My 9* Weekly Wipeout Winner is on the Por Blazers at 10:05 ET.

Portland is now trending in the right direction. The Blazers went just 5-10 SU from Nov 14 thru Dec 12, including a pointspread drought of 3-12! However, the Blazers enter having won three in a row, over Toronto (NBA's best record) plus Western Conference playoff-bound teams like the Clippers and Grizzlies. 18-13 Portland welcomes 15-17 Utah to Moda Center tonight, with the Jazz coming off a confidence-building Wednesday win over the Golden St Warriors (108-103).

Utah's impressive win is worthy of note, as guards Donovan Mitchell (20.9) and Ricky Rubio (12.5-3.6-6.1) combined to make just 5 of 34 shots from the floor. The Jazz need to avoid a letdown here but note that the team had lost four of its previous five outings prior to the win over the Warriors. In Portland's 99-92 home over Memphis Wednesday night, Lillard (27.2-5.0-6.0) exploded for 15 of his game-high 24 points in the third quarter, hitting 5 of 8 shots from the floor, including 4 of 5 from beyond the three-point line. That's been Lillard's mode of operation often through this season. He leads the NBA in second-half scoring (15.6 points) and has made 46 of 96 three-point shots (47.9 percent) in the third quarter, with the 46 makes being the most in the league.

Portland’s bench also came alive, outscoring the Memphis reserves 44-14, two games after having a 58-26 edge in bench points against the Toronto Raptors. The Blazers come in 4-0 SU & ATS in their last four home games, giving them a home mark this season of 12-4 SU & 11-5 ATS. Also note that Portland is 15-5 ATS in its last 20 home games against teams with losing road records. Utah is only 2-8 SU at Moda Center the last five years and are just 1-5 ATS in its last six visits. Blowout Alert!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on the SA Spurs at 8:35 ET.

The 14-17 Minnesota Timberwolves visit at the AT&T Center in San Antonio on Friday to take on the 17-15 Spurs. Minnesota heads to the Alamo City after a 129-123 home OT loss to Detroit on Wednesday, one in which the Timberwolves led by 14 points heading to the fourth quarter (I remember it well, losing on the T-wolves!). Meanwhile, the Spurs return home after a  129-90 win over Orlando. The victory was the Spurs' first win away from San Antonio since Nov 26 at Chicago (Spurs are just 5-10 on the road).

Minnesota 'limps' in' having lost five of its last six games and six of its last nine. Minnesota is beginning a three-game road stretch on the heels of that devastating overtime loss to the visiting Pistons on Wednesday (Andre Drummond tapped in a putback with 0.6 seconds left to send the game into OT. "The fourth quarter is different and you have to react to what's going on, so that is disappointing," Minnesota coach Tom Thibodeau told reporters after Wednesday's game. "I think they had 78 (points) after three, and then a 40-point fourth quarter. And then all we had to do was get a stop, and we give up a second shot. That can't happen."

San Antonio will be carrying a little swagger into this game plus benefit from a mostly rested lineup after winning six of their past seven games without needing their front-line players late in those contests. San Antonio's last four wins have all been by 25 or more points, making them the fourth team all-time to attain that mark, joining the 1971-72 Bucks (five straight), the 1974-75 Warriors and 1992-93 Rockets.

Don't look now but Pop has his team looking as good as any team in the West. San Antonio is 7-3 SU in December (7-2-1 ATS), outscoring opponents by 12 PPG and shooting 53% as a team. Need More? How about this? San Antonio will  certainly have some revenge motivation, after being blown out by 39 points at Minneapolis in late November, losing 128-89. It represents one of the Spurs' worst losses of the Popovich era. I'm NOT done. San Antonio improved to 50-9 all-time at home against Minnesota with a 112-108 win on Oct. 17 and the Timberwolves haven't won in San Antonio since posting a 108-95 victory back on April 17, 2013 in the regular-season finale when Rick Adelman was coach! 

I’m laying the 'cheap number' and expecting a rout.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* CBB Game of the Month is on Marquette at 8:30 ET.

Buffalo was one of the 'belles' of LY's NCAA Tourney, as the 13th-seeded Bulls upset 4th-seeded Arizona by 21 points in the first round. The team's 27 wins set a single-season record. Buffalo stayed unbeaten on Tuesday, winning at Syracuse, 71-59 (note: It was the Bulls' first win over the Orange since the 1962-63 season!  Buffalo (11-0 SU and 7-2-1 ATS) is one of just NINE Division 1 schools still undefeated, as the Bulls travel to Milwaukee Friday night to take on the 9-2 Marquette Golden Eagles. Marquette is as hot as any team in the country over the last month, reeling of six consecutive victories since a 77-68 loss Nov 21 against now-No.1 Kansas at Barclays Center (NIT Season Tip-Off).

Buffalo is led by guard Massinburg (17.1 & 7.1), 6-8 forward Perkins (13.1 & 8.2) and swingman Harris (12.6 & 4.9). Massinburg came up big against Syracuse as the Bulls earned their first win over the Orange since 1963. He had 25 points, eight rebounds and five assists, including 12 points as the Bulls turned a 45-40 deficit into a 67-57 lead in the second half. It reminded some of what Massinburg did against a then-No. 13 West Virginia squad Nov 19, when he had 43 points and 14 rebounds in a 99-94 overtime victory, Massinburg just could be the best player in the MAC. Speaking of  Mid-American Conference, Buffalo is the first MAC team to begin 11-0 since Toledo started 12-0 in 2013-14. 

Guard Markus Howard (23,2-4.2-4.5) is Marquette's best player. supported by brothers Sam and Joet Hauser. The 6-8 Sam is a junior averages 14.7 & 6.8, while his younger brother Joey (a 6-9 freshman), averages 10.2 & 5.7. Howard has averaged 26.2 points during the  school's win streak, which began following that loss to Kansas. The Golden Eagles have taken down then-No. 12 Kansas St (Dec 1) and then-No.12 Wisconsin (Dec 8) in their six-game streak.

Some have 'wondered aloud' whether this contest may just be the best chance for Buffalo to suffer a loss until it reaches the Big Dance in March. However, I say that question is moot. Marquette tops in the Big East in FG defense (39.5 percent) and has held eight visitors to Fiserv Forum to 36 percent shooting from the floor, including just 26.3 percent from three-point range. Marquette rules.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* TNT Knockout is on the LA Clippers at 10:35 ET.

The 15-14 Dallas Mavericks enter off a 126-118 road loss in Denver on Tuesday, the team's THIRD straight defeat. The skid comes on the heels of Dallas exceeding expectations by winning 12 of its previous 15 games(note: The Mavs won just 24 games last season!). Meanwhile, the Clippers were one of the league's biggest surprises while jumping off to a 15-6 start, but after a 131-127 home loss to Portland on Monday, they have dropped seven of nine games (including a season-worst four straight losses!).

The play of rookie Luka Doncic (18.4-6.7-4.9) has been "the talk of the town" in Dallas but after an excellent stretch (see above), the Mavericks are starting to come undone. The Mavs enter this contest on a four-game ATS slide and note that they are just 1-4 ATS after scoring 110 points or more in back-to-back games.

The Clippers allowed a season worst for points in Monday's 131-127 home setback against the Portland but I fully expect them to be fully motivated for this one. Center DeAndre Jordan returns to Staples Center as a visiting player for the first time against the Clippers, of whom he spent his first 10 NBA seasons. What's more, the Clippers lost not long ago in Dallas (Dec 2 to be exact) by the score of 114-110, as Jordan scored 16 points and added 23 rebounds (a season high he has since matched).

The Clippers are 9-4 SU at home (6-3 as a home favorite), where they average 114.8 PPG. In contrast, the Mavs are just 2-11 SU on the road and this pointspread won't leave them much of a "margin of error" to cover without winning SU. Revenge works here, so for all the reasons listed above, play on the Clippers.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Weekly Wipeout Winner is on Fordham at 7:00 ET.

The 7-5 James Madison Dukes will be looking for their eighth win of the season when they travel to Rose Hill Gymnasium to take on the Fordham Rams. James Madison comes in off a listless 66-53 loss at George Mason, the school's third straight road defeat. Fordham is 8-3 after just 11 games, quite a turnaround from last year, when the Rams finished 9-22!

The Dukes' inconsistencies continue to haunt them. They are 3-3 in their last six games, averaging 77.3 points in their last three wins but putting up only 54.7 PPG in their three losses. Stucky Mosley (17.1 PPG) lead the way for three double-digit scorers. The Rams are led by a pair of freshman guards, Nick Honor (top scorer at 17.6 PPG) and Jalen Cobb (11.1 PPG), who have joined FIVE returning starters.

Fordham has taken advantage of a 'soft' early season schedule and has played EIGHT of its first 11 games at home. The Rams are 7-1 SU in those contests, holding opponents to just 63.3 PPG. As noted above, JMU has been wildly inconsistent but the Dukes have been sadly consistent in losing their last three road game, while averaging only 54.7 PPG. Lay the points with the revved-up Rams!

Good luck…Larry

My 10* CBB Game of the Week in on Loyola Marymount 10:00 ET.

The 4-6 Boise State Broncos will visit the Albert Gersten Pavilion Wednesday night to take on the 10-1 Loyola Marymount Lions. Boise head coach Leon Rice has led the Broncos to 21 wins or more is SIX of his seven seasons but getting to 21 wins seems like a huge stretch this season. He lost three productive seniors from last year, including the 6-7 Chandler Hutchison ((20.0 & 7.7), who was the 22nd pick in last year's NBA draft by the Chicago Bulls. This year's team has balance (seven players average between 6.7 and 14.3 PPG) but I'm not sure that's good enough.

Loyola-Marymount's Mike Dunlap entered his fifth year at the school this season with a 48-75 (.390) record but he was optimistic about the year, after his team played an exhibition schedule this summer in Australia. All five starters are back and this year's team is led by senior guard James Batemon (19.5) and 7-3 junior center Mattias Markusson (10.7 & 8.7). Most notably, the team's defense has been outstanding, allowing a modest 58.3 PPG (9th). Opponents have shot just 38.5% overall (31st), including only 24.7% on threes (3rd0.

Boise is 0-3 in true road games this season although the Broncos did win one of three neutral-site games in the Cayman Islands Classic from Nov 19-21. Pretty sure that doesn't bode well against the Lions, whose only loss this season came at UCLA. The Lions have won at UNLV and beat Georgetown in the Jamaica Classic back on Nov 16. The Lions are 5-0 at home and this will be the team's first home game in almost a month (last played at home on Nov 29). Lay the modest points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* GAME OF THE WEEK is on the Minnesota Timberwolves (8:05 EST).

To say this is a “revenge” game would be a bit of an understatement. These teams don’t see each other very often, but Detroit has won six straight in the series, including taking both meetings last year.

Both teams come into this one struggling, meaning that home court advantage can not be overlooked as a very real deciding factor in this particular matchup in my opinion. 

Detroit enters off a 107-104 home loss to the Bucks on Monday and it’s now lost seven of eight. Blake Griffin was once again a bright spot in the setback with 19 points, 11 assists and ten boards. Overall the Pistons average 109 PPG and concede 109.9.

The Wolves average 111.6 PPG and they concede 110.6. Minnesota went 0-4 on a recent road trip, but a little “home cooking” is just what the doctor ordered to get things turned around, as they’d go on to destroy the Kings 132-105 in their most recent action on Monday. And there’s no reason not to think that they won’t carry that momentum over here now as well.

Note as well that Detroit is just 3-5 ATS already this year after playing three consecutive home games, while Minnesota is already 7-3 ATS as a home favorite this season.

For all the reasons listed above, lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Oddsmaker's Error is on Syracuse at 8:00 ET.

The Buffalo/Syracuse rivalry (schools are separated by a 152-mile drive across I-90) began way back to the 1917-18 season. Buffalo scored its first win over Syracuse in the final game of the 1918-19 season but Syracuse leads 27-5 all-time in a series. Syracuse and Buffalo played every year from 1965-66 until 1977-78 but the two schools have played just twice since then, on Dec. 18, 1997 and again on Dec. 30, 2001. Buffalo's last win over Syracuse came in overtime, way back during the 1962-63 season! 

However, as the teams get set to meet tonight at the Carrier Dome, 10-0 Buffalo, not 7-3 Syracuse, comes in ranked. No. 14 Buffalo remained one of NINE undefeated Division I teams with a 73-65 victory over Southern Illinois on Saturday. Meanwhile, then-No. 25 Syracuse fell out of the AP top-25 after a 68-62 home loss to Old Dominion, when the Orange lost a 13-point lead and were outscored by 16 in the second half.

The Bulls have defeated then-No. 13 West Virginia as part of their undefeated start (last won 10 straight back in 1964-65), but the team will be tested with this game at Syracuse and Friday's game at current No. 20 Marquette. Buffalo is led by guard Massinburg (17.1 & 7.1), 6-8 forward Perkins (13.1 & 8.2) and swingman Harris (12.6 & 4.9). The famous Jim Boeheim zone is again doing its job, holding opponents to 62.8 PPG (29th). IGuard Battle (18.5), along with forwards Brissett (14.9 & 8.2)  and Hughes (14.3 & 4.4), give Syracuse enough 'punch' to get the job done against Buffalo..

Buffalo was one of the 'belles' of LY's NCAA Tourney, as the 13th-seeded Bulls upset 4th-seeded Arizona by 21 points in the first round. The team's 27 wins set a single-season record. As noted Buffalo is unbeaten (10- 0 SU and 6-2-1 ATS) but is coming off its second-lowest scoring output of the season, as the Bulls scored 73 in Saturday's non-covering win over Southern Illinois. So just which team is David and which Goliath in this matchup? 

The Bulls have lost the last 18 games in the series, including an 81-74 defeat last season in which Syracuse closed on a 14-6 run. The Bulls have not beaten the Orange since 1963. Syracuse was 17-4 SU at home last year and is 6-1 SU at home, this year. With this modest impost, LAY IT!

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on the LA Lakers at 7:35 ET.

The 18-12 LA Lakers are coming off a 128-110 thumping on Sunday in Washington (trailed by as many as 27 points) but let's not ignore that LA is 16-7 over the team's last 23 games. Meanwhile, the 13-18 Brooklyn Nets are on a five-game winning streak, their longest since March 25-April 3, 2015. The current run follows a frustrating eight-game losing skid that saw them struggle to close out games.

LBJ was held to a season-low 13 points on 5 of 16 shooting on Sunday and said, "We have to get some rest." James was held under 20 points for just the fourth time this season and added, "We have two days so no excuses obviously with the game being on Tuesday. I watched the game before we played. They put up 140 something points, so we have to be ready to defend for 48 minutes." Sunday's loss followed a 28-point win in Charlotte on Saturday night when James and Lonzo Ball both recorded triple-doubles but the Lakers could not produce an effective follow-up performance as they committed 22 turnovers.

Brooklyn's five game winning run began with an overtime home win against the Toronto Raptors on Dec 7, then continued with road wins over the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers before the Nets returned home to beat the Washington Wizards and Atlanta Hawks. During the streak, the Nets are averaging 122.8 points, while shooting 50.2 percent from the floor (including 40.4 percent from three-point range). The Nets are also averaging 27.4 assists and assisting on 63.1 percent of their baskets.

Bottom line is this. Do the above just-noted numbers sound ANYTHING like the Brooklyn team we've come to know and love? Yes, the Nets have scored at least 120 points in three straight games (all wins) but that's despite allowing at least 54 percent shooting. FYI...They are the first team to do so since the Houston Rockets in 1987-88. Off an embarrassing Sunday loss at Washington, LBJ carries the Lakers to a comfortable win, here.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Las Vegas Insider is on the SA Spurs at 8:35 ET.

No need to really over think this one. The 76ers come in off a big 128-105 win at Cleveland last night and I think they’ll struggle to find energy in the second game of the back to back in this non-conference west coast contest. San Antonio won’t be lacking any motivation today either, because it had its four-game win streak snapped in a humbling home loss to the lowly Bulls on Saturday:

“That’s a tough loss,” Spurs’ head coach Greg Popovich lamented afterwards. “I give Chicago a lot of credit. (Interim) coach (Jim) Boylen had them ready, and the character and fortitude they showed being down at the half by 19 is a real tribute to what they are trying to establish in Chicago. Their defense took us out of things. We turned it over because of their pressure. The ball stopped moving, and at the right time, they started making some shots down the stretch. They deserve a lot of credit, and that’s a real tough loss for us.”

I think describing the setback as “tough” is being gentle. San Antonio can’t be happy whatsoever and I think it bounces back with a vintage performance here in this favorable situation. Note that San Antonio had not just won four in a row before lowly-Chicago came back from by 21 points down in the third quarter to win 98-93, but the Spurs had won those four games by an average of 22.3 points! 

Yes, Philly won both meetings last year with the Spurs but I sure HAVE to believe that Pop will remind his club that Philly held the Spurs to a season-low 78 points in the second encounter at San Antonio on Jan 26, 2018.

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

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Hou Rockets at 8:05 ET.

The Jazz look poised for another letdown here in my opinion after getting upset 96-89 against Orlando in Mexico City on Saturday. 

The Rockets on the other hand, have started to turn things around. The team's impressive 105-97 road win at Memphis on Saturday was the Rockets' third in a row (also 3-0 ATS). Reigning MVP James Harden has averaged 37.0-7.7-8.3 during the streak.

Note that this is a “double revenge” scenario as well, with Utah having already taken both earlier meetings this year, including a 118-91 home blowout victory in the most recent matchup December 6th.

The Jazz average 106.8 PPG and they concede 106.6. It’s a fine line that Utah has to balance each night and right now it’s not going so well as the Jazz have lost three of their last four. Donovan Mitchell was a bright spot in the loss last time out with 24 points. 

Houston's season numbers are underwhelming but the feeling here is that the Rockets are beginning to show signs of looking more like last year's 65-win team. It’s a perfect storm of factors working in favor of hungry Houston. I’m laying the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 9* Weekend Wipeout Winner is on the Tor Raptors at 8:05 ET.

It's mid-December and who could have predicted that a Toronto/Denver matchup would feature a contest between the top teams in the Eastern and Western Conference. The 23-8 Raptors own the NBA's best record and the Nuggets lead a crowded field out West (four teams are within 1 1/2 games), topping the conference with a 19-9 mark (note: Denver sits atop the Western Conference this late in the season for the first time in its history). 

Both teams are facing serious injury issues. Denver is missing three starters from Opening Night, PF Paul Millsap (broken toe), guard Gary Harris (hip) and swingman Will Barton (core muscle surgery). As for Toronto, center Jonas Valanciunas underwent surgery on his dislocated left thumb Thursday and is expected to miss four to six weeks. Kawhi Leonard scored 28 Friday night at Portland after missing two games with a hip injury but PG Kyle Lowry is listed as questionable for Sunday's game with a thigh injury. He didn't play against the Trail Blazers.

The Raptors will be hungry for a victory here after dropping four of their last seven. Toronto most recently fell 128-122 at Portland, two nights after destroying the Warriors in Golden State. Despite the setback, the Raptors are still an excellent 12-4 on the road this season. Denver has won nine of its last 11, most recently a 109-98 win over OKC on Friday, led by 24 points, 15 boards and nine assists from Nikola Jokic. The Nuggets are 11-3 at home but note that they’re just 6-14 ATS in their last 20 after two or more consecutive SU home wins. As noted above, Toronto has been one of the league’s best road teams this season and it’s also been great in this spot for bettors by going 4-1 ATS as a road underdog and 4-0 ATS after playing three straight road games.

Final thought: The Nuggets snapped the Raptors' eight-game winning streak with a 106-103 victory on Dec 3. That was less than two weeks ago and the Raptors will remember. Lowry missed a three-pointer at the buzzer that would have tied it in that one but tonight, the game won't be close in the final minutes. Take Toronto.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* CBB Game of the Week is on St Louis at 3:00 ET.

St Louis is 7-2 and will visit Houston (9-0 and ranked 24th in the AP poll) on Sunday. This marks the 38th meeting between the two former MVC and C-USA rivals, with St Louis holding a 24-13 lead in the series. However, in the most recent meeting last year,  Houston won 77-58 at St Louis. In that game, the Billikens had two starters foul out and coughed up 16 TOs in the 19-point loss.

Houston has yet to lose and considering that the Cougars enter on a 22-game home win streak (the nation's second-longest!), a 10-0 start would not come as a surprise (note:  This is the third time the Cougars have started 9-0. Houston was also 9-0 in 1969-70 and won all 28 regular-season games in 1967-68 on the way to a Final Four appearance and 31-2 record).  However, I think the Billikens will keep this one a lot closer than what this spread would suggest. 

In its first game since entering the national polls last Monday, Houston rallied from a 15-point second-half deficit to beat LSU 82-76 on Wednesday. That comes on the heels of another emotionally-draining 63-53 win at Okla State on Dec 8. St Louis has lost twice this season, by two points to Pittsburgh (in Brooklyn) on Nov 21 and by five points at Southern Illinois on Dec 5.

Houston has struggled lately from behind the three-point line, hitting 25.5 percent during its past four home games. That doesn't bode well against a St Louis defense holding opponents to 26.9% on threes (12th-best) and 61.7 PPG, overall (20th). I feel that the Billikens' aggressive defensive play keeps this game competitive until the final moments. It’s also worthy of note to that the road team is 4-1 ATS in the last five in this series.

Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Revenge Rout is on Miss St at 8:30 ET.

Cincinnati looks primed for a letdown here in my opinion after nine straight wins.

Mississippi State comes into this one ranked No. 18 and on a five-game win streak of its own.

In closing, Cincinnati has yet to crack the top-25 this season despite a 9-1 record. Meanwhile, Mississippi St is 8-1 coming off an impressive 82-71 win last week over Clemson on a neutral court in Newark, N.J. and is ranked 18th. Note that this will be Bearcats' most challenging away game of the year (by far) and that the Bulldogs' confidence is running high after not only the Clemson win (19 made three-pointers were a school record) but also a 65-58 road win at Dayton (Nov. 30).

Cincinnati won 65-50 over Miss St last year at home, a game in which MSU head coach Ben Howland claimed his team did too much standing around and not enough ball movement vs the Cincy zone. Expect that to change here and remember, the Bearcats are missing players that produced 49 of their 65 points in Jacob Evans III, Kyle Washington and Gary Clark. Two are NBA players and the other is playing professionally overseas. REVENGE works in a big way here!

Good luck…Larry

My 9* Situational Stunner is on the Memphis Grizzlies (8:05 EST).

I don’t think that the home court advantage can be overlooked as a very real deciding factor in this contest.

One wonders how the Rockets can be just 13-14, after winning a league-high 65 games last season? Meanwhile, after winning only 22 games last season (only the Suns with 21, won fewer), Memphis checks in at 18-12. Yes, Houston's off a 126-111 win over LA on Thursday (Harden had a 50-point triple-double) but Houston entered that game on a 3-8 ATS run. Memphis is 4th in the league in defensive efficiency (ranks 2nd in points allowed at 102.0 per), while Houston is 24th (ranks 12th in allowing 109.6 PPG). Memphis actually split four games with Houston last season (remember, Houston won 65 games and Memphis just 22), so the home dog sure seems like it has a great chance to 'bark loudly' in this one!

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the LA Lakers (7:05 EST).

This one has “blowout” written all over it in my opinion. And we don’t have to overthink this one at all.

LA got steamrolled by James Harden's 50-point triple-double in a 126-111 loss at Houston on Thursday but enjoyed the advantage of relaxing in Charlotte on Friday night while the Hornets were working overtime with the New York Knicks. In fact, the Hornets entered the fourth quarter with a 15-point lead on Friday, before suffering an 'ugly' 126-124 overtime loss. Charlotte has won six of the last 7 in this series but the Lakers have covered SIX straight in Charlotte. Of course, those games were all played before LBJ "took his talents" to Los Angeles.  

"King James" has gone 17-5 in North Carolina for the Cavaliers and Heat over the past 14 seasons, scoring 30 or more points 10 times and 35 or more four times, with a high of 41 in a 118-105 win last March. With the bonus of a scheduling advantage (see above), expect LBJ to lead LA to the team's 16th win in its last 22 games. At this price, I'm "all in" on the Lakers.

Good luck…Larry

My 9* Tourney Takedown is on Washington at 7:00 ET.

Virginia Tech is 8-1 and it most recently enters off an 81-44 victory over lowly South Carolina State. 

Washington on the other hand almost beat then No. 1 Gonzaga to take down Seattle 70-62 this past weekend. 

Washington and Va Tech squared off last year at Madison Square Garden and the result was a 103-79 Hokies' romp! No wonder, as Va Tech connected on 60 percent from the floor, including making 15 of 22 three-pointers. Yes, Va Tech remains an excellent three-point shooting team (44.9% ranks 2nd in the nation) but I expect Washington's zone defense (similar to Syracuse's zone, as Mike Hopkins is a Boeheim disciple) will do a much better job this time around. A Dec 5 loss at the buzzer (81-79) to then-No. 1 Gonzaga proves that Washington can play against the nation’s elite. Take the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 9* Eye-Opener is on Villanova at 12:00 ET. Revenge will be in the air at Allen Fieldhouse today, as Villanova made a Final Four-record 18 three-pointers last spring in a 95-79 win over Kansas, two days before clinching its second national championship in three seasons. However, the revenge angle doesn't always work. Kansas opened the season at No. 1 and is back atop the poll after Gonzaga lost last week. However, while the Jayhawks are 8-0, three of the their last four wins have come by six points or fewer, two in OT plus a 63-60 triumph over New Mexico State last Saturday as a 14.5-point favorite.  An ankle injury to junior center Udoka Azubuike has created a delicate balance in Kansas' rotation.

Villanova was been ranked as high as No. 8 but was bounced out of the polls after back-to-back losses Nov 14 & 17. The now 17th-ranked Wildcats ripped off SIX consecutive wins after that but then a 78-75 loss to Penn on Tuesday ended that winning streak, as well as a 25-game streak against Philadelphia Big-Five rivals.I believe the challenge of facing the nation's No. 1 team is just what the doctor ordered for Villanova. Remember, Kansas has trailed in ALL of its games with the largest deficits averaging out at 8.1 points. Take the points!

My NBA 10* Game of the Month (Non-Conf) is on the Por Blazers at 10:05 ET.

The Toronto Raptors opened the current season 12-1 before losing three straight from Nov 12-16. However, after dominating road wins at the LA Clippers on Tuesday (123-99) and at the Golden St Warriors on Wednesday (113-93), the entire NBA is 'looking up' at the Raptors and their NBA-best 23-7 mark. Meanwhile, the Portland Blazers opened the season an impressive 10-3 but after back-to-back road losses this week at Houston (Tue) and Memphis (Wed), the team welcomes the Raptors to Moda Center having dropped 10 of its last 15 games (3-12 ATS).

Toronto dominated the two-time defending champions in that 113-93 road win on Wednesday, despite being without Kawhi Leonard (hip). PG Kyle Lowry had shot 4-of-28 from the floor over a four-game span but made 17-of-31 FG attempts against the Warriors and Clippers in Toronto's first two contests of this four-game road trip. Meanwhile, the Blazers are returning home after a two-game road trip (see above). Shooting guard CJ McCollum scored 40 points on 16-of-27 shooting in Wednesday's 92-83 loss to the Grizzlies but the rest of the team went 16-of-60 (26.7%) from the floor. That includes PG Damian Lillard (4-of-18) and center Jusuf Nurkic (1-of-15)!

Toronto had lost three of four before beating the Clippers and Warriors. Leonard (26.1 & 8.3) sat out both wins with a balky hip (he's listed as questionable here). Also, center Jonas Valanciunas (12.8 & 7.2) underwent surgery Wednesday night after dislocating his left thumb against the Warriors. He will wear a cast for four weeks and then begin rehabilitation. Sure, the Blazers are reeling but just how does Toronto avoid a letdown? Any chance that Lillard (27.0-5.1-6.1) and Nurkic (14.5 & 10.5) will combine to shoot 5-of-33 again, as they did Wednesday against Memphis? Portland brings back memories of "RIP City" in earning a BIG win in this one.

Good luck…Larry

My 9* Wipeout Winner is on the Brooklyn Nets (7:35 EST).

Washington comes in off a deflating 130-125 OT loss at home to the Celtics on Wednesday, while the Nets enter off a confidence building 127-124 road win on the same night.

These teams have split a pair of games this year, but the Nets play with revenge here after falling 102-88 in the Nation’s capital in the latest back on December 1st.

Washington averages 110.1 PPG and it conceds 116.9. Guard Bradley Beal leads the nightly charge with 22.9 points per game. Star John Wall is listed as questionable for this one and if he does play, one definitely has to wonder if he’s at 100% health or not?

Brooklyn comes in on top form having won three straight. The Nets average 109.3 PPG and they concede 111.1. Spencer Dinwiddie averages 16.9 points and 4.9 assists per game. 

I’ll point out as well that Brooklyn is 13-7 ATS in its last 20 following a three games or more SU unbeaten streak, while Washington is only 5-21 ATS in its last 26 on the road.

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

Good luck…Larry

My 10* TNT Knockout is on the LA Lakers (8:05 EST).

The Rockets have been consistently inconsistent to open the 2018/19 NBA campaign and after a 111-104 home win over Portland in their latest action, I expect this trend of futility to continue here against this hungry visiting side.

The Lakers come to town off a 108-105 home win over the Heat.

Note that this is a “triple revenge” game for the Lakers as well, including losing the first meeting of the year 124-115 back on October 20th.

LA is quietly dominating, as it comes in having won two straight and six of its last seven. Overall the Lakers average 113.1 PPG and they concede 110.9. LeBron James averages 28.3 points, 7.7 boards and 7.1 assists per night.

Houston averages only 108.4 PPG and it concedes 109.5. James Harden leads the nightly charge with 30 points and 5.3 boards per game.

I’ll point out though that the Rockets are a terrible 1-5 ATS in their last six when playing on one days rest, while LA is 6-1 ATS in its last seven following an ATS loss.

For all the reasons listed above, grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 9* Late Breaking Play is on the Golden State Warriors (10:35 EST).

The Raptors come in off a win against the Clippers just last night and I think they’ll struggle with energy in this difficult road venue and in the second game of the back-to-back scenario.

After a shaky stretch and with the return of “captain” Stephen Curry, the Warriors come in on top form with four straight victories. 

Not only is Curry back for the Warriors, but so too is swingman Draymond Green, who returned after an 11 game absence to post seven points, ten boards, seven assist and one block in 29 minutes in his team’s most recent win over the Wolves.

I’ll point out as well that Golden State is 4-1 ATS in its last five home games vs. teams with winning road records, while Toronto is now just 5-10 ATS in its last 15 vs. the Western Conference.

Note as well that that Raptors are just 2-11 ATS in their last 13 at Oracle Arena.

For all the reasons listed above, lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* PERFECT STORM is on the Oklahoma City Thunder (8:05 EST).

New Orleans is struggling after a fast start and the rumours of star Anthony Davis being on the “trade block” isn’t helping ease tensions these days.

The Thunder got off to a terrible start to the 2018/19 campaign, but they’ve been on fire ever since and I think they carry that momentum over here into this potentially dangerous match-up.

OKC enters off a 122-113 win over the Jazz on Monday, getting 31 points from Paul George. Overall the Thunder average 108.1 points per 100 possessions, while allowing only 101.6 points per 100 possessions, which ranks first in the league.

New Orleans averages 112.7 points per 100 possessions, while allowing 111.3 points per 100 possessions. Anthony Davis had 41 points in a loss to the Celtics in the Pelicans most recent action.

I’ll point out as well that OKC is already 7-2 ATS this year after scoring 115 points or more in its previous contest, wile New Orleans is already 0-4 ATS this season off a road loss of ten points or more. 

Davis is having a hard time carrying the load by himself and I think he’ll struggle again here against this deep and defensively talented visiting side. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* WEST-CONF GAME OF MONTH is on the Memphis Grizzlies (8:05 EST).

The Blazers enter off a hard-fought and exhausting loss in Houston just last night and I think it’ll come in with “heavy legs” in the second game of the back-to-back scenario. The Rockets were desperate for a victory last night and so too are the Grizzlies after a two game slide in this one. I don’t think that the home court advantage can be overlooked as a very real deciding factor in this particular selection. 

Damian Lillard was a bright spot in last night’s loss for the Blazers, finishing with 34 points, two boards and two assists, but one has to wonder how much “gas” he has left in the tank here?

The Grizzlies have looked a lot better this season, but after being held to under 100 points in back-to-back games, I think that Marc Gasol, Mike Conley and company get out and push the pace of this one from start to finish. 

I’ll point out as well that memphis 11-4 ATS in its last 15 at home and 7-2 ATS in its last nine home games vs. teams with losing SU road records, while Portland is now 0-5 ATS in its last five on the road.

Memphis is tough at home (8-4) and in my opinion, it has a significant advantage tonight. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* TOTAL OF THE WEEK is the over Blazers/Rockets (8:05 EST).

Portland comes in off a 113-105 home win over Minnesota, while Houston enters off a 107-104 road loss in Dallas. Houston is looking to break out of its early season slump and to avenge a 104-85 setback to the Blazers on October 30th. 

I’m expecting the home side to push the pace from start to finish and for this total to fly over sooner, rather than later.

Portland’s won two straight. Overall the Blazers average 112.3 PPG and concede 110.4. Damian Lillard leads the nightly charge with 27.2 points and 6.4 assists per night. 

Houston averages 108.3 PPG and it concedes 109.7. James Harden leads the team with 30 points, 5.5 boards and 8.3 assists per game. 

I’ll point out as well that Portland’s already seen the total go over the number in four of six on the road this season, while Houston has seen the total fly over in its last three following a loss by 14 points or more.

For all the reasons listed above, play the over.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Situational Stunner is on the Sacramento Kings (8:05 EST).

The Kings are 13-12 and the Bulls are 6-21. 

Overall Sacramento is averaging 114.5 PPG and it’s allowing 116. Buddy Hield is averaging 18.8 points and 5.4 boards per game, while De’Aaron Fox averages 17.8 points and 7.6 assists.

The Bulls have lost 12 of their last 14. Chicago is averaging 102.3 PPG and it’s conceding 113. Overall the Bulls have lost five of their last seven SU at home.

These are two terrible teams and while the Bulls are getting healthier (the return of Lauri Markkanen is huge obviously), the home side lacks the depth and scoring talent to keep up with the Kings in my opinion. 

Note as well that the Bulls are just 2-5 ATS in their last seven when playing on one days rest, while the Kings are still 4-1 ATS in their last five on the road.

For all the reasons listed above, lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Oklahoma City Thunder (8:05 EST).

The Jazz enter off a loss in San Antonio just last night and I think they’ll stumble here as well in the second game of the back-to-back scenario.

The Thunder have turned their season around after a horrible start, but they’ll be eager to return to form after a 114-112 road loss to Chicago. 

Utah is scuffling right now, having gone 5-6 in its last 11. Overall the Jazz are averaging 107.4 PPG and conceding 107.6. Rudy Gobert is averaging 15 points and 12.4 boards per game.

OKC averages 111.1 PPG and it concedes 104.4. The Thunder are 9-3 SU at home and I think they’ll lay the hammer down from start to finish in this one. 

Note that Utah is a horrible 14-25 ATS in its last 39 as a road underdog of six points or less, while OKC is 24-15 ATS in its last 39 as a home favorite of six points or less.

Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 9* Wipeout Winner is on the San Antonio Spurs (7:05 EST).

Utah’s won four of the last five in this series, including a blowout 139-105 victory at home in the first meeting this year. San Antonio plays with revenge and I think it’ll at the very least, keep this one close enough to comfortably come away with the ATS cover.

Utah comes in off a 118-91 win over the Rockets on Thursday, while SA posted a 133-120 home win over the Lakers most recently. 

The Jazz average 107.4 PPG and they concede 107.2. Donovan Mitchell leads the nightly charge with 20.6 PPG. 

San Antonio is averaging 110.3 PPG and it’s conceding 114. DeMar DeRozan averages 24.7 points and six assists per night. 

Note though that Utah is just 2-5 ATS already this season after covering in three of its last four ATS, while San Antonio is 3-1 ATS this season as a home underdog.

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

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Game Of The Week is on Texas (6:00 EST).

Analysis posted at least six hours before game time.

Texas comes in as the “hungrier” team here after three straight losses. After a 5-0 start, the Longhorns come in desperate and focused. Purdue comes in off an upset win over Maryland on Thursday, breaking a two-game slide. 

The Boilermakers are averaging only 64 PPG over their last three games. Carsen Edwards had 20 points in the most recent victory. 

Texas has quality wins this year (92-89 victory over UNC on Nov. 22nd), but it’s since fallen on hard times. The talent is there though to turn things around, as Jericho Sims is a force to be reckoned with on most nights, scoring 14 in the most recent setback to VCU.

Purdue though has struggled in this spot for bettors, going just 1-4 ATS in its last five after scoring 65 points or less in two straight games.

Conversely, the Longhorns have responded well in this spot by going 6-1 ATS in their last seven off an upset loss as a home favorite.

For all the reasons listed above, play on Texas.

Good luck…Larry

My 9* Wipeout Winner is on Arizona (1:00 EST).

Arizona enters off an 80-69 win over Utah Valley, while Alabama enters off a deflating 83-80 loss to Georgia State.

If recent history is any precedence then the visitors have to be liking their chances today, as they’d post the 88-82 home win in this matchup last year.

The Wildcats have won three straight. Overall they’re averaging 78.8 PPG and conceding just 67.6. Brandon Randolph is averaging 17.1 PPG. 

Alabama is averaging 75.8 PPG and it’s allowing 71.9. Dazon Ingram was a bright spot in the most recent upset loss with 17 points on five of six shooting. 

I’ll point out though that the Crimson Tide are just 1-6 ATS in their last seven at home and only 1-5 ATS in their last six following an ATS loss, while Arizona is interestingly 7-3 ATS in its last ten non-conference road games after a three games or more SU unbeaten streak.

For all the reasons listed above, play on Arizona.

Good luck…Larry

My 9* Rivalry Rout is on UCLA (10:30 EST).

The Irish’s four game win streak was snapped in an 85-80 loss to Oklahoma last time out and I think ND will suffer a predictable letdown here as well in this difficult road venue. 

UCLA on the other hand avoided any “traps” heading into this one with back-to-back convincing victories over Hawaii and Loyola Marymount. 

The Irish were completely dominated by the Sooners on both ends of the court in their latest setback. They’d go on to shoot just 28.0 percent from range. TJ Gibbs was a bright spot in defeat with 18 points, three assists and three boards.

UCLA was led by 17 points from both Kris Wilkes and Jaylen Hands in the Bruins most recent win. 

UCLA has done well in this spot for bettors as well, going 5-1 ATS in their last six non-conference home games following a two games or more unbeaten streak, while Notre Dame has struggled, going just 2-5 ATS in its last seven non-conference contests.

For all the reasons listed above, lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* GAME OF THE WEEK is on the Indiana Pacers (7:05 EST).

Both teams are playing the second game of a back-to-back, which really makes home court a big advantage for the Pacers in this match-up in my professional opinion.

The Kings come in off a big 129-110 road win in Cleveland, while The Pacers return home off a big 112-90 win over Orlando on Friday.

Note that this is an in season revenge game for Indiana, which fell 111-110 in Sacramento only last week.

It’s a natural letdown spot for Sacramento, which plays its final game of its Eastern swing. Sacramento averages 114.7 PPG and it concedes 116.6. De’Aaron Fox averages 17.3 points and 7.5 assists per night.

Indiana comes in having won straight. The Pacers average 105.8 PPG and they concede just 102.1. Victor Oladipo leads the nightly charge with 21.4 points, 6.6 boards and 1.56 steal per game.

Even with Oladipo out, I love the Pacers here. Note that Sacramento is a terrible 10-17 ATS in its last 27 after covering five or six of its last seven games against the spread, while Indiana is 5-2 ATS in its last seven when playing the second game of a back to back.

For all the reasons listed above, lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Battle 4 Texas is on the Houston Rockets (6:05 EST).

Houston will be desperate her after its terrible start. The Rockets come in off a humbling 118-91 road loss to Utah on Thursday. 

After a great stretch, the Mavs have also come back down to Earth, most recently getting drubbed 118-91 on the road in New Orleans. 

Note that this is an in-season revenge game for the Rockets too after the Mavericks took a 128-108 road victory in the first match-up of the season.

Overall the Rockets are averaging 108.5 PPG and conceding 109.8. James Harden leads the nightly charge with 29.8 points, 5.6 boards and 8.3 assists per game. 

The Mavericks are averaging 110.6 PPG and they’re allowing 109.6. Luke Doncic leads the way with 18.1 points, 6.5 boards and 4.3 assists per night.

I’ll point out though that Houston is 18-11 ATS in its last 29 in trying to revenge a home loss vs. an opponent, while Dallas is only 2-8 ATS in its last ten (including 1-3 ATS this season) after scoring 105 points or more in three straight games. 

Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Eye-Opener is on Michigan State (12:00 EST).

MSU posted a 90-68 home win over Iowa in its latest action, while Florida beat WVU 66-56.

Michigan State is averaging 87.2 PPG and it’s conceding 68.7. After a loss to Louisville the Spartans have won two straight. In the latest victory Nick Ward had 26 points and went 10 from 10 from the floor.

Florida is averaging only 71 PPG and it’s allowing 61.6. KeVaughn Allen had 19 points in the win over the Mountaineers.

Note though that the Gators are only 1-4 ATS in their last five following an ATS victory, while Michigan State is 4-0 ATS In its last four vs. teams with a win percentage above .600 and 4-1 ATS in its last five following a SU victory.

I have a hard time seeing the Gators’ offense matching pace down the stretch. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* TV Total Mismatch is the over Philly/Detroit (7:05 EST).

Philly had its five-game win streak snapped in a tough 113-102 road loss in Toronto on Friday, while Detroit enters off a poor 115-92 road loss in Milwaukee.

Both teams will be eager to return to form and as such, I’m expecting a wide-open run and gun shootout rather than a lower-scoring defensive battle.

Detroit will be extra motivated here as well after back-to-back poor showings and to also avenge a 109-99 loss to the 76ers on November 3rd.

Philly averages 113.7 PPG and it concedes 111.8. Big man Joel Embiid leads the way with 26.3 points, 13.3 boards and 1.96 blocks per game.

Detroit averages 109.4 PPG and it concedes 109.5. Blake Griffin leads the nightly charge with 24.9 points, 9.1 boards and five assists per night.

I’ll point out as well that Philadelphia has seen the total go over in 10 of its last 14 after playing to three or more straight “unders,” while Detroit has seen the total eclipse the posted number in both games that it’s played in this season in trying to revenge a loss vs. an opponent.

For all the reasons listed above, play the over.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Knockout is on the Utah Jazz (10:35 EST).

Houston  has allowed 116.1 PPG over its last nine games. It has caused the team's defensive rating to tumble to 25th among NBA teams. The Rockets' offense has not been up to last year's standard (109.2 PPG ranks 18th) ) and it hasn't been able to keep up. The result has been five losses over their last seven contests. Meanwhile, Utah has won four of its last six games and knocked down a franchise-record 20 three-pointers in Tuesday's 139-105 rout of the San Antonio Spurs (10 different players connected on at least one from behind the arc during the impressive victory).

Utah cruised to a 100-89 road win in the first matchup of this series back in late October and I believe it’ll have an even easier time of it today. 

Note as well that Utah is 4-1 ATS in its last five when playing on one days rest, while Houston is interestingly 0-4 ATS in its last four vs. teams with a home winning percentage of less than .400.

Rockets’ star Chris Paul was just one of eight form the floor in the loss to Minnesota most recently and I think he’ll struggle again here against this surging home side. 

Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 9* Rivalry Rout is on BYU (9:00 EST).

BYU comes in as the “hungrier” team after a three-game losing streak. Utah State on the other hand is primed for a predictable letdown here in my opinion after back-to-back victories.

The Aggies currently rank among the nation’s best in scoring and rebounding, but strength of schedule has to be taken into account in my opinion. In their 89-65 blowout win over UC Irvine last Saturday, Quinn Taylor had 21 points, six boards and one assist. 

The Cougars have lost three straight after winning five straight. Most recently BYU lost 113-103 to Weber State. Yoeli Childs had 31 points, seven boards and three assists. 

I’ll point out as well that Utah State is just 3-7 ATS in its last ten as a road underdog of six points or less or pick, while BYU is a perfect 5-0 ATS in its last five after failing to cover the spread in four of its last five games.

For all the reasons listed above, play on BYU.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Showdown is on Minnesota (9:00 EST).

Minnesota comes in as the “hungrier” team after losing two of its last three. The competition has been stiff though, most recently to Ohio State and Boston College.

The Cornhuskers come in complacent here in my opinion after three straight wins over Illinois, Clemson and Western Illinois.

Nebraska comes in off a satisfying 75-60 win over Illinois. Guard James Palmer Jr. had 23 points.

Minnesota had a difficult time moving the ball vs. the No. 17 ranked scoring defense in Ohio State. But the Golden Gophers come in hungry and focused and I think they make the most of the home court advantage. 

I’ll point out as well that Nebraska is just 8-9 ATS in its last 17 after covering two of its last thee vs. the spread. while Minnesota is already a perfect 3-0 ATS at home this season.

For all the reasons listed above, grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 9* Showdown is on the Philadelphia 76ers (8:05 EST).

Philadelphia lost 129-112 in Toronto in the first matchup of the year back on October 30th. The 76ers have since “found” themselves and they come into this one on top form. While the outright victory is clearly not out of the question, I’ll recommend grabbing the points in a contest which I see being decided by whichever of these talented teams has its hands on the ball last.

The Raptors are ripe for the picking after a disheartening 106-103 home loss to Denver. The 76ers on the other hand have won four straight, most recently a 103-95 victory at home over Memphis. 

Philadelphia averages 114.2 PPG and it allows 111.8. Joel Embiid averages 27 points, 13.4 boards and two blocks per game. 

Toronto averages 116.6 PPG and it concedes 108.3. Kawhi Leonard leads the way with 25.6 points and 8.5 boards per game.

I’ll point out though that Philly is already a solid 4-2 ATS this year in trying to revenge a loss vs. an opponent, while Toronto is only 5-8 ATS at home this season.

Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Wipeout Winner is on the Denver Nuggets (7:05 EST).

At some point the Nuggets are going to have a letdown, but I don’t think that tonight is that night.

Denver enters off a confidence building 106-103 road win over the Raptors.

The Magic come in off a very satisfying win in Miami just last night and I think they’re primed for a predictable letdown vs. this deep and talented non-conference visiting side.

The Nuggets come in on top form having won six straight. Denver averages 110.2 PPG and it concedes 102.7. Nikola Jokic leads the way with 16.7 points, 9.7 boards and 7.5 assists per night.

The Magic average 105.8 PPG and they concede 108.1. Clearly that’s not a recipe for long-term success. Nikola Vucevic leads the nightly charge with 21 points, 11.3 boards and 3.8 assists per night.

I’ll point out as well that Orlando is just 3-7 ATS in its last ten home games vs. a team with a road winning percentage of greater than .600, while Denver is 4-0 ATS in its last four on the road.

Look for these strong trends to continue and lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Underdog Shocker is on Illinois (7:00 EST).

Ohio State enters off a satisfying 79-59 home win over Minnesota and I think it’ll get caught looking past its lowly opponent today. Illinois is hungry here, off a 75-60 loss to Nebraska in its Big Ten opener. The Illini play with revenge here as well (not surprisingly), after Ohio State posted the 75-67 home win last season.

The Buckeyes are 7-1 and averaging 78.4 PPG, while conceding 60.1. Kaleb Wesson was a standout in the latest victory with 15 points.

The Illini are averaging 77.4 PPG and they’re allow 77.1. Illinoishas faced a stiff opening schedule though and I think a little home cooking is just what the doctor ordered. Trent Frazier leads the nightly charge and he’ll be eager to return to form after posting a combined 15 points over the last two games.

I’ll printout though that Ohio State has struggled in this spot for bettors, going just 9-10 ATS in its last 19 off a home win of ten points or more. Illinois on the other hand is 8-4 ATS in its last 12 after a loss by ten points or more.

I’m grabbing the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 8* Wipeout Winner is on Florida (9:30 EST).

WVU comes in contented after four straight wins. 

The Gators lost 61-54 to Butler, but then bounced back to beat North Florida 98-66. This is Jimmy V Classic at Madison Square Garden and i think the defensive minded Gators have the upper hand.

Overall Florida averages 71.7 PPG and it concedes 62.4. 

West Virginia has indeed won four in a row, but against pretty middling competition (St. Joes, Valparasio, Rider and Youngstown State.) Overall the Mountainteers are averaging 86.4 PPG and conceding 75.9. 

I’ll point out though that WVU just 6-14-1 ATS in its last 21 following an ATS win, while Florida is 7-2 ATS in its last nine neutral site games after scoring 80 points or more in its previous outing.

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

Good luck…Larry

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

Analysis posted at least six hours before game time.

Alabama comes in off an upset loss to UCF and I believe it’ll take its frustrations out on Georgia State.

The Panthers enter off a blowout loss to Liberty. But a little “home cooking” is just what the doctor ordered for the Tide to get back on track, as their only two losses have come on the road this year.

D’Marcus Simonds had 22 points, five assists and three boards in Georgia State’s loss to the Flames. Leading scorer Damon Wilson though was held to just four points.

The Tide have had a week off since their upset loss to the Golden Knights. It was a bad shooting night for the Tide, going 37.9 percent from the floor and 20.8 percent from range. Kira Lewis Jr. was a stand out in the defeat with 14 points, two boards and two assists.

I’ll point out though that Alabama is 4-0 ATS in its last four following a SU loss, while Georgia State is just 1-6 ATS in its last seven following a SU loss of more than 20 points and just 1-4 ATS in its last five road games vs. teams with winning home records.

The Panthers lack the size and depth to compete with this rested and focused Alabama side. But outside of Simonds, the visitors lack scoring punch and I have a hard time seeing the under-manned visitors keeping pace down the stretch.

Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Miami Heat (7:35 EST).

Orlando comes in off a 99-85 road win over Phoenix on Friday and I think it’ll stumble here with the extra time off and in this difficult venue.

The Heat enter off a confidence building 102-100 home win over Utah on Sunday. 

Note that this is a revenge game as well for Miami after the Magic won 104-101 in the first meeting at home back in mid October.

Orlando is averaging 105.8 PPG and it’s conceding 108.1. Nikola Vucevic leads the way with 21 points, 11.3 boards and 3.8 assists per night.

Miami averages 108.2 PPG and it concedes 109.6. Hassan Whiteside is averaging 13.6 points, 13.9 boards and 2.9 blocks per game. 

I’ll point out as well that the Magic are a terrible 3-6 ATS in their last nine when playing with three or more days of rest, while Miami is 13-4 ATS in its last 17 in trying to revenge a close loss of three points or less to an opponent. 

Miami has won back-to-back games and I look for it to keep the foot on the gas here as well and to avenge the earlier loss to their division rival. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* West-Conf TOTAL OF THE MONTH is the under LA/NO (8:05 EST).

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think about these two teams? For me it’s “run and gun” offense and very little defense.

These are indeed two of the higher-scoring teams in the league, but each comes in off an exhausting game just last night. While these clubs normally play to “shootouts,” I think the overall conditions finally point to a lower-scoring defensive battle.

LA plays with revenge here after falling 116-109 in the first meeting between the teams this year.

The Clippers come in dejected off a 114-110 loss in Dallas on Monday, while the Pelicans return home contented after a 119-109 road win in Charlotte.

After winning nine of their last ten, I think a predictable letdown is in store for the over-achieving Clippers in the second game of the back to back. 

New Orleans has been “hit or miss” all year as well, going just 5-6 in its last 11 overall, so a letdown after last night’s big win isn’t too difficult to imagine either.

Additionally note that LA has seen the total go under the under in five of seven already this year in trying to revenge a loss vs. an opponent which scored 110 points or more in, while New Orleans has seen the total dip below the posted number in seven of its last ten as a favorite.

For all the reasons listed above, play the under.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Wipeout Winner is on the Charlotte Hornets (5:05 EST).

New Orleans enters off a 106-101 setback in Miami on Friday, while Charlotte comes in off a 119-111 home loss to Utah on Friday. 

These teams haven’t played yet this season, but Charlotte does play with revenge here as well, as New Orleans has taken four straight in the series.

The Pelicans have now lost four of their last five. They come into this game averaging 117.7 PPG and conceding 116.5. Anthony Davis leads the way with 27.8 points, 12.7 boards, 4.6 assists, 2.74 blocks and 1.53 assists per game. While New Orleans is 7-5 SU on the road, note that it’s just 4-8 ATS in those contests.

Charlotte is back to .500 after its two game win streak was snapped by the Jazz, but the good news is that it still has a hold on the division lead. The Hornets average 114.7 PPG and they concede 110.4. Kemba Walker leads the nightly charge with 27.1 points and 6.2 assists per night.

I’ll point out as well that New Orleans is just 1-3 ATS in its last four as a road dog of six points or less, while Charlotte is 8-4 ATS at home and 4-1 ATS off an upset loss as a favorite.

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

Good luck…Larry

My 9* Late Breaking Play is on Wake Forest (7:30 EST).

Wake Forest enters off a 71-64 home win over Western Carolina and I think the Demon Deacons carry that momentum over here.

Richmond comes in off a 90-82 road loss to Georgetown and I think it’s primed for another letdown here as well. 

Wake Forest averages 76 PPG and it concedes 74.3. Brandon Childress leads the nightly charge with 17.5 points and 4.7 assists per night, while Jaylen Hoard adds 16.8 points and 8.7 boards.

Richmond averages 72 PPG and it allows 75. Grant Golden leads the way with 20.3 points and 6.9 boards per game.

I’ll point out though that Richmond has struggled mightily in this spot for bettors, going just 1-3-1 ATS in its last five home games and only 1-5 ATS in its last six home games vs. a team with a road winning percentage of greater than .600, while Wake Forest is 7-2 ATS in its last nine after holding its previous opponent to 65 points or less.

The Spiders are dealing with significant injuries and I believe this continues to hurt them here as well. Play on Wake Forest.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Conf Crusher is on the Detroit Pistons (7:05 EST).

The Warriors welcome back captain Stephen Curry to the line-up, but I think the defending champs are still going to need some time to get back on track and gain their normal chemistry.

Most recently the Warriors come in off an exhausting 131-128 OT loss in Toronto, a game in which Kevin Durant went for 51 points. 

The surging Pistons look to take advantage after their fourth straight win, most recently over Chicago in blowout fashion. 

Golden State averages 116.5 PPG, while conceding 111.5. As mentioned off the top, having Curry back will clearly start to turn things around for the Warriors, but as also stated earlier, I do definitely fel that “instant chemistry” is out of the question in this one.

And that’s because the Pistons are firing on all cylinders, averaging 111.8 PPG and conceding 110.7. Blake Griffin leads the nightly charge with 25.1 points, 9.6 board and 5.1 assists per game. 

I’ll point out as well that Golden State is just 3-7 ATS on the road this year, while Detroit is 6-2 ATS as an underdog.

For all the reasons listed above, grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Unranked Shocker is on USC (4:30 EST).

While an outright upset is obviously not out of the question, I will in the end recommend grabbing the points in a contest which I envision being decided by whichever of these hungry teams has its hands on the ball last.

Nevada comes in unbeaten after getting the better of Loyola-Chicago 79-65, while USC enters off a 75-65 home win over LBSU on Wednesday. 

Nevada is averaging 90.1 PPG and it’s conceding 69. Caleb Martin leads the nightly charge with 21 points and 4.7 boards per game, while Jordan Carolina adds 17.7 points and 9.9 boards.

The Trojans won’t be going down without a fight today. They come in on top form having won three straight. USC averages 83.3 PPG and it concedes 71.6. Bennie Boatwright leads the team with 16.8 points and 6.4 boards per game.

I’ll point out as well that Nevada is just 4-5 ATS in its last nine after covering five of six of its last seven ATS, while USC is 3-1 ATS in its last four at home and 18-8 ATS in its last 26 after having won three of its last four games SU.

For all the reasons listed above, grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the LA Lakers (10:35 EST).

After back-to-back losses, the Lakers are the “hungrier” team tonight. Indiana on the other hand comes in contented after back-to-back road wins, including a 109-104 victory in Phoenix on Tuesday. 

But Pacers star Victor Oladipo is sitting this one out with injury and I believe The King and company get back on track and take advantage. 

Overall Indiana is averaging 106.5 PPG and it’s allowing 102.2. Oladipo leads the nightly charge with 21.4 points and 6.6 boards per game, but as mentioned off the top, he’s sitting this one out.

The Lakers are averaging 112.8 PPG and they’re conceding 112.9. James leads the way with 27.6 points, 7.9 boards and 6.7 assists per night. 

I’ll point out though that Indiana has struggled against the better offensive teams in the league so far this season, going just 5-8 ATS vs. good offensive teams which average 106-plus points per night.

And note that the Lakers are a solid 4-2 ATS vs. teams with winning records.

For all the reasons listed above, lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* GAME OF THE WEEK is on the San Antonio Spurs (8:05 EST).

The Spurs enter off a 108-107 road win over Chicago on Monday, while the Wolves held on for a 102-95 road victory over the Cavs on Monday. 

If recent history is any precedence, then the Spurs have to be liking their chance today as they’ve taken two straight in the series, including a 112-108 home victory in the first meeting back on October 17th.

San Antonio is averaging 109.6 PPG and it’s allowing 110.1. DeMar DeRozan is averaging 24.8 points and 6.3 assists per night.

Minnesota is averaging 109 PPG and it’s allowing 111.2. Karl-Anthony Towns is averaging 20.8 points and 12.2 boards per game. 

I’ll point out thought that Wolves are just 6-8 ATS in their last 14 following a three games or more unbeaten streak, while the Spurs are already 6-3 ATS as an underdog this season.

After three straight wins and six in their last eight, this sets up as natural letdown spot for the home side in my opinion. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

The second pick in my Superstar Triple Play is on San Diego (8*) 7:30 EST.

San Diego enters off a 76-58 home win over Jackson State, while Ole Miss was smashed 71-57 to Cincinnati in the title game of the Emerald Coast Classic. 

The Toreros come in under the radar here in my opinion after three straight wins. San Diego averages 77.2 PPG and it concedes only 59.7. Isaiah Piniero leads the way with 22 points and 8.7 boards per game. 

Ole iss is averaging 75.2 PPG and it’s conceding 68.6. Breein Tyree leads the nightly charge with 16.6 PPG. 

I’ll point out though that the Rebels are a terrible 2-8 ATS in their last ten following an ATS loss, while the Toreros are 7-1 ATS in their last eight road games following three or more consecutive home games and 4-1 ATS in their last five non-conference contests.

I think San Diego has a legitimate shot at taking this one outright, but in the end I’m grabbing the points.

Good luck…Larry

The third pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Ohio State (10*) 7:15 EST.

Syracuse enters off a 77-56 win at home over Colgate, while Ohio State demolished Cleveland State 89-62 at home in its latest action. 

The Orange have plenty of talent, but I have a hard time seeing the visitors matching pace down the stretch.

Syracuse averages 73.6 PPG and it concedes 64.6. Tyus Battle leads the nightly charge with 17.6 PPG.

Ohio Sate averages 81.3 PPG and it concedes only 58.3. That’s tied for 15th in the country. Kaleb Wesson leads the way with 14.7 points and 5.8 boards per game.

I’ll point out that Syracuse has struggled mightily in this spot as well for bettors for quite some time, going 0-9 ATS in its last nine following a SU win of more than 20 points.

The Buckeyes depth on both ends of the floor is the difference maker here.

Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

The pick in my Superstar Triple Play is on Bradley (8*) 7:00 EST.

Bradley beat IUPUI last year and I think it’ll get the job done this season as well.

The Braves are 6-1, including wins over SMU and Penn State in Mexico to win the Cancun Classic. After that they won two straight, including an 86-70 victory over Chicago State on Saturday. Darrell Brown had 16 points in the one, while Elijah Childs added 12 points and 11 boards.

Bradley has been sharp defensively as well, holding opponents to just 62.7 PPG on 38.5 percent shooting. 

IUPUI is 4-2 and its off to its best start in nine years. The Jaguars have won two straight, most recently an 80-69 victory over Grambling on Saturday. Ahmed Ismail had 16 points and ten boards.

I’ll point out though that IUPUI is just 2-5 ATS in its last seven following a two games or more unbeaten streak, while Bradley is 12-5 ATS in its last 17 as s road fav between 0.5 and 6.5 points.

This is a bad matchup for IUPUI. Look for Bradley to pull away down the stretch.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Denver Nuggets (9:05 EST).

I like the Nuggets to avenge a 121-114 road loss in LA back on October 25th. 

LA enters off a poor 108-104 home loss to Orlando, while Denver comes in off a confidence building 105-98 road win in Oklahoma City on Saturday.

LA had won seven of eight before Sunday’s loss. LeBron James was a bright spot in the setback, scoring 24 points and dishing out seven assists. Overall the Lakers are averaging 114.2 PPG and conceding 112.7.

Denver averages 109.9 PPG and it concedes 103.2. Big man Nikola Jokic scores 16.6 points per game average. 

I’ll point out though that Denver is 8-3 ATS in its last 11 following an ATS victory, while LA is a poor 1-4 ATS in its last five when playing on one days rest. 

The Nuggets are especially though at home, and they play with revenge here. I like Denver to pull away down the stretch for a comfortable ATS cover. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Underdog Shocker is on NC State (9:00 EST).

NC State enters off a 78-74 home win over Mercer, while the Badgers enter off a poor 53-46 loss to Virginia. These teams haven’t played each other since 2010 and in my opinion, I believe their a little more evenly matched than what the oddsmakers would like us to think.

NC State can score, and it’s the reason why I like the Wolfpack here. NC State averages 90.8 PPG, and it allows only 57.8. Torin Dorn had 19 points and nine boards in the latest win.

Off their first loss of the year, I think the Badgers are susceptible for another letdown here as well, Wisconsin averages 74 PPG and it concedes 57.8.

Additionally note that NC State is 12-6 ATS in its last 18 non-conference games.

NC State has nothing to lose here except its perfect record (6-0.) The Wolfpack may not win this one outright, but they have the defense and offense to keep it competitive. I’m grabbing the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Weekly Wipeout Winner is on Missouri (9:00 EST).

Temple comes in off a 76-59 win over Cal and I think it stumbles in this difficult non-conference road venue. 

The Tigers on the other hand come in as the “hungrier” team after they fell 82-67 to K-State.

Temple averages 74.5 PPG and it concedes 65.7. Quinton Rose had 32 points in the win over the Golden Bears.

Missouri is averaging 63.6 PPG, but it’s allowing just 65.6. The Tigers numbers are skewed though in my opinion to open the season, due to the level of the competition. 

I’ll point out as well that Temple is a poor 6-9 ATS in its last 15 after allowing 60 points or less, while Missouri is 9-5 ATS in its last 14 after allowing 80 points or more.

I think the hungrier team prevails and I believe the Owls finally have a letdown here. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Las Vegas Insider is on the Milwaukee Bucks (7:05 EST).

Milwaukee comes in off a 135-129 home win over the Spurs on Saturday, while the Hornets enter off a loss in Atlanta just last night.

Charlotte’s late rally fell short last night and I think the Hornets are going to come in predictably “gassed” here after that losing effort. 

Milwaukee took the first game between the clubs this year 113-112 on October 17th, but I’m expecting a much wider margin of victory here this time around.

The Bucks are the No. 1 offense in the league, averaging 121.7 PPG and they’ve been decent defensively, conceding 109.0. Giannis Antetokounmpo leads the nightly charge with an average of 27.2 points to go with 13 rebounds and 5.7 assists per game.

Charlotte is averaging 115.1 PPG and it’s conceding 110.2. Kemba Walkers leads the team with 28.6 points and 6.4 assists per game. 

I’ll point out though that the Hornets are just 1-7 ATS in their last eight home games vs. teams with a winning road record, while the Bucks are 7-3 ATS in their last ten on one days rest.

For all the reasons listed above, play on Milwaukee.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on the Washington Wizards (7:05 EST).

The Rockets have been terrible of late and I think they’re going to stumble here in the Nation’s capital as well. 

Houston enters off a 117-108 road loss to the Cavs, it’s second straight setback. The Rockets are clearly going to be “hungry” here, but Washington enters even hungrier.

The Wizards broke a three-game slide with a 124-114 home win over New Orleans and I believe they carry that positive momentum over here as well.

Houston is averaging 106.9 PPG and it’s conceding 107.9. Clearly that’s not a recipe for long-term success. The Rockets are led by James Harden with 30 points, 5.1 boards and 7.9 assists per game. 

Washington is averaging 112.2 PPG and it’s conceding 117.2. That’s not a recipe for success either, but as stated above, I think the Wizards keep the foot on the gas after the slow start to the season and following their big win over the Pelicans.

Additionally note Houston is just 1-5 ATS this year after allowing 115 points or more in its previous contest, while Washington is 6-3 ATS in its last nine after scoring 120 points or more in a victory in its previous outing. 

For all the reasons listed above, grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 9* Late Breaking Play is on Seton Hall (10:30 EST).

Miami is 5-0 to open the year, while Seton Hall is 3-2. Both teams have won two games in the Wooden Legacy tournament to advance to the championship match-up tonight and I’m expecting an all out war until the final buzzer from these two hungry sides.

Miami held on for a tight 78-76 win over Fresno State to advance, while Seton Hall got the better of Hawaii 64-54. 

The Hurricanes come into this one averaging 84 PPG and conceding 63. Chris Lykes leads the nightly charge with 19.6 points and 3.6 assists per game.

The Pirates average 71.2 PPG and they allowing 64.8. Myles Powell less the way with 25.8 PPG and I think he’ll prove a tough matchup for Miami.

Miami has a great and experienced starting five, but the Hurricanes are very thin after that. The team has been playing at such a high level for a long time now and it comes in off a last second victory. In my opinion, there’s no question this sets up as a classic “letdown” spot for these tired Hurricanes.

Seton Hall has more depth and I think it has a legitimate shot at taking this one outright. That said, grab the points!

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the New York Knicks (6:05 EST).

Even with Kristaps Porzingis in the line-up for the Knicks (he’s not, he’s still injured!), Memphis is still a much better team than New York across the board.

I won’t try to convince you otherwise either, I simply feel that the Grizzlies are going to get caught “looking past” their lowly non-conference opponent tonight.

Besides, the Knicks come in off a confidence building 114-109 home win over the Pelicans, while the Grizzlies enter off an exhausting 112-107 OT loss on the road to the Clippers on Friday. 

New York has in fact won two straight. Overall the Knicks are averaging 108.9 PPG and conceding 114.3.

Memphis is averaging only 103.3 PPG, making up for it on the other end with the No. 1 defense, conceding only 100.8 points. 

I’ll point out thought that New York is 8-2 ATS in its last ten non-conference road games in which it comes in on a two games or more SU unbeaten streak, while Memphis is just 1-4 ATS in its last five home games following an OT loss in which failed to score 110 or more points in.

No outright, but closer than expected. Grab all those points!

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Tourney Takedown is on LSU (4:00 EST).

These teams are playing for third place in the AdvoCare Invitationals. Oklahoma State enters off a humbling 77-58 loss to Villanova and I believe the Cowboys will stumble again here as well.

LSU enters off a tight 79-76 loss in OT to No. 14 Florida State on Friday and I believe the Tigers come in hungry and focused off that near epic upset. 

The Cowboys enter averaging 71.4 points and conceding 65. Cameron McGriff leads the nightly charge with 15 points and eight boards per game.

LSU is averaging 82.2 PPG and it’s allowing 71.8. Naz Reid is averaging 13.2 points and 4.2 boars per game. 

I’ll point out though that LSU is 5-1 ATSin its last six following a SU loss, while Oklahoma State is just 2-6 ATS in its last eight after failing to score 60 points in its previous outing.

Lay the points and expect a rout. 

Good luck…Larry

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

The Celtics come in off a win and cover in Atlanta last night and I think they’ll suffer a predictable letdown here in the second game of the back to back against their lowly non-conference opponent. Previous to last night’s win Boston had lost three straight and five of seven.

Dallas on the other hand enters off a win as well, most recently outlasting Brooklyn 119-113. Harrison Barnes led the way in that one with 28 points. Overall though rookie Luka Doncic leads the Mavs with an average of 19.3 PPG. 

Note as well that Boston is just 2-7 ATS in its last nine when playing the second game of a back to back against a non-conference opponent in which it scored over 105 points in the first game and emerged victorious as well, while Dallas is 5-1 ATS in its last six overall.

The oddsmakers are slow in recognizing how well Dallas is playing right now. The Mavericks benefit in facing the C’s on the second game of a back to back and while I obviously wouldn’t be shocked by an outright upset, I will in the end recommend grabbing the points in a contest which I envision coming down to whichever team has its hands on the ball last.

Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* WEST-CONF GAME OF THE YEAR is on the Golden State Warriors (10:35 EST).

The Warriors are facing their most difficult stretch in a long time. Golden State comes in having lost four in a row and captain Stephen Curry remains sidelined with injury. 

A date against the Blazers, who have struggled away from friendly confines, is just what the doctor ordered for Kevin Durant and the two-time defending champs to get back on track with a big win. 

Portland comes in off a 143-100 loss at Milwaukee, while Golden State fell 123-95 to OKC in its latest action. 

The Blazers are averaging 114.2 PPG and they’re conceding 110.2. Damian Lillard leads the nightly charge with 26.4 PPG.

Golden State is averaging 115.4 PPG and it’s conceding 111.1. Durant is averaging 27.2 PPG. 

I’ll point out though that the Blazers are a money-burning 4-5 ATS on the road this year, while Golden State is still 6-2 ATS in its last eight at home. 

I think Durant and Klay Thompson come to play tonight and the supporting cast finally shows up as well. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Showdown is on Tennessee (9:30 EST).

No. 5 Tennessee is led by Grant Williams, who is averaging 22.5 PPG. He most recently had 24 points against Louisville in Wednesday’s semi final victory of the NIT Season Tip-Off. 

Five players went on to score double figures for the Vols in the 92-81 win. Overall Tennessee is averaging 82.8 PPG and conceding just 60.

Kansas is allowing teams to hit 40.5 percent from behind the arc. The Jayhawks are terrible at defending the three-ball, but they make up for it on the offensive end by hitting 47.2 percent from range. The Jayhawks most recently rallied for a bit win over Marquette, getting 26 points from Dedric Lawson in the eventual 77-68 victory.

I’ll point out though that Kansas is just 2-5 ATS in its last seven following a SU win, while Tennessee is a strong 11-2 ATS in its last 13 after scoring 90 points or more in its previous contest.

While the outright win is clearly not out of the question, I’ll recommend to grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

This is a 10* Tourney Takedown on Utah (11:30 EST).

Hawaii enters off an 85-68 victory over Northern Arizona at home, while Utah comes in off a 98-63 win over Mississippi Valley State on Thursday. 

If recent history is any precedence though, then the Utes have to be loving their chances tonight to extend their win stark, as they’d cruise to an easy 80-60 home victory in this matchup last year in early December.

Hawaii is averaging 72.7 PPG and it’s averaging 66.7. Zigmars Raimo leads the nightly charge with 16 points and 6.3 boards. The Warriors are horrible at the free-throw line, averaging only 59.5 percent. 

Utah is averaging 80.7 PPG and it’s allowing 67.3. Sedrick Barefield leads the way with 12 points per game. The Utes aren’t great at the line, but much better at 68 percent.

Additionally note that Utah is 9-4-1 ATS in its last 14 following a SU win, while Hawaii is a poor 6-13 ATS in its last 19 vs. teams with a winning SU record.

Utah has six different players that score in double figures and I think that the Warriors will struggle to keep pace down the stretch.

Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

This is a 9* Situational Stunner is on Memphis (4:00 EST).

This is the first round of the AdvoCare Invitational. 

Oklahoma State enters off a 70-58 win over Charleston, while Memphis enters off a big 109-102 double OT win at home over Yale. 

So far the Cowboys are averaging 72 PPG, while conceding 61.3. Cameron McGriff leads the nightly charge with 17.7 points and 7.7 boards per game. Oklahoma State’s numbers are skewed a little because of early vanilla competition though in my opinion and note that it’s been terrible at the free-throw line this year, hitting only 63.2 percent. 

Memphis bounced back from a loss to LSU with a big victory over the experienced Bulldogs. Overall the Tigers are averaging 87 PPG and conceding 82.3. Jeremiah Martin leads the way with 17.7 points per game in the early going.

I’ll point out as well that Memphis 5-0 ATS in its last five vs. teams with a winning percentage above .600, while Oklahoma State is just 1-4 ATS in its last five after two or more SU victories.

The Cowboys have struggled with consistency this year (blew a 24 points second half lead to lose to Charlotte and struggled to put away lowly UTSA.) 

Memphis on the other hand has gone toe to toe with both LSU and Yale and I look for its depth and grit to prove to be the difference here.

Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Rivalry Rout is on the Golden State Warriors (10:35 EST).

The Warriors are dealing with many things right now. They’ve lost three in a row. Stephen Curry remains sidelined with injury. Also Kevin Durant and and Draymond Green have been fighting with each other publicly.

However, with a chance to put all of that non sense behind them with a signature beatdown victory at home, I look for Steve Kerr to have his troops ready.

OKC comes in with zero momentum after an upset loss to the Kings. Russell Westbrook, Paul George and Steven Adams looked pretty pedestrian against a young Kings’ team, perhaps in some small way they were looking ahead to this one. But Westbrook and George have not found their dominant form and I believe they’ll struggle again here in this difficult venue.

Durant is going to have to worry about dealing with Green in this one, as he’ll be sitting this one out, along with Curry again. Durant had 26 points, ten boards and six assists in his teams most recent loss to the Spurs. Klay Thompson had 25 points, two boards and two assists.

I’ll point out as well that OKC is just 1-4 ATS in its last five following a SU loss, while GS is 6-2 ATS in its last eight home games following a three games or more losing streak.

Durant and Thompson motivated at home are the difference makers. Play on the Warriors.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Las Vegas Insider is on San Francisco (10:00 EST).

Harvard has to make the long trek across country for this late night West coast trip and I think the Crimson will stumble.

Harvard most recently fell 76-74 in Rhode Island on Friday, while San Francisco remained unbeaten after an 84-52 win over LIU Brooklyn. 

The Crimson average 74.3 PPG and they allow 73.5. Chris Lewis leads the nightly charge with 15.8 points and 2.3 blocks per night.

The Dons average 85.3 PPG and they concede just 49.5. Granted those numbers are somewhat skewed due to the level of some of the competition, but overall San Francisco has been excellent thus far. Charles Minlend leads the way with 15 PPG.

Note as well that San Francisco is 4-1 ATS in its last five at home and 7-2 ATS in its last nine following a SU win of more than 20 points.

The Dons experience proves to be the difference maker in the end in this one. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* GAME OF THE WEEK is on Loyola Chicago (7:30 EST).

The Ramblers are 4-1 and the BC Eagles are 3-1. 

This is the championship game for the Fort Myers Tip-Off from the Suncoast Credit Union Arena on Wednesday night. The Loyola Chicago Ramblers most recently posted an 82-66 win over Richmond to advance.

Lucas Williamson led the charge in that one with 23 points, while Marques Townes added 15 points. Overall the Ramblers are averaging 74.2 PPG.

BC enters the championship game off an 88-76 win over Wyoming, led by 38 points from Ky Bowman. Overall BC is averaging 76 PPG in the early going.

I’ll point out though that Loyola-Chicago is 7-1 ATS in its last eight neutral site affairs, while BC is just 2-5 ATS in its last seven non-conference contests and only 1-4 ATS in its last five vs. teams with winning records.

BC may have the best player on the floor in Bowman, but he can’t do it by himself. The depth the Ramblers bring to the table is the difference. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* GAME OF THE WEEK is on the Milwaukee Bucks (8:05 EST).

No need to overthink this one.

The Blazers come in “gassed” after a much tougher than expected 118-114 win over the Knicks in New York last night. 

The Bucks have been off since Monday after rallying for a 104-98 home win over the Nuggets on Monday. 

Note that this is an in-season revenge game for Milwaukee after the Blazers posted a 118-103 home victory back on November 6th.

The Blazers are averaging 114.9 PPG and they’re conceding 107.9. Damian Lillard leads the nightly charge with 26.6 points and 6.1 assists per night. 

The Bucks are averaging 120.1 PPG and they’re conceding 109. Giannis Antetokounmpo leads the team with an average of 25.9 points to go with 12.7 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game.

I’ll point out that Milwaukee is 8-1-1 ATS in its last ten at home and 4-1 ATS in its last five vs. teams with winning road record, while Portland is just 1-6 ATS in its last seven road games vs. teams with a winning home record. 

For all the reasons listed above, lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 9* Tourney Takedown is on Utah Valley (5:00 EST).

The 2-3 Utah Valley Wolverines get ready to battle the 2-3 LBSU 49ers at 5:00 EST in the MGM Resorts CBB tourney. 

The Wolverines got back into the winners circle with a 72-65 win over Hartford on Monday. Conner Toolson led the way in that one with 12 points, four boards and three assists, while TJ Washington added 11 points, four assists and three steals.

LBSU enters off a tough 86-85 upset win over Ioan on Monday. It wasn’t pretty, as the 49ers would commit 24 turnovers. Temidayo Yussuf had 18 points, three boards and three steals. 

Utah Valley sports plenty of veteran experience and note that it’s done well in this spot for bettors, going 6-2 ATS in its last eight none conference games and 3-1 ATS in its last four as a favorite, while LBSU has struggled in this spot, going only 15-21 ATS in its last 36 as an underdog and only 12-17 ATS in is last 29 non-conference games.

Lay the points, play on Utah Valley.

Good luck…Larry

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

These teams are matched evenly on the offensive side of the court, but the Runnin Rebels have a distinct advantage defensively and I believe that’ll be the difference in the end in this particular matchup. 

Pacific most recently won 83-76 vs. Idaho State, while UNLV posted a 74-61 home win over Oakland. Last year the Rebels won 81-76 in this game.

The Tigers are averaging 77.2 PPG and they’re conceding 72.5. Anthony Townes had 14 points and seven boards in the win over Idaho State.

The Rebels are averaging 65.3 PPG, but they’re conceding only 57.7. Shakur Juiston had 18 points and ten boards in the win over Oakland.

Note that the Rebels are 4-2 ATS in their last six following a two games or more unbeaten streak, while Pacific is just 2-5 ATS in its last seven vs. the MWC. 

I think the Tigers’ struggle against UNLV’s suffocating defensive play. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on San Diego (10:00 EST).

The Buffs enter off a tougher than expected 79-75 win over Nebraska-Omaha, while San Diego comes in off a 95-47 destruction of San Diego Christian.

If recent history is any precedence though, then the Toreros have to be loving their chances today as they’d win this match-up last year on the road 69-59. 

So far the Buffs are averaging 89.5 PPG and they’re conceding 73. Namon Wright had 11 pints and four boards in the most recent victory.

San Diego is averaging 79.2 PPG, but the Toreros are allowing only 59. Isaiah Pineiro already has 53 points combined over the first two games.

I’ll point out as well that San Diego is 12-5 ATS in its last 17 non-conference games and 5-0 ATS in its last five following a SU win of more than 20 points, while Colorado is a poor 10-26-1 ATS in its last 37 following a SU win.

Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Oddsmaker’s Error is on Temple (9:30 EST).

This is the second game of the Legends Classic from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, and in my opinion this spread could easily be a lot larger.

This s Fran Dunphy’s last year as head coach of the Temple Owls and he has 561 career wins under his belt. The team is gunning for 580 to send him off and so far Temple is out to a 4-0 start, most recently downing Maryland 81-67 on Friday. Shizz Alston Jr. leads the nightly charge with 21.5 points and he’s made 14 from range over his last three games alone. Overall the Owls are averaging 80 PPG and conceding 69.5. 

VCU is averaging only 70 PPG, but it makes up for it on the other end by conceding only 58.3. Those numbers are skewed of ours because of some of the recent competition, most recently a 72-61 home win over Bowling Green. 

I’ll point out though that VCU is just 2-5 ATS in its last seven neutral site affairs, while Temple is 13-3 ATS in its last 16 in the same position. 

The Owls have faced the tougher schedule to this point and they have the better numbers across the board. Lay the points and expect a rout.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Las Vegas Insider is on the New Orleans Pelicans (7:05 EST).

I played on the Spurs last night in their win over the Warriors and I’m expecting a predictable letdown here against a hungry and rested Pelicans side. 

I base my selections on many different things, but the Spurs have been inconsistent at the best of times this year and the second game of a back to back on the road after such a monumental victory spells “trap” in my opinion. 

The Spurs are averaging 107.7 points per 100 possessions, while allowing 107.6 per 100 possessions. Clearly the margin for error is pretty slim.

The Pelicans are are averaging 112.4 points per 100 possessions, while allowing 110.6. Anthony Davis had 40 points, eight boards and eight assists in his team’s 125-115 win over the Nuggets on Saturday.

The Spurs have struggled in this matchup, covering just twice in the last seven in the series. I look for that trend to continue here. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* TOTAL OF THE WEEK is on the under Clippers/Hawks (7:35 EST).

The Hawks clearly can’t get into a “track meet” with the high-flying Clippers and expect to break their seven-game losing streak. With the home side putting an emphasis on trying to control the pace of this one, I think it’ll ultimately fall under this sky-high number once it’s all said and done.

LA could be caught complacent  here as well. Not many gave the Clippers hope this year, but LA enters on the heels of a four game win streak. Who would fault the Clippers for looking past their lowly non conference opponent in some small way today?

The Clippers most recently beat the defensively inept Nets on Saturday, led by 16 points and ten boards from Montrezl Harrell in the fourth quarter alone.

Jeremy Lin was a bright spot for Atlanta in the Hawks most recent loss to the Pacers, coming off the bench to score 16 points, grab four boards and dish out four assists. 

From a situational stand point I think it sets up nicely for an “under,” but also note that LA has seen the total go under in 20 of its last 33 following a three games or more unbeaten streak, while Atlanta has seen the total dip under in 12 of its last 18 after playing three consecutive road games.

This number is a little high, play the under.

Good luck…Larry

My 9* Daytime Dominator is on Old Dominion (3:00 EST).

This is part of the 2018 Paradise Jam tournament in the Virgin Islands.

Both teams come in at 2-2.

ODU enters off a 65-47 win over Kennesaw State, led by 14 points from Ahmad Caver. BJ Stith would go on to add 13 points and ten boards. Overall the Monarchs have been getting strong defensive play and are averaging 63 PPG. 

Northern Iowa comes in off a 90-85 win over Eastern Kentucky. AJ Green led the way with 23 points, while Spencer Haldeman added 16. In the early going the Panthers are averaging 80.8 PPG. 

But now UNI faces its stiffest defensive competition to date. Note as well that the Panthers are 0-6 ATS in their last six non-conference games, while ODU is 7-2 ATS in its last nine after holding its previous opponent to 50 points or less.

I’m banking on ODU’s experience and superior defensive play to prove to be the difference here. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Rivalry Rout is on the San Antonio Spurs (7:05 EST).

The Warriors lost in Dallas last night and I believe the under-manned defending champions are ripe for the picking here as well.

The Spurs come in hungry after a 116-111 road loss to the Clippers on Thursday. San Antonio though has had a few nights off to absorb the setback and I look for it to push the pace from start to finish here against the exhausted Warriors. 

Golden State is averaging 118.6 PPG and it’s conceding 110.8. Kevin Durant is averaging 27 points, 7.2 boards and 6.3 assists per game.

The Warriors are without star Stephen Curry and Draymond Green is questionable with a toe injury.

The Spurs are averaging 107.9 PPG and they’re conceding just 108.8. DeMar DeRozan averages 25.6 points and 6.3 assists per night. 

I’ll point out as well that the Warriors are now a poor 2-6 ATS on the road this year, while San Antonio is already 4-2 ATS this season when playing with two days of rest.

The Spurs have lost three straight and five of six and they’ll be risking life and limb to score the victory here. Lay the points and expect a rout.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Takedown is on UCF (6:30 EST).

I play against the UCF Knights on the College Gridiron last night and lost badly with Cincinnati. But I think the Knights are the correct call on the hardwood vs. the Hilltoppers of Western Kentucky in the championship game of the Myrtle Beach Invitational. 

UCF beat St. Joe’s 77-57 on Friday, while the Hilltoppers bested WVU 63-57 Friday

The Knights shot 55 percent from the floor in their win Friday, led by 22 points from Terrell Allen. Overall UCF is averaging 77 PPG and allowing just 64.8.

WVU is riding a three-game win streak as well, but after Friday’s upset win over the Mountaineers, I’m expecting a predictable letdown here. 

WKU is averaging 71.8 PPG and it’s conceding 68.

I’ll point out though that the Mountaineers are just 1-4 ATS in their last three after a three games or more non-conference unbeaten streak, while UCF is 6-1 ATS in its last seven non-conference games and 4-1 ATS in its last five neutral site affairs.

I think UCF wears down WVU and pulls away down the stretch for the comfortable ATS cover.

Good luck…Larry

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

While I wouldn’t be shocked by an outright upset here, I’ll recommend grabbing the points in a contest which I envision coming down to whichever team has its hands on the ball last.

Saint Louis is 3-0, most recently taking care of North Alabama 69-58. Javon Bess had 16 points and ten boards, leading four players in double figures in scoring. Note that the Billikens have five players with at least six assists and it also has a 1.64 assist-to-turnover ratio.

Seton Hall lost four starters from last year and it showed in a humbling 80-57 loss to Nebraska on Wednesday. Myles Powell was a bright spot with 24 points. 

I’ll point out as well that Seton Hall is just 1-4 ATS in its last five following an ATS loss, while St. Louis is 14-5 ATS in its last 19 as a road underdog and 7-3 ATS in its last ten following an ATS loss.

This one has outright upset written all over it my opinion, but as stated off the top, I’m going to grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on the Boston Celtics (7:35 EST).

Both teams played last night. Utah fell 113-107 in Philadelphia and I think it’ll stumble here as well in this difficult road venue.

The Celtics slugged out with Toronto at home and eventually pulled away for the 113-107 victory. 

The second game of a back-to-back is always difficult, but always much more so for the road team. I think fatigue will be a factor for the Jazz, who laid everything they had on the line last night to try and pull off the upset.

Clearly the Celtics had to work hard as well, but again, the “not travelling factor” is huge in this case in my opinion. 

Furthermore note that Utah is just 34-40 ATS in its last 74 as an underdog, while Boston is 46-25 ATS in its last 71 when trying to revenge a loss against an opponent (Jazz claimed a 123-115 home win on Nov. 9th.)

All signs point to a rout, lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Las Vegas Insider is on the Sacramento Kings (8:05 EST).

Memphis comes in off a big 116-113 road win over Milwaukee and I think it’ll have a predictable letdown here at home against its lowly opponent. 

And that’s not good news facing this improved Kings side, which has had three whole nights off to prepare for this one after beating the Spurs 104-99 at home. 

And if recent history is any precedence, then Sacramento has to be liking its chances tonight, because when these teams met last month, it was the Kings that posted the 97-92 home victory.

The Kings are averaging 114.5 PPG and they’re conceding 115.5. Sacramento got 22 points from Bogdan Bogdanovic in the most recent victory.

The Grizzlies are averaging only 102.2 PPG, but they’re conceding just 101.6. Big man Marc Gasol had 29 points in the big upset win over the Bucks. 

I’ll point out though that Sacramento is 16-5 ATS in its last 21 when playing on three days rest and I believe this is going to be a big difference in the outcome of this one.

While I’ll stop short in calling for the outright upset, everything points to this one coming down to whichever team has its hands on the ball last. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* GAME OF THE WEEK is on the Philadelphia 76ers (7:05 EST).

The Jazz come in off a deflating 118-68 road loss in Dallas and I think they’re ripe for the picking here as well.

Philadelphia enters off a 111-106 road loss to Orlando on Wednesday. 

The Jazz come in averaging 107.4 PPG and conceding 108.9. Donovan Mitchell had led the way with 20.4 PPG so far, while Rudy Gobert has chipped in 15.9 points, 13.2 boards and 2.21 blocks per contest.

The 76ers return home and welcome the new acquired Jimmy Butler’s first home game. The 76ers are averaging 112.3 PPG and they’re conceding 112.8. Big Man Joel Embiid has been unstoppable so far, averaging 27.6 points, 13.4 boards and 2.13 blocks per game.

I’ll point out that Philadelphia is 4-1 ATS in its last five following an ATS loss, while the Jazz are just 2-7 ATS in their last nine after scoring 75 points or less in their last outing.

The 76ers are a “different” team at home, coming into this one undefeated thus far. And I look for that strong trend to carry over here in this favorable match-up.

Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Champ Game Crusher is on Iowa (6:30 EST).

Both teams are 3-0 to open the year. This is the championship game of the 2K classic from New York.

UConn got here by upsetting Syracuse 83-76 last night. Jalen Adams and Alterique Gilbert each had 16 points. Overall the Huskies are averaging 85.7 PPG.

I played on the Hawkeyes in their 77-69 upset victory over Oregon. Jordan Bohannon was a standout with 16 points, while Luke Garza added 12. Overall Iowa is averaging 85 PPG.

I’ll point out though that the UConn is just 1-4 ATS in its last five neutral site affairs and 3-9 ATS in its last 12 non-conference games, while Iowa is 6-0 ATS in its last six neutral site games and 5-2-1 ATS in its last eight non-conference contests.

I think the Hawkeyes find a way to get the job done at the end of the night.

Play on Iowa.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Takedown is on Iowa (9:30 EST).

The No. 13 Oregon Ducks take on the Iowa Hawkeyes in the semi finals of the 2K Classic at MSG tonight. 

Oregon enters off an 81-47 victory over Eastern Washington, while Iowa comes in off a 93-82 win at home over Green Bay. 

The Ducks are aerating 82.5 PPG and allowing 52. Bol Bol leads the nightly charge with 17.5 points, 12.5 boards and 3.5 blocks per game. 

Iowa would love to pull of the upset obviously to reach the championship game. The Hawkeyes come in averaging 85 PPG and conceding 72.5. Tyler Cook averages 14.5 points and seven boards per game. 

I’ll point out as well that Oregon is just 7-10 ATS in its last 17 neutral site affairs, while Iowa is a solid 6-4 in all neutral court contests.

This one has the feel that whichever team has its hands on the ball last will find a way to get the job done in the end. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Rivalry Rout Gold is on the Houston Rockets (8:05 EST).

Golden State knocked off the Rockets in the playoffs last year. Chris Paul was injured in Game 5 and Houston wasted a 3-2 lead.

The Warriors return to Houston without leader Stephen Curry and I think that Paul and company will lay the hammer down from start to finish. 

Note that Houston did take two of three in the regular season last year, including a 116-108 victory at home in the final one back on January 20th.

Golden State enters averaging 120.7 PPG, while conceding 111 per night. Kevin Durant is averaging 27.5 points, 7.3 boards and 6.5 assists per game. 

Houston enters averaging 103.2 PPG and it’s allowing 106.7. James Harden is averaging 27.3 points, 5.6 boards and 7.7 assists per game. 

I’ll point out as well that Golden State is just 2-4 ATS on the road, while Houston is now 3-1 ATS in its last four vs. teams with winning records.

Houston can move back to .500 with a win today. It comes in on top form having won five of the last seven. After a slow start the Rockets have returned to form on both ends of the floor, so their early season numbers are skewed after the slow start. 

Play on the Rockets.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Daytime Dominator is on CS Fullerton (2:00 EST).

UCF enters off an 89-79 home loss to FAU, while CS Fullerton posted a 106-53 win over non-division 1 West Coast Baptist. 

UCF is now 1-1, averaging 81.5 PPG and conceding 75. BJ Taylor had 29 points in a losing cause to FAU. 

CS Fullerton is 1-1, getting 35 points from Kyle Allman Jr. in the opening win. Over two games the Titans have averaged 100 points per game and conceded 77.5. 

I’ll point out that UCF is just 2-4 ATS in its last six neutral court contests, while CS Fullerton is 19-12 ATS in its last 31 as an underdog and 7-4 ATS in its last 11 after allowing 60 points or less.

Grab the points and expect a “nail biter.” 

Good luck…Larry

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

I don’t think that the home court advantage can be overlooked as a very real deciding factor. 

LA comes in on top form as it’s won three straight after Sunday’s victory over Atlanta. 

Portland has won four in a row, but after knocking off the Celtics at home in its latest, I think it’ll stumble in its first game on the road. 

Portland is conceding 106.2 PPG, ranked fifth overall. Jusuf Nurkic had 17 points and 17 boards in his teams victory over the C’s. 

LA’s issues are on the defensive end of the floor, but LeBron James and company have no problems at all scoring. James finished with 26 points, seven boards and four assists in the victory over Atlanta.

The Lakers are 3-1 ATS this year against teams with winning records and already 3-1 ATS when playing with two days of rest.

Blazers’ star player Damian Lillard will likely play, but he’s still playing through a minor injury today. Look for James to take advantage and lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on Seton Hall (7:30 EST).

I’m not calling for an outright upset, but I think the Pirates have what it takes to keep this one competitive until the final moments.

Seton Hall lost most of its starting line-up from last year, but it returns one and the Pirates opened with a convincing 89-49 win over Wagner to open the year. Myles Powell had 30 points, going 5 of 7 from range, while Michael Nzei had 11 points and seven boards. 

The Pirates were on a five game win streak against the Big Ten before falling 71-65 to Rutgers last December.

Nebraska missed out on the Tournament last year, but it’s opened the season with back to back blowout wins. Can anyone say letdown spot?!

The Huskers have held both opponents to under 40 points, but I think the step up in competition today will catch Nebraska off guard. 

I’ll point out as well that Seton Hall is 7-2 ATS in its last nine non-conference road games as an underdog in the +7.5 to +10.5 points range.

For all the reasons listed above, play on Seton Hall.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Total Of The Month is on the under Cavs/Wizards (7:05 EST).

Cleveland comes in off a big win over the Hornets at home last night and suffice it to say, I’m expecting a predictable offensive letdown here from the under-manned and inconsistent Cavs. 

Washington enters off a much needed 117-109 win over Orlando and it’ll be out to control the tempo/pace of this one and punch another one into the win column.

The Cavs are 27th in the league in scoring with an average of 103.3 PPG, but on the second game of the back to back, I have a hard time seeing Cleveland even reaching that mark. The defense is conceding 113.1 PPG, but it admittedly looked a lot better against the Hornets last night.

The Wizards are averaging 111 PPG and they’re conceding 118.5. Clearly that’s not a recipe for long-term success, but Washington has looked a lot better of late on both end of the court and I think the team carries that momentum over here.

Note that the Cavs have interestingly already seen the total go “under” the number in six of seven vs. poor defensive teams which allow 106 plus points per contest, while the Wizards have seen the total dip below the posted number in 14 of its last 23 after playing to three or more consecutive “overs.” 

This number is a little high, play the under.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Las Vegas Insider on the College Of Charleston (7:00 EST).

I think Rhode Island comes up short in this tough non-conference mach up.

The Rams lost several key figures over the offseason that contributed to their back-to-back NCAA Tournament teams (which includes head coach Dan Hurley, who went to UConn.) 

The Charleston Cougars though went to the tournament for the first time since 1999 last year and they return several key members, including Grant Riler, who averaged 18.6 PPG and Jarell Brantley, who added 17.3. 

Charleston most recently beat Western Carolina 73-70 with Riler leading the way with 28 points.

The Cougars are averaging 104.9 PPG per 100 possessions and they’re allowing 99.9 points per 100 possessions. 

Rhode Island did open the year with a win over lowly Bryant on Tuesday, taking down the Bears 97-63. Fatts Russell had 21 points. So far the Rams have averaged 103.4 points per 100 possessions, while giving up 97.4 points per 100 possessions.

I’ll point out though that Charleston is 6-2-1 ATS in its last nine against teams with winning SU records, while Rhode Island is just 2-5 ATS in its last seven in the same position.

The Cougars depth and experience wins the game. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on Western Michigan (7:00 EST).

WMU comes in off a 90-64 road loss to Ole Miss, while the Golden Grizzlies fell flat in an 87-86 setback at home Toledo. 

Note that this is a revenge game for the Broncos after Oakland posted a 78-73 road win over WMU last year. 

Over two games this year the Broncos have so far averaged 76.5 PPG, while holding their opposition to 73.4. Josh Davis has so far posted 26 points over the two contests.

Oakland is averaging 78.2 PPG and it’s allowing 76.2. Jaevin Cumberland scored 14 points in the loss to the Rockets.

I’ll point out though that that Golden Grizzlies are just 1-12 ATS in their last 13 at home and 0-5 ATS following an ATS victory, while WMU is 5-0 ATS in its last five following a SU loss of more than 20 points.

For all the reasons listed above, play on Western Michigan.

Good luck…Larry

The third pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the (10*) San Antonio Spurs (10:05 EST).

San Antonio comes in off an impressive 96-89 home win over Houston and I think it carries that momentum over here against a Kings team which is already running out of gas after a hot start to the year, most recently falling 101-86 at home to the Lakers. 

San Antonio broke a two-game slide and it’s now averaging 109.5 PPG, while conceding 107.9. LaMarcus Aldridge averaged 18.3 points in three games vs. the Kings last year and he had 27 points and ten boards in the most recent win.

Sacramento has lost three of its last four. The Kings average 115.3 PPG and they concede 116.8. 

Note that Sacramento s also just 1-4 ATS the last five in this series, while the Spurs are a sharp 5-1 ATS in their last six vs. the Western Conference.

San Antonio appears to be back on track defensively, which spells trouble for Sacramento tonight.

Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* GAME OF THE MONTH is on Minnesota (9:00 EST).

Utah opened with a 75-61 win over Maine on Thursday, but it’s clearly going to have its hands full here against a Golden Gophers team which comes in off a convincing victory itself on Opening night.

In my opinion, this one has “blowout” written all over it.

The Utes were led by Sedrick Barefield, who had 18 points. Donnie Tillman added 15. Utah held Maine to 40 percent shooting and held a 42-26 rebounding advantage.

Note though that the Utes are just 4-13 in non-conference road games since 2011/12. 

The Golden Gophers smashed Omaha 104-76, as Amir Coffey shined with 18 points, four assists and two steals. Dupre McBreyer was another standout with 17 points. 

Note that the Gophers are 46-4 at home in non-conference games once 2013, winning 20 of the last 21. 

I’ll point out as well that Utah is just 10-11 ATS in its last 21 as an underdog, while Minnesota is 23-17 ATS In its last 40 as a favorite.

Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

The second pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the (8*) Utah Jazz (8:05 EST).

Utah enters off a momentum building 123-115 home win over Boston on Friday, while Memphis comes in off a 112-106 OT victory at home over Philadelphia.

Note that this is a “double revenge” game for Utah, as Memphis has already taken both meetings so far this season, including a 110-100 road victory on November 2nd.

Utah is averaging 111.6 PPG and it’s conceding 109.9. Donovan Mitchell leads the nightly charge with 22.3 points, while Rudy Gobert adds 16.4 points, 13.3 boards and 2.33 blocks per night.

Memphis is averaging only 103.1 PPG, but it makes up for it on the other end of the floor, holding the opposition to 101.1 PPG. Mike Conley leads the way with 18.1 points and six assists per night. 

I’ll point out thought that the Jazz are 4-1 ATS in their last five following a SU win, while Memphis is just 2-7 ATS in its last nine following an OT victory in which it scored 110 points or more in previously. 

Look for the revenge minded Jazz to pull away down the stretch.

Good luck…Larry

The first pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the (8*) under 76ers/Heat (7:35 EST).

Philadelphia’s three-game win streak came to an end in a 116-112 OT setback in Memphis on Saturday. Miami is looking to get back to its winning ways as well after falling 116-110 at home to Washington on Saturday. 

Philly is just 1-6 ATS on the road this year. Overall the 76ers are averaging 111.9 PPG and conceding 112.9. Clearly that’s not a recipe for long-term success. Joel Embiid is averaging 27.7 points and 13.1 boards per game.

Miami is averaging 110.6 PPG and it’s conceding 110.6 as well. Once again, clearly this isn’t a recipe for success either. Goran Dragic leads the nightly charge with 16.1 points and 4.9 assists per night.

Note though that Miami has seen the total go “under” in 13 of its last 20 after playing three consecutive home games, while Philadelphia has seen the total dip below the posted number in its last four games vs. teams with losing records. 

This number is a little high, play the under.

Good luck…Larry

This is a 10* play on Vanderbilt (9:00 EST).

Both teams come into this one at 1-0, as USC routed Robert Morris and Vandy smashed Winthrop.

Vanderbilt is led by Darius Garland, who had 24 points, four assists and two steals in the season opening victory. Simi Shittu was a stand out as well with 18 points, ten boards, two blocks and two steals. 

USC is led by Kevin Porter Jr, who had 15 points and five boards in the win over Robert Morris. But note that the Trojans were sloppy, committing 15 turnovers, a result of point guard Jordan McLaughlin being absent. Last year he was the Pac 12 assists leader. 

These are two evenly matched teams, but Vanderbilt plays with revenge after a 93-89 OT loss last year in Nashville. USC’s top player Bennie Boatwright did not play in the opener and if he does get the call tonight, his overall health is still a concern. 

I like Garland to lead his team to a victory, but that said, I’m going to grab the points in the end.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Weekend Wipeout Winner is on the Denver Nuggets (8:05 EST).

Two teams which started off the year red hot have come back down to Earth of late. However, I don’t think that that home court advantage can be overlooked as a very real deciding factor in this particular match-up.

Milwaukee enters off a loss to the Clippers just last night, a game which went to OT. Can anyone say “letdown spot?” This is the finale of the Bucks longest West coast trip of the year (already won at Golden State) and in my opinion, I think Milwaukee gets caught looking ahead to a couple of well deserved days off.

The Nuggets on the other hand will be out to atone for a 112-110 loss at home to the lowly Nets on Friday. 

Milwaukee is averaging 121.2 PPG and allowing 107.6. Giannis Antetokounmpo is averaging 25.6 points, 12.9 boards and 5.7 assists per game. 

Denver actually comes in off back-to-back losses, so “focus” for the home side is not something we have to worry about. 

Denver averages 109.6 PPG an fit concedes just 102.1. Nikola Jokic averages 17.6 points, ten boards and seven assists per game.

I’ll point out as well that Denver is 4-1 ATS in its last five home games vs. teams with a winning road record, while Milwaukee is just 2-7 ATS in its last nine road games against a team with a winning home record. 

The Bucks come in “gassed” at the end of their trip, and playing at “Mile High” against a determined Nuggets team proves to be too much once it’s all said and done.

Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* GAME OF THE WEEK is on the LA Lakers (10:05 EST).

This is an important game for the Lakers, who also have a game at home tomorrown night against the Hawks. I think LeBron James and company put the foot on the gas from start to finish in this one as they try to sweep these two games and start to move in a positive direction.

LA enters off a 114-110 win over the Wolves on Wednesday, while Sacramento comes in dog tired after last night’s 121-110 victory over Minnesota last night.

The Lakers can score, averaging 118.5 PPG, which is ranked third in the league. The defense is the issue, allowing 119.1 PPG. While the Kings are an “up-tempo” style of team, LA does catch a break here catching the home side playing the second game of the back-to-back.

The Kings are averaging 117.5 PPG and they’re conceding 118.8. De’Aaron Fox has been superb, averaging 18.7 points and 7.3 assists per game. 

I think it’s important to note though that Sacramento is just 2-9 ATS in its last 11 against the division, while LA is 8-3 ATS in its last 11 vs. divisional opponents. 

Lay the points and expect a rout.

Good luck…Larry