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

The No. 2 UCLA Bruins are at Oregon State to take on the Beavers and the visitors will be out to atone for a loss at No. 21 Oregon on Wednesday night. 

The 13-1 Bruins enter off their first loss of the season after Oregon’s Dillon Brooks hit a 3-pointer with 0.8 seconds left in the eventual 89-87 setback. Big man Thomas Welch had 20 points and ten boards. 

Despite the setback, note that UCLA is still the best offensive team in the country, ranked first in shooting and assists and second in points (95.1 PPG). Oregon has a top 30 defense, so the 87 points on 53.1 percent shooting was still very impressive, even in the loss. 

The Beavers kept it close in a 70-63 home loss to No. 22 USC on Wednesday and the continubed absence of leading scorer Tres Tinkle, who will also miss tonight’s contest, is very evident. Stephen Thompson Jr. was a bright spot, posting a career high 23 points. 

I’ll point out that the Bruins are 5-0 ATS in thier last five following an ATS loss, while the Beavers are just 2-5-1 ATS in their last eight following an ATS victory.

The Beavers have so far disappointed and clearly the team will be eager to break the slide. But this is simply a bad spot for them, catching arguably the best team in the country off its first loss and hungry to take out its frustrations. I’m expecting a wire-to-wire beatdown, lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

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

The Mavericks come to Golden State off a confidence building 101-89 road victory over the Lakers last night and I think they can carry that momentum over here.

Am I going to suggest to you to “sprinkle a little” on the money line? 

Of course not. I simply feel that the high-powered Warriors will “look past” the lowly Mavs today, as the team won’t play again until January 2nd.

Golden State averages 117.3 PPG, but is sub-par defensively, ranked in the lower-third in the league on that side of the floor.

The hungry Mavs will have their chances tonight. 

I’ll point out that Dallas is 10-7 ATS in its last 17 against clubs with winning records, while Golden State is interestingly just 1-6 ATS this year against the Southwest divsion and only 6-9 ATS against clubs with losing records.

Not surprisingly, the Mavs play with revenge today after losing by 21 at Oracle earlier in the year. The stage is now set for a much more competitive affair in my opinion though, so grab as many points as you can.

Good luck…Larry

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

The 6-6 Texas Longhorns are at Kansas State to take on the 11-1 WIldcats and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. 

UT opened the season ranked 21st in the nation, but has fallen on hard times and owns the conference’s worst record at the moment. Most recently the Longhorns fell 63-58 at home to Kent State. 

K-State though looks poised for a bit of a letdown in my opinion today, it’s lost just once this year and comes in on a six-game win skein. 

Tevin Mack leads the way for the Longhorns this year with 14.7 PPG and shooting over 40 percent from behind the arc.

The Wildcats most recently come off a 67-54 win over Gardner-Webb, but haven’t played in nine days. Will “rest lead to rust?” 

Note that Texas is 6-2 ATS in its last eight as a road dog and 10-4 ATS in its last 12 against the conference, while K-State is just 3-10 ATS in its last 13 following a SU victory and just 1-4 ATS in its last five against teams with a losing SU road record.

I think the Longhorns are the “hungrier” team today and expect them to keep this one a lot closer than what the oddsmakers are leading us to believe.

Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

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

The 12-2 Northwestern Wildcats are at Michigan State to take on the 9-5 Spartans and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

So far the Spartans have looked shaky this year. The Wildcats have won nine straight and will be looking for an upset at the Breslin Center. 

But I think MSU finds a way to get the job done in this early conference battle.

Northwestern looks poised for a letdown after the extended stretch of excellence and after knocking off Penn State 87-77 to open Conference play. So far the Wildcats average 77.6 PPG, while conceding just 64.5. 

After a brutal 81-73 loss to Northeastern at home, MSU has posted back to back victories, most recently a 75-74 OT win at Minnesota. Nick Ward led the way with 22 points, while Alvin Ellis III came off the bench to contribute 20. 

I’ll point out that Northwestern is just 3-4 ATS in its last seven after scoring 80 points or more, while MSU is 6-2 ATS against teams with winning records this year.

I think it’s all hands on deck for the home side tonight as the Spartans look to defend their home floor. Despite struggling with offensive consistency, MSU still remains one of the best defensive teams in the country. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on Loyola Marymount (11:00 EST).

The 10-1 Saint Mary’s Gaels are at Loyola Marymount to take on the 7-4 Lions and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. The Gaels have won ten of their first 11, but the Lions have quietly been taking care of business as well, posting wins in five of their last six games. 

Saint Mary’s most recently beat lightweight South Carolina State 74-47. The Gaels are not great offensively, but get the job done with their smothering defensive play which holds opponents to an average of 57.5 PPG, ranked fourth in the country.

Loyola Marymount is led by a trio of top players in Brandon Brown (15.4 PPG), Stefan Jovanovic (11.5 PPG) and Buay Tuach (11.4 PPG). 

Note that Saint Mary’s has already struggled mightily in this spot for bettors, going 0-2 this year after allowing 60 points or less, while Loyola Marymount is 4-1 ATS this season as an underdog and 2-0 ATS against teams with winning records.

The Lions have lost 14 of the last 15 in this series, so to say this is a “revenge” game would be a bit of an understatement. I think the Gaels come in a bit complacent and the much improved Lions keep this one a lot closer than what the oddsmakers are leading us to believe. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

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

The 19-13 Boston Celtics are in Cleveland to take on the 23-7 Cavaliers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

I think the C’s finally have a letdown here after winning two straight and six of their last seven, most recently a 113-103 home victory over Memphis on Tuesday. 

Conversely, the Cavs are looking to start their new win skein after a five game streak was snapped in a 106-90 setback to Detroit on Monday. Note though that most of the Cavs starters were rested in that second game of the back-to-back after their epic come from behind 109-108 victory over the Warriors on Christmas Day (I had Cleveland in that one, part of my 5-0 Christmas Day sweep of the board).

Boston is 12th in the league in scoring with 105.4 PPG and 14th on the defensive end in conceding 103.3. 

Cleveland is fourth in league scoring with an average of 110.1 PPG and 13th overall defensively by conceding 103 PPG. I think it’s also important to point out that the Cavs rank second in three point shooting with 39.8 percent from behind the arc.

And note the the C’s are just 3-5 ATS this year when playing the role of underdog, while the Cavs are 5-1 ATS this season after a division game and 5-3 ATS when playing with two days of rest.

With a much “easier” game at home tomorrow night against the Heat, I think the visitors get caught looking ahead and the defending champs step up and take full advantage. Play on the Cavaliers.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on Oregon State (11:00 EST).

The 13-0 USC Trojans are at Oregon State to take on the 4-9 Beavers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

USC has its best record since 1971, but now opens league play against an Oregon State team which just snapped a five-game losing streak by hammering Kent State by 19 in its last outing (the same Kent State team which just beat Texas last night as a 13 point underdog). 

The Trojans hold a 69-65 all time advantage, but the Beavers are 40-29 in the series in front of the home town crowd. In fact, Oregon State has taken seven straight in this series and will be looking to carry that momentum over here.

I’ll point out that USC is just 2-4 ATS this month, while Oregon State is 4-2 ATS in its last six against good offensive teams which average 77-plus points per contest.

I think the Beavers come to play today to open league action and USC gets caught a little flat footed. While I won’t be so bold as to predict an outright upset, I do definitely feel this is too many points to be giving up. Play on Oregon State.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on the Golden State Warriors (10:35 EST).

The 22-8 Toronto Raptors are in Golden State to take on the 27-5 Warriors tonight and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

Toronto has been playing great, but I think is primed for a letdown here after winning four in a row and eight of its last nine. 

The Warriors on the other hand look to bounce back and make a statement after a tough 109-108 Christmas Day loss in Cleveland (I had the Cavs in that one, part of a 3-0 NBA X-Mas day sweep and an overall 5-0 holiday card!). 

The Raptors were rolling right along on a seven game win streak before then falling to the Cavaliers at home a couple of weeks ago and now they face the best team in the West. It’s a very similar situation.

Also note, with a very winnable game tomorrow night in Phoenix, Toronto could even elect to rest some of its starters if this one gets out of reach.

I’ll point out that Toronto is just 2-3 ATS this year in trying to revenge a home loss against an opponent, while Golden State is (not surprisingly), 14-10 ATS this season against poor defensive teams which allow 99-plus points per contest and also 6-4 ATS after a non-conference game. 

Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* 33-Club Play is on the Utah Jazz (10:30 EST).

The 18-13 Utah Jazz are in LA to take on the 12-22 Lakers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitor. 

Utah looks to get back on track after dropping three straight, most recently a 104-98 home loss to Toronto on Friday. 

The Lakers though look primed for an immediate return to mediocrity after managing a 111-102 Christmas Day “home” win over the Clippers. 

If recent history is any precedence, then the Jazz have to be loving their chances for a bounce back performance tonight as they’ve won six of the last seven in the series, including the first two meetings this year, the most recent a 107-101 win in LA back on December 5th.

Utah is is ranked 24th in the league in scoring at 99.1 PPG, but is No. 1 in scoring defense in conceding just 95.2. George Hill is one of four players which average double figures with 20 points plus 4.2 assists per contest. I think it’s worthy to note that despite struggling on the offensive end so far this season, the Jazz are eighth in the league in three point shooting at 36.3 percent.

LA is ranked 16th in the league in scoring at 104.5 PPG, but is brutal on the defensive end, conceding 110.6 PPG, ranked 27th overall. Lou Williams leads the way with 18.7 points and 3.2 assists per game. 

I’ll point out that Utah is 4-1-1 ATS in its last six after allowing 100 points or more in its previous game, while LA is just 2-8 ATS in its last ten when playing on one days rest and only 1-5 ATS in its last six following a SU victory.

I think the stage is set for the hungry Jazz to get back on track with a convincing effort against the consistently inconsistent Lakers. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* SIDE OF THE WEEK is on Rutgers (7:00 EST).

The 11-2 Rutgers Scarlet Knights are ready to battle the 11-2 Wisconsin Badgers on Tuesday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. 

Note that Rutgers plays with revenge today after falling 79-57 in Madison last year.

The Scarlet Knights already have four more total wins than last season’s 7-25 squad. Now Rutgers looks to get back on track after a five-game win streak was snapped in a 72-61 setback to in-state rival Seton Hall in its last outing.

I think Rutgers matches up well against the Badgers though: note that Wisconsin is ranked second nationally at +14.2 rebounds per game, while the Scarlet Knights are +11.5, good for sixth overall. Corey Sanders leads the way for Rutgers with 17 PPG.

The only losses that Wisconsin has come against ranked squads Creighton and North Carolina. Last time out the Badgers hammered Florida A&M 90-37. Nigle Hayes was the Big Ten’s Preseason Players of the Year.

I’lll point out though that Rutgers is already 2-1 ATS on the road this season, as well as 5-2 ATS after a non-conference game, while Wisconsin is just 2-3 ATS in its last five after scoring 80 points or more and only 2-6 ATS in its eight after allowing less than 50 points in its previous game.

A year ago the Badgers won this game by 22. Clearly the Scarlet Knights are a different team this season than last. In my opinion, this is too many points to be giving up, play on Rutgers.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* GAME OF THE WEEK is on the Indiana Pacers (8:00 EST).

The 15-16 Indiana Pacers are in Chicago to take on the 14-15 Chicago Bulls and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. 

I played against the Bulls on Christmas Day and they’d go on to lose badly in San Antonio last night. Suffice it to say, I think the visitors can take advantage of the schedule and at the very least, take this one down to the wire.

If recent history is any precedence, then the Pacers have to be loving their chances tonight as they’d beat the Bulls 111-94 at home back on November 5th.

Let’s face it, both teams are really struggling right now. Indiana is paced by Paul George, who averages 21.7 points and seven boards per contest.

Chicago got out to a great start, but has since come crashing back down to Earth. Jimmy Butler leads all scorers with an average of 24.4 PPG. The Bulls do average 101 PPG, but are ranked last in the league in three-point shooting percentage at 30.8. 

I’ll point out that Indiana is a perfect 5-0 ATS in its last five when playing with three or more days rest, while Chicago is just 1-4 ATS this year as a home fav in the two to six points range and only 5-9 ATS against teams with losing records. 

The Pacers are the “fresher” team and I think that’ll be the difference maker today. Play on Indiana.

Good luck…Larry

The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the OKC Thunder (8:00 EST).

If you’ve followed me for any length of time, you know that I base my picks on many different criteria.

For this particular selection though we’re keeping it simple. OKC has been on a big role of late, riding the amazing play of versatile swingman Russell Westbrook and when it faced the Wolves on November 25th, it would come away with a relatively simple 112-92 victory.

Suffice it to say, I’m expecting a repeat performance here.

Minnesota had won three of its last four before a 109-105 setback to the Kings in its last game and with a home contest against Atlanta tomorrow night, I think the visitors come in flat on Christmas day.

And from a trend based stand point, there’s no question that this one sets up beautifully for the home side as Minnesota is just 7-10 ATS this year in trying to revenge a loss against an opponent and only 6-9 ATS against teams with winning records, while OKC is 5-1 ATS as a home fav of 3.5 to six points and 9-6 ATS in its last 15 after allowing 105 points or more.

I’m expecting a rout from start to finish, lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* REVENGE GAME OF THE YEAR is on Illinois State.

The 7-4 Illinois State Redbirds look to avenge a loss to the 6-5 Tulsa Golden Hurricane from just two weeks ago.

Tulsa averages 72.4 PPG on 43.3 percent shooting and is led by Jaleel Wheeler, who posts 12.8 points and three assists per contest. Note though that the Golden Hurricane have lost five of their last six neutral site games.

Illinois State has won six of its last eight and is averaging 69.7 PPG. Deontae Hawks leads the charge with 15 points and 7.1 boards per contest. The Redbirds have struggled in neutral site games as well, but note that they’re 6-1 ATS in their last seven following an ATS loss.

But as mentioned off the top, this pick is primarily based on the “revenge factor.” These teams met on December 7th in Tulsa and the Golden Hurricane came away with the 70-68 SU victory.

It’s now payback time for the Redbirds! Note that Illinois State is already 1-0 ATS this year in revenging a road loss against an opponent, while Tulsa is just 4-6 ATS in its last ten after allowing 80 points or more.

Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry 

The second 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the San Antonio Spurs (5:00 EST).

The 14-15 Chicago Bulls are in San Antonio on Chistmas Day to take on the 24-6 Spurs and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. 

The Bulls have lost five of their last six, most recently a listless 103-91 setback at Charlotte on Friday. 

The Spurs enter on the other end of the spectrum, coming off their sixth win in their last seven games by stompging the Trailblazers 110-90 on Friday. 

Note that San Antonio plays with revenge today as well after falling 95-91 in Chicago back on December 8th. 

Chicago enters 23rd in the league in scoring at 101 points per game and sixth overall in scoring defense in conceding 99.7 PPG.

I’ll also point out that Bulls are last in the league in three pointers in averaging just six per game.

The Spurs rank 18th overall in scoring offense at 104.1 PPG, while being ranked third in scoring defense in conceding 97.9. And note, San Antonio ranks No. 1 in the league with a solid 40.8 percent shooting from range.

Also note that Chicago is 0-4 ATS in its last four on the road and 0-4 ATS in its last four when playing on one days rest, while San Antonio is 5-1 ATS in its last six after scoring 100 points or more in its previous contest.

With the national spot light in San Antonio on Christmas Day, I’m expecting the deeper and battle tested Spurs to find a way to get the job done once it’s all said and done. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

The first 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is the Cleveland Cavaliers (2:30 EST).

The 27-4 Golden State Warriors are in Cleveland to take on the 22-6 Cavaliers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

I simply feel that home floor can’t be overlooked in this one. Christmas Day games almost always favor the home side.

Besides, Golden State looks poised for a letdown here after winning seven straight, most recently a 119-113 road victory over Detroit.

Cleveland has won four straight, most recently a 119-89 destruciton of Brooklyn at home on Friday. 

The Cavs will also be extra motivated today to atone for a 132-98 setback to the Warriors in Cleveland on January 18th, 2016.

Golden State has the No. 1 offense at 117.5 PPG, but the defense is poor, conceding an average of 104.1 PPG, ranked 16th overall.

Cleveland is the No. 4 offense at 110.9 PPG, while ranked 1th overall on the defense end in conceding 102.7 PPG. 

I’ll point out though that Golden State is just 1-5 ATS in its last six road games and 0-4 ATS after allowing 100 points or more in its previous game, while Cleveland is 8-1 ATS in its last nine after scoring 100 points or more and 7-1 ATS in its last eight following a SU victory.

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 Cleveland.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* SIDE OF THE WEEK is on the Atlanta Hawks (9:05 EST).

Denver is just 12-17 but looks poised for a letdown here in my opinion after winning three of its last four.

Atlanta is 14-15 on the year, but sits just two games back in its division. 

The Hawks are interestingly just 1-6 in their last seven home games, most recently falling 92-84 to the Wolves. So far Atlanta averages 102 points per game. Big man Dwight Howard hasn’t been in the line-up the last two games, but Paul Millsap is still a force to be reckoned with, he had 18 points, seven assists, ten boards and two steals in the humbling setback to Minnesota. 

The Nuggets had their mini three-game win skein snapped in a 119-102 blowout loss at the hands of the Clippers. Will Barton was a bright spot with 22 points. Denver has been decent offensively, but its defense has been atrocious, conceding a whopping 109.7 PPG, which ranks its 27th overall. 

I’ll point out that Atlanta is 9-4 ATS in its last 13 as an underdog, while Denver is just 12-20 ATS in its last 32 when playing with two days of rest and and just 6-8 ATS in its last 14 as a home fav of 3.5 to six points.

I think that the Hawks are the more desperate team tonight. Denver’s little run is over and once momentum is lost, it’s very difficult to flip a switch and get it back. 

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 Atlanta.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on Cal State Fullerton (10:30 EST).

The 7-4 Portland Pilots get ready to battle the 4-7 Cal State Fullerton Titans and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. 

I believe the Pilots will have a letodwn here after their 77-75 home loss to Portland State. The Titans will look to get back on track after they fell 102-96 in OT at Nebraska Omaha. 

Note that CS Fullerton plays with revenge today after falling 65-60 in last year’s matchup. 

Only three players score in double figures for Portland. In fact, the Pilots have just five players that average more than 3.7 PPG, one of which is Alec Wintering, who is 24th in the country in scoring at 21.3 PPG. 

Note that Portland is ranked 92nd on the offensive end at 78.3 PPG, while ranked 206th on the defensive end in conceding 71.3 PPG.

Cal State Fullerton averages 76.5 PPG and concedes 77.5. Seven players had at least eight points in the most recent loss. Keep your eyes on Lionheart Leslie (12.5 PPG) and Tre Coggins (19.6).

I’ll point out that Portland is interestingly just 1-4 ATS in its last five against poor defensive teams which allow 77-plus points per contest, while CS Fullerton is already 3-1 ATS at home this year.

I think the Titans are the more motivated side in this matchup 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 CS Fullerton.

Good luck…Larry

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

The 25-4 Golden State Warriors are in Brooklyn to take on the 7-20 Nets and for a number of different reasons, I think this one has “shootout” written all over it. 

The Warriors are rolling, having won five straight, most recently a 104-74 victory at home over the Jazz. The Nets enter on the other end of the spectrum, having lost three straight, most recently a 116-104 setback in Toronto on Tuesday. 

After this the Warriors have a game in Cleveland on Christmas Day, a contest where anything can happen. I think the visitors come in focused on the task at hand tonight and push the pace from start to finish. Golden State ranks No. 1 in the league in scoring with 117.4 PPG. The defense hasn’t needed to be as good, it’s currently ranked 15th, allowing 103.9 points per night. 

Brooklyn will try to match pace, it’s offense has actually been pretty good this year, ranked eighth overall in posting 106.6 PPG. The Nets though are terrible on defense, ranked last in conceding 114.4 pointer per game. 

I’ll point out that Golden State has seen the total go over the number in eight of its last 14 against clubs with losing records, while Brooklyn has seen the total eclipse the posted number in five of six against the Pacific division this year and in five of six after three or more consecutive losses.

Everything points to a “run-and-gun shootout.” Play the over.

Good luck…Larry

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

The 3-7 WMU Broncos are at UCLA to take on the 12-0 Bruins and while I won’t be so bold as to predict an outright upset, I do think that the hungry visitors can keep this one competitive against what I think will be a complacent home side. 

The Broncos enter off a hard-fought 92-86 loss at Washington, while UCLA managed an 86-73 win over Ohio State last time out.

WMU averages 75.4 PPG, but it concedes 80.7. 

On paper that doesn’t look too good going against the Bruins second ranked offense, which averages 96.9 PPG. Defensively UCLA allows 74.5 PPG, which is ranked 68th overall in the country. 

From a trend based stand point though, this one sets up very well for the visitors, as note that the Broncos are 8-4 ATS in their last 12 versus good offensive teams which score 77-plus points per contest, while the Bruins are just 2-4 ATS in their last six as a home fav in the 24.5 to 30 points range.

The Broncos have put up at least 75 PPG this year and I think they’ll be able to keep this one close enough to easily cover with the monster spread they’ve been afforded. Play on Western Michigan.

Good luck…Larry

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

The 21-7 Houston Rockets are in Phoenix to take on the 8-20 Suns and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

Houston enters off a 111-109 OT win over the Wolves on Saturday and then fell 102-100 at home to the Spurs just last night.

It’s the opportunity that the hungry Suns have been waiting for and while I wouldn’t be shocked by an outright upset, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can as I look for Phoenix to at the very least, take this one down to the wire.

Houston is an offensive juggernaut in averaging 113.1 PPG, ranked second only to the Warriors. The defense though is poor, conceding 105.8 PPG, which is 20th overall. 

Phoenix can score with the best of them, averaging 106.4 PPG, which ranks it ninth overall. Like the Rockets though, the weak point for the Suns comes on the defensive end where they concede 113.1, ranked 29th in the league.

I’ll point out though that Houston is just 6-8 ATS in its last 14 as a road fav in the 3.5 to six points range, while Phoenix is already 3-1 ATS this season after three or more consecutive SU losses, 6-4 ATS against teams with winning records and 3-1 ATS in its last four as a home dog in the 3.5 to six points range.

For all the reasons listed above, I’m grabbing the points.

Good luck…Larry

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

The 12-15 Washington Wizards are in Chicago to take on the 14-13 Bulls and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

Washington comes in off a 107-105 loss at Indiana on Monday, while Chicago destroyed Detroit 113-82 to halt a three-game slide. I think the Wizards have a letdown here and expect the Bulls to build off their latest victory.

The Wizards are just 2-9 on the road this year. Defense is the weak point for Washington as it concedes an average of 106.4 PPG, ranked 22nd. 

Chicago on the other hand averages 101.6 PPG and concedes just 99.3, which is ranked fifth. 

I’ll point out that the Wizards are just 4-7 ATS on the road this year and only 38-40 ATS in their last 78 after scoring 105 points or more, while the Bulls are 4-2 ATS this year following a divisional contest and 8-6 ATS in their last 14 home games.

For all the reasons listed above, I’m backing the home side. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

The first 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the Detroit Pistons (7:35 EST).

The 18-11 Memphis Grizzlies are in Detroit to take on the 14-16 Pistons and for a number of different reasons I think this one favors the home side. 

No need to overthink this one in my opinion, as Memphis was at home to Boston just last night, falling 112-109. 

I think the hungry home side, which has dropped three straight, including a listless 113-82 road setback at Chicago on Monday, finds a way to get the job done at the end of the night. 

And to say this is a “revenge” game for the home side would be a bit of an understatement, as Memphis has taken 12 of the last 13 meeting, including a 93-92 win in Detroit back on December 9th, 2015. 

Memphis is ranked just 29th in scoring offense, posting 96.4 PPG. The Grizzlies get the job done on the defensive end though, conceding just 96.7 PPG, which is ranked No. 2.

Detroit’s offense is ranked 25th overall, averaging 98.4 PPG. The defense though has also been stout, conceding 97.4 PPG, which is third overall in the league.

I’ll point out though that Memphis is just 2-8 ATS in its last ten as a road dog of 6.5 to nine points, while Detroit is already 3-1 ATS this year after three or more consecutive SU losses. 

I like the desperate home side to pull away down the stretch for the comfortable ATS cover. Play on Detroit.

Good luck…Larry

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

The 9-1 Oakland Grizzlies are in Michigan to take on the 7-5 Spartans for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. 

Oakland enters off a 74-53 win over Robert Morris last week, but then fell to Northeastern 61-59 just last night.

Suffice it to say, I think the Grizzlies come into this one with “heavy legs.” 

Oakland averages 86.3 PPG, which is ranked 31st in the nation and concedes just 66.6. 

The Spartans will look to take advantage and to bounce back after losing 81-73 to Northeastern on Sunday. So far Michigan State averages 72.2 PPG, while conceding 68.8, which is ranked 128th in the country.

I’ll point out that Oakland is just 3-4 ATS in its last seven non-conference games, while MSU is 4-2 ATS against teams with winning records this year and 4-0 ATS versus good offensive teams which score 77 plus points per contest.

I think the Grizzlies come into this one gassed and the hungry and underachieving home side pulls away down the stretch for the comfortable ATS cover. Play on Michigan State.

Good luck…Larry

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

Frankie Hughes leads Missouri in scoring at 12.7 PPG. The Tigers enter on a losing streak and I think will be hard pressed to match pace with the Fighting Illini.

Malcolm Hill leads the way for Illinois in averaging 18.2 PPG. Most recently Illinois comes off a win over a talented BYU team.

The Tigers have so far been a major disappoinment and note that they’ve struggled mightily in this spot already for bettors, going 3-4 ATS in non-conference games and just 1-2 ATS when playing the role of underdogs, while the Fighting Illini come into this one surging, having gone 4-1 ATS so far in December.

I expect these strong trends to continue, lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the over Jazz/Warriors (10:35 EST).

The 18-10 Utah Jazz are in Golden State to take on the 24-4 Warriors and for a number of different reasons, I think this one has “shootout” written all over it as well.

Utah is coming off an 82-73 road win over Memphis, while Golden State annihilated Portland 135-90 on Saturday. 

These teams played earlier in the month and the Warriors would prevail 106-99.

The Jazz average 100.2 PPG, which ranks them 24th overall. On the defensive end they’re No. 1, conceding only 94.6 PPG.

But clearly Utah’s vaunted defensive unit faces a tough task on the road against the high-powered Warriors offense which is No. 1 in the league in averaging a whopping 117.9 PPG. 

Golden State is very average defensively though, conceding 105 PPG, ranked 18th in the NBA.

I’ll point out that the Jazz have in fact seen the total go over the number in nine of their 13 road games this season, while Golden State has seen the total eclipse the posted number in all five games it’s played this year when playing with two days of rest.

I like the rested home side to push the pace from start to finish, forcing the visitors to match. Play the over.

Good luck…Larry

The second 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the over Celtics/Grizzlies.

The 15-12 Boston Celtics are in Memphis to take on the 18-11 Grizzlies and for a number of different reasons, I think this one has “shootout” written all over it too.

The Celtics have won two in a row and will be confident here. Isaiah Thomas scored 23 points in 28 minutes in a 105-95 win against the Heat in Florida in the most recent. Al Horford scored 17 with eight boards and a season-high seven assists.

The Grizzlies got star Mike Conley back in the line-up, but have since gone on to lose two straight. Clearly Conley and the home side will be out to reverse that trend tonight. And after osing 83-72 to Utah last time out, we can expect the home side to push the pace from start to finish. 

I’ll point out that Boston has seen the total go over the number in eight of its last 13 after scoring 105 points or more, while Memphis has seen the total eclipse the posted number in 15 of its last 20 after playing three consecutive home games.

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

Good luck…Larry

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

The 11-19 Lakers are in Charlotte to take on the 15-13 Hornets and for a number of different reasons, I think this one has “shootout” written all over it.

These are two teams hungry for a victory and I’m expecting a wide-open affair. 

The Lakers lost for the ninth time in their last ten games after falling 119-108 on the road in Cleveland on Saturday. 

Charlotte meanwhile snapped a four-game slide by besting the Hawks 107-99 on the road on Saturday. 

So far LA is 13th in the league in scoring with 104.4 PPG. Lou Williams leads the charge with 18.9 PPG. On the defensive end the Lakers are near the bottom of the league, ranked 27th overall in conceding 110.5 PPG. 

The Hornets will look to capatalize, they’re ranked 18th overall in the NBA in putting up 103.9 PPG. Charlotte is also in the middle of the pack on the defensive end, conceding 102.1 PPG. Kemba Walker leads all players with an average of 22.4 points and 5.3 assists per contest.

I’ll point out that LA has seen the total go over the number in four of five this year after playing three consecutive road games, while Charlotte has seen the total sail above the posted number in seven of ten against teams with losing records this season.

LA will need to push the pace of this one from the outset as it looks to get Charlotte out of its comfort zone. As mentioned off the top, I think everything points to a classic shootout. Play the over.

Good luck…Larry

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

The 5-5 Richmond Spiders are at James Madison to take on the 1-9 Dukes and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. 

JMU enters off consecutive setbacks to WMU and Appalachian State. 

Richmond can emphathize of late as it’s dropped three of its last four, most recently falling to Texas Tech over the weekend.

The Spiders actually led Texas Tech by one point at half, but gave up 43 during the final 20 minutes of action. Khawn Fore had 19 points in the setback, while De’Monte Buckingham provided 16 off the bench.

The Dukes fell 73-61 to App State in OT, senior guard Jackson kent led the way with 16 points, six assists, three boards and two blocked shots. 

I’ll point out though that Richmond is 10-6 ATS in its last 16 against teams with losing records, while James Madison is just 1-6 ATS as an underdog this year and 9-15 ATS in its last 24 non-conference games.

I think Richmond is the deeper, more skilled team and look for it to do more than enough to cover this small spread. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Cornell (10:30 EST).

The 2-6 Cornell Big Red are at USC to take on the 10-0 Trojans and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. 

The Big Red have dropped three of their last four and I think they’ll be able to catch the home side a bit complacent here.

USC barely managed to get past Troy on Saturday and I think will also get caught “looking past” lowly Cornell today.

The Big Red had a 17 day gap between games and it was evident in the 97-78 setback to the Cowboys.

USC has the perfect record thus far despite not having top scorer Bennie Boatwright in the lineup, who will be out for another three or four weeks. Jordan McLaughlin has stepped up in his absence and is averaging 21 PPG. 

I’ll point out though that Cornell is 10-8 ATS in its last 18 when playing on one days rest, while USC is just 3-5 ATS in its last eight as a home fav of 18.5 to 24 points. 

I like the Big Red to keep this one competitive and to comfortably sneak in through the back door with the large spread they’ve been afforded tonight. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

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

The 7-3 Stanford Cardinal are at SMU to take on the 8-3 Mustangs and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. 

SMU enters with a ton of momentum and confidence and I’m expecting both to get carried over here. The Mustangs have won four straight and are a perfect 7-0 at the Moody Coliseum. 

The Cardinal have a tough task ahead of them tonight. Stanford will be leaning on junior forward Reid Travis, who averages 18.3 PPG and 9.8 boards). Stanford has played some good teams this year and its strength is on the defensive end, conceding 62.8 PPG, ranked 29th overall.

During the Mustangs’ recent win skein, the average margin of victory has been 17.8 points. Keep your eyes on Semi Ojeleye, who is averaging 17.6 points and 7.5 boards per contest. SMU is even better on the defensive end that its opponent today, allowing just 61.4 PPG, ranked 20th in the nation. 

I’ll point out that Stanford is just 3-9 ATS in its last 12 road games and only 2-5-1 ATS in its last eight following a SU win over more that 20 points, while SMU is 8-2 ATS in its last ten after scoring more than 90 points in its previous game and 6-1 ATS in its last seven in front of the home town crowd.

SMU is the bigger and more athletic team and I think should be a much bigger fav on its home floor. I’m laying the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Goin’ Over Total is the over Pistons/Bulls (8:05 EST).

The 14-15 Detroit Pistons are in Chicago to take on the 13-13 Bulls and for a number of different reasons, I think this one has all the makings of a higher-scoring shootout. 

Both teams have been floundering of late and each will be looking to push the pace and score the victory. The Pistons lost their second straight and third in their last four in a 105-90 home setback to Indiana on Saturday. 

The Bulls have lost three straight, most recently a 95-69 setback to Milwaukee on Friday. Chicago will be extra motivated as well today, playing with the revenge factor after dropping four of the last five in the series, including a 102-91 setback in the first meeting this year back on December 6th.

Detroit ranks 25th offensively in averaging 98.9 PPG, but is second in scoring defense in conceding just 96.9 PPG. 

Chicago is ranked 23rd in scoring with 101.1 PPG and is fifth in scoring defense, conceding 100 points a night.

These numbers don’t necessarily point to a higher-scoring affair, but I think the situation definitely lends itself to a shootout. 

I’ll point out that Detroit has seen the total go over the number in ten of 17 on the road this season, while Chicago has seen the total sail above the posted number in seven of its last ten after scoring 85 points or less.

Desperation breeds motivation. Both teams are looking to break out of their respective slumps and I think everything points to a faster paced contest. Play the over.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* WEST-CONF TOTAL OF THE MONTH is the over Suns/Wolves (8:05 EST).

The 8-19 Phoenix Suns are in Minnesota to take on the 7-19 Timberwolves and for a number of different reasons, I think this one is screaming “shootout.”

The Suns are looking to bounce back after two straight losses, including a listless 104-91 setback to the Thunder on Saturday. 

The Wolves have lost five of six and will be looking to take out their frustrations on somone after a 111-109 OT loss to Houston on Saturday. 

When these teams first met back on November 25th, Minnesota scored the lower-scoring 98-85 road win. I think we’re going to see a much faster paced game tonight though.

These are two desperate teams, which love nothing more than to get into the open floor and push the tempo. 

So far Phoenix averages 106.2 PPG, ranked ninth overall. The Suns concede 113 points per night, which is ranked 29th.

In the latest setback to the Rockets, Wolves’ big man Karl Anthony Townes had 41 points and 15 boards. Minnesota enters this one ranked 16th overall in scoring at 103.9 PPG, while ranked 23rd defensively in conceding 106.9. Andrew Wiggins is second on the team with 21.9 PPG.

I’ll point out that Phoenix has in fact seen the total go over the number in 11 of 15 road games this year and in 13 of 20 in trying to revenge a loss against an opponent, while Minnesota has seen the total eclipse the posted number in both games that it’s played this year after playing to three or more consecutive “unders.” 

I can’t see a lot of emphasis being put on the defensive end of the floor tonight, I’m banking on an old fashioned shootout. Play the over.

Good luck…Larry

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

The 6-4 Eastern Michigan Eagles are in Syracuse to take on the 6-4 Orange and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. 

EMU enters off an 82-74 road loss to Vermont, while Syracuse fell 78-71 at home to Georgetown.

The Eagles’ four-game win streak was snapped in the loss to Vermont on Saturday. EMU rallied from a 14 point deficit, but would come up short down the stretch.

The Eagles can score with the best of them so far, they average 84.8 PPG, which is ranked 22nd in the country. Willie Magnum IV has scored 17 or more points in five straight games. The defense is the weak point, conceding an average of 73.3 PPG, ranked 219th overall.

The Orange shot just 43.9 percent from the floor and were led by Tyler Lydon, who posted a career-high 29 points to go along with nine boards.

So far Syracuse averages 75.2 PPG, ranked 155th overall. The Orange though are tough on the defensive end, conceding 62.9 PPG, ranked 30th overall. 

I’ll point out that EMU is 4-1 ATS in its last five non-conference games and 4-1 ATS in its last five on the road, while Syracuse is 0-4 ATS in its last four against teams with winning records and 0-4 ATS in its last four non-conference contests.

I think the Eagles have a legitimate shot at scoring an outright upset here. Granted the Orange defense is superior, but EMU can put points on the board in a hurry. In the end I’m going to recommend grabbing as many points as you can.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* NON CONF SIDE OF THE MONTH is on Michigan State (7:00 EST

MSU plays its fourth straight at home as it hosts Northeastern for the first time ever. 

You’ll want to keep your eyes on freshman guards Joshuan Langford and Cassius Winston. Langford is averaging 11.3 points, while Winston is posting 9.7 points, 9.0 assists and just 1.7 turnovers. In fact, over the last four games Winston has totaled 34 assists and just eight turnovers.

The Spartans get the job done on the defensive end, as seven of their 11 opponents this year have been held under 40 percent.

And that doesn’t bode well for the Huskies today in my opinion. Last year MSU traveled to Boston last season and defeated Northeastern 78-58 behind 17 points from Denzel Valentine. 

The Huskies come to East Lansing at 5-5 overall and in the middle of a six-game road trip in which they’ve lost three of four. TJ Williams has been a bright spot, leading the team with 21.9 PPG. 

I’ll point out though that Northeastern is just 1-2 ATS on the road already this year and just 7-11 ATS in its last 18 after allowing 60 points or less, while MSU is 15-6 ATS in its last 21 as a home fav of 12.5 points or more.

I’m expecting a similar final score as when these team’s met last year. Lay the points with confidence, play on Michigan State.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* EASTERN CONFERENCE TOTAL OF THE MONTH is the under Raptors/Magic (6:05 EST).

The 18-8 Toronto Raptors are in Orlando to take on the 12-16 Magic and for a number of difference reasons, I think this one will fall below the posted number once it’s all said and done.

The Raptors are looking to get back on track after falling 125-121 at home to Atlanta, a setback which snapped a four-game win streak. 

The Magic broke a six game slide in a 118-111 win over Brooklyn on Friday. 

Toronto has won 12 of the last 13 in the series and that includes a 106-103 OT win i the last matchup in Orlando back on January 14th, 2016. 

Toronto is third in the league in scoring with 112.3 PPG, while ranked 14th on the defensive end in conceding 103.9 per night.

Despite their big offensive output last time out, the Magic are still one of the worst teams offensively, ranked 27th overall in averaging 97.4 PPG. Orlando usually gets the job done with tough defensive plays as it’s ranked ninth overall in conceding 101.6 PPG. 

I’ll point out that Toronto has seen the total go under the number in 17 of its last 27 after playing to three or more consecutive “overs,” while Orlando has seen the total dip below the posted number in six of nine against teams with winning records.

After the debacle at home to the Hawks, we can expect the Raptors to dial up the pressure defensively tonight. And that likely doesn’t bode well for the offensively challenged Magic. This number is just a little hight play the under.

Good luck…Larry

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

Oregon is 9-2 and ranked No. 22 in the country. UNLV is 6-4 and most recently bounced back for a win over lowly Incarnate Word after getting hammered by Duke 94-45. 

Oregon opened as a Top 5 team, but has since started to turn things around of late, coming into this one having won seven straight after starting the season 2-2. Chris Boucher leads the Ducks with 14.1 points and 7.8 boards per game. 

Note that three other Oregon players score in double figures too though.

Jalen Poyser leads the Rebles with 16.1 PPG, but beyond him, UNLV is fairly “thin.” 

This is simply a bad spot for UNLV, which is already just 1-2 ATS this year as an underdog. And note this is a spot in which Oregon has excelled in for bettors, going 14-8 ATS in its last 22 as a favorite and 3-2 ATS in its last five in all neutral court games.

After the slow start, I can’t see Oregon taking the foot of the gas. UNLV has already struggled against ranked teams this year and I expect this and the rest of the trends listed above to continue tonight. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Oddsmaker’s Error is on the Golden State Warriors (10:30 EST).

The 13-15 Portland Trailblazers are at Golden State to take on the 23-4 Warriors and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

The Warriors enter off three straight SU victories. The Blazers are trending the opposite directoin, having lost five of their last six after falling at Denver on Thursday. 

Portland has given up at least 118 points in three of its last four outings. Most recently the Blazers allowed the Nuggets to shoot better than 50 percent, while also letting Denver hit 15 of 31 from range. 

And that doesn’t bode well versus this focused Warriors team which is seemingly getting better with each game. Most recently Golden State assisted on an amazing 41 of their 45 baskets in the 103-90 win over New York. 

I’ll point out that Portland is just 4-8 ATS against teams with winning records this year and only 6-10 ATS on the road, while Golden State is 6-4 ATS this season as a home fav of 12.5 points or more and 8-5 ATS in its last 13 following a win by ten points or more.

The Blazers are playing horrible defense right now and I look for that trend to carry over here. Lay the points with confidence.

Good luck…Larry

The second 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on USC (10:30 EST).

Troy comes into this one at 6-4 while No. 24 ranked USC sits at a perfect 9-0. 

Troy has won three of four, while USC is gunning for a 10-0 start. 

The Troy Trojans are led by Jordon Varnado, who averages 15.7 points, 6.5 boards and shoots 53 percent. 

After Varnado though, Troy becomes pretty thin. The USC Trojans on the other hand have five players which average in double digits, led by Elijah Stewart, who puts up 17.1 points and 5.8 boards per game.

USC has several advantages working in its favor, including some strong ATS trends, note that it’s 5-1 ATS in its last six after scoring more than 90 points in its previous game and 4-1 ATS in its last five against teams with a winning SU record.

And note that this is a spot in which Troy has struggled in for bettors, going just 5-15-2 ATS in its last 22 following a SU win and 0-4 ATS in its last four against teams with a winning percentage above .600. 

Troy may have won three straight, but it’s been over inferior competition. I think USC comes in focused on the task at hand pulls away comfortably done the stretch. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

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

The Cal Poly Mustangs are 5-5 overall and just 1-3 on the road. Cal is 8-2 overall and 7-0 at home. I’m expecting the Golden Bears’ strong home play to continue here and for Cal Poly to once again struggle away from friendly confines.

Cal averages 71 points, while Cal Poly posts 69 per game. 

The Golden Bears have a significant advantage on the defensive end though, conceding 59.9 points per contest, compared to the Mustangs 69.9. 

Cal Poly most recently fell 73-59 to Fresno State on Saturday, going just 8 of 14 from behind the arc. Donovan Fields led the way with 

 seven points, but no other Mustang scored over seven. 

After losing to Northwestern by three in Hawaii, Cal got back to its winning ways with a victory over UC Davis on Saturday. Charlie Moore led all players with 22 points. 

I’ll point out that the Cal Poly Mustangs are just 2-5 ATS in their last seven following a SU loss and interestingly, 4-12-1 ATS in their last 17 road games with a team with a home winning percentage of greater than .600, while Cal is 4-1 ATS in its last five following a SU win of more than 20 points and 12-5 ATS in its last 17 following an ATS victory.

I simply can’t see the Mustangs offering much resistance to the much deeper and talented Golden Bears. The home floor advantage can’t be overlooked and neither can Cal’s superior defensive play. 

Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

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

Note that this is a neutral court game, being played in Portland at the home of the Trail Blazers. 

LBSU is just 2-10 this year as it’s faced a very difficult schedule to open the season. So far the 49ers have faced Wichita State, No. 5 UNC, No. 12 Louisville, No. 16 UCLA, Pac-12 school Washington and at No. 4 Kansas. 

LBSU enters off a 71-65 loss to Texas last Saturday, blwoing a 12-point lead. Evan Payne led the charge with 26 points. 

Oregon State is just 3-7 this year. So far the Beavers have underachieved, losing to the likes of Lamar, Nevada, Tulsa, Fresno State and Charlotte. The Beavers though sunk to a new low in a 93-90 OT home loss to Savannah State. Drew Eubanks was a bright spot in the debacle, scoring 23 points, grabbing 16 boards and proving six blocks. 

I’ll point out that the 49ers are 20-13 ATS in their last 33 non-conference games, while Oregon State is just 1-7 ATS in its last eight non-conference contests.

I love LBSU here, it’s the deeper and more skilled team and has played against the absolute best/toughest in the country. The Beavers are reeling and I’d be shocked if they put up much a fight tonight. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the over Mavs/Jazz (10:35 EST).

The 6-19 Dallas Mavericks are in Utah to take on the 15-10 Jazz and for a number of different reasons, I think this one will eclipse the posted number as the game comes down the stretch.

Utah has won five of its last six, most recently coming off a win over OKC. Dallas continued its up-and-down season with a 95-85 home loss to Detroit on Wednesday. 

The Mavs had started to turn things around before this latest dud though, winning two of three and posting 111 and 112 points in the two victories. 

Dallas looks to get back on track and will need to match pace with the high-flying Jazz, who destroyed the Thunder 109-89 on Wednesday. Gordon Hayward leads the way for Utah, averaging 25.8 PPG thus far. 

I’ll point out that Dallas has seen the total go over the number in eight of 13 already this year in trying to revenge a loss against an opponent, while Utah has seen the total sail above the posted number in interestingly five of six against the Southwest division this season and in nine of 14 against teams with losing records.

As mentioned above, I think Utah pushes the pace of this one, which will force the visitors to match. I believe this number is just a little low, play on the over.

Good luck…Larry

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

A couple of cellar dwellers go head-to-head on Friday night and I think the visitors have the advantage in this one.

LA will be desperate, it’s all hands on deck after losing eight straight. Most recently the Lakers fell by ten at Brooklyn on Wednesday. LA held a one-point lead going into the fourth, but would fall apart late.

Lou Williams had 16 points off the bench and six players would go on to score in double digits. But it wasn’t enough, as the defense couldn’t hold up. LA has averaged 107 PPG over its last six. The defense though has given up an average of 111 PPG this season. 

Philadelphia won two straight on the road and then returned home and lost 123-114 to Toronto on Wednesday. Robert Covington had 26 points and 12 boards. 

From a trend based stand point, they don’t get much better than this though, as LA is 6-3 ATS in its last nine off an upset loss as a favorite (including 2-1 ATS this season), while Philadelphia is just 2-4 ATS this year after scoring 105 points or more.

The Lakers have actually been getting healthier on this road trip and I think the deeper team finds a way to get the job done once it’s all said and done. Play on LA.

Good luck…Larry

The first 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the Atlanta Hawks (7:35 EST).

The 12-13 Atlanta Hawks are in Toronto to take on the 18-7 Raptors and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors.

The Hawks had a two-game win streak snapped in a 131-120 setback at home to Orlando on Wednesday, while Toronto won its fourth straight and tenth out of its last 11 with a 123-114 road win at Philadelphia. 

To say this is a “revenge” game for ATL would be a bit of an understatement I think, as TO has won five of the last six in the series, including a blowout 128-84 victory in the first meeting of the season on December 3rd.

In the loss to the Magic, Hawks’ big man Dwight Howard had 20 points and 16 boards. So far Atlanta is ranked 23rd in the league in scoring at 101.6 PPG. It’s better on the defensive end, conceding 103.4 PPG, ranked 14th. Paul Milsap leads the charge with 17 points, 8.3 boards and 3.6 assists per night. 

The Raptors are third overall in scoring at 111.9 PPG and 12th in scoring defense, conceding 103 PPG. DeMar DeRozan leads the Raptors with 28 points and 5.2 boards per contest. 

Simply put, I think Atlanta is the “hungrier” and more motivated team today. It plays with revenge after getting destroyed by Toronto earlier in the month and it’s also out to atone for its lacklustre effort against the Magic. Success breeds complacency. I think the Raptors have a small mental letdown here and leave the back door open just wide enough for Atlanta to sneak in through down the stretch. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* NON-CONFERENCE SIDE OF THE MONTH is on the Golden State Warriors (10:35 EST). 

The 14-11 New York Knicks are in Golden State to take on the 22-4 Warriors and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

The Warriors bounced back from a loss at Memphis to win their last two games, over Minnesota and New Orleans respectively. 

New York had won six of seven before an OT loss in Phoenix on Tuesday and suffice it to say, I’m expecting another letdown here. Momentum is difficult to attain and once lost, is even harder to get back.

I’ll point out that New York is just 1-3 ATS in its last four on the road and only 1-4 ATS in its last five as an underdog, while Golden State is 12-8 ATS this year after scoring 105 points or more and 6-3 ATS this season as a home fav of 12.5 points or more.

It’s a tough road trip for New York, with a game in Denver on Saturday and it’s not too hard to imagine the team getting caught looking ahead. 

Conversely, after a somewhat difficult five-game road trip behind them, I’m expecting the Warriors to come out fired up in the opener of a three-game home stand. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Oddsmaker’s Error is on Murray State (8:00 EST).

The 5-5 Murray State Racers are in Ole Miss to take on the 6-3 Rebels and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors.

The Racers are 5-5 and have won three of their last five, alternating wins and losses in that time. Most recently MSU scored a 103-65 win over Bethel. Nine players would go on to score and six made it to double figures. 

The Rebels have also alternated wins and and losses over their last six games. Most recently Ole Miss played at Virginia Tech on Sunday and lost 80-75. Deandre Burnett leads Ole Miss with 20.0 PPG.

MSU has dropped five tough non-conference road games this year, at MTSU, Bowling Green, Southern Illinois and Evansville respectively, but I think has a legitimate shot at an upset today.

The bottom line is that I think the Racers match up extremely well against Ole Miss. And note that the Rebels are just 1-4 ATS at home this year and just 6-11 ATS in their last 17 after allowing 80 points or more.

Additionally note that Murray State is 4-2 ATS in its last six as a road dog of 6.5 to nine points and 4-2 ATS in its last six against poor defensive teams which allow 77 plus points per contest.

I think this one will be a lot more competitive than what Las Vegas is leading us to believe. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

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

Cal Irvine has had a difficult opening schedule, with a 75-65 OT loss at then-No. 25 California, a 79-57 setback at No. 20 Arizona and then on Sunday it fell 84-53 at No. 12 Saint Mary’s. 

The Anteaters would allow Saint Mary’s to shoot 64 percent in the second half. UCI is one of the countries worst offensive teams in averaging just 61.8 PPG. But it gets the job done defensively as it concedes just 65.4 PPG. Jaron Martin is a stand out, he leads the team with 12.5 PPG and 3.3 APG.

The Wolf Pack enter off an upset 87-85 win at Washington on Sunday and I expect the team to carry that momentum over into a big effort tonight. Marcus Marshall led the way with 32 points in the latest victory, including hitting a 15-foot runner with time running off the clock to seal the deal. Note that Nevada was pretty good from the foul line, going 22 of 29. 

And I’ll point out that the Anteaters are just 3-7 ATS in their last ten against teams with a win percentage above .600, while the Wolf Pack are 8-1-1 ATS in their last ten following an ATS vicotry and 11-3-2 ATS in their last 16 non-conference games.

Nevada averages almost 80 PPG and I simply can’t see the offensively challenged Anteaters keeping pace down the stretch. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

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

Sacramento has won two of its last four, including a 116-92 victory over the Lakers on Monday. Houston enters off a 122-118 win over the Nets on Monday and is poised for a letdown here after posting its seventh win in a row. 

The Kings would hold the Lakers to just 39 percent from the field and were led by DeMarcus Cousins, who had 31 points, 16 boards, five assists, three blocks and two steals. 

Houston looked poor defensively against the Nets, allowing Brooklyn to shoot 52 percent from the field. James Harden was two rebounds away from a triple-double. 

I’ll point out that Sacramento is 4-1 ATS in its last five against teams with a winning percentage above .600 and 3-1-1 ATS in its last five against the Southwest division, while Houston is just 16-23 ATS in its last 39 after three or more consecutive SU victories.

Cousins is a man possessed right now and I think he and the Kings can keep this one competitive in facing the Rockets poor defense. Grab as many points as you can.

Good luck…Larry

The second 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the under Lakers/Nets (7:35 EST0.

The 10-17 LA Lakers are in Brooklyn to take on the 6-17 Nets and for a number of different reasons, I think this one will fall below the posted number once it’s all said and done.

After a decent start, the Lakers have predictably fallen on hard times, most recently dropping their seventh straight with a 116-92 setback at Sacramento on Monday.

The Nets can empathize, they’ve struggled with consistency all year and most recently fell 122-118 on the road at Houston on Monday.

When these teams clashed on November 15th, the Lakers came away with a 125-118 home victory, but I think that all signs point to more of a lower-scoring battle tonight.

LA ranks 13th in the league in scoring at 104.7 PPG and is 27th in scoring defense at 111.1. 

Brooklyn is ninth in the league in scoring at 106.5 PPG and is last in scoring defense, conceding 115.2 PPG. 

I’ll point out though that the Lakers have seen the total go under the number in nine of 20 this year when playing the role of underdog, while the Nets have seen the total dip below the posted number in 25 of their last 44 when playing the role of favorite.

These bottom feeders have a lot of players (and coaches!), fighting for a spot next year and have something to prove. I think we’ll see just enough defense to keep this one under the number once it’s all said and done.

Good luck…Larry

The first 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the Philadelphia 76ers (7:05 EST).

The 17-7 Toronto Raptors are in Philadelphia to take on the 6-18 76ers and for a number of different reasons I think this one favors the home side.

I believe the high-flying Raptors “look past” the lowly 76ers tonight. Toronto comes in have won three straight and nine of its last ten after besting the Bucks 122-100 at home on Monday. I had the Raptors in that one. The only loss during that stretch came at home to the Cavaliers and I had a play on Cleveland in that particular contest.

Note that Toronto ranks among the best on the offensive end, averaging 111.5 PPG, but defensively it’s middle of the pack, allowing 102.6.

Philadelphia comes in with a ton of momentum after winning back-to-back road games. In their most recent win over the Pistons, the 76ers held a 42-34 edge on the boards. Robert Convington led the way with 16 points to lead six other players in double figures.

I’ll point out that the Raptors are just 4-6 ATS in their last ten as a road fav in the 6.5 to nine points range, while Philadelphia is 3-1 ATS in its last four as a home dog in the same points range.

For all of the reasons mentioned above, I’m backing the home side in this matchup. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on Eastern Washington (9:05 EST).

The 2-6 Morehead State Eagles are at Eastern Washington to take on the 7-2 Eagles and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

Eastern Washington has won six in a row and is average 79.9 PPG, while allowing 83.1. Bigdan Bliznyuk leads EWU with 21.4 points and 6.9 boards per game. 

Morehead State comes in on the opposite end of the spectrum, having lost six straight. The Eagles average 72 PPG and allow 82.4. Xavier Moon has been a standout, leading the team with 12.9 PPG. 

I’ll point out that EWU is 4-0 ATS in its last four at home and 8-3 ATS in its last 11 following a SU victory, while Morehead State is 0-3-2 in its last five ATS following a SU loss and 0-4-2 ATS in its last six road contests.

I have no faith in Morehead State right now and think this line is a little light. I’m backing the home side, play on Eastern Washington.

Good luck…Larry

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

The 6-18 Minnesota Timberwolves are in Chicago to take on the 13-10 Bulls and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors.

I believe the Wolves will be the “hungrier” team today, they enter off their fourth straight loss, most recently a hard-fought 116-108 home setback to the Warriors on Friday. 

Chicago on the other hand looks poised for a letdown here after winning its second straight, this time a 105-100 victory over Miami on Saturday. 

But if recent history is any precedence, then the visitors have to be loving their chances for an outright victory today as they’d take both meetings last year, including a 112-105 win in the last matchup on February 6th, 2016 in Chicago.

Minnesota will be especially motivated after letting a late lead slip away in the fourth quarter against Golden State. Note that Karl-Anthony Towns, Andrew Wiggins and Zach LaVine each had 25 points in the setback.

Chicago got 31 points, seven boards, five assists and three steals from Jimmy Butler in the win over Miami. 

I’ll point out that Minnesota is 4-1 ATS this year after three more consecutive SU losses, while Chicago is just 4-6 ATS in its last ten against teams with losing records. 

With two nights off before a home-and-home set with Milwaukee, I think the home side comes in a bit complacent here. Conversely, the hungry Wolves are desperate to break the slide 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 Wolves.

Good luck…Larry

The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the Portland Trailblazers (10:30 EST).

The 12-13 Portland Trail Blazers are in LA to take on the 17-7 Clippers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. 

I think Portland, which has dropped three straight, will be the “hungrier” team today and am expecting that determination to at the very least, lead to a solid cover for the visitors tonight. 

LA broke a three-game slide with a blowout win over New Orleans on Saturday. 

Portland will be especially motivated here after letting sizeable fourth quarter leads slip away, most recently a disappointing setback to the Pacers: “This wasn’t a normal loss,” Blazers guard C.J. McCollum said after. “We’ve had a lot of these games we should win, games we’re up double digits and they make more plays than us down the stretch, they make more hustle plays. They make aggressive moves toward the basket, they get fouls. They finish the game and we don’t.”

LA blew out the Hornets and Chris Paul led the way with 20 points, 20 assists and zero turnovers. 

But with a three game road trip on the horizon, I think the Clippers get caught “looking ahead.” 

And I’ll point out that Portland is 3-1 ATS in its last four after three consecutive SU losses, while LA is just 6-17 ATS in its last 24 as a home favorite of 9.5 to 12 points.

While I won’t be so bold as to call for an outright upset, I do definitely think this is too many points to be giving up. Play on Portland.

Good luck…Larry

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

The 6-16 Brooklyn Nets are in Houston to take on the 17-7 Rockets and for a number of different reasons I think this one favors the visitors.

The Nets lost for the 11th time in their last 13 in a 130-101 setback at San Antonio on Saturday. The Rockets though looked poised for a letdown here after six straight wins, most recently a 109-87 victory at home over Dallas. 

Brooklyn can score with the best of them, it averages 106 PPG, which is ranked a respectable tenth in the league. Where the team lacks severely is on the defensive end, ranked dead last in conceding an average of 114.9 PPG. Brook Lopez leads the way with 19.8 points a night.

Houston ranks second in the league in scoring with 111.6 PPG and is 18th in scoring defense in allowing 105.7 PPG. James Harden leads the team with 27.8 PPG, 7.6 boards and 11.6 assists per night. 

Note though that Brooklyn is 3-1 ATS in its last four as an underdog, while Houston is just 15-26 ATS in its last 41 following a divisional contest.

I think the Rockets come into this one complacent and the high-scoring Nets keep this one close enough to comfortably sneak in through the backdoor down the stretch. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

The first 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the Toronto Raptors (7:30 EST).

The 11-11 Milwaukee Bucks are in Toronto to take on the 16-7 Raptors and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. These teams come in trending in opposite directions, as the Bucks have lost two straight, most recently a 110-105 setback at Washington, while the Raptors won their second straight and eight in their last nine with a 101-94 road victory in Boston on Friday. 

If recent history is any precedence, then Toronto has to be liking its chances today as it’s won five straight in the series, including a 105-99 win in the first meeting this year on November 25th. 

Milwaukee is led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, with 21.9 points, nine boards, 5.9 assists, 1.95 steals and 2.14 blocks. The Bucks though are ranked 16th overall offensively with 104.2 PPG. They’re a bit better on the defensive end, ranked 13th overall in conceding 102.7 PPG. 

The only loss in the Raptors current run has come against the Cavaliers last week (I had Cleveland in that one). Note that Toronto is fourth in the league in scoring with a 111 points per game average, while the Raptors clock in at 12th on the defensive end, giving up 102.7 PPG. 

I’ll point out that the Bucks are 0-5 ATS in their last five road games against a team with a winning home record, while Toronto is 4-0 ATS in its last four home games against a team with a road win percentage of less than .400 and a perfect 4-0 ATS in its last four when playing on two days of rest. 

Milwaukee is out of gas right now, it blew a 20 point half time lead in losing to Atlanta at home on Friday and then stumbled on the road in Washington. I think the home side takes full advantage and keeps the foot on the gas from start to finish. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the LA Lakers (9:35 EST).

The 13-10 New York Knicks are in Los Angeles to take on the 10-15 Lakers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

The Knicks are poised for a letdown in my opinion after winning five of their last six, most recently a 103-100 victory on the road in Sacramento. 

Conversely, the Lakers will be risking life and limb tonight to get back into the win column after droping five straight, most recently a 119-115 home setback to Phoenix on Friday. 

New York is 15th in the league in scoring (104.2) and tied for 23rd in scoring defense (106.9). 

LA is 11th in the NBA in scoring (104.9) and 27th in scoring defense (110.7). 

I’ll point out though that New York is just 1-3 ATS in its last four on the road, while LA is 2-0 ATS off an upset loss as a favorite.

I think from a situational stand point, they don’t get much better than this. Despite injuries to some key players, I think the “hungrier” team gets the job done ATS tonight. Play on LA.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Oddsmaker’s Error is on Washington (8:00 EST).

The 7-2 Nevada Wolf Pack are in Washington to take on the 4-4 Huskies and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. 

The Wolf Pack most recently handled Bradley 91-69, while the Huskies come in off a humbling 98-71 setback at Gonzaga. 

Nevada wasn’t really tested last time out, but I think it will be today against this determined home side. The Wolf Pack are 87th in the country in scoring at 78.4 PPG and at the defensive end they’re ranked 148th in points allowing, giving up 70.0 PPG thus far. 

Washignton has struggled with consistency from game to game, but it does have seven players that average at least 6.1 PPG, led by Markelle Fultz, who contributes 23.0 PPG, which is ranked 11th in the nation. 

The Huskies can score with the best of them, averging 86 PPG, which ranks 18th in the country. That offense has had to be good, because they’ve given up an average of 82.0 PPG to this point.

I’ll point out that the Wolf Pack are just 18-22 ATS in their last 40 when playing the role of underdog and only 13-17 ATS in their last 30 road games, while Washington is a perfect 4-0 ATS in its last four as a home fav in the 3.5 to six points range and 5-2 ATS in its last seven after failing to cover the spread in three or more consecutive games.

The Huskies have the home court advantage and are the “hungrier” team. I think Washington’s defense finally shows up today and the home side pulls away down the stretch for the comfortable ATS cover. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Pacific (10:30 EST).

Pacifc faces Rider in the fifth annual Gotham Classic in the Stockton Arena tonight and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the Tigers. 

Rider is 4-3 so far, while Pacific is 3-5. 

The Tigers will be especially motivated here after dropping to 0-1 in the tournament following a listless 72-48 setback at UMass on Thursday. Note though that Pacific is 3-0 in Stockton following a defeat and has won by an average of 14 points per game (also note that the Tigers are 4-2 in their last six following a loss). 

It’s also interesting to note that Pacific’s five losses have come against opponents with a combined 30-15 record. 

Pacific has won the battle on the offensive glass in seven of eight games this season. The Tigers outrebounded UMass on the offensive boards 11-2 on Dec. 8.

Rider has struggled in this spot for bettors, going just 1-8 ATS in its last nine neutral court games and just 6-10 ATS in non-conference contests, while Pacific has excelled, going 7-5 ATS in its last 12 after scoring 60 points or less.

I’m banking on Pacific to ride the wave of emotion from the local crowd and to bounce back in fine fashion after its last dud. Play on the Tigers.

Good luck…Larry

The second 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on New Mexico State (9:30 EST).

No need to overthink this one in my opinion, as NMSU plays with revenge tonight after falling to New Mexico in the first installment in the Battle of I-25. 

The Lobos beat the Aggies 72-59 on November 18th. Now it’s payback time!

Last time out NM State continued its hot home run by beating LBSU 93-85. Braxton Huggins had a game-high 26 points. In fact, four of the Aggies’ five starters would go on to score double figures. NM State has now won 15 in a row at home dating back to last season. 

Note that Eli Chuha finished with a career-high 19 points and seven boards. 

New Mexico comes in off a nail-biting 78-77 win over UTEP as an 11-point favorite and I think is poised for a letdown here. Note that the Lobos are just 1-2 ATS as an underdog this year, while the Aggies are 2-0 ATS in their last two after allowing 80 points or more and 4-1 ATS in their last five after scoring 80 points or more.

I’m laying the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the San Antonio Spurs (8:35 EST).

The 6-15 Brooklyn Nets are in San Antonio to take on the 18-5 Spurs and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

Brooklyn enters off a home win over Denver, but has yet to win two games in a row this season. San Antonio’s four-game win skein ended in a loss at Chicago on Thursday, so any sort of a “letdown” in its first game back home has been nullified.

Brooklyn is in a rebuilding mode, so the pressure is off coach Kenny Atkinson, who has been tasked to build the team from the ground up.

San Antonio on the other hand is coming off its first road loss of the year, coming one victory away from matching the league’s best-ever road start. 

I’ll point out that Brooklyn is just 1-3-1 ATS in its last five road games and only 2-9-1 ATS in its last 12 road games against teams with winning home records, while San Antonio is 14-9 ATS in its last 23 after playing three consecutive road games.

Spurs coach Greg Popovich unloaded on his team after the loss to the Bulls: “We haven’t learned as a group that the game is 48 minutes,” Popovich said during his tirade. 

I think San Antonio bounces back here and steamrolls the lowly Nets. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

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

The 7-2 Michigan Wolverines are at UCLA to take on the 9-0 Bruins and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. 

ULCA comes in off a momentum building and season defining 97-92 win at Kentucky last weekend, while Michigan comes in off consecutive victories, most recently over Texas.

The Wolverines had to hold on for dear life in the 53-50 win over the Longhorns though, making only seven shots in the second half, including just two in the final seven minutes of the game. Co-captains Zak Irvin and Derrick Walton Jr. combined for only 10 points.

And that kind of pathetic play just isn’t going to get the job done against the red hot Bruins, who are off to their best start since 2006. Six different players scored in double-figures last week, led by Isaac Hamilton’s 19 points. 

I’ll point out that the Wolverines are just 2-5 ATS in their last seven non-conference games and only 2-6 ATS in their last eight following a SU victory, while UCLA is 5-0 ATS its last five at home and 4-0 ATS in their last four against teams with winning records.

Michigan has a good defense, but its inconsistent offensive play will be its downfall today. ULCA is playing at an extremely high level right now and getting tremendous production up and down the lineup. Lay the points with confidence.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* NON-CONFERENCE BLOWOUT SIDE OF THE MONTH is on the Dallas Mavericks.

Dallas has been a disaster this year, it’s just 4-17 overall and has lost two in a row. Indiana is 11-11 and has also struggled with consistency on both ends of the court this season. 

Indiana looks poised for a letdown here though after earning a road victory over the lowly Suns on Wednesday. Paul George had 25 points in the win.

Note though that the Pacers are near the bottom of the league in scoring defense, conceding 107.3 PPG, ranked sixth worst overall. 

Dallas enters off an embarrasing 120-89 blowout loss at home to Sacramento. I had the Kings in that one. The Mavs are among the league worst in most offensive and defensive categories and I won’t try to convince you that they’re a decent team which has just caught a few bad breaks, as that’s not the case. Dallas is a poor team.

But Indiana is not a “good” team either. It’s shown flashes every now and then, but overall it’s been consistently inconsistent.

I simply think this sets up as a classic “letdown/look-ahead” spot for the visitors, who play the final game of a five-game road trip, before then heading home for a contest tomorrow night against Portland.

I’ll also point out that Indiana is already just 4-7 ATS this year after scoring 105 points or more, while Dallas is interestingly, 4-2 ATS in its last six against the Central division.

A great situational play, grab as many points as you can.

Good luck…Larry

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

The 8-14 Denver Nuggets are in Washington to take on the 7-13 Wizards and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

No need to overthink this one I don’t think. Washington has lost three of its last four after falling 124-116 at home to the Magic on Tuesday and is clearly hungry for a victory. The home side also plays with double revenge after dropping both games to the Nuggets last year, including a 117-113 setback in Washington on January 28th, 2016.

But if all of those motivational and situational factors weren’t enough, Denver comes into this one having also played just last night in Brooklyn, losing 116-111. Clearly the Nuggets are going to be “gassed.”

I’ll also point out that Denver is just 2-5 ATS in its last seven when playing on back-to-back days, while Washington is 3-1 ATS in its last four as a home fav in the 3.5 to six points range.

This is in fact the Nuggets third road game in the last four nights. The Wizards have had a day off to look at themselves in the mirror and must take advantage of this situation. And that’s exactly what I expect them to do, lay the points with confidence.

Good luck…Larry

The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the Sacramento Kings (8:30 EST).

The Kings are looking to snap a three-game slide and a date against the lowly, undermanned Mavs is just what the doctor ordered to get off the schneid. 

Sacramento most recently fell 106-98 to New York on Sunday. DeMarcus Cousins had 36 points and 12 boards. 

Dallas fell 109-101 to Charlotte on Monday and lost center Andrew Bogut to a knee injury in the process. Dallas would go on to get outrebounded 55-35. Harrison Barnes was a bright spot, finishing with 29 points. Dirk Nowitzki missed his fifth straight game, while JJ Barea missed his tenth in a row. 

I’ll point out that Sacramento is 4-0 ATS in its last four following an ATS loss and 7-1 ATS in its last eight after a SU loss, while Dallas is 0-4 ATS in its last four after scoring 100 points or more in its previous contest.

The Kings averaged 116.3 points in taking three of four in this series last year and I’m expecting a similar blowout tonight. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

The first 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the Cleveland Cavaliers (8:00 EST).

The 14-5 Cleveland Cavaliers are in New York to take on the 11-9 Knicks and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. The Cavs come in with momentum after beating the Raptors 116-112 on the road on Monday, the victory would snap a three-game slide. 

New York on the other hand comes in off a very satisfying 114-103 victory in Miami just last night and suffice it to say, I’m expecting a predictable letdown here.

If recent history is any precedence, then the Cavs have to be loving their chances today as when these teams met on October 25th, Cleveland would come away with an easy 117-88 victory.

Last time out it was LeBron James that led the way for Cleveland, pouring in 34 points, grabbing eight boards and dishing out seven assists. Note that Cleveland is fourth in the NBA in scoring at 110.3 PPG. The Cavs rank in the middle of the pack defensively, conceding an average of 105.1 PPG. Kyrie Irving leads all players with 24.4 PPG. Also note that Cleveland is second in the league in made threes with 13.4 triples per game.

New York is tied for 15th in scoring at 104.3 PPG and is 22nd in scoring defense, conceding an average of 106.4 PPG. 

I’ll point out that Cleveland is 8-5 ATS in its last 13 off an upset win as an underdog, while New York is just 6-8 ATS as an underdog this season.

I think the Cavs build off their last performance and catch the Knicks a little flat-footed as they come in tired on the second game of the back-to-back. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

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

While I obviously would not be shocked by an outright upset, I will in the end recommend grabbing the points as I expect the visitors to at the very least, take this one down to the wire.

The Blazers come in having won three in a row. The Bucks have been trading good performances with bad all year and are floating right around .500 right now. 

Last time out Portland scored a 112-110 win on the road in Chicago on Monday night. Guards Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum combined for 54 points. The Blazers average 110.3 PPG, which is tied for fourth most in the league. Note that Portland has put up almost 117 PPG over a six-game stretch. 

Milwaukee on the other hand comes into this one deflated after letting a 48-35 lead at halftime against the Spurs go to waste, eventually succumbing 97-96. Milwaukee ranks as one of the best defensively, giving up an average of just 101.5 PPG, which ranks in the top ten. The Bucks though have struggled with offensive consistency from game to game.

I’ll point out that Portland is 19-9 ATS in its last 28 off an upset win as an underdog, while Milwaukee is just 3-4 ATS as a favorite this year and only 2-4 ATS after a non-conference game. 

I think the visitors build off their latest victory, while Milwaukee takes a step back after its crushing defeat to San Antonio. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Kentucky (8:00 EST).

The 7-1 Valparaiso Crusaders are at Kentucky to take on the 7-1 Wildcats and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

The Crusaders are led by 6-foot-9 forward Alec Peters, who is posting 25.4 points and 9.4 boards per game. Peters ranks top 10 in the country in many offensive categories.

Kentucky comes into this one highly motivated after dropping its first of the year, falling 97-92 to UCLA. Bam Adebayo was a bright spot with 18 points and 13 boards. 

I’ll point out that Valparaiso has struggled in this spot for bettors for a while now though, just 3-8 ATS in its last 11 non-conference games, while Kentucky has done well by going 5-2 ATS in non-conference games this season and 5-2 ATS when playing the role of favorite.

Despite the setback last time out, the Wildcats have scored more than 100 points in three of their last four. I’m expecting that strong scoring trend to continue tonight and look for Kentucky to bounce back with a convincing effort. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

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

The 8-0 Butler Bulldogs are at the 4-4 Indiana State Sycamores on Wednesday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors.

The Bulldogs are ranked in the Top 25 after eight straight victories and are likely still feeling a little disrespected. 

Butler is winning by an average of 18.5 PPG and is led by upperclassmen Kelan Martin (18.1 PPG and 4.3 boards) and Andrew Chrabascz (10 PPG and 5.6 boards). 

So far the Bulldogs average 78.9 PPG, while conceding just 60.4. 

Indiana State has won two straight, most recently a harder than expected 62-61 win at Utah State. Suffice it to say, I think the home side is going to falter tonight. 

The Sycamores average 73.6 PPG and concede 67.5. 

I’ll point out that Butler is 5-2 ATS as a favorite this year and 5-2 ATS in non-conference games, while Indiana State is interestingly just 1-3 ATS in its last four against the Big East.

The Bulldogs are playing with a chip on their collective shoulders right now and I don’t foresee the team “looking past” the potentially dangerous Sycamores. I’m expecting Butler to jump out to an early lead and to keep the foot on the gas until the final horn. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

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

The 5-3 Southern Illinois Salukis are in Louisville, Kentucky to take on the 7-1 Cardinals and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

Both teams come into this one having won two in a row.

Southern Illinois shot 48 percent to beat Texas Southern last time out. Defenisvely the Salukis looked poor though, conceding 52.9 percent shooting, including 36 percent from range. They were also outrebounded by ten. Armon Fletcher was a standout with 18 points.

Southern Illinois averages 76.6 PPG, while conceding 74.6.

After trailing by a point at half time to Grand Canyon last time out, the Cardinals would get their act together in the second stanza and pull away for the victory. Deng Adel had 15 points.

Louisville averages 75.0 PPG, but allows just 59.4. That’s 15th in the country. 

I’ll point out that Southern Illinois is just 2-4 ATS in its last six as a road dog of 12.5 points or more, while Louisville is 6-4 ATS in its last ten as a home fav of 18.5 to 24 points, including 2-0 ATS this season. 

After the scare last time out, I’m expecting Louisville to come in much more focused and expect it to post a comfortable ATS victory once it’s all said and done. Play on the Cardinals.

Good luck…Larry

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

The 4-3 Texas Longhorns are in Ann Arbor, Michigan to take on the 6-2 Wolverines and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. 

After losing to Virginia Tech at home, the Wolverines bounced back to beat Kennesaw State last time out. 

Texas broke a three-game slide with a 77-68 win over Alabama on Friday.

When these teams played last year, Michigan escaped with a 78-72 victory from Austin. Suffice it to say, I’m fully expecting a similar final outcome today.

Longhorns’ guard Kerwin Roach Jr. had 16 points and was 12 of 16 from the free throw line to lead Texas over Alabama on Friday. Five players would go on to score in double figures. 

So far Texas averages 70.4 PPG, which isn’t great. But what the team lacks on the offensive end, it more than makes up for it on the defensive side of things, conceding an average of just 67 PPG and only 29.9 percent from beyond the arc. 

Michigan forward Moritz Wagner had 11 points in the win over the Fighting Owls. Note though that the Wolverines aren’t lighting up many scoreboards these days either, entering this one averaging just 71.2 PPG thus far. The defense has been exceptional though, allowing just 59.2 PPG. 

I’ll point out that the Longhorns are 9-4 ATS in their last 13 following a SU victory, while the Wolverines are just 1-4 ATS their last five at home and only 6-13 ATS in their last 19 following a SU victory of more than 20 points. 

The Wolverines have already lost to VT and South Carolina, so have a hard time seeing them covering a double-digit spread. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* EASTERN-CONFERENCE SIDE OF THE MONTH is on the Miami Heat (7:35 EST).

The 11-9 New York Knicks are in Miami to take on the 7-13 Heat and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the “hungrier” home side.

After winning three straight and six of their last eight after downing the Kings 106-98 at home on Sunday, I think the Knicks have a predictable letdown here.

While New York is 9-3 at home this year, it’s just 2-6 on the road. It isn’t overly spectacular on either end of the floor, ranked 15th in scoring with an average of 104.3 PPG, while ranked 22nd in scoring defense, conceding 106.4 PPG. Carmelo Anthony leads the way with 22.5 points, plus 6.2 boards per game for the Knicks.

The Heat can empathize, they’ve also struggled with consistency on both ends of the court this year. In their latest loss to the Trailblazers, big man Hassan Whiteside had 28 points, 16 boards and five blocks. Miami averages just 97.1 PPG, ranked 28th overall. The defense though has been solid all year, it concedes an average of just 98.8 PPG, ranked sixth. 

I’ll point out that New York is just 3-5 ATS on the road this season, while Miami is 14-8 ATS in its last 22 versus good offensive teams which score 99 plus points per contest.

With a game at home against the defending champion Cleveland Cavaliers tomorrow night, I think the visitors get caught looking ahead to that one. A great situational play, I’m backing the Heat.

Good luck…Larry

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

The 4-2 La Salle Explorers are in Philadelphia to take on the 8-0 Wildcats on Tuesday night and for a number of different reasons, i think this one favors the favorites.

The defending national champions are 8-0 out of the gate and won’t be able to simply look past the Explorers today, who come in having won three in a row.

During La Salle’s three game win streak the team has averaged 87 points and shot just under 53 percent from the floor. BJ Johnson had 22 points and nine boards in the Explorers’ 14-point victory over Bucknell on Saturday. 

But now La Salle faces the absolute best in the nation, dating back to last year sees Villanova having won 15 straight basketball games. Keep your eyes on senior forward Kris Jenkins, who is averaging 21 points and five boards. 

I’ll point out that La Salle is just 1-6 ATS in its last seven following a straight up victory and only 1-8 ATS in its last nine non-conference contests, while Villanova is 8-1-2 ATS in its last 11 against the Atlantic 10.

The Wildcats beat St. Joe’s by 31 and Penn by 25. I think tonight’s game could be the biggest blowout so far, I’m laying the points with confidence.

Good luck…Larry

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

The 5-2 Old Dominion Monarchs are in Rhode Island to take on the 5-3 Rams and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

OD is poised for a letdown here after winning its third straight, this time a tough 60-58 victory over Towson on the road on Saturday. 

Conversely, Rhode Island comes in focused and hungry after losing its second straight and third in its last four by falling 63-60 at Providence on Saturday. 

Note that this non-conference matchup does set up as a “revenge” game for the Rams as well, who fell 71-65 on the road to OD on December 22nd, 2015.

Old Dominion beat the Tigers despite shooting just 38.8 percent from the floor. The defense looked decent, holding the Tigers to just 3 of 14 from behind the arc.

The Monarchs average just 61.4 PPG, ranked 339th in the country. The defense concedes just 58.6 points per night though, ranked seventh overall.

The Rams will look to push the pace here and take advantage of OD’s anemic offense. Rhode Island actually had a 35-29 advantage at half-time against Providence, but was unable to hold on down the stretch. Hassan Martin had 14 points and 17 boards. 

The Rams are an above average offensive team, scoring 76.9 PPG. They’re also quite good on the defensive end of the floor, conceding an average of just 68.1 PPG. 

I’ll point out that Old Dominion is just 5-7 ATS in its last 12 after scoring 60 points or less, while Rhode Island is 6-1 ATS in its last seven as a home fav in the 9.5 to 12 points range and 10-5 ATS in its last 15 after scoring 60 points or less.

This one sets up perfectly for the Rams, lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* CA$H BOMB is on the Toronto Raptors (7:30 EST).

The 13-5 Cleveland Cavaliers are in Toronto to take on the 14-6 Raptors and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

The Cavs come into this one with zero momentum, most recently dropping their third straight in a 111-105 setback to Chicago on Friday. 

Meanwhile, Toronto enters on absolute fire, it’s won six straight, most recently a 128-84 drubbing of the Hawks on Saturday. 

These teams have played twice this year, and the Cavs have prevailed each time (94-91 in Toronto on October 28th and 121-117 at home on November 15th).

Of course, it was the Cavs that knocked Toronto off in six games of the Eastern Conference Finals a year ago as well. 

The “revenge factor” working in favor of the home side is off the charts tonight.

These teams are trending in opposite directions right now and while the Cavs will clearly get things turned around sooner than later, I don’t think that’s going to happen tonight in this hostile environment. 

Toronto posted its biggest win in franchise history last time out, with eight players scoring in double figures. 

I’ll point out that Cleveland is 0-4 ATS in its last four away from friendly confines, while Toronto is 5-0-1 ATS in its last six North of the border and 5-0 ATS in its last five following a SU victory.

It’s a perfect storm of factors working in favor of the home side tonight and I expect it to take full advantage. Play on the Raptors.

Good luck…Larry

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

The 3-4 Connecticut Huskies are at Syracuse to take on the 5-2 Orange and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the Huskies.

Both teams enter off victories, as UConn edged Boston U. 51-49, while Syracuse held on to beat North Florida 77-71 on Saturday to break a two-game slide.

These former Big East rivals played last year and the Orange beat the Huskies in the Battle for Atlantis tournament from Nassau.

Connecticut is injured, as Terry Larrier and point guard Alterique Gilbert have both been lost for the season. Last week it played just eight players to secure the victory over Boston. Keep your eyes on guard Jalen Adams, who leads the team with an average of 18 points, five boards and 5.4 assists per game. 

The Orange had a 24-point lead over North Florida, but faltered down the stretch and only wound up winning by seven points. Dallas Moore had 30 points. Like the Huskies though, Syracuse has struggled with offensive consistency already this year.

I’ll point out that UConn is 19-14 ATS in its last 33 after allowing 60 points or less, while Syracuse is 0-3 ATS in its last three as a neutral court favorite of 6.5 to nine points.

I think Syracuse gets caught looking past UConn tonight and the Huskies keep this one competitive until the final moments. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Detroit Pistons (6:05 EST).

The 8-12 Orlando Magic are in Detroit to take on the 11-10 PIstons and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

The Magic beat the 76ers 105-88 on Friday, while the Pistons won their third straight on the road and fifth in their last six overall by crushing the Hawks 121-85 on the same night.

If recent history is any precedence, then Detroit has to be loving its chances for a fourth straight win, as it’s taken seven straight in the series, including a convincing 108-82 beatdown in the first matchup this year.

Orlando is the one that looks poised for a letdown here, despite the victory over the lowly 76ers, note that the team still averages only 92.9 PPG, ranked second to last in the league. The Magic get the job done on the defensive end of the court, conceding an average of just 97.3 PPG, which ranks third overall.

Last time out for Detroit, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope led eight other players in double figures with 23 points and eight boards. The Pistons average 100.4 PPG, but conceded just 96.9, ranked second overall. 

Tobia Harris leads Detroit with 17.1 points and 4.9 boards per outing, while Marcus Morris chips in 14 points and four boards.

I’ll point out that Orlando is just 1-4 ATS in its last five when playing on one days rest, just 1-6 ATS in its last seven after scoring 100 points or more and only 1-9 ATS in its last ten following an ATS victory, while Detroit is 5-1 ATS this year after scoring 105 points or more, 3-0 ATS after allowing 85 points or less and 3-0 ATS after playing three consecutive home games.

The Magic are just 4-6 SU on the road, while the Pistons are 7-2 at home this season. I think the home side continues its hot run and pulls away down the stretch for the comfortable ATS cover. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on the Memphis Grizzlies (8:00 EST).

The 10-11 LA Lakers are in Memphis to take on the 12-8 Grizzlies and for a number of different reasons (despite several injuries to key players), I think this one favors the home side.

LA isn’t surprising anyone anymore, last night it lost its fourth in its last six after getting destroyed 113-80 by the Raptors on the road. I had a play on LA in that one and while I don’t normally ever “flip-flop,” on a team, I always remain flexible with my approach (especially in the regular season) and for the most part analyze contests by a “game by game” basis.

Conversely, Memphis enters this one with momentum after breaking a three game slide with a 95-94 home win over Orlando on Thursday. 

LA averages 106.6 PPG, but allows 109.6. Lou Williams leads the way with 16.7 points plus 3.5 assists a night off the bench. 

The Grizzlies would outscore the Magic 30-26 in the fourth quarter to score the 1-point win. The hungry home side would force 17 turnovers and big man Marc Gasol finished with 25 points and five blocks.

So far Memphis averages just 97.2 PPG. The Grizzlies get the job done with tough defensive play though, allowing just 98.3 PPG, good for fifth in the league. 

I’ll point out that LA is just 1-3 ATS in its last four as a road fav of three points or less, while Memphis is 9-5 ATS in its last 14 as a home dog of three points or less.

LA is dealing with a few injuries as well, so while Memphis may be injured, it’s still very dangerous in this position. LA played just 24 hours previous in Eastern Canada and had to fly half way around the country for this one. 

I’m banking on the Grizzlies to find a way to get the job done at the end of the night.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on Stanford (3:30 EST).

The Stanford Cardinal get ready to battle the Kansas Jayhawks and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. 

Kansas opened the season with a 103-99 OT loss to Indiana in the Armed Forces Classic from Hawaii, but then bounced back four days later to beat Duke by two points from MSG.

The Jayhawks have since won five straight, most recently a 91-61 drubbing of LBSU on Tuesday. 

The Cardinal enter off a 66-51 home to loss to No. 12 St. Mary’s on Wednesday.

Stanford had a horrible night shooting against the Gaels, finishing just 38.2 percent from the floor and only 3 of 13 from behind the arc. I think the team will be much more focused this evening after the shoddy performance last time out. Reid Travis leads the team with an average of 16.3 points and 9.5 boards per game, while Dorian Pickens adds 13.8 points. 

The Jayhawks’ Lagerald Vick caught fire against the 49ers, going 9 of 9 from the field for a career-high 23 points. 

Kansas averages 85.1 PPG, but note that it shoots a poor 59.9 percent from the foul line (ranked 335th).

And note that Kansas is just 2-3 ATS in its last five as a favorite, while Stanford, despite the slow start this season, is still 8-4 ATS in its last 12 after scoring 60 points or less.

I’m not going to predict an outright upset, but I do think this one sets up great for the Cardinals to keep this one competitive until the final moments. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

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

The 4-2 Alabama Crimson Tide are playing the 3-3 Texas Longhorns on Friday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors Texas.

The Longhorns come into this one extremely motivated as they look to snap a three-game slide. 

Conversely, I think this one sets up as a letdown spot for the Crimson Tide, who have won two in a row, most recently against Charleston Southern.

Alabama is led by senior forward Shannon Hale and freshman Donta Hall, who is averaging six points and nine boards per game. Note that nine Tide players average between 4.0 and 10.7 PPG.

Texas has had issues at the point guard position, as sophomore Kerwin Roach and freshman Andrew Jones continue to battle it out for the job after Isaiah Taylor skipped his senior year before going undrafted in the NBA. 

However, I’ll point out that the Longhorns are 3-1 ATS in their last three after failing to cover the spread in three or more consecutive outings.

And I’ll also point out that this is a spot in which the Crimson Tide have struggled in for bettors, going just 1-2 ATS this year after allowing 60 points or less.

I’m banking on the desperate home side in doing just enough to come away with the cover this evening. Play on Texas.

Good luck…Larry

The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the Washington Wizards (8:30 EST0.

The 6-11 Washington Wizards are in San Antonio to take on the 15-4 Spurs and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors.

The Wizards will be in a particularly foul mood today after letting a 7-point lead slip away late in regulation, eventually falling 126-115 in OT in OKC. They’re also out for revenge after SA beat them 112-110 at home last Saturday night. 

Washington would waste another big effort from guard Bradley Beal, who had 31 points in the loss to the Thunder. Markieff Morris also had a big game, added 19 points and seven boards. So far the Wiz average 102.8 PPG.

After Orlando beat SA by 12 on Tuesday, the Spurs would bounce back with a lacklustre 94-87 win over the Mavericks on the road on Wednesday.

Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard had 21 points and seven boards against the Mavs, but was just 5 of 16 overall. 

I’ll point out that San Antonio is just 1-6 ATS in its last seven at home and only 9-19-1 ATS in its last 29 when playing on one days rest, while Washington is 3-1 ATS in its last four when trying to revenge a home loss against an opponent. 

The Spurs have struggled with game-to-game consistency and I think the hungry visitors will give them everything they can handle tonight. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

The first 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the LA Lakers (7:30 EST).

The 10-10 LA Lakers are in Toronto to take on the 12-6 Raptors and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

LA is coming off a confidence building 96-90 road win in Chicago on Wednesday, while Toronto is coming off its fourth straight victory in a 120-105 effort over the undermanned Grizzlies on Wednesday night. 

LA would hold Chicago to just 35.2 percent shooting, including 4 of 21 from down town. The Lakers also controlled the glass by a dominant 62-46 margin. Jordan Clarkson and Lou Williams led the way with 18 points apiece. 

So for the Lakers average 106.6 PPG, ranked eighth overall. LA struggles defensively, conceding an average of 109.6, but clearly the unit took a big step in the right direction in its latest victory.

Toronto guard Kyle Lowry led the way over Memphis with 29 points and eight assists. Toronto averages 109.7 PPG, while conceding 104.3. DeMar DeRozan leads the team with 28.9 PPG.

I’ll point out that the Lakers are 4-1 ATS in non-conference games this year, while the Raptors are just 4-5 ATS in the same position. 

I think the visitors can “hang” with the home side here and while I’ll stop short in predicting the outright upset, everything does indeed point to a comfortable cover for the Lakers.

Good luck…Larry

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

The 7-11 Sacramento Kings are in Boston to take on the 10-8 Celtics and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors.

Sacramento comes into this one with a little extra time off, as its game against Philadelphia was postponed due to condensation on the floor, the contest will be made up at a later date. This is a great little situational factor which I think will be a big difference maker tonight.

The home side comes in with zero momentum, most recently losing a third straight, this time 121-114 to the Pistons on Wednesday. 

In their most recent game against the Wizards, the Kings would eventually succumb in the overtime period. Big man DeMarcus Cousins led the way with 36 points and 20 boards. So far Sacramento is ranked 17th overall in the league in scoring with 103.2 PPG. The defense is ranked 19th, conceding 105.2. 

I’ll point out though that Sacramento is 6-1 ATS in its last seven against teams with a winning record, while Boston is interestingly, just 1-4 ATS in its last five against the Pacific division.

Boston has struggled with consistency and will have its hands full today with this well rested and re-focused Kings’ team. While I obviously wouldn’t be shocked by an outright upset, I’m going to grab the points in the end.

Good luck…Larry