The first 8* pick in my Superstar Triple Play is on Colorado (3:00 EST).

This one is being played from the T-Mobile Arena on Wednesday afternoon. 

ASU opened up its season by going 12-0, but once conference action hit it would “tank,” going 8-10. The Sun Devils are now squarely on the bubble as the Pac 12 Conference Tournament gets underway. 

The Sun Devils come in off a crushing 84-83 defeat at home to Stanford in their regular season finale as well. Tra Holder was a stand out with 19 points, while Shannon Evans added 17. 

ASU averages 107.5 points per 100 possessions, while allowing 105.6 points per 100 possessions.

Colorado comes in under the radar here in my opinion as it also struggled down the stretch by losing four of its last five games, including a 64-54 setback at Utah in its regular season finale.

McKinley Wright had 16 points in the losing cause, while Lucas Siewert added 11. Colorado averages 99.1 points per 100 possessions, but it is able to stay competitive with its No. 1 effective field goal percentage defense in the conference. 

I’ll point out as well that Arizona State is just 2-10-2 ATS in its last 14 against teams with a winning straight up record, while Colorado is 6-2 ATS in its last eight following an ATS loss.

The pressure is on the Sun Devils and I think the Buffs relish the role of spoiler here. I believe this one is decided by whichever team has its hands on the ball last and such, I’ll recommend grabbing as many points as you can.

Good luck…Larry

My 9* O/U Oddsmaker’s Error is on the under Pelicans/Clippers (10:35 EST).

LA sits just a game back of Denver for the final playoff spot in the West, while New Orleans will be looking to improve its playoff positioning. 

Then Pelicans enter off a 126-109 win over Dallas on Sunday, getting 30 points from Jrue Holiday. Big man Anthony Davis had 23 points, 13 boards, three steals and three blocks. 

LA is 9-3 in its last 12 after holding on for a 123-120 win over Brooklyn, overcoming a 15-point third quarter deficit. Austin Rivers had a team-high 27 points, while Lou Williams added 21. 

The first thing that comes to mind when you think about these two teams is high-scoring offense and very little defense.

And that’s why it’s important to note that the Pelicans have in fact seen the total go under the number in three of their last four following a win by ten points or more, while LA has seen the total dip below the posted number in five of its last seven home games when the total in the contest is greater than or equal to 220. 

This can still be a high-scoring affair and stay below this sky-high number and that’s exactly what I expect to happen. This number is indeed just a tad high, play the under.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on the Dallas Mavericks (8:35 EST).

The 35-28 Denver Nuggets are in Dallas to take on the 19-45 Mavericks and while I wouldn’t be completely shocked by an outright upset obviously, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can.

Denver looks poised for a classic letdown here in my opinion after beating the Cavs 126-117 in Cleveland on Saturday night. 

In fact, it’s impossible not to think that the Nuggets won’t also be caught “looking ahead” here to their game at home against Cleveland in the re-match tomorrow night. 

Dallas on the other hand is looking to atone for a 126-109 setback to New Orleans on Sunday. 

Denver averages 108.7 PPG and it concedes 107.5. Dallas averages 102.2 PPG and it concedes 105.1. 

Note though that the Nuggets have had a hell of a time whenever they’ve played in Dallas of late, as evidenced by their 1-5-1 ATS record in their last seven played there. 

Dallas is a prime candidate for a top pick in the NBA draft in the offseason, but I think it puts up a fight tonight. I’ll also point out that the Mavs are a perfect 4-0 ATS in their last four following a double-digit home loss.

The Nuggets are quite possibly the biggest “Jekyll and Hyde” team in the league with a poor 11-19 road record and I expect the Mavericks to take advantage of that. 

Grab the points, play on Dallas.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* PERFECT STORM is on the Washington Wizards (7:05 EST).

Miami comes in off a very satisfying 125-103 win over the Suns just last night and suffice it to say, I think the team will be “gassed” here in the second game of the back to back.

Washington on the other hand won’t be leaving anything to chance this evening as it’s lost three straight, most recently a 98-95 setback to Indiana on Sunday. 

Miami comes into this one averaging just 101.4 PPG, while conceding 102. Hassan Whiteside averages 13.9 points and 12 boards per game, while Goran Dragic contributes 17.4 points, 4.1 boards and 4.9 assists per night. 

Washington averages 107 PPG and it concedes 105.4. Bradley Beal is the main man right now and he averages 23.4 PPG, while big man Marcin Gortat adds 8.6 points and 7.8 boards per night.

I’ll point out as well that Miami is a horrible 2-8 ATS this year following a win by ten points or more, while Washington is 8-3 ATS in its last 11 when playing on one days rest.

The Wizards need a win desperately and they simply couldn’t have asked for a better overall situation with this one. Everything points to a home side rout in my opinion, so lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Las Vegas Insider is on Wake Forest (7:00 EST).

The 11-19 Wake Forest Demon Deacons get set to battle the 19-12 Syracuse Orange in the ACC Tournament on Tuesday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the underdog.

Wake looks to avenge a 78-70 road loss to Syracuse on February 11th. Syracuse shot 46 percent from the floor in that one, including 6 of 12 from range. Tyus Battle led the way for the Orange with 34 points. 

The Demon Deacons shot 43.6 percent in the losing cause, including 44 percent from range. 

Both teams backed their way into the tournament, with Wake losing three of four and ‘Cuse dropping four of six. Syracuse scored a big win over Clemson in its home finale and I think it looks poised for classic letdown here. 

Wake Forest averages 73.6 PPG and it concedes 74.4. Bryant Crawford leads the nightly charge with 16.7 points, 2.9 boards and 4.8 assists per game.

Syracuse averages 67.6 PPG and it concedes 64.1. Battle averages 20 points and three boards per game, while Frank Howard adds 15.2 points, 3.4 boards and five assists per night. 

I’m expecting an all out war until the end and in a contest which I do indeed envision being decided by whichever team has its hands on the ball last, I’m going to grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* ACC TOURNEY TOTAL OF THE MONTH is the over Pittsburgh/Notre Dame (2:30 EST).

Both teams have had issues with injuries this year and the result wasn’t pretty. Pittsburgh finished 0-18 in the ACC, while Notre Dame was 8-10. Note that when these teams played on February 28th, it was the Irish that pulled away for the 73-56 home victory. 

Pittsburgh comes in averaging just 62 PPG, while conceding 72.5. After losing forward Ryan Luther in a loss to West Virginia in early December, the Panthers were never able to recover. 

Notre Dame won’t be going to the NCAA Tournament, but the Irish won’t be rolling over today either. Keep your eyes on Bonzie Colson, who had 12 points and nine boards in the win over the Eagles earlier in the year. 

Despite its offensive struggles this season, I’ll point out that Boston College has in fact seen the total go over the number in three of its last four conference tournament games, while Notre Dame has seen the total eclipse the posted number in ten of 14 as a favorite this season and in five of eight off a loss against a conference rival.

Two teams which disappointed in the regular season have one last chance to redeem. This one has the feel of a wide open, faster-paced affair. This number is just a little low, play the over.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* GAME OF THE WEEK is on Saint Mary’s (11:30 EST).

BYU is 23-9 overall and it’s 5-2 in is last seven after beating San Diego in the quarterfinals of the WCC Tournament. 

Saint Mary’s comes in at 28-4 overall and it’s now won four straight after getting the better of Pepperdine on Saturday. 

The Cougars beat San Diego 85-79, but they’ve lost five-straight to the Gaels, including a 74-64 OT setback at home on December 30th. 

These teams played in the conference tournament last year as well and the Gaels easily handled the Cougars 81-50.

BYU is led by guard Elijah Bryant with 17.9 points and 6.4 boards per game. 

Saint Mary’s won’t be leaving anything to chance today either as it had to rally from a 15-point first half deficit to get by No. 10 seed Pepperdine 69-66:

“It wasn’t pretty, but we will take the win,” Gaels head coach Randy Bennett assessed afterwards. “Pepperdine has been playing well. It was a tough game. There was a lot of pressure on us. I wasn’t particularly happy with how we played, but I was happy with how our guys stayed together and stayed the course. Our seniors stepped up when we needed them to and we were able to escape.”

One player to keep your eyes on today is Saint Mary’s 6’ 11” center Jock Landale, who finished with 32 points and 14 boards in a 75-62 home win over the Cougars on January 25th. 

I’ll point out that BYU is 0-6 ATS in its last six following a SU win though and a poor 17-37-1 ATS in its last 55 neutral-site contests, while Saint Mary’s is 7-3 ATS in its last ten following an ATS loss.

After their “near disaster” last time out, I expect the Gaels to come in razor focused here. BYU certainly plays with revenge, but this is bad matchup and a horrible spot to catch this superior team in. 

I’m expecting a rout, so lay the points with confidence.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the Detroit Pistons (7:00 EST).

Detroit won’t be rolling over as it comes in having lost two straight, most recently a 105-96 road setback in Miami on Saturday. Cleveland can empathize, as it comes in having lost two straight as well, most recently a 126-117 home setback to Denver on Saturday. 

Note that so far the Cavs have taken two of three meetings between the clubs this season.

Detroit averages 103.1 PPG and it concedes 104. Blake Griffin averages 21.5 points, 7.6 boards and 5.5 assists per night, while Andre Drummond adds 15.2 points, 15.8 boards and 1.64 steals per game. Griffin did everything he could in his team’s latest loss with 31 points and six assists.

The Cavaliers average 110 PPG and they concede 110.1. LeBron James averages 26.7 points, 8.4 boards and 9.1 assists per game, while Kevin Love adds 17.9 points and 9.4 boards. The problem for Cleveland right now though is that Love remains injured.

Cleveland’s new pieces have looked good at times and pretty pedestrian in others. It’s a night to night balancing act for James until Love returns.

No excuses for the Pistons though, who have had well over a month to work Griffin into the fold. 

I’ll point out that Detroit is 7-4 ATS against the division this year, while Cleveland is just 5-7 ATS against divisional opponents.

Both teams have more questions than answers right now, but the overall situation points to a very competitive affair in my opinion. As such, I’m grabbing the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 9* Oddsmakers Error is on the Brooklyn Nets (9:05 EST).

Brooklyn remains competitive, although it comes in off a second straight loss, this time falling 116-111 in OT to Sacramento on Thursday. LA comes in complacent though in my opinion after smashing the Knicks 128-105 at home on Friday. 

Not surprisingly, this sets up as a revenge game for the visitors after the Clippers won 114-101 on the road in the first matchup in mid February.

Brooklyn enters averaging 105.6 PPG and it concedes 109.7. D’Angelo Russell leads the nightly charge with 15.8 points and five assists per night, while DeMarre Carroll adds 13.4 points and 6.6 boards.

LA averages 108.9 PPG and it concedes 107.8. DeAndre Jordan averages 11.8 points and 15 boards per game, while Lou Williams adds 23.2 points and 5.4 assists per night. Williams had 21 points and eight assists in the Clippers most recent victory over the hapless Knicks.

I’ll point out though that Brooklyn has performed well in this spot for bettors by going 22-13 ATS against clubs with winning records this year.

The Nets are also 16-9 ATS against good offensive teams which average 106 plus points per contest.

The Clippers have been playing extremely well, but note that they’re still only 22-30 ATS in their last 52 after scoring 115 points or more in their previous contest.

With New Orleans and Cleveland coming to town next, I think the home side gets caught looking past its lowly non-conference opponent this evening.

Grab the points, play on the Nets.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on the Charlotte Hornets (6:05 EST).

The Hornets will be hungry and focused here after dropping their second straight in a 110-99 setback at Philadelphia on Friday. 

Conversely, I think this sets up as a bit of a letdown spot for the Raptors after they won their third straight in a 102-95 road effort in Washington on Friday. 

And to say this is a “revenge” game would be a bit of an understatement as Toronto has so far won all three meetings this year, including a 123-103 road victory on February 11th in the most recent.

The Hornets average 106.7 PPG and they concede 106.7 as well. Kemba Walker leads the nightly charge with 23.1 points and 5.8 assists per night, while Dwight Howard adds 15.9 points and 12.4 boards per game. 

The Raptors average 112.1 PPG and they concede 103.4. DeMar DeRozan leads the way with 23.7 points and 5.2 assists per game, while Kyle Lowry chips in 16.5 points, 5.7 boards and 6.5 assists.

With bottom feeder Atlanta up next, it’s not too hard to imagine the red hot Raptors finally having a bit of mental letdown here. 

Clearly the revenge-minded Hornets don’t have the same luxury as the team tries to desperately stay in the playoff picture.

While I’ll stop short in calling for the outright upset, everything points to a very competitive battle in my opinion. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* TOTAL PERFECT STORM is the under Tulane/UCF (4:30 EST).

Tulane is 14-15 overall and 5-12 in league play. UCF is 17-12 overall and 8-9 in conference action and it comes in having lost three straight. 

UCF looks poised for a bit of a mental letdown here in my opinion after its “close but no cigar” 75-71 loss to No. 11 Wichita State in its most recent action. 

The Green wave average 73.8 PPG and they concede 74.3. The Knights average just 62.9 PPG and they concede only 61.7. 

Tulane looked horrible offensively in its latest loss though, falling 78-49 to Cincinnati on Thursday, managing to connect on just 31 percent shooting from the floor. 

I’ll point out as well that the Green Wave have already seen the total go under the number in three of four this year when the total in the contest is set between 130 and 139 1/2 and in four of five against good defensive clubs which concede 64 points or less, while UCF has seen the total dip below the posted number in six of its last eight when playing the role of favorite.

I believe these two disinterested teams go through the motions today and I expect this one to ultimately stay below the number once the final horn sounds.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on UC Davis (10:30 EST).

The regular season Big West title is up for grabs here and as such, I’m expecting an all out battle until the final horn. UC Davis has won four straight, while UC Irvine has won eight of its last nine. 

Both enter at 11-4 in league play, but UC Davis has the much better overall record at 20-9, while UC Irvine is 16-15. 

Note that if recent history is any precedence, then UC Davis has to be loving its chances tonight, because when these teams met earlier in the year, it was the Aggies which posted the 66-57 win.

Most recently the Aggies got the better of Hawaii 70-59, holding the Rainbow Warriors to just 21 points in the first half. Davis also forced 16 turnovers in the victory, its fourth straight in which it’s held its opponent to 63 points or less. 

UC Irvine also comes in off a win over Hawaii, getting 19 points from Evan Leonard in the 66-57 victory on Saturday. 

Davis has been the better team all year and it’s a difficult matchup again here for the Ant Eaters. I’m expecting another war and for this one to be decided by whichever team has its hands on the ball last.

As such, grab as many points as you can. Play on UC Davis.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* TOTAL PERFECT STORM is on the under Lakers/Spurs (9:05 EST).

I think the Lakers have a bit of a mental letdown here after winning four straight, most recently smashing the Heat 131-113 on the road on Thursday. The Spurs clearly won’t be taking anything for granted here after falling 121-116 at home to New Orleans in their most recent action.

Note that the Lakers posted the lower-scoring 93-81 home win in the first meeting between the clubs this season and in my opinion, all signs point to a similar final combined outcome here as well.

LA averages 108.3 PPG and it concedes 110. Isaiah Thomas had 29 points off the bench in his teams most recent victory. 

San Antonio averages only 102.2 PPG, but it makes up for it on the defensive side by conceding a league best 99.2 PPG. Rudy Gay came off the bench to score 19 points in the loss to the Pelicans.

Despite its recent success, I’ll point out that LA has still seen the total go under the number in three of its last four after scoring 130 points or more in its previous contest, while San Antonio has seen the total dip below the posted number in ten of 13 already this season when playing with two days of rest.

In my opinion, everything points to the under as the correct call in this one.

Good luck…Larry

My 9* Oddsmakers Error is on North Carolina (8:15 EST).

UNC enters off a 91-88 home loss to Miami, while Duke comes in off a 64-63 setback to Virginia Tech. The Tar Heels are 11-6 in conference play, while the Blue Devils are 12-5. 

These two teams played to a tight affair in the first meeting this year, one which UNC prevailed 82-78 in.

North Carolina averages 83.6 PPG and it concedes 74.0. In their most recent setback the Tar Heels gave up just two turnovers, but they’d allow Miami to hit 54.8 percent from the floor. 

Duke averages 85.5 PPG and it concedes 69.6. Grayson Allen led the way in the losing cause last time out with 22 points, but the Blue Devils struggled on the defensive end. 

These are two of the best teams in the nation and whenever they get together, it’s always an all out war. Nothing is going to change tonight either. Look for UNC to keep this one competitive until the final moments and while I wouldn’t be completely shocked by an outright upset, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can.

Play on UNC.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Weekend Wipeout Winner is on Dayton (3:00 EST).

George Washington has won four of its last five after getting the better of Fordham 72-56 most recently. Yuta Watanabe led the way in that one with 12 points. 

The Colonials enter this one averaging 101.2 points per 100 possessions during league play, while allowing 106.3 points per 100 possessions. 

Dayton though comes in razor focused here after dropping two straight, most recently a 71-53 road setback at La Salle. Trey Landers was a bright spot in that one with 17 points, while Josh Cunningham added ten. 

The Flyers average 107.3 points per 100 possessions during conference action, while allowing 111.4. 

I’ll point out though that the Colonials are just 2-4 ATS this year off a win against a conference rival, while the Flyers are a solid 4-2 ATS this season after scoring 60 points or less in their previous contest.

With one last chance to impress in from tot the home town crowd, I like the Flyers to pull away down the stretch for the comfortable cover.

Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Situational Stunner is on Wake Forest (12:00 EST).

The 11-18 Wake Forest Demon Deacons are at Georgia Tech to take on the 12-18 Yellow Jackets on Saturday afternoon and while I obviously wouldn’t be shocked by an outright upset, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can.

Wake Forest enters off a 76-71 home loss to Notre Dame, while Georgia Tech is off an upset 78-75 home win over NC State on Thursday. 

If recent history is any precedence though, then Wake has to be liking its chances for a bounce back tonight, because when these teams met earlier in the year it was the Demon Deacons which posted the convincing 79-62 home victory. 

Wake Forest averages 74.2 PPG and it concedes 74.8. In the loss to the Fighting Irish the Demon Deacons would post 44 percent from the floor and they’d get 13 points and six assists from Kershawn Woods. 

Georgia Tech averages just 65.3 PPG and it concedes only 67.6. Tadric Jackson had 22 points in the win over the Wolfpack. 

Neither team has lived up to expectations, but after their latest “close call” to Notre Dame, I’m expecting the Demon Deacons to come out completely focused here. This is a bad matchup for the Yellow Jackets and they look poised for a letdown after their big win. 

Grab the points, play on Wake Forest.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Las Vegas Insider is on Florida (12:00 EST).

The 21-9 Kentucky Wildcats are at Florida to take on the 19-11 Gators and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

Kentucky comes in off a 21 point win over Missouri on Saturday, led by 21 points in 24 minutes from Kevin Knox, who was mentioned in the FBI report into the NCAA’s illegal recruiting practices. It was the Wildcats biggest margin of victory in SEC play this year, against a tournament team in the Tigers no less. Suffice it to say, I think the visitors are poised for a letdown here.

After winning two in a row, there’s no doubt that this game means a lot to Florida today as it’s tied with two other teams for third-place in the conference. As such, I’m expecting the home side to risk life and limb to try and secure the victory.

I’ll point out as well that UK is just 2-8 ATS in its last ten on the road, while the home team is 8-3 ATS in the last 11 in this series.

Florida already got the better of Kentucky 66-64 in mid January and everything points to a comfortable cover here as well. Lay the points, play on the Gators. 

Good luck…Larry

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

Oklahoma is on the bubble after losing seven of its last eight. The Sooners need a win here and one in the tournament to remain eligible most likely. Iowa State upset Oklahoma 88-80 earlier in the year, but it’s already guaranteed the last-place seed in the upcoming Big 12 tournament. 

This is an extremely meaningful game for the Sooners. Sure the Cyclones would love to play spoiler again and somehow manage to steal the season series, but I don’t predict that happening. 

Iowa State comes into this one with zero momentum after losing five straight, most recently dropping an 80-71 decision to Oklahoma State. Overall the team shot just 39.7 percent from the floor, led by 20 points from Lindell Wigginton. 

Oklahoma needs to gather itself quickly after falling 87-64 at Baylor last time out, shooting just 37.7 percent from the floor. Trae Young was a bright spot though with 18 points. 

I’ll point out as well that Iowa State is just 5-7 ATS this year off a loss against a conference rival, while Oklahoma is 2-0 ATS this year as a home fav of 9.5 to 12 points and it’s also 14-9 ATS in its last 23 in trying to revenge a road loss against an opponent.

It’s “do or die” for the Sooners essentially this evening and I’m expecting them to play like it. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* GAME OF THE MONTH on the Chicago Bulls (8:05 EST).

Dallas beat Indiana 109-103 and then promptly fell 111-110 in OT to the Thunder in its next outing. Suffice it to say, I think the visitors have a predictable letdown here after that “close miss.” 

Chicago won’t be playing in the postseason, it’s just 20-41 overall. Injuries to its starting line-up is one of the main reasons for the overall poor record, but the team continues to get healthier as the season comes to a close. 

The Bulls will be hungry here as they’ve lost five straight. They knocked off Dallas 127-124 in early January and I believe they’re going to do it again here at home as well. 

Dallas averages 102.1 PPG and it concedes 104.7. Harrison Barnes was a bright spot in the losing cause to OKC with 26 points and he leads the nightly charge with 18.3 points, plus 6.4 boards per night. 

Chicago averages 103.3 PPG and it concedes 109.6. Zach LaVine has put up 17.7 points per night since returning to the line-up, while Lauri Markkanen adds 14.8 points, plus 7.6 boards per game. 

I’ll point out as well that Dallas is just 6-11 ATS as the favorite this year, while Chicago is 4-2 ATS after playing three consecutive road games.

With a night off before an extended home stand, it’s not too hard to imagine the visitors coming in complacent here against their lowly non-conference opponent. But the Bulls clearly don’t have the same luxury as they desperately try to break the skid.

This one sets up beautifully for Chicago in my opinion.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* BAIL-OUT BLOWOUT is on UC Davis (10:00 EST).

Hawaii is 7-7 in league play, while UC Davis is 10-4. The Warriors’ three-game win streak was snapped in a listless 66-57 setback at UC Irvine last time out and suffice it to say, I think they’re going to suffer a letdown here in this equally as difficult atmosphere. 

Hawaii was down by nine at halftime and was never able to recover in the second half against the Ant Eaters. Evan Leonard was a bright spot with 19 points. Note that they looked particularly poor shooting, going just 18 of 52 from the field.

Meanwhile the Aggies are going to be trying to avenge a 77-72 loss to Hawaii earlier this season and in my opinion, all signs do indeed point to a lop-sided blowout.

UC Davis though kept pace in the conference race with a 64-63 win over UC Riverside in its most recent action. TJ Shorts II was a standout with 16 points, but it was the Aggies’ defensive play which impressed the most, holding the Highlanders to just 26 percent from range, while also forcing 15 turnovers. 

I’ll point out as well that this is a spot in which the Warriors have struggled in of late for bettors by going just 2-5 ATS in their last seven road games against a team with a winning home record, while this is a position in which the Aggies have excelled in by going 7-2 ATS in their last nine after an ATS loss.

With revenge on its mind, I look for UC Davis to put the pedal to the metal from start to finish.

Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Oddsmakers Error is on the Sacramento Kings (10:05 EST).

The Nets lost for the ninth time in their last ten games in a “close but not cigar” 129-123 setback at Cleveland on Tuesday, while the Kings enter having lost five in a row, most recently a 116-99 setback at Portland on Tuesday. 

Brooklyn averages 105.5 PPG and it concedes 109.6. D’Angelo Russell leads the way with 15.8 points and 4.8 assist per game, while DeMarre Carroll adds 13.3 points and 6.6 boards per night. Note that Russell led the way in the loss to the Cavs with 25 points and six assists.

Sacramento averages 99 PPG and it concedes 107.2. De’Aaron Fox averages 11.4 points, 2.6 boards and 4.4 assists per night, while Buddy Hield averages 12.7. Veteran Zach Randolph had 20 points in a losing cause to the Blazers last time out.

I’ll point out though that Brooklyn is interestingly just 3-7 ATS in its last ten against poor defensive clubs which allow 106 plus points per night, while Sacramento is 26-19 ATS the last two years after three or more consecutive SU losses.

With upcoming games at the Clippers and Golden State to end their Western swing, I think the Nets come out complacent here against the lowly, albeit extremely “hungry” Kings.

A great spot for Sacramento to get back into the winners circle. Play on the Kings.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Oddsmakers Error is on Washington State (9:00 EST).

Oregon is on the bubble and it comes in off consecutive victories, most recently getting the better of ASU and Arizona. 

Washington State won’t be invited to the Big Dance, but it won’t be rolling over here in my opinion either. The Cougars come into this one having split their last four games and to say this is a “revenge scenario” would be an understatement as well as the Ducks have taken four straight in the series.

Oregon looks poised for another run at the Tournament after the back-to-back home victories over the schools from Arizona, but I think it comes in “gassed” here after its epic 98-93 OT win over the Wildcats. Elijah Brown finished with a team high 30 points, going 15 of 17 from the charity stripe in that one. 

The Cougars beat Cal, but then came up short in an 86-84 shootout loss at Stanford in their most recent action. WSU looked good though in the setback by connecting on 56.7 percent from the floor, including 11 of 23 from range. Robert Franks had 19 points and six boards in the losing cause.

I’ll point out though that Oregon is just 5-6 ATS this year after scoring 80 points or more in its previous contest, while Washington State is a highly respectable 7-5 ATS at home this season.

The Cougars have been playing a lot better and I think that improvement carries over and pushes the Ducks to to the brink tonight. Grab the points, play on Washington State.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on Louisville (8:00 EST).

The 26-2 Virginia Cavaliers are in Louisville to take on the 19-10 Cardinals and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

After a loss to Virginia Tech, the Cavaliers have reeled off three straight victories since, most recently over Pittsburgh. 

Louisville will be hungry here after breaking a two-game slide by getting the better of Virginia Tech last weekend. 

If you’ve been following the College basketball season this year, then you know that Virginia gets the job done with smothering defensive play, conceding just 52.1 PPG. The Cavs steamrolled the Panthers 66-37 on Saturday and with the victory the team secured the league title and the No. 1 seed in the conference tournament. If ever the Cavs were going to have a bit of a mental “letdown,” then this is clearly the spot in my opinion.

The Cards enter off the 75-68 win over VT last Saturday and a victory over the No. 1 would greatly enhance their resume for the upcoming Dance.

Louisville averages 77.2 PPG and it got 22 points out of Quentin Snider in the Cardinals’ most recent victory. 

With an equally as tough game at NC State up next, Louisville will need to leave everything it has on the court tonight to try and score the upset here.

The last thing Virginia wants to do is to take the foot off the gas at this point of the season, but after scoring the conference regular season crown and the No. 1 seed in the Conference tournament, and with a “cream puff” against Notre Dame at home to end the campaign up next, it’s not too hard to imagine the visitors finally having a small letdown here.

Note that this is also an “in-season revenge game” for the Cardinals after they fell 74-64 at Virginia on January 31st. 

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

Good luck…Larry

My 8* PERFECT STORM is on Michigan (2:30 EST).

It’s No. 12 Iowa vs. No. 7 Michigan from Madison Square Garden and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the favorite. 

Iowa beat lowly Illinois (barely) 96-87 in the first round to advance to the second and its prize is a date against the Wolverines, a team its already lost twice to (74-59 and 75-68.) 

The Hawkeyes average 80 PPG and they concede 78.8. Jorden Bohannon had 25 points and six assists to lead Iowa in the victory over Illinois.

Michigan comes in on top form as well here with five straight wins. The Wolverines average 74.3 PPG and they concede 63.4. Most recently Michigan finished up its regular season campaign with an 85-61 road victory over Maryland last weekend, led by 28 points, eight boards and seven assists from Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman. 

Iowa got its big conference tournament win, but all signs point to a predictable letdown here. I expect the Wolverines to make a statement to open the tournament and to put the foot on the gas from start to finish. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Oddsmakers Error is on Syracuse (9:00 EST).

The 18-11 Syracuse Orange are at Boston College to take on the 16-13 Eagles on Wednesday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors.

BC has lost three straight, most recently to Miami Florida, while Syracuse is just 1-3 in its last four, most recently falling to UNC and Duke.

After back-to-back losses to those two heavyweights though, I expect the Orange to bounce back and take advantage of this favorable matchup. Syracuse has in fact lost five of its last eight overall and it needs to win out to avoid a losing conference record for the first time since 2005. Top players Oshae Brissett, Frank Howard and Tyus Battle combined to go a horrible 10 of 39 against the Blue Devils:

“We didn’t attack the basket like we usually do,” Brissett explained. “We haven’t seen a zone in a couple games, especially all game, so it was just hard to go up against their big guys down there.”

BC’s hopes of an at-large tournament bid are basically over after its crushing 79-78 loss at Miami on the weekend. The Eagles would go on to blow a late 14-point lead in that one: 

“We just lost our composure; didn’t make free-throws,” Eagles’ head coach Jim Christian said afterwards. “We were the leading free-throw shooting team in the league two games ago. Offensively, we were really good all game long until the last two minutes.”

Note that BC guard Ky Bowman is just 3 for 17 from range over his last four games. 

Additionally I’ll point out that Syracuse has in fact done extremely well in this spot all year for bettors by going 5-2 ATS after scoring 60 points or less in its previous outing, while BC has struggled in this position by going just 11-18 ATS in its last 29 after three or more consecutive SU losses.

When these teams met at Syracuse earlier in the year, it was the Orange that won easily 81-63. Suffice it to say, I expect a similar final score in this one as well.

Great value, play on Syracuse.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* ACC BLOWOUT GAME OF THE MONTH is on Florida State (9:00 EST).

The 19-9 Florida State Seminoles are at Clemson to take on the 21-7 Tigers on Wednesday night and while I obviously wouldn’t be shocked by the outright upset, everything points to this one being decided by whichever of these talented teams has its hands on the ball last.

Clemson broke a three-game slide with a win over Georgia Tech on Saturday, while FSU’s two-game win streak was snapped in a setback at NC State last weekend.

Trent Forest had 16 points and seven assists, while Braian Angola added 14 points in the Seminoles 92-72 blowout defeat at the Wolfpack. FSU is headed to the big dance, but the team will definitely be looking to get back on track with two games remaining before the conference tourney:

“The ACC is very unforgiving now,” FSU head coach Leonard Hamilton assessed recently. “You can’t go on the road in the ACC and play okay and win. That’s not good enough. You’re going to have to play very well, especially on the road, against any team in our league.”

If recent history is any precedence, then Florida State has to be loving it chances tonight as well, because the Seminoles beat the Tigers 81-79 in OT two weeks ago. Clemson did manage a win last time out against Georgi Tech, but it had to rally from a double-digit deficit (twice), to gut out the victory.

I’ll point out as well that Florida State is 3-1 ATS in its last four as a road dog in the 3.5 to six points range, while Clemson is just 10-12 ATS in its last 22 in trying to revenge a road loss against an opponent. 

The Tigers come in off the highly satisfying win and get caught flat-footed against this determined Seminoles side in my opinion. And as mentioned off the top, while the outright, straight-up victory is clearly not out of the question, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can.

Play on Florida State.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the under between the Pelicans and Spurs (8:35 EST).

The 34-26 New Orleans Pelicans are in San Antonio to take on the 36-25 Spurs on Wednesday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one has defensive battle written all over it. 

New Orleans has won six straight behind some amazing play from big man Anthony Davis, but I think he and the surging Pelicans will get slowed down tonight against the Spurs tough defense and their big LaMarcus Aldridge. 

The Pelicans currently sit 1.5 games behind San Antonio for fourth place in the West. Davis most recently posted 53 points, 18 boards and five blocks in a 125-116 win over the Suns on Monday. 

San Antonio snapped a four-game slide with a 110-94 win over Cleveland on Sunday and suffice it to say, I expect the team to carry that momentum over here. The Spurs got some very encouraging news as well recently, as Kawhi Leonard is expected to return to the line-up within the next week or so. 

I’ll point out that New Orleans has seen the total go under the number in 25 of its last 42 against the division, while San Antonio has seen the total dip below the posted number in seven of ten already this year after playing three consecutive road games and in ten of 12 when playing with two days of rest.

The Pelicans beat the Spurs 107-90 at home on November 22nd and in my opinion, everything points to a similar final combined score here as well.

This number is just a little high, play the under.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* SITUATIONAL STUNNER is on the Detroit Pistons (7:05 EST).

Milwaukee has lost three of its last four, most recently falling 107-104 at home to Washington just last night, while Detroit enters having lost three straight, most recently a 123-94 setback in Toronto on Monday. 

Note that this is a revenge game for the Pistons, as Milwaukee has taken two of three in the season series already this year, including a 104-100 victory in the most recent matchup back on December 6th. 

Milwaukee comes into this one averaging 105.2 PPG and it concedes 105.2 as well. Giannis Antetokounmpo averages 27.6 points, 10.3 boards, 4.9 assists, 1.31 blocks and 1.44 steals per game. Note that the Bucks are just 14-15 on the road this year.

Detroit averages 103.1 PPG and it concedes 104.1. Blake Griffin averages 21.8 points, 7.8 boards and 5.4 assists per night, while Andre Drummond adds 15.1 points, 15.7 boards and 1.6 steals per game. 

I’ll point out though that Milwaukee is just 3-6 ATS against the division this year, while Detroit is 7-4 ATS in the same position.

The Bucks come in tired and dejected after last night’s setback. The Pistons have been playing terribly of late, but they’re not out of the playoff picture yet. Here’s the perfect opponent and opportunity to get untracked against. 

In my opinion, the stage is set for a lop-sided blowout. Play on Detroit.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* BLOWOUT is on the Miami Heat (7:30 EST).

Philadelphia had its seven game win streak snapped in a 109-94 road loss to Washington on Sunday, while Miami broke a three-game slide with a convincing 115-89 home win over Memphis on Saturday. 

Note that this is an in-season double-revenge scenario for Miami, as Philadelphia has already taken both previous meetings, including a 104-102 victory at home in the most recent on February 14th.

Philadelphia comes in averaging 107.6 PPG and it concedes 105.7. Big man Joel Embiid had 25 points and ten boards in the setback to the Wizards and he’s leading the team with 23.9 points, 11.2 boards and 1.83 blocks per night.

Miami averages 101.1 PPG and it concedes 101.6. Hassan Whiteside averages 14.2 points and 11.9 boards per night, while guard Goran Dragic adds 17.4 points, 4.1 boards and 4.9 assists per game.

I’ll point out as well that Philadelphia is just 13-16 ATS on the road this year and only 2-4 ATS in its last six following a loss by ten points or more, while Miami is 16-9 ATS in its last 25 against teams with winning records and 3-1 ATS after scoring 115 points or more.

Miami is in a dog fight right now for the final playoff spot and after small stretch of poor play, the team looks to build off its latest victory. A date vs. the 76ers is just what the doctor ordered to keep the motivation levels high, because as mentioned above, this does indeed set up as a double revenge spot for the home side tonight. 

Philadelphia has been playing extremely well, but I think the loss to the Wizards gets carried over here.

In my opinion, this one has blowout written all over it. Play on Miami.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* BLOWOUT is on Oklahoma State (7:00 EST).

The 16-13 Oklahoma State Cowboys are in Iowa to take on the 13-15 Cyclones on Tuesday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors.

Oklahoma State looks to take out its frustrations tonight after a tight 65-64 road loss to Texas. And here’s the perfect opponent to get untracked against as the lowly Cyclones enter off a humbling 85-70 loss to WVU on Saturday.

If recent history is any precedence, then the Cowboys have to be loving their chances tonight because when these teams met earlier in the year, it was OKS which pulled away for the 96-87 victory.

The Cowboys average 76.6 PPG and they concede 73.6. Jeffrey Carroll was a bright spot in OKS’s latest loss with 19 points.

Iowa State averages 73.7 PPG and it concedes 75.4. Lindell Wigginton had 29 points in the loss to the Mountaineers, while Cameron Lard added eight points and ten boards.

I’ll point out though that OKS is 5-1 ATS in its last six on the road and 9-2-1 ATS in its last 12 road games as an underdog in the 0.5 point to 6.5 points range, while Iowa State is just 1-4 ATS in its last five following an ATS victory.

OKS has some big road wins this year, including at Kansas and WVU. Iowa State has given up an average of 83 points over its last five games and the Cyclones were held to just 40 percent shooting in their first matchup with the Cowboys this season.

In my opinion, the stage is set for a big time blowout victory for the visitors. Play on Oklahoma State.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* WESTERN CONFERENCE REVENGE GAME OF THE YEAR is on the Utah Jazz (9:05 EST).

I think the Rockets finally stumble here after 12 straight victories, most recently beating the Nuggets last night. But not to be outdone, the Jazz have also been on top form of late. Utah lost to Portland on Friday, but that was its first setback since January 22nd. 

’ll point out that the Rockets’ Eric Gordon, who missed last night’s very satisfying 119-114 win at Denver with an illness, is also questionable for this one.

After 11 straight victories, the Jazz were outdone by a Damian Lillard buzzer beater in their latest setback. Donovan Mitchell has now posted 21 or more points in six straight games. Note that guard Ricky Rubio is back in the line-up for this one after sitting out the Portland setback.

It’s interesting to note though that Houston is just 56-61 ATS in it last 117 against teams with winning records, while Utah is already 7-3 ATS this season after allowing 90 points or less in its previous contest and a near-perfect 5-1 ATS in its last six against good offensive teams which average 106-plus points per night. 

The Jazz play with revenge and they catch a complacent and dog-tired Rockets team flat footed on Monday night. Grab the points, play on Utah.

Good luck…Larry

My 9* PERFECT STORM is on Texas Tech (9:00 EST).

Texas Tech will be eager to get back into the winners circle after a tough 74-72 loss to Kansas on Saturday. The Red Raiders are now out of contention to win the Big 12 Conference title, but they still have a lot to play for as they look to earn at least a No. 2 seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament. 

Texas Tech has lost three straight, but it didn’t look horrible against the high-powered Jayhawks, hitting 42.9 percent from the floor and going 8 of 24 from range. Zhaire Smith led the way in that one off the bench with 20 points. 

WVU has won three of its last four, including a relatively simple 85-70 victory over Iowa State in its most recent. The Hawkeyes were ravaged from injury and didn’t put up a fight at all. While the Mountaineers looked decent from the floor overall with a 45.5 percent rate, note that they were a poor 5 of 18 from range. Esa Ahmad finished with 18 points and 11 boards in the victory.

I’ll point out though that Texas Tech is 10-6 ATS this year against good offensive clubs which average 77-plus points per night, while WVU is just 4-5 ATS this season off a win against a conference rival (and only 1-3 ATS in trying to revenge a road loss against an opponent.) 

The Red Raiders are hungry and desperate to turn their fortunes around and they catch a WVU side a little complacent after its latest “cake walk” in its previous win. While I wouldn’t be shocked by an outright upset, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can.

Play on Texas Tech.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* GAME OF THE WEEK is on Texas (9:00 EST).

Kansas beat Texas Tech on Saturday, ensuring it at least a share of the Big 12 title for a 14th straight campaign. Suffice it to say, after accomplishing that very meaningful milestone, I expect the high-flying home side to have just enough of a mental letdown here, to let the hungry visiting team comfortably sneak in through the backdoor down the stretch.

The Longhorns beat Oklahoma State 65-64 on Saturday to keep their playoff hopes alive and suffice it to say, I’m expecting the team to carry that momentum over here. Dylan Osetkowski finished with a team-high 13 points, while Kerwin Roach and Jacob Young chipped in 12 points

Kanas held on for the 74-72 road win at Texas Tech to grab a share of the title. Devonte Graham led the charge in that one with 26 points.

I’ll point out though that Texas is 4-1 ATS in its last five against good offensive teams which average 77-plus points per night, while Kansas is just 4-7 ATS this year off a win against a conference rival.

It’s do or die essentially for the Longhorns, who will likely be without the services of big man Mo Bamba after he injured himself in their latest victory.

No matter in my opinion, as I do definitely feel that the overall situation and trends both sharply point to Texas as the correct call in this matchup.

Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 9* Situational Stunner is on the Orland Magic (8:05 EST).

Orlando comes in hungry after five straight losses. The Magic won’t be in the postseason, but they’re not going to be going down without a fight this evening in my estimation. 

Most recently the Magic fell 116-105 to Philadelphia, getting 20 points, seven boards and seven assists from Aaron Gordon. Mario Hezonjia was also a bright spot with 13 points off the bench. Some claim that Orlando is now in “tank” mode, but I’m not completely buying it, as the Magic possess just the fifth spot in the “ping pong ball pecking order” for the Draft.

Oklahoma comes in shocked and stunned after its 112-80 loss at Golden State. Paul George had an “off night,” going just 1of 14 for a season-low five points. Russell Westbrook though was a bright spot with 15 points, 12 boards and seven assists. 

I’ll point out though that Orlando has in fact done well in this spot all year for bettors, going 16-14 ATS on the road and it’s also 7-2 ATS in its last nine against good offensive teams which score 106-plus points per night.

OKC on the other hand has struggled mightily in this position all season by going just 12-17 ATS at home, only 3-6 ATS following a loss by ten point sir more and interestingly, a horrible 10-18 ATS against poor defensive teams which allow 106 plus points per night.

I think the home side gets caught “looking past” its lowly non-conference opponent today to the start of its three game Western road trip in Dallas on Wednesday night.

While I’m not going to call for the outright upset, all signs point to a very competitive battle. So grab the points!

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the Washington Wizards (8:05 EST).

I had a play on the Orlando Magic yesterday and they fell 116-105 at Philadelphia, failing to cover the spread by a single bucket. Suffice it to say, I believe the 76ers have a letdown here in the second game of the back to back. 

Conversely it’s going to be “all hands on deck” for the home side after falling 122-105 at home to Charlotte on Friday. 

Also note that this is a “revenge” game for the Wizards, as Philadelphia has taken two of the last three meetings this year, including a 115-112 victory at home in the most recent matchup on February 6th. 

The 76ers average 107.6 PPG and they concede 105.7 per night. Big man Joel Embiid leads the nightly charge with 23.8 points, 11.2 boards and 1.87 assists per night, while rookie Ben Simmons averages 16.7 points, 7.8 boards, 7.4 assists and 1.87 steals per night. 

The Wizards average 107.4 PPG and they concede 105.8. Bradley Beal currently leads the nightly charge with 23.7 points, while Otto Porter Jr. adds 14.5 points, 6.4 boards and 1.55 steals per night. 

Additionally I’ll point out that Philadelphia is 0-5 ATS in its last five on the road, while Washington is 6-1 ATS in its last seven when playing on one days rest. 

Philadelphia was fortunate to win in Chicago on Thursday and I believe its road issues continue here.

The Wizards are a deep and dangerous team at home and I like them to take advantage here. Play on Washington.

Good luck…Larry

The second 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Iowa (7:30 EST).

The 15-15 Northwestern Wildcats are at Iowa to take on the 12-18 Hawkeyes on Sunday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. 

Northwestern has lost five straight, most recently to Wisconsin on Thursday. Scottie Lindsey was a bright spot in the losing cause with 26 points. Lindsey leads the nightly charge for the Wildcats with 14.7 PPG, while Bryant McIntosh adds 12.3 points a night.

Iowa has lost five of its last six, most recently falling to Minnesota on Wednesday. Isaiah Moss would go on to put up 32 points in the setback. For the year it’s Jordan Bohannon who leads the way with 13.8 PPG. 

I’ll point out though that Northwestern is just 2-7 ATS in its last nine on the road, while Iowa is already 7-4 ATS this season when playing the role of favorite. 

Iowa has its issues, but Northwestern has failed to hit 65 points in any of its last eight games. Lay the points with confidence on the hungry home side.

Play on the Hawkeyes.

Good luck…Larry

The first 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Wright State (6:00 EST).

The 21-9 Wright State Raiders are at Illinois Chicago to take on the 17-13 Flames and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors.

If recent history is any precedence, then the Raiders have to be loving their chances today, because when these team met on December 28th, it was Wright State which pulled away for the 65-61 home win. 

The Raiders enter off a 65-56 loss at IUPUI and there’s no doubt that they’ll be looking to atone for that upset. The Flames also come in off a loss, falling 79-72 at home to Northern Kentucky on Friday. 

Wright State averages 71.5 PPG and it concedes 65.7. Grant Benzinger averages 14.5 points and five boards per game, while Loudon Love adds 12.4 points and 9.5 boards per night. 

UIC averages 74.9 PPG and it concedes 72. Dikembe Dickson averages 14 points and 3.5 boards per night, while Marcus Ottey contributes 13.5 points and 3.3 boards per game. 

I’ll point out though that Wright State is already a perfect 3-0 ATS this year off a loss against a conference rival and 5-2 ATS as an underdog, while UIC is a poor 5-7 ATS at home and a horrible 1-4 ATS in trying to revenge a road loss against an opponent. 

This is a bad matchup for the Flames. I look for Wright State to indeed bounce back here and duplicate its earlier performance in the win over UIC. 

Play on the Raiders.

Good luck…Larry

The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Florida State (6:00 EST).

FSU won its second straight in an 88-75 home win over Pittsburgh last weekend. NC State comes in having won three straight, most recently an 82-66 home victory over BC on Tuesday. 

The Seminoles average 83 PPG and they concede 73.4. FSU has had a week off after beating Pitt, getting 18 points from PJ Savoy in that one.

The Wolfpack average 81 PPG and they concede 74. Allerik Freeman had 20 points and six boards in the win over the Eagles. 

I’ll point out though that Florida State has done extremely well in this spot for bettors of late, going 6-1 ATS this year against good offensive clubs which average 77-plus points per contest. 

Conversely, this is a position in which NC State has struggled in by going just 17-21 ATS in its last 38 against good offensive schools which average 77-plus points per night. 

Florida State is the deeper team and I’m expecting it to come in focused here. While the outright win is obviously not out of the question, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can. Play on the Seminoles.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* LEGEND is on Youngstown State (7:00 EST).

The 5-12 Cleveland State Vikings are at Youngstown State to take on the 6-11 Penguins on Saturday night and for a number of different reasons, I absolutely believe this one favors the home side.

Note that when these teams tangled at Cleveland State on January 1st, it was the Penguins that left with the 80-77 victory. 

The Vikings led Wright State by three points at the half, but Cleveland State was unable to hold on in the second and it would eventually succumb 72-63 in its most recent action. Bobby Word was a bright spot with 18 points in the losing cause, while Kenny Carpenter added 14. The Vikings average 67.3 PPG and they concede 75.7.

Cameron Morse had 11 points, but he was the only player to score in double figures in the Penguins’ 70-51 loss to Northern Kentucky in their most recent action. Morse leads Youngstown State with 15.3 points and 3.8 assists per game. On the season the Penguins average 74.8 PPG and they concede 82.5. 

It’s interesting to note that though Cleveland State is just 9-16 ATS in its last 25 against poor defensive teams which allow 77-plus points per contest, while Youngstown State is 5-3 ATS at home and 19-16 ATS in its last 35 off a loss against a conference rival.

The Vikings couldn’t dispatch of the lowly Penguins on their own floor and I don’t expect them to suddenly “flip a switch” here and be able to suddenly do it in this hostile environment either.

In my opinion, this one has blowout written all over it. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* BLOWOUT GAME OF THE MONTH is on the Orlando Magic (5:05 EST).

Orlando comes in desperate here after dropping four straight, most recently a 120-113 upset at home to the Knicks on Thursday.

Conversely Philadelphia looks poised for a letdown here in my opinion after winning six straight, most recently holding on for a 116-115 victory on the road in Chicago on Thursday. 

Note that this is an in-season revenge game for the Magic as well after they fell 130-111 at home to Philadelphia in late November. 

Orlando averages 105.7 PPG and it concedes 109.9. Nikola Vucevic returned from injury in the loss to the Knicks and he should be much more acclimated for this one. Vucevic leads the team with 17.4 points and 9.2 boards per game, while Evan Fournier adds 18. Aaron Gordon leads the scoring charge with 18.2 points and 8.3 boards per night.

Philadelphia averages 107.6 PPG and it concedes 105.7. Ben Simmons led the way in the latest victory with 32 points, seven boards and 11 assists. 

I’ll point out though that Orlando is still 16-13 ATS on the road this year and 13-11 ATS against good offensive teams which average 106-plus points per contest, while Philadelphia is just 4-6 ATS already this season after three or more consecutive SU victories and only 9-10 ATS against clubs with losing records.

With a game tomorrow night in the nation’s capital, it’s definitely not too hard to imagine the home side also getting caught “looking ahead” here.

While I’m not calling for the outright upset, everything points to a much more competitive battle than what the oddsmakers are leading us to believe.

Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 9* PEFECT STORM is on Washington (4:30 EST).

The 18-10 Washington Huskies are at California to take on the 8-20 Golden Bears on Saturday afternoon and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visiting side.

Washington is back on the bubble after losing four of its last five games and it’ll now need to finish up the regular season strong to get an invite to The Big Dance. 

Cal has lost four in a row and 13 of its last 14 to sit last in the conference. Note that when these teams met in Washington, the Huskies won 69-59 and in my opinion, all signs point to “de ja vu” tonight. 

The Huskies allowed the Cardinal to shoot 52.6 percent in their 94-78 setback at Stanford, while only connecting on 41.8 percent themselves. Jaylen Nowell was a bright spot with 18 points, while Noah Dickerson added 14 points and 13 boards. 

Cal comes in off a heart-breaking 78-76 loss to Washington State and suffice it to say, I think the Bears have a letdown here after that “close call.” Justice Sueing was a bright spot in the losing cause with 25 points.

I’ll point out though that Washington has done extremely well in this spot all year for bettors by going 4-1 ATS off a loss against a conference rival, while Cal has struggled in this position by going just 4-8 ATS off a loss against a conference rival and only 2-4 ATS in trying to revenge a road loss vs. an opponent.

I think the Huskies get back on track and take advantage of this favorable matchup. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Weekly Wipeout Winner is on Texas (2:00 EST).

The 16-12 Oklahoma State Cowboys are at Texas to take on the 16-12 Longhorns on Saturday afternoon and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

Oklahoma State scored the 65-64 home win over Texas on January 13th. Suffice it to say, I think it’s payback time this afternoon.

The Longhorns shot 43.4 percent in that one, while the Cowboys shot 44.8 percent. Both teams come in having lost six of their last ten. 

Oklahoma State posted a 79-71 home win over Texas Tech on Wednesday, while Texas enters off a humbling 58-48 road loss at K-State on Wednesday. 

The Cowboys average 77 PPG and they concede 73.9. Jeffrey Carroll leads the nightly charge with 15 points and six boards per game, while Kendall Smith averages 12.8 points, 2.8 boards and three assists.

Texas averages 71.7 PPG and it concedes 67.5. Dylan Osetkowski averages 13.8 points and 7.1 boards, while Andrew Jones contributes 13.5 points. 

I’ll point out that Oklahoma State has struggled against the conference of late, just 2-5 ATS in its last seven vs. the Big 12, while Texas is 5-2 ATS in its last seven in trying to revenge an in-season road loss. 

The Longhorns are 11-4 SU at home, while the Cowboys are 2-6 SU on the road. Texas is motivated after its latest performance and it also plays with revenge.

That’s more than enough for me to pull the trigger. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Las Vegas Insider is on Detroit (2:00 EST).

The 11-19 Wisconsin-Green Bay Phoenix are in Detroit to take on the 8-22 Mercy Titans on Saturday afternoon and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. 

Note that this is an “in-season revenge game” for the Mercy after they fell 95-83 at Green Bay in late December. Neither team shot particularly well in that one with the Phoenix hitting 42.5 percent and the Titans hitting 42.6. 

Green Bay has lost six of ten, but it enters off an upset win over Oakland. The Phoenix average 74.8 PPG and they concede 74.5 

Detroit averages 77.9 PPG and it concedes 84.4. The Titans looked poor in their 72-49 loss to Milwaukee in their latest action. Kameron Chatman remains a bright spot on the team by averaging 18 points, 8.6 boards and 2.1 assists per night.

I’ll point out though that Green Bay has struggled in this spot all year for bettors, going just 5-8 ATS after allowing 80 points or more and just 2-5 ATS after scoring 80 points or more, while Detroit is 4-2 ATS this year in revenging a road loss to an opponent and 4-2 ATS in its last six when playing with one or less days rest. 

Detroit is just 5-9 at home, but Green Bay is only 1-13 on the road. I’m banking on the revenge-minded Titans finding a way to get the job done at the end of the night. 

Play on Detroit.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Situational Stunner is on Seton Hall (12:00 EST).

The 18-9 Seton Hall Pirates are at St. John’s to take on the 14-14 Red Storm on Saturday afternoon and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors.

Seton Hall comes in on top form after back-to-back wins, most recently downing Providence 89-77 on the road, while St. John’s enters off an 85-73 loss to Marquette in its most recent action. 

Note that when these teams met last month in Seton Hall, it was the Pirates which prevailed 75-70 and suffice it to say, I think a repeat performance is in the cards here as well. 

Seton Hall is averaging 79.6 PPG and it’s conceding 73.5. Khadeen Carrington had 25 points in the win over Providence.

St. John’s averages 73.5 PPG and it concedes 72.2. Justin Simon played well in the losing cause to Marquette with 14 points and six assists. 

St. John’s posted four straight upsets in a row previous to the loss to Marquette and I’m predicting another letdown here. This is a bad matchup for the Red Storm and I look for the Pirates to take advantage.

Play on Seton Hall.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the Phoenix Suns (9:05 EST).

LA won five of its final six before the All Star Break, but I think it comes out flat here after falling 134-127 at Golden State just last night. Avery Bradley sat out last night’s game with a groin injury 

Phoenix on the other hand will be risking life and limb in my opinion in trying to secure a victory today as it went into the break on a seven-game losing streak. 

The Suns lost 107-97 to the Jazz in their final game before the break. Devin Booker returned from a minor hip injury in that one to post 28 points. Booker would then of course go on to win the three-point competition over All Star weekend. 

The Clippers have defied the odds and looked pretty good despite trading All Star Blake Griffin to the Pistons, but after last night’s exhausting setback, I think the visitors come in “gassed” here.

The Suns will look to take advantage (note that Phoenix is 4-2 ATS in its last six after three or more consecutive losses this year) and while I obviously wouldn’t be shocked by an outright upset, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can. Play on Phoenix.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Situational Stunner is on Illinois Chicago (8:00 EST).

This is a big game, as the victor still has a shot at winning the regular season title in a battle with Wright State. Northern Kentucky lost to the Raiders, but then bounced with a win against Youngstown State in its most recent action, while Illinois Chicago comes in having won two straight.

The Norse held the Penguins to just 33.3 percent shooting and were led by 27 points from Drew McDonald. Jordan Garnett was another bright spot with ten points and six boards.

Illinois Chicago enters off the 94-87 win over Detroit, posting a blistering 55.4 percent combined from the floor, while also going 12 of 23 from range. Macus Ottey would lead the way with 20 points, including going three-of-four from range. 

I’ll point out that Northern Kentucky has struggled in this spot for bettors of late though, going just 2-5 ATS in its last seven against schools with a winning straight-up record and 0-3-1 ATS in its last four following an ATS victory, while the Flames are 4-1 ATS in their last five after back-to-back SU wins.

As mentioned off the top, this is a big game. I like the home side to fight tooth and nail and while I obviously wouldn’t be shocked by the outright upset, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can. 

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Oddsmakers Error is on the Milwaukee Bucks (7:35 EST).

Milwaukee had its two game win streak snapped in a 134-123 home loss to Denver on Wednesday. Toronto crushed Chicago 122-98 in its final game before the All Star Break, its seventh consecutive victory. 

To say this is a “revenge” game would be a bit of an understatement as well I think as Toronto has won nine of the last ten in the series, including both this year. And that includes a 129-110 decision on the road back on January 5th in the most recent.

Milwaukee averages 104.6 PPG and it concedes 104.6 as well. Giannis Antetokounmpo averages 27.8 points, 10.4 boards, 4.8 assists, 1.34 blocks and 1.42 steals per game (he had 36 points, 11 boards and 13 assists in the losing cause to the Nuggets.)

Toronto averages 111.9 PPG and it concedes 103.4. DeMar DeRozan leads the nightly charge with 23.7 points and 5.2 assists per game, while Kyle Lowry adds 16.6 points, 5.7 boards and 5.7 assists per night. 

I’ll point out though that Milwaukee is 6-2 ATS this year off an upset loss as a favorite and 7-3 ATS after allowing 115 points or more, while Toronto is just 11-15 ATS this season against clubs with winning records. 

I think the home side comes out a little “flat,” and while I’m going to stop short in calling for the outright upset, I do definitely feel that the stage is set for a much more competitive battle than what the oddsmakers are leading us to believe. 

Grab the points, play on the revenge-minded Bucks.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Weekly Wipeout Winner is on Wright State (11:00 AM EST).

The 21-8 Wright State Raiders are at IUPUI to take on the 10-17 Jaguars on Friday morning and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors.

Wright State has won three straight and defeated IUPUI 60-52 at home earlier in the season. The Raiders most recently defeated Cleveland State 72-63 on Monday.

The Jaguars enter off an outright upset 74-67 win at home over Oakland and suffice it to say, I think a predicable letdown is imminent (I had IUPUI in that one.)

The Raiders average 72 PPG and they concede just 65.7 (ranked 29th in the country.) Wright State shot 50 percent from the floor, while holding Cleveland State to just 42 percent last time out. Grant Benzinger led the charge with 20 points in that one (note that Benzinger has hit 13 three-pointers over his last four games.) 

Despite the win in its latest outing, IUPUI still averages just 69.3 PPG, while conceding 73.6. The Jags shot 47 percent in the win over the Golden Grizzlies, getting 18 points and seven boards from Aaron Brennan in the winning cause. 

I’ll point out though that Wright State is 5-1-1 ATS in its last seven following an ATS loss, while IUPUI is only 1-4 ATS this year in trying to revenge a road loss against an opponent.

This is simply a bad matchup for the inconsistent Jaguars. With a handful of games remaining, I look for the Raiders to put the foot on the gas from start to finish in this advantageous matchup.

Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Oregon State (9:00 EST).

The 21-6 Arizona Wildcats are at Oregon State to take on the 13-13 Beavers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

Arizona looks poised for a letdown here in my opinion after three straight wins, most recently a 77-70 road decision over rival Arizona State. 

Oregon State though comes in off a listless 72-59 loss to USC in its previous action and it also plays with revenge here after dropping a 62-53 decision to Arizona at home to open conference action.

Arizona comes in averaging 81.7 points and conceding 71.9. Deandre Ayton posted 25 points and 16 boards in the victory over the Sun Devils. Arizona has now won five of their last seven conference road games.

Oregon State averages 73.4 PPG and it concedes 70.3. The Beavers shot 47 percent from the floor, but they’d allow the Trojans to hit 50 percent in the setback. Tres Tinkle was a bright spot in the losing cause with 16 points and ten boards.

I’ll point out though that Arizona has in fact struggled in this spot for a while for bettors, going a poor 2-8-1 ATS in its last 11 following an ATS victory and only 3-8 ATS in its last 11 as a favorite, while Oregon State is 8-2 ATS in its last ten in this series in front of the home town crowd.

The Beavers have won three of their last four at home and I expect that trend to carry over here. And while I wouldn’t be completely shocked by an outright upset, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can.

Good luck…Larry

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

The 21-5 Houston Cougars are in Memphis to take on the 16-11 Tigers on Thursday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

Houston most recently smashed Temple 80-59, while Memphis also recorded a victory in its latest action, 68-63 at Tulane this past weekend. 

The Cougars look poised for a letdown here though in my opinion after five-straight wins. Houston enters averaging 76.7 PPG and conceding 64.6. Corey Davis Jr. led the way in the latest win with 20 points. 

The Tigers average 69.9 points and they concede 70.4. Memphis shot 54 percent form the floor and held Tulane to just 39 percent shooting on Sunday. Kyvon Davenport would lead the way with ten points in the winning cause. 

With a game at home against bottom feeder East Carolina up next, I think the high-flying visiting side gets caught looking ahead and while I’m going to stop short in calling for the outright upset, I think everything does indeed point to a very competitive affair. Grab the points, play on Memphis.

Good luck…Larry

This is a 10* SITUATIONAL STUNNER on the New York Knicks (7:05 EST).

The Knicks come out of the All Star break hungry as they’ve lost eight in a row, most recently a 118-113 home setback to Miami just before the All Star Game.

But here’s the perfect opponent to get back on track against, as the lowly Magic come in having lost three straight, most recently a 104-102 setback to Charlotte at home last Wednesday. 

Note that this is an “in-season, double-revenge” scenario, as Orlando has already taken both earlier meetings between the clubs, including a 105-100 road victory on December 3rd in the most recent.

The Knicks average 103.7 PPG and they concede 106.1. Enes Kanter averages 14.4 points and 10.7 boards per night, while Tim Hardaway Jr. adds 16.7. 

The Magic average 105.5 PPG and they concede 109.8. Evan Fournier averages 17.9 points, while Aaron Gordon adds 18.4 points and 8.3 boards a night. 

Orlando has a tough two-game road trip starting on Saturday night in Philadelphia and ending on Monday in Oklahoma City. Everything points to look-ahead for the home side and I fully expect the desperate visiting Knicks to take advantage.

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

Good luck…Larry

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

Milwaukee comes in highly motivated here as it’s lost three of its last five. Detroit comes in with zero momentum either, going just 1-4 in its recent road trip.

Wisconsin-Milwaukee looks to rebound after a 76-71 OT loss to IUPUI last time out (I had the Jaguars in that one.) Jeremiah Bell was a bright spot in the losing cause with 29 points, while Brett Prahl added 22.

The Detroit Mercy come in off a 94-87 loss to Illinois-Chicago and so far the team gives up a whopping 85.9 PPG this year. Kameron Chatman had 31 points in the setback.

I’ll point out though that Milwaukee has performed well in this spot for bettors by going 19-6-2 ATS in its last 27 road games against teams with a losing home record, while Detroit is just 1-8 ATS in its last nine following an ATS victory.

Detroit’s inconsistencies come back to haunt it here against this hungrier and deeper Milwaukee team. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 9* Oddsmakers Error is on Texas (9:00 EST).

Texas is off the bubble after its win against Oklahoma on Saturday, but the Longhorns will need to keep up the winning in order to 100% secure their spot. Texas limited Trae Young to just 7 of 21 shooting in the 77-66 road win over the Sooners. Dylan Osetkowski had 21 points, while Mohamed Bamba finished with ten points and 18 boards. 

The Longhorns average 103.3 points per 100 possessions and they’ve been decent defensively, especially in keeping their opponents off the offensive glass, holding them to 30.2 percent (3rd in the conference.)

K-State averages 106.8 points per 100 possessions. The Wildcats have been decent defensively as well, especially in guarding the three-ball, holding their opposition to 34 percent from range (fourth in the Big 12.) 

Kansas State comes in off a win as well, cruising to a 78-66 victory over Iowa State after being tied 33-33 at half time. Dean Wade would go on to score 22 points, grab eight boards and dish out nine assists. 

I’ll point out though that Texas is 5-2 ATS in its last seven following an ATS victory, while K-State is only 4-9 ATS in its last 13 home game and just 1-4 ATS in its last five home games against a team with a losing road record.

These are two hungry teams and I’m expecting an all out battle until the end. In a contest which I envision being decided by whichever team has its hands on the ball last, I’m going to recommend grabbing the points. Play on Texas.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Situational Stunner is on UCF (9:00 EST).

Both teams come in on top form and each is hungry for more victories. Tulsa has won five straight, while Central Florida has won three in a row.

The Golden Knights most recently crushed SMU 52-37, limiting the Mustangs to just 25.6 percent shooting. AJ Davis was a bright spot offensively with 19 points and ten boards. Davis has now posted at least 19 points in three straight victories. 

The Golden Hurricanes got the better of USF 73-61 in their most recent action, led by 16 points from Martins Igbanu. 

These are two very evenly matched teams, a sentiment shared by the oddsmakers. So where’s the advantage? I’ll point out that UCF is 15-9 ATS in its last 24 off a win against a conference rival (also 6-3 ATS this season after scoring 60 points or less in its previous contest), while Tulsa is just 3-5 ATS this year off a win against a conference foe.

I’m banking on a tight game, but for the above trends to hold true once the final horn blares. Play on UCF.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* BIG 12 GAME OF THE YEAR is on Oklahoma State (7:00 EST).

The 22-5 Texas Tech Red Raiders are at Oklahoma State to take on the 15-12 Cowboys and for a number of different reasons, I believe this one favors the home side. 

Texas Tech comes in off a 59-57 loss to Baylor, while Oklahoma State was smashed 90-70 by TCU over the weekend.

Note that this is an in-season revenge game for the home side though, which fell 75-70 at Texas Tech last month.

Texas Tech comes in averaging 76 PPG and it concedes 62.5. The Red Raiders posted just 39 percent shooting from the floor in the loss to the Bears and they were led by Zhaire Smith with 15 points in the losing cause.

The Cowboys are in second to last place in the conference after dropping six of their last eight, but I don’t think they’ll be going down tonight without a fight. 

Oklahoma State averages 77 PPG and it concedes 74. The Cowboys shot just 36 percent from the field in the loss to the Horned Frogs, but Kendall Smith looked good in scoring 21 points in the setback.

Texas Tech though has struggled in this spot for bettors already this year, going 0-2 ATS after scoring 60 points or less and 0-3 ATS off a loss against a conference rival, while Oklahoma State has thus far performed admirably in this position by going 5-3 ATS off a loss vs. a conference foe.

With one of their last opportunities in front of the home town crowd this year, I look for the revenge-minded Cowboys to at the very least, take this one right down to the wire. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Las Vegas Insider is on Dayton (9:00 EST).

The 15-12 St. Louis Billikens are in Dayton to take on the 12-14 Flyers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

Saint Louis took the first meeting of the year 75-65 at home and suffice it to say, it’s payback time tonight. Dayton actually won the rebounding battle in that one 29-24, but 15 turnovers compared to just four for Saint Louis turned out to be the difference.

The Billikens come in having lost seven of their last ten, while Dayton will be hungry here after dropping six of its last ten. Saint Louis most recently edged Richmond 72-66. And while the Flyers have been struggling overall of late, they do come into this one off an 80-70 home victory over Fordham on Saturday.

Saint Louis averages 66.8 PPG and it concedes 65.6. Jayon Bess leads the nightly charge for the Billikens with 13.1 points, 7.4 boards and 2.1 assists per night.

Dayton averages 73.9 PPG and it concedes 73.8. In the win over the Rams the Flyers would hit a blistering 64.4 percent from the floor and go 9 of 18 from range. Josh Cunningham leads the team with 16.4 points and 8.6 boards per game, while Darrell Davis adds 16.2 points, 4.3 boards and three assists per night.

With a “cream puff” at home against 12-15 George Washington up next for the Billikens, it’s not too hard to imagine the visitors getting caught “looking ahead.”

Conversely, the Flyers have two tough road games following this one, which puts added emphasis onto this evening’s matchup.

Dayton is the more motivated side here and I expect it to deliver the goods. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

(MLB 2018 REMINDER: After more than 30 years as a professional handicapper, Larry has finished among the “World’s best” in every major North American sport several times. Major League Baseball has been no exception. In fact, over the last three years Ness is ranked as the No. 1 MLB handicapper in the entire World! Note that Larry has banked $35,083 in profits over the last three regular seasons combined (know anyone that’s done better?!) 2017 saw Larry post over +$10,000 units in the regular season and then he’d also go on to go a spectacular 18-8-1 +$8,530 in the playoffs, for a total of $18,538! And now 2018 has the potential to be the BIGGEST season of them all!)

My 9* PERFECT STORM is on Akron (7:00 EST).

The 11-15 Akron Zips are at Bowling Green to take on the 16-11 Falcons and while I wouldn’t be completely shocked by an outright upset, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can as I look for the visitors to at the very least, take this one right down to the wire.

Akron is having a difficult year, but the Zips will be motivated here as they come in having lost six of their last seven, most recently a 78-68 defeat at Kent State. The Zips were led by Malcolm Duvivier with 27 points and Daniel Utomi with 20.

Bowling Green on the other hand looks primed for a letdown here in my opinion after its three game win streak was snapped in a 95-82 setback at Buffalo in its most recent action. Justin Turner was a bright spot in the losing cause with 23 points, while Demajeo Wiggins contributed 13 points and 15 boards.

Akron beat BGSU 80-78 at home in mid January and I think it’s going to keep tonight’s game competitive as well.

Bowling Green has been better at home than on the road, but with two tough upcoming road contests on the horizon, I think the home side gets caught looking ahead.

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

Good luck…Larry

(MLB 2018 REMINDER: After more than 30 years as a professional handicapper, Larry has finished among the “World’s best” in every major North American sport several times. Major League Baseball has been no exception. In fact, over the last three years Ness is ranked as the No. 1 MLB handicapper in the entire World! Note that Larry has banked $35,083 in profits over the last three regular seasons combined (know anyone that’s done better?!) 2017 saw Larry post over +$10,000 units in the regular season and then he’d also go on to go a spectacular 18-8-1 +$8,530 in the playoffs, for a total of $18,538! And now 2018 has the potential to be the BIGGEST season of them all!)

My 10* SEC GAME OF THE YEAR is on Texas A&M (7:00 EST).

The 19-18 Mississippi State Bulldogs are at Texas A&M to take on the 17-10 Aggies on Tuesday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

The Bulldogs could come in complacent here after breaking a two-game slide with a win over Ole Miss in their latest action, led by 16 points and ten boards from guard Quinndary Weatherspoon. Weatherspoon leads the team with 14.7 points and 6.0 RPG.

The Aggies will be hungry and focused though in my opinion after consecutive setbacks, most recently to Arkansas on Saturday. Forward Robert Williams was a bright spot in the losing cause with 20 points and 14 boards.

Overall it’s Tyler Davis who leads the team with 14.0 points and 8.7 rebounds per game for A&M. 

I’ll point out though Mississippi State has struggled in this spot for bettors, going a horrible 1-6 ATS in its last seven as a road dog in the 6.5 to nine points range (including 0-2 this season), while Texas A&M has done well in this position by going 4-1 ATS in its last five as a home fav of 6.5 to nine points.

Off two straight road losses, the Aggies are looking to make up some ground in the standings with only a few games remaining. Texas A&M has two more tough road contests in a row after this, which clearly puts added emphasis onto tonight’s contest for the home side.

However, after the satisfying win over Ole Miss and with a “cream puff” at home up next against South Carolina, it’s definitely not too hard to imagine the visitors getting caught “looking ahead” here to that much more “winnable” contest.

When you add it all up, I do indeed feel this line could easily be a lot larger. Great value, play on Texas A&M.

Good luck…Larry

(MLB 2018 REMINDER: After more than 30 years as a professional handicapper, Larry has finished among the “World’s best” in every major North American sport several times. Major League Baseball has been no exception. In fact, over the last three years Ness is ranked as the No. 1 MLB handicapper in the entire World! Note that Larry has banked $35,083 in profits over the last three regular seasons combined (know anyone that’s done better?!) 2017 saw Larry post over +$10,000 units in the regular season and then he’d also go on to go a spectacular 18-8-1 +$8,530 in the playoffs, for a total of $18,538! And now 2018 has the potential to be the BIGGEST season of them all!)

My 8* Oddsmakers Error is on IUPUI (7:00 EST).

The 17-11 Oakland Golden Grizzlies are at IUPUI to take on the 9-17 Jaguars on Monday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

Oakland comes in off an 82-66 road win over Cleveland State on Friday night, while IUPUI enters off a 76-71 OT road victory over Milwaukee in its latest action. 

Note that this is an in-season revenge game for the Jaguars after they fell 82-74 at Oakland earlier this month. 

The Golden Grizzlies average 80.2 PPG and they concede 77.8. Jalen Hayes was a standout in the latest victory for Oakland with 24 points, while leading scorer Kendrick Nunn added 17. 

The Jaguars average 69.1 PPG and they concede 73.8. The Jags looked sharp defensively against Milwaukee on Friday, holding it to 41 percent shooting, while connecting on 45 percent themselves. 

IUPUI has won two of its last three. It also plays with revenge. Oakland scored the big road win over Cleveland State, but asking the Grizzlies to cover back-to-back sizeable spreads away from friendly confines is asking too much in my opinion.

While I wouldn’t be completely shocked by an outright upset, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can as I look for this one to come right down to the wire.

Play on the revenge-minded Jaguars.

Good luck…Larry

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

Stanford dropped its second straight, most recently a listless 64-56 road setback to Colorado on Sunday. 

The Golden Bears can empathize as they’ve lost two in a row as well, most recently a humbling 77-43 setback on the road in Utah last Saturday. 

But if recent history is any precedence then the home side has to be liking it chances tonight because the Golden Bears have taken three of the last four meetings, including a 77-74 road victory in the first matchup of the season back on December 30th.

The Cardinal average 74.7 PPG and they concede 74.2. Dorian Pickens was a standout in the losing cause to the Buffs with 18 points.

Cal averages 69.3 PPG and it concedes 78.2. Darius McNeill had ten points in the loss to the Utes.

I think it’s important to note though that Stanford is just 1-4 ATS in its last five when playing with five or six days rest, while Cal is 3-1 ATS in its last four when playing with seven or more days of rest.

I’m not trying to convince you that the Golden Bears are a good team which has fallen on some rotten luck this season, as that’s not the case. Cal is a poor team which clearly has issues on both ends of the floor. 

However, the Cardinal also have their problems as well. Game-to-game consistency is one. Their performance on the road is another (just 2-5 thus far.) 

Cal did a good job in the first matchup this season and I think the hungry home side will at the very least, keep Round 2 just as competitive. Grab the points, play on the Golden Bears.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Las Vegas Insider is on Temple (4:00 EST).

The 20-5 Houston Cougars are at Temple to take on the 15-11 Owls and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

Houston enters off four straight wins, while Temple’s five game win streak came to an end in a loss at Wichita State on Thursday. 

But after the upset over the Bearcats, I expect a predictable letdown here for the Cougars. Rob Gray led the way in that one with 17.5 points and 4.3 assists. 

Temple will look to take advantage of a complacent Houston and to avenge a 76-73 road defeat to the Cougars in December. 

Despite the loss to Wichita State, Temple’s offense has been sharp of late, averaging 83 points during its recent 5-1 run. Quinton Rose has averaged 14.9 points during the win skein and he’s now posted double-figures in six straight outings. Also note that the Owls are shooting a blistering 42.7 percent from range over their last six games. 

Additionally I’ll point out that Houston is just 1-4 ATS in its last five on the road, while Temple is 5-1 ATS in its last six home games against teams with winning road records.

I like Temple to bounce back from its latest defeat and to find a way to avenge the earlier loss to the Cougars.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* 34-Club Play is on Hawaii (10:30 EST).

The 14-10 Hawaii Rainbow Warriors are at UC Riverside to take on the 7-18 Highlanders and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors.

Note that this is a revenge game for the Rainbow Warriors, who fell 64-60 to the Highlanders on February 7th. 

We don’t have to question the motivation levels of the visitors today as they come into this one having lost five of their last six. Since posting a miserable ten-game losing streak, UC Riverside has won two of three. 

Note that the Warriors average 71.4 PPG, while the Highlanders put up 65 PPG. Michael Thomas leads Hawaii with 13.7 points and 6.1 boards per game, while UC Riverside is led by Dikymbe Martin with 13.3 points and 3.7 boards per contest.

Hawaii comes in with momentum after beating UC Irvine 62-61 on Thursday, led by 13 points and six boards from Gibson Johnson. Drew Buggs would go on to add eight points and six boards.

UC Riverside also comes in off a victory, getting the better of CS Northridge 69-62 on Wednesday. Chance Murray led the way in that one with 14 points, ten boards and five assists. 

I’ll point out though that the Warriors are 4-1 ATS in their last five in trying to revenge an in-season loss to an opponent in which they were held to 60 points or less, while the Highlanders are just 2-4 ATS in their last six after holding their previous opponent to 62 points or less. 

Hawaii plays with revenge and I think it has the matchup advantage here, as Thomas comes in on top form. Play on the Rainbow Warriors.

Good luck…Larry

My 9* PERFECT STORM is on UCLA (10:15 EST).

UCLA is 9-5 in Pac 12 play and it’s tied with USC for second place in the conference. Oregon is 7-6 in league action and is tied with three other schools for fourth place.

Note that this is an in-season revenge game for the Bruins after the Ducks took the first meeting 94-91 at home back on January 20th.

The Ducks average 78.5 PPG and they concede 70.3. Oregon fell at USC 72-70 on Thursday and I think it has a classic letdown here as well. MiKyle McIntosh was a bright spot in the losing cause with 23 points, while Payton Pritchard would go on to contribute 17 points and 14 assists. 

UCLA averages 82.4 PPG and it concedes 75.9. The Bruins most recently got the better of Oregon State 75-68 this past weekend, getting 17 points and ten assists from Aaron Holiday. UCLA struggled from the floor, but made up for it by out rebounding the Beavers by 14.

Oregon has been consistently inconsistent this season and it comes in off the crushing road defeat on Thursday. UCLA got back into the winners circle and it plays with revenge.

I look for the Bruins’ offense to get untracked against the Ducks. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Oddsmaker’s Error is on North Carolina (8:15 EST).

UNC is 9-5 in ACC action, sitting just a 0.5 game back of Duke and Clemson for second place. Louisville is 8-5 in league action and has won two straight despite being without the services of top scorer Deng Adel. 

Note that when these teams played last year it was UNC that scored the convincing 74-63 home victory. 

The Tar Heels most recently beat Notre Dame 83-66 on Monday. Joel Berry II led the way with 21 points, while Theo Pinson added 16 points, ten boards and five assists. 

UNC would go on to shoot 53.3 percent from the floor and go 6 of 16 from range. It also out rebounded the Irish by 13 and held ND to just 37.9 percent from the floor. Luke Maye leads the nightly charge with 18.3 points and 10.4 boards per game. 

The Cardinals smashed the lowly Pitt Panthers 94-60 on the road on Sunday, shooting 63 percent and going 10 of 19 from range. Quentin Snider is the teams second-leading scorer with 12.1 PPG. 

I’ll point out though that UNC is 5-1 ATS in its last six following a SU victory, while the underdog is 0-4 ATS in the last four in this series. 

Beating Pittsburgh is one thing, but North Carolina presents an entirely different challenge tonight. The Tar Heels have quality wins over Duke and NC State on the road already this year and I think they’ll find a way to get the job done here as well.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Weekend Wipeout Winner is on Washington (8:00 EST).

Colorado comes in off an upset 73-69 setback on the road to Washington State in its latest action and suffice it to say, I believe the Buffs are going to have another letdown here as well.

If recent history is any precedence, then the Huskies have to be loving their chances today because when these teams met on January 20th it was Washington which scored the convincing 72-62 victory. 

With upcoming home games against USC and UCLA respectively next week, I think that Colorado gets caught looking ahead here.

The Huskies though come in desperate after three straight losses, most recently falling 70-58 to Utah. And with tough upcoming road games at Stanford and Cal, tonight’s contest takes on added importance for the home side.

Additionally I’ll point out that Colorado is just 1-4 ATS in its last five after scoring 70 points or less in its previous contest while also suffering a loss, while Washington is 4-2 ATS in its last six after three or more consecutive SU losses.

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

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Las Vegas Insider is on North Carolina State (4:00 EST).

The 17-9 NC State Wolfpack are at Wake Forest to take on the 10-16 Demon Deacons and while I obviously wouldn’t be shocked by an outright upset, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can as I look for the high-scoring visitors to find a way to get the job done at the end of the night. 

And if recent history is any precedence, then the Wolfpack have to be loving their chances this afternoon, because when these teams met back in mid January, it was NC State which pulled away for the 72-63 home win. 

NC State comes in with momentum as well after downing Syracuse on the road 74-70 last Wednesday. Wake Forest also comes in off a victory, getting the better of Georgia Tech 79-62. 

Note that the Wolfpack average 80.7 PPG and they concede 74. In the victory over the Orange NC State shot 55.1 percent. Allerik Freeman averages a team leading 14.2 points, four boards and 2.5 assists per game.

Wake Forest averages 74.4 PPG and it concedes 74.8. The Demon Deacons shot 49.2 percent from the floor and 52.9 percent from range in the victory over Georgia Tech. Bryant Crawford leads the nightly charge with 16.5 points, 2.8 boards and 5.1 assists per night. 

The victory over the Yellow Jackets is one thing, but slowing down NC State will be quite another. This is simply a bad matchup for Wake Forest and I foresee a similar final outcome as what we saw in the first matchup between the schools this season. 

Grab the points, play on the Wolfpack.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Situational Stunner is on Memphis (3:00 EST).

Memphis broke a three-game slide with a 70-67 win over SMU on the road on Wednesday and suffice it to say, I expect the team to carry that momentum over here.

Tulane enters on the other of the spectrum, having lost four straight after a crushing 82-80 setback at home to East Carolina on Wednesday. In my opinion, all signs point to another letdown here.

And if recent history is any precedence then the visitors have to be loving their chances today, because when these teams met on January 9th, it was the Tigers which pulled away for the 96-89 home win.

Memphis averages 70 PPG and it concedes 70.7. Mike Parks Jr. had 17 points to lead the Tigers in the win over SMU. Jeremiah Martin normally leads the nightly charge this year though with an average of 19.2 points, 4.4 boards and 3.9 assists per game. 

Tulane averages 74.6 PPG and it concedes 73.9. Cameron Reynolds was a bright spot in the loss to East Carolina with 23 points. Melvin Frazier leads the Green Wave with 15.9 points and 5.3 boards per night.

Sure the Green Wave are hungry, but the team lacks any sort of cohesion whatsoever right now. Look for Memphis to take advantage and to find a way to get the job done at the end of the afternoon.

Good luck…Larry

The third 9* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Iowa (2:00 EST).

Indiana looks poised for a letdown here in my opinion after winning its third straight, most recently a 78-68 victory over Illinois at home on Wednesday.

Conversely it’s going to be all hands on deck for Iowa after dropping its fourth straight, most recently a 74-59 setback at No. 22 Michigan on Wednesday. 

Note that this is a revenge game as well as Indiana has taken two straight in the series, including a 77-64 victory in the first matchup this year back on December 4th. 

Indiana comes into this one averaging 71.9 PPG, while conceding 69.4. Juwan Morgan leads the team with 16.8 points and 7.4 boards per game. Robert Johnson had 14 points in the Hoosiers most recent victory.

Iowa averages 79.4 PPG and it concedes 78.3. Luke Garza was a bright spot in the loss to Michigan, posting 22 points in the setback.

Indiana is looking up at Nebraska and is at the Huskers early next week. Clearly it’s not too hard to imagine the visitors getting caught looking ahead to that one. Iowa is only ahead of Illinois in the standings, but it won’t be going down without a fight today.

This sets up as a trap for the Hoosiers and the desperate Hawkeyes take advantage.

Good luck…Larry

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

The 15-11 Texas Longhorns are at Oklahoma to take on the 16-9 Sooners and while I’m not going to call for the outright upset, I do believe that this one will come down to whichever team has its hands on the ball last.

Texas comes in off a 74-73 OT setback to Baylor, while Oklahoma fell 88-78 to Texas Tech on Tuesday, the Sooners fourth straight setback. 

If recent history is any precedence, then the visitors have to be loving their chances today because when these teams met last month in Texas, it was the Sooners which posted the 79-74 victory.

The Longhorns average 72.4 PPG and they concede 68. Mohamed Bamba was a bright spot in the latest setback to the Bears with 16 points and 16 boards. 

Oklahoma averages 88.4 PPG, but the Sooners continue to struggle on the defensive end, conceding 82.2 (ranked 338th in the country.) Trae Young had 19 points in his team’s latest setback, but note that he was 0 for 9 from range. 

Oklahoma is desperate for a victory, but so too are the Longhorns. Young is an amazing talent and he’s put up some ridiculous numbers, but fatigue could be a factor now. The Longhorns have the superior defense and they’ve already beaten this team this season.

Grab the points, play on Texas.

Good luck…Larry

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

The 18-8 Virginia Tech Hokies are at Georgia Tech to take on the 11-15 Yellow Jackets and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

We don’t have to question Georgia Tech’s motivation levels today as it comes in having lost four straight. Most recently the Yellow Jackets were smashed 79-62 by Wake Forest on Wednesday. 

But here’s the perfect opponent to get untracked against as VT comes to town dejected after getting thrashed 74-52 at Duke. Note that this also sets up as a revenge game for the home side after it fell 62-61 in the lone meeting last year.

VT averages 82.5 PPG and it concedes 73.2. That offense looked pretty average against the Blue Devils though, hitting 42.9 percent from the floor. Justin Bibbs was a bright spot with 15 points. 

Georgia Tech averages 66.5 PPG and it concedes just 66.8. The Yellow Jackets offense looked good in the loss to the Demon Deacons by hitting 51 percent from the floor. 

The Hokies had a major letdown after beating No. 1 Virginia and I think they’re going to suffer another “hangover” here as well. 

Georgia Tech is at Virginia next week, putting added importance onto tonight’s contest.

While I obviously wouldn’t be shocked by an outright upset, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can as I look for this one to be decided by whichever team has its hands on the ball last.

Good luck…Larry

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

The 7-12 Detroit Mercy Titans are at Youngstown State to take on the 8-20 Penguins on Friday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visiting side.

Detroit enters off a hard-fought 75-72 road loss at Cleveland State, while Youngstown State comes in off a rare victory, edging Oakland 75-73.

But if recent history is any precedence, then the Titans have to be loving their chances tonight, because when these teams met earlier in the season, it was Detroit that scored the 93-91 home victory.

Detroit averages 78.1 PPG and it concedes 84.9. Kameron Chatman had 14 points, but the guard has still reached 20 points in four of his last seven games. Roschon Prince was a standout though in the losing cause with 22 points.

The Penguins average 75.4 PPG and they concede 82.6. After two straight victories, regression is imminent in my opinion. Cameron Morse had 23 points in the upset over the Golden Grizzlies.

These teams played to a one-possession outcome in their first matchup together and all signs once again point to another “nail-biter.”

In a contest which I envision being decided by whichever team has its hands on the ball last, I’m going to grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

(2018 MLB REMINDER: After more than 30 years as a professional handicapper, Larry has finished among the “World’s best” in every major North American sport several times. Major League Baseball has been no exception. In fact, over the last three years Ness is ranked as the No. 1 MLB handicapper in the entire World! Note that Larry has banked $35,083 in profits over the last three regular seasons combined (know anyone that’s done better?!) 2017 saw Larry post over +$10,000 units in the regular season and then he’d also go on to go a spectacular 18-8-1 +$8,530 in the playoffs, for a total of $18,538! And now 2018 has the potential to be the BIGGEST season of them all!)

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

San Diego enters this one with a 7-7 record in conference action. 

Pacific on the other hand has an 8-6 record against WCC teams this year, as head coach Damon Stoudamire has his team headed in the correct direction.

Note that the Tigers have in fact already doubled their number of league wins from last year.

Pacific averages 106.0 points per 100 possessions. The Tigers also own the top free throw rate in the conference at 39.8 percent. Note that Pacific also turns the ball over on just 15.7 percent of its offensive possessions, ranking the team second in that category. Miles Reynolds was a stand out in the 60-58 home win over Portland on Saturday with 25 points.

San Diego averages 103.1 points per 100 possessions, while allowing 103.7 points per 100 possessions. The Toreros have been hot from range, making 37.4 percent from behind the arc this season (second in conference.)

I’ll point out though that the Tigers are 5-1-1 ATS in their last seven against a team with a winning straight up record, while the Toreros are a poor 0-4-1 ATS in their last five following an ATS loss.

Pacific is a tough team, which takes care of the ball and gets to the foul line a lot. San Diego simply doesn’t match up well in this one whatsoever and I expect it to stumble again tonight. 

And while the outright victory clearly isn’t out of the question, I’m going to recommend grabbing as many points as you can in the end. Play on Pacific.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Minnesota Timberwolves (9:05 EST).

The Lakers come in off a 139-117 setback in New Orleans just last night and suffice it to say, with the All Star break up next, all signs point to a classic letdown for LA this evening as well.

Minnesota on the other hand will not be taking a night off because it comes in having lost three of its last four, most recently a 126-108 home defeat to Houston. 

If recent history is any precedence though, then the Wolves have to be loving their chances tonight as they’ve already taken both meetings between the clubs so far this year, including a convincing 114-96 victory on New Year’s Day.

The Lakers come in averaging 107 PPG, while conceding 109.5. Brook Lopez averages 12 points and 13.9 boards per game, while the newly acquired Isaiah Thomas averages 15.2 points a night thus far. 

The Wolves average 109.6 PPG and they concede 106.7. Karl-Anthony Towns averages 20.4 pints and 12.1 boards per game, while Jimmy Butler adds 22.4 points and 5.5 boards per night. 

From a trend based stand point, there’s no question who this one favors, as note that the Lakers are a brutal 0-5 ATS in their last five in the second game of a back-to-back scenario, while the Timberwolves are 5-1 ATS in their last six home games against a team with a losing road record.

LA is dealing with some new faces, injuries and a tired starting unit. Minnesota has had a night off and can’t be too happy with the way that it’s played of late. When you add it all up, a big time blowout is imminent.

Lay the points, play on Minnesota.

Good luck…Larry

(MLB REMINDER: After more than 30 years as a professional handicapper, Larry has finished among the “World’s best” in every major North American sport several times. Major League Baseball has been no exception. In fact, over the last three years Ness is ranked as the No. 1 MLB handicapper in the entire World! Note that Larry has banked $35,083 in profits over the last three regular seasons combined (know anyone that’s done better?!) 2017 saw Larry post over +$10,000 units in the regular season and then he’d also go on to go a spectacular 18-8-1 +$8,530 in the playoffs, for a total of $18,538! And now 2018 has the potential to be the BIGGEST season of them all!)

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

The 20-6 Arizona Wildcats are at Arizona State to take on the 19-6 Sun Devils and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors.

Arizona State comes into this one having won three straight. Arizona had won seven in a row, then dropped two in a row, before then taking care of USC this past weekend.

If recent history is any precedence, then the Wildcats have to be loving their chances to keep the momentum rolling, because when these teams faced off against each other on December 30th, it was Arizona which prevailed 84-78. Deandra Ayton had 23 points and 18 boards in that one.

One other player to keep your eyes on today is Wildcats’ junior Allonzo Trier, who is averaging 20.5 points in his four career match ups against the Sun Devils. Rawle Alkins had 20 points and five assists in the win over the Trojans. 

Arizona State is 4-6 in Pac-12 play, but it comes into this one off three straight victories. The Sun Devils are led by Tra Holder as ASU is ranked 13th in the country in offensive efficiency.

Both teams have fared poorly against the spread this season, but I’ll point out that the Wildcats are still a solid 7-4 ATS in their last 11 as a PICK or underdog, while Arizona State is just 4-15 ATS in its last 19 off a win against a conference rival (including only 1-5 ATS this season.)

Arizona is 39-21 on the road since 2011, the best road team in the Pac 12. I believe the Sun Devils have a letdown here after their extended stretch of decent play. Play on Arizona.

Good luck…Larry

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

Cincinnati is poised for a bit of a letdown here in my opinion after starting AAC play 12-0 and coming into this contest having won 16 straight. 

Houston is 9-3 in league action and tied with Wichita State for second in the American Athletic Conference. 

The Bearcats come in off a 76-51 win over SMU on Sunday, while the Cougars enter off three straight wins, most recently smashing Tulane at home 73-42 over the weekend.

Note that this is a revenge game for Houston after it fell 80-70 at Cincinnati on January 31st.

Cincy averages 76.5 PPG and it concedes 55.9. Kyle Washington had 17 points and 18 boards in his team’s latest win (note that SMU had just six scholarship players and dressed eight and it clearly showed.)

The Cougars have won five of their last six, with the only loss in that time coming on the road in Cincinnati. Houston has proven that it can be competitive with the best in the conference, beating Wichita State on January 20th and it’s going to be risking life and limb tonight in trying to score the upset, to avenge the earlier loss and to protect home floor. Keep your eyes on Rob Gray, who leads the team with 17.7 points, 4.3 assists and 1.2 steals per night.

In a contest which I envision being decided by whichever team has its hands on the ball last, I’m going to grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Weekly Wipeout Winner is on St. John’s (9:00 EST).

The 13-13 St. John’s Red Storm are at DePaul to take on the 10-14 Blue Demons on Wednesday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors.

St. John’s comes into this one on top form and “under the radar” in my opinion. The Red Storm had lost 11 games in a row before then posting three straight wins over Duke, Villanova and Marquette.

DePaul also comes in off a victory, beating Providence last Saturday to snap a three-game slide.

Note that this is a revenge game for St. John’s after it fell 91-74 to the Blue Demons at home on January 6th. Shamorie Ponds has been unstoppable of late (33.5 points average over his last four games) and I think he’ll play a big role tonight as well. 

Ponds has been getting help though, as Justin Simon has now posted back-to-back double-doubles, averaging 16 points and 10.5 boards per game. 

DePaul has never swept St. John’s in a single season since coming over to the Big East in 2005 and suffice it to say, I don’t expect that trend to change today either. Marin Maric has been a standout of late for the Blue Demons with an average of 20.5 points and 7.5 boards over his last two games. 

I think it’s significant to note as well that the Red Storm have performed decently in this spot for bettors of late, going 3-1 ATS in their last four against teams with losing records, while conversely, this is a position in which the Blue Demons have struggled, going a poor 7-8 ATS as the underdog already this season and 0-2 ATS off a SU win against a conference rival.

St. John’s is playing arguably the best basketball in the country right now and Ponds seems to be on a mission. The revenge factor is a very real angle that the visitors can use as motivation tonight and in my opinion, it will in fact prove to be the difference.

Lay the points with confidence, play on St. John’s.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Las Vegas Insider is on Syracuse (9:00 EST).

NC State comes in deflated here as it’s now dropped two straight, most recently a 96-89 setback at home to No. 21 UNC on Saturday. 

Conversely, I expect the home side to continues its recent surge after it won its second straight by taking down the Demon Deacons 78-70 at home over the weekend. 

If recent history is any precedence, then Syracuse has to be liking its chances tonight as it’s won seven of the last ten in the series, including two straight and the most recent, 100-93 in OT on February 1st, 2017.

NC State averages 80.9 PPG and it concedes 74.1. Allerik Freeman leads the nightly charge with 14.1 PPG. In the loss to the Tar Heels, the Wolpack shot a great 54.7 percent from the floor and went seven of 13 from range, but it just wasn’t enough in the end as they’d allow UNC to connect on 56 percent of its shots.

Syracuse averages 68.9 PPG and it concedes 63.4. The Orange shot 46 percent from the floor and went six of 12 from range in the victory over Wake Forest. Tyus Battle leads the nightly charge with 20.3 PPG.

I’ll point out as well that NC State is just 1-4 ATS in its last five against a team with a winning percentage above .600, while Syracuse is just 4-1 ATS in its last five home games against a team with a losing road record. 

The Wolfpack are just 2-4 on the road this year, while the Orange are 13-3 at home. NC State’s inconsistencies and poor defense come back to haunt it here.

Lay the points, play on Syracuse.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Oddsmakers Error is on the New York Knicks (7:35 EST).

The Wizards snapped a two-game slide with a 101-90 victory over the Bulls on the road on Saturday, while the Knicks come in having lost seven straight, most recently a listless 108-92 setback to Philadelphia on Monday. 

To say this is a “revenge” game would be a bit of an understatement I think though, as the Wizards have taken seven straight in the series (and 14 of the last 15), including a 121-103 home victory in the first matchup this year back on January 3rd. 

The Wizards average 107.2 PPG and they concede 105.4. Tomas Satoransky had 25 points and six assists in the victory over Chicago. 

The Knicks average 103.5 PPG and they concede 105.9. Kristaps Porzingis is out for the year with a torn ACL, meaning that the home side will be relying on committee to get the job done tonight. Note that Enes Kanter chips in 14.2 points and 10.6 boards per night, while Tim Hardaway Jr. adds 16.2 per outing.

I’ll point out as well that Washington is just 1-3 ATS already this year after allowing 90 points or less in its previous outing (also 0-1 ATS when playing with three or more days of rest), while New York is 16-11 ATS at home and 25-16 ATS in its last 41 after three or more consecutive losses. 

I think the Wizards get caught a little flat footed after the extra time off and I believe they’re also going to be caught “looking ahead” to the All Star break and past their lowly opponent tonight.

The Knicks though clearly can’t afford the same luxury, as this is a team desperate for something positive to end the first half.

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

Play on New York.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on the Brooklyn Nets (7:35 EST).

I think the Pacers have a bit of a letdown here in their final game before the break. Indiana has won two straight, most recently a 121-113 victory at home over the Knicks on Sunday.

Conversely, it’s going to be “all hands on deck” for the Nets, who enter having lost six straight, most recently a 114-101 setback to the Clippers on Monday. 

And to say this is a “revenge” game would be a bit of an understatement I think as the Pacers have taken six straight in the series, including a 123-119 OT victory in the most recent back on December 23rd.

Indiana averages 106.8 PPG and it concedes 105.5. Victor Oladipo leads the nightly charge with 24.4 points, 5.4 boards and 2.08 steals per game, while Myles Turner adds 13.6 points and 6.5 boards per night.

Brooklyn averages 105.4 PPG and it concedes 109.7. D’Angelo Russell averages 15.6 points and 4.4 assists per night. Russell had 16 points in a losing cause to the Clippers.

I’ll point out though that Indiana is just 6-8 ATS this year after scoring 115 points or more in its previous contest, while Brooklyn is 8-5 ATS this season after three or more consecutive SU losses and 21-16 ATS in trying to revenge a loss against an opponent.

I look for Indiana to get caught “looking ahead” to its time off after its extended stretch of excellence and while I wouldn’t be shocked by an outright upset obviously, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can as I look for the hungry Nets to step up and take advantage of this favorable situation.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on Oakland (7:00 EST).

The 16-10 Oakland Grizzlies are at Youngstown State to take on the 7-20 Penguins and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors.

The Grizzlies are back on track as they’ll be seeking their third straight victory here, most recently an 87-78 home win over Detroit on Friday. The Penguins also enter off a (rare) victory, getting the better of IUPUI 84-80 on the weekend. 

If recent history is any precedence though, then the Golden Grizzlies have to be liking their chances tonight because when these teams met last month, it was Oakland which posted the convincing 95-83 home victory.

Oakland averages 80.4 PPG and it concedes 78.3. The Grizzlies shot 48 percent in the win over Detroit, while holding it to just 43 percent. Kendrick Nunn led the way once again with 28 points and seven boards. Nunn has eclipsed the 30 point plateau nine times this year.

Youngstown State averages 75.4 PPG and it concedes 82.9. The Penguins shot 51 percent in their highly satisfying win over the Jaguars, while holding them to just 46 percent. Cameron Morse had 28 points and he’s now posted 54 over his last two games combined.

I’ll point out though that Oakland is 17-5 ATS in its last 22 road games following three or more consecutive home contests and 45-21-1 ATS in its last 67 following a straight up victory, while Youngstown State is a poor 4-12 ATS in its last 16 following a straight up win.

The Grizzlies are an offensive juggernaut and here they face one of the worst defensive units in the entire nation. The Penguins come out flat in my opinion after their latest victory as all signs do indeed point to a rout from start to finish.

Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 9* O/U Oddsmakers Error is on the under Spurs/Nuggets (10:35 EST).

San Antonio enters off a crushing 101-99 loss in Utah just last night and the team just announced yesterday that big man LaMarcus Aldridge would be out until after the All Star Game to give his injured leg some extra time off. 

Denver was crushed in Houston, but then bounced back with a 123-113 road victory over the lowly Suns on Saturday in its latest action. 

San Antonio averages 101.5 PPG and it concedes just 98.1. Pau Gasol remains the top point getter right now with 10.6 points and 8.3 boards per game. 

Denver averages 107.2 PPG and it concedes 106.5. Nikola Jokic averages 16.6 points, 10.4 boards and 5.6 assists per game. 

I’ll point out that San Antonio has seen the total go under the number in 17 of 23 this year against poor defensive clubs with allow 106 plus points per contest, while Denver has seen the total go under the number in seven of eight already this season when playing with two days of rest.

Injured players and the All Star break on the horizon. The last thing the depleted Spurs can do is turn this one into a “track meet” and expect to hang with the high-flying Nuggets. With the visitors putting a concerted effort into trying to slow this one down whenever possible, all signs do indeed point to the under as the correct call here.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Situational Stunner is on Rutgers (9:00 EST).

We don’t have to question the Scarlet Knights motivation levels tonight as they come in having lost seven straight. Northwestern has been better than its counterpart today, but not by much. 

Note that this is a “revenge” game as well for Rutgers as the Wildcats have taken five of the last six in the series.

Northwestern looks vulnerable here as its been held to 61 points or less in its last four. Last Saturday the Wildcats hit a new low in a 73-57 setback at Maryland, hitting just 33.3 percent from the floor, while also posting 7 assists to 13 turnovers. Scottie Lindsey was a bright spot in the losing cause with 20 points.

Rutgers has been held to 55 points or less in six of its last nine, most recently coming up short in a 67-55 setback at Nebraska this past weekend. DeShawn Freeman finished with 12 points and seven boards in the loss. 

I’ll point out though that Northwestern is just 3-7 ATS on the road this year, while Rutgers is already 8-3 ATS this season in front of the home town crowd. 

I think the more “desperate” team finds a way to get the job done at the end of the night. Play on Rutgers.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* ACC GAME OF THE YEAR is on Miami Florida (9:00 EST).

While I wouldn’t be completely shocked by an outright upset, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can as I envision this contest being decided by whichever team has its hands on the ball last.

Virginia has the No. 1 ranking in the country, but it comes in off a gut-wrenching 61-60 home loss to Virginia Tech on Saturday and suffice it to say, I believe this one sets up as a classic letdown spot for the visitors after that emotional setback. 

The win streak is over and the pressure is off the Cavs now. Devon Hall was a bright spot in the losing cause with 16 points, while Kyle Guy added 13. 

Virginia has allowed opposing teams to score at a rate of just 82.8 points per 100 possessions this year. The Cavs though are averaging just 59.8 possessions per game and take 21.5 seconds per offensive possession, which so far both rank last in the conference.

Miami averages 107.3 points per 100 possessions, while allowing 105.3 points per 100 possessions. The Hurricanes will be especially motivated here to get back into the winners circle after falling at Boston College on the road on Saturday. Dejan Vasilievic had 17 points, while Chris Lykes added 16 in the loss. 

I’ll point out as well that Virginia is just 4-7 ATS in its last 11 following a loss against a conference rival, while Miami has done well against tough defensive clubs by going 8-4 ATS in its last 12 vs teams which concede 64 points or less per night. 

Three of the Cavaliers last five games have been decided by four points or less and I’m expecting another all out battle tonight as well. As mentioned off the top, the outright win isn’t out of the question obviously, but let’s grab the points as assurance. Play on Miami Florida.

Good luck…Larry 

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Cleveland Cavaliers (8:05 EST).

Cleveland comes in having won three straight, most recently a 121-99 destruction of Boston on the road on Sunday. OKC on the other hand is stumbling towards the half-way mark, coming in having won for just the second time in seven games after smashing the Grizzlies 110-92 on Sunday. 

Note that this is a “revenge” game for James and company, as OKC has taken two straight in the series, including a 148-124 victory in the first matchup in Cleveland back on January 20th this year. 

The Cavaliers come into this one averaging 110 PPG and they concede 109.9. LeBron James averages 26.3 points, 8.1 boards and 8.9 assists per game. James’ team looks a lot better after dumping a lot of the older players, as Rodney Hood, George Hill and Jordan Clarkson look poised to help the Cavs make another serious push for a spot in the Finals.

OKC averages 106.2 PPG and it concedes 102.7. Russell Westbrook averages 25.5 points, 9.3 boards, 10.3 assists and 1.96 steals per game, while Paul George contributes 22.4 points, 5.4 boards and 2.24 steals per night. 

Revenge is a powerful motivating factor and I believe James and his “new” team find a way to avenge the earlier and humbling beatdown that they endured at the hands of the Thunder earlier in the season. It’s a perfect storm of situational factors working in favor of the visitors.

Play on Cleveland.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* TOP TOTAL is the under Suns/Warriors (10:35 EST).

The 18-39 Phoenix Suns are in Golden State to take on the 43-13 Warriors on Monday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one will sneak below the posted number once it’s all said and done.

Phoenix comes in off a 123-113 home loss to Denver, while Golden State pulled away for a 122-105 home win over the Spurs on Saturday. 

The Suns are scoring an average of 104.4 PPG and conceding 112.6. Elfrid Peyton played decently for his new team in the most recent setback, finishing with 19 points and nine assists. 

The Warriors average a league-leading 115.9 PPG and they concede 107.9. Klay Thompson was a standout in his team’s most recent victory with 25 points.

Phoenix can’t play defense and Golden State is the highest scoring team in the league. I’ll point out though that the Suns have in fact interestingly seen the total go under the number in 15 of 22 this year against poor defensive teams which allow 106 plus points per contest, while the Warriors have seen the total dip below the posted number in their last four in the same position.

Golden State head coach Steve Kerr recently admitted that his team is “limping towards the finish line” as the season nears the half-way point and the All Star Game. Kerr is likely to rest some of his starters tonight.

I think the conditions are now finally right for a bit of a lower-scoring defensive battle. Play the under.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on West Virginia (9:00 EST).

The 17-8 TCU Horned Frogs are at No. 19 West Virginia to take on the 17-7 Mountaineers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

TCU just beat WVU 82-73 about three weeks ago, setting this up as an immediate revenge scenario for the home side. 

The Mountaineers are hungry for a win here as well, sitting behind Texas Tech and Kansas. 

The Horned Frogs come into this one averaging 85.0 PPG and they concede 76.8. Vladamir Brodziansky led TCU with 25 points in his team’s most recent 87-71 win over Texas.

The Mountaineers average 80.9 PPG and they concede 68.1. WVU’s two-game win streak was snapped in an upset 88-85 setback to Oklahoma State in its most recent action. Jevon Carter was a bright spot with 33 points, four rebounds and four assists in the losing cause. 

I’ll point out though that not only does WVU play with “revenge” tonight, but note that TCU is just 1-4 ATS in its last five following an ATS victory and 0-6 ATS in its last six following a straight-up win, while the Mountaineers are 6-2 ATS in their last eight following an ATS loss.

The home team is also 5-1 ATS in the last six in this series and all signs point to these strong trends continuing. Lay the points, play on West Virginia.

Good luck…Larry

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

I think the more “desperate” team finds a way to get the job done at the end of the night.

Penn State is 7-6 in Ben Ten play, while Illinois is 2-10 in conference action. 

The Nittany Lions most recently beat Maryland 74-70, led by 25 points from Lamar Stevens. 

The Fighting Illini though have lost two straight and eight of ten. In the team’s latest loss, Trent Frazier was a bright spot with 32 points, while Leron Black added 13 points and 11 boards. 

As good as Penn State has looked of late though, I’m going to give some warning about its recent steak, as note that the Nittany Lions are still a poor 3-4 ATS on the road this season and only 2-4 ATS off a win against a conference rival.

And while the Fighting Illini have been struggling, I’ll point out that Illinois is still a solid 8-5 ATS against teams with winning records this season and 4-2 ATS in its last six as a home dog in the 3 points range.

I believe the stage is set for a classic letdown here from Penn State after its recent run, while it’s going to be “all hands on deck” for the hungry home side. While the outright win obviously isn’t out of the question, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Cleveland Cavaliers (3:35 EST).

Cleveland comes to town off its second straight win, beating Atlanta 123-107 on Friday. Boston enters off a 97-81 loss at home to Indiana in the second game of a back-to-back on Friday. So far these teams have split a pair of meetings this season.

The Cavaliers average 109.8 PPG and they concede 110.1. LeBron James averages 26.4 points, 8.1 boards and 8.9 assists per night and he had 22 points, 12 boards and 19 assists in the win over the Hawks. Note that the Cavs were led by Kyle Korver, who exploded for 30 points off the bench against his former team. 

The Celtics average 102.9 PPG and they concede 98.7. Kyrie Irving leads the way with 24.7 points and five assists per night, while Al Horford adds 13.2 points, 7.8 boards and 5.2 assists per game. 

I’ll point out as well that the Cavs are 7-3 ATS in their last ten when playing the role of underdog, while Boston is just 1-4 ATS in its last five against good offensive teams which average 106-plus points per contest. 

Cleveland looked good in its last game and I think its new pieces will be able to work themselves into the mix seamlessly alongside the normal rotation. 

Boston comes in tired and I think it struggles against this re-focused Cavaliers side. And while I obviously wouldn’t be shocked by an outright upset, all signs do indeed point to this one being decided by whichever team has its hands on the ball last. Grab the points, play on Cleveland.

Good luck…Larry

This is a 10* Situational Stunner on the Phoenix Suns (9:05 EST).

The 29-25 Denver Nuggets are in Phoenix to take on the 19-38 Suns and for a number of different reasons, I think this favors the home side. 

If recent history is any precedence, then Phoenix has to be liking its chances today, because when these teams met earlier this year, it was the Suns that scored the 108-100 victory. 

Devin Booker had 30 points, five boards and five assists in that one for Phoenix, while Jamal Murray had 30 points and five boards to lead the Nuggets in the losing cause.

Denver looks poised for a letdown here after three straight wins. The Nuggets average 107 PPG and they concede 105.9. 

Phoenix averages 104.2 PPG and it concedes 112.4. The Suns will be especially motivated here to return to the winners circle after their most recent pathetic effort, falling 129-81 at home to the Spurs. Big man Alex Len had 14 points and five boards. 

I’ll point out though that Denver has consistently “played down” to the level of its competition, going just 12-15 ATS this year against clubs with losing records. Phoenix though has excelled in this spot for bettors this season, going 8-3 ATS when playing with two days rest, 13-9 ATS after allowing 115 points or more and 8-5 ATS after three or more consecutive SU losses. 

While I’m stopping short in calling for the outright upset, everything in my opinion definitely points to a much closer than expected battle.

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

Good luck…Larry

My 10* GAME OF THE MONTH is on Arizona State (7:00 EST).

UCLA is poised for a letdown here in my opinion after four straight victories, including an 82-74 victory over Arizona in its most recent action. Aaron Holiday had 17 points and eight assists in that one as UCLA would shoot 52 percent from the floor, including 11 of 24 from range:

“It’s a huge road win in the country,” UCLA coach Steve Alford said afterwards. “This is a top-20 team, they’ve been top 10, so this is huge for us.”

Arizona State comes in off a big 80-78 win over USC in its latest action to improve to 18-6 on the season. Tra Holder led the charge with 22 points, while Shannon Evans added 21. 

I base my selections on many different things. This is a great situational play in my opinion. UCLA has won four straight, but it’s still just 2-4 SU and 3-3 ATS on the road. 

Arizona State comes in on top form as well though with two straight victories. Note that it’s 11-2 SU and 7-6 ATS at home this season.

The stage is set for a sizeable victory for the opportunistic home side, as all signs point to the Bruins finally coming out flat after their extended stretch of excellence. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Situational Stunner is on Florida State (4:00 EST).

FSU won’t be lacking for motivation today as it’s lost two of its last three, most recently a tough 59-55 setback at home to No. 2 Virginia on Wednesday. 

Notre Dame though looks poised for a letdown here in my opinion after it broke a seven-game slide with a 96-85 home win over Boston College on Tuesday. 

Note that this sets up as a revenge game for the Seminoles as well after the Irish took the last matchup 77-73 in the ACC Tournament semifinals last March.

FSU averages 83.5 PPG and it concedes 72.7. FSU had a ten point lead at half over the Cavaliers, but it couldn’t hold it together down the stretch against Virginia’s nation leading defense. MJ Walker led the way with ten points off the bench in the losing cause.

Notre Dame averages 76.2 PPG and it concedes 68. Bonzie Colson leads the nightly charge with 21.4 points and 10.4 boards per game. TJ Gibbs was a standout in the victory over the Eagles with 28 points. 

I’ll point out though that Florida State is 4-1 ATS in its las five following an ATS loss, while Notre Dame is just 1-5 ATS in its last six against a team with a winning straight-up record. 

The Irish were desperate in their last game and it showed. But they face a tougher opponent this time around and I simply have a hard time seeing Notre Dame matching pace with this highly motivated and high-scoring Seminoles side. 

All signs point to a rout, play on Florida State.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Weekend Wipeout Winner is on Youngstown State (1:00 EST).

The 6-20 Youngstown State Penguins are at IUPUI to take on the 8-16 Jaguars on Saturday afternoon and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors.

The Penguins enter off a 100-75 road loss to UIC. If recent history is any precedence though, then the visitors have to be loving their chances for a bounce back this afternoon because when these teams played last month, it was Youngstown State which posted the solid 85-62 win. 

The Penguins come in averaging 75 points and conceding 83. Cameron Morse was a bright spot in Youngstown State’s most recent setback with 26 points.

The Indiana-Purdue Jaguars enter off a 78-73 win over Cleveland State on Thursday. The Jags shot 59 percent form the floor and got 19 points from TJ Henderson. 

I’ll caution in reading too much into the performance though, as the Jaguars had dropped five straight previous to the win. So far IUPUI averages 68.3 points, while conceding 73.5. 

IUPUI is averaging only 67 points over its last six games and it was out rebounded 39-19 in the first meeting between the schools this year. 

I like the Penguins to have a “repeat performance” on the road against this incredibly inconsistent Jaguars team and while I obviously wouldn’t be shocked by the outright upset, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can.

Play on Youngstown State.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Las Vegas Insider is on Marquette (12:00 EST).

Marquette improved to a still poor 5-7 in Big East action after upsetting Seton Hall 88-85 on the road on Wednesday and suffice it to say, I think the Golden Eagles carry that momentum over here.

Golden Eagles guard Markus Howard had 32 points and seven boards in the win over the Pirates. Marquette out rebounded Seton Hall by ten and held it to just 42.9 percent shooting. The Golden Eagles average 81.9 PPG and they concede 77.8 so far this season.

St. John’s though looks poised for a letdown here after back-to-back upset victories, including beating Duke last Saturday and then coming back to beat No. 1 Villanova 81-77 on the road.

The Red Storm average 72.9 PPG and they concede 71.3. Shamorie Ponds had 33 points against Duke and then had 26 points and five assists in the victory over Villanova. 

St. John’s has been playing over its head and simply doesn’t have the offense to match pace with Marquette. I think we’re getting great value on the superior team. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 9* PERFECT STORM is on Maryland (12:00 EST).

Note that play almost got stamped with a top 10* ranking, but just narrowly missed out.

Northwestern enters at 6-6 in Big 10 play after winning its last two, which includes an upset 61-52 victory over then No. 20 Michigan at home. 

Maryland though will be risking life and limb to get back into the winners circle after dropping four of its last five, including a 74-70 setback at Penn State on Wednesday. 

The Wildcats average 70.9 PPG and they concede 65.6. Bryant McIntosh tied a season high with 24 points in the win over Michigan on Tuesday. It was a revenge scenario for Northwestern, which fell 58-47 at Michigan a little over a week before its victory.

The Terrapins average 75.1 PPG and they concede 67.5. In the loss to the Nittany Lions Maryland would shoot a decent 54.3 percent and got 13 points and nine boards from Bruno Fernando. 

I simply feel that this sets up as a classic letdown spot for Northwestern after winning four of its last five and off the slight upset over rival Michigan. Conversely, I fully expect Maryland to play with the type of desperation that a team that’s lost seven of its last ten, including four of its last five, should.

All signs point to a blowout, lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Oddsmakers Error is on the Chicago Bulls (8:05 EST).

The 34-23 Minnesota Timberwolves are in Chicago to take on the 18-35 Bulls and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

Minnesota comes in off an exhausting 140-138 OT loss in Cleveland on Wednesday, while the Bulls have had three nights off after a 104-98 loss to Sacramento. Note that this is a double revenge game for Chicago aver the Wolves took both meetings last year.

Minnesota averages 109.5 PPG and it concedes 106.3. Jimmy Butler had 35 points in the loss to Cleveland, while Karl Anthony Towns contributed 30 points and ten boards. 

Chicago averages 103.5 PPG and it concedes 109.2. Zach LaVine was a bright spot in his team’s latest loss, posting 27 points, while Justin Holiday was also decent with 20 points of his own. 

I think it’s important to note that Minnesota has struggled in this spot for bettors all year though, going just 13-14 ATS on the road and only 5-6 ATS off an upset loss as a favorite.

Chicago has for the most part been a train wreck this season, but it comes in rested and very determined. Also note that it’s a solid 13-10 ATS at home already this year and 7-2 ATS in its last nine when playing with three or more days of rest.

With a night off before a home game against bottom feeder Sacramento, it’s not too hard to imagine the visitors in some small way “looking past” their lowly non-conference opponent tonight.

Off seven straight losses, clearly the Bulls don’t have the same luxury.

While I’ll stop short in calling for the outright upset, I do definitely believe that the stage is set for a “nail-biter” this evening. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* O/U Situational Stunner is on the under Nuggets/Rockets (8:05 EST).

The 29-25 Denver Nuggets are in Houston to take on the 40-13 Rockets and for a number of different reasons, I think this total will sneak below the posted number once it’s all said and done.

Houston has won six in a row and ten of its last 11, most recently getting the better of the Heat on Wednesday. 

Denver has won three in a row, most recently over OKC, Golden State and Charlotte.

The Nuggets are clearly playing their best basketball of the season, but I’m going to caution in reading too much into their performance. All three victories came at home. Denver has been a classic “Jekyll and Hyde” team this year, as it’s dropped six straight on the road dating back to December 27th. 

Houston has looked fantastic of late too, but after going a perfect 4-0 on its road trip, there’s no doubt that this first game back in front of the home town crowd also sets up as a “letdown” spot. James Harden had 41 points in his teams 109-101 win at Miami on Wednesday. 

From an overall situational stand point, I think this one sets up more as a defensive affair. But I’ll also point out that Denver has in fact seen the total go under the number in five of eight already this year after playing three consecutive home games and in 16 of 25 in trying to revenge a loss against an opponent, while Houston has seen the total dip below the posted number in six of its last eight against clubs with winning records.

For all the reasons listed above, I think this number is a little high. Play the under.

Good luck…Larry

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

To say this is a “revenge” game would be a bit of an understatement, as Indiana has taken four of the last five between the schools.

We don’t have to question the Golden Gophers motivation levels today as they come in having dropped six straight. Minnesota though has been extremely competitive of late and I think that momentum gets carried over here. Note that it forced OT at Michigan, only to lose by three points. It also fell 91-85 at home to Nebraska recently. 

In their latest setback the Gophers shot a decent 49.3 percent from the floor and went a sharp 10 of 19 from range. Nate Mason was a standout with 34 points, including hitting seven 3-pointers.

The Hoosiers broke a four-game slide with a 65-43 win over Rutgers last time out. The Scarlet Knights shot a pathetic 24.1 percent from the floor. Juwan Morgan led Indiana with 24 points and eight boards in the victory.

Minnesota won’t be rolling over here as it desperately tries to score the upset after its recent string of “near misses.” 

Indiana has been better at home than on the road, but with another “cream puff” in Illinois coming to town next, there’s no question that the Hoosiers have hit a favorable (vanilla) part of their schedule. 

I think the “hungrier” team takes this one right down to the wire and while I wouldn’t be shocked by an outright upset, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can.

Play on Minnesota.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Oddsmakers Error is on USC (11:00 EST).

Arizona State started the year 12-0, but it’s since alternated wins and losses over its last ten in conference action. 

USC will look to take advantage of this inconsistency and to get back into the winners circle after its 82-79 setback to ULCA, snapping a season-long six-game winning streak. Elijah Stewart had 21 points in the losing cause. 

The Trojans average 111.8 points per 100 possessions during conference play, which ranks third in the Pac 12. USC has been pretty good on the defensive side of the ball as well, holding opponents to 100.2 points per 100 possessions, which ranks it second in conference. 

USC is on the bubble right now for the tournament, so does not have the luxury to take the foot of the gas.

Arizona State comes in off an 88-78 win over Washington State, led by 23 points from Shannon Evans, along with another 20 from Tra Holder. 

ASU averages 107.5 points per 100 possessions (ranked fifth), however I’ll point out that it’s also just 1-6-2 ATS in its last nine against teams with a winning straight up record. 

USC is 9-3 ATS in its last 12 on the road and while I obviously wouldn’t be shocked by an outright upset, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can as I look for this one to be decided by whichever team has its hands on the ball last.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* WESTERN-CONFERENCE TOTAL OF THE MONTH is the over Mavs/Warriors (10:35 EST).

The 17-37 Dallas Mavericks are in Golden State to take on the 41-13 Warriors on Thursday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one has “shootout” written all over it.

Golden State will be particularly motivated here (regardless of who is actually on the court once tip off occurs) as it comes in having lost two straight and three of its last four. Most recently the defending champs fell to Denver and OKC.

The Mavs can empathize, as they’re just 1-6 in their last seven following a setback against the Clippers on Monday.

Dallas had its chances against the Clippers, but it was outscored 13-0 down the stretch in the eventual 104-101 setback. Veteran Dirk Nowitzki was a bright spot with 12 points in 25 minutes.

Kevin Durant is expected in the lineup for the Warriors tonight and he’s been consistent of late, averaging 32.3 points on 68.1 percent shooting over his last three games. 

These teams come into this one struggling, but I’ll point out that Dallas has seen the total go over the number in 10 of 17 already this year in trying to revenge a home loss against an opponent, while Golden State has seen the total eclipse the posted number in eight of 12 this season off an upset loss as a favorite.

I believe the stage is set for a faster paced affair. Play the over.

Good luck…Larry

My 9* Las Vegas Insider is on Washington (10:00 EST).

Washington comes in at 17-6 overall and 7-3 in league play. Oregon has tumbled a bit of late with a 15-8 overall record, including going just 5-5 in conference action. Most recently the Ducks were smashed 96-61 at the hands of the Cardinal. 

The Huskies come in on top form, most recently getting the better of No. 9 Arizona 78-76 to stretch their current streak to four in a row. Dominic Green led the way with 14 points off the bench for Washington. 

The Ducks have been all over the map as far as their game-to-game consistency is concerned and the 35 point loss to Stanford is a major red flag warning in my opinion. Oregon looked particularly poor on the defensive side, allowing the Cardinal to shoot 62.5 percent from the floor, including going 12 of 20 from range. 

I’ll point out as well that Oregon has struggled mightily in this spot all year for bettors, going just 7-11 ATS as a favorite and only 5-9 ATS against teams with winning records, while Washington has done extremely well in this position by going 7-3 ATS as an underdog and 3-1 ATS in lined road games. 

These teams are moving in opposite directions and everything points to those trends continuing.

Grab the points, play on Washington.

Good luck…Larry