The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Canisius (7:00 EST).

The 8-7 Saint Peter’s Peacocks are on the road to take on the 9-8 Canisius Golden Griffins and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

St. Peter’s most recently comes in off an 84-58 win over Quinnipiac. Nick Griffin led the way in that one with 22 points and three boards. 

Canisius looks to get back on track here. The Golden Griffins opened conference play with three straight wins, but they enter off a 65-62 loss to Siena as 4.5 point road favs. Takal Molson was a bright spot with 21 points and four boards. 

From a trend based stand point though, there’s no question that this one favors the home side in my opinion, as note that St. Peter’s is just 1-3 ATS in its last four after scoring 82 points or more in its previous outing, while Canisius is 2-1 ATS in its last three after scoring 62 points or less in its last outing.

I don’t think that home floor can be overlooked as a very real advantage in this matchup. For all the reasons listed above, play on Canisius.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* BLOWOUT is on Washington (11:00 EST).

The Bears are 7-9 overall and 1-2 in Pac 12 play. Washington is 12-4 overall and 2-1 in league play. 

Cal comes in off a win over Stanford in a tight battle, before then coming back down to Earth with back to back home losses to USC and UCLA (losing by 18 and 23 respectively.) 

The Bears defense looked horrible in the loss to UCLA, giving up over 50 points in both halves, allowing the Bruins to hit 58 percent overall and 17 of 30 from range.

The Huskies opened the 2017/18 campaign with an 88-81 win over USC and most recently they beat Washington State 70-65, led by 17 points and five steals from Matisse Thybulle.

I’ll point out that Cal is 0-4 ATS in its last four against teams with a winning straight-up record, while Washington is 2-0 ATS in its last two after playing three consecutive road games.

The Bears have been playing a bit better of late, but the Huskies have matchup advantages across the board. Throw in the home floor advantage and take into account the above listed trends and the correct call in this matchup is on the home side.

Lay the points, play on Washington.

Good luck…Larry

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

Oregon has lost two of its last three, most recently a 74-64 setback on the road at Oregon State last Friday. Arizona State broke a two game skid with a tight 80-77 win over Utah in its latest action on the road Sunday. 

These two teams always play to competitive affairs, however that wasn’t the case in the Pac-12 Tournament last year after the Ducks hammered the Sun Devils 80-57.

Oregon averages 81.6 PPG and it concedes 70.5. The Ducks just couldn’t get anything going against the Beavers, shooting a combined 36.2 percent from the floor, led by 16 points from Paul White off the bench.

Arizona State averages 89.3 points per game and it concedes 74.1. The Sun Devils shot 44.8 percent from the floor in the win over the Utes, led by 22 points from Shannon Evans II.

I’ll point out though that Oregon is 6-1 ATS in its last seven when playing with five or six days rest, while Arizona State is just 3-10 ATS in its last 13 off a win against a conference rival.

The Sun Devils play with revenge, but the Ducks won’t be going down without a fight. Oregon has the fire-power and defensive group to keep this one close until the final moments and that’s exactly what I expect to see happen.

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 the Ducks.

Good luck…Larry

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

The 14-1 Clemson Tigers are in North Carolina State to take on the 11-5 Wolfpack and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors.

Clemson enters off a 74-69 home win over Louisville, while NC State looks poised for a classic letdown after stunning Duke 96-85 in its latest action.

If recent history is any precedence, then the Tigers have to be loving their chances tonight as well, because they’ve dominated this series of late, taking both meetings quite easily last year.

Clemson has won ten straight and I don’t foresee a letdown tonight. The Tigers average 77.9 PPG and concede 63.5. Marcquise Reed had 24 points in his team’s win over the Cardinals. 

NC State averages 83.4 points and it concedes 72.6. In the upset victory over Duke, Torin Dorn scored 16 points, while Allerik Freeman posted 15 points, five boards and five assists.

I’ll point out though that is a spot in which the Tigers have excelled in for bettors over the years, as note that they’re 24-19 ATS the last two seasons when playing the role of favorite (including 6-4 ATS this year), while NC State is just 14-21 ATS the last two seasons as an underdog (including just 3-4 ATS this year.)

The Wolfpack are also 0-7 ATS in their last seven following an ATS victory and just 1-8 ATS in their last nine following a straight up victory.

It’s a classic letdown spot for NC State after its big win over Duke. Combined with the above trends which all clearly point to the team suffering a letdown in this exact position, everything does indeed point to a blowout victory for Clemson.

Lay the points, play on the Tigers.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on the Toronto Raptors (8:05 EST).

Cleveland has lost five of its last seven, most recently a 127-99 setback on the road in Minnesota on Monday. 

The Raptors come in off only their second home loss of the season in a 90-89 setback to Miami on Tuesday, as they got caught “looking ahead” to this one against the Cavs.

To say this is a “revenge” game would be a bit of an understatement, as the Cavs have knocked out the Raptors from the playoffs the last two years straight and took three of four regular season meetings last year.

Cleveland averages 110.5 PPG and it concedes 107.7. LeBron James averages 27.6 points, 8.2 boards and 9.2 assists per game, while Kevin Love adds 19.8 points and 9.8 boards per contest.

Toronto averages 111.5 PPG and it concedes just 103.8. DeMar DeRozan leads the nightly charge with 25.3 points and five assists per game. 

I’ll point out though that the Cavs are 0-5 ATS in their last five road games against a team with a winning home record, while Toronto is amazingly 6-0 ATS in its last six when playing on one or less day rest.

As much as the Cavs would like to “get up” for this one, the situation just does not favor them at all here. Toronto has been the cream of the crop in the Eastern Conference over the last month (minus its last game against a red hot Miami team) and I believe it finds a way to get the job done in front of the home town crowd.

Play on the Raptors.

Good luck…Larry

My 9* PERFECT STORM is on Iowa (8:00 EST).

Iowa is 9-9 on the season and 0-5 in league play. Clearly we don’t have to question the Hawkeyes motivation levels tonight. Note that this play narrowly missed out on a top 10* rating.

Illinois is 10-7 overall and 0-4 in league action. There are two desperate teams and I’m expecting a competitive “nail-biter,” a contest which I envision being decided by whichever team has its hands on the ball last.

Iowa averages 80.7 PPG and concedes 75, while the Illini average 78.9 PPG and concede 70.8.

The Hawkeyes are led by Tyler Cook, who is averaging 14.7 points and 6.3 boards per game. Iowa has struggled in conference action, but it catches a break here facing Illinois.

Kipper Nichols scored 17 points off the bench in Illinois’ latest loss to Michigan, but not a single starter scored in double digits. 

I’ll point out that Iowa is 4-3 ATS this year already against good offensive teams which score 77 plus points per contest, while Illinois is just 2-3 ATS in its last five as a home favorite in the 3.5 to six points range. 

As stated off the top, this is going to be a battle until the end. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

This is an 8* Oddsmaker’s Error on NC Wilmington (7:00 EST).

The 4-12 UNC Wilmington Seahawks get ready to battle the 11-6 Elon Phoenix on Thursday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. 

The Seahawks come in off a 96-76 road loss to Delaware, while the Phoenix are off an 89-76 road victory over Hofstra.

These teams split a pair of games last year, with UNC Wilmington taking the first game 79-63 and Elon winning the second 77-76.

At 1-3 in conference action, we don’t have to question the Seahawks’ motivation levels tonight. Keep your eyes on Devontae Cacok, who had 18 points and 11 boards in his team’s latest setback. Note that so far UNC Wilmington averages 80.3 PPG and concedes 85.9.

At 3-1 in league play, it’s not too hard to imagine the home side in some small way coming in a bit complacent tonight. Elon averages just 74.5 PPG and it concedes 72.8. Tyler Seibring scored 22 points in the Phoenix’s latest victory.

I’ll point out though that the Seahawks are 2-1 ATS in their last three off a loss against a conference rival, while the Phoenix are just 1-2 ATS this year already after scoring 80 points or more in their previous outing.

I’m not predicting an outright upset, but I do think that the more desperate team can keep this one competitive until the final moments. Grab the points, play on the Seahawks.

Good luck…Larry

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

Minnesota will be eager to get back into the winners circle here after an upset 75-71 home loss to Indiana to fall to 2-2 in conference action.

Northwestern also enters off a loss, most recently a 78-63 beatdown at the hands of Penn State. 

The Golden Gophers average 82.6 PPG and concede just 70.6. Their latest loss snapped a five game win streak. Nate Mason was a standout with 22 points and nine assists.

The Wildcats average 74.4 PPG and concede 67.6. In their latest loss to the Nittany Lions they’d shoot just 37.1 percent from the floor overall, while allowing Penn State to hit 54.5 percent. Bryant McIntosh had 18 points in the loss. 

I’ll point out that Minnesota is already 7-5 ATS this year against teams with winning records, while Northwestern is just 3-4 ATS at home and only 3-4 ATS against good offensive teams which average 77-plus points per contest.

I like Minnesota to get right back on track here and I believe it’s underrated defense proves to be the difference. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the Detroit Pistons (7:30 EST).

The Pistons will be hungry here as they lost for the third time in their last four tries in a tight 112-109 setback at New Orleans on Monday. 

The Nets enter off back-to-back losses, falling 114-113 in OT to Toronto on Monday. 

Detroit averages 101.9 PPG and it concedes 101.9 as well. Tobias Harris leads the nightly charge with 18.4 points plus 5.3 boards per game, while Avery Bradley adds 15.4 points. 

Brooklyn averages 106.6 PPG and it concedes 108.8. The Nets are led by Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, who averages 14.6 PPG. 

I’ll point out though that Detroit has performed extremely well in this spot for bettors, going 4-1 ATS in its last five after allowing 100 points or more in its previous outing, while New Jersey has struggled in this position by going just 1-4 ATS in its last five home games against a team with a losing road record. 

Detroit remains in the playoff hunt and to remain in the thick of it, it needs to win the games that it’s “supposed” too. Detroit is deeper and I think it’s superior defensive play proves to be too much for the Nets to handle down the stretch. 

Lay the points, play on the Pistons.

Good luck…Larry

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

Miami comes in off a hard-fought 90-89 win at Toronto last night and I believe the team carries that momentum over here. Indiana has won two straight, most recently a 109-96 effort at home over Milwaukee. Note that these teams have already split a pair of games this year.

The Heat are now 8-3 in their last 11 and have won five straight. Miami is surging, now in fifth in the East with an 11-8 road record and a 14-8 mark against the Eastern Conference overall. 

Miami averages 100.9 PPG and it concedes 102.2. Hassan Whiteside is once again putting together a solid campaign with 14 points and 11.5 boards per game. Guard Goran Dragic adds 16.7 points, 4.1 boards and 4.8 assists per game, while Dion Watiers chips in 14.3 points. 

The Pacers average 107.3 PPG and concede 106.6. Victor Oladipo leads the team with 24.5 points, 5.2 boards and 1.91 steals per game. 

Miami is now 11-8 ATS on the road this year and 4-1 ATS in its last five after allowing 90 points or less in its previous contest, while Indiana is just 4-7 ATS already this season following a win by ten points or more.

I’m expecting another nail-biter for the Heat in this one and will therefore be recommending to grab the points. Play on Miami.

Good luck…Larry

The second 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the Dallas Mavericks (7:00 EST).

Dallas smoked Orlando at home 114-99 last night and I believe the team will carry that momentum over here.

Conversely, this sets up as a classic “letdown” spot for Charlotte, which returns for its first home game after a very satisfying 3-1 Western road swing, including knocking off the Lakers 108-94 last Friday. 

Note that this is a big time revenge game for the Mavs after the Hornets took both meetings last season.

Dallas averages 102 PPG and it concedes 104.4. Harrison Barnes leads the nightly charge with 18.7 points, plus 6.6 boards per game, while Dennis Smith Jr. adds 13.8 points and 4.5 assists.

Charlotte averages 105 PPG and it concedes 106. Kemba Walker leads the team with 21.3 points and 5.8 assists per game, while big man Dwight Howard adds 15.7 points, plus 12.1 boards per contest. 

I’ll point out though Dallas is 10-9 ATS on the road already this year and 17-12 ATS when playing the role of underdog, while Charlotte is already 0-3 ATS this year when playing with three or more days rest and just 3-5 ATS after a victory by ten points or more.

While I’m not going to call for the outright upset (I wouldn’t be shocked by it of course!), I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can as I expect this one to be a lot more competitive than what the oddsmakers are leading us to believe. Play on Dallas.

Good luck…Larry

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

The 13-2 Blue Devils get ready to battle the 8-8 Pittsburgh Panthers on Wednesday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors Duke.

The Blue Devils will be especially motivated here to get back into the winners circle with a resounding effort after getting upset at NC State this past weekend: “We played crappy defense,” Blue Devils’ coach Mike Krzyzewski assessed afterwards. “We were a little frantic; they played their butts off. We’ve got to get better. To me, it’s that simple. Now the process of getting there; that’s what we’ve got to figure out.… The continuity of what you have to bring every day just isn’t there yet. We have to come to work every day.”

Marvin Bagley II had 31 points and ten boards in the setback. 

Here’s the perfect opponent to get untracked against though as the Panthers enter having dropped three straight, most recently to Miami, Louisville and Virginia Tech.

Jared Wilson-Frame was a standout for Pittsburgh in the loss to the Hokies, finishing with 20 points. The Panthers were actually decent in the setback, shooting a season-high 46.2 percent from the floor, while also going 12 of 26 from range.

I’ll point out though that Duke is 7-2-1 ATS in its last ten road games and 7-2-1 ATS in its last ten road games against teams with winning home records, while Pittsburgh is just 13-39-1 ATS in its last 53 following an ATS victory.

The numbers and the overall situation are stacked against the Panther today. Look for Duke to pull away down the stretch. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

The second 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Georgia Tech (7:00 EST).

Georgia Tech moved back over .500 with a victory over Yale in its final non-conference contest of the season on Saturday, led by a game-high 23 points from Jose Alvarado. 

The Irish enter off five straight wins, most recently holding on for a tight 51-49 victory over Syracuse on the road. TJ Gibbs led the way in that one with 18 points, while Rex Pflueger added 12 points. 

Note Dame scores an average of 116.2 points per 100 possessions, while it concedes 95.6 points per 100 possessions. 

Georgia Tech has looked better on the offensive end of late, but the Yellow Jackets get the job done with their smothering defensive play most nights. Note that GT enters allowing opponents to score 97.9 points per 100 possessions. Most recently the Yellow Jackets beat Miami 64-54. 

I’ll point out as well that Notre Dame is just 1-5 ATS in its last six after allowing less than 50 points in its previous contest, while Georgia Tech is 6-1 ATS in its last seven home games against a team with a winning road record. 

The Irish are dealing with injury issues (Farrell questionable, Colson out), while the Yellow Jackets are surging. I like GT to take care of business on its home floor and in its conference opener. 

Play on the Yellow Jackets.

Good luck…Larry

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

LA snapped a nine-game slide with a resounding 132-113 victory over Atlanta (Lonzo Ball’s second game back from injury, the dynamic point guard narrowly missing out on a triple-double) and suffice it to say, I expect the team to carry that momentum over here. Note as well that this is a revenge game for the Lakers after they fell 113-102 to the Kings in mid November. 

The Kings come in off a 107-100 loss in San Antonio just last night and all signs do indeed point to a predictable letdown here.

So far Sacramento averages just 97.6 PPG, while conceding 106.2. De’Aaron Fox averages 9.9 points, 2.8 boards and 3.8 assists per game. 

LA averages 107 PPG and concedes 111.8. Brook Lopez leads the nightly charge with 12.5 points, plus 4.2 boards per game. Ball averages 10.2 points, 6.9 boards and seven assists per game.

I’ll point out as well that Sacramento is 0-4 ATS in its last four against teams with a losing straight up record and just 1-5 ATS in its last six against the Western Conference, while LA is 3-1 ATS in its last four after scoring 130 points or more in its previous contest.

Sacramento is dealing with injury issues and is playing the second game of a back to back. After an extended stretch of futility, the last thing the Lakers can do is to “look past” this golden opportunity. Expect a similar game-plan for LA as what it featured in its win over the Hawks as its gets out and pushes the pace with its trademark run and gun style. Lay the points, play on the Lakers.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* GAME OF THE WEEK is on St. John’s (6:30 EST).

The 11-4 Georgetown Hoyas are in St. John’s to take on the 10-6 Red Storm and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the Red Storm.

Georgetown enters off a 90-66 home loss to Creighton, while St. John’s fell 91-74 to DePaul in its latest action. 

If recent history is any precedence though, then the Red Storm have to be loving their chances tonight, as note that St. John’s has take two of the last three in the series, including a 74-73 win in the Big East Tournament. 

The Hoyas average 80.6 PPG and concede 69.9. Center Jessie Govan leads the nightly charge with 18.1 PPG. 

The Red Storm average 73.6 PPG and concede 68.2. Bashir Ahmed was a bright spot in the latest loss and he’s now scored 21 points in back-to-back games. 

I’ll point out that Georgetown is just 1-2 ATS in its last three as an underdog, while St. John’s is already 2-1 ATS this year off a loss against a conference rival. 

St. John’s is the more desperate side as it comes in having lost four straight. I’m expecting a decisive victory. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Las Vegas Insider is on Penn State (6:30 EST).

The 12-5 Penn State Nittany Lions are in Indiana to take on the 9-7 Hoosiers and in my opinion, all signs point to this one favoring the visitors.

Penn State enters off a big 78-63 home win over Northwestern on Friday, while Indiana beat Minnesota 75-71 in its latest action. 

Note that this is a big time revenge scenario for the Nittany Lions after the Hoosiers secured both match ups last year.

Penn State averages 77.8 PPG and it concedes 64.8. Tony Carr leads the team with 18.3 PPG.

Indiana averages 74.7 PPG and it concedes 72.3. Clearly the margin for error is pretty thin for the Hoosiers, who I think have a predictable letdown here after their big upset win over the Gophers on the road. Guard Robert Johnson came up huge with 28 points and seven boards in that one. 

However I’ll point out that Penn State is 2-1 ATS in its last three after holding its previous opponent  to 64 points or less, while Indiana is just 1-4 ATS in its last five following a straight-up victory.

The Hoosiers ranks 321st in the country in three-point defense, while the Nittany Lions have been sharp from range this year, shooting just under 38 percent. Penn State has five players averaging in double figures and I simply can’t see the home side matching pace down the stretch.

Play on the Nittany Lions.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* SHOOTOUT OF THE MONTH is on the OVER between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Minnesota Timberwolves (8:05 EST).

Cleveland comes in off a 131-127 road win over Orlando on Saturday, while Minnesota snapped a two-game slide with a 116-98 victory at home over New Orleans on Saturday. 

Clearly the Wolves will be looking to build off that win and get a little redemption here, as Cleveland has won six straight in the series, including both games last year. 

The Cavs come in averaging 110.5 PPG, while allowing 107.7. LeBron James leads the way with 27.6 points, 8.2 boards and 9.1 assists per game, while Kevin Love adds 19.8 points plus 9.8 boards per contest. Note that Cleveland is second in the NBA in made threes with 12.5 per night.

The Wolves average 108 PPG and concede 105.2. Karl-Anthony Towns averages 20.2 points plus 11.9 boards per game, while Andrew Wiggins adds 17.6 points plus four rebounds. 

I’ll point out that Cleveland has seen the total go over the number in six of seven already this season after allowing 115 points or more, while Minnesota has seen the total eclipse the posted number in six of ten when playing the role of underdog.

I expect these non-conference opponents to push the pace from start to finish and for this one to fly over as it comes down the stretch.

Good luck…Larry

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

The Thunder won their second straight with a 127-117 victory over the Clippers on Thursday. The Suns enter having lost two straight, most recently a 103-89 setback in San Antonio on Friday. 

Note that these teams have yet to play this year, but they’d split four match ups last season with the home side winning each time.

The Thunder average 104.9 PPG and concede 100.8. Russell Westbrook leads the nightly charge with 24.8 points, 9.6 boards, ten assists and 2.03 steals per game, while Paul George adds 20.6 points, 5.5 boards and 2.44 steals per game. 

The Suns average 105.5 PPG and concede 112.4. Devin Booker leads the way with 24.8 points, plus 4.3 assists per game. 

I’ll point out though that OKC is just 1-2 ATS this year off an upset win as an underdog and only 6-9 ATS against teams with losing records, while Phoenix is already 8-6 ATS this year following a loss by ten points or more.

With a home game against Portland on Tuesday, it’s not too hard to imagine the surging visitors in some small way looking past their lowly opponent tonight. Play on the Suns.

Good luck…Larry

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

The 9-8 Iowa Hawkeyes are at Maryland to take on the 13-4 Terrapins and while I’m not going to be so bold as to predict an outright upset, I do believe that the pieces are in place for a much more competitive affair than what the oddsmakers are leading us to believe.

Iowa is going to be desperate here as it’s 0-4 so far in league play, with losses to Penn State (77-73), Michigan (75-68), to Indiana (77-64) and to Ohio State (92-81)

Maryland is so far 2-1 in conference action, most recently getting crushed by 30 to No. 1 Michigan State on the road Thursday.

Iowa comes in averaging 81.2 PPG, while conceding 74.1. Tyler Cook leads the nightly charge with 15.2 points and 6.6 boards per game.

Maryland averages 76.9 PPG and it concedes 65. Anthony Cowan averages 16.2 points and 4.5 assists per game. 

I’ll point out that Iowa is 4-3 ATS this year after scoring 80 points or more in its previous contest, while Maryland is already just 4-5 ATS this season against good offensive teams which score 77-plus points per contest.

As mentioned off the top, I think Iowa coms to play today and keeps it competitive down the stretch. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

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

Arizona State comes in off back-to-back losses and I think it looks primed for a letdown here as well. Most recently the Sun Devils fell to Arizona and Colorado respectively. 

The Utes will look to take advantage and to bounce back from a loss of their own. After winning three of four, Utah enters off a 12 point loss to Arizona.

Arizona State has five players which average in double figures, led by Tra Holder with 22 points per game. The Sun Devils average 90 PPG, but they face a stiff test tonight.

Utah also has five players averaging double figures. The Utes average 76.1 PPG and have been tough on the defensive end of the floor. Especially at home. Keep your eyes on David Collette, who averages 13.6 PPG. 

I’ll point out as well that Arizona State is just 1-3 ATS in its last four after losing at OT game in its previous contest in which it gave up 90 points or more (lost to Colorado in OT 90-81 last time out), while Utah is 2-1 ATS in its last three after allowing 90 points or more (lost 94-82 to the Wildcats.)

I think Utah has the fire-power to match pace and I believe the home side has a clear advantage on the defensive side as well. Play on the Utes.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Weekend Wipeout Winner is on Towson (2:00 EST).

The 11-4 Charleston Cougars get ready to battle the 11-5 Towson Tigers on Sunday afternoon and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the Tigers.

This is a revenge game for Towson after it fell 73-62 at Charleston just last week. In that game, Cougars’ junior Jarrell Brantley led the way with 24 points. 

Charleston though comes to town off a shocking 87-82 loss in OT to Drexel and I think it’s primed for another letdown here against this revenge minded Towson side. 

In their last game the Cougars shot just 41.7 percent against the Dragons and only 6 of 19 from range. Charleston would also go on to allow Drexel to shoot 56.9 percent from the floor.

Note that the Tigers broke a four-game slide by bouncing back from the loss to Charleston with a convincing 89-71 home win over UNCW on Friday. 

Towson forced 17 turnovers against the Seahawks, while also also winning the rebound battle by eight. The Tigers would also go on to shoot 12 of 22 from range and 54 percent overall, led by Mike Morsell with 24 points. 

I’ll point out as well that Charleston is just 1-2 ATS this year after scoring 80 points or more in its previous contest, while Towson is 2-1 ATS after scoring 80 points or more this season and 11-3 ATS in its last 14 trying to revenge a road loss against an opponent.

For all the reasons listed above, play on Towson.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PEFECT STORM is on the Sacramento Kings (10:05 EST).

The 20-17 Denver Nuggets are in Sacramento to take on the 12-25 Kings and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. 

No need to overthink this one in my opinion. Denver comes to town off a very satisfying 99-91 win at home over Utah just last night and faces a now desperate Sacramento side which comes in having lost three straight and which also plays with revenge after falling to Denver 114-98 in late November.

The Kings have had three whole nights off to rest and prepare for this one as well. 

Additionally I’ll point out that Sacramento is 8-2 ATS in its last ten when playing with three or more days rest and already 8-7 ATS this season against good offensive teams which score 106 plus points per contest, while Denver is only 8-10 ATS this year against teams with losing records and just 1-2 ATS against good offensive teams which score 98 plus points per contest.

It’s a perfect storm of situational factors working in favor of the lowly home side today and while I obviously wouldn’t be completely shocked by an outright upset, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can. Play on the Kings.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* ACC GAME OF THE MONTH is on NC State (8:00 EST).

I think that NC State is the “hungrier” and more focused team. NC State enters having dropped two straight on the road in ACC play.

Duke most recently smashed Evansville by 64 points and then held on for dear life in a 100-93 victory over Florida State on December 30th. Marvin Bagley III had 32 points and 21 boards. 

NC State is out to atone for back to back poor performances, getting blown out at Clemson and then again 88-58 at Notre Dame in their most recent setback. Senior guard Allerik Freeman was a bright spot with 13 points in that one. 

I’ll point out though that the Wolfpack have in fact performed extremely well in this spot over the years, going 6-2 ATS in their last eight after scoring 60 points or less in their previous contest.

Conversely, note that Duke is just 1-3 ATS in its last four after allowing 92 points or more in its previous outing.

NC State lost to Duke 84-82 last season and I believe that the conditions are once again correct for a very competitive affair. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 9* O/U Oddsmaker’s Error is on the over Cavaliers/Magics (7:05 EST).

Cleveland comes to town angry after its listless 102-88 setback at Boston on Wednesday. Here’s the perfect opponent to get untracked against as Orlando was most recently crushed 116-98 at home to the Rockets. Note that the Cavs actually play with revenge here tonight as well after they fell 114-93 at home to the Magic at the beginning of the season.

Cleveland averages 109.9 PPG and it concedes 107.2. LeBron James leads the way with 27.5 points, 8.1 boards and 9.1 assists per game, while Kevin Love adds 19.6 points plus ten boards per contest.

The Magic average 104.5 PPG and concede 110.2. Nikola Vucevic averages 17.4 points, plus 9.3 boards per game. Vucevic is out, but I still believe that the hungry home side will keep this one competitive.

Additionally I’ll point out that Cleveland has seen the total go over the number in 11 of 16 already this year in trying to revenge a loss against an opponent and in six of nine when playing with two days rest, while Orlando has seen the total go over the number in eight of 14 already this season after three or more consecutive SU losses and in five of seven when the total in the contest is greater than or equal to 220 points.

I expect a wide open affair and for this total to eclipse the posted number as the game comes down the stretch. Play the over.

Good luck…Larry

My 9* Situational Stunner is on Pennsylvania (7:00 EST).

The Princeton Tigers have won five of their last six, including over Akron and Hawaii most recently. Suffice it to say, I’m expecting a letdown here.

Penn on the other hand had won four in a row, before then falling to Toledo last week.

Princeton opened the year by going 2-6, but it’s since gone 5-1. The Tigers have been effective shooting the ball during the turnaround, hitting 48.5 percent overall, including 41 percent from range. 

The Quakers though have the firepower to match their opponent today. Note that six different players have led Pennsylvania in single-game scoring this year. The Quakers have now scored at least 90 points four times this season, but they’ll be out to atone for a rather lacklustre 85-72 loss at home to Toledo last time out.

I’ll point out as well that Princeton has already struggled mightily in this spot for bettors this season, going just 2-4 ATS when playing the role of underdog, while Pennsylvania has done well in this position over the years by going a perfect 3-0 ATS as home favorite of three points or less or pick. 

To say this is a “revenge” game would be a bit of an understatement I think, as Princeton has won eight straight in the series. 

The tables have turned now though in my opinion and I look for the “hungrier” revenge-minded team to find a way to get the job done at the end of the night.

Play on Pennsylvania.

Good luck…Larry

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

The 12-3 Arizona Wildcats are at the 9-6 Colorado Buffaloes on Saturday afternoon and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

Arizona comes in of a 93-84 road win over Utah in its latest action, while Colorado comes in off an upset 88-84 victory over Arizona State.

Note that this is a double revenge game for the Buffs after they lost both meetings last year.

Arizona averages 84.2 PPG and concedes 72.2. Deandre Ayton had 24 points and 14 boards in his team’s latest victory. 

Colorado averages 75.4 PPG and concedes 74.2. The Buffaloes though looked pretty good in their 90-81 OT win over fourth-ranked Arizona State on Thursday to move to 2-1 in conference action. The Buffs looked particularly impressive on the defensive end, limiting Arizona State to just 36 percent from the floor. McKinley Wright IV finished with 19 points and five assists.

I’ll point out as well that Arizona is just 1-5-1 ATS in its last seven following an ATS win and just 2-7-1 ATS in its last ten against teams with a winning straight up record, while Colorado is 4-1 ATS in its last five as a home underdog.

Arizona has allowed 78 and 82 points respectively over its last two games, so I think Colorado has much more than just a “punchers chance” at an outright upset today as well. That said, grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

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

The 11-3 Louisville Cardinals are at Clemson to take on the 13-1 Tigers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors.

Louisville comes in having won seven of its last eight, including a 77-51 victory over Pittsburgh at home on Tuesday. Clemson enters having won nine straight, including a 74-70 victory over Boston College on Wednesday. 

The Cardinals got 19 points from Quentin Snider on Tuesday and out rebounded the Panthers by 15, while also forcing 15 turnovers. Louisville enters averaging 77.4 PPG, while conceding 65.4. 

Clemson averages 78.1 PPG and concedes 63.1. Marcquise Reed leads the team with 15.3 points, 3.1 assists and 4.9 boards per game. 

I’ll point out though that Louisville is 3-1 ATS in its last four after holding its previous opponent to 52 points or less, while Clemson is just 1-3 ATS in its last four after allowing 70 points or more.

David Padgett has done a nice job to keep his team competitive in the wake of the Rick Pitino scandal and while I’m not calling for an outright upset, I do think that the visitors have all the pieces in place to at the very least, take this one right down to the wire.

Grab the points, play on Louisville.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Oddsmaker’s Error is on the Milwaukee Bucks (8:05 EST).

Toronto enters off a 124-115 road win in Chicago on Wednesday, while Milwaukee won for the third time in four games in a 122-101 victory over Indiana on Wednesday. 

To say this is a “revenge” game would be a bit of an understatement, as Toronto has won eight of the last nine, including a 131-127 OT victory at home in the most recent matchup just this past Monday.

Toronto averages 111.6 PPG and concedes 103.8. DeMar DeRozan averages 25.2 points, plus five assists per game, while Kyle Lowry adds 16.2 points, plus 6.1 boards per contest.

Milwaukee averages 105.9 PPG and concedes 105.8. Giannis Antetokounmpo leads the way with 29.1 points, 10.4 boards, 4.7 assists, 1.32 blocks and 1.65 steals per game. Eric Bledsoe is so far averaging 17.9 points, plus 4.3 assists per game. 

I’ll point out though that Toronto is still just 6-8 ATS this year against teams with winning records, while Milwaukee is 9-6 ATS against clubs with winning records this season and 6-4 ATS against good offensive teams which average 106-plus points per contest. 

The Raptors have been playing exceptionally, but I think they run out of gas here vs. this revenge minded Bucks team. Grab the points, play on Milwaukee.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* NON-CONFERENCE GAME OF THE MONTH is on the Minnesota Timberwolves (7:05 EST).

Minnesota comes into this one focused after its 98-97 road loss in Brooklyn on Wednesday, while Boston looks primed for a letdown here against this non-conference opponent and after winning four straight, including a decisive 102-88 victory at home over Cleveland in its most recent action.

The Wolves enter averaging 108.4 PPG, while conceding 105.7. Karl-Anthony Towns averages 20.1 points, plus 11.5 boards per game, while Andrew Wiggins adds 17.7 points, plus four boards per contest.

The Celtics average 103.4 PPG and concede just 98.2. Kyrie Irving leads the team with 24.4 points, 4.9 assists and 1.23 steals per game.

Note though that Minnesota is 2-1 ATS in its last three off an upset loss as a favorite, while Boston is just 8-13 ATS in its last 21 after playing three consecutive home games. 

With a “winnable” game at Brooklyn tomorrow night, this also sets up as a bit of a “look ahead” spot for the home side as well.

While I obviously wouldn’t be completely shocked by an outright upset, I’m going to grab the points as I envision this one coming right down to the wire. Play on Minnesota.

Good luck…Larry

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

While I’m not calling for the outright upset, I do think that the 4-11 James Madison Dukes will keep this one competitive enough to comfortably sneak in through the back door with the healthy spread that they’ve been afforded in this one.

The Dukes have lost three straight and five of their last six. Hofstra is 8-6, but I think it’s poised for a letdown here after edging Northeastern 71-70 on Tuesday. 

JMU averages 74.9 PPG and concedes 77.1. One bright spot in their 84-76 setback to William & Mary in their latest action is that the Dukes would go on to force 18 turnovers. Stuckey Mosley leads the nightly charge with 19.3 PPG so far this year.

Hofstra averages 77.9 PPG and concedes 77.8. Justin Wright-Foreman had 27 points in the victory over Northeastern and he leads the Pride with 24.4 PPG. 

I’ll point out though that JMU has performed extremely well in this spot already for bettors this year, going 3-1 ATS on the road and 21-16 ATS in its last 37 following a conference game, while Hofstra is just 1-2 ATS against teams with losing records and only 1-5 ATS in its last six as a home favorite of 6.5 to nine points.

I think the “hungrier” team finds a way to get the job done at the end of the night. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is in Arizona (9:00 EST).

Arizona comes in on top form as it’s now won eight straight, most recently downing Arizona State 84-78 in its first conference test of the year earlier in the week. Alonzo Trier and Deandre Ayton each had 23 points in that one. 

The Wildcats come in averaging 118.4 PPG per 100 possessions, while limiting their opponents to 97.3 points per 100 possessions. Arizona’s big improvement of late though is definitely on the defensive side of the ball, as it is blocking 11.9 percent of its opponents field goal attempts. 

Utah looks poised for a letdown here in my opinion after opening Pac 12 play with an undefeated 2-0 record, beating Oregon 66-56, before then holding on for a tight 66-64 win at Oregon State.

Five players average double figures for the Utes, led by 13.2 points from David Collette. 

I’ll point out though that the Wildcats are 5-2 ATS in their last seven in Utah, while the Utes are just 1-3 ATS in their last four after two or more consecutive SU victories.

Arizona has two 7-footers in its line-up (Trier and Ayton), which Utah is going to have difficulty matching up against. I think the visitors keep the momentum rolling. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Oddsmakers Error is on Hawaii (10:00 EST).

Hawaii will be eager to show what it can do on the road, as it’s already played 12 of its first 13 games at home this year. The Warriors lost their only road game this year, by 20 in Utah, so there’s no question that they’ll be out for a much better effort this time around.

Hawaii though comes to town off a solid 84-59 win over Howard last week. Jack Purchase came off the bench to post 22 points. The Warriors are a relentless team, which loves to attack. In fact, Hawaii’s collects 23.6 percent of its overall points from the charity stripe, which ranks it 14th in that category. 

LBSU is led by Gabe Levin with 15 PPG, while Bryan Alberts is the only other member to score in double figures with 14. 

The 49ers have struggled defensively, as opponents have shot 56.3 percent from the floor, which ranks the team 319th in the country. LBSU has been particularly inept in guarding the perimeter, as opponents have hit a massive 57.0 percent from range, which ranks the team 332nd in the NCAA in that category. 

Additionally I’ll point out that Hawaii is 11-3 ATS in its last 14 after allowing 60 points or less in its previous contest and already 3-1 ATS this year against teams with losing records, while LBSU is just 3-8 ATS in its last 11 after allowing 60 points or less and just 1-6 ATS this year against teams with winning records. 

LBSU has faced a stiff opening schedule, but the 49ers weakness on defense plays right into the Warriors strength on offense. 

I’m banking on Hawaii’s success from three-point range to be just too much for Long Beach State to handle down the stretch. Play on the Warriors.

Good luck…Larry

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

SMU looks poised for a letdown here in my opinion after winning its fifth straight in a 79-39 victory over South Florida at home on Sunday.

Tulane though will be eager to return to the winners circle after its three game win streak was snapped in a 65-56 home loss to Tulsa last Sunday.

To say this is a “revenge” game for the Green Wave would be a bit of an understatement in my opinion, as SMU has won five straight in the series, including an 80-75 victory in the most recent matchup back on February 15th. 

SMU averages 75.5 PPG and concedes 58.9. Shake Milton had 14 points in his teams blowout win over South Florida. 

Tulane averages 76.4 PPG and concedes 70.8. Cameron Reynolds had 15 points in his team’s latest loss. Melvin Fraser leads the team overall with 17 points, plus 5.9 boards and 3.3 assists per game.

I’ll point out though that SMU is just 3-4 ATS this year against teams with winning records and just 1-3 ATS after allowing 60 points or less, while Tulane is 2-1 ATS in its last three against good defensive teams which allow 64 points or less per game.

Tulane is 7-1 at home this year and it certainly won’t be intimidated. SMU has a fight on its hands tonight and while I won’t be so bold as to predict the outright upset, all signs point to this one being a lot closer than what the oddsmakers are leading us to believe. Grab the points, play on Tulane.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Weekly Wipeout Winner is on Houston (7:00 EST).

The 12-2 Houston Cougars are at the 11-2 Wichita State Shockers on Thursday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the Cougars.

Houston enters off a 76-73 win over Temple, while Wichita State comes in off a 72-62 road win over UConn. 

Houston has won four straight. The Cougars average 80.6 PPG and concede 66.6. The Cougars out rebounded the Owls 42-27 and Breaon Brady led the way with a season-high 21 points. Rob Gray leads the team overall with 19 PPG average.

Wichita State averages 84.7 points and concedes 70.2. The Shockers have won three straight, most recently getting 16 points from Landry Shamet in the victory over Connecticut. 

I’ll point out though that Houston is 4-1 ATS in its last five on the road, while Wichita State is just 1-4 ATS in its last five following a SU victory.

The Cougars are limiting their opponents to just 39.7 percent shooting this year and are also a strong rebounding team. Outright, straight-up victory? Possibly of course. But in the end, I’ll recommend grabbing the points as I expect this one to be competitive until the final moments.

Good luck…Larry

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

The 11-4 Ohio State Buckeyes are in Iowa to take on the 9-7 Hawkeyes and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

As mentioned in my promo, this play narrowly missed out on being a top rated 10* selection. All of the pieces are in place for a comfortable victory for the home side though in my opinion. 

Ohio State bounced back from a loss to UNC to beat Miami Ohio last Saturday, while Iowa had its five game win streak snapped in a loss to Michigan on Tuesday.

Ohio State got 19 points, nine boards and five blocks from Keita Bates-Dion in the win over the Redhawks. 

Iowa is going to be the more desperate team here in my opinion, as its still winless in Big Ten play after its 75-68 setback to Michigan at home on Tuesday (the Hawkeyes have also lost to Penn State, 77-73 and Indiana, 77-64.) Tyler Cook had 28 points and eight boards in his team’s latest loss: “Learn from it and flush this one is the most important thing,” Cook assessed following the setback against Michigan. “As a unit we need to make sure we’re picking each other up and to a man we need to do better.”

I’ll point out as well that Ohio State is just 2-5 ATS in its last seven against teams with winning records and only 12-30-1 ATS in its last 43 road games overall, while Iowa is 4-1-1 ATS in its last six home games and 3-1-2 ATS in its last six against teams with winning records. 

Ohio State hasn’t beaten Iowa on the road since 2014. I believe the “hungrier” team finds a way to get the job done at the end of the night.

Play on Iowa.

Good luck…Larry

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

The 10-4 NC State Wolfpack are in Notre Dame to take on the 11-3 Irish and while I’m not going to predict an outright upset, I do believe that the conditions are right for a much more competitive affair than what the oddsmakers are leading us to believe.

Notre Dame comes in a tiny bit complacent after three straight wins, while NC State enters focused after its two game win streak was snapped in a loss at Clemson last Saturday. 

The Wolfpack couldn’t get anything going in the 78-62 loss to the Tigers. Regardless of the sub-par effort though, NC State sill averages 84.3 PPG, while conceding just 70.6. Allerik Freeman leads the nightly charge 15.4 PPG.

The Irish come in off a 68-59 victory over Georgia Tech. Before its three-game win skein though, Notre Dame had dropped three of five.

The Irish now have to deal with a significant injury that occurred a couple of days ago in practice, as senior forward Bonzie Colson, who led the team in scoring (21.4) and rebounds (10.4) is now out for at least eight weeks with a fracture in his foot.  

And for me, that’s going to be the difference maker here. Notre Dame is going to be forced to go through a transition period as it tries to figure out how to fill the void.

For all the reasons listed above, play on NC State.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* EASTERN-CONFERENCE TOTAL OF THE MONTH is on the under Raptors/Bulls (8:05 EST).

The 25-10 Toronto Raptors are in Chicago to take on the 13-24 Bulls and for a number of different reasons, I think this one has defensive battle written all over it.

The Raptors come in off back to back wins over the Hawks and Bucks, while the Bulls enter having dropped two straight to the Wizards and Blazers.

Toronto looks poised for a letdown here though after its epic 131-127 OT win over Milwaukee last time out, as DeMar DeRozan would explode for 52 points.

There’s no doubt that the effort took a lot out of DeRozan, who I think will be caught “looking ahead” to Friday night and the rematch in Milwaukee. 

Chicago will look to take advantage and to try to avoid a three-game losing streak. But the Bulls also come in off an exhausting affair, falling 124-120 in OT to the Blazers on Monday.

I’ll point out that the Raptors have seen the total go under the number in four of six already this year after allowing 115 points or more, while the Bulls have seen the total dip below the posted number in six of nine in the same position.

For all the reasons listed above, play the under.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the New York Knicks (7:35 EST).

The Spurs’ three-game win streak was snapped in a listless 93-79 setback in Detroit on Saturday night and suffice it to say, I believe this one sets up as a letdown spot as well.

The Knicks will look to take advantage and build off a solid 105-103 road win over New Orleans, a victory which broke a four-game slide. 

Note that this is a revenge game for New York as well after it fell 119-107 in the first matchup this year back on December 28th. 

San Antonio averages 101.2 PPG and concedes just 98.1 (ranked first.) Kawhi Leonard returned in December, but he’s so far struggled, averaging 13.5 points and 3.5 boards per game. LaMarcus Aldridge has carried the Spurs on his back for the most part this year with 22 points per night average.

New York averages 103.6 PPG and concedes 103.7. Kristaps Porzingis averages 24.5 points, 6.7 boards and 2.23 blocks a night, while Enes Kanter chips in 13.5 points, plus 10.3 boards per game. 

I’ll point out that San Antonio is just 3-5 ATS this year though when playing with two days rest and only 2-3 ATS this season off an upset loss as a favorite, while New York is 4-3 ATS when playing on two days rest and 5-4 ATS off an upset win as an underdog.

Outright, straight-up upset? Obviously with a spread like this, that’s not out of the question. However, in a contest which I envision being decided late, I’ll recommend grabbing as many points as you can in the end.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Weekly Wipeout Winner is on Towson (7:00 EST).

The 10-4 Towson Tigers get ready to battle the 9-5 Elon Phoenix on Tuesday and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors.

Towson will be desperate here. The Tigers opened the season with ten straight victories, but they come in having lost three straight. 

Elon on the other hand comes in complacent, it’s won three of four, including two straight, most recently a 90-75 win over Drexel on Saturday.

Towson averages 72 PPG and concedes 67.5. Zane Martin leads the team with an average of 18.1 PPG, while Mike Morsell chips in 12.5 per contest.

The Phoenix average 74.5 PPG and concede 72.7. Dainan Swoope leads the nightly charge with an average of 15.1 PPG. 

I’ll point out though that this is a spot in which the Tigers have excelled in for bettors, going 8-6 ATS in their last 14 off a loss against a conference rival, while Elon is 0-5 ATS in its last five as a home dog of three points or less or pick.

I like Towson to get back on track after an extended Christmas Break. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Weekly Wipeout Winner is on the Orlando Magic (7:30 EST).

The Magic will be hungry here, they come in off a 117-111 loss at home to the Heat on Saturday, their tenth loss in their last 11 games. 

But here’s the perfect opponent to get untracked against as the Nets come in off a deflating 108-105 loss in Boston just last night.

Orlando averages 104.8 PPG and concedes 110.2. Nikola Vucevic leads the team with 17.4 points, plus 9.3 boards per game. Vucevic though is out with inury.

Brooklyn averages 107.5 PPG and concedes 110 per contest. D’Angelo Russell leads the team with 20.9 points and 5.7 assists per game. But Russell remains out with injury as well.

Yesterday was the finale of a five-game trip for the Nets and there’s no question that this now sets up as a classic “letdown/trap” for the home side.

Additionally note that Orlando is 2-1 ATS in its last three after allowing 115 points or more in its previous contest, while Brooklyn just 6-8 ATS this season against clubs with losing records.

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 the Magic.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on Washington State (9:00 EST).

Washington State comes in off a hard-fought 96-82 road loss to UCLA on Thursday, while USC had its three game win streak snapped in an 88-81 home loss to Washington. 

Note that this is a big time revenge game for the Cougars, who have lost four straight in the series, including an 87-64 setback last year.

Washington State averages 77 PPG and concedes 74.6. After starting the year 7-1, the Cougars have now dropped four of their last six. Robert Franks led the charge in the conference opening setback with 20 points and eight boards. 

The Trojans average 81.5 PPG and concede 74.1. In USC’s latest loss, Chimeize Metu posted 26 points. Metu leads the nightly charge with an average of 18.6 points, plus 8.1 boards per game.

I’ll point out though that WSU has performed extremely well in this spot for bettors all year, going 5-1 ATS against good offensive schools which average 77-plus points per contest and 4-2 ATS as an underdog, while USC is just 3-5 ATS at home and only 15-17 ATS in its last 32 against good offensive teams which score 77-plus points per game. 

I’m not predicting an outright victory, but all signs point to a much closer affair than what the oddsmakers are trying to lead us to believe. 

Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

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

LA won’t be lacking for motivation tonight as it’s lost five straight, including getting thrashed in the last three.

Here’s the perfect opponent to get untracked against, as Houston comes in floundering, having lost five straight. 

The Lakers have lost eight of their last nine, but their one victory was a 122-116 win over Houston on the road. LA most recently dropped a 121-106 decision to the Clippers. One bright spot was the fact that the Lakers posted 70 points in the paint.

Will the Rockets get caught “looking past” the lowly Lakers tonight? I think it’s very possible, with a couple days off before another road game, this time in Orlando. Houston most recently comes in off a 121-103 loss to Washington, shooting just 42.7 percent, including only 14 of 48 from range. James Harden was a bright spot in that one with 20 points, but no rebounds to go along with four assists and five turnovers. Note that big man Clint Cappella has missed the last two games and he’s questionable for this one as well.

Additionally I’ll point out that the Lakers are 10-5 ATS this year against teams with winning records and 7-5 ATS after allowing 115 points or more, while Houston is 1-2 ATS this season after a loss by ten points or more and 0-4 ATS as a home fav in the 12.5 to 18 points range. 

Clearly Houston is the better team. But the desperate Lakers are in a good position to keep this one competitive and that’s exactly what I expect to see happen. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 9* Las Vegas Insider is on UNLV (11:00 EST).

Both teams enters at 11-2 on the season. Boise State allows just 65 PPG, while UNLV averages 91.2 PPG.

Boise State enters off a 93-71 win over Colorado State. Chandler Hutchinson led the way with 24 points, as the Broncos would go 12 of 28 from range. 

The Rebels though have four players that average over 12.8 PPG, led by Brandon McCoy with 18.9 points, plus 10.9 boards. 

Additionally I’ll point out that Boise State has struggled in this spot for bettors for a while now, going just 5-12 ATS in its last 17 following a SU win, while UNLV is 5-2 ATS in its last seven after scoring 90 points or more in its previous contest and 9-3 ATS in its last 12 at home.

The Runnin’ Rebels of UNLV won’t be lacking for motivation tonight as they kick off their conference schedule in front of the home town crowd. 

Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on Loyola Marymount (10:00 EST).

Loyola Marymount comes in off a humbling 87-59 loss to St. Mary’s. LMU is a bad team, but fortunately for the Lions they’re facing another terrible school. One bright spot in Loyola Marymount’s latest setback was the play of Eli Scott, who came off the bench to finish with 13 points, five assists, two boards and a steal. 

Pacific has lost five straight, most recently an 81-48 setback to Gonzaga. The Tigers were just 19 of 57 from the floor, also missing nine of 12 from range. 

Pacific looked completely inept, as not a single player would go on to finish with double digits. 

I’ll point out as well that LMU is 5-2 ATS in its last seven road games against a team with a losing home record and 10-4-2 ATS in its last 16 following an ATS loss, while Pacific is interestingly just 7-17 ATS in its last 24 home games against a team with a road winning percentage of less than .400. 

Loyola Marymount has more talent and while I wouldn’t be completely shocked by the outright upset of course, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* UNDERDOG SUPER-SHOCKER is on the Philadelphia 76ers (9:05 EST).

Philadelphia will be desperate here as it comes in having lost six of its last seven. Here’s a great opponent to get untracked against, as I believe Denver has another letdown after its three game win streak was snapped in a tough OT loss to Minnesota in its latest action.

Joel Embiid had 29 points in his team’s 114-110 loss at Portland. The 76ers had an 18 point lead mid-way through the third quarter, but they then completely fell apart in the fourth. Embiid won’t be playing in tonight, but I still believe this one favors the hungry visiting side.

The Nuggets looked decent during their three-game win streak, but they came unravelled in their latest action. Denver has four different players that score in double digits, but I’ll point out that the Nuggets are just 3-5 ATS this year after scoring 115 points or more and only 5-8 ATS in non-conference games.

The 76ers on the other hand are 10-8 ATS in non-conference contests this season and 3-1 ATS after playing three consecutive road games.

With a four day layoff after tonight’s game, I think the home side gets caught “looking ahead.” 

Philadelphia though can take nothing for granted, with another game in Phoenix tomorrow 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 10* PERFECT STORM is on the LA Lakers (10:35 EST).

The 14-19 Clippers get ready to battle the 11-22 Lakers on Friday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the Lakers.

The Clippers enter off a satisfying 122-95 win over the Kings on Friday, while the Lakers come in off a 109-99 setback at hime to Memphis. Note that this is a double revenge scenario for the Lakers as well, with the Clippers taking both earlier meetings, 108-92 and 115-112. 

The Clippers have been playing better, learning how to win without Blake Griffin in the line-up, but he could very well return tonight. I think that’s going to throw a monkey-wrench into the overall timing/chemistry that the Clippers have found of late without Griffin in the line-up. DeAndre Jordan has picked up the slack in Griffin’s absence, so far leading the NBA with an average of 15.2 RPG. So far the Clippers average 105 PPG and concede 106.

The Lakers average 106.3 PPG and concede 109.8. Brandon Ingram led the way in the team’s latest setback with 23 points. 

I’ll point out though that the Clippers are just 1-3 ATS already this year after scoring 115 points or more in their previous contest, while the Lakers are 12-9 ATS this season trying to revenge a loss against an opponent.

I think the Lakers are the much “hungrier” overall team here and I look for them to at the very least, keep this one competitive until the final moments. Grab the points, play on the Lakers.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* LEGEND is on Utah (10:00 EST).

This is the opener of the Pac 12 schedule for each team and suffice it to say, I’m expecting a very competitive battle. Utah enters at 8-3, while Oregon is 10-3. 

Utah averages 77.5 PPG and concedes 67.9 Oregon averages 85.3 points and concedes 70.8. 

The Utes come in having alternated wins/losses over their last five, but do enter off a convincing 84-62 victory over Northwestern State on Wednesday. David Collette leads the team with 13.5 PPG, but five players in total average in double digits. 

The Ducks lost a bunch of the core players from last year’s Final Four team, but so far they’ve lived up to expectations. Payton Pritchard leads the team with 16.3 points, 4.6 assists and 1.3 steals per game. 

Collette is out for the Utes in this one, but as mentioned off the top, this is a Utah line-up which features a ton of depth. Also note that the Utes have in fact excelled in this spot for bettors by going 20-15 ATS in their last 35 after scoring 80 points or more in their previous contest.

Conversely, this has been a position in which the Ducks have struggled in, going just 3-4 ATS already this year after scoring 80 points or more and a poor 1-4 ATS against schools with winning records.

I’m not calling for an outright upset, but everything points to a nail-biting battle in my opinion. Grab the points, play on Utah.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on the Minnesota Timberwolves (8:00 EST).

The Wolves took care of business in a tight 128-125 win at home over the Nuggets last night and I look for the team to carry that momentum over here.

The Bucks have lost two straight, most recently a 115-106 setback at home to the surging Chicago Bulls. 

Now that Minnesota sits in first in the Northwest, the Wolves will be looking to protect their lead. So far Minnesota averages 108.4 PPG and concedes 106.3. Big man Karl-Anthony Towns averages 20.5 points and 11.6 boards per game, while Andrew Wiggins adds 17.5 points, plus four boards per contest. 

Milwaukee averages 105.2 PPG and concedes 105.8. Giannis Antetokounmpo averages 29.5 points, 10.4 boards, 4.6 assists, 1.4 blocks and 1.8 steals per game. Malcolm Bledsoe has chipped in 13.1 points per contest. 

I’ll point out though that Minnesota is 10-6 ATS on the road this year, while Milwaukee is just 6-8 ATS at home (also only 7-9 ATS as a favorite, while the Wolves are 5-3 ATS this season as the underdog.)

The Wolves have been playing/travelling a lot, but I think this young core comes in focused on the task at hand and finds a way to get the job done at the end of the night. Play on Minnesota.

Good luck…Larry

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

The 10-3 Bradley Braves get ready to battle the 6-7 Drake Bulldogs and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the Braves.

Bradley had won three in a row before falling to Ole Miss 82-59 in its most recent action. Darrell Brown was a bright spot with 16 points, three boards and five assists. 

The Bulldogs come in off a win, routing lowly Maryland E. Shore 81-57. Reed Timmer led the way with 21 points, five boards and six assists. 

The Braves have done well in this spot for bettors and I expect these strong trends to continue here, note that they’re already 3-0 ATS against teams with losing records this season, 6-1 ATS when playing the role of favorite and 3-1 ATS in its last four when playing with five or six days rest.

Conversely, this is a spot in which Drakes has struggled in, going just 2-4 ATS in its last six as a home dog of three points or less or pick and only 6-8 ATS in its last 14 after scoring 80 points or more in its previous contest.

For all the reasons listed above, play on Bradley.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* GAME OF THE WEEK is on the Atlanta Hawks (7:35 EST).

Washington looks primed for a letdown here in my opinion after winning its second straight, a 111-103 road win in Boston on Christmas Day. 

Atlanta on the other hand snapped a two game losing streak with a 112-107 win at home over the Mavericks. 

To say this is a “revenge” game for the Hawks would be an understatement, as Washington has won four straight in the series, including a 113-94 victory in the first meeting this year back in mid November. 

Washington averages 105.8 PPG and concedes 103.6. Guard John Wall averages 18.6 points and 8.8 assists per game. 

The Hawks average 103.8 PPG and concede 108.7. Dennis Schroder leads the nightly charge with 19.8 points, plus 6.7 assists per game. 

I’ll point out though that Washington has really struggled in this spot for bettors, going just 2-5 ATS off an upset win as an underdog and only 7-11 ATS against teams with losing records, while Atlanta is already 2-0 ATS this year after playing with three or more days rest and 6-4 ATS following a non-conference game.

I think the Wiz leave the back door open just enough for the hungry Hawks to sneak in through down the stretch. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

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

The 12-0 Villanova Wildcats get ready to battle the 7-5 DePaul Blue Demons on Wednesday night and while I’m not calling for an outright victory, I do definitely feel this is a few too many points to be giving up here.

Villanova enters off a 95-71 win over Hofstra in its latest action, while DePaul comes in off an 83-66 home victory over Miami Ohio. Note that this is a revenge game for the Blue Demons, who dropped both games to the Wildcats last year, falling 68-65 and 75-62. 

Villanova averages 86.5 PPG and concedes just 64.2. Guard Mikal Bridges averages 17.3 points plus 5.8 boards per game. 

DePaul has in fact won six of seven. The Blue Demons average 74.1 points and concede 67.8. Max Strus leads the team in scoring and he had 21 points in their most recent victory.

I’ll point out though that Villanova is 0-2 ATS in its last two as a road fav in the 15.5 to 18 points range, while DePaul is 2-0 ATS in its last two as a home dog of 15.5 points or more and already 5-2 ATS this season against teams with winning records. 

Clearly Villanova is the better team. That said, DePaul won’t simply be rolling over here. The Blue Demons were competitive in both losses last year and I expect another spirited affair this evening as well. As stated off the top, no upset here, but look for a much closer than expected battle and grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Dallas Mavericks (7:05 EST).

The Raptors look primed for a letdown here in my opinion after winning six straight, most recently sweeping a home and home set against the 76ers.

The Mavs enter having lost two straight, most recently a 112-107 setback on the road in Atlanta on Saturday. To say this is a “revenge” game would be a bit of an understatement as well, as Toronto has won four straight and seven of nine, including both match ups last year. 

Toronto averages 111.3 PPG and concedes just 102.4. DeMar DeRozan leads the nightly charge with 24.9 points and 4.9 assists per game, while big man Jonas Valanciunas averages 10.6 points and 7.7 boards per outing. 

Dallas averages 100 PPG and concedes 103.2. Harrison Barnes leads the team with 18.7 points and 6.8 boards per game, while Dennis Smith Jr. adds 13.8 points and 4.2 assists per game.

I’ll point out though that Toronto is still just 20-21 ATS in its last 41 after allowing 90 points of less in its previous outing, while Dallas is 12-8 ATS this year against teams with winning records.

With a game tomorrow night in OKC, I think the visitors get caught looking ahead 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 the Mavericks.

Good luck…Larry

The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the Minnesota Timberwolves (10:35 EST).

The Wolves come in with considerable momentum, having won three straight, most recently a 115-106 road victory over Phoenix on Saturday. 

The Lakers enter off back-to-back losses, most recently a listless 95-92 setback at home to Portland on Saturday. 

Minnesota averages 108 PPG and concedes 106.3. Karl-Anthony Towns averages 20.5 points, plus 11.7 boards per game. Jimmy Butler had 32 points in the Wolves most recent victory. 

LA averages 106.6 PPG and concedes 109.4. Big man Brook Lopez averages 12.8 points plus 4.3 boards per game. 

I’ll point out though that Minnesota is 5-1 ATS in its last six on the road, while LA is just 1-2 ATS in its last three after allowing 95 points or less in its previous contest.

These two teams are moving in opposite directions right now. The Wolves have won their first two games of this three game trip and now have a two game lead in the Northwest. 

I like Minnesota to finish up its road trip strong and to take advantage of the scuffling Lakers. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

The second 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the Oklahoma City Thunder (8:05 EST).

The 25-6 Houston Rockets are at Oklahoma City to take on the 18-15 Thunder and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

The Rockets come into this one on the heels of a two game slide, giving up 122 and 128 points to the Lakers and Clippers respectively. 

One has to wonder here how much gas Houston star James Harden left in him after back-to-back 51 point performances?

Houston’s defense looked terrible in the loss to the Clippers and that doesn’t bode well in facing this rejuvenated Thunder team in my opinion. 

OKC has won four straight and ten of its last 13 and quietly comes in as arguably the hottest team in the NBA right now. 

Do it all All Star Russell Westbrook had 27 points, ten boards and ten assists in the Thunder’s most recent win over the Jazz. Paul George also had a huge game in that one, finishing with 27 points, ten boards and ten assists. 

But perhaps most impressively was the Thunder’s defense, which limited Utah to just 89 points (note that it was the third time in OKC’s last four games that it’s held an opponent to under 100 points.) 

These two teams are suddenly moving in opposite directions and I expect those trends to continue on Christmas night. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

The first 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the Boston Celtics (5:35 EST).

The 18-15 Washington Wizards are in Boston on Christmas Day to take on the 27-9 Celtics and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

Washington has won four of its last six, but looks primed for a letdown here in my opinion after it’s lop-sided 130-103 win over Orlando on Saturday. Mike Scott led the way in that one with 17 points off the bench, while Bradley Beal added 17 points. 

The C’s have won three of their last five, most recently smashing Chicago 117-92 on Saturday. Team leader Kyrie Irving led the way with 25 points and seven assists in that one. 

I’ll point out though that the home teams is 13-3 ATS in its last 16 in this series, while Washington is 0-9 ATS in its last nine visits overall to Boston. 

Boston has been near impossible to beat at home, winning 14 of 18 so far and on Christmas Day on the national stage in prime time, I look for the Celtics to play a complete four quarters. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* NON-CONFERENCE GAME OF THE MONTH is on Southern Miss.

While I’m going to stop short in calling for an outright victory, I do think that the Golden Eagles come to play tonight after their humbling 98-45 loss to FSU last time out. 

Southern Miss is led by Cortez Griffin with 16.6 PPG. The Golden Eagles played poorly in the loss to the Seminoles, turning the ball over 20 times. 

Southern Mississippi’s weakness comes on the defensive side of the ball, but the Golden Eagles do catch a bit of a break in that department today going up against a Bulldogs team that gets the job done most nights with its smothering defensive play. 

Opponents are shooting just 42.7 percent from the floor against Mississippi State, which ranks 21st in the country. Quinndary Weatherspoon leads the way with 14.5 points, 4.5 assists and 1.6 steals per game. 

I’ll point out though that Southern Miss is 10-3 ATS in its last 13 after allowing 80 points or more and 15-8 ATS in its last 23 after scoring 60 points or less, while Mississippi State is just 2-4 ATS as a favorite this season and only 1-2 ATS after allowing 60 points or less (also just 2-5 ATS in non-conference games.)

As mentioned off the top, I’m not expecting the outright upset, but all signs point to a much closer affair than what the oddsmakers are leading us to believe. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* EAST-CONF GAME OF MONTH is on the Philadelphia 76ers (5:05 EST).

Toronto is a pretty good team. But I don’t think it’s a “great team.” It’s hard to beat a team three times in the same season. The 76ers play with double revenge here, having dropped both earlier meetings against the Raptors this year, including a 114-109 setback in Philadelphia on Thursday.

In that game the 76ers had a 20 points lead early in the third quarter. DeMar DeRozan though had different ideas for the visiting Raptors, as he helped his team claw back for the victory with a career high 45 points. 

Philadelphia averages 108.6 PPG and concedes 109.4. Rookie phenom Ben Simmons averages 17.3 points, nine boards, 7.8 assists and two steals per game. 

Toronto averages 111.6 PPG and concedes 103. DeRozan leads the nightly charge with 24.7 points, plus 5.7 assists per game.

As mentioned off the top though, it’s very difficult even for great teams to beat a poor team three times in one season. 

Clearly the 76ers can’t “look past” Toronto to their Christmas Day matchup with the Knicks as they come in having lost four straight and eight of their last ten.

Could the Raptors get caught looking ahead to their Christmas break? Very possible of course. Toronto has won nine of ten, including five straight and two straight on the road. With a game in Dallas on Boxing Day, I do believe that the Raptors will finally have a letdown here against this extremely desperate 76ers side.

Whether big man Joel Embiid plays or not for Philadelphia, I like the visitors to keep this one a lot closer than what the oddsmakers are leading us to believe.

Good luck…Larry

My 9* Situational Stunner is on Long Beach State (4:00 EST).

The 5-9 LBSU 49ers get ready to battle the 6-6 Colorado State Rams and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the 49ers. 

LBSU has dropped two straight to Eastern Michigan and Michigan State, while Colorado State has won two straight over Texas State and Arkansas-Fort Smith.

The 49ers average 75.5 PPG. Gabe Levin had 22 points and eight boards in the 85-80 loss to Eastern Michigan, and then 14 points and five boards in the 102-60 loss to the Spartans. 

The Rams returned three players with considerable starting experience from last years squad. Prentiss Nixon averages 18.1 PPG so far this year.

I’ll point out though that LBSU is 3-1 ATS in its last four as a road dog in the 6.5 to nine points range and already 3-1 ATS this year when playing with one or less days rest, while Colorado State is 1-2 ATS as a favorite this season and just 2-6 ATS in all non-conference games.

I think the 49ers are the much hungrier team here. Grab as many points as you can, play on LBSU.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* UNDERDOG OF THE MONTH is on Hofstra (8:30 EST).

The 7-4 Hofstra Pride get ready to battle the 11-0 Villanova Wildcats on Friday night and while I’m obviously not calling for the outright upset, I do expect the Pride to keep this one closer than what the oddsmakers are trying to lead us to believe.

Hofstra had won four in a row before a 63-61 setback to Manhattan on Wednesday. Justin Wright-Foreman was a standout once again in that one with 23 points. Wright-Foreman has now scored at least 22 points in six consecutive games. 

The Wildcats routed the Owls 87-67 in their latest action. Jalen Brunson scored a career-high 31 points in that one. 

The Pride though have performed well in this spot for bettors and I expect that to carry over here, as note that Hofstra is 3-1 ATS in its last four against teams with winning records, while Villanova is 0-2 ATS in its last two as a neutral court favorite between 18.5 to 24 points. 

I think Villanova gets caught “looking past” its lowly opponent to its Christmas break and I look for hungry Hofstra to comfortably sneak in through the back door down the stretch with the ample spread it’s been afforded. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* O/U Situational Stunner is on the over Hawks/Thunder (8:05 EST).

The Hawks come in motivated as they’ve lost five of their last six, most recently a 105-95 setback to Indiana at home on Wednesday. 

OKC on the other hand has shown some signs of life of late with two straight wins, most recently an impressive 107-79 stomping of Utah on Wednesday. 

The Hawks average 103.1 PPG and concede 108.4. Dennis Schroeder leads the nightly charge with 19.4 points plus 6.7 assists per game, while Marco Belinelli adds 11.5 points and 2.2 assists per contest.

The Thunder average 102.1 PPG and concede just 99.5. Russell Westbrook had 24 points, ten boards, seven assists and four steals in his teams most recent victory.

Most figured that OKC would run teams off the court with their big three, but so far it’s been its defense which has done the job most nights. However the Thunder have looked better offensively of late and I expect that trend to carry over here as they get ready for a rematch in Utah tomorrow night as well.

Additionally I’ll point out that Atlanta has seen the total go over the number in nine of 15 already this year against teams with winning records, while OKC has seen the total eclipse the posted number in not surprisingly, seven of 13 this season against poor defensive clubs which allow 106-plus points per game.

For all the reasons listed above, play the over.

Good luck…Larry

The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on California (11:00 EST).

The 9-3 Portland State Vikings get ready to battle the 6-6 Cal Golden Bears on Thursday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the Bears.

Portland State looks poised for a letdown here in my opinion after winning five of its last six, including a 116-71 rout of lowly Linfield College in its latest action. In that one Deonta North had 27 points and five steals. 

Cal is rolling with three straight victories, but it won’t be taking the foot off the gas tonight or “looking past” its opponent after a disastrous start to the 2017/18 campaign. The 81-59 win over Seattle in its latest action pushed the team just one game over the .500 mark. Darius McNeill led the way with 20 points in that one. 

I’ll point out though that Portland State is just 1-2 ATS in its last three after playing three consecutive road games, while Cal is 6-3 ATS in its last nine against poor defensive teams which allow 77-plus points per contest. 

The Vikings have been an ATS cashing machine this year, but the conditions and numbers point to a letdown here. Lay the points, play on Cal.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Oddsmaker’s Error is on the New York Knicks (8:05 EST).

Boston comes in off a loss at home just last night to the Heat. The Celtics have been decent in the second game of back-to-back scenarios this year, but I think they’ll stumble again tonight against this revenge-minded Knicks side.

New York will be eager to get untracked after its four game win streak was snapped in a 109-91 road loss to Charlotte on Monday. And as mentioned off the top, the Knicks do indeed play with “the revenge factor” tonight after falling 110-89 in the first matchup this season in late October.

And with a much more “winnable” game at home against the Bulls on Saturday, before their Christmas Day matchup at home against the Wizards, it’s definitely not too hard to picture the visitors also getting caught “looking ahead.” 

New York on the other hand has a tough game at Detroit tomorrow night, before its Christmas Day game at home against Philadelphia. There’s no question that tonight’s contest takes on added importance.

I base my picks on many things, but this one sets up great from situational and scheduling stand points. 

New York is better at home (14-5 SU/ATS) than on the road and star Kristaps Porzingis is back in the line-up. Celtics coach Brad Stevens could very well give starters extra rest in the tail end of the back-to-back as well.

When you add it all up, all signs point to a comfortable ATS cover for the home side. Play on New York.

Good luck…Larry

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

The 5-8 LBSU 49ers get ready to battle the 11-1 Michigan State Spartans and while I’m not going to call for an outright upset, I do believe that the underdog can keep this one a lot closer than what the oddsmakers are leading us to believe.

LBSU comes in off a tough 85-80 home loss to EMU, while MSU was most recently seen crushing Houston Baptist 107-62 on Monday. 

The 49ers average 75.5 PPG and concede 83.5. Gabe Levin had 22 points and eight boards in his teams latest setback.

The Spartans average 82.9 points, while conceding just 62.3. They’ve already beaten UNC and Notre Dame, with their only loss coming to Duke in their second outing of the year.

I’ll point out though that LBSU is 2-1 ATS in its last three after scoring 80 points or more in its previous contest, while MSU is interestingly just 1-3 ATS in its last four against poor defensive teams which allow 77-plus points per contest.

I think MSU gets caught looking past its lowly opponent today to its Christmas break and I expect the capable 49ers to take advantage. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

The second 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Western Illinois (7:00 EST).

The 7-3 Western Illinois Leathernecks get ready to battle the 9-3 Butler Bulldogs on Thursday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the Leathernecks.

Western Illinois saw its two game win streak snapped in a loss to Eastern Illinois last time out. Guard Dalan Ancrum led the way with 14 points. Ancrum leads the nightly charge with 17.3 PPG and 5.3 RPG. 

Butler bounced back from a loss to Purdue with a win over Morehead State in its latest action. In that one Bulldogs’ forward Kelan Martin posted 20 points. 

I’ll point out though that the under the radar Leathernecks have performed extremely well in this spot for bettors, going 4-1-1 TS in their last six on the road and 6-2-1 ATS in their last nine overall. 

Butler on the other hand is just 1-2 ATS in its last three after holding its previous opponent to 70 points or less. 

Western Illinois is a good team. Note that in one of its only two losses this year, it fell in double OT to Miami Ohio. I like the Leathernecks to match pace down the stretch and keep this one competitive late. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Oddsmaker’s Error is on the Minnesota Timberwolves (9:05 EST).

The 18-13 Minnesota Timberwolves are in Denver to take on the 16-14 Nuggets and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors.

Minnesota enters off a momentum building 108-107 win over the Blazers on Monday, while the Nuggets come in off a deflating 95-94 loss to OKC in their latest action. 

The Wolves are 6-4 in their last ten. Minnesota averages 107.6 PPG and concedes 106.4. Jimmy Butler exploded for 37 points and six boards in his teams latest victory.

The Nuggets average 107.4 PPG and concede 107.1. Garry Harris had 17 points in the road loss to the Thunder. 

I’ll point out that Minnesota is 4-1 ATS vs. division opponents already this year and 6-2 ATS when playing the role of underdog, while Denver is interestingly just 6-8 ATS this year against poor defensive teams which allow 106-plus points per contest and just 2-3 ATS against division opponents. 

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 the Wolves.

Good luck…Larry 

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on Hofstra (7:00 EST).

Hofstra has won four straight after beating Stony Brook last week and I look for the Pride to carry that momentum over here. 

This is the fourth straight year in which the Pride have posted a win streak of late least four games. 

In the latest victory, Hofstra’s Justin Wright-Foreman posted 33 points. Wright-Foreman is the team points leader with 23.1 per game. 

Manhattan enters on the other end of the spectrum, just 4-6 overall, recently falling 80-66 to Tulsa on Saturday. Rich Williams leads the nightly charge for the Jaspers with 15.3 PPG.

Note that this is a big time revenge game for Hofstra here as well after the Jaspers earned the 80-68 victory last season. 

Additionally I’ll point out that Manhattan is just 1-2 ATS already this year against good offensive teams which average 77-plus points per contest, while Hofstra is already 2-0 ATS this season after scoring 80 points or more in its previous contest.

For all the reasons listed above, play on Hofstra.

Good luck…Larry

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

The 3-8 Pepperdine Waves get ready to battle the 5-5 Weber State Wildcats and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

The Waves have lost two straight, most recently falling to Belmont. Colbey Ross led the charge in that one with 14 points. Kameron Edwards leads the team overall with 15.9 points and 6.8 boards per game. 

Weber State enters on the other end of the spectrum, as the Wildcats snapped a three-game losing streak with a win over Arkansas-Pine Bluff in their latest action, led by 30 points from Jerrick Harding. Harding leads the team with an average of 20.6 PPG, while Brekkott Chapman chips in 14 per night.

I’ll point out that Pepperdine has struggled in this spot for bettors, going just 2-6-1 ATS in its last nine following an ATS loss and just 5-16 ATS in its last 21 on the road, while Weber State is 5-0 ATS in its last five at home and 4-0 ATS in its last four against the West Coast Conference. 

For all the reasons listed above, play on Weber State.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* O/U Situational Stunner is on the under Cavs/Bucks (8:05 EST).

The Cavs enter off their fifth straight win after beating Washington 106-99 on the road on Sunday, while Milwaukee comes in on the other end of the spectrum, having lost three straight, most recently a 115-111 setback at Houston on Saturday. 

The Bucks will be eager to get off the schneid here and they’ll be extra motivated as they’ve lost five straight in this series, including both match ups this season.

Cleveland averages 111.1 PPG and concedes 107.1. LeBron James leads the nightly charge with 27.8 points, 8.5 boards and 9.3 assists per game.

Milwaukee averages 104.5 points and concedes 105 per game. Giannis Antetokounmpo leads the team with 29.8 points, 10.5 boards, 4.5 assist, 1.52 blocks and 1.85 steals per game. 

I’ll point out that Cleveland has seen the total go under the number in seven of 11 already this year against clubs with winning records and in nine of 13 after three or more consecutive victories, while Milwaukee has seen the total dip below the posted number in four of its last six after three or more consecutive losses. 

The last thing Milwaukee can do is turn this one into a “track meet” and expect to hang with the high-flying Cavs. This number is just a little high, play the under.

Good luck…Larry

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

The 5-6 Drake Bulldogs get ready to battle the 9-5 South Dakota State Jackrabbits and while I’ll stop short in calling for an outright victory, I do think that the Bulldogs can keep this one competitive until the final moments. 

We don’t have to question the Bulldogs’ motivation levels tonight, as they enter having lost five of their last six, most recently to Minnesota and Iowa. In the loss to the Hawkeyes, Nick McGlynn led the way with 14 points. Reed Timmer leads the team overall with 20.0 PPG. 

South Dakota State on the other hand comes in off a loss to Colorado and I think its primed for another letdown here. Mike Daum had 37 points in the losing cause last time out.

From a trend based stand point, this one definitely favors the visitors though, as note that Drake is already 5-3 ATS this year in non-conference games and still 8-4 ATS in its last 12 against good offensive teams which average 77-plus points per contest, while South Dakota State is already 0-2 ATS this season after allowing 80 points or more in its previous outing.

For all the reasons listed above, play on Drake.

Good luck…Larry

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

The 7-3 Buffalo Bulls get ready to battle the 9-1 Syracuse Orange and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the Bulls.

The Orange look ripe for a letdown here in my opinion after winning three straight. The Bulls will look to take advantage and build off an 86-70 win over Robert Morris in their latest action.

Buffalo has now won three straight as well. So far the Bulls average 82.1 PPG, while conceding 76.5. CJ Massinburg had 23 points and ten boards for his third straight double-double in his team’s latest win.

The Orange average 73.6 PPG and concede 63.4. Oshae Brissett is averaging 14.7 points and 9.7 boards per game. 

I’ll point out though that Buffalo is 6-1 ATS in its last seven road games and interestingly, 4-1 ATS in its last five against the ACC, while Syracuse is 0-6 ATS in its last six following an ATS victory and just 1-4 ATS in its last five at home.

While I’m not calling for an outright victory, I do think the Bulls can catch the Orange a little complacent here and I expect them to keep this one competitive until the final moments. Grab the points, play on Buffalo.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on the Utah Jazz (8:05 EST).

Houston has won 13 straight and has lost only four times this year. However, the Rockets are just 15-12-1 ATS. Utah has struggled overall this season, due mostly from injuries to key players, but I think it’ll keep this one competitive enough to comfortably sneak in through the back door. 

The Jazz are injured, but they won’t be lacking for motivation tonight after dropping five of their last six, most recently a spirited 109-100 setback in Cleveland. Donovan Mitchell was a standout in that one with 26 points. 

Houston has been impressive, but I think it comes out flat-footed here finally as it hits a “vanilla” part of its schedule, with light weights Lakers and Clippers at home up next.

I’ll point out as well that Utah is still 4-1 ATS in its last five against the West, while perhaps surprisingly, the Rockets are only 1-3-1 ATS in their last five overall. 

The Jazz have been playing without big man Rudy Gobert for a while now, but now the Rockets must also make an adjustment with center Clint Cappela out with injury. 

For all the reason listed above, play on the Jazz.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on Florida State (7:00 EST).

FSU led by a point with ten seconds left, before Oklahoma State scored the deciding bucket with time winding off the clock in its latest action. Now the Seminoles look to bounce back and take out their frustrations after their first loss of the year.

"We're in a conference where you can't get caught up in streaks, because nobody in the ACC is going to go undefeated," ‘Noles coach Leonard Hamilton assessed afterwards. "It doesn't happen. Tonight we played against a team that played a little better than us." 

The combination of Terance Mann and Phil Cofer combined for 42 points, 18 boards and five steals in the setback.

Charleston Southern has lost three straight, most recently a 70-65 setback to Eastern Kentucky. Christian Keeling was the only player for the Buccaneers to score more than ten points, finishing with 26. 

FSU has four players that average double-digits this season. 

Additionally I’ll point out that Charleston Southern is 0-2 ATS in its last two non-conference games, while FSU is already a perfect 2-0 ATS this year when playing with one or less days rest.

For all the reasons listed above, play on Florida State.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on the Washington Wizards (6:05 EST).

No need to overthink this one in my opinion. 

After a shaky start to the 2017/18 campaign, Cleveland comes in having won 17 of its last 18 after last night’s 109-100 victory over Utah. 

After Washington the Cavs have a tough one at Milwaukee on Tuesday, followed by a cream puff at home against the Bulls, which precedes their big Christmas Day matchup at Golden State. Off last night’s satisfying victory, I think Cleveland comes out flat-footed here.

Washington has won two straight and it’s going to be looking to keep the momentum rolling tonight. Note that the Wizards also play with revenge in this matchup after falling 130-122 to the Cavs back on November 3rd.

The Wizards look a lot better with star point guard John Wall back in the line-up and I believe his presence continues to pay dividends for Washington this evening. Play on the Wizards.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on San Francisco (6:00 EST).

San Francisco comes in having won three in a row, most recently a 13 point win over UC Davis. 

Here’s the perfect opponent to try and score a big upset on, as Stanford has struggled for the most part this season, coming into this one sporting a 5-6 record (the Dons are 6-3.) Granted the Cardinal have been better at home than on the road, but I still definitely think that these two teams are much more evenly matched than what the oddsmakers are trying to lead us to believe.

In the win over Davis, San Francisco was led by Frankie Ferrari, who had 19 points off the bench. 

In Stanford’s 13 point win over Denver, Daejon Davis and Reid Travis each contributed 20 points.

I’ll point out though that the Dons are 16-6 ATS in their last 22 road games following three or more consecutive home games and 6-1 ATS in their last seven against schools with a losing straight up record, while Stanford is just 1-4 ATS in its last five against teams with a winning SU record and 0-5 ATS in its last five following an ATS victory. 

USF is playing well and think it’ll keep this one competitive until the final moments. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* O/U PERFECT STORM is on the under Clippers/Heat (8:05 EST).

LA comes in off a 100-91 road loss to Washington Friday, while Miami enters off a 104-98 road win over the Hornets last night. 

LA averages 105 PPG and concedes 106.7. Leading scorer Blake Griffin is out with injury, meaning that Lou Williams (20 points, 4.8 assists) will be leaned upon heavily until his return.

The Heat average just 100.3 PPG and concede just 102.7. Guard Goran Dragic averages 17.1 points, 4.1 boards and 4.4 assists per game. 

I’ll point out that LA has already seen the total go under the number in six of nine non-conference games this year and in eight of 13 on the road, while Miami has seen the total dip below the posted number in seven of 11 non-conference games and in six of seven against teams with losing records (also in six of 11 home games.) 

No need to overthink this one. LA has done well without Griffin in the line-up, but his absence will be felt in the second game of the back-to-back. The Heat can defend and have troubles scoring and will also be “gassed” in the second game of hte back-to-back scenario. When you add it all up, this number is indeed a little high. Play the under.

Good luck…Larry

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

The 7-3 Georgia State Panthers get ready to battle the 4-5 Dayton Flyers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the Flyers.

The Panthers looked poised for a letdown in my opinion after winning four of their last five. Conversely, Dayton is going to be risking life and limb here as it comes in having lost three of its last four, most recently falling at Penn last weekend.

Georgia State is led by guard D’Marcus Simonds, who had 33 points in his team’s 90-70 victory over lowly Point University in their latest action. 

In Dayton’s 78-70 home loss to Penn last Saturday, junior forward Xeyrius Williams sat out with a minor injury, but he’s expected back for this one. Williams averages 8.8 points, 5.3 boards and 4.3 assists per game. 

I’ll point out as well that the Panthers are just 2-5 ATS in their last seven on the road against teams with winning home records and just 2-10 ATS in their last 12 road games following three or more consecutive home contests, while the Flyers are 5-0 ATS in their last five following a loss and 9-2 ATS in their last 11 following an ATS setback.

Dayton is the deeper and hungrier team. Beyond Simonds the Panthers are pretty thin and they now face some real competition that’s focused on the task at hand. I believe Georgia State stumbles down the stretch and the under-acheiving Flyers find a way to get the job done at the end of the night. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on UC Davis (11:00 EST).

7-2 UC Davis gets ready to battle 5-3 San Francisco and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the Aggies. 

Note that this game is a part of the Las Vegas Classic.

UC Davis has already beaten Washington State this season and its two losses have been by single digits. Most recently the Aggies throttled NAIA school William Jessup 86-52. Rogers Printup nailed six 3-pointers and finished with 20 points. 

The Dons have won two straight, including an 81-71 victory over Eastern Washington Decmeber 7th. Mattt McCarthy led the way in that one with 17 points. 

Overall San Francisco has struggled from the floor though this year, shooting 39.1 percent collectively, including 30.6 percent from range. 

Additionally I’ll point out that UC Davis is 4-0 ATS in its last four as a road dog, while San Francisco is 0-8 ATS in its last eight against teams with a winning straight-up record. 

I think these teams are very evenly matched and I believe the winner will be the side that has its hands on the ball last. As such, I’m going to recommend grabbing the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* O/U Oddsmakers Error is on the under Jazz/Celtics (7:35 EST).

The 13-15 Utah Jazz are in Boston to take on the 24-6 Boston Celtics and for a number of different reasons, I think this one has defensive battle written all over it.

Utah’s six game win streak is a thing of the past as the team comes to town off four straight losses. During the six-game win steak the team averaged 115 PPG, but during the slide it’s managed just 98.7. 

Clearly the Jazz face an up-hill battle today as well in going up against the Celtic’s second ranked defense, a unit which holds opponents to under 98 PPG. 

The Bulls own the league’s second worst defense and Utah couldn’t even pass the century mark against them. 

Boston has split its last four games, so won’t be taking anything for granted here.

I’ll point out as well that Utah has seen the total go under the number in ten of its last 18 after three or more consecutive SU losses and in two of three already this year after playing to three or more consecutive “overs,” while Boston has seen the total dip below the posted number in both games this season in which it’s allowed 115 points or more in its previous outing.

For all the reasons listed above, play the under.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* O/U Las Vegas Insider is on the over Clippers/Wizards (7:05 EST).

The 11-15 LA Clippers are in Washington to take on the 15-13 Wizards and for a number of different reasons, I think this one has “shootout” written all over it.

LA beat Washington 113-112 back on December 9th and suffice it to say, I expect a similar final combined score here as well as the Wizards look to push the pace and build off their 93-87 win over Memphis on Wednessday. 

The Clippers come in with plenty of momentum of their own as they’ve won three straight. LA averages 105 PPG and concedes 106.7. Lou Williams averages 20 PPG and will be leaned upon heavily here with star Blake Griffin still sidelined with injury. 

Washington ranks among the league leaders in most offensive categories, but its weakness is also on the defensive side. John Wall is back in the line-up though and I expect that to continue to pay dividends for the Wizards this evening. 

Note that LA has seen the total go over the number in eight of 13 already this year as an underdog, while Washignton has seen the total eclipse the posted number in all three games that it’s played in this year after allowing 90 points or less in its previous contest.

For all the reasons listed above, play the over.

Good luck…Larry

My 9* Oddsmaker’s Error is on the over Mavericks/Warriors (10:35 EST).

The Mavs broke a three-game slide by beating the Spurs 95-89 on Tuesday, while Golden State won its seventh in a row in a 111-104 victory over Portland on Monday. 

Note that Golden State has won seven straight in this series and claimed the first one over the Mavs earlier in the year 133-103 back on October 23rd. 

So far Dallas averages 99.9 PPG and concedes 103. Harrison Barnes leads the way with 18.4 points, plus 7.4 boards per game, while Dennis Smith Jr. adds 14.4 points and four assists per contest.

Golden State has the No. 1 offense in the league with an average of 117 PPG. The Warriors are below average defensively, allowing 106 per game, but when you outscore your opposition by an average of 11 every outing, defense hardly matters most nights. Kevin Durant leads the Warriors with 25.7 points and 6.9 boards per game, while Stephen Curry adds 26.3 points and 6.6 assits per game. Curry is out with a sprained ankle, but look for the home side’s depth to easily pick up the slack.

Also note that Dallas has seen in fact the total go over the number in all three games that it’s played in this year after allowing 90 points or less, while Golden State has seen the total eclipse the posted number in seven of ten against teams with losing records. 

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

Good luck…Larry

This is 10* Las Vegas Insider on the Minnesota Timberwolves (8:05 EST).

I base my selections on many different things. For this particular pick I’m basing it on common sense. 

Minnesota had won two in a row before an OT loss to Philadelphia. But with three straight home games against suspect competition (with the Suns and Blazers up next), there’s no question that this sets up as an important early game for the playoff hopeful Wolves, who will look to take advantage of this favorable matchup.

Sacramento comes in off a highly satisfying 99-92 win over Phoenix and I think it gets caught “looking ahead” to the remainder of its incredibly tough road trip, with upcoming stops at Toronto, Philadelphia and Brooklyn, before a game at home against the Spurs.

I’ll point out as well that the Kings are interestingly just 1-5 ATS in their last six after a victory in which they’ve scored 100 points or less, while Minnesota is 3-1 ATS in its last four after two or more consecutive SU losses. 

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

Good luck…Larry

My 10* LEGEND is on Oregon (10:00 EST).

Portland State is 7-2. Deontae North leads the nightly charge with 19.2 points per game, while Bryce Canda chips in 16.4 points and 6.9 boards per game. 

Oregon is 7-3. Despite the loss of several key players from last season’s team which made a Final Four appearance, expectations are still very high for this year’s Ducks squad as well. Payton Richard leads the way with 15.8 points and 4.4 assists per night, while Elijah Brown adds 12.3 per game.

Portland State is 8-0 ATS this year. Suffice it to say, I think that streak comes to an end tonight. 

I’ll point out though that the Pilots are still just 1-2 ATS in their last three after scoring 85 points or more in their previous contest (they’ve won four straight, most recently an 87-84 win over South Carolina), while the Ducks are already 4-1 ATS this season as a home fav of 12.5 points or more. 

Oregon knows how good Portland State is and won’t be “looking past.” I expect the deeper overall team to take advantage of familar surroundings and to pull away down the stretch for the comfortable SU/ATS win/cover.

Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

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

Portland is going to be desperate today as it’s dropped five straight, most recently a 111-104 setback on the road at Golden State on Monday. 

Miami has won two straight, most recently a 107-82 destruction of the Grizzlies on Monday. Note that the Heat also play with double revenge after dropping both games to Portland last season.

Both teams have been mediocre offensively this year and each has been decent defensively. Each is loaded with offensive talent though and I think the conditions are finally right for a higher-scoring affair. Note that both teams are dealing with injury issues with their centers.

I’ll also point out that Portland has seen the total go over the number in five of eight as an underdog already this season, while Miami has seen the total eclipse the posted number in two of three this year after allowing 90 points or less and in nine of its last 13 after allowing 85 points or less.

These are two teams which had big aspirations coming into the 2017/18 campaign, but each sits at just .500. This is an important early game for each of these non-conference foes and I expect a wide-open, faster-paced affair. 

Play the over.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Oddsmakers Error is on the Philadelphia 76ers (8:05 EST).

Philadelphia could be without big man Joel Embiid in this one, but whether he plays or not, I think the desperate 76ers will at the very least, keep this one competitive until the final moments.

And that’s because the visitors come to town having lost four straight, most recently a hard-fought 131-124 road loss to New Orleans on Sunday. 

The Wolves enter off a 97-92 home win over the Mavericks. 

These teams split a pair of games last year, with each winning on the others home floor.

Philadelphia comes in averaging 108.2 PPG, while conceding 108.8. Ben Simmons averages 18 points, 9.1 boards, 7.7 assists and 2.08 steals per contest. 

Minnesota holds a 1.5 game lead in the Northwest Division. The Wolves average 107.1 PPG and concede 106.3. Andrew Wiggins averages 18.2 points, plus four boards per game.

I’ll point out though that Philadelphia is 9-5 ATS in non-conference games this year and 3-2 ATS after allowing 115 points or more, while Minnesota is just 1-7 ATS in non-conference contests this season and just 4-8 ATS in front of the home town crowd. 

The Wolves have hit a very “vanilla” part of their schedule, with upcoming games against bottom feeders Sacramento and Phoenix at home next. It’s not too hard to imagine Minnesota get caught looking past their lowly Eastern conference opponent tonight.

As mentioned off the top, whether Embiid plays or not, I think the intensity in which the 76ers play with tonight turns out to the be the difference. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

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

Murray State is 6-1, while Saint Louis is 4-5. 

The Racers are at home against lowly Marist on Saturday, while the Billikens can’t help themselves in looking ahead to their big Pac 12 matchup against Oregon State next weekend.

Murray State comes in on top form, winner of five straight. Terrell Miller had 25 points in the win over Illinois State last Saturday. 

The Billikens have struggled with offensive consistency at times and have been poor in this spot for bettors for a while now, going just 4-15 ATS in their last 19 against good offensive teams which average 77-plus points per contest and just 7-18 ATS in their last 25 non-conference games.

Conversely, this is a spot in which Murray State has excelled, going 3-1 ATS this year in non-conference contests and 2-0 ATS when playing the role of favorite.

For all the reasons listed above, play on Murry State.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Oddsmaker’s Error is on the LA Clipeprs (10:35 EST).

The 17-7 Toronto Raptors are in LA to take on the 9-15 Clippers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

The Clippers broke a four-game slide with a gutty 113-112 home win over Washington last time out and I expect them to carry that momentum over here. And with an extended Eastern Conference road swing starting on Wednesday, tonight’s game takes on added importance for LA.

The Raptors have won six straight and come in off a highly satisfying 102-87 victory over the Kings just last night. With a game at Phoenix on Wednesday, there’s no doubt that tonight’s contest sets up as a classic “letdown/lookahead” for the visitors in my opinion. 

LA is without leader Blake Griffin, but it still has five players that are averaging in double figures. Offense isn’t an issue for the Clippers, it’s their defense.

Which normally would spell disaster facing the extremely deep and talented Raptors, but fortunately for LA it catches them on the tail-end of the back-to-back scenario.

A great situational play in my opinion and a mistake made by the oddsmakers. Grab as many points as you can, play on the Clippers.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on Texas Southern (10:00 EST).

The 0-8 Texas Southern Tigers are in Oregon to take on the 6-3 Ducks and while I’m not calling for an outright upset, I do definitely expect the visitors to keep this one a lot more interesting than what the oddsmakers are leading us to believe.

Texas Southern comes in off a tough 71-69 loss to Toledo, led by Donte Clark with 27 points. Demontrae Jefferson chipped in 25 points and three assists. So far the Tigers average 73.5 PPG.

The Ducks average 86.2 PPG. Oregon gets caught looking past its lowly opponent today though in my opinion after its 95-65 rout of Colorado State in its latest action. Elijah Brown had 20 points, while Kenny Wooten added 13 points in that one. 

I’ll point out though that Texas Southern is 9-3 ATS in its last 12 following a SU loss, while Oregon is just 1-4 ATS in its last five after holding its previous opponent to 65 points or less. 

I like the desperate visiting side to comfortably sneak in through the back door with the large spread that it’s been afforded. Play on Texas Southern.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* TOTAL PERFECT STORM is on the under 76ers/Pelicans (7:05 EST).

Philadelphia hung tough in a 105-98 setback in Cleveland just last night. Big man Joel Embiid was sitting that one out, but he will be back in the line-up tonight to face the twin towers in New Orleans (at least one of the two for sure anyways.) 

I think the visitors are “gassed” tonight and with the focal point of their offense running through their big-man, we can expecting a lot of “half court sets” from the visiting side as it looks to control the pace of this one. 

The Pelicans have lost five of their last seven, most recently a listless setback to the lowly Kings. New Orleans clearly can’t be happy and it’ll also be looking to take control of this one from the get-go.

I’ll point out that Philadelphia has seen the total go under the number in eight of 14 non-conference games already this year, while New Orleans has seen the total dip below the posted number in nine of 16 as a favorite this season.

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

Good luck…Larry

My 10* NON-CONF GAME OF THE YEAR is on Alabama (10:00 EST).

Alabama comes to town off a 68-64 home win over Rhode Island, while Arizona held on for a 67-64 win over Texas A&M in its latest action.

The Crimson Tide average 79 PPG and concede just 69.8. Donta Hall had 13 points, while Daniels Giddens and John Petty each chipped in 12 in the Tides most recent victory. 

The Wildcats average 83.6 PPG and concdes 73.0. The Aggies were ranked No. 7 in the nation at the time, so Arizona clearly has to be feeling pretty good about itself after its latest victory. Four different players scored exactly 13 points apiece. 

I’ll point out though that Alabama is 4-1 ATS in its last five as a road dog in the 6.5 to nine points range, while Arizona is 0-3 ATS in its last three as a home fav in the same points range.

The Tide haven’t played particularly well of late, while the Wildcats come in off their biggest win of the year. Desperation breeds motivation and winning leads to complacency though.

While I’m not calling for the outright upset, I do definitely feel that the Crimson Tide will give the Wildcats everything they can handle tonight. Grab the points, play on Alabama.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the Atlanta Hawks (7:35 EST).

Orlando took the first game of this home and home series 110-106 in OT on Wednesday. Suffice it to say, I think it’s “payback” time!

Atlanta averages 102.8 PPG and concedes 108.6. Dennis Schroeder leads the way with 20.5 points, plus 6.5 assists per game, while Marco Belinelli chips in 12 points and 2.5 boards. Note that the Hawks are tied for fourth in the league in three point shooting percentage (37.9.)

The Hawks haven’t played since the loss to the Magic, but Orlando was in action just last night, falling 103-89 at home to the Nuggets.

It’s interesting to note that Orlando is just 4-7 ATS this year against poor defensive teams which allow 106-plus points per contest, while ATL is 5-3 ATS this season against good offensive teams which score 106-plus points per game.

I think Orlando comes in with “heavy legs” and I look for the revenge minded Hawks to take full advantage. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Weekend Wipeout Winner is on Pacific (6:00 EST).

Pacific enters off a 71-67 road loss to UC-Davis. Anthony Townes was a bright spot with 16 points and ten boards. Roberto Gallinat was also a stand out, going 7 of 13 from the floor for a team-high 19 points. 

Wyoming returns home off back-to-back road losses itself, most recently falling 80-64 at South Carolina, hitting just 33.9 percent from the floor, including only six of 25 from range. Justin James led the way with 20 points and 12 boards. 

I think Pacific has a group which can keep this one competitive. The Tigers matchup well against the Cowboys and note that they’re 5-2-2 ATS in their last nine road games and 5-1-1 ATS in their last seven road games against teams with a winning home record.

Wyoming on the other hand is just 1-3 ATS in its last four after faling to register 65 or more points in its previous outing.

I’m not calling for the outright upset, but all signs point to a “nail biter.” Grab the points, play on Pacific.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Oddsmaker’s Error is on Indiana (2:00 EST).

The 5-4 Indiana Hoosiers get ready to battle the 5-2 Louisville Cardinals on Saturday afternoon and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the Hoosiers.

Louisville comes in off a win over Siena, while Indiana ended a two-game slide with a win over Iowa on Monday. 

The Hoosiers forced 18 turnovers and four players averaged double-figures in the 77-64 win over Iowa. Keep your eyes on Juwan Morgan, who leads the team with an average of 13.8 points and 6.3 rebounds per game.

Cardinals forward Deng Adel had 18 points in his teams 86-70 win over Siena on Wednesday. 

I’ll point out though that Indiana is 3-1 ATS in its last four after allowing 65 points or less in its previous contest, while Louisville is just 1-4 ATS in its last five after scoring 85 points or more in its previous contest. 

The Cardinals have won 59 of their last 61 non conference games at home and while I’m not calling for that streak to end, I do believe that the Hoosiers have the legs to keep this one a lot closer than what the oddsmakers are leading us to believe. 

Grab the points, play on Indiana.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* PERFECT STORM is on Duke (12:00 EST).

The 11-0 Duke Blue Devils get ready to battle the 6-3 Boston College Eagles and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the Blue Devils.

Boston College enters off an uninspiring 73-61 win over Hartford on December 2nd, while Duke annihilated St. Francis 124-67 in its latest action. 

Duke’s had some blowout wins, but it’s also been in some battles, beating Texas 85-78 in OT, Michigan State 88-81 and Indiana 91-81 on the road. So far the Blue Devils average 94.2 PPG and concede just 73.9. Marvin Bagley III finished with 21 points and 11 boards in the win over St. Francis.

Boston College averages 75.4 PPG and concedes 67. The Eagles won their last game without forward Deontae Hawkins in the lineup, recently injuring himself for the remainder of the season. 

However, I think that’s bad news facing the Nation’s No. 1 team. Additionally I’ll point out that Duke is 7-0-1 ATS in its last eight on the road, while BC is just 1-4 ATS in its last five home games.

For all the reasons listed above, play on Duke.

Good luck…Larry

My 9* SITUATIONAL STUNNER is on Youngstown State (12:00 EST).

The 2-7 Youngstown State Penguins are at Butler to take on the 7-2 Bulldogs and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors.

Youngstown State enters desperate and off an 89-73 loss at DePaul, marking its fifth straight setback. Butler comes in on the other end of the spectrucm, content after a fourth straight win in an 81-69 victory at home over Utah. 

The Penguins average 79.8 PPG and concede 82.9. In their loss to DePaul on Saturday Braun Hartfield scored 23 points and added five assists. 

Butler averages 72.9 PPG and allows 65.9. Kelan Martin had 29 points and 11 boards in the Bulldogs win over Utah. 

I’ll point out though that Youngstown State is 10-3 ATS in its last 13 after three or more consecutive losses and 4-2 ATS in its last six when playing with five or six days rest, while Butler is just 1-2 ATS this year after scoring 80 points or more and just 1-2 ATS in its last three against poor defensive teams which allow 77 plus points per contest.

I think the Bulldogs have a bit of a mental lapse here facing the lowly Penguins. I’m not calling for an outright upset or anything, but I do definitely feel that the conditions are right for a much closer affair than what the oddsmakers are trying to lead us to believe. 

Grab the points, play on Youngstown State.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Oddsmaker’s Error is on Cal Riverside (10:00 EST).

The 5-4 Air Force Falcons get ready to battle the 2-6 UC Riverside Highlanders and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors Cal Riverside.

The Falcons most recently fell 62-58 to Abilene Christian on Wednesday, while the Highlanders fell 70-59 to Pepperdine. 

Air Force averages just 68.6 PPG, while conceding 67.7. In the loss to Albilene Christian, the Falcons shot just 3 of 16 from range. Leading scorer Ryan Manning had just six points in the setback. 

Cal Riverside averages 63.4 PPG and concedes 71.9. In the loss to Pepperdine, Chance Murray led the charge with 15 points and five boards. 

I’ll point out though that Air Force has struggled in this spot for bettors for a while now, going just 4-7 ATS in its last 11 after scoring 60 points or less and only 5-8 ATS in its last 13 when playing against a team with a losing record. 

Conversely, Cal Riverside has done well in this position, going 3-1 ATS in its last four after failing to score 60 points in its previous outing. 

I think the Highlanders are the “hungrier” team in this matchup and that’s going to be the difference maker for me. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the under Kings/Pelicans (8:05 EST).

The Kings are “gassed” in the final game of their four game trip. Sacramento comes to town off a 111-105 loss at Cleveland on Wednesday. 

The Pelicans won for just the second time in six games with a 123-114 home win on Wednesday night. 

The Kings average just 95.6 PPG, while conceding 105.5. De’Aaron Fox averages 10.1 points, 3.2 boards and 4.1 assists per game. Buddy Heild adds 12 points per contest. 

The Pelicans average 109.4 PPG and concede 110.2. DeMarcus Cousins averags 25.9 points, 12.6 boards and 5.1 assists per game. 

Note though that Sacramento has seen the total go under the numer in two of three already this year after playing three consecutive road games and in interestingly four of seven this season against good offensive teams which average 106-plus points per contest, while New Orleans has seen the total dip below the posted number in five of eight this year against teams with losing records.

For all the reasons listed above, play the under.

Good luck…Larry

The first 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the over Bulls/Hornets (7:05 EST).

These are two teams hungry for a victory and I’m expecting this overall sense of urgency from both sides to translate into offensive production on the floor.

The Bulls have lost nine straight, most recently a 98-96 setback to Indiana on Wednesday, while the Hornets enter off a listless 101-87 home setback to the Warriors. 

But if recent history is any precedence, then we should absolutely expect a higher-scoring shootout between these teams, because when they met back on November 17th, it was Chicago that won 123-120. 

Chicago averages only 95.7 PPG, while conceding 106.8. Justin Holiday leads the nightly charge with 14.3 points and 4.3 boards per game.

Charlotte averages 104.6 PPG and concedes 106.2. Kemba Walker averages 22.7 points and 6.2 assists, while Dwight Howard chips in 15.1 points and 12.1 boards per game. 

Additionally I’ll point out that Chicago has seen the total go over the number in seven of 12 on the road this season, while Charlotte has seen the total eclipse the posted number in seven of 11 as a favorite this year and in three of four after a loss by ten points or more.

For all the reasons listed above, play the over.

Good luck…Larry

The second 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the over Warriors/Pistons (7:05 EST).

The Warriors have won five straight, most recently winning 101-87 in Chicago on Wednesday, while the Pistons have lost four straight, most recently falling 104-100 in Milwaukee on Wednesday night.

When these teams played on October 29th, it was Detroit which scored the 115-107 road win. Suffice it to say, I’m expecting a similar final combined score here as well.

Golden State averages 117.8 PPG and concedes 106.4. Kevin Durant averages 25.1 points, 6.6 boards and 5.2 assists per game. 

Detroit averages 104.3 PPG and concedes 102.7. Tobias Harris leads the nightly charge with 19.2 points and 5.3 boards per game, while Reggie Jackson adds 16.4 points, plus 5.5 assists per game.

I’ll point out as well that Golden State has seen the total go over the number in nine of 15 on the road already this year, while Detroit has seen the total eclipse the posted number in six of ten at home.

Golden State wants to cap its road trip with perfect record and to avenge the earlier loss to Detroit. The Pistons are desperate to break their string of shoddy play.

When you add it all up and take into account the above trends, this number is indeed a little low in my opinion. Play the over.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Super Total is on the over Rockets/Jazz (10:35 EST).

The Rockets come in off their seventh staright win, most recently smashing the Lakers 118-95 on Monday. Utah also comes in hot, although it did have its six game win streak snapped in a 100-94 road loss to the Thunder on Tuesday (was the final game of its road trip and the second game of a back-to-back.)

These two teams are polar opposites when it comes to their overall “game plan.” The Rockets like to push the pace from start to finish, relying on their offense to outscore their opponents in most cases. 

The Jazz are a defensive orietned club, but with big man Rudy Gobert out, the game-plan has changed. Utah has been pushing the pace as well and the results have been encouraging. With a night off to rest, I think Utah returns to its recent form which saw it win six straight.

Additionally I’ll point out that Houston has seen the total go over the number in 42 of its last 75 after scoring 115 points or more, while Utah uas seen the total soar above the posted number in eight of its last 14 against good offensive teams which score 106 plus points per contest.

For all the reasons listed above, play the over.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on NC Greensboro (7:00 EST).

The 6-3 Elon Phoenix get ready to battle 5-3 UNC Greensboro on Thursday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the Spartans.

I think Elon has a letdown here after winning three straight. Most recently the Phoenix won 71-65 in OT to Saint Peter’s. Tyler Selbring had 31 poitns and seven boards in the one, while Brian Dawkins added 21 points and eight boards. 

UNC Greensboro broke a two-game slide with a 76-75 victory over Liberty on Saturday. The Spartans held the Flames to just 32.8 percent shooting and were able to overcome shooting just 30.4 percent themsevles by getting 21 more attempts off. Francis Alonso led the way with 36 points, four rebounds and three assists. 

I’ll point out though that Elon is already just 1-5 ATS in non-conference games this year, while UNC Greensboro is 3-0 ATS in non-conference contests. 

I think that the Phoenix have a letdown and I look for the Spartans to build off their latest victory. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry