FOUR of the team's last 23 games. Five more Hawks contribute double digits, spanning from Bogdanovich (14.8 & 3.8) to center Capela (10.8 & 11.8). Toronto has FIVE players averaging more than 15.0 PPG. The starting lineup consists of PF Siakam (22.4-8.4-5.2), PG VanVleet (20.4-4.5-6.6), SG Trent (18.1) plus SFs Anunoby (17.3 & 5.4) and Florida rookie Barnes (15.4 & 7.5). Adding some muscle to the frontcourt are the 6-8 Boucher (9.2 & 6.2) and the 6-9 Achiuwa (8.9 & 6.7). The Raptors had a five-game winning streak before falling 114-109 at home to the Miami Heat on Sunday. Anunoby missed the Miami game with a bruised thigh, continuing a trend of lineup-shuffling that Raptors coach Nick Nurse would like to see stop. Anunoby had been one of the Raptors' best players during the five-game winning streak, averaging 16.0 points, shooting 54.7 percent from the floor and 55.6 percent on 3-pointers. He could be back here.

The Raptors can clinch a playoff berth Tuesday night, but that would require not only a win by them but also a loss by the Cleveland Cavaliers (43-36) at Orlando. Bottom line is, I'm not sure if it matters much if the Raptors finish 5th or 6th in the East. Meanwhile, keeping at least the No. 8 seed clearly gives the Hawks a better chance to advance in the 'play-in' round. Atlanta's averaging 18.4 PPG during their five-game winning streak (Young has 30 or more points in FOUR of the wins) and I'm taking the points.

Good luck...Larry

The 1st pick of my STP is a 9* of the Cha Hornets at 7:40 ET.

The Hornets went 33-39 last season but then got routed 144-117 by the Pacers in the 'play-in' round, missing the postseason for the FIFTH straight season. The Hornets are destined for the 'play-in' round gain, as they are currently 40-36, tied with the Nets for the 9th and 10th spots. Both teams are one game behind the Hawks (No. 8) and two games back of the Cavs (No. 7). Being able to get that No. 8 seed really helps and maybe the return of Gordon Hayward will make a difference for the visiting Hornets when they play the 51-28 Heat tonight in Miami. The Heat made an improbable run all the way to the NBA Finals in 2020 but last season were swept 4-0 in the first round by Milwaukee, the eventual NBA champs. Miami has been around the top of the East all season and currently the Heat are two games up on the 49-30 Celtics (both have three games remaining) for the East's best record plus lead the Bucks and 76ers both at 48-30 and with four games left).

Hayward (15.9-4.6-3.6) has missed 29 games due to injuries, but his return leaves the Hornets with FIVE players averaging more than 15 PPG. Bridges (20.3 & 7.10 lead the way, followed by Ball (19.9-6.7-7.50 and Oubre (15.2). Then there is Harrell (11.3 & 5.1 in his 22 games since the trade) and PF Washington (10.3 & 5.7). Miami is without head coach Erik Spoelstra due to the NBA's health and safety protocol and assistant coach Chris Quinn ran the team Sunday night in a 114-109 win in Toronto. The Heat faced the Raptors without injured starters Jimmy Butler (toe) and P.J. Tucker (knee) as well as reserves Dewayne Dedmon (ankle) and Gabe Vincent (toe). Butler (21.3-5.9-5.5) could return on here. Herro (20.6-5.0-3.9) is an elite off-the-bench scorer and seemingly a 'lock' for 6th-man-of-the-year. Center Adebayo (18.9 & 10.2) has had a terrific season plus the Heat are 'loaded' on the perimeter with PG Lowry (13.4-4.5-7.6) and SGs Robinson (10.9) and Strus (10.6).

Miami will likely hold on to the No. 1 seed but while the Hornets can't control what the Nets and Hawks do, they CAN "take care of their own business." Charlotte's back on the court for the first time since Saturday's embarrassing 144-114 Saturday loss in Philly and tonight, will be looking to avoid losing to the Heat for the FOURTH time this season. I want the points!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on the Tor Raptors at 7:10 ET.

The Heat made an improbable run all the way to the NBA Finals in 2020 but last season were swept 4-0 in the first round by Milwaukee, the eventual NBA champs. Miami has been around the top of the East all season but began the week on a four-game losing streak. The Heat snapped that season-worst streak on Monday by beating the visiting Sacramento Kings, plus have followed with wins at Boston (Wed) and Chicago (Sat). They are currently 50-28 (have reached 50 wins for the first time since 2013-14) and 1 1/2-games up on Milwaukee for the East's No. 1 seed. However, Boston is just two games behind and Philly 2 1/2-games behind, so nothing is 'written in stone' just yet. Toronto won 50-plus games over a five-year stretch prior to last season (won the NBA title in 2019), playing .693 basketball. However, the Raptors 'dropped like a rock' last season, finishing 27-45 (.375). Toronto is currently 45-32, after a FIVE-game winning streak. The Raptors are currently the East No. 5 seed (a half-game better than the Bulls) and more importantly, 2 1/2-games clear of the Cavs, who are now the No. 7 seed (top-six are guaranteed a playoff spot).

Jimmy Butler (21.3-5.9-5.5) led SEVEN Miami players in double digits with 22 points in the Heat's 127-109 win last night in Chicago. Guard Herro (20.6-4.9-3.9), who typically comes off the bench), plus center Adebayo (19.0 & 10.2) give Miami three high-quality scorers. SIX more Heat players chip in between 7.6 and 13.3 PPG, led by PG Lowry (13.3 & 7.6 APG). Toronto's never been healthier, with FIVE players averaging more than 15.0 PPG. The starting lineup consists of PF Siakam (22.3-8.4-5.2), PG VanVleet (29=0.3-4.5-6.6), SG Trent (18.1) plus SFs Anunoby (17.3 & 5.4) and Florida rookie Barnes (15.4 & 7.5). Adding some muscle to the frontcourt are the 6-8 Boucher (9.3 & 6.2) and the 6-9 Achiuwa (9.0 & 6.7).

Here's the rub. This is the second of a back-to-back for Miami and its FOURTH road game this week. Meanwhile Toronto has won 11 of 13 (10-3 ATS) and FIVE in a row entering this contest, after a Friday win in Orlando. Raptors get the "W' and the cover.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* O/U Game of the Day is on Phi/Cle Under at 6:10 ET.

The last thing the Philadelphia 76ers needed was a three-game losing streak to end March but that's exactly what happened the 27th thru the 31st. Philly did rebound in a big way with a 30-point 144-114 win over the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday. Philly is back in action again on Sunday, taking a 47-30 record into a game with the Cavs in Cleveland. The 76ers are currently the East's No. 4 seed (last to get home court in the 1st round), two games clear of Toronto (No. 5 seed). Looking up, the 76ers are just a half-game behind the Celtics (No. 3 seed) and one game behind the Bucks (No. 2 seed). The Cleveland Cavaliers entered this season having gone 60-159 (.274) the previous three seasons but through Feb 11, were one of the league's biggest surprises with a 35-21 record. However, the Cavs have won just EIGHT of their last 22 games and at 43-35, have dropped out the top-six. They are now the No. 7 seed and TWO games behind the Bulls (No. 6 seed) with only four games left to play.

The 76ers still have a decent chance to move up at the top of the East standings and while the Cavs will likely be stuck in the 'play-in' round, I do expect them to give it their best shot here. The Cavaliers will be shorthanded again on Sunday without center Jarrett Allen (finger) and PF Evan Mobley (ankle). "I think we're learning from our past," head coach Bickerstaff said after last night's 119-101 win at the Knicks. "I don't think we played particularly well in Atlanta. I didn't like the way that we played in Atlanta (a loss on Thursday). What this afternoon showed is that we can take steps and learn quickly. Before the game today in our meeting we watched clips of us at our best offensively and it wasn't a lot of ball holding."

Both teams are playing the second of back-to-back games and both are coming off big offensive efforts. Philly, in particular, set season highs in points (144), three-pointers made (21) and assists (38). However, take note that these are two excellent defensive teams, as Cleveland has allowed 105.1 PPG (4th) and Philadelphia 106.8 PPG (8th). This O/U is too high. Go UNDER!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Afternoon Delight is on the Mil Bucks at 1:10 ET.

The 48-30 Mavs are in Milwaukee this afternoon to take on the 48-29 Bucks. Both teams are coming off embarrassing Friday losses, as Dallas lost 135-103 in Washington, while Milwaukee lost 153-119 at home to the LA Clippers. Dallas is currently the West's No. 4 seed, one game behind Golden St (No. 3). The Mavs also own a two-game cushion on the Jazz and Nuggets, who are battling for the No. 5 and 6 seeds. The defending champion Bucks are 1 1/2-games behind the East's No. 1 seed (Miami), with the Celtics (a half-game back) and the 76ers (one game back) right on their tails. 

Dallas features three players listed as PGs, including the "do-everything" Doncic (28.3-9.1-8.6). Dinwiddie (16.7 & 4.0 APG in 19 games) has been an excellent pick up plus Brunson (16.3-3.9-4.9) has played well all season. Forwards Finney-Smith (10.9 & 4.8), Bullock (8.4) and Kleber (7.0 & 5.9) join center Powell (8.4 & 4.8) up front. Brook Lopez has finally made his long-awaited return for Milwaukee, after recovering from back surgery. He is currently on a minutes restriction (about 20 per game) and in nine games has averaged 9.7 & 3.6). The Bucks also recently got guard Connaughton (10.1) back from a hand injury on March 19 and in seven games, he has averaged 10.3 PPG. The starting-five for most of the season is a very good one. Antetokounmpo (30.1-11.7-5.8) is having another MVP-like season, with SF Khris Middleton (20.3-5.5-5.4) and PG Holiday (18.6-4.5-6.7) giving the Bucks their own version of a "Big 3." PF/C Bobby Portis (14.7 & 9.1) has been a 'savior' with Lopez missing all that time, plus Allen (11.1) has been a steady presence at SG.

The Mavs' 135-103 loss at the Wizards snapped a three-game win streak but it also marked the team's FOURTH loss in its last five road games. As for Milwaukee's home loss to the Clippers, the 153 points were a franchise record for LA in a regular-season game, as the Clippers shot 60.9 percent from the floor. However, there is a caveat. Antetokounmpo, Middleton, Holiday and Lopez all were ruled out hours before game time. All FOUR are expected to be back in action on Sunday and the Bucks had won SIX straight at home (averaging 124.3 points) prior to Friday's massacre! Lay the points with Milwaukee.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* ONE & ONLY CBB Game of the Year is on Duke at 8:49 ET.

Everyone knows the set-up by now. The UNC-Duke rivalry is over 100 years old but the schools have never gone head-to-head in the NCAA tournament until now. It comes in Mike Krzyzewski's final season, While Coach K is in his 13th Final Four (most of any coach in NCAA history) his "opposite number" will be UNC's Hubert Davis. He is the first first-year head coach to make the Final Four since Bill Guthridge, who also did so with UNC after taking over for Dean Smith in 1998. You can't make this stuff up!

28-9 North Carolina is the lowest seed at No. 8 but the Tar Heels have already spoiled Coach K's homecourt goodbye (94-81 back on Mar 5) in a game Hubert Davis believes flipped the switch for what he felt was an underachieving team up to that point. When Carolina takes the court Saturday in New Orleans, the Tar heels will take a 10-1 run (9-2 ATS) into the contest. 32-6 Duke opened the season No. 9 in the AP's preseason poll and for most of the season, were the lone ACC team ranked in the top-25 (Blue Devils finished 9th in the AP's final regular season poll). North Carolina is 4-0 ATS in the tournament so far, while after beating CS-Fullerton by 17 points (as an 18 1/2-point favorite), Duke covered in its wins over Michigan St, Texas Tech and Arkansas,

North Carolina has an excellent frontcourt duo in the 6-10 Bacot (16.5 & 12.8) and 6-9 Oklahoma transfer Manek (15.2 & 5.9). It was a trio, but 6-11 Marquette transfer Garcia (9.0 & 5.5) left the team in mid-January and has not returned. Sophomore guard Love (15.7-3.4-3.7) teams with freshman Davis (13.4-4.0-3.7) in the backcourt, with Black (4.9 & 4.3) starting in Garcia's place. Manek has been great in the tourney by averaging 21.5 & 8.0 and Bacot his usual self (16.5 PPG but also an impressive 15.8 RPG!). Love scored just FIVE points vs Baylor but has averaged 22.3 PPG in the other three. Davis stepped up with 30 points vs Baylor and is averaging 13.8 & 6.0 in the tourney.

Duke has had three freshmen make major contributions. The 6-10 Paolo Banchero (17.1 & 7.7), guard Keels (11.3) and the 6-6 Griffin (10.5 & 3.9). That trio has started for most of the season along with junior SF Moore (13.5-5.2-44) and 7-0 sophomore center Williams (11.3 & 7.5). Guard Roach (8.6) has mostly come off the bench. In the tourney, Bacot (18.5 & 7.0), Williams (14.5 & 8.8) and Moore (13.5-3.5-3.5) have all reached double digits in all four games. Griffin has averaged 11.5 & 4.8 plus Roach (12.3 & 3.8 APG) has replaced Keels in the starting lineup, scoring in double digits in three of the four (nine points in the other one). Keels' minutes have been reduced and he's averaging a modest 6.8 PPG in the tourney.

Neither school has much depth but both are playing great. Kudos to the job that Davis has done but Coach K's ]magical' last season run WON'T run here. When all is said and done, Duke's loss to North Carolina in Coach K's final regular season game may have been "just what the doctor ordered" for the Blue Devils. See you Monday in the championship game.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Weekend Wipeout is on the GS Warriors at 8:40 ET.

The Utah Jazz were 33-21 through Feb 7 and 45-26 through March 20, but a five-game slide followed, before they beat the 'sad-sack' Lakers 122-109 at home on Thursday. At 46-31, Utah is currently the West's No. 5 seed but are just a half-game better than Denver (No. 6 seed) and 2 1/2-games clear of Minnesota (No. 7 seed). Looking up in the standings, the Jazz trail the Mavs (No. 4 seed) by 1 1/2-games and the Warriors (No. 3 seed) by two games. The Jazz will be in San Francisco tonight to meet the Warriors, who spent a good part of the season battling the Suns for the West's best record. Golden St opened 18-2 and was 41-13 through Feb 7, with Phoenix checking in at 43-10. Those days are LONG gone, as the Warriors are currently 48-29, while the Suns are 14 games better at 62-15. Memphis has clinched the No. 2 seed in the West and the Warriors are now trying to hang onto the No. 3 seed, with the Mavs just a half-game behind, the Jazz two games behind and the Nuggets 2 1/2-games behind.

I'm going to cut right to the chase. Utah's big pieces started falling back into place Thursday against the Lakers, with SG Donovan Mitchell (26.1-4.1-5.4) scoring 29, center Rudy Gobert (15.4 & 14.6) adding 25 & 17, 6th-man Jordan Clarkson (16.1) scoring 19 and PG Mike Conley (13.5 & 5.2 APG) scoring 18. However, the "W' came against the pathetic Lakers. Meanwhile, the Warriors got a boost of confidence in a competitive loss to Phoenix on Wednesday, a 107-103 nail-biter they led in the final minute. Jordan Poole matched his career-high with 38 points, but it was the return of defensive ace Andre Iguodala for a second consecutive game that was the key in Golden State limiting the high-scoring Suns to 107 points after having surrendered 121, 123 and 123 in their previous three games, in which they were drubbed by a combined total of 47 points.

The Warriors learned Friday that Stephen Curry (26.1-4.1-5.4) will miss the final five games of the regular season as he continues his recovery from a sprained left foot. However, in Thompson (18.7), Poole (18.2) and Wiggins (17.1), they possess quite a scoring trio. What's more, the Warriors can clinch a playoff spot with a win, while Jazz need a win to keep safe distance between themselves and current seventh-seeded Minnesota in an effort to avoid the Western Conference play-in tournament. Golden St snaps its four-game losing streak in a BIG way. Blowout Alert!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Brk Nets at 7:40 ET.

The 'play-in' round features the teams that finish 7-10 in each conference. In the East, the 42-35 Cavs are currently the No. 7 seed, while the Nets, Hornets and Hawks are all at 40-37. All four teams have five games remaining to sort things out. The Nets will be in Atlanta tonight to take on the Hawks. The Nets were preseason favorites in the East and were fighting for the East lead back in January but at 29-16 through Jan 21, went on an 11-game losing streak. However, the best the Nets can do now is hope to get the No. 7 seed. They enter this game off a 120-1119 OT loss at home against the Bucks but have gone 8-4 in their last 12 games. Much was expected from the Hawks after they made it all the way to the Eastern Conference finals last season, However, Atlanta was just 17-25 through Jan 15, before a seven-game winning streak put them back in 'play-in' position (have hovered around .500 since that winning streak). The Hawks have won 14 of their last 22 and enter on a four-game winning streak.

With their regular seasons dwindling to a handful of games, the Brooklyn Nets and Atlanta Hawks seem destined for the NBA play-in tournament but overtaking the free-falling Cavs, who have lost five of their past six games for the No. 7 seed is clearly attainable. KD (29.6-7.3-6.2) and Kyrie (26.9-4.2-5.6) lead the way, along with regulars Aldridge (13.5 & 5.6) and Mills (11.7). Guard Curry (15.1) and center Drummond (11.8 & 9.9) have really made excellent additions since coming over in the Harden trade. PG Young (28.2 & 9.6 APG) continues to shine for Atlanta but PF Collins (16.2 & 7.8) has played in just FOUR of the team's last 22 games. Five more Hawks contribute double digits, spanning from Bogdanovich (14.9 & 3.9) to center Capela (10.8 & 11.8).

This is the final meeting between the two teams but the first since Dec 10. Is there any significance to the fact that the Nets have won each of the first two? I don't think so. That was THEN and this is NOW. Getting that No. 7 seed is no small deal, as it would give the 'owner' a chance to secure a place in the playoffs by winning a home against the No. 8 seed or by winning a home game over the winner of the No. 9 vs No. 10 game. Let's NOT forget that the Nest were the Eastern Conference favorites at the opening of the season and that while they have a "different look" now, are still a better team than Atlanta. Durant is averaging 30.6 points per game in March, is averaging 28.6 in 25 career games against Atlanta and 31.5 points in two games this season. KD leads the way to a Brooklyn win!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Division (Northwest) Game of the Year is on the Den Nuggets at 9:10 ET.

The Timberwolves were just 24-25 through Jan 28 but an 18-5 surge put the team in position to challenge for a top-six seed in the West, as Minnesota was looking to earn a playoff spot for just the SECOND time since 2004. However, the T-wolves will 'limp' into Denver having lost FOUR of five (also 1-4 ATS) and at 43-34, find themselves THREE games behind in the chase for that No. 6 seed. Denver won 10 of 11 games from Feb 12 through March 9 but then went 3-5 its next eight. However, three straight wins have given the 46-31 Nuggets a chance to win the Northwest Division and possibly get a top-four seed in the conference. The Jazz are also 46-31, as those teams battle for the Northwest Division title but also hope to catch either Mavs or Warriors, who are both 48-29 and fighting over the No. 4 and No. 5 seeds.

Minnesota revolves around its "Big 3" of center Towns (24.4 & 9.8), swingman Edwards (21.0-4.8-3.7) and PG Russell (18.0 & 7.0 APG). Guard Beasley (12.1) has joined that trio in double digits this season but he's missed the last two games with an ankle issue. Head coach Chris Finch said recently that Beasley isn't "anywhere close" to returning to game action," However, Minnesota does own a deep bench.

It is still undetermined whether the Nuggets' two injured stars, Jamal Murray (ACL) and Michael Porter Jr. (back), will return before the end of the regular season. Both got some work in with the G-League and are progressing, but Denver won't rush either one back, especially Murray, who hasn't played since last April. However, the team revolves around Nikola Jokic, who is making a serious bid to repeat as the league MVP. He is averaging 26.5. points, which ranks ninth in the NBA, and his 13.6 rebounds per game are second. Throw in his 8.0 assists average per game, and he has solid credentials for the NBA's top award. Also playing key roles for Denver have been swingman Barton (14.7-4.9-3.9), PF Gordon (14.4 & 5.7) and PG Morris (12.7 & 4.4 APG).

Minnesota is THREE games behind Denver and its chances of catching the Nuggets (or the Jazz, who have the same record) seems unlikely with just FIVE games remaining. Meanwhile, after tonight's game, the Nuggets play in LA vs the 'sad-sack" Lakers and then finish with home games against the Spurs, the Grizzlies and the Lakers (again). Denver has a real chance at winning 50 games despite not having their two best players besides Jokic this season. What's more, the Nuggets will also likely remember losing 130-115 at Minnesota back on Feb 1 (T-wolves have won two of the three meetings this season). Lay the 'cheap price!'

Good luck...Larry

My 10* TBC Game of the Year is on Coastal Carolina at 6:00 ET.

Justin Hutson is in his fourth season as head coach of the Fresno St Bulldogs, He won 23 games in his first season but entered the current season off 11-and 12-win seasons. However, this year's team did return all FIVE starters.  The MWC was a tough league this season, as FOUR schools got NCAA bids, and Fresno finished just 8-9 in conference play. After losing its second game in the MWC tourney,19-13 Fresno has made the most of its postseason in TBC by winning THREE home games. However, Fresno is off to Conway, SC for the championship game of TBC to take on Coastal Carolina.

The Chanticleers' head coach is Cliff Ellis, who is in his 48th season and his 15th at Coastal Carolina. The Chanticleers were just 8-8 in the SBC and lost their first game of the SBC tourney. They entered TBC at 16-13 but three games later (two home wins and a 69-68 OT win at South Alabama), get to host TBC championship game in their home gym (HTC center).

Fresno St is led by 7-0 center Robinson (19.4 & 8.2) but what was a deep backcourt has been weakened by injuries. Hill (10.1) and Holland (9.6) have been steady all season but Holland has missed the last two games with a hamstring issue (questionable here). Baker averaged 12.0 PPG last season but made it through just FIVE games this season. Another guard, Ballard (5.3), hasn't played since the MWC tourney with an undisclosed issue. Coastal Carolina features a solid trio in guards Cole (15.4) and Williams (14.5 & 4.1) plus 6-9 center Mostafa (13.2 & 9.6). Four more players combine to add about 27 PPG. 

Fresno St is on the road for the first time in this tourney and one can't ignore that Bulldogs have averaged just 63.2 PPG in road games this season. Coastal Carolina is 3-0 SU & ATS in this tourney and enters having covered SIX of its last seven, overall. A closing thought. This marks Ellis' 29th postseason tourney (10th with Coastal Carolina) and he has yet to win one. His 2017 Coastal Carolina team was the CBI runner-up, as was last season's team. Isn't it about time he wins one of these? My bet is Y-E-S!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Game of the Week is on the Mia Heat at 7:40 ET.

The Heat made an improbable run all the way to the NBA Finals in 2020 but last season were swept 4-0 in the first round by Milwaukee, the eventual NBA champs. However, the current Heat get set to visit Boston at 48-28, giving them the East's best record (but just barely!). The Celtics entered last season having made the playoffs in 12 of the previous 13 seasons. Boston made the postseason again last year but after reaching the conference finals in THREE of the previous four seasons, Boston lost 4-1 in the first round to Brooklyn. Boston seemed like a non-factor this season at 25-25 through Jan 26 but the team has won 22 of its last 26 to reach 47-26. Setting the stage, the Heat are 48-28, the Bucks 47-28, the Celtics 47-29 and the 76ers 46-29.

The Heat snapped a season-worst four-game losing streak on Monday by beating the visiting Sacramento Kings 123-100. SF Jimmy Butler led Miami with 27 points and seven, while center Bam Adebayo had a double-double by halftime, finishing with 22 points and a game-high 15 rebounds. Butler (21.2-6.0-5.6) and Adebayo (19.2 & 10.2) are joined by guard Herro (20.8-4.8-3.9), to give Miami three high-quality scorers. SIX more Heat players chip in between 7.7 and 13.1 PPG, led by PG Lowry (13.1-4.6-7.5).

It wasn't long ago that there were all sorts of rumors that Tatum and Brown were NOT getting along AND that they "not playing well with others' That chatter is 'Gone with the Wind,' as Tatum is averaging 27.1- 8.1-4.3 and Brown 23.4 & 6.1. "I think the main thing that we've seen is consistency over the last few months," head coach Ime Udoka said. "A lot of areas that we've really targeted offensively -- sharing the ball, defensively coming out with that mindset. And then playing with a sense of urgency, getting off to better starts, and so consistency is what we've done. There's no reason to go back on that. We see the success it's brought us, and the unselfishness is contagious." However, Tatum and Brown both have sore right knees, forcing them to sit out Monday's 115-112 overtime loss at the Toronto Raptors that ended Boston's six-game winning streak. Celtics center Al Horford (10.0-7.5-3.3) also missed Monday's game due to personal reasons. A fourth Celtics player -- center Robert Williams -- is expected to miss at least the remainder of the regular season due to a left-knee injury. Williams, who averages 10.0 points, leads Boston in rebounds (9.6) and blocks (2.2).

It's expected that Tatum, Brown and Horford will play tonight (no guarantees) but I like the Heat, either way. "I think we got a little comfortable, expecting we were going to win every night," Jimmy Butler said of Miami's slump. "We have lapses at times, but I feel like we have a championship-caliber team. When we are clicking, we are tough to beat." Head coach Erik Spoelstra made a change in his starting lineup vs the Kings, inserted Max Strus (10.4) in place of Duncan Robinson (11.1)."That's the best part of this team -- nobody takes anything personal," Butler said about the change to the starting lineup. "I'm not going to lie to you and say it's an easy thing to handle. But (Robinson) has been handling it like a pro. The Heat are a MONEY-MAKING 14-6, 70% ATS on the season as an underdog. Take the points in a game I expect Miami to win OUTRIGHT!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Weekly Wipeout is on the Cha Hornets at 7:40 ET.

The Hornets went 33-39 last season but then got routed 144-117 by the Pacers in the 'play-in' round, missing the postseason for the FIFTH straight season. The No. 9 Hornets are currently 39-37 (a virtual lock for the 'play-in' round) but they would love to catch the No. 8 Nets, who are just ONE game better. The NY Knicks went 41-31 last season, ending a seven-year playoff drought. Expectations were high for 'The Garden' fans but despite having won NINE of their last 13 games, the Knicks are just 34-42, 4 1/2 games behind the Atlanta Hawks (38-37) in the race for 10th place in the Eastern Conference. The fact that prior to New York's recent 9-4 run it had lost SEVEN in a row makes the team's current surge looks like it has come too late to extend the season.

SF Bridges (20.1 & 7.1), PG Ball (20.0-6.8-7.4) and fellow guard Rozier (19.5-4.3-4.4) are quite a trio. Haywards adds 16.1-4.6-3.6 but has been sidelined since Feb 7. Oubre (15.1 & 4.0) and Washington (10.2 & 5.3) also score in double digits, as does Harrell, who has averaged 11.8 & 5.4 in his 20 games since being acquired around the trade deadline. The Knicks have nowhere near the Hornets' depth, having been led by PF Randle (20.1-10.0-5.1) and SG Barrett (20.0 & 5.9) all season, supported by a revolving cast of characters.

The Knicks really have nothing to play for, while the Hornets would really improve their playoff chances by catching the Nets for the No. 8 seed. Charlotte's just ONE game back and visits MSG having won its previous four road games. Hornets win "with room to spare!"

Good luck...Larry

My 10* NIT Game of the Year is on Xavier at 7:00 ET.

St Bonaventure entered  the season as the defending Atlantic 10 regular season and tournament champions and were ranked No. 23 in the AP's  preseason poll, the school's first ranking in the media poll since January 1971 (Can you say Bob Lanier?). Head coach Mark Schmidt had all five starters back and expectations were high in Olean, NY. The Bonnies were just 12-7 in early February but finished the regular season on an 8-1 run to finish 4th in the A-10 at 12-5 (20-8 overall). However, St Louis beat them 57-56 in their first A-10 tourney game. There was no NCAA berth for St Bonaventure this season but the Bonnies have earned their spot in this year's semifinals with three road wins at Power 5 opponents over a one-week span, beating Colorado, Oklahoma and Virginia.

Xavier head coach Travis Steele was badly in need of a 20-win season entering the 2021-22 season. He took over from Chris Mack (23.9 wins per season with NINE straight Big Dance bands), 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 had won just 51 games (17 per) in Steele's first three seasons, without an NCAA bid. The Musketeers were feeling pretty good about the current season, as they were 14-3 (4-2 in Big East) through Jan 19. However, Xavier stumbled to a 4-9 finish and then lost its first Big East Tourney game 89-82 (OT) to Butler. Steele's team got an NIT bid and THREE home games, beating Cleveland St, Florida and Vanderbilt.

St Bonaventure features a STRONG starting-five but little else. The 6-10 Osunnyi (11.3 & 7.7) is joined by four guards. Adaway (15.7 7 5.9) leads the way, followed by Holmes (13.4-5.0-3.6), Lofton (12.7-3.6-5.7) and Welch (11.9 & 6.0). Xavier is almost a 'mirror image' of St Bonaventure as its starting-five also features five double-digit scorers. The 7-0 Nunge (13.3 & 7.3) and the 6-9 Freemantle (10.3 & 5.7) are joined by a backcourt trio of Scruggs (11.7-4.2-4.1), Jones (11.2 & 7.4) and Johnson (10.4). However, Xavier also gets contributions from guards Kunkel (8.6) and Odom (6.0).

Obviously, winning a NIT title pales in comparison to winning March Madness but it IS a "big deal" for these two schools. They are pretty similar but it's clear that St Bonaventure has had a more impressive run to get here, winning three ROAD games, while Xavier was HOME for its three wins. That said, maybe St Bonaventure is being asked to do too much. In the end, I like Xavier's TWO big men vs Osunnyi, plus Xavier throws SIX guards against St Bonaventure's four.

Historical notes: This marks the first appearance for the Bonnies in the NIT semifinals since 1977, when they won the event. Xavier won the 1958 NIT title, beating St. Bonaventure in the semifinals and then Dayton in the championship game. Second verse, same as the first. Take the Musketeers.

Good luck...Larry

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

Two SBC rivals meet tonight in The Basketball Classic from Mitchell Center in Mobile, Al. The Coastal Carolina Chanticleers finished 8-8 in league play this season and the South Alabama Jaguars finished 9-7 but both lost their first game in the SBC Tourney. Both teams have been given home games in TBC and each have advanced by winning those contests. However, while Coastal Carolina is 2-0 ATS, South Alabama is 0-2 ATS.

Cliff Ellis is in his 48th season as a head coach and his 15th at Coastal Carolina. He's a solid trio in guards Cole 15.4) and Williams (14.4 & 4.2) plus 6-9 center Mostafa (13.3 & 9.6). Four more players combine to add about 27 PPG. South Alabama's top-two scorers on the season have been guards Manning (15,4-3.8-3.6) and Chandler (15.3) but Chandler hasn't played since late February and Manning, after scoring 10 points in USA's first win, scored just two points (in eight minutes) in its second. However, the 6-7 Franklin and guard Jones have come up HUGE in TBC. Franklin (12.0 & 7.7 on the season) has gone for 28 & 7 and 17 & 14 in the two wins. Jones was hurt early and didn't get back on the court until late January, but has played PG and scored 45 points with 13 assists in three tourney games (one in SBC and two in TBC). Also note that Franklin has solid help in the frontcourt with the 6-8 Goncalves (7.4 & 4.0), the 6-6 Smith (7.0 & 3.8) and the 6-6 Anderson (6.1 & 3.3)

Coastal is playing with revenge (lost 71-68 at home on Feb 17 and has the veteran head coach but USA's Richie Riley went 54-39 in his first three seasons as South Alabama's head coach and now has his team at 21-11, including 15-2 at home (losses came against the SBC's top-two teams, Texas St and App St). Home court "wins the day" here, over "revenge!"

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Division (Atlantic) O/U Game of the Year is on Bos/Tor Under at 7:40 ET.

The Boston Celtics visit the Toronto Raptors on Monday night in a key Eastern Conference contest. The Celtics entered last season having made the playoffs in 12 of the previous 13 seasons. Boston made the postseason again last year but after reaching the conference finals in THREE of the previous four seasons, Boston lost 4-1 in the first round to Brooklyn. Boston seemed like a non-factor this season at 25-25 through Jan 26 but the team has won 22 of its last 25! Look at the standings right now. Boston is tied with Miami (47-28) for the East's No. 1 seed. However, Milwaukee and Philadelphia lurk just one-half game behind.

Toronto won 50-plus games over a five-year stretch prior to last season (won the NBA title in 2019), playing .693 basketball. However, the Raptors 'dropped like a rock' last season, finishing 27-45 (.375). Toronto is currently 42-32, giving them the East's No. 6 seed (final guaranteed playoff spot). Toronto is just ONE game behind the No. 5 seed (Chicago) but also just ONE game ahead of the No. 7 seed (Cleveland).

It wasn't long ago that there were all sorts of rumors that Tatum and Brown were NOT getting along AND that they "not playing well with others' That chatter is 'Gone with the Wind,' as Tatum is averaging 27.1- 8.1-4.3 and Brown 23.4 & 6.1. Tatum scored 34 points and Brown had 31 points in Sunday's 134-112 home victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. "I think the main thing that we've seen is consistency over the last few months," head coach Ime Udoka said. "A lot of areas that we've really targeted offensively -- sharing the ball, defensively coming out with that mindset. And then playing with a sense of urgency, getting off to better starts, and so consistency is what we've done. There's no reason to go back on that. We see the success it's brought us, and the unselfishness is contagious."

The Raptors moved past the Cavaliers by one game in the Eastern Conference with their 131-91 home victory over the Indiana Pacers on Saturday. Pascal Siakam scored 23 points for the Raptors, while OG Anunoby (17.4 & 5.4) scored 16 points in his second game back after he was out for 15 with a broken finger. Three more Raptors are averaging more than 15 points. PG VanVleet (20.6-4.6-6.7), SG Trent (18.0) and rookie forward Barnes (15.4 & 5.4).

The Celtics will be out to clinch the season series with the Raptors, after winning two of the first three games between the teams. Notable about those three contests is the fact that the final scores have averaged 198.7 points. Both teams are coming off HUGE offensive efforts, as Boston scored 134 points and Toronto 131 points in their most recent games. Lots on the line for each team in this game and in EVERY game through April 10. What's more, the Celtics could be short-handed for the game. Robert Williams left the game Sunday in the third quarter with a left knee sprain and did not return. Al Horford did not play Sunday for personal reasons. Brown and Tatum have been dealing with sore knees. For Toronto, Trent has sat out the last three contests with a left big toe hyperextension, Go UNDER!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Las Vegas Insider is on the Den Nuggets at 7:10 ET.

The Denver Nuggets have made the postseason in each of the previous three seasons (147-80, .648) led by center Nikola Jokic and are currently 44-31, giving them the West's No. 6 seed (last of the guaranteed playoff spots). Denver is 1 1/2-games clear of Minnesota (the No. 7 seed) and goal No. 1 these last seven games is to AVOID the 'play-in' round. Denver also has hopes of "moving up," as the Nuggets are just ONE game behind Utah (No. 5 seed) and two behind Dallas (No. 4 seed). The Hornets went 33-39 last season but then got routed 144-117 by the Pacers in the 'play-in' round, missing the postseason for the FIFTH straight season. The No. 8 Hornets are currently 39-36 ( a near-lock for the 'play-in' round) but they would love to somehow get into the East's top-six. However, they are currently 3 1/2-games behind the No. 6 seed (Toronto) and have just SEVEN games remaining. Charlotte's prospects for the No. 6 seed look bleak.

The Nuggets come in having lost three of their last five games, with the setbacks coming against Cleveland, Boston and Phoenix, while the victories were against the Los Angeles Clippers and Oklahoma City Thunder. However, prior to that, Denver had won 10 of 11. Jokic was the NBA's MVP last season and his numbers are pretty much the same in the current season (26.3-13.5-7.9). PG Murray (21.2-4.0-4.8 last season) has yet to play this year and Porter averaged 9.9 & 6.6 in nine games early, but has yet to return. Picking up the slack have been swingman Barton (14.6-4.9-3.9), PF Gordon (14.6 & 5.7) and PG Morris (12.7 & 4.3).

Charlotte's 119-110 Sunday win in Brooklyn was the team's SEVENTH in its last eight but as noted above, it will likely be too little, too late. SF Bridges (20.1 & 7.1), PG Ball (20.0-6.8-7.3) and fellow guard Rozier (19.6-4.3-4.3) are quite a trio. Haywards adds 16.1-4.6-3.6 but has been sidelined since Feb 7. Oubre (15.2 & 4.0) and Washington (10.2 & 5.3) also score in double digits, as does Harrell, who has averaged 11.9 & 5.4 in his 19 games since being acquired around the trade deadline.

Charlotte's on a roll but this is a very tough scheduling spot, as the Hornets have to play Monday night following late-night travel back from New York. They could overcome their fatigue due to the urgency of the playoff chase but as I noted above, the Hornets are pretty much locked into the 'play-in' round. Meanwhile, URGENCY does apply to Denver, looking to stay ahead of Minnesota, while also knowing that the team has a decent chance to 'move up' in the standings. I'm on Denver, which has won SEVEN of its last eight road games and may just remember the Hornets winning 115-107 back on Dec 23 in Denver.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Phi 76ers at 6:10 ET.

The Eastern Conference has had a logjam at the top all season and entering Sunday, the 46-27 Philadelphia 76ers are percentage points ahead of the 47-28 Miami Heat (.630-to-.627). Just a half-game back are Boston and Milwaukee (both are 46-28). The 7ers will conclude a three-game road trip having already beaten both LA teams, with a Sunday game in Phoenix against the league best Suns (60-14). The Suns were 48-10 at the break but had lost PG Chris Paul to a thumb injury. Some wondered how the Suns would do without Paul, but Phoenix responded by going 11-4 without their All-Star PG and got him back in Thursday's 140-130 win in Denver. Much ado about nothing! The Suns have already clinched the West's (and the league's) best record.

Embiid (29.8-11.3-4.3) is the MVP favorite and the 76ers have gone 10-3 with Harden in the lineup, as his line with Philly is 23.0-7.6-9.9. There was talk that the 76ers were unhappy with Harris (17.5 & 5.8) but head coach Doc Rivers just said, "Outside of (Harden and Embiid), I think Tobias is getting more and more comfortable. You can see it. He's patient. He's waiting for his spots. When he gets them, he's aggressive, he's taking them. I think he's really starting to shoot the ball well and be comfortable in that role." Philly's 'in love' with PG Maxey, who is averaging 17.4 & 4.3 APG in just his second season (8.0 & 2.0 last year!) That's been Philly's 'Core 4,' and the 76ers enter Phoenix off back-to-back wins in which they've scored 126 and 122 points.

The Suns secured the top seed in the NBA playoffs with a 140-130 win over Denver on Thursday, as Devin Booker scored a season-high 49 points in the victory while Chris Paul had 17 points and 13 assists in his first game back after missing 15 with a fractured right thumb. "I think getting Chris back tonight gave us a ton of confidence," Suns coach Monty Williams said. "And then Book had one of the best performances I've seen him have since I've been here. The fact that he's not in the MVP conversation is just somewhat silly." Phoenix now has its preferred starting-five back intact. Booker (26.3-5.5,5-0) and Paul (15.0-4.5-10.7) in the backcourt, with center Ayton (17.3 & 10.0) surrounded by SF Bridges (14.3 & 4.3) and PF Crowder (9.0 & 5.3). Then there is the Suns' deep bench.

The Suns are "the class" of the league but after just clincjhing the No. 1 overall seed for the postseason, I believe this is "Philly's" game! The 76ers have NO margin of error over their next NINE games, as they could finish anywhere from the East's No. 1 seed to its No. 4 seed. An untimely slump could even drop them to the No. 5 seed (Bulls are 3 1/2-games behind the 76ers, and lose home court advantage in the first round. This game is SOOOO much more meaningful for Philadelphia. Take the points!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Elite 8 Game of the Year is on North Carolina at 5:05 ET.

Head coach Shaheen Holloway was just 42-45 in his first three seasons at St Peter's but his team's NCAA run has made him a shooting star in the coaching ranks. His counterpart, Hubert Davis, took over at North Carolina (an NCAA blueblood) for the retiring Roy Wiliams and after a modest start (by Carolina standards), has his alma mater ONE win away from a Final 4 appearance.

Holloway led St Peter's to a tourney championship in the MAAC, which earned the peacocks an automatic bid (15th-seed). St Peter's has beaten Kentucky, Murray State and Purdue in the NCAA Tournament, as the Peacocks are now the lowest seed ever to advance this far in NCAA Tournament history. NINE players chip in between 4.5 and 11.5 PPG, with the team's only double digit scorers being junior guard Banks (11.5) and 6-7 senior forward Ndefko (10.5 & 6.1). It's hard to imagine this roster accomplishing what it has but seeing is believing. Kentucky scored 79 points against St Peter's in OT but since then, the Peacocks have held Murray St to 60 points (snapping the Racers' 21-game winning streak) and Purdue to 64 (the Boilermakers were rated the most efficient offense in the country by KenPom.com entering the game).

The Tar Heels were ranked No. 19 in the preseason but spent much of the year outside of the top-25. However, the Tar Heels spoiled Mike Krzyzewski's final home game as the coach at Duke with a 94-81 stunner on March 5, a contest that's been part of a prolonged stretch in which the Tar Heels have won 15 of 18 games, including taking down defending national champion Baylor in the tourney's second round and UCLA (a Final 4 team from last year) in the Sweet 16. North Carolina has an excellent frontcourt duo in the 6-10 Bacot (16.4 & 12.6) and 6-9 Oklahoma transfer Manek (15.1 & 5.9). It was a trio, but 6-11 Marquette transfer Garcia (9.0 & 5.5) left the team in mid-January and has not returned. Sophomore guard Love (15.7-3.4-3.7) teams with freshman Davis (13.5 & 4.0) in the backcourt, with Black (4.9 & 4.3) making minor contributions.

Either Holloway or Davis will take his program to the Final Four in improbable fashion when the 22-11 Peacocks and 27-9 Tar Heels meet on Sunday in the East Region's Elite Eight game. It is widely expected that Holloway will be offered the vacant coaching job at his alma mater, Seton Hall, but will not address what he calls "rumors." A 15-seed in the Final 4 would be an incredible story but how about a North Carolina-Duke meeting in the Final Four in New Orleans? The rivals have NEVER played one another in the NCAA Tournament. That's my bet and I realize the Tar Heels need to win by a margin but I'm laying the points. Cinderella goes home (to Jersey City) and so does Shaheen Holloway (to Seton Hall).

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Situational Stunner is on Kansas at 2:20 ET.

Jim Larranaga entered this season having led the Hurricanes to six, 20-win seasons in his 10 years, to all three of the school's 25-win seasons and to two of the school's three Sweet 16 appearances. By the way, I could also throw in him leading unheralded George Mason to a Final 4 appearance back in 2006. The 'Canes were awful last season (10-17 / 4-15 in the ACC), but this year's team contended for the ACC title during the regular season, before losing in the ACC semifinals to top-seeded Duke. Now, the 10th-seeded Miami Hurricanes are taking on Kansas (No.1 seed in the Midwest), looking to continue a historic run that has vaulted the program to its first-ever Elite Eight appearance. Bill Self's Jayhawks began the current season ranked No. 3, tied Baylor for the regular season title but then won the Big 12 tourney to enter the Big Dance as one of four No. 1 seeds. Ho-hum!

Miami forced 18 Cyclones turnovers and held Iowa State to 4-of-22 shooting from three-point distance in Friday's 70-56 win. 26-19 Miami is led by a quartet of guards. The group includes McGusty (17.8 & 4.9), Wong (15.3 & 4.3), Moore (12.6 & 4.7 APG) and Miller (10.3 & 6.0). Miami's lone big man of note is the 6-10 Waardenburg (8.6 & 4.3), although the 6-9 Walker contributes 5.0 & 2.4 in just 14 MPG. Wong and Moore were held scoreless in the first half against 11th-seeded Iowa State, but McGusty and Jordan Miller teamed with forward Sam Waardenburg to score each of the team's 32 points as the Hurricanes took a three-point edge to intermission. McGusty finished with a game-high 27 points, Moore had 16 and Waardenburg posted 13 points, eight rebounds, five assists and three blocks to help the Hurricanes pull away for a 70-56 victory.

31-6 Kansas features two big guards in Agbaji (18.9 & 5.2) and Braun (14.3 & 6.5) but PG Martin, an ASU transfer that was named the Big 12's preseason POY), had a shaky regular season and he never really gained Self's complete trust on running the attack. Up front, it's the 6-7 Wilson (11.3 & 7.3) and the 6-10 McCormack (10.0 & 6.9). However, in Kansas' 66-61 Sweet 16 victory over fourth-seeded Providence, Martin had a game-high 23 points. He's now led Kansas in all THREE of its NCAA tourney games (19.3-5.0-3.7) and CLEARLY has Self's trust now. Agbaji, a Naismith Player of the Year finalist, had five points against the Friars, on 2-for-8 shooting, by far his lowest output of the tournament. That said, Self indicated the team isn't panicking. Agbaji had four blocks, four boards and two steals while helping to steady a defense that held Providence to 33.8% shooting, including a 4-for-23 effort from three-point range. The 6-7 Wilson contributed 16 points and 11 rebounds against Providence.

Kansas is the more balanced team and with the resurgent Martin teaming with Agbaji and Braun, Kansas can match Miami's dazzling guard play. Up front, it's all Kansas with Wilson and McCormack plus the 6-8 Lightfoot (4.6 & 2.8), who played well during the season when McCormack had some struggles. As noted above, Larranaga led unheralded George Mason to a Final 4 appearance back in 2006 but he will NOT make a 'return visit' with Miami here in 2022. Rather, it will be Kansas advancing to its first Final 4 since 2018. That seems like a 'drought' for the winningest team in college basketball history. Lay the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Situational Stunner is on Duke at 8:49 ET.

Eric Musselman is in his third season at Fayetteville, after four OUTSTANDING seasons at Nevada. He won the CBI title in his first season, then went to three straight NCAA tourneys (4-year record of 110-34!) with the Wolf Pack. He was 20-12 in his first season at Arkansas, then went 25-7 last season (Elite 8 appearance). His Razorbacks (No. 4 in the West) just took down the No. 1 overall seed of the NCAA Tournament on Thursday (beat Gonzaga 74-68) and 28-8 Arkansas is in the Elite Eight for the second straight season. Another upset will elevate the Hogs to their first Final Four since 1995. Standing in the way is 31-6 Duke (No. 2 seed), which advanced with a 78-73 win over third-seeded Texas Tech to send Mike Krzyzewski to the Elite Eight for the 17th time. The victory was the 100th in NCAA Tournament competition for Krzyzewski, and a win over Arkansas would send Coach K to his 13th Final Four in his 42 seasons at Duke.

Arkansas is led by a trio of guards, all scoring in double digits. The group includes Notae (18.5-4.6-3.7), Umude (11.8 & 4.7) and Toney (10.7 & 5.3). The 6-10 Williams adds 10.7 & 9.8 and is really the lone frontcourt player of note. Guards Davis (8.3) and Lykes (7.8) round out what has basically been a six-man rotation. Notae's line vs Gonzaga was 21-6-6, while Williams (15 & 12) and Umude (15 & 7) both played well. However, the game's 'MVP' was the Arkansas defense (remember "40 Minutes of Hell?"), as Gonzaga was held to 68 points on 37.5% shooting (Gonzaga entered leading the nation in scoring at 87.8 PPG).

Duke has relied on three freshmen this season, the 6-10 Paolo Banchero (17.2 & 7.8), guard Keels (11.3 & 3.6) and the 6-6 Griffin (10.3 & 3.9). That trio has started along with 7-0 sophomore center Williams (11.3 & 7.4) and junior SF Moore (13.5 -5.3-4.5). Guard Roach (8.5) has come off the bench. I'm not sure why (haven't read anything), but Keels did not start and played just 14 scoreless minutes. Duke's five starters all scored in double digits against Texas Tech. Roach took over for Keels and had a line of 15-4-5. Banchero led with 22 points, Williams had 16 & 8, Moore had 12 points and Griffin 11 & 7. Duke shot 71% from the floor in the second half and made its final EIGHT shots.

It's Musselman's turn to end the coaching career of Duke legend Mike Krzyzewski but Duke has won 12 of 14 and looks as if it is ready to send Coach K back to his 13th Final Four. I'm laying the points and going against Arkansas off its upset on the top-seeded Bulldogs.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Division (Central) Cane of the Year is on the Cle Cavs at 8:10 ET.

The Chicago Bulls opened the current season off a 31-41 year, the team's fourth straight losing one (collective 102-199 record.). The Bulls will spend Saturday night in Cleveland to take on the Cavs, their Central Division rivals. Cleveland entered this season having gone 60-159 (.274) the previous three seasons, after LBJ 'flew the coop' for the second time. However, both the Bulls and Cavs have had turnaround seasons, although BOTH have struggled lately. The 42-31 Bulls are one game better than the 41-32 Cavs (Raptors are also 41-32), as the three teams 'battle for the East's No. 5 and No. 6 seeds. The "odd team out" will drop to the No. 7 seed and into the 'play-in' round.

The Bulls 'limp in' having lost 10 of 13, including the first two of what will be a five-game road trip (more in a bit). DeRozan (27.6-5.3-5.0) is having a career year for the Bulls and has an excellent scoring partner in LaVine (24.8-4.7-4.8). Center Vucevic (18.0 & 11.3) was 'rescued' from Orlando last season, and he's delivered. PG Ball (13.0-5.4-5.1) is expected back at the end of the month but White (13.3) and rookie Dosunmu (8.5) have done a nice job, plus it's also good news that Caruso (8.1) returned March 12, after missing more than a month. The Cavs have lost 11 of 17 games but more notable was Cleveland losing All-Star center Jarrett Allen (16.1 & 10.8) to a broken finger in a March 6 meeting with Toronto. Head coach JB Bickerstaff feels that the Cavaliers have enough big men with Evan Mobley (15.1 & 8.3), Lauri Markkanen (14.5 & 5.6) and Kevin Love (13.6 & 7.3) to overcome Allen's loss but I'm NOT so sure. PG Garland (21.4 & 8.6 APG) has been terrific but LeVert (acquired from Indiana in a trade) missed almost an entire month before returning in March. He's averaging 17.3 PPG on the season but just 12.2 points in 10 games with Cleveland. One last thing on Garland, he is averaging 25.7 points and 12.0 assists in March and has recorded double-doubles in nine of his last 11 games.

I believe the Cavs MISS Allen more than their head coach is willing to admit but that said, the Cavs have shown excellent depth. Adding to the roster mentioned above, you can throw in SFs Osman (10.8) and Okoro (9.2). Most importantly for this particular game, the Cavs (23-13 at home) face a Chicago team that has lost EIGHT of its last nine road games, with the lone win coming at Detroit (Piston are 20-54, tied with the Magic for the worst record in the East). At this number, a win equals a cover and that makes the Cavs a STRONG play!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Weekend Wipeout is on Villanova at 6:09 ET.

Kelvin Sampson had a great run at Oklahoma (11 NCAA berths in 12 seasons but at Indiana, ran into recruiting issues and lasted just two seasons. No one really expected him to get another major job, but he resurfaced at Houston for the 2014-15 season. His first team went 13-19 but it's been nothing but 20-win seasons since. 32-5 Houston (No. 5 seed) moved into the Elite Eight with an impressive 72-60 win over top-seeded Arizona on Thursday, as the Cougars never trailed and pulled away late. The Cougars are ONE win away from their second straight Final Four berth. 29-7 Villanova (a No. 2 seed) fought past No. 11 seed Michigan 63-55 on Thursday to reach the Elite Eight for the third time in the past six tournaments, and the fifth time in 21 seasons under coach Jay Wright. The Wildcats won national championships in 2016 and 2018.

This may be Sampson's best-ever coaching job. Starting guard Mark (10.1) was lost just seven games into the season and then Houston's best player, Sasser (17.7), saw his season end in late December, after just 12 games. However, here the Cougars are. They are down to basically their starting-five, but ALL average in double digits. Edwards (14.1 & 6.9) leads a trio of guards that includes Moore (10.3 & 4.7) and Shead (10.1 & 5.9 APG). Up front, it's the 6-8 White (12.8 & 5.7) and the 6-11 Carlton (11.8 & 6.3). The Cougars never trailed against Arizona and pulled away late. Jamal Shead poured in 21 points and Kyler Edwards added 19. A concern may be that White and just 4 & 5. However, it was the Houston defense that was the difference. Arizona was averaging 84.7 PPG on 49.5% shooting but was held to 60 points on 33.3% shooting, including 7 of 22 on threes!

Villanova was ranked 4th in the AP's preseason poll but was an early season disappointment but the key to Villanova's late-season success started with a record-breaking early season 57-36 loss at Baylor on Dec 12. It set a mark for the fewest points scored in Wright's 21-year tenure as coach of the Wildcats. 'Nova lost by 20 points in their next game (at Creighton) and stood just 7-4. However, the Wildcats will take the court tonight having won 22 of their last 25 games, after knocking off Michigan. 'Nova goes no more than six-deep. PG Gillespie (15.9-3.8-3.3) and fellow guard Moore (15.0 & 4.9) start in the backcourt, while it's the 6-7 Samuels (11.0 & 6.4), the 6-8 Dixon (9.2 & 6.4) and the 6-7 Slater (8.4 & 3.6) up front. The Wildcats do have a very good 6th-man (and part-time starter) in Daniels (10.2 & 3.7). Samuels led Villanova with 22 points against Michigan, while Moore added 15 points and Gillespie 12. Samuels also drew the defensive assignment on Michigan star center Hunter Dickinson and while Dickinson had 15 points and 15 rebound, he made just 6 of 16 shots. Wright's Villanova team knows more than a little about defense too, holding Michigan to 55 points on 34.4% shooting.

I have nothing but admiration and praise for Sampson and his Houston team but since losing 71-169 at UConn in Feb 22, Villanova has won EIGHT in row. In its SIX Big East and NCAA tourney games, the Wildcats have held its opponents to just 58.2 PPG. Villanova is back in the Elite Eight for the third time in the last six seasons. The other two appearances? They won the title. Not sure why Houston is favored in this one, as I see the Wildcats pulling away to win comfortably.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Sweet 16 Total of the Year is on Iowa St/Miami OVER at 9:59 ET.

Four double-digit seeds made it to the Sweet 16 this year. Michigan (No. 11) lost last night to Villanova and it's hard to see St Peter's (No. 15) beating 29-7 Purdue (No. 3) tonight. However, we KNOW that at least one double-digit team will advance to the Elite 8 because the 10th-seeded Miami Hurricanes (25-10) and the 11th-seeded Iowa State Cyclones (22-12) meet Friday night in the Midwest regional semifinal at Chicago's United Center. Who'da thunk it! Miami came into the season off an 'ugly 10-17 year (4-15 in the ACC), while Iowa St was 2-22 (0-18 in the Big 12) during the 2020-21 season! Miami coughed up a late lead in its first-round game against seventh-seeded USC before winning 68-66 and then two days later, the Hurricanes trounced No. 2 seed Auburn 79-61. Iowa State began with a tournament-opening upset of No. 6 seed LSU (59-54) and then essentially had a road assignment Sunday in facing Wisconsin in Milwaukee. However, the Cyclones emerged with another impressive win, beating the third-seeded Badgers 54-49.

Jim Larranaga entered this season having led the Hurricanes to six, 20-win seasons in his 10 years, to all three of the school's 25-win seasons and to two of the school's three Sweet 16 appearances. By the way, I could also throw in him leading unheralded George Mason to a Final 4 appearance back in 2006. The 'Canes were awful last season (see above) but this year's team contended for the ACC title during the regular season, before losing in the ACC semifinals to top-seeded Duke. Miami is led by the guard trio of McGusty (17.5 & 4.9), Wong (15.5 & 4.3) and Moore (12.8 & 4.6 APG). Miller is a fourth guard and adds 10.1 & 6.0. Miami's lone big man of note is the 6-10 Waardenburg (8.4 & 4.2), although the 6-9 Walker contributes 5.11 & 2.4 in just 14 MPG.

T.J. Otzelberger came from UNLV to take over at Iowa St and the Cyclones opened 12-0 and were ranked No. 8 thru Dec 21. The team couldn't keep up that pace but then came the two back-to-back tourney wins. A trio of guards lead the way for Iowa St, starting with standout Izaiah Brockington, who leads the team in scoring (17.21 and rebounding (6.8). He's joined on the perimeter by PG Hunter (10.9 & 4.9 APG) and Kalscheur (9.5). The team's frontcourt rotation is led by the 6-8 Kunc (6.1 & 3.9) and the 6-9 Conditt (4.9 & 3.5). Guard Grill (6.5) is the first player off the bench and each one of the just mentioned players have participated in all of Iowa St's 34 games this season.

With Iowa St winning its first two games by scores of 59-54 and 54-49, it would be easy to say, "go under!" However, as Lee Corso loves to say, "Not so Fast!" Miami just scored 79 points in beating Auburn (despite making only 3 of 15 on threes) by using their quickness and experience. Both teams own excellent (and deep) backcourts and I expect BOTH teams to surpass 70 points in tonight's contest. This one is Goin' over!

Good luck...Larry

 My 10* Sweet 16 Game of the Year is on UCLA at 9:39 ET.

North Carolina and UCLA were supposed to meet last December in Las Vegas, but the game was canceled when UCLA had a COVID-19 outbreak. Instead, the college basketball blue bloods will meet in a 'makeup' game Friday night in Philadelphia after the East Region's other game between Purdue and St Peter's. 26-9 North Carolina is a No. 8 seed and 27-7 UCLA a No. 4 seed. Roy Williams retired after last season and Hubert Davis stepped into his shoes. The Tar Heels were ranked No. 19 in the preseason but spent much of the year outside of the top-25. However, an 11-2 run to close the regular season (including an upset of Duke in Mike Krzyzewski's last home game before retirement) allowed North Carolina to sneak into the top-25 right before the ACC tourney. However, a loss to Va Tech in its second game, saw the Tar Heels drop out of the final AP poll. UCLA made that great run to the Final 4 last season and opened No. 2 in the AP poll. It's hard to say the Bruins underachieved this season but they ended the season 11th in the final AP poll and with no better than a No. 4 seed.

We don't often see North Carolina as a No. 8 seed but one could argue that the Tar Heels are a MUCH better team than that right now. North Carolina has an excellent frontcourt duo in the 6-10 Bacot (16.4 & 12.5) and 6-9 Oklahoma transfer Manek (15.1 & 5.8). It was a trio, but 6-11 Marquette transfer Garcia (9.0 & 5.5) left the team in mid-January and has not returned. Sophomore guard Love (15.3-3.4-3.7) teams with freshman Davis (13.5-3.9-3.7) in the backcourt, with Black (5.0 & 4.3) as the only other North Carolina player averaging as much as 5 PPG. UCLA is led by a 'Core 4' of guards. Juzang (15.7 & 4.8) leads the way, followed by Jaquez (14.0 & 5.7) and Bernard (12.7 & 4.7). All three are 6-7 and 5-11 PG Campbell (11.8 & 4.2 APG) runs the show. Centers Riley (7.4 & 3.9) and Johnson (3.6 & 5.4) have been serviceable plus the 6-5 Clark (6.9 & 4.8) has played well after getting a late start due to nagging injuries and health issues. Guard Singleton also chips in 4.8 PPG.

A closer look reveals that UCLA is the MUCH deeper team but Jaquez, UCLA's second-leading scorer and one of the Bruins' most indispensable players, suffered an apparent ankle injury in the second half of the Bruins' 72-56 romp over Saint Mary's last Saturday night. UCLA coach Mick Cronin said regarding Jaquez, "He's had so many sprained ankles, I don't know how much he can sprain it anymore." He added, "I'll tell you if anyone can deal with it, it's him. He's the epitome of physical and mental toughness." Jaquez is Cronin's kind of player, a paragon of grit and toughness, which has defined Cronin's coaching career. Cronin led Cincinnati to the Big Dance in his final NINE seasons with the school, before coming to UCLA. His first team went 19-12 (no postseason due to COVID) but then came last year's Final Four run and now this year's team is two wins away from back-to-back Final 4 appearances.

In the end, I want Cronin over Davis (first-ever season as a head coach), especially with North Carolina coming off its upset of Baylor. The "Price is sure Right" on UCLA!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on the Atl Hawks at 7:40 ET.

The 48-25 Golden State Warriors and the 36-37 Hawks are both hoping to improve their respective playoff positions when they meet on Friday night in Atlanta. The Warriors were 41-13 in games played through Feb 7 and the Suns were within reach, at 43-10. However, Golden St has gone just 7-12 since and has lost touch with the Suns (11 back). Golden St is now the No. 3 seed (2 1/2-games behind Memphis) and also has to worry about Utah and Dallas (both are 45-29), as the Warriors are just three games better than that duo. The Hawks made a great run last season, reaching the Eastern Conference final but currently own the East's No. 10 seed (last of the 'play-in' spots). Atlanta is FIVE games clear of the No. 11 seed and with just nine games remaining, is all but assured of participating in the 7-10 games but the Hawks would surely love to catch No. 9 Charlotte (one game behind) or even No. 8 Brooklyn (two games behind).

The Warriors will be playing the third leg of a five-game road swing with a depleted roster. Stephen Curry (25.5-5.2-6.7) is out with a sprained left foot and Andre Iguodala is out with lower back tightness. Draymond Green (7.4-7.4-7.1), Otto Porter (8.3 & 5.6) and Klay Thompson (18.0 PPG in 26 games) all rested on Wednesday, as the Warriors won 118-104 in Miami. All are expected to play here, joining regulars like Poole (17.6), Wiggins (17.2) and center Looney (6.2 & 6.9), who has started ALL 73 games for Golden St this season. Atlanta is without PF John Collins (16.2 & 7.8), who has missed seven games with a right foot strain and sprained right ring finger. He had already missed seven games with the same foot injury in February. However, Trae Young (28.1 & 9.5 APG) still has quality help in Bogdanovich (14.7 & 3.9), Hunter (13.4), Huerter (11.5), Gallinari (11.1 & 4.6) and center Capela (10.6 & 11.8). Capela missed time with a back injury, but his absence gave former No. 1 draft choice Onyeka Okongwu an opportunity to show what he can do. Okongwu didn't play until Dec 17 because of offseason shoulder surgery, but after some early tenuous performances he has become increasingly productive. He's up to 8.7 & 5.6 on the season.

The Warriors beat the Hawks 127-113 way back on Nov 8 in their previous meeting this season (in San Francisco but note that Atlanta had won the three previous meetings, including sweeping the series in the 2020-21 season. "I think we're playing soft. I think we're playing stupid. We're just not playing good basketball ... we're getting punked," Green said. "Hard to win a game getting punked. That's where we are right now. We're losing a lot of fourth quarters and that's execution" However, the Warriors reversed that recent trend by finishing with a strong fourth quarter against Miami. They led by a point going into the fourth quarter and outscored the Heat 37-24 to put it away. As for tonight? I think the Warriors will get 'punked!' This Atlanta team is WAY better than its record.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Weekly Wipeout is on Texas Tech at 9:39 ET.

When Chris Beard left Texas Tech to take the Texas job, his assistant (Mark Adams) elected to stay in Lubbock as the Red Raiders' head coach. It's safe to say that Texas Tech AND coach Adams are more than just a little pleased with how things have turned out. Texas Tech didn't miss a beat this season and at 25-9, earned a No. 3 seed in the West Region. The Red Raiders routed Montana State and rallied to beat Notre Dame (Tech ended the game on a 10-1 run!) to reach the Sweet 16. Waiting for the now 27-9 Red Raiders will be the region's No. 2 seed, Duke. The 30-6 Blue Devils are in the Sweet 16 for the 28th time as a program, after defeating Cal State Fullerton and Michigan State.

Just a quick coaching comparison before moving on. When Mark Adams got his first head coaching job back in 1981, Mike Krzyzewski was getting ready for his second season at Duke. While Krzyzewski was winning five NCAA titles, three Olympic gold medals and setting records for most wins by a men's coach in Division I, Adams was slogging his way through junior college, NAIA, Division II and low-level Division I with a brief hiatus running a minor league hockey team. Coach K brings the more acclaimed roster into this game with several top NBA prospects led by star freshmen Paolo Banchero, A.J. Griffin and Trevor Keels, along with big man Mark Williams and forward Wendell Moore Jr., However, Texas Tech has the more experienced team with several transfers on a roster that lacks the heralded recruits that the Blue Devils

Texas Tech is starting a pair of 6-8 players in Williams (13.9 & 4.2) and Obanor (10.0 & 5.4), along with three big guards. That trio consists of the 6-6 Shannon (10.5), the 6-6 McCullar (9.9 & 4.6) and the 6-5 Arms (8.4 & 4.3). The first player off the bench is another 6-6 guard in Warren (9.7), while the 6-7 Santos-Silva (4.8 & 4.2) adds depth in the front court. Let me start with the Duke freshman. The 6-10 Paolo Banchero averages 17.0 & 7.9, guard Keels 11.7 & 3.7 and the 6-6 Griffin 10.3. That trio starts along with 7-0 sophomore center Williams (11.2 & 7.4) and junior SF Moore (13.5 & 4.4). Guard Roach (8.4) comes off the bench and gets plenty of "PT" (28.5 MPG).

Duke is averaging 80.3 PPG on the season but faces a Texas Tech team that allowed 60.7 PPG on the season and now 57.5 points in its two NCAA wins. Duke owns all (most?) of the history but take note of what this Texas Tech program has recently achieved. Texas Tech has been to three Sweet 16s since 2018 (lost the title game to UVa in 2019) and is an impressive 11-3 over the past four NCAA Tournaments. Here's something to ponder. The Mamas and the Papas were California Dreamin' but California and the West Coast have not been kind to Coach K in the NCAA Tournament. The Blue Devils have lost all three tournament games they have played in the state and are 0-5 overall on the West Coast during Krzyzewski's career. Duke lost in the Sweet 16 in Anaheim to Kansas in 2003, Arizona in 2011 and Oregon in 2016. Their only other games out West came in 1984 when the Blue Devils lost in the second round to Washington in Pullman, Washington, after getting a first-round bye and in the Final Four to Seton Hall in Seattle in 1989.

First-year Texas Tech head coach Mark Adams gets the opportunity to be the spoiler and become the answer to a trivia question: "Which coach beat Duke in Coach K's final game?" The Red Raiders win and like in Coach K's final regular season game at home vs UNC, the game does not end 'pretty! for the Dookies!

Good luck...Larry

My 38-Club Play is on the Tor Raptors at 7:40 ET.

The Cleveland Cavaliers entered this season having gone 60-159 (.274) the previous three seasons, after LBJ 'flew the coop' for the second time. However, the Cavs have been one of the league's biggest surprises and at 41-31, are trying to hang onto the sixth spot in the Eastern Conference playoff race. The Toronto Raptors entered last season having made SEVEN straight postseasons (won NBA title in 2019) but finished the season just 27-45. Toronto was a .500 team (23-23) through Jan 29 but then ripped off EIGHT consecutive wins. A 3-7 stretch followed but Toronto had won SIX of seven prior to losing 113-99 at Chicago on Monday. The Raptors welcome the Cavs to Toronto just ONE game behind Cleveland and just two games behind Chicago (Bulls own the No. 5 seed but have lost NINE of their last 12).

Cleveland lost All-Star center Jarrett Allen (16.1 & 10.8) to a broken finger in a March 6 meeting with Toronto. Head coach JB Bickerstaff feels that the Cavaliers have enough big men with Evan Mobley (15.2 & 8.3), Lauri Markkanen (14.4 & 5.6) and Kevin Love (13.6 & 7.3) to overcome Allen's loss but I'm NOT so sure. PG Garland (21.2 & 8.6 APG) has been terrific but LeVert (acquired from Indiana in a trade) missed almost an entire month before returning in March. He's averaging 17.6 PPG on the season but just 12.3 points in nine games with Cleveland.

Toronto SF Anunoby (17.5 & 5.5) remains out with a fractured finger and Gary Trent (18.0) missed Toronto's game on Monday with a toe issue and is questionable here. Monday's starting lineup consisted of PF Siakam (22.0-8.3-5.1) and PG VanVleet (21.0-4.6-6.8) plus rookie Barnes (15.4 & 7.7), the 6-8 Achiuwa (8.8 & 6.9) and center Birch (4.7 & 4.5). Achiuwa had delivered SEVEN straight games in double digits (14.1), before scoring just six points in Monday's loss at Chicago. Then there is the 6-9 Boucher (9.2 & 6.1), who has contributed consistently all season.

Getting to the bottom line, the Cavs MISS Allen more than their head coach is willing to admit and come into this contest having lost 10 of 16, including going 1-6 on the road in that stretch. The Cavs have beaten the Raptors in the first three meeting this season but winning a FOURTH straight is 'A Bridge Too Far!'

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Situational Stunner is on Villanova at 7:29 ET.

Michigan was the No. 6 team in the AP's preseason poll coming off a 23-5 year in which Michigan made it to the Elite. Villanova opened the year as the AP's 4th-ranked team, after going 18-7 with a loss in last year's Sweet 16. Tonight's South Regional opens with No. 11 Michigan (19-14) taking on No. 2 Villanova (28-7). Michigan beat No. 6 Wyoming 75-63 in the first round and then upset No. 3 Tennessee 76-68. Villanova beat Delaware (No. 15) 80-60 and then No. 7 Ohio State 71-61.

Michigan's starting-five includes 7-1 center Dickinson (18.7 & 8.4) and the 6-11 Diabate (9.1 & 6.0) up front, plus a trio of guards. Brooks (12.3), PG Jones (10.4-4.5-4.6) and Houstan (10.2 & 4.0). No other player is averaging as much as five PPG. Vilanova's starting five is PG Gillespie (16.0-3.8-3.4) and fellow guard Moore (15.0 & 4.9). Up front, it's the 6-7 Samuels (10.7 & 6.4), the 6-8 Dixon (9.3 & 6.3).and the 6-7 Slater (8.7 & 3.6). The Wildcats do have a very good 6th-man (and part-time starter) in Daniels (10.3).

Many questioned whether Michigan deserved an at-large bid, as the Wolverines were one of the more underachieving teams during the regular season. However, Michigan got its invite and is now playing with a chip on its shoulder. "Making it to the Sweet 16 is, as literal as it is, is sweet because nobody believed in us," Dickinson said. "Everybody thought we shouldn't be in the tournament. And now people that were hating us are going home and about to watch us (this) week." Villanova was an early season disappointment but the key to Villanova's late-season success started with a record-breaking early season 57-36 loss at Baylor on Dec 12. It set a mark for the fewest points scored in Wright's 21-year tenure as coach of the Wildcats. 'Nova lost by 20 points in their next game (at Creighton) and stood just 7-4. However, the Wildcats will take the court tonight having won 21 of their last 24 games, with two of those losses coming to Marquette (?). 

In the final analysis I believe that Villanova is just the better team and I'll take Wright over the sucker-punching Howard in a coaching 'chess match' anytime. Lay the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* NIT Showdown (Cougars vs Cougars) is on Washington at 9:00 ET.

One team of Cougars will be headed to NYC's Madison Square Garden for its version off a 'Final Four,' after tonight's NIT quarterfinal game (in Provo, Utah) between 21-14 Washington State and 24-10 BYU.

Kyle Smith won the CIT championship and finished 25-10 in his final season at Columbia. That led to a three-year stint at San Francisco, where his teams went 63-40. He left for Washington St but his first two years were disappointing (16-16 and 14-13). However, the Cougars finished 11-9 in the Pac 12 this season and after back-to-wins in the NIT (more in a bit), are one win away from a trip to MSG.

Mark Pope is also in just his third season at BYU but entered this season having delivered a 44-15 two-year record. BYU was 17-4 through Jan 22 but after a loss to San Francisco in the WCC tourney, finished on a 5-6 run its final 11 games. However, after two DOMINATING home wins in the NIT (more in a bit), this group of Cougars is ONE win away from visiting the Big Apple.

Wash St has a nice guard rotation in Flowers (14.1), Roberts (11.3), Williams (9.7) and Bamba (7.9). Up front, it's the 6-10 Abogidi (8.1 & 5.7) and the 6-11 Gueye (7.6 & 5.2). BYU owns a very good guard duo in Barcello (16.9-3.8-3.3) and Lucas (10.6 & 4.8 APG) plus a frontcourt that features the 6-6 Traore (9.3 & 8.5), the 6-6 George (8.9 & 5.1) and the 6-8 Lohner (6.9 & 6.2).

BYU is a terrific offensive team and in its two NIT wins (both at home), scored 93 and 90 points, while shooting 53.7% from the floor. In contrast, Wash St won at home vs Santa Clara (held the Broncos to 50 points!) and then won 75-63 at SMU, which entered the game a perfect 16-0 at home on the season. BYU gets a THIRD straight game at home (has to be considered an advantage) but doesn't the old axiom go, "Defense wins championships?" Wash St has allowed an average of just 56.5 PPG on 33.9% shooting in its first two NIT wins. I'm taking the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* PERFECT STORM is on the Min T-wolves at 9:10 ET.

The 58-14 Phoenix Suns have a chance to secure the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference when they visit the 42-31 Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night in Minneapolis. Phoenix can clinch the top spot in the conference if it beats Minnesota and the Memphis Grizzlies lose to the Brooklyn Nets. 

The Suns entered the All-Star break at 48-10 but had just lost Chris Paul for six-to-eight weeks. There was 'talk' that just maybe, the Suns couldn't hold on the West's best record. So much for that. The Suns are 10-4 since the break and will take a five-game winning streak into tonight's contest. However, a visit to Minnesota will be no picnic, as the T-wolves are 42-21 and looking to make just the team's SECOND playoff appearance since 2004. Minnesota is just ONE game behind Denver (No. 6) and will be striving to avoid the play-in round.

SG Booker (25.9-5.1-4.9) and center Ayton (17.0 & 10.4) are the team leaders with Paul sidelined plus SF Bridges (14.1 & 4.3) has started all 72 games. The Suns depth matches that of any team in the league. Minnesota revolves around its "Big 3" of center Towns (24.9 & 9.8), swingman Edwards (21.1-4.7-3.7) and PG Russell (18.5 & 7.1 APG). Guard Beasley (12.2) joins that trio in double digits plus head coach Chris Finch owns a 'deep' bench, as well.

Here's the rub. The Suns will clinch the West's best record tonight or sometime this week (no urgency here). However, the T-wolves really want that No. 6 seed. Consider this. The T-wolves lost 134-124 back on Jan 28 at the Suns, dropping them to 24-25. However, they have gone 18-6 since, including winning 10 of their last 12. I'm "all over" Minnesota in this one.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* NBA Game of the Week is on the Brk Nets at 7:40 ET.

The Nets traveled to Minnesota back on Jan 23 to face the Timberwolves with a 29-16 record. At the time, the Nets sat atop the East with a 29-16 record, with Chicago and Miami just a half-game back. Incredibly, the top-six East seeds are separated by just THREE games on that date! However, the Nets would lose their next 11 games, before ending the slide with a Feb 14 win over Sacramento. That said, the win over the Kings was part of a 3-6 run. Now, no matter who is available, Kevin Durant is doing everything he can to lift the Brooklyn Nets out of a play-in spot in the Eastern Conference (more in a bit). The Memphis Grizzlies opened the season 9-10 but now have the West's (and the league's) second-best record at 49-23. That said, the Grizzlies trail the Suns by NINE games (own a two-game lead over the now Curry-less Warriors).

The Nets are 6-1 following a 3-17 skid from Jan 23-Mar 6, with the only loss in their last seven games being last Wednesday's two-point setback to the visiting Dallas Mavericks when the Nets blew a 14-point lead! Durant is averaging 30.8-6.6-7.3 on 55.1 percent shooting (41.5% on three) in nine games since his return from a sprained medial collateral ligament in his left knee (he had missed 21 games!). In Monday's 114-108 home win over the Jazz, Durant scored 15 of his 37 points in the third quarter. It marked the first time Durant scored at least 35 points in consecutive games this season and it was his fifth 30-point game since returning. Durant played with his FIFTH different starting lineup since returning March 3 and Brooklyn's 40th overall. More details would take 'forever,' but Durant should have Kyrie Irving (27.7-4.7-5.3) back, given it's a road game.

Memphis announced late Tuesday that Ja Morant (27.6-5.7-6.7) would not play against the Nets due to right knee soreness. It will be the second consecutive game Morant has missed. However, Memphis is surprisingly 14-2 without him. The Grizzlies are on the verge of their first 50-win season since 2014-15 and Memphis has scored at least 100 points in 23 straight games. After ending a four-game road trip with a 122-98 rout of the Houston Rockets on Sunday, the Grizzlies have won 14 of 189 and remain the NBA's top ATS team at 46-26. Memphis is seeking its SIXTH straight win over the Nets since Jan 4, 2019, including its Grizzlies 118-104 win in Brooklyn back Jan 3 (Morant scored 36 points).

Knowing all of the above, the Nets opened as the small favorite. At first blush that seems wrong, but KD is in "beast mode" and Kyrie joins him, while Morant stays of the court. The Nets need to make up THREE games on the Cavs to have a chance to stay out of the play in round and have just 10 games remaining. I'm backing the nets.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* CBB Game of the Week is on Southern Utah 9:00 ET.

The 22-11 Southern Utah Thunderbirds and the 20-13 UTEP Miners meet Tuesday in The Basketball Classic from the Don Haskins Center in El Paso. Todd Simon is in his sixth season (1st was 2016-17) with the Thunderbirds and he has now put together back-to-back 20-win seasons, after going 20-4 last year (the school we just 6-27 in that 2016-17 season). Jeff Golding led the Abilene Christain Wildcats into the Big Dance in both 2019 and 2021 (upset Texas in the first round) but decided to take the job at UTEP. The Miners were just 12-12 last year, so 20 wins (and counting) has made for a solid start for Golding's return to his alma mater.

The 6-7 big guard Jones (14.6 & 4.7) was Southern Utah's top scorer but he was lost for the season at the beginning of March  However, the Thunderbirds still own a strong perimeter group. Knight (14.5-4.2-4.2) and Marin (10.9) are the top producers, while fellow guards Butler and Moody combine for 14.9 PPG. 6-6 forward Fausett (12.2 & 8.1) and 6-11 center Spurgin (8.0 & 4.9) are Southern Utah's top frontcourt players. UTEP also owns a strong backcourt in Boum (16.5 & 7.5), Kennedy (14.0 & 5.5 and Bieniemy (13.0-3.5-4.0. The 6-9 Verhoven (8.5 & 8.5) is the top frontcourt player, joined by forwards Sibley and Hollins (combined 10.4 & 7.1).

I believe Southern Utah is underappreciated and expect them to win here, ending Golding's first season at his alma mater on a down note. Take the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Oddsmaker's Error is on the Atl Hawks at 7:40 ET.

The Atlanta Hawks and NY Knicks each went 41-31 last season (Knicks ended a seven0year playoff drought) and met in the first round of the playoffs. Atlanta won that series 4-1 and made it all the way to the Eastern Conference final, before falling to the eventual NBA champion Bucks. Expectations were high for both teams back in October but with the current season nearing its close (April 10th is the final day of the regular season), both have disappointed their respective fans. The Knicks have gotten the better of the Hawks in both encounters in Atlanta, as well as in a game on Christmas Day at MSG, but it sure looks as if only the Hawks will be playing past April 10th this season. 

Atlanta comes into tonight's game at MSG at 35-36, while the Knicks are 30-41 (tied with the Wizards). The Hawks own the No. 10 (seed (last one of the four 'play-in' seeds), while the Knicks would need to make up FIVE games (with just 11 to go!), just to tie Atlanta. PF Collins (16.2 & 7.8) is back on the sidelines for Atlanta plus Bogdanovich ((14.4) is questionable with a quad bruise. However, Trae Young (27.9 & 9.5 APG) still has some quality help in Hunter (13.5), Huerter (11.6), Gallinari 11.2) and center Capela (10.9 & 11.9. The Knicks are without PGs Rose and Walker in the backcourt, center Noel and former Hawk Reddish. New York has been led all season by PF Randle (20.3-10.0-5.1) and SF Barrett (19.6 & 5.8). Guards Burks (11.0 & 4.8) and Quickley (10.3), plus center Robinson (8.4 & 8.6) have contributed all season.

The Knicks are now long shots to sneak into the 'play-in' round, while the Hawks can still move up in the standings, as they are just 1 1/2-games behind the Hornets and 21/2-games behind the Nets. Can the Knicks really make it a 4-0 season series sweep of Atlanta? My bet says N-O!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* NIT Showdown is on St Bonaventure at 7:00 ET.

St. Bonaventure was ranked 23rd in the AP's preseason poll, coming off an NCAA appearance and a 16-5 record. Virginia snuck in as the AP's No. 25 in that poll, coming off an 18-7 season after a first-round NCAA loss to 13th-seed Ohio U. Both schools have underachieved during the regular season but will have a chance to salvage their 2021-22 campaigns, as the winner of tonight's game will head "off to MSG" for the NIT's version of its 'Final Four!' St Bonaventure is 22-9 and visits 21-13 Virginia in Charlottesville, Va.

Both teams basically rely on their respective starting five! Adaway (15.9 & 6.1) leads the way for a guard quartet that also includes Holmes (13,5-5.0-3.7), Lofton (12.8-3.5-5.5) and Welch (11.9 & 5.8). The 6-10 Osunniyi is averaging 11.3 & 7.7. PG Clark (10.2 & 4.3 APG) is the lone returning starter for UVA. Guard Beekman (8.3 & 5.1) was back, as was the 6-11 Shedrick (6.9 & 5.0), but UVA's two-most important players are transfers. The 6-6 Gardner comes from East Carolina and leads in scoring (15.4) and rebounding (6.64 plus guard Franklin comes via Indiana and chips in 11.0.

Gardner (16.5) and Beekman (13.5-5.0-7.5) have been UVA's top performers through two NIT wins, while St Bonaventure's guards have all been solid, with big man Osunniyi delivering back-to-back double-doubles (13 & 10 plus 14 & 10). UVA's two wins have been by THREE and TWO points, while St Bonaventure has already won at Colorado and Oklahoma, so why not at UVA. Take the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* PERFECT STORM is on the Dal Mavericks at 8:40 ET.

The Minnesota Timberwolves were only 24-25 through Jan 28 but have gone 18-5 since, including 10-1 over their last 11 games, after a 138-119 home win over Milwaukee on Saturday. The surge has lifted Minnesota to 42-30 and into a tie with Denver for the West's No. 6 seed. The Mavericks have been battling Denver for months over the West's No. 5 and No. 6 seeds, and now have to worry about the Timberwolves as well. Dallas is back home off a five-game road trip in which the Mavs won the first three, before losing the final two. That said, the Mavs had won 14 of 17 prior to their recent back-to-back losses.

Confidence is building in the Timberwolves' locker room among a young team ."We've got a lot of strong personalities, a lot of outgoing guys," head coach Chris Finch said. "(I) just try to let them be themselves. They're young. They're excitable. They like each other. They root for each other. I won't dampen their spirits too much." Minnesota revolves around its "Big 3" of center Towns (24.9 & 9.9), swingman Edwards (21.1 & 4.7) and PG Russell (18.5 & 7.2 APG). Guard Beasley (12.2) joins that trio in double digits plus Finch owns a 'deep' bench.

Dallas features three players listed as PGs, including the "do-everything" Doncic (28.1-9.2-8.5). Dinwiddie (17.5 & 4.2 APG in 13 games) has been an excellent pick up plus Brunson (16.1 & 5.1) has played well all season. Dinwiddie missed the last game but is expected to be back here. Forwards Finney-Smith (10.7 & 4.9) and Kleber (7.2 & 5.9) plus center Powell (8.0 & 4.6) joined Doncic and Brunson in the starting lineup in the last game. Bullock (8.2) has sat out the last four contests due to a personal issue, but it is likely that he will suit up tonight.

Minnesota is off a HUGE win over the defending champs on Saturday but word is that Towns is bothered by a right forearm contusion. I'm guessing he plays but one CAN'T be sure. Meanwhile, after a 14-3 run, Dallas is off back-to-back losses and let me point out that the last time the Mavs lost THREE in a row was back from Dec 3-7!. I'm, "all over" the Mavs.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* CBI Game of the Year is on Ohio U at ET.

The Abilene Christian Wildcats and the Ohio Bobcats meet Monday in second round CBI Tournament action from Ocean Center in Daytona, Fl. Ohio (25-9) won its first-round game 65-64 over Rice on Saturday, while Abilene Christian (24-10) won its first-round game 82-70 over Troy. The Bobcats are coached by Jeff Boals (in his third season at Ohio), while Abilene Christian's Brette Tanner is in his first season. Jeff Golding led the Wildcats into the Big Dance in both 2019 and 2021 (upset Texas in the first round) and decided to take the job at UTEP. Tanner, the school's associate head coach (started at the program in 2013), replaced him. The Bobcats played in last year's Big Dance as well and also delivered an upset of its own, beating 4th-seeded Virginia 62-58.

Ohio guard Preston (15.7-7.3-7.3) left for the NBA (1st Ohio player picked in the draft since Brandon Hunter in 2003) but PG Sears (19.1-6.0-4.1) has stepped up big time. He's joined by fellow guards Brown and Schmock, who combine to chip in 13.4 PPG. The Ohio U frontcourt features the 6-8 Carter (14.1 & 6.9), the 6-8 Vander Plas (14.1 & 6.6) and SF Roderick (6.8 & 3.1). Sears came to the rescue against Rice, making the game-winning layup with just FOUR seconds left. He led the way with 26 points, while Carter added 26 & 12 and Vander Plas 13 & 6. The Wildcats feature a trio of double-digit scorers in SF Simmons (11.8 & 5.5) plus guards Mason (11.8) and Moore (10.9). FIVE more players average between 5.8 and 8.8 PPG, led by the 6-8 Steele (8.8 & 3.9). Mason had a team-high 19 points in the win over Troy, while Steele came up big off the bench with 18 & 7.

Ohio 'limped' into the CBI on a 1-4 slide but Saturday's last-second win should be a momentum builder. Matchup wise, the Bobcats own a strong edge in the frontcourt with the 6-8 Carter and the 6-8 Vander Plas plus Sears will be the best guard on the floor in tonight's game. Ohio also owns a slight scheduling edge, having played Saturday, while Abilene Christian played Sunday. Bobcats roll!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* O/U Game of the Week is on Mia/Phil Over at 7:40 ET.

The top of the Eastern Conference has been tightly contested all season and Monday night the 47-24 Miami Heat will be searching for their third consecutive victory when they visit the 43-27 Philadelphia 76ers. Miami is three games up on Milwaukee, plus 3 1/2-games ahead of the 76ers and Celtics. The Heat defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 120-108 on Friday, giving them THREE straight wins. More notably, the Heat have won 15 of 19 to take over as the East's current No. 1 seed. The 76ers lost 93-88 at home last night to the Raptors (after giving up an early 16-point advantage) and could really use a "W' in this one.

Butler (21.1-6.0-5.6) and Herro (21.1) are Miami's top-scorers but FOUR more join that duo in double digits. Adebayo (19.0 & 10.7) tops that group, followed by Lowry (12.7-4.7-7.7), Robinson (11.4) and Strus (10.7). Philly's Embiid (29.8 & 11.3) is the current MVP favorite and Harden's line with Philly is 22.4-7.0-10.5 in 11 games. It seems as if the 76ers are not thrilled with Harris, despite him averaging 17.6 & 6.9. However, the 76ers sure like PG Maxey (17.3 & 4.3 APG).

Here's the 'dope' Jimmy Butler sat out the last game (ankle) and is listed as questionable plus Philly keeps listing Embiid as day-to-day, but he has kept on playing. He had 21 points and 13 rebounds last night and has a league-leading 33 games of 30 or more points. He'll likely sit out a game or two down the stretch but maybe not if Philly has a chance to catch Miami. Forgetting about Miami for a second, Philly could easily find itself 5th in the East, which would mean NO home court advantage in a first-round series against the No. 4 seed. Prior to last night's ugly 88-point 'effort,' Philly had averaged 116.7 PPG over the previous six games. That sounds like a good number for the 76ers and Miami comes in averaging 112.4 PPG over its last 13. The O/U line is a little low and the play is O-V-E-R!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* NCAA 2nd Round Game of the Year is on Texas at 8:40 ET.

Both Texas and Purdue were upset last year in the first round. The Longhorns, as a No. 3 seed, lost 53-52 to 14th-seeded Abilene Christian. As for the Boilermakers (a No. 4 seed), they lost to 13 seeded North Texas. Texas (22-11) topped Virginia Tech 81-73 for its first NCAA Tournament win since 2014 on Friday, while Purdue (28-7) defeated Yale 78-56. With those first-round hurdles safely in the rearview mirror, No. 3 Purdue and No. 6 Texas will meet Sunday in a second-round game in the East Region at Milwaukee.

Chris Beard left Lubbock (Texas Tech) and its beloved fan base last April to take over the Texas program for the current season, replacing Shaka Smart. Texas was ranked No. 5 in the preseason but it was far from smooth sailing in the brutal Big 12. The Longhorns opened 12-2 but entered the Big Dance having lost five of their past eight games, including THREE in a row. Texas was hoping for HUGE seasons from transfers Allen (6-6 forward who averaged 17.2 & 6.4 at Utah) and Carr (Minnesota PG averaged 19-4.4.0-4.9). However, both players failed to live up to expectations. Allen has averaged 12.4 & 6.5 and Carr 11.0 & 3.3 APG. Guards Jones (11.1) and Ramey (9.5 & 3.5) are solid contributors, but the 6-9 Mitchell (8.7 & 4.0) has been out since Feb 15, leaving the 6-7 Bishop (6.9 & 5.5) to be Allen's best 'helper' up front. The Longhorns had all FIVE starters score in double digits in the win over Va Tech, led by Andrew Jones' 21 points (Carr had 15 and Allen 14 & 6).

Matt Painter is in his 17th season at Purdue and it's been one of his best. 7-4 sophomore Edey (14.6 & 7.8) teams with 6-10 senior Williams (11.6 & 7.4), the 6-6 Gillis (6.4 & 4.7) and 6-10 freshman Furst (4.1 & 3.3 ) up front. The perimeter is led by Ivey (17.6 & 4.9) and Stefanovic (10.5), while Hunter (6.3) and Newman (4.8) add depth. Ivey had 22 points and Zach Edey added 16 & 9, as Purdue built a 13-point halftime lead over Yale. The Boilermakers then took control with a 15-0 run in the second half, pushing the lead to 63-39. Texas was No. 5 in the preseason poll and Purdue was No. 7. The Boilermakers have had the better season but Chris Beard was brought to Texas to end the Longhorns' poor recent past in the Big Dance. I noted Friday's win was Texas' first since 2014 but will add that Texas also lost in the first round in 2015, 2016 and 2018. Texas just may be ready to 'make some noise' here in 2022. Va Tech was 'Step 1,' and now Purdue is 'Step 2!'

Good luck...Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Tor Raptors at 8:40 ET.

The Toronto Raptors returned home Friday after winning all five games on their road trip. That surge had moved them to 39-30 and into a tie with the Cleveland Cavaliers for the East's No. 6 seed. However, the Raptors lost 128-123 in overtime Friday night to the dysfunctional Los Angeles Lakers, after LA tied the game in the final second of regulation on Russell Westbrook's three-point shot (one of the few he's made this season). More bad news came Toronto's way in that Cleveland beat Denver in OT on Friday and last night, beat Detroit. The Cavs are now 41-30. moving 1 1/2-games ahead of the Raptors. Toronto is back on the road tonight at Philadelphia, which beat Dallas 111-101 on Friday. Philadelphia is 43-26 and in a virtual tie with 44-27 Milwaukee, with both teams trailing the East's No. 1 seed (Miami) by three games. Note, the red-hot Celtics have closed to within a game of both the 76ers and the Bucks.

Toronto's Anunoby (17.5 & 5.5) is still out, as his finger is not fully healed. "We are going to go on a weekly basis, look at how much it's healed and go from there," head coach Nick Nurse said. However, Toronto's other four starters are just fine. Siakam (21.9-8.4-5.1), VanVleet (21.1-4.6-6.7), Trent (18.2) and Barnes (15.5 & 7.7). Forwards Boucher (9.0 & 6.0) and Achiuwa (8.6 & 6.8) are both seeing more "PT" with Anunoby sidelined. Philly's Embiid (30.0-11.3-4.4) is the current MVP favorite and Harden's line with Philly is 22.9-6.8-10.7. It seems as if the 76ers are not thrilled with Harris, despite him averaging 17.8 & 7.0. However, the 76ers sure like PG Maxey (17.2 & 4.3), but they do miss Curry's 15.0 PPG and backup center Drummond was averaging 6.1 & 8.1 (in just 18 minutes) before being traded.

Joel Embiid continues to play with a sore back. "I'm OK," Embiid said, "I've just got to keep pushing. What, 13 more games (to the end of the regular season)? We're almost there. Then we will figure out the rest later. I'm fine. We've just got to keep pushing." He is again listed as questionable for the game but note that he has a league-leading 33 games of 30 or more points. The results from Friday and Saturday have been bad news for Toronto (see above) but maybe getting back on the road is a good thing. Toronto has won its last FIVE road games and Toronto won 115-109 in Philly back on Nov 11 (Philly returned the favor by winning 114-109 in Toronto on Dec 28), so taking about a 'TD' worth of points is 'the Play!"

Good luck...Larry