My 10* Weekly Wipeout is on the Phi 76ers at 7:40 ET.

The 76ers are 28-19, a record that leaves them with the East's sixth-best record (last guaranteed playoff spot). However, this year's Eastern Conference is currently a log-jam, as the 76ers find themselves just 2 1/2-games behind the top-seeded Bulls. The Lakers come to The City of Brotherly Love with just a 24-24 record, leaving them 9th in the West (would be part of the 7-10 play-in round). The good news is that the Lakers are just 2 1.2-game behind the No. 6 seed and are 5 1/2-games clear of the 11th-seed (last team out of the play-in round).

The Lakers have won two of their last three games and hope to maintain their momentum with the return of Anthony Davis (22.8 & 9.6). Davis had missed the previous 17 games (hadn't played since Dec 17) with a sprained left knee, but he provided a lift with eight points and four blocked shots in 25 minutes of a 106-96 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday. The Lakers went 7-10 without Davis and he's expected to play here. "He really changed things for us defensively at the rim," Lakers head coach Frank Vogel said. "His anchor to our defense is something that has been sorely missed." LeBron James (29.1-7.7-6.3), even without Davis, has been consistently excellent. James scored 33 points against the Nets, the 18th straight game he has compiled at least 26 points. One wonders if Westbrook (18.5-8.0-7.7) will ever be the 'right fit' for LA but the Lakers have gotten solid play all season from Anthony (13.4 & 4.1), Monk (12.1) and Horton-Tucker (10.1 & 3.4).

Speaking of OUTSTANDING play, Philly's Joel Embiid (29.0 & 10.8) continues to make a strong case for the Most Valuable Player award. He had 42 points, 14 rebounds, four assists and four blocked shots as the 76ers defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 117-107 on Tuesday. It was his SIXTH game with at least 40 points and 10 rebounds this season. PF Harris (18.0 & 7.5) and PG Maxey (16.6-3.4-4.5) have missed a few games but generally, have been VERY good. Green (6.7), Curry (15.8-3.4-4.0) and Milton (10.5) are currently sidelined but Korkmaz (9.2) starts with Curry out plus SF Niang (9.5) and center Drummond (6.2 & 8.7 is just 18 minutes) have been important role players.

Philly enters this game 12-3 in 15 post-Christmas games and a "W" here almost assures an ATS win. AD is nowhere-near 100% and Embiid has at least 38 points and 12 rebounds in four straight games, the longest streak in franchise history. Philly wins "with room to spare!"

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Conference O/U Game of the Year (Big East) is on Marquette/Seton Hall Over at 8:30 ET.

Shaka Smart was booted out of Austin but has done quite a job at Marquette, which did not return a SINGLE starter from last season's disappointing 13-14 team. Few teams in college hoops are hotter than Marquette (14-6 / 6-3 Big East), which entered the AP poll for the first time this past Monday at No. 22 (more details to follow). The Golden Eagles' visit Newark, NJ to face a revenge-minded Seton Hall team on Wednesday night. The Pirates opened 9-1 and were ranked 15th, before losing FIVE of their last eight to fall to 12-6 (3-5 Big East) and out of the rankings.

Marquette was 3-0 last week, beating Seton Hall, Villanova and Xavier (all were ranked at the time). Smart had a disappointing six-year run at Texas but despite a four-game losing streak this season, he has confidence that his team has learned from its earlier losses. "Losing four in a row... I think what you take out of that as a team is we can win, we can find a way to win those games, but we've got to be a little bit better in a variety of areas," Smart said. "And I think we've continued to get better." Marquette has a deep eight-man rotation, led by 6-7 freshman Lewis (15.8 & 7.9) and Maryland transfer, Morsell (13.9 & 3.5). Joining that duo in the starting lineup are freshman guard Kolek (6.4 & 4.0) plus frontcourt players like the 6-8 Prosper (5.8 & 3.4) and the 6-10 Kuath (5.4 & 4.5), Adding depth are guard Elliott (8.1), freshman guard Jones (7.7) and 6-9 freshman Ighodaro (6.3 & 3.7).

Kevin Willard took over at Seton hall for the 2010-11 season and had led the Pirates to four straight NCAA tournaments before the 2020 tournament was canceled because of COVID (Seton Hall was 21-9). However, the Pirates were just 14-13 last year and lost to the 6-10 Mamukelashvili (17.5 & 7.6), who was co-player-of-the-year in the Big East. However, the Pirates have EIGHT players scoring between 6.5 and 15.7 PPG. 6-6 swingman Rhoden leads in scoring (15.7), while adding 6.9 RPG. Senior guards Aiken (14.5) and Cole (10.0 & 4.1) join Rhoden in double digits. The 6-8 Yetna just misses at 9.9 PPG but is the team's leading rebounder at 7.9 per game. Two 6-10 players, Samuel (8.5 & 6.3) and Jackson (7.2 & 3.9) plus guards Richmond (8.1-3.7-3.7) and Harris (6.5) complete Seton Hall's 'Great 8.'

Marquette hosted Seton Hall back on Jan 15 in a back-and-forth affair, decided by a controversial late whistle. With the game tied at 72, Marquette's Greg Elliott leaned into the Pirates' Bryce Aiken while attempting a shot, elbowing Aiken in the nose. However, the officials called the foul on Aiken, and Elliott's free throw with one second left won the game for Marquette. Aiken scored 28 points that day but entered concussion protocol and hasn't played since. That said, as noted above, Seton Hall has the depth to 'cover' Aiken's absence.

That Jan 15 game ended 73-72 but I expect a higher-scoring game here, one in which Seton Hall avenges that loss with an OUTSTANDING offensive effort. It's Goin' Over!

Good luck...Larry

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

The Toronto Raptors won the NBA title (led by Kawhi) back in 2019 and even after he "went Hollywood" on them, followed with records of 58-24 and 53-19 the next two seasons. However, the Raptors fell to just 27-45 last season. Toronto moved to the right side of .500 on Tuesday with a 125-113 defeat of Charlotte, with the win ending a stretch in which the Raptors had lost FIVE of seven. At 23-22, Toronto currently owns the No. 8 seed but the Raptors are closer to the No. 11 seed (last team out of the play-in round), than they are to the No. 6 seed (last guaranteed playoff spot). Toronto leads the No. 11 seed by just 1 1/2 games, while it sits FOUR games back of the No. 6 seed.

The Chicago Bulls were 31-41 last season, missing the postseason for the FOURTH consecutive year but have reinvented themselves as a threat in the Eastern Conference behind Zach LaVine and the free agent signing of DeMar DeRozan. They also picked up center Nikola Vucevic from Orlando last season (where his talents were wasted) plus added Lonzo Ball as a free agent. Chicago surged to the top of the Eastern Conference on the strength of a nine-game winning streak from Dec 19 thru Jan 7, averaging 120.2 points per game over their winning streak and never scoring fewer than 108 points in any of those outings. However, in its 10 contests since, Chicago has averaged 106.1 points and failed to score more than 96 in three of them. The Bulls are currently 29-17, just a half-game back of the top seeded Heat (30-17). Note that the East's No. 1 thru No. 6 seeds are separated by just TWO games.

Toronto's win over Charlotte came without Fred VanVleet (21.7-4.7-7.0), who was sidelined with swelling in his right knee, and rookie Scottie Barnes (14.6 & 7.8), who had a right wrist injury. However, head coach Nick Nurse said both will travel to Chicago. Gary Trent Jr. (16.6) led the Raptors with a season-high 32 points and Pascal Siakam (21.3-8.3-5.1) just missed a triple-double with 24 points, 12 assists and nine rebounds. SF Anunoby (18.8 & 5.4) is having a career-year and big men Boucher (9.3 & 6.0) and Achiuwa (7.8 & 7.5) started with VanVleet and Barnes sidelined. Also note that guards Flynn and Banton combined for 21 points off the bench.

There were 'whispers' that the 32-year-old DeMar DeRozan was on the downside of his career, but he's been one of the best players in the NBA so far this season, averaging 26.3-5.0-4.8. He was arrested in Chicago's last game but will play here. However, PG Ball (13.-5.4-5.1) is out until mid-March (knee) and center Vucevic (16.5 & 11.3) is listed as day-to-day with a knee issue. Zach LaVine (24.9-4.8-4.2) is back after missing a few games plus backup PG White (12.7) is around to fill in for Ball. Rookie guard Dosunmu (7.5) scored a career-high 24 points on personal bests of 10 made field goals and four made three-pointers, starting in the backcourt with DeMar DeRozan resting.

Bottom line is, I like the Raptors plus the points. As noted above, the Bulls have underperformed for the last 10 games and I see Toronto building off last night's win, as the Raptors try to make a move up and OUT of the play-in round. Toronto may also be more than a little motivated against former teammate De Rozan plus are playing with revenge from a 111-108 home loss to the Bulls in late October. No surprise at all if Toronto wins it outright. Take the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Late Breaker is on Iowa St at 8:00 ET.

T.J. Otzelberger came from UNLV to take over an Iowa St team that went 2-22 last season (0-18 in the Big 12). The Hawkeyes opened 12-0 and were ranked No. 8 thru Dec 21 but did not play again until Jan 1, at then-No. Baylor. The Hawkeyes played the Bears close, losing 77-72 but that loss was the start of a 2-5 Iowa St run that has dropped them to No. 23 in the latest AP poll at 14-5, (2-5 Big 12). The Cyclones will look to begin reversing their 2-5 start in the Big 12 when they take on Oklahoma State Wednesday night in Stillwater.

Mike Boynton's fourth season at Stillwater was last year and led by Cade Cunningham (20.1 & 6.2), the Cowboys went 21-9 and made it to the NCAA's second round. However, Cunningham was the NBA's overall No. 1 pick in the 2021 draft. That said, the Cowboys returned a solid group plus welcomed Kansas transfer Thompson and Memphis transfer Cisse to the fold. The Cowboys are not postseason eligible and are just 10-8 overall (3-4 Big 12) but continue to be a challenge to top teams in the conference, adding to the Big 12's depth. 

A trio of guards lead the way for Iowa St, starting with standout Izaiah Brockington, who leads the team in scoring (16.6) and rebounding (8.2). He's joined on the perimeter by Kalscheur (10.3) and Hunter (10.1 & 4.8 APG). The team's frontcourt rotation is led by the 6-8 Kunc (6.2 & 3.8) and the 6-9 Conditt (4.8 & 3.8). Guards Grill (7.0), Enaruna (6.3 & 3.9) and Jackson (4.5) add depth.

OSU has balanced scoring and depth! Williams (10.6) and Anderson (10.0) are the lone double digit scorers. Kansas transfer Thompson (9.9) and 6-10 Memphis transfer Cisse (6.1 & 5.4) have been solid, while guards Likekele (7.1 & 5.8) and Moncrieffe (5.3 & 4.4) add depth. Then there are the 6-9 Boone twins, Kalib (7.0) and Kelan (5.9 & 3.6). 

Oklahoma State pushed another ranked conference opponent to the limit on Saturday, before falling 56-51 to then-No. 23 Texas in Austin. However, the Cowboys played without leading scorer Bryce Williams due to a sprained ankle and it's unclear if he will be back for this contest. Both teams excel on the defensive end, Iowa St allowing 59.9 PPG (16th) and OSU allowing 65.0 PPG. An edge for Iowa St is that the Cyclones are forcing the fourth-most turnovers in the country, while the Cowboys are giving the ball way at one the highest rates in the nation. Also worth nothing is that Oklahoma State is just 2-7 ATS in its last nine at home. Take any points available.

Good luck...Larry

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

The 34-13 Golden St Warriors have been battling the 37-9 Phoenix Suns for the top spot in the West since Opening Day but have recently fallen 3-1/2 game behind the Suns. The Dallas Mavericks were just 16-18 through Dec 29 but have won 11 of 13 and now, at 27-20, hold the West's No. 5 seed. The Mavs play the opener of a two-day, two-game Western swing tonight at San Francisco's Chase Center and follow with a game Wednesday in Portland. The Warriors welcome the Mavs to San Francisco having failed to reach 100 points in SEVEN of their last 14 outings, a stretch during which they've gone just 7-7 despite having won their last two.

Dallas is as healthy as it's been all season and remarkably is a perfect 3-0 at Chase Center. Luka Doncic (23.6-8.8-8,7) has averaged 30.0 points in those games, the third-highest average among Chase Center visitors in the past 2 1/2 seasons behind Devin Booker (33.0) and Damian Lillard (30.3). Brunson (15.8 & 5.5 APG) starts with Doncic in the backcourt, while a finally healthy Porzingis (19.0 & 8.) is back in the middle. SF Finney-Smith (10.3 & 4.9) and PF Kleber (7.2 & 5.) complete the starting-five, as swingman Hardaway (14.3) is back to his role as 6th-man.

Curry (26.0-5.3-6.2) has been the poster boy for the Warriors' offensive slump. He had just 13 points on 5-for-20 shooting in Sunday's 94-92 home win over the Utah Jazz. What's more, Curry has shot just 35.1 percent overall and 27.6 percent on three-pointers in his last 10 games, a stretch in which he's averaged just 20.1 points, more than a 'TD' less than the 27.7 PPG he'd put up in his first 33 games. Pole (16.7) starts with Curry in the backcourt, while forwards Wiggins (18.2 & 4.2) and Porter (8.4 & 5.3) start up front with underappreciated center Looney (6.2 & 7.2), who has yet to miss a SINGLE game. The do-everything Green (7.9-7.6-7.4) remains out and Klay Thompson (14.7 PPG in six games) is questionable with knee 'discomfort!'

I think the Warriors have had enough of losing to the Mavs here at Chase Center and while the team's offense has struggled the last month, the Golden St defense has been OUTSTANDING all season-long, ranking first in both points allowed (101.9) and opponents FG percentage (42.7). This number is 'cheap' and we may just get a Thompson 'sighting!'

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Texas 'Two-Step' is on Texas at 9:00 ET.

Chris Beard 'jumped ship,' leaving Lubbock (Texas Tech) to take the job at Texas (Austin) and left some hard feelings behind. It hasn't been smooth sailing for Beard and his Longhorns, who opened No. 5 in the AP's preseason poll and remained in the AP rankings all season until Monday. Texas is 14-5 (4-3 in Big 12 play) but just 2-3 in its last five games. Jamie Dixon (of Pitt fame) returned to his alma mater back for the 2016-17 season. He led TCU to the NIT title that season, then won 21 and 23 games the following two seasons, However, he came into this season off 16-16 and 12-14 seasons. However, his team heads into this contest having won 10 of 12 to reach 13-3 (3-2 in Big 12 play).

Texas did pick up a 56-51 home victory over Oklahoma State on Saturday, after losses on the road to Iowa State on Jan 15 and at home to Kansas State last Tuesday. Chris Beard brought in seven transfers with NCAA Division I experience. 6-6 Timmy Allen was named All-Pac 12 at Utah last season (17.2 & 6.4) and leads Texas in scoring (11.4) and rebounding (6.5) but BOTH figures are down from his numbers last season. The same goes for PG Carr (19.6 & 4.9 APG last year with Minnesota), who is averaging a more modest 11.0 PPG and 3.4 APG. Guards Jones (10.2) and Ramey (9.2) join Carr in the backcourt, while 6-9 center Mitchell (9.3 & 4.1) and 6-7 forward Bishop (6.2 & 4.5) join Allen up front.

TCU bounced back from a loss at Oklahoma State that went down to the final shot, to upset then-No. 15 Iowa St 59-44. The Cyclones' 44 points were its fewest in the 51-year history of Hilton Coliseum. Guard Damion Baugh (9.5-4.2-4.0) scored a career-best 23 points in the win. Baugh's backcourt partner is Mills (15.5-3.9-4.1), with the duo joined by forwards O'Bannon (10.0 & 4.1) and Miller (9.9 & 7.2) plus 6-11 center Lampkin (5.4 & 5.3) in the starting lineup. TCU held Iowa State to 30.9 percent shooting that included a 3 for 26 showing from beyond the arc and outrebounded the Cyclones 39-28 in one of the nation's toughest places to play. 

Speaking of playing defense, Texas ranks 1st in the nation, allowing just 54.9 PPG. Expect the Longhorns to bring that defensive intensity to Fort Worth's Schollmeier Arena and pick up a much-needed win.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Late Breaker is on Wyoming at 9:00 ET.

The 15-2 Wyoming Cowboys (4-0 MWC) and the 15-2 Boise St Broncos (6-0 MWC) get together tonight from ExtraMile Arena in Boise, with the winner ending the night in first place. Jeff Linder came from No. Colorado where he won 26 (CIT champion), 21 and 22 games in his final three years, earning him the Wyoming gig. His first team went 14-11 but this year's team is an impressive 15-2. Boise St's Leon Rice is in his 12th season, having produced EIGHT 20-win seasons in his first 11, including two NCAA teams (the most recent coming back in 2015). Last year's team went 19-9, before losing in the NIT quarterfinals, just missing a ninth, 20-win campaign. However, the Broncos are all but assured of a 20-win season this year.

Wyoming won its first eight games this year, then hit a 1-2 stretch that featured losses to Arizona and Stanford. However, it's been SIX straight victories since, over Northern Iowa, USF, Utah State, Nevada, San Jose State and New Mexico. The 6-9 Ike (20.6 & 8.9) and PG Maldanado (17.8-5.8-6.7) make for quite a duo. They are joined in the starting lineup by guards Jeffries (11.4 & 4.8) and DuSell (10.8) plus the 6-9 Oden (8.6 & 4.9). DuSell is questionable with a hamstring injury, with Wenzel (5.4) starting in his place. Defense is a team strength (65.6 PPG) but depth is an issue.

Boise St has depth issues as well but has a very solid starting-five. The backcourt is missing Doutrive (9.4 & 4.6), who last played on Nov 30 but Shaver (13.6 & 4.1) and 6-8 guard Akot (11.5) form a quality duo. Up front, it's the 6-7 Kijab (13.1 & 6.6), the 6-10 Armus (7.2 & 9.2) and the 6-7 Degenhart (9.2). Defense is Boise's 'bread-and-butter,' allowing 57.9 PPG (8th).

While Boise is a terrific defensive team, note that Wyoming is no slouch in that department, either (see above). Meanwhile, Wyoming averages 78.4 PPG, compared to Boise's 67.8. When getting almost a full 'TD' worth of points, I'll say, "How 'bout dem Cowboys?". Take the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Conference Game of the Year (Big Sky) is on Southern Utah at 9:00 ET.

The Weber State Wildcats and the Southern Utah Thunderbirds square off in a Big Sky matchup from the America First Events Center in Cedar City, Ut on Monday night. Webber St head coach Randy Rahe arrived in Ogden for the 2006-07 season and led the Wildcats to an NCAA berth. He's still around, although Weber St's only NCAA appearance since Rahe's first season came in 2013-14. Todd Simon took over the Southern Utah program for the 2016-17 season, with the Thunderbirds going just 53-78  (.405) through his first four years. However, last season's team went 20-4 (won the Big Sky at 12-2) but lost in the conference semifinals in OT, therefore no NCAA bid.

Weber St is 13-5 overall and leads the Big Sky at 6-1. Marquette transfer McEwen (17.2 & 4.4) leads the Wildcats in scoring, joined by fellow transfer (Utah Valley) Overton (12.6 & 4.0) and returning guard Jawara (11.8) to form a strong backcourt. 6-6 SF hJoes (Big Sky Freshman of the year last season) is averaging 12.8 PPG and leads in rebounding (10.1). The 6-9 Bassett is what's called a "super senior," and checks in adding 6.3 & 3.0.

Southern Utah is 11-5 overall and at 5-1, is tied with No. Colorado, a half-game back of Weber St. The returning backcourt of Knight (15.1-4.2-4.3) and Marin (11.1 & 4.6) are a steady influence The starting frontcourt consists of forwards Jones (14.0 & 4.4) and Fausett (13.1 PG and a team-high 8.9 RPG) plus the 6-11 Spurgin (5.1 & 3.9). SF Butler (7.5 & 3.9) and guard Moody (6.7) are the key reserves.

This is a HUGE game for Southern Utah, which along with No. Colorado, trails Weber St by a half-game at the top of the Big Sky standings. Southern Utah's only home loss (7-1) this season came to No. Colorado on Jan 1 (by 10 points), so winning here is almost a 'must!' FYI...the Thunderbirds' home loss to No. Colorado on Jan 1 is the team's ONLY home loss in the last 1-1/2 seasons (team was 14-0 last season and is now 7-1 this season). I'm on the T-birds!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Weekend Wipeout is on the Ut Jazz at 8:40 ET.

The Jazz and Warriors have been battling the Phoenix Suns for the West's (and the NBA's) best record all season. As of Sunday morning, the Suns sit at 36-9, 3-1/2 games ahead of the 33-13 Warriors and 6-1/2 games ahead of the 30-16 Jazz, who have seen the Grizzlies slip past them into the No. 3 seed at 32-16. The Warriors have gone just 4-6 over their last 10 games (more later), after a 29-7 start, and now face a week in which they must deal with a tough four-game sequence book-ended by Utah and the Brooklyn Nets. Meanwhile, Jazz have won just TWICE in their last eight games, with injuries playing a role in Utah's recent regression.

The Jazz have allowed the 12th-most points (113.0), the seventh-highest field goal percentage (47.2) and the third-highest 3-point field goal percentage (38.4) during their 2-6 skid. Leading scorer Donovan Mitchell (25.5-4.0-5.2) has sat out the last two games with a concussion (may not play here). Center Rudy Gobert, nightly double-double 'machine,' averaging 16.0 & 15.0 on the season, missed five straight recently with a sore left ankle. Backup center Hassan Whiteside (8.2 & 6.8) has been sidelined the last five games in COVID protocol. All that said, SF Bogdanovich (18.1 & 4.19) is back, PG Conley (14.1 & 5.2 APG) is healthy, Ingles (7.4-3.0-3.5) started for Mitchell the last two games, and PF O'Neale 7.4 & 5.2 in a constant. So is 6th-man Clarkson (15.3) plus Rudy Gay is chipping in 9.0 & 4.6.

Curry (26.3-5.3-6.2) connected on his first career walk-off game-winner Friday night for a 105-103 home win over the Houston Rockets. The game-winner was the eighth of his career, but first with the clock having expired before the shot cleared the net. The shot came at the end of a game in which Curry shot just 6-for-21. He has made just 36.3 percent of his shots in his last nine games, including just 28 of 92 3-pointers (30.4 percent). Draymond Green (7.9-7.6-7.4), an offensive catalyst, has missed the last SEVEN games with a disk issue in his back. He already has been ruled out through Feb 1. Still, the Warriors are loaded. Wiggins (18.3 & 4.2) and Poole (16.7) have been terrific, Thompson's back available and has avergaed 14.7 PPG in six games (it's always possible he'll be rested), plus the underappreciated Looney has started all 46 games at center, adding 6.1 & 7.3 PPG.

I promised more on Golden St at the top and will submit that the Warriors, once rated as the top offensive team in the league in terms of efficiency, have ranked just 26th in the league in scoring (104.2), 27th in field goal percentage (43.0) and dead-last in 3-point field goal percentage (30.1) over their last 10 games! The Warriors and Jazz met one time previously this season, with Golden State overcoming a 41-point Utah explosion in the third quarter to pull out a 123-116 road win. A 'storm is brewing' in San Francisco but when it 'clears out,' the "W" will be in Utah's column. Take the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Min T-wolves at 8:10 ET.

If it's not ONE thing, it's ANOTHER!" The Brooklyn Nets had anticipated that a stretch of road games would give them significant minutes with their star trio of Kevin Durant, James Harden and Kyrie Irving on the floor. So, what happens? Durant sprained the medial collateral ligament in his left knee a week ago Saturday and will be sidelined for at least a month. The Nets complete a four-game road trip tonight in Minnesota, having won two of the first three, led by their part-time backcourt duo of James Harden and Kyrie Irving. Brooklyn dropped a seven-point decision in Cleveland on Monday when Harden and Irving combined for 49 points but then eked out a one-point win in Washington when the duo combined for 48 points. On Friday, the duo scored a collective 61 points of a 117-102 win in San Antonio. The duo combined for 26 points in the final 12 minutes when the Nets shot 60 percent and outscored the Spurs 38-28. Through all of this season's turmoil, the Nets currently sit atop the East with a 29-16 record. However, Chicago and Miami are just a half-game back and the top-six East seeds are separated by just THREE games.

Minnesota welcomes Brooklyn to town having won SIX of its last nine and currently owns a 22-23 record. That leaves them with the West's No. 9 seed, good enough to qualify for the play-in round (note: the T-wolves are just 1-1/2 games back of the No. 6 seed). This may seem like a modest accomplishment but when considering Minnesota has made just ONE playoff appearance (2017-18) over the past 17 seasons, even a 'play-in' opportunity would be a major step forward. Minnesota relies on its "Big 3" of center Towns (24.3 & 9.2), SG Edwards (22.2 & 5.2) and PG Russell (18.9 & 7.0 APG). All three were first round picks! Guard Beasley (12.4) is the highest-scoring bench player, and the 6-11 Reid (8.8 & 4.1) has given Towns some support up front.

Brooklyn's "Big 3" is at best, down to a "Big 2," these days. K.D. (29.3-7.4-5.8) will be out for a while, leaving Harden (23.0-8.1-10.00 and Kyrie (22.3-4.7-5.2 in six games), but only for road games. The fact that Aldrige is back helps and the veteran big man has scored 56 points in Brooklyn's last three games. Guard Mills (13.3) has been a constant in the backcourt all season but a look at today's injury report lists Irving as questionable (personal reasons). Who knows what that means? What it means to me is I'm taking the T-wolves with or without Kyrie playing for the Nets. Minnesota covered a nine-point spread in Brooklyn back on Dec 3, losing 110-105 (Nets had KD in that one!). Expect the healthy, well-rested, and revenge-minded home side to deliver in this spot.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on Michigan at 3:30 ET.

Michigan opened the season ranked 6th in the AP's preseason poll but didn't stay ranked for very long. A lengthy layoff due to the holiday break and COVID-19 issues didn't help and the Wolverines 'limp into Bloomington having played just FOUR games in a month but is off an 83-64 win over Maryland on Tuesday. To say the least It's been an up-and-down year for the defending Big Ten champions, as the Wolverines had a pair of conference games postponed the second week in January due to COVID-19 issues within the program. Michigan is just 8-7 overall, including 2-3 in the Big Ten. Indiana lost its final six games of last season and the Hoosiers fired head coach Archie Miller. They then hired Mike Woodson (former Indiana player under Bob Knight) to lead the team in the 2021-22 season, Indiana opened 6-0, before losing 112-110 (2 OTs) at Syracuse. The Hoosiers have also lost at Wisconsin, at Penn St and at Iowa but here at Assembly Hall, have gone a perfect 12-0, after they snapped a nine-game losing streak against Purdue, winning 68-65 on Thursday behind a career-high 20 points from Rob Phinisee. Indiana welcomes Michigan to Assembly Hall 14-4 overall, including 5-3 in the Big Ten. 

After center Hunter Dickinson (16.4 & 8.6) sat out a 68-53 loss at Illinois on Jan 14, the Wolverines were back at full strength against Maryland. Dickinson (21 points) led FOUR starters in double figures. Michigan's starting-five includes the 7-1 Dickinson and the 6-11 Diabate (9.1 & 6.1) up front, plus a trio of guards in Brooks (12.1) and Houstan (9.7 & 4.5) plus PG Jones (8.5-4.5-3.7), who runs the offense. The 6-9 Jackson-Davis (18.7 & 8.6) was limited against Purdue, playing just 11 minutes with four points and one rebound. The 6-8 Thompson (10.8 & 7.6) and the 6-7 Kupp (6.7 & 2.7) join Davis up front, while guards Johnson (10.0-3.6-4.1) and Stewart (7.3) start in the backcourt. Adding depth on the perimeter are Phinisee (5.7) and Bates (4.3).

Indiana will look to avoid a letdown after an emotional Purdue win and how much Davis can contribute is really unknown. Obviously, Michigan was overrated at the start of the season, but the Wolverines are NOT a .500 team, either. Both teams are solid defensively and Michigan is OVERDUE for a "quality" win. Methinks, as Rod Stewart opined, "Tonight's the Night!" Take the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on North Carolina at 8:00 ET.

North Carolina (12-5 / 4-2) and Wake Forest (15-4 / 4-3) have similar conference records as they head into Saturday night's meeting in Winston-Salem. Roy Wiliams retired after last season, ending his career with a first-round NCAA tournament loss and an 18-11 record with his beloved Tar Heels. Former North Carolina player Hubert Davis took over as head coach and the Tar Heels were ranked 19th in the AP's preseason poll. However, just when it appeared North Carolina might be picking up momentum, the Tar Heels 'crashed and burned' in Tuesday night's 85-57 loss at Miami. Steve Forbes took over at Wake Forest last season and suffered through a 6-16 (3-15 in the ACC) his first year. However, whether it has been in the JC ranks or his four-year stint at East Tenn St, Forbes has been known as 'quick-change artist.' Case in point. He took over at East Tenn St in 2015-16 and his four-year record was 130-43! His final team went 30-4 but "what might have been" in the Big Dance remains an unanswered question, as COVID shut the tournament down. Now, after a 'nightmare' first season, Forbes' Demon Deacon are off to an impressive start (see above).

"Very disappointed in our fight, our competitiveness, our effort," UNC head coach Hubert Davis said. "In order to be a good team, you have to have leadership and there has to be somebody outside of myself, outside of the coaching staff, a voice in the locker room that's amongst the players that binds us together." The Tar Heels are looking for adjustments, perhaps mostly in mindset. North Carolina has an excellent frontcourt led by the returning 6-10 Bacot (17.2 & 11.2), 6-9 Oklahoma transfer Manek (12.4 & 5.6) and 6-11 Marquette transfer Garcia (9.1 & 5.5). Sophomore guard Love (14.1-3.5-3.4) teams with freshman Davis (13.7-3.8-3.5) in the backcourt, with Walton (3.9) and Black (3.5 & 4.4) adding support.

Forbes has turned things around quickly at Wake, adding Oklahoma transfer Williams and an ETSU transfer in Williamson to be his starting guards. Williams (20.3-6.8-5.2) has been spectacular and Williamson, who came with Forbes last season from ETSU, is averaging 12.4 PPG. The 6-8 Mucius (10.5 & 3.8) returned up front but the 6-8 LaRavia (14.7 & 5.9) came from Indiana St, the 7-0 Walton (8.1 & 5.2) from Colorado and the 6-10 Sy (6.5 & 4.4) from Ole Miss. In Wednesday night's 80-64 victory at Georgia Tech, the Demon Deacons were without coach Forbes, who was ill, but it seems like he'll be back for the North Carolina game. "He'll be there," said Wake assistant coach Brooks Savage, who filled in. "It was in everybody's best interest that he take some time and not travel and get ready to go for Saturday."

Kudos to Forbes and Wake but consider this, the Demon Deacons have reached the 15-win mark for only the THIRD time in a 12-season span. This season is 'rarefied air' for Wake Forest and catching the Tar Heels off an embarrassing 85-57 loss at Miami, is NOT a "good thing!" UNC is a two-point dog, so one could hardly call this an upset. However, take any available points but expect a North Carolina win "with room to spare," as North Carolina has won EIGHT of the last nine meetings with Wake Forest.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Weekend Wipeout is on NC St at 4:00 ET.

The Atlantic Coast Conference schools has typically been known as arguably the nation's top BKB conference, but a quick check of the latest AP poll will find only Duke (at No. 6) among the top-25. One sure won't find Virginia (11-7, 5-3) or NC State (9-10, 2-6) in any top-25 polls!  Tony Bennett's UVA team won a national championship in 2019 and from the 2013-14 season through the championship season of 2018-19, the Cavs avenged 29.7 wins per season. The Cavs ended last season 18-7, after a first-round NCAA loss to 13th-seed Ohio U. However, as noted, this season has NOT gone smoothly. However, UVA's season is going MUCH better than NC St's Kevin Keatts season is. He replaced Mark Gottfried in Raleigh five years ago. His three-year stint at UNC-Wilmington (his team won 28 and 29 games in his final two seasons, both ending with NCAA tourney berths), surely caught NC St's attention. Keatts' first three seasons in Raleigh went fine (21, 24 and 20 wins) but the Wolfpack's season pretty much ended on Feb 9 of last year, when Devon Daniels (16.5 & 5.2) was lost to an ACL tear (NC St would finish 14-11).

The only returning starter for UVA is PG Clark, who chips in 9.1 PPG and 4.0 APG. Guard Beekman (8.1-3.6-4.8) is back, as is the 6-11 Shedrick (6.2 & 5.1), but UVA's two-most important players are transfers. The 6-6 Gardner comes from East Carolina and leads in scoring (14.0) and rebounding (7.0) plus guard Franklin comes via Indiana and chips in 12.2. With Daniels gone and the 6-11 Funderburk (12.6 & 5.6) declaring for the NBA but going undrafted, Keatts' had his work cut out for him entering the current season. The 6-7 Seaborn has blossomed into a 'do-everything" player for NC St, leading the team in scoring (19.3) and rebounding (9.4). Joining him in the starting lineup are freshman guard Smith (14.6 & 3.7), the 6-7 Hellems (14.2 & 4.7) and the 6-11 Dowuona (4.0 & 4.7). Guards Hayes (8.3) and UVA transfer Morsell (7.3 & 3.5) have been steady off the bench.

Here's the rub. Do you believe in 'miracles?' Well, I may be exaggerating a little but consider this. Two Saturdays ago, North Carolina ended its SEVEN-game losing streak against Virginia. Last Saturday, Wake Forest snapped its NINE-game skid against the Cavaliers. Now it's NC State with a chance to "get off the schneid," as the Wolfpack will try to beat Bennett for the first time in Raleigh. All SEVEN times the Cavaliers coach has come to PNC Arena, he's walked out a winner. The late-1970s and early-1980s TV opined "Eight is Enough" but my bet here says, "SEVEN is enough!" NC St wins and wins impressively.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Marquee Classic is on Kentucky at 1:00 ET.

No. 2 Auburn (17-0 / 6-0) will put its 14-game winning streak on the line Saturday when it hosts No. 12 Kentucky in a matchup of SEC teams. Withe Baylor losing twice last week, Gonzaga took over the No. 1 spot in the AP poll, while Auburn moved to No. 2. Interestingly, Auburn (36) had more first-place Votes than Gonzaga (25), but the Bulldogs edged the Tigers in overall points, 1,486 to 14,82. In the history of the AP poll, Auburn has reached No. 2 three times. The 1958-59 team reached second and finished eighth in the AP poll with a 20-2 record. The 1998-1999 team reached No. 2 but lost in the Sweet Sixteen. That team finished 29-4. The following season, Auburn started the season ranked fourth and reached No. 2, before faltering down the stretch and losing in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. That team finished 24-10 and ranked 24th.

Kentucky (15-3 / 5-1 SEC) knows more than a little about No. 1 rankings plus owns EIGHT national championships to Auburn's ZERO! The Kentucky men's basketball team went just 9-16 last season, but all knew that was an aberration, as the Wildcats were ranked No. 10 in the AP's preseason poll. After a loss to Duke in the Champions Classic on the opening night of the season, the Wildcats have won 14 of 16, losing only 66-62 at Notre Dame back on Dec 11 and 65-62 at LSU on Jan 4. The 6-9 Tshiebwe (16,1 & 14.8) and the 6-7 Brooks (10.4 & 4.3) are the two main frontcourt players for Coach Cal's team. SG Washington (14.2-4.2-4.6) and PG Wheeler (10.4 & 7.1 APG) lead a backcourt that also features Grady (11.4) and Mintz (9.1). 'EIGHTs are wild' when checking in on the Kentucky offense, which ranks 8th in scoring (82.9 PPG) and in FG percentage (49.8). Also note that the Wildcats are holding opponents to just 62.8 PPG!

Bruce Pearl made a HUGE 'splash' when took over at Tennessee for the 2005-06 season. He would go 145-61 (.704) with the Vols, leading them to NCAA berths in each of his six seasons in Knoxville, including two Sweet 16s and an Elite 8. However, he was let go and was given a three-year ban for allegations surrounding lying to NCAA investigators. He returned to the SEC with Auburn in 2014-15 and after going just 26-40 in his first two seasons, led the Tigers to 26-wins, 30 wins (Final 4 appearance) and 25 wins (NCAA tourney was canceled because of COVID). However, the Tigers suffered a 'meltdown' on the court last season, going just 13-14. The Tigers have turned things around with the help of FOUR freshmen. The 6-10 Smith leads in scoring with 15.8 PPG (adds 6.3 RPG), while the 7-0 Kessler leads in rebounding (7.4), while adding 10.3 PPG. Green (13.1-4.0-5.1) and Johnson (12.8) are the top backcourt producers. Auburn is averaging 80.7 PPG (19th), while allowing 65.6 PPG.

Saturday marks the only regular season meeting between Kentucky and Auburn this year and to put it mildly, it's the very definition of a "Marquee Classic!" Clearly, what Auburn has done up to this point is 'special' (only loss came back in November, when it fell to then-No. 22 UConn in double-overtime in the Bahamas), but the Wildcats have DOMINATED this series with a 92-21 advantage all-time. Coach Cal plus the points is the way to go!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on the Den Nuggets at 9:10 ET.

The Memphis Grizzlies lost 132-110 to the Hawks on Nov 26, giving them a 9-10 record. However, the Grizzlies have gone 22-6 since. They are now 31-16 (No. 3 seed in the West), two games back of the Warriors and 5-1/2 games back of the Suns. Memphis was considered a team on the rise before the season began but it is now obvious its ascension has arrived sooner than expected. The Nuggets have had their issues, mostly with injuries and illnesses, and welcome the Grizzlies to Denver just 23-20, good enough for teh No. 6 in the West. The Nuggets are FIVE back of the No. 4 seed but well clear of the No. 11 seed (last team to miss the play-in round).

The Grizzlies beat the Los Angeles Lakers twice, took down the Golden State at home and topped the Phoenix Suns on the road during an 11-game winning streak from Dec 26 through Jan 13. However, they have lost TWO of three coming. Memphis didn't have Dillon Brooks (ankle) against the Bucks, and Desmond Bane was placed in health and safety protocol. Brooks (18.4 PPG) and Bane (17.7 & 4.4) are second and third, respectively, on the team in scoring behind Ja Morant (24.7-5.8-6.9).

Denver is coming off a 130-128 overtime win Wednesday against the Los Angeles Clippers, as Nikola Jokic (25.9-13.9-7.4) delivered his 10th triple-double of the season with 49 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists. The last assist came on Aaron Gordon's tiebreaking three-pointer with 2.2 seconds left in overtime. PF Gordon (14.4 & 5.6) has been a steady presence, as has swingman Barton (15.0-4.8-4.1), PG Morris (12.7 & 4.2 APG) has assumed Murray's role as PG, who has yet to play, after averaging 21.2-4.0-4.8 last season. Some good news is that the Nuggets acquired Bryn Forbes from San Antonio in a three-team deal that was finalized Wednesday, with the hope he can provide much-needed outside shooting. Forbes won a title last year with the Bucks before returning to the Spurs in the offseason (he's averaging 9.1 PPG and shooting 41.7% on threes).

Just maybe, the Grizzlies are about to 'cool off' some and the Nuggets are about to make a 'push!' in fact, that's my bet. Lay the 'short' price.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Marquee Classic is on Michigan St at 9:00 ET.

Tom Izzo and his Spartans started at No. 13 at the opening of the 2020-21 season and struggled in the regular season. Mich St made the NCAA tourney at 15-12 but was eliminated in a First Four game by UCLA. Michigan State began the current season unranked but enters this game at Wisconsin arnked No. 14 at 14-3 (5-1 in the Big Ten). Wisconsin was also unranked in the preseason but is now No. 8, with a 15-2 overall record, including 6-1 in the Big Ten. The Badgers are tied atop the conference with Ilinois, while the Spartans are just a half-game back.

The Spartans do not have a 'big gun,' as the team's leading scorer is SF Brown (14.2 & 4.8). 7-0 center Bingham adds 9.7  PPG and a team-high 7.1 RPG. Joining those two in the starting lineup are guards Christie (10.4)  and Walker (6.8 & 5.2 APG) plus the 6-9 Hauser, who has disappointed averaging only 6.8 & 6.1. Bench strength comes from the 6-9 Hall (9.7 & 4.8) and the 6-9 Marble (6.4 & 3.1) plus guard Hoggard (6.5 & 4.5 APG). Izzo-coached teams always play excellent defense and the Spartans are allowing 65.6 PPG, holding opponnest to just 39.1% shooting (24th).

Wisconsin featured four, 5th-year seniors and three regular seniors last season but of the 14 scholarship players this season, 10 are classified as freshmen for eligibility purposes. Guard Davison began the season with 124 career starts and is averaging 15.1 & 4.1. The great news for Wisconsin fans is, fellow guard Davis (7.0 & 4.1 LY) is averaging 22.1 & 7.5 this season. Also back, after limited playing time last season, are the 6-9 Wahl (11.0 & 5.7) and the 7-0 Crowl (8.8 & 4.8). Freshman guard Hepburn (7.2) rounds out the starting-five. No other player averages as much as 4 PPG and that's not good news considering that Wahl is listed as questionable.

Wisconsin extended its winning streak to seven with an 82-76 victory at Northwestern on Tuesday to move into a first-place tie with Illinois in the conference, while the Spartans were upset at home by Northwestern 64-62 in their last outing on Saturday, snapping a NINE-game winning streak. Wisconsin has won the last two matchups with Michigan State, including a 64-63 victory in the last meeting at home at the Kohl Center. However, prior to that, the Spartans had won EIGHT straight against the Badgers. Winning at the Kohl Center is NEVER easy but I really like taking a Tom Izzo team off and embarassing loss like at home to Northwestern. I sent out an "Upset Alert" Thursday on Indiana over Purdue and it's "deja vu all over agin" tonight with the Spartsna beating the Badgers.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* PERFECT STORM is on the Atl Hawks at 7:40 ET.

The Atlanta Hawks ended a 10-game homecourt losing streak Monday with a second-half surge against the Milwaukee Bucks, and then did it again Wednesday, when an impressive second half carried them to a 134-122 win over Minnesota. However, the Hawks are just 19-25, leaving them THREE games back of the East's No. 10 seed (last team into the 'play-in' round). Visiting Atlanta tonight will be the 29-16 Miami Heat, who are in a virtual tie with the 28-15 Bulls for the East's No. 1 seed. At the moment, just 2-1/2 games separate the No. 1 seed and the No. 6 seed in the East.

Miami beat the Portland Trail Blazers 104-92 on Wednesday for their second straight win and SIXTH in the last seven games. The Heat played without Tyler Herro (20.7-4.9-4.0), who entered the health and safety protocol, and Kyle Lowry (13.4 & 8.3 APG), who missed the last two games for personal reasons. Herro will miss the Atlanta game and Lowry's status is uncertain. There is good news though and that the Heat have Bam Adebayo (18.6 & 10.2) back in the lineup. He has played two games since thumb surgery had sidelined him since Nov 29, averaging 17.0 & 10.0. Adebayo had 20 points and 11 rebounds against Portland and helped offset the loss of Jimmy Butler, who was ejected after playing only 15 minutes. Swingman Butler (21.7-5.8-5.8) is Miami best player plus guards Strus (11.6) and Robinson (11.4) plus PF Tucker (8.2 & 5.6) are steady and consiotent contributors.

Atlanta understands being shorthanded, as the Hawks have been without starting center Clint Capela (11.8 & 13.1) for the last six games (ankle) but have seen former No. 1 draft choice Onyeka Okongwu make big strides since he's been healthy. Okongwu didn't play until Dec 17 because of offseason shoulder surgery, but after some early tenuous performances he has become increasingly productive. He's up to 9.8 & 6.3 on the season, after averaging 13.7 PPG and 6.7 RPG in his last three games. PG Young (27.9 & 9.5 APG) is now a bonafide All Star plus PF Collins (17.2 & 8.0) just continues to put up All Star-like numbers. SG Bogdanovich (12.0 & 3.8) is out but Hunter (12.8) and Huerter (11.3) are both back in the lineup and playing well.

Let's NOT forget that this Atlanta team made it all the way to the Eastern Conerence finals last season, where the Bucks ended the team's championship hopes. The Hawks have been one of the league's biggest undercahievers so far but may be starting to see a 'light at the end of the tunnel.' The Hawks make it THREE straight home wins tonight!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Conference Game of the Year (Pac 12) is on USC at 7:30 ET.

USC was 25-8 last season (made the Elite 8) but head coach Andy Enfield (who will ever forget Florida Gulf Coast!) has retooled the Trojans, after losing Evan Mobley to the NBA draft (3rd overall pick). USC opened the current season 13-0 and in the Jan 10 AP poll, was ranked No. 5. It was the school's highest ranking since also being No. 5 way back in December of 1974! However, the Trojans lost 75-69 at Stanford on Jan 11, beat Oregon St (3-13) 81-71 at home and then lost 79-69 at home against suddenly surging Oregon last Saturday. 

USC (14-2 / 4-2) will try to get its season back on track Thursday night in Boulder against a Colorado Buffaloes team that is quietly gone 12-4 (4-2 in the Pac 12). Tad Boyle took over at Boulder in the 2009-10 season and has led the Buffaloes to 20-plus wins EIGHT times and into the NCAA Tournament FIVE times (would have been six but the 2020 tourney was shut down because of COVID.

As noted above, Enfield has retooled the Trojans this season, with GREAT success. Mobley's 6-10 older brother Isaiah leads in scoring (15.3) and rebounding (9.2) and is joined by the 6-9 Goodwin (13.0 & 7.1) and the 6-9 Agbonkpolo (7.8 & 3.5) in the frontcourt. Ellis (12.6), and Peterson (11.1 & 5.8) make for an excellent backcourt duo, plus guard Anderson (5.8) and the 6-11 Morgan (4.3 & 3.2) contribute off the bench. The Buffs have a strong starting-five, led by a huge frontline. The 6-9 Walker (13.1 & 8.5), the 6-8 Battey (12.3 & 4.5) and the 6-10 da Silva (8.8 & 3.6). The starting guards are Barthelemy (11.1) and Parquet (7.1). Guards Simpson (6.9) and Clifford (6.2 & 5.1) add depth.

Boyle's success at Colorado includes an unlikely domination of USC. The Buffs have beaten the Trojans SEVEN straight times! That said, the Buffaloes have lost ALL of their first three opportunities to beat a ranked opponent and had a fourth, against Kansas on Dec 21, canceled. This game could define which direction USC's season will go. In its 13-0 start, just THREE teams topped 70 points (a high of 73) but in losing TWO of three, the Trojans have allowed 75.0 PPG. I view this contest as almost a "must-win" situation for USC. Seven straight loses to Colorado surely brings USC's 'motivation factor' on a 1-10 scale to 10! Colorado has lost 73-61 to then-No. 5 UCLA, 69-54 to then-No. 13 Tennessee and 76-55 to then No. 6 Arizona. Why will the Buffs win here vs No. 16 USC? My bet says they WON'T!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* PERFECT STORM is a on UMass at 7:00 ET.

Full, detailed analysis thursday morning by 10:00 ET.

My 9* Rivalry Rout is on Indiana at 7:00 ET.

No. 4 Purdue is the highest-ranked Big Ten team but at 4-2 in league play, there are FIVE schools with better conference records than the Boilermakers' mark. Purdue heads to Bloomington tonight to take on bitter rival Indiana, which is 13-4 overall, including 4-3 in Big Ten play.

Matt Painter is in his 17th season at Purdue and the Boilermakers have matched ther best start through 17 games under Painter (Purdue also started 15-2 during the 2010-11 and 2017-18 seasons). 7-4 sophomore Edey (15.6 & 7.5) teams with 6-10 senior Williams (13.4 & 8.5), the 6-6 Gillis (7.2 & 3.5) and 6-10 freshman Furst (5.4 & 4.6 ) up front. The perimeter is led by Ivey (16.4 & 5.2) and Stefanovic (11.8), while Newman (6.3) and Thompson (5.4) add depth.

Indiana lost its final six games of last season and the Hoosiers fired head coach Archie Miller. They then hired Mike Woodson (former Indiana player under Bob Knight) to lead the team in the 2021-22 season, Indiana opened 6-0, before losing 112-110 (2 OTs) at Syracuse. The Hoosiers have also lost at Wisconsin, at Penn St atand at Iowa but here at Assembly Hall, have gone a perect 11-0. Indiana is coming off its first road win of the season, winning at Nebraska 78-71 on Monday The Jackson-Davis (19.5 & 9.1) posted his fourth straight double-double and eighth of the season against Nebraska with 23 points and 12 rebounds before sitting out the final seven minutes of the game after landing hard on his tailbone on a foul. However, Jackson-Davis posted on Twitter that he will be fine and expects to play on Thursday. The 6-8 Thompson (10.9 & 7.5) and the 6-7 Kupp (7.1 & 2.8) join Davis up front, while guards Johnson (9.5-3.5-4.2) and Stewart (7.6) start in the backcourt. Adding depth on the perimeter are Phinisee (4.6) and Bates (4.6).

Yes, Knight and Keady are no longer around but their 'ghosts' are. This will ALWAYS be a great rivalry and as head caoch Woodson iopined about his team's 11-0 home record, "We can't lose at home. That's my message. I can't say it loud enough. I mean, they are a great team, I watched them (Monday) against Illinois win in overtime. They are huge, they've got talent out front, but hey, we're going to have to match it and see what happens." That sounds good but the Hoosiers are seeking their first win against Purdue since Feb 20, 2016, when they won 77-73. Purdue's won NINE in a row in this series since that Indiana win. I won't say "revenge" after nine staright losses but with Purdue off a draining OT win Monday at Illinois, I am sending out an "Upset Alert!" Take the points.

Good luck..Larry

My 10* East/West Total of the Year is on Tor/Dal Over at 8:40 ET.

The No. 7 thru No. 10 seeds in both conferences enter the "Play-In" tourney to decide the No. 7 and No. 8 seeds. Toronto has won SEVEN of 10 and at 21-20, is the current No. 9 seed in the East. The Raptors are three games back of the No. 6 seed but just ONE game ahead of the No. 11 seed. Dallas has won NINE of 10 to reach 25-19, giving the No. 5 seed in the West, three games clear of the No. 7 seed. 

Toronto's top-three scorers have led the way. PG Fred VanVleet (21.9-4.8-6.7), PF Pascal Siakam (21.1-8.5-5.0) and SF Anunoby (19.2 & 5.o), who is having a career season). The Raptors also have two more significant scorers in Trent (16.4) and Florida rookie Barnes (14.5 & 7.9). Barnes is back after a knee injury but Trent remains out (??). Luka Doncic (24.6-8.6-8.8) had his fifth triple-double of the season with 20 points, 11 rebounds and 12 assists in the Mavs' most recent win, recording his 41st career triple-double. Kristaps Porzingis (20.3 & 7.9) added 13 points and eight rebounds on Monday. Porzingis and Doncic played together for the second consecutive game, the first time they have both been active for back-to-back games since Dec 8-10. PF Kleber (7.4 & 5.8) and guard Bullock (6.4) are out but the Mavs are pretty healthy right now. Guard Brunson (16.0 & 5.7 APG), swingman Hardaway (14.5) and SF Finney-Smith (10.5 & 4.8) all average in double digits.

These teams met way back on oct 23, with Dallas winning 103-95. Do NOT expect a similar low-scoring contest here! Note that both Doncic and Porzingis have done well against Toronto. Doncic is averaging 24.2 points, 9.7 rebounds and 8.8 assists in six career appearances against the Raptors, including two triple-doubles. As for Porzingis, he has faced Toronto five times (since coming to Dallas) and averaged 20.2 points and 11.2 rebounds with four double-doubles. This O/U number is way too low. It's Goin' Over!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Game of the Week is on Rutgers at 8:30 ET.

Fran McCaffrey is in his 12th season at Iowa City and he's delivered seven, 20-win seasons in his first 11. Gone are consensus National Player-of-the-Year Garza (24.1 & 8.7) and Wieskamp (14.8 & 6.6) but the Hawkeyes opened 7-0, before dropping back-to-back Big Ten games to Purdue and Illinois, plus losing a third straight at Iowa St. However, the Hawkeyes have won SIX of their last seven (lone loss to now-No.8 Wisconsin). Iowa is 13-4 (3-3 in the Big Ten) and was the first team in the "others receiving votes" column of the latest AP top-25 poll. The Hawkeyes travel to Rutgers Wednesday night for a Big Ten game with the Scarlet Knights. Steve Pikiell came to Rutgers (from Stony Brook) for the 2016-17 season and his 2019-20 team won 20 games (NCAA tourney was canceled) and then got the Scarlet Knights into the "Big Dance" last season, winning a game before losing in the round of 32. The current season has been a disappointment, with Rutgers checking in at 10-6 (4-2 Big Ten).

Iowa survived last Sunday at Minnesota, winning 81-71. However, after taking a 16-point lead at halftime, the Golden Gophers charged back and cut the deficit to 74-71 with 90 seconds left.  Iowa survived, as Keegan Murray, the nation's leading scorer at 23.9 PPG, drained a three-pointer with 59 seconds left to help Iowa rattle off the game's final seven points. The 6-8 Murray twins (Keegan and Kris) were freshmen last season at Iowa. Keegan gained playing time as the year wound down but Kris was lost in the shuffle. This season, Keegan leads the team in scoring (23.9) and rebounding (8.1) while his brother Kris chips in 10.3 & 4.8. Returning players like the 6-9 Patrick McCaffrey (10.8 & 3.8) and returning guard Bohannon adds 10.9 PPG. Guard Perkins (7.6), the 6-9 Rebraca (6.1 & 6.1), guard Toussaint (5.4 & 3.9 APG) and 6-7 freshman Sandfort (5,2) round out a deep group. Iowa is averaging 86.2 PPG, fifth-best in the nation.

Rutgers has a starting lineup consisting of four guards and the 6-11 Omoruyi (11.3 & 7.7). PG Baker (11.2 & 4.3 APG) entered the season with 101 starts on his resume and 6-6 guard Harper (16.6 & 6.8) can be a 'nightmare' matchup issue for many teams. Mulcahy (7.3 & 4.1) and Mcconnell (6.9 & 5.1) are the final two starters, while the 6-6 Hyatt (5.9 & 3.3) is the 6th-man. Rutgers is a slow-paced team, averaging 69.0 PPG (17 points less than Iowa) but also allows just 65.1 PPG.

Rutgers earned its badly-needed first road win of the season Saturday at Maryland. The Terrapins jumped out to a 38-27 halftime lead but the Scarlet Knights cut their turnovers and clamped down on defense for a major swing in the second half, leading to a 70-59 win. The key here is that Pikiell has made "The RAC" (Rutgers Athletic Center) a brutal venue for visiting teams. Rutgers is 9-1 at home this season (beat Michigan and Purdue already) and enters 37-7 (.841) at home the last two-plus seasons. The Scarlet Knights 'rac up' another home win here!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Oddsmaker's Error is on the Min T-wolves at 7:40 ET.

The Atlanta Hawks broke a five-game losing streak Monday with their 121-114 home win over the Milwaukee Bucks. However, that's only HALF of the story. The victory also broke Atlanta's 10-game home losing streak. The Hawks will try to build on the momentum gained from breaking those streaks when they host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday. However, the Timberwolves have won two straight after a 112-110 road victory over the New York Knicks on Tuesday and they have won SIX of their last eight to creep to within one game of avoiding the play-in round of the playoffs.

Minnesota is now 22-22 and as noted, ONE game behind the 22-20 Nuggets (the West's No. 6 seed). Naturally, the T-wolves hope to avoid the play-in round but Minnesota has to feel good about the fact it's FIVE games clear of the No. 11 seed (last team out of the play-in). Center Towns (24.5 & 9.2), swingman Edwards (22.2-5.2-3.7) and PG Russell (18.6 & 7.0 APG) give Minnesota a big time "Big 3!"

Atlanta has been hurt by the absence of center Clint Capela (11.3 & 13.1), who has missed five games with a sprained ankle. Without Capela, the Hawks have relied on Gorgui Dieng and Onyeka Okongwu, the team's 2020 first-round draft choice. The extra playing time seems to have benefited Okongwu (9.2 & 6.2), who didn't play until Dec 17 because of offseason shoulder surgery. Young's (27.7 & 9.4 APG) backcourt mate Bogdanovich (12.0) is out but the Hawks have Huerter (11.3) and Gallinari (10.3 & 4.2) to fill in. PF Collins (17.2 & 7.9) continues to play at an All Star level plus Hunter (12.1) finally returned on Jan 12 (had been out since Nov 12) and has averaged 15.8 PPG in his first four games back.

Minnesota did play last night but the T-wolves come in averaging 123.3 PPG over their last six games. The Hawks won 121-110 back on Dec 6 in Minneapolis but this time around I expect the T-wolves to do the winning, as Atlanta just may be a little 'flat' after its win over the Bucks. Let's NOT forget, there was/is a reason that the Hawks had lost 10 straight at home prior to Monday's win.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Weekly Wipeout is on the Was Wizards at 7:10 ET.

If it's not ONE thing, it's ANOTHER!" The Brooklyn Nets had anticipated that a stretch of road games would give them significant minutes with their star trio of Kevin Durant, James Harden and Kyrie Irving on the floor. So, what happens? Durant sprained the medial collateral ligament in his left knee on Saturday and will be sidelined for at least a month. The first game of "Life without Kevin Durant" didn't go so well for the Nets."For me personally, it was a big hit," Kyrie Irving said after Brooklyn's 114-107 setback to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday. "You feel it energetically, the presence in the locker room. Everyone is going to feel it, but for me personally, it's like we just got back into the swing of things and here we are again. One of our guys is out for a long period of time. We've just got to face the reality, man, and move forward." The 27-16 Nets hope to get back on track Wednesday when they continue a four-game road trip against the 23-21 Washington Wizards.

Washington snuck into the playoffs last season at 34-38 but lost in the 1st Round. The Wizards have been searching for an identity for some time now and MAY have found one this season. Washington welcomes the Nets to D,C, having won FOUR of five and at 23-21, That gives them the No. 8 seed but the Wizards are back healthy and I expect them to make a run at the No. 6 seed in the second half.

With K.D. (29.3-7.4-5.8) sidelined, the Nets will likely lean on Harden (22.7-8.0-10.0) even more than usual plus Irving (20.0-5.5-35.0 in four games) will play in the road games. Patty Mills (13.4), SF Kessler Edwards (8.3 & 4.1) and the 6-9 Day'Ron Sharpe (6.1 & 4.3) all started in Monday's loss. Some good news was that PF/C Aldridge (13.3 & 5.6) made significant contributions for the first time in awhile, playing 22-1/2 minutes while scoring 13 points (added five rebounds). Beal (23.7-4.7-6.4) and Dinwiddie (13.7-4.5-5.8) make for a strong backcourt. Then there is the trio I like to call "Lakers-East," who have been MAJOR additions. SF Kuzma (15.7 & 8.9), PF Harrell (14.6 & 7.3), and swingman Caldwell-Pope (11.6) have really found a home on the East Coast. Undersized center, the 6-9 Gafford, is averaging 9.3 & 6.4. 

Here's the bottom line. While the Nets continue to battle with player issues, the Wizards are getting healthier. They were already playing well before leading scorer Bradley Beal returned in the last game. Then there is center Thomas Bryant, who scored 15 points off the bench on Monday, marking his highest total since he finished with 21 in Washington's 123-122 win over Brooklyn on Jan 3, 2021. More good news? Head coach Wes Unseld Jr. was out on COVID protocol. These teams are moving in opposite directions right now both on and off the court and I expect those trends to continue tonight, with Washington winning "with room to spare!"

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Las Vegas Insider is on Clemson at 9:00 ET.

Clemson is 10-7 (2-4 ACC) as it travels to play at 8-9 Syracuse (2-4 ACC) as both teams are slipping dangerously close to the bottom of the 15-team Atlantic Coast Conference standings (Pitt is 2-5, Va Tech 1-4 and Ga Tech 1-5). Clemson has lost THREE of four and Syracuse FOUR of five, dipping below .500 on the season.

Brad Brownell arrived in Clemson for the 2010-11 season and after 11 years, he's led the Tigers to just four, 20-win seasons and three NCAA berths. This is his 12th season at the helm. Clemson has four players in double digits, led by the 6-10 Hall (14.5 & 5.8) and the 6-8 Tyson (11.2 & 6.1) in the frontcourt. Guards Amir-Daws (11.5), Collins (11.2 & 7.1) and Hemenway (5.3) have been starting in the backcourt lately. However, guard Honor (8.8) has started some plus the 6-8 Bohannon (4.8 & 4.1) adds support up front. The Tigers are a strong defensive team, allowing 66.5 PPG.

Jim Boeheim is in his 46th season as a head coach and is coming off another Sweet 16 run in last year's "Big Dance" (The Orange finished 18-10). Boeheim's team this season goes just five-deep. His son Buddy leads the team in scoring at 18.9 PPG (adds 3.6 RPG and 3.6 APG), teamed with backcourt partner Girard (13.4 & 4.4 APG). Two key transfers have made immediate impacts. Swider, a 6-9 transfer from Villanova, is averaging 12.0 & 6.5 plus Boeheim's oldest son Jimmy (a 6-8 graduate transfer from Cornell), is adding 14.3 & 6.2 (he's now the second-leading scorer on the team, behind only his brother) The 6-11 Edwards returned up front and chips in 13.0 & 7.1. Depth has been an issue all season, plus Boeheinm's famed "2-3 zone" has allowed 75.6 PPG (320th), NINE points more than Clemson allows.

I don't ever remember saying this when playing against Syracuse but look for Clemson's superior defensive play to be a difference-maker in this one against Syracuse. Take the points.

Good luck...Larry

 My 10* Situational Stunner is on Oklahoma at 7:00 ET.

Bill Self's Jayhawks finished 21-9 last season, including a loss in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. That was not what was expected of a team ranked No. 6 in the AP's preseason poll. Kansas began the current season ranked No. 3 and opened with an 87-74 win in the Champions Classic at Madison Square Garden on the opening night of college basketball (nov 9) over Michigan St. The Jayhawks visit Norman tonight at 14-2 (3-1 Big 12) and ranked No. 7 in the latest AP poll. Porter Moser (of Loyola-Chicago fame) is in his first season at Norman and his Sooners are 12-5 (2-3 Big 12. The Jayhawks come in having won 10 of 11. Meanwhile, Oklahoma is off back-to-back losses for the first time this season, shooting just 17.1 percent from three-point range over the last two games.

Kansas' 6-10 David McCormack was not happy coming off the bench to start Big 12 play. McCormack said his three-game stint with the reserve unit has given him motivation. "You always want to hear your name in the starting lineup," McCormack said. "At the same time, it is about production, whether you come off the bench or start. I guess you could say, (as Coach Bill Self) likes to say, (it) ‘lit a fire within me.' It just made me play a little bit harder, be a little bit more tenacious." McCormack returned to the starting lineup in Saturday's 85-59 win at West Virginia, with 19 points and a career-high-tying 15 rebounds. That said, he's averaging a modest 8.8 & 6.5 on the season. Kansas is led by a pair of big guards in the 6-5 Agbaji (20.6 & 4,8) and the 6-6 Braun (15.6 & 6.2). Guard Remy Martin (19.1 PPG last season), an Arizona State transfer, was named the preseason player of the year in the Big 12 but has been a HUGE disappointment, averaging 9.8 PPG (he has missed the last two games with a bone bruise in his right knee). Harris (5.0 & 3.9 APG) is the PG without Martin in the lineup and the 6-8 Wilson (7.8 & 6.2) rounds out the starting lineup. The 6-8 Lightfoot (5.2 & 3.1) and guard Coleman-Lands (5.2) get time off the bench. Kansas is a VERY efficient offensive team, averaging 81.9 PPG (13th) on 50.2% shooting (5th).

Oklahoma pretty much relies on its starting-five (all get 25-plus minutes), as the 6-6 Hill (9.8 & 6.2) joins the team's leading scorer, the 6-9 Groves (13.1 & 6.0) up front The Sooners feature a trio of solid guards in Gibson (12.5), Harkless (10.2 & 4.9) and Goldwire (9.4 & 3.6 APG). Oklahoma's leading bench scorer is the 6-9 Chargois (SMU transfer), who is averaging 4.6 PPG but he missed Saturday's game due to an ankle injury and the timeline for his return is unclear. Oklahoma shoots the ball well (49.9% ranks 9th) but averages 72.4 PPG (nine less than Kansas). However, Moser really has his team 'working' on the defensive end, as the Sooners are allowing 62.1 PPG (29th).

Yes, the Jayhawks have won 10 of the last 13 meetings with the Sooners, but Oklahoma has won THREE of the last four in Norman. The Sooners had responded with a win following each of their first three losses this season but couldn't continue that trend when they lost 59-58 in OT last Saturday at TCU. I'm 'barking' with this very 'live' home dog. Take the points.

Good luck...Larry

 My 10* Conference Game of the Month (MWC) is on Nevada at 8:00 ET.

The 12-2 Wyoming Cowboys (1-0 MWC) and the 8-6 Nevada Wolf Pack (2-1 MWC) meet in MWC action from the Lawlor Events Center on Monday. Jeff Linder came from No. Colorado where he won 26 (CIT champion), 21 and 22 games in his final three years, earning him the Wyoming gig. His first team went 14-11 but this year's team is an impressive 12-2. This is Steve Alford's third season at Nevada, having gone 19-12 and 15-9 in his first two seasons. However, with all five starters returning, a strong season was anticipated. That has NOT been the case.

Wyoming had its first four games of January postponed but finally got back on the court Jan 15, winning 71-69 at Utah St. The 6-9 Ike (19.7 & 8.4) and PG Maldanado (17.6-5.7-5.9) make for quite a duo. They are joined in the starting lineup by guards DuSell (10.8) and Jeffries (10.3 & 4.9) plus the 6-9 Oden (9.1 & 4.9). Defense is a team strength (63.5 PPG allowed ranks 57th) but depth is an issue.

Nevada PG Sherfield (19.5-4.5-6.4) leads a starting lineup that features three guards, the 7-0 Washington (11.4 & 7.0) and the 6-7 Coleman (3.6 & 3.4). Sherfield's backcourt partners are Cambridge (16.4 & 4.6) and Blacksher (6.7 & 4.3). The 7-0 Baker comes off the bench to add 11.4 & 5.4.

Wyoming beat Nevada BOTH times last season but I see that as a plus in motivation for the Wolf Pack, who really need a "W" in this one. Nevada is 3-2 SU in its last five games but 0-5 ATS. That all changes here. Wyoming went from Christmas until this past Saturday, without playing a game and now plays its second road game in three days. The "Time" and "Price" is just right for Nevada.

Good luck...Larry

 My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Atl Hawks at 6:05 ET.

Tonight's Milwaukee/Atlanta game will feature Milwaukee's Giannis Antetokounmpo (28.5 PPG ranks 3rd) and Atlanta's Trae Young (27.6 PPG ranks 4th) but also a Milwaukee team that's lost FIVE of its last seven while the Hawks have lost FIVE in a row.

Antetokounmpo, a two-time league MVP, scored 30 points Saturday in a 103-96 loss to the Toronto Raptors. He has scored 30-plus points in SEVEN of his last eight games, and in the 16 games since the beginning of December, he has averaged 30.4 points and 10.7 rebounds. SF Middleton (19.1-5.5-5.3) is again having an excellent season but Milwaukee was without Jrue Holiday (18.4-4.6-6.7) for the fifth straight game because of a sore left ankle. Holiday practiced on Friday, but did not play on Saturday, and could return on Monday. However, Milwaukee coach Mike Budenholzer said he wasn't ready to rush Holiday back into the lineup. The good news is that both Allen (12.1) and Connaughton (10.5 & 4.6) are back from the COVID list. Center Brook Lopez has played just ONE game this season, but the 6-10 Bobby Portis (15.4 & 9.2) has really done an excellent job filling in (has played in 36 of 45 games).

Atlanta has been hurt by the absence of center Clint Capela (11.3 & 13.1), who has missed four games with a sprained ankle. Without Capela, the Hawks have relied on Gorgui Dieng and Onyeka Okongwu, the team's 2020 first-round draft choice. The extra playing time seems to have benefited Okongwu (8.9 & 6.1), who didn't play until Dec 17 because of offseason shoulder surgery. Young's (27.6 & 9.3 APG) backcourt mate Bogdanovich (12.0) is out but the Hawks have Huerter (11.2) and Gallinari (10.2 & 4.2) to fill in. PF Collins (17.3 & 7.8) continues to play at an All Star level plus Hunter (11.6) finally returned on Jan 12 (had been out since Nov 12) and has averaged 14.3 PPG in his first three games back.

Milwaukee is of course, the defending champs but at 27-18, curently own just the East's No. 4 seed (two games back of the No. 1 seed). As for the Hawks, their terrific playoff run last postseason seems like 'ages' ago, as they are just 17-25 and have currently lost 10 straight home games (hard to believe!). That said, my bet says 10 is ENOUGH. The Bucks are not as good as they were last year (team is averaging 111.6 PPG, down from a league-high 120.1 last season) and I'm "all over" the home dog in this one. Bow Wow!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Weekly Wipeout is on Arizona St at 4:00 ET.

Craig Smith is in his first season as Utah's head coach (had a great three-year run at Utah St in going 74-24) and led the Utes to wins over Abilene Christian, Sacramento State, Bethune-Cookman, Boston College and Tulsa with an average margin of victory of 19.8 points to begin the season. However, a 75-64 loss at BYU on Nov 27 set in motion a 3-9 slide that includes a 1-6 start in the Pac 12. The 8-9 Utes have lost FIVE consecutive games with their last win coming back on Dec 21 at home against Fresno State. ASU head coach Bob Hurley is in his eighth season in Tempe, and it looks as if this year's team is no better than the one that went 11-14 last season. ASU opened 2-6, then won THREE in a row but the 5-9 Sun Devils (1-3 ac 12) have a three-game losing streak since winning at Creighton back on Dec 14 (COVID cancellations and postponements haven't helped).

Utah saw its best player Timmy Allen (17.2 & 6.4) transfer to Texas but key returning players from last year's team are the 7-0 Carlson and the 6-9 Battin. Guards Worster and Anthony (6.4 & 8.6) followed Smith from Utah St plus guard Jenkins came via UNLV and Gach, who started at Utah but moved on to Minnesota, returned this year to play for Smith. Checking on the above-listed players finds that Carlson (13.5 & 6.4) has played well but Battin (5.8 & 4.5) has underachieved. Guards Gach (11.0), Jenkins (10.5), Anthony (8.9 & 7.3) and Worster (7.4-4.2-3.1 have all contributed plus freshman guard Stefanovic has added 7.1 PPG.

Arizona State's scoring issues have suffered because returning guard Bagley (10.8 PPG) was lost to a knee injury after just THREE games (was averaging 10.4). That leaves two double digit scorers in guard Horne (13.4) and 6-6 SF Lawrence (10.4 & 7.5). Hurley was really counting on Toledo grad transfer Jackson, who was the MAC player-of-the-year last season, averaging 18.1-6.2-5.9. However, his scoring has been cut by more than half (7.3 PPG), while adding 4.1 RPG and 3.7 APG. The other two starters are guard Muhammad (6.5) and the 6-9 Graham (5.8 & 3.2). Guard Heath (9.9 & 3.8) and the 6-9 Gaffney (4.6 & 4.5) both get time off the bench.

Either Utah or Arizona State will break back into the win column Monday afternoon but even though Utah looks like the better team on paper, it's hard to ignore that the Utes have lost four conference games on the road against USC, Oregon State, Oregon and Arizona by an average of 15.8 points! It sure doesn't help that Utah is without center Brendan Carlson, who is out for two to three weeks with an abdominal injury. I'm sticking with the home team here, expecting Utah to lose again by 10-plus points on the Pac 12 road!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Situational Stunner is on the Cle Cavs at 3:10 ET.

"If it's not ONE thing, it's ANOTHER!" The Brooklyn Nets had anticipated that a stretch of road games would give them significant minutes with their star trio of Kevin Durant, James Harden and Kyrie Irving on the floor. So, what happens? Durant sprained the medial collateral ligament in his left knee on Saturday and will be sidelined for at least a month. The 27-15 Nets have closed within a half-game of the East's No. 1 (Bulls) but now open a four-game trip Monday afternoon without K.D. when they visit the Cleveland Cavaliers. "Guys got to step up. It's simple," Harden said. "Obviously you know how great of a player KD is and what he brings to the table each and every night consistently. So, guys got to step up and fill that role and just continue to compete." No problem, right James? The Nets have played just two games with the trio since the unvaccinated Irving is ineligible to play home games due to New York City's vaccine mandate. In the first game with the trio, Brooklyn rallied from 19 down to beat Indiana on Jan 5 and in the second game, the Nets routed the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday.

The Cavs welcome the Nets to town at 26-18. That's good enough for the East's No. 6 seed and with NO team sprinting out to a great start, the Cavs find themselves just 2.5 games back of the Bulls. That's some accomplishment, as the Cavs entered this season having gone 60-159 (.274) the last three seasons, after LBJ 'flew the coop' for the second time, this time to Hollywood, instead of South Beach. The Cavs have EASILY been one of the NBA's biggest surprise this season, even though they lost Sexton (16.0 PPG) for the season to a knee injury early on and then vet PG Rubio (13.1-4.1-6.6) went down with a knee injury as well after 34 games (he's also done for the year). 

Monday begins a stretch in which the Nets play 12 of their next 17 on the road, but with Durant (29.3-7.4-5.8) likely sidelined for most, if not all, of the games. The Nets will likely lean on Harden (22.7-8.0-10.0) even more than usual. Harden totaled 27 points, 15 assists and eight rebounds Saturday and is averaging 27.2 points in 11 games since returning from COVID-19 protocol on Christmas. Irving (17.7-5.0-3.7 in three games) will play in the road games (we think?), while the Nets will also rely on Patty Mills (13.4), as well as rookies like guard Cam Thomas (7.7), the 6-9 Day'Ron Sharpe (5.9 & 2.2) and SF Kessler Edwards (8.0 & 4.2).

The Cavs are starting a HUGE frontline with 6-10 center Allen (16.6 & 11.0) surrounded by two 6-11 players, rookie Mobley (15.0 & 8.0) and Markkanen (13.3 & 5.3). PG Graland leads the team in scoring (19.7) and assists (7.8). Rondo was just picked up to help in the backcourt (10.3-4.0-4.7 in his first three games) but he's out with an ankle injury. Former All Star Love has settled in coming off the bench and is averaging 14.0 & 7.2. Cleveland lost to Brooklyn TWICE within a week in November but is 17-9 since that time and enters on a four-game winning streak, after overcoming an 18-point deficit in an 107-102 win in Oklahoma City that capped an impressive 5-1 road trip with the only loss coming at Golden State back on Jan 9.

In recent years, Cleveland did not have the talent to "avenge" losses, but this year is DIFFERENT. Rookie Evan Mobley, who missed the first two games against the Nets due to a right elbow injury, added 20 points Saturday and is averaging 17.8 points in 11 games since spending time in the protocol. PG Darius Garland scored 27 points and had a career-high 18 assists Saturday and has scored 59 points in his past two games following a three-game shooting slump. Believe it or not, Cleveland is actually inching closer in an Eastern Conference race where only 2 1/2 games separate the top six teams. The Cavs gain another 'inch' with a "W" in this one!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on the Ut Jazz at 8:10 ET.

The Utah Jazz visited Denver back on Jan 5 and won 115-109, even with center Rudy Gobert in the NBA's health and safety protocols at that time. That gave them EIGHT wins in their last nine but the Jazz haven' won since, dropping FOUR in a row (also 0-4 ATS). However, with a four-day break and Gobert returning to the lineup, the 28-14 Jazz are optimistic that they can end their skid when they play at Denver on Sunday night. Nuggets will be playing their second straight home game in as many nights, after routing the Los Angeles Lakers 133-96 on Saturday night. Denver is 22-19 on the season, giving them the No. 6 seed (the last guaranteed playoff spot), as seeds 7-10 enter the "Play-In" round to determine the West's No. 7 and No. 8 seeds.

Gobert made his presence known when he returned to practice on Friday, and not just on the court. Gobert called out his team's play after watching five games, in particular what he saw as a lack of communication in games, habits that are more noticeable in the two top teams in the Western Conference. Gobert is having a terrific season, averaging 15,5 PPG and 15,1 RPG and is arguably the league's best defensive player. He'll rejoin a starting lineup featuring SG Mitchell (25.7-3.8-5.1) and PG Conley (13.9 & 5.3 APG) plus SF Bogdanovich (17.9 & 4.1) and PF O'Neale (7.3 & 5.0). Ingles (7.5) will return to coming off the bench along with last season's 6th-man-of-the-year, Clarkson (15.3). Note that Bogdanovic did most of the damage back on Jan 5, with 36 points and 13 rebounds.

Denver has had its issues, mostly with injuries and illnesses, and could be without two important pieces against Utah. JaMychal Green entered health and safety protocol on Saturday and Austin Rivers missed Saturday's game with a non-COVID-19 related illness. Add to that, the fact that Jamal Murray (21.2-4.0-4.8 LY) has yet to play a game (knee) and Michael Porter (back) was lost after just nine games (was averaging only 9.9 PPG, well below LY's 19.0 PPG). Last year's MVP Jokic (25.3-13.9-7.2) just keeps 'rolling along' and swingman Barton has stayed healthy, averaging 15.2-4.9-4.1). Starting up front with Nokic are Gordon (13.9 & 5.6) and Jeff Green (10.8 & 3.1) plus PG Morris (12.5 & 4.1 APG) has assumed Murry's role as PG. The Nuggets got some surprisingly strong play from Bones Hyland (8.7) against the Lakers, as he scored 27 points and added 10 rebounds) but it was Jokic (as always) who led the way with a 17-points, 12 rebounds and 13 assists, giving him EIGHT triple-doubles this season and 65 in his career.

However, unlike in the Jan 5 meeting, Jokic will have to contend with Gobert AND with an excellent Utah team looking to snap a four-game slide. The Jazz come in as the NBA's highest scoring team (115.1 PPG), as well as its top-shooting team (47.6%). Fatigue could be an issue for the home side tonight (rolled over the Lakers last night), while the Jazz come in having not played since Wednesday. Then there is the fact that Denver is just 7-13 vs opponents with a .500 record or better. Play the road favorite.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* East Conf O/U Game of the Month is on Chi/Bos Under at 8:40 ET.

Both the Chicago Bulls and Boston Celtics will attempt to get back in the win column when they meet Saturday night in Boston. Chicago was blown out at home 138-96 by the Golden State Warriors last night, while the Celtics fell 111-99 at home to Philadelphia. The Chicago Bulls were 31-41 last season, missing the postseason for the FOURTH consecutive year but have reinvented themselves as a threat in the Eastern Conference behind Zach LaVine and the free agent signing of DeMar DeRozan. They also picked up center Nikola Vucevic from Orlando last season (where his talents were wasted) plus added Lonzo Ball as a free agent. The Bulls sit atop the East with a 27-13 record but not only were they blown out last night by Golden St, they suffered the same fat Wednesday night at home, losing 138-112 to the Brooklyn Nets. Boston's first-year head coach Ime Udoka has seen his two superstars Tatum and Brown struggle at times to blend together and with the rest of the team, which partly explains Boston's 21-22 record. At the moment, Boston sits a half-game behind the East's No. 10 seed, the last of the seeds to make the "Play-In" round.

There were 'whispers' that the 32-year-old DeMar DeRozan was on the downside of his career, but he's been one of the best players in the NBA so far this season, averaging 25.7-5.1-4.7. He has energized the Chicago Bulls, along with LaVine (24.9-4.8-4.2), Vucevic (16.0 & 11.3) and Ball (13.0-5.4-5.1). Almost all of Chicago's key performers have missed a few games because of COVID but the team is pretty well set these days. Guard White is the most recent to return and is averaging 12.1 PPG, while SF Jones (6.5 & 3.5) has been starting with DeRozan in the frontcourt, along with true center Vucevic. However, Zach LaVine exited last night against the Warriors with 8:28 left in the first quarter with a left knee injury. LaVine, who did not attempt a shot and went scoreless in four minutes, will not travel to Boston and instead undergo an MRI exam on Saturday. Derrick Jones also did not play last night with a bone bruise in his right knee. Coby White scored 20 points off the bench and Nikola Vucevic had 19 points and 14 rebounds to pace Chicago in Friday's loss. The Bulls' leading scorer DeMar DeRozan finished with 17 points and seven assists and Lonzo Ball chipped in 15 points.

Tatum (25.7 & 8.4) and Brown a (24.5 & 6.6) are the team's 'Dynamic Duo' and the duo had performed like Superheros lately, combining for 50 or more points in three of their past four games and were averaging a combined 51.8 points between them over the last five, as Boston visited Philly last night. After opening a six-point lead early last night, the Celtics ceded a 28-4 run to end the first quarter and never threatened after that. Philadelphia led by as many as 22 points in the second quarter and Boston was unable to pull within single digits down the stretch. Jaylen Brown had a team-high 21 points and Jayson Tatum added 20 points and 11 rebounds for the Celtics but as noted above, the duo entered the game averaging 51.8 points between them in their prior five outings. Boston played without starting guard Marcus Smart (11.6-4.0-5.3) for a second straight game. Smart missed Wednesday's tilt at Indiana with a right-thigh bruise but was sidelined against Philadelphia in the NBA's COVID-19 health and safety protocol. Fellow guards Schroder (15.7 & 4.4 APG) and Richardson (10.3) are set to go. So are Horford (10. & 7.4) and Robert Williams (9.9 & 9.1), who are both solid big men.

The Bulls and Celtics met once earlier this season, on Nov 1 in Boston, with Chicago coming away with a 128-114 victory. Boston led 103-89 after three quarters before Chicago finished strong and outscored the hosts 39-11 in the fourth quarter to secure the victory. However, this time around, expect a lower scoring contest. Each failed to eclipse the 100-point plateau last night and I have a hard time seeing either mustering up much energy here in the second game of the back-to-back scenario. Go U-N-D-E-R!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Weekend Wipeout is on Alabama at 6:00 ET.

Nate Oats spent four years at Buffalo and went 59-13 in his last two, making the Big Dance each time. That allowed him the opportunity to come to Alabama and after a 16-15 first season (COVID) he led the Tide to a 26-7 record and a Sweet 16 appearance last year. Gone from that team are the 6-7 Jones (11.2 & 6.6), who was not only the SEC player-of-the-year but also the league's Defensive POY. Also gone is veteran guard Petty (12.6 & 5.2). However, the Tide have plenty of talent left. That said, after opening 7-1 SU (6-2 ATS), Alabama has gone 4-4 SU and a money-burning 1-7 ATS, after a home loss to rival Auburn on Tuesday. No. 24 Alabama is now 11-5 (2-2 SEC) and will aim to get back on track in a road contest at Mississippi State on Saturday in Starkville. The Bulldogs are coached by Ben Howland, known for his success at first Pitt and then UCLA. He came to Miss St for the 2015-16 season and after going 14-17 and 16-16 in his first two years, won 20-plus games the next three. Last year's team finished with a modest 18-15 but its late season run got them into the NIT championship game, before losing 77-64 to Memphis. Mississippi State is 11-4 (2-1 SEC) is coming off an 88-72 home victory over Georgia

The loss to Auburn snapped a 17-game winning streak at home for Alabama and now the Tide need to regroup and earn a road win. Alabama did return its top-two scorers from last season and guards Shackelford and Quinerly are again leading the way. Shackelford checks in at 16.1 & 5.9 and Quinerly at 15.4 & 4.4 APG. Swingman Ellis adds 12.1 & 6.3 and the 6-6 Gary 9.2 & 4.7 plus freshman center Bediako (6.8 & 4.3) is starting. Guard Davison (8.3-4.8-4.3), the 6-6 Miles (6.8 & 3.5) and the 6-8 Gurley (7.6 & 3.6) are all contributors. The Bulldogs have five double-digit scorers but the 6-11 Smith (14.2 & 7.8) hasn't played since Dec 29. He's expected back soon. The other four are guard Molinar (17.5-3.4-4.5), the 6-9 Brooks (10.8 & 76,7), the 6-7 Jeffries (10.7 & 5.1) and guard Moore (10.5). Filling in for Smith has been the 6-9 Davis (5.8 & 3.6).

Saturday is the first of two meetings this season between the Bulldogs and Tide, as they're scheduled to play again on Feb 16 in Tuscaloosa. The Crimson Tide shouldn't lack confidence, as they went 3-0 against Mississippi State last season. The Tide rolls!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Situational Stunner is on Wake Forest at 4:30 ET.

Steve Forbes took over at Wake Forest last season and suffered through a 6-16 (3-15 in the ACC) his first year. However, whether it has been in the JC ranks or his four-year stint at East Tenn St, Forbes has been known as 'quick-change artist.' Case in point. He took over at East Tenn St in 2015-16 and his four-year record was 130-43! His final team went 30-4 but "what might have been" in the Big Dance remains an unanswered question, as COVID shut the tournament down. Now, after a 'nightmare' first season, Forbes' Demon Deacon are 13-4 (3-3 in ACC). Tony Bennett's UVA team won a national championship in 2019 and from the 2013-14 season through the championship season of 2018-19, the Cavs avenged 29.7 wins per season. The Cavs ended last season 18-7, after a first-round NCAA loss to 13th-seed Ohio U. Now, after a very uneven start to the current season, the Virginia Cavaliers finally appear to be picking up some traction. Virginia (10-6, 4-2 ACC) has won THREE of its last four games to take some momentum into a home game against Wake Forest on Saturday in Charlottesville.

Forbes has turned things around quickly at Wake, adding Oklahoma transfer Williams and an ETSU transfer in Williamson to be his starting guards. Williams (20.7-6.7-5.0) has been spectacular and Williamson, who came with Forbes last season, is averaging 12.5 PPG. The 6-8 Mucius (9.9 & 3.6) returned up front but the 6-8 LaRavia (14.8 & 6.1) came from Indiana St, the 7-0 Walton (7.9 & 5.4) from Colorado and the 6-10 Sy (7.1 & 4.4) from Ole Miss. The only returning starter for UVA is PG Clark (9.6 & 3.9 APG). Guard Beekman (7.6-3.9-4.4) is back, as is the 6-11 Shedrick (5.9 & 5.3), but UVA's two-most important players are transfers. The 6-6 Gardner comes from East Carolina and leads in scoring (14.3) and rebounding (7.4) plus guard Franklin comes via Indiana and chips in 12.2 PPG. As always, Bennett's team is one of the nation's best defensive squads in the nation, allowing just 58.4 PPG (12th).

This game is the only scheduled meeting this season between the two teams. Virginia defeated Wake Forest 70-61 in the lone meeting last season, the Cavaliers' NINTH consecutive victory in the series. However, that was THEN and this is NOW. Wake's football team had a record season in 2021 and while this year's basketball team has no Tim Duncans or Chris Pauls, Wake Forest is a better team than UVA this season. Take the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Big 12 Game of the Month is on Oklahoma at 4:00 ET.

The 12-4 (2-2 Big 12) Oklahoma Sooners are coming off a 66-52 loss to No. 21 Texas on Tuesday night where the Sooners were just 1 of 13 from behind the three-point line. Meanwhile, the 11-2 TCU Horned Frogs are looking to build some momentum after Wednesday's 60-57 win at Kansas State gave TCU its first Big 12 victory of the season (1-1). This Saturday contest in Fort Worth is critical for both teams.

Porter Moser (of Loyola-Chicago fame) is in his first season at Norman, and he has the Sooners at 12-4. The 6-9 Tanner Groves, Oklahoma's leading scorer at 13.5 PPG (adds 5.7 RPG), managed just one field-goal attempt in the loss to Texas and in general, Porter Moser's team looked discombobulated from the start. "We're good and we didn't play that way," Moser said. "We didn't play as tough as we needed to and smart as we needed to. Teams are going to speed you up, but you've got to work to get catches, you've got to work to get into your stuff. You've got to respond to that stuff. That's basketball at this level against very good defenses." Oklahoma pretty much relies on its starting-five (all get 25-plus minutes), as the 6-6 Hill (9.6 & 5.8) joins Groves up front. The Sooners feature a trio of solid guards in Gibson (12.7), Harkless (10.1 & 4.9) and Goldwire (9.3 & 3.8 APG). The Sooners are an excellent defensive team, holding opponents to 62.3 PPG (36th).

Jamie Dizon (of Pitt fame) returned to his alma mater back for the 2016-17 season. He led TCU to the NIT title that season, then won 21 and 23 games the following two seasons, However, he came into this season off 16-16 and 12-14 seasons. However, his team heads into this contest having won EIGHT of nine and much like Oklahoma, relies on its starting-five as well. Miller (17.8-3.7-4.8) and Baugh (9.2-4.1-4.0) are the starting guards, while forwards Miller (10.5 & 7.1) and O'Bannon (9.7 & 3.8) surround 6-11 center Lampkin (5.5 & 5.8). TCU does get a little more help from its bench, as guard Peavy adds 6.3 & 5.1 and the 6-7 Coles chips in 4.8 & 3.3. Like Oklahoma. TCU 'brings it defense' every game, allowing 62.5 PPG (39th). However, Oklahoma makes 50.6% of its FG attempts, 4th-best in the nation.

The bottom line here is this. The Sooners have responded with a win following each of their first three losses this season, with two of those wins coming over ranked opponents (then-No. 12 Arkansas by 88-66 and then-No. 11 Iowa St by 79-66!). Those are two quality wins! Then there is the fact that Oklahoma has won EIGHT consecutive games against TCU. Good enough for me!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the SA Spurs at 8:40 ET.

The San Antonio Spurs left on a seven-game road trip back on Dec 31, one that opened with a 118-105 loss at Memphis and ended on Jan 10 with a 111-96 loss at the NY Knicks. The Spurs were just 1-6 on the trip and returned home on Wednesday, only to lose 128-124 to the Rockets, who own the West's worst record at 12-31 The 15-26 Spurs hope to end a four-game losing streak when they host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday night. In contrast, to the Spurs, the 24-16 Cavaliers (current No. 6 seed in the East) come to San Antonio off back-to-back road wins, 109-108 at Sacramento and a shocking 111-91 win at Utah.

The Cavs entered this season having gone 60-159 (.274) the last three seasons, after LBJ 'flew the coop' for the second time, this time to Hollywood, instead of South Beach. However, the Cavs have been one of the NBA's biggest surprise this season, even though they lost Sexton (16.0 PPG) for the season to a knee injury early on and then vet PG Rubio (13.1-4.1-6.6) went down with a knee injury as well after 34 games (he's also done for the year). The Cavs are starting a HUGE frontline with 6-10 center Allen (16.7 & 10.8) surrounded by two 6-11 players, rookie Mobley (14.9 & 8.1) and Markkanen (13.5 & 5.3). PG Graland leads the team in scoring (19.1) and assists (7.6). Rondo was just picked up to help in the backcourt (10.3-4.0-4.7 in his first three games) but he left the last game with an ankle injury (?). Lamar Stevens (5.1) has joined Garland as a starter in the backcourt recently and he poured in a career-best 23 points in the win at Utah, while Darius Garland recorded his first career triple-double (11 points, 10 rebounds and 15 assists). Former All Star Kevin Love mostly comes off the bench but adds 14.3 & 7.4.

The Spurs are without starters Derrick White (14.5 & 5.5 APG) and Doug McDermott (11.4) because of the NBA's COVID-19 protocol against Houston. Both will be game-time decisions for tonight's contest. PG Murray (18.8-8.2-8.9) had a 32-point, 10-rebound, 11-assist triple-double in the loss to Houston, becoming the first player in the NBA this season to produce a 30-point triple-double with zero turnovers in a game. SF Johnson (14.8 & 6.5) and center Poeltl (12.4 & 8.8) joined Murray in the starting lineup, along with Primo (4.4) and Bates-Diop (5.6 & 4.2). Guards Walker (11.7) and Vassell (11.2 & 3.9) are also regular contributors.

Cleveland continues its road trip here but off that shocking 20-point win in Utah, could be in for a letdown. Meanwhile, the Spurs are desperate to get their season back on track here, as this marks the team's second contest of a seven-game homestand. I'm taking the small home dog. Bow Wow!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Conference Game of the Month (A-10) is on St Bonaventure at 7:30 ET.

The VCU Rams will travel to the Reilly Center to take on the St. Bonaventure Bonnies this Friday night in Olean, NY for an A-10 clash. The Rams enter this contest on a seven-game winning streak, after defeating the George Washington Colonials, 84-57, this past Tuesday. VCU is 10-4 on the season, including 3-0 in the A-10. The St. Bonaventure Bonnies snapped a two-game losing streak and improved to 9-3 on the season (1-0 in the A-10), after defeating the Lasalle Explorers, 80-76 (OT), this past Tuesday. Bothe schools have seen four games postponed or canceled from mid-December thru early January.

Mike Rhoades has some pretty good credentials in his first four seasons in Richmond, going 80-41 with two NCAA bids. Last season's NCAA bid ended before his team was able to play its first round game with Oregon, as the VCU team had a COVID outbreak. The Rams lost Hyland (9.5 & 4.7) to the NBA and this season, have used a seven-man rotation. 6-6 senior forward Williams (11.3 & 6.0) is joined by in double digits by guard Baldwin (10.8 & 5.2 APG), who has played in just six games. However, he has played in all three January games, averaging 11.7 & 5.7 APG. Other contributors are guard Nunn (9.8), Curry (8.7) and Tsohonis (6.4) plus the 6-8 Stockard (7.3 & 3.9) and the 6-9 Ward (5.7 & 4.8) up front. VCU's strength is a defense allowing 57.1 PPG (8th).

St Bonaventure is the defending Atlantic 10 regular season and tournament champions and was ranked No. 23 in the Associated Press preseason poll, the school's first ranking in the media poll since January 1971 (Can you say Bob Lanier?). However, many feel like the Bonnies have underachieved. I'm not so sure that is totally fair but it is fair to say the Bonnies have, at least so far, left something to be desired. However, this team has FIVE double digit scorers, giving them great balance. The group includes four guards and the 6-10 Osunniyi (10.1 & 7.3). The guards are Holmes (15.9-6.5-4.4), Lofton (15.9-3.8-3.8), Adams (13.5 & 7.5) and Welch (11.7 & 5.6).

Recent form says VCU, which is 7-0 SU (6-1 ATS), while entering on a 9-1 ATS run the last 10 games. Meanwhile, St Bonaventure takes the floor tonight on an 0-7 ATS run. However, take note of this. The Bonnies beat the Rams twice last season, including by 16 at home and then by nine in the A-10 Tournament. This season, the Bonnies have victories over Marquette, Clemson, and Boise State, and I expect them to be prepared to play at their highest level tonight as well. I am not yet ready to concede that the well-balanced Bonnies' struggles will continue. Take St Bonaventure.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Late-Breaker is on the Bos Celtics at 7:05 ET.

A big criticism of the Celtics this season has been the team's over reliance on the duo of Tatum and Brown but the two All Stars have recently quieted the notion that "they can't play together!" Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown combined for 50 points and 27 rebounds in Monday's 101-98 win vs Indiana (Brown had a team-high 26 points to go along with a career-high 15 rebounds while Tatum added 24 points and 12 boards) and then in Wednesday's rematch, the duo combined for r67 points in the Celtics' 119-100 win at Indiana to complete a home-and-home series sweep of the Pacers. Brown had a game-high 34 points and Tatum chipped in 33.

Boston is just 21-21 on the season, as the Celtics get set to take on the 76ers tonight in Philadelphia. The 76ers had won SEVEN in a row, before suffering a 109-98 home loss to Charlotte on Wednesday. Still, Philadelphia has won EIGHT of its last 10 games, after dropping four of its previous five. The 76ers are 23-17 (current No. 5 seed) but are just 3.5 games ahead of the No. 11 seed (last team left out of the "Play-In" round).

Tatum (25.7 & 8.4) and Brown a (24.5 & 6.6) are the team's 'Dynamic Duo' and the duo has performed like Superheros lately, combining for 50 or more points in three of their past four games and are averaging a combined 51.8 points between them over the last five. Boston is expected to be without guard Smart (11.6-4.0-5.3) for a second straight game but fellow guards Schroder (16.1 & 4.5 APG) and Richardson (10.4) are set to go. So are Horford (10.8 & 7.5) and Robert Williams (9.8 & 9.0), who are both solid big men.

Philly center Joel Embiid (27.1-10.4-4.3) enters this contest having scored exactly 31 points in each of his last five games. The four-time All-Star center has been the 76ers' top point producer in 11 consecutive games, scoring fewer than 31 points just once during that stretch (23 vs Atlanta on Dec 23). PF Harris (18.4 & 7.5) is a great "No. 2 " plus the 76ers have excellent depth, despite Simmons not playing all season and with Melton (10.5) and Green (6.7) currently sidelined. PG Maxey (16.6-3.5-4.4) has had a solid season, with Curry chipping in 16.2 PPG and Korkmaz 9.3 PPG. The 6-7 Niang (9.9) and backup center Drummond (averaging 9.1 RPG in just 19 minutes), round out the main contributors.

Here's the bottom line. The synchronized production of Tatum and Brown (see above) plus, to the delight of defensive-minded coach Ime Udoka, the Celtics have stepped up their effort on the defensive end as of late. Boston has held opponents to an average of 96 points over its last five games. I'm taking the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Big Ten Game of the Year is on Iowa at 9:00 ET.

Fran McCaffrey is in his 12th season at Iowa City and he's delivered seven, 20-win seasons in his first 11. Gone are consensus National Player-of-the-Year Garza (24.1 & 8.7) and Wieskamp (14.8 & 6.6) but the Hawkeyes opened 7-0, before dropping back-to-back Big Ten games to Purdue and Illinois, plus losing a third straight at Iowa St. The Hawkeyes then won FOUR in a row but again lost at Wisconsin. The Hawkeyes are 11-4 (1-3 in the Big Ten), as they welcome the Indiana Hoosiers to Iowa City on Thursday night.

Indiana lost its final six games of last season and the Hoosiers fired head coach Archie Miller. They then hired Mike Woodson (former Indiana player under Bob Knight) to lead the team in the 2021-22 season, Indiana opened 6-0, before losing 112-110 (2 OTs) at Syracuse. The Hossiers have also lost at Wisconsin and at Penn St, arriving at Carver-Hawkeye Arena 12-3, including 3-2 in the Big Ten.

The Hoosiers have used a seven-man rotation, led by the 6-9 Jackson-Davis (19.4 & 8.7), who is joined in the frontcourt by the 6-8 Thompson (10.7 & 7.7) and the 6-7 Kopp (7.1 & ). Xavier transfer Johnson (9.7-3.7-4.2) starts in the backcourt with Stewart (7.5), while veteran Phinisee (5.3) and freshman Bates chips in 4.9 PPG. The 6-8 Murray twins (Keegan and Kris) were freshmen last season at Iowa. Keegan gained playing time as the year wound down but Kris was lost in the shuffle. This season, Keegan leads the team in scoring (24.7) and rebounding (7.9) while his brother Kris comes off the bench to chip in 9.4 & 4.6. Returning players like the 6-9 Patrick McCaffrey (11.2 & 3.6) and returning guard Bohannon adds 10.8 PPG. Perkins (7.8), 6-7 freshman Sandfort (5,8), the 6-9 Rebraca (5.9 & 5.9) and Toussaint (5.3 & 3.9) comprise a deep group. 

Here's the rub. Indiana averages 74.9 PPG (120th) and will have a tough time 'keeping up' with Iowa, which averages 86.7 PPG (4th). Especially when noting that Indiana is 0-3 SU on the road this season, while the Hawkeyes are 9-1 SU at home. After a 1-3 Big Ten start, Iowa really NEEDS a "W' in this one. My bet says the Hawkeyes get it "with room to spare!"

Good luck...Larry

My 10* E/W Game of the Month is on the GS Warriors at 7:35 ET.

Golden State is coming off a 116-108 loss at the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday night in the first contest of a four-game road trip. Golden St opened the season 18-2 but has 'cooled,' going 12-8 its last 20. However, at 30-10, the Warriors are just ONE game behind the Suns for the West's (and NBA's) best record. The Milwaukee Bucks were the NBA's best regular season team for two straight seasons but 'flopped' in the playoffs. That changed last season, when the Bucks won their second-ever NBA title, besting the Suns in the Finals (lost first two games, then won FOUR straight!). However, the Bucks are currently 26-17, giving them the East's No. 4 seed, 3.5 games back of the Bulls (East's No. 1 seed).

The "big news" in San Francisco is the return of Klay Thompson. In his two games back, Thompson has averaged 15.5 points and has shot 38.5 percent (5 of 13) from deep. He is on a minutes restriction and although he has wanted to spend more time on the floor, he realizes it is a necessary step in the rehabilitation process after missing more than two seasons with injuries. "You can't just take that much time off and jump into a 40-minute ballgame," Thompson said. "At times I'll go back to the bench frustrated, but I really trust our team and our performance team to have my back." Curry (26.8-5.5-6.1) scored 27 points with 10 rebounds and 10 assists to record his second triple-double of the season in Tuesday's loss at Memphis. Wiggins (18.6 & 4.4) and Poole (17.2-3.1-3.4) are back from a stay on the COVID list and have been terrific all season for Golden St. The bad news is the Green (7.9-7.6-7.4) is sidelined with a calf injury but depth is provided by Lee (8.2), Porter (8.1 & 5.1) and Payton (8.0). Center Looney (6.0 & 6.7) has quietly been a steady presence, playing in and starting all 40 games.

After putting together a six-game win streak at the tail end of December that carried over into the new year, the Bucks have gone cold, losing FOUR of their last five. They are coming off a 103-99 loss to Charlotte on Monday night in the second game of a back-to-back vs the Hornets (lost first, as well). The Bucks remain without Jrue Holiday (18.4-4.6-6.7) due to an ankle injury, plus Allen (11.9) and Hill (7.1) because of the NBA's COVID protocol. Giannis Antetokounmpo (28.4-11.4-6.0) naturally leads the Bucks, while SF Middleton (19.1-5.5-5.3) is again having an excellent season. Center Brook Lopez has played just ONE game this season, but  the 6-10 Bobby Portis (15.4 & 9.2) has really done an excellent job filling in (has played in 34 of 43 games). The 6-7 Jordan Nwora (9.4 & 4.1) chipped in 18 points in Milwaukee's last game and is averaging 14.8 points over his past five games while shooting 50 percent from the floor. The Bucks signed guards Langston Galloway and Jeff Dowtin to 10-day hardship contracts on Friday. 

The Warriors play in Chicago tomorrow, so 'life' doesn't get easier. With Curry, Wiggins and Poole (plus now Thompson), the Warriors are seen as an offensive juggernaut but the team's defense gets overlooked. Golden St leads the NBA in holding opponenst to 101.3 PPG on 42.6% shooting. That's a sweet 'daily double' and I'll back the Warriors in this one.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Marquee Classic is on Ohio St at 7:00 ET.

Wisconsin (13-2, 4-1 Big Ten) has won FIVE in a row since losing 73-55 at Ohio State back on Dec 11. The now 13th-ranked Badgers moved up from No. 23 after winning 74-69 at then-third-ranked Purdue, defeating Iowa 87-78 in Madison and then holding on for a 70-69 victory at Maryland on Sunday after leading early by 21 points. Wisconsin will now welcome the 16th-ranked Ohio St Buckeyes (10-3 / 4-1 in the Big Ten) to Madison looking to avenge that Dec 11 loss (one of only two losses this season).

Ohio St head coach Chris Holtmann has won 25, 20, 21 and 21 games in his first four seasons in Columbus and it's hard to believe that a fifth straight 20-win season isn't in the cards this season. The team's top player is the 6-7 Liddell (20.1 & 7.6) and he's joined up front by the 6-8 Key (9.3 & 5.7 / up from 5.2 & 3.4 LY) and the 6-6 Ahrens (7.5). The starting backcourt is freshman Branham (10.4) and PG Wheeler (6.9 & 4.4 APG), who is a transfer from Penn St. The 6-8 Young comes off the bench to chip in 9.0 & 5.8, as does guard Johnson (6,6). The Buckeyes defeated Northwestern 95-87 at home on Sunday, after losing 67-51 on the road to Indiana on Jan 6. Liddell had a career-best 34 points in the win over Northwestern, including 17 of the Buckeyes' first 19.

Wisconsin featured four, 5th-year seniors and three regular seniors last season but of the 14 scholarship players this season, 10 are classified as freshmen for eligibility purposes. Guard Davison began the season with 124 career starts and is averaging 14.5 & 4.2. The great news for Wisconsin fans is, fellow guard Davis (7.0 & 4.1 LY) is averaging 22.3 & 7.4 this season. Also back, after limited playing time last season, are the 6-9 Wahl (10.2 & 5.3) and the 7-0 Crowl (8.7 & 4.7). Freshman guard Hepburn (7.3) rounds out the starting-five.

It would easy to say "revenge" but Ohio State shot 50 percent while holding Wisconsin to just 33.8 percent, including 6 of 26 (23.1 percent) from three-point range in the Dec 11 game. Davis had 24 points and Davison 13, but the rest of the Badgers shot just 7-for-31 (22.6 percent). The Buckeyes also pounded the Badgers on the glass, 49-28, with Kyle Young pulling down 14 and Liddell and Zed Key nine apiece. Liddell scored a game-high 28 points, and Key contributed 11.

Simply put, this is a bad matchup for the Badgers and while they surely won't lose by 18 points again, all signs point to another convincing victory for the Buckeyes. Take those points, willingly!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on the Brk Nets at 10:10 ET.

NBA teams are approaching the midway point of the 82-game schedule and the surprising Chicago Bulls lead the Brooklyn Nets by 2 1/2 games atop the Eastern Conference standings. The Chicago Bulls were 31-41 last season, missing the postseason for the FOURTH consecutive year but have reinvented themselves as a threat in the Eastern Conference behind Zach LaVine and the free agent signing of DeMar DeRozan. They also picked up center Nikola Vucevic from Orlando last season (where his talents were wasted) plus added Lonzo Ball as a free agent. The Nets lost to the Bucks in the East's semifinals last season and as all know, have dealt with the Kyrie "situation" all season. The Nets travel to Chicago in the midst of a four-games-in-six-nights crunch (as do the Bulls), hoping to avoid a series sweep by Chicago, which has won the first two meetings this season between the two teams.

Durant (29.8-7.7-5.8) helped keep Brooklyn afloat with a double-double of 28 points and 10 rebounds against host Portland on Monday, but the Nets were unable to prevail, falling 114-108 for their FIFTH loss in seven games. Brooklyn was without James Harden (22.4-8.1-9.7), who is questionable for Wednesday's game with a hyperextended left knee. However, Nets head coach Steve Nash said that while Harden likely would be available against the Bulls, Brooklyn would continue to be cautious. PG Kyrie Irving, who recently returned to the Nets, did not play in either of the first two meetings with the Bulls. Irving, who chooses not to be vaccinated against COVID-19, is unable to play in New York City due to its vaccine mandate but can play on the road. He has scored 22 points in each of his first two contests this season.

There were 'whispers' that the 32-year-old DeMar DeRozan was on the downside of his career, but he's been one of the best players in the NBA so far this season, averaging 26.2-5.2-4.8. He has energized the Chicago Bulls, along with LaVine (25.7-5.0-4.2), Vucevic (16.0 & 11.5) and Ball (13.1-5.5-5.1). Almost all of Chicago's key performers have missed a few games because of COVID but the team is pretty well set these days. Guard White is the most recent to return and is averaging 11.5 PPG, while SF Jones (6.5 & 3.5) has been starting with DeRozan in the frontcourt, along with true center Vucevic.

Chicago routed the visiting Detroit Pistons 133-87 last night, as EIGHT Bulls scored in double figures. The Bulls notched their most lopsided win against the Pistons in the history of the rivals' 272-game series history, while matching a season high for points and made three-pointers (18) en route to its 10th win in 11 games. The Nets are on an 0-7 ATS slide but have been favored in all of those games. Brooklyn has been an underdog just FIVE times this season and after failing to cover in its first game, has won FOUR in a row when getting any number of points. The Nets are not much of a dog here but after two losses to the Bulls, the Nets will be highly motivated to gain a measure of respect with a win here, reminding the Bulls that they are "still the one" to beat in the East. 

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Las Vegas Insider is on Maryland at 9:00 ET.

There is "no crying in baseball" and there are 'no ties in college hoops', so either Maryland (8-7, 0-4 Big Ten) or Northwestern (8-5, 1-3 Big Ten) will snap a three-game losing streak when the teams meet Wednesday night in Evanston's Welsh-Ryan Arena. "I feel like we're close to turning the corner," Terrapins interim coach Danny Manning said after Maryland saw its comeback attempt fall short in a 70-69 home loss to then-No. 23 Wisconsin on Sunday. In a 95-87 loss to the then-13th-ranked Buckeyes on Sunday, Northwestern shot the ball well (47.1 percent from the floor, including 41.7 percent from three) but the Wildcats dropped their third straight, 95-87.

The Badgers led by 21 points early in the game against the Terps, but Eric Ayala and the Terrapins did not pack it in. Two straight three-pointers by Eric Ayala put Maryland ahead 36-35 with 15:27 to play. In the final seconds, he hit another trey that put a scare into the Badgers and cut their lead to one. Ayala led FIVE Maryland scorers in double figures with 19 points, adding five rebounds. But when it was said and done, the Terrapins remained one of two Big Ten teams without a conference win (Nebraska is 0-6). Maryland is a veteran team and is WAY better than its record. Senior guard Ayala (15.5 & 4.7) and senior PG Russell (12.5 & 3.9 APG) are joined in the backcourt by junior guard Hart (9.7 & 3.5). Up front, it's 6-8 junior (Scott (11.6 & 7.0) and 6-11 junior Wahab (9.0 & 6.1). 6-9 freshman Resse comes off the bench to add 6.3 & 4.8.

Northwestern's Ty Berry led the way with 23 points, while Pete Nance and Chase Audige each scored 20 in the loss to the buckeyes. Ohio State star E.J. Liddell netted 17 points in the first five minutes and wound up with 34 on the game. 6-10 senior Nance leads Northwestern in scoring (16.2) and rebounding (7.2) and teams with 6-10 center Young (9.8 &4.3). Junior PG Buie (14.9 & 5.9 APG) and fellow guard Berry (9.5) are now joined by guard Audige, who made his season debut back on Dec 5. He's averaging 11.8 & 4.8 in his six games. Noting that Dec 5 game, it was played at Maryland and was the Terps first game under Manning, in the wake of Mark Turgeon's abrupt departure after 10 seasons. That "W" is Northwestern's lone Big Ten win (67-61).

Don't expect Northwestern to get Big Ten-win No. 2 here, even though the Wildcats are at home. Rather, expect Maryland to earn its first Big Ten win of the season, which would also be Manning's first Big Ten win. Take the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Weekly Wipeout is on Colorado St at 8:00 ET.

Full, detailed analysis Wednesday morning by 10:00 ET.

My 9* PERFECT STORM is on the Bos Celtics at 7:10 ET.

The Celtics are just 20-21 on the season and currently hold down the No. 10 seed in the East (last of the four "Play-In" seeds). The Pacers welcome Boston to Indianapolis at 115-26, FIVE games back of the Celtics and that 10-seed. These teams just met in Boston on Monday, overcoming a 12-point deficit in the third quarter to force overtime, but ultimately came up short in a 101-98 loss.

A big criticism of the Celtics this season has been the team's over reliance on Tatum (25.5 & 8.5) and Brown (24.2 & 6.6). However, Boston rode the performances of its All-Star duo to victory on Monday, as Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown combined for 50 points and 27 rebounds in the win. Brown had a team-high 26 points to go along with a career-high 15 rebounds while Tatum added 24 points and 12 boards. Boston is likely without guard Smart (11.6-4.0-5.3) but fellow guards Schroder (15.9-3.4-5.6) and Richardson (10.6) are set to go. So are Horford (10.9 & 7.6) and Robert Williams (9.9 & 9.0), who are both solid big men.

Things don't' look so 'bright' for the Pacers, with PG Brogdon (19.0-5.3-6.1) out, while fellow guards LeVert (17.8) and Duarte (13.1 & 4.0) are listed as questionable. Sabonis (19.1 & 12.0) is a bonafide All Star, Turner (12.9 & 7.2) a solid center plus guard Stephenson (4.2 PPG in five games), has recently discovered the "Fountain of Youth."

This is a great quick turnaround "revenge" game for Indiana but how does one trust the Pacers, who have lost SEVEN of their last eight and will likely be without a few quality players. Meanwhile, amid rumblings of a needed shakeup, Tatum said he and Brown had a heart-to-heart to recommit themselves to turning the Celtics' season around. "We see all the things about ‘we can't play together,' and everybody in the media is saying that one of us got to go," Tatum said. "We just had a talk about (how) we both want to be here; we both want to figure it out." No revenge here. Play the Celtics.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Conference Game of the Month (SEC) is on Florida at 7:00 ET.

Will Wade had success at VCU (took over for Shaka Smart) and that got him the gig at LSU. His first team went 18-15 (NIT) but his teams have won 25, 21 and 19 games the last three seasons (two NCAAs, which would have been three except for COVID cancellation). LSU lost 70-55 at then-No. 11 Auburn in its conference opener but followed with consecutive home victories against then-No. 16 Kentucky (65-60) and then-No. 18 Tennessee (79-67) last week. The Tigers have faced ranked teams in each of its first three SEC games. That streak will end when the No. 12 Tigers (14-1 / 2-1 SEC) face unranked Florida (9-5 / 0-2) on Wednesday night in Gainesville. Mike White has led the Gators to four NCAA berths in the last five seasons (would have been five, except for COVID cancellation). His Gators returned six seniors or graduate transfers to start this season and Floriuda opened 6-0. However, the Gators have lost FIVE of their last eight, including the last two, 83-70 at home to then-No. 15 Alabama and 85-73 at then-No.9 Auburn.

LSU lost guard Thomas (22.8), forward Watford (17.0 & 7.4) and guard Smart (16.8-5.2-4.2) to the NBA and others to the transfer portal, leaving just FOUR returning players. The 6-7 Days decided to return and he's averaging 14,3 & 7.9 and joins a strong frontcourt that includes the 6-8 Eason (16.2 & 7.6), a Cincy transfer, and 7-0 freshman Reid (8.4 & 5.3). The backcourt is led by Missouri transfer Pinson (10.9-3.1-4.7), Murray (9.1) and Gaines (8.5-3.5-3.5). The Tigers held off the Volunteers in their last game, despite losing Xavier Pinson to a knee injury. Pinson's right knee bent awkwardly during a slip, and the starting point guard had to be helped to the locker room. However, the injury was diagnosed as just an MCL sprain and bone bruise. Pinson is listed as day-to-day but is unlikely to play here.

Florida is led by the 6-11 Colin Castleton (15.6 & 9.2). Returning starters are guard Tyree Appleby (10.0 & 3.6 APG) and the 6-7 Anthony Duruji (9.1 & 4.4). Myreon Jones (Penn St transfer) adds 9.9 & 3.6 plus the 6-5 Fleming Jr. (20.1 & 7.4 at Charleston Southern last season) has dealt with a groin injury but is back and averaging 10.6 PPG. Florida trailed by as many as 13 points early at then-No. 9 Auburn on Saturday, but the Gators battled back to get within one point with more than eight minutes remaining. "We were right there within striking distance after a rocky start," Gators coach Mike White said. However, Florida couldn't get over the hump in an 85-73 loss, starting 0-2 in the SEC for the first time since the 2009-10 season.

This is a HUGE game for the Gators and they catch LSU off a brutally-tough three-game stretch plus the Tigers will likely be without PG Pinson. Florida is the play.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Game of the Week is on the GS Warriors at 8:10 ET.

The Memphis Grizzlies got a HUGE victory over the Golden St Warriors last May with a "play-in" win on the road against the Warriors, denying Golden St a playoff berth. The clubs have split this year's earlier head-to-heads, with each commanding much more attention than your average NBA regular-season contest. First, the Grizzlies duplicated their play-in victory over the Warriors last May with another overtime triumph in the second week of the regular season. Then, two days before Christmas, Golden State, which had put itself one win from a playoff berth with a victory in the 2021 regular-season finale, finally avenged the eventual bid denial with a 113-104 win. Both of this season's two meetings came in San Francisco but tonight's game between the 30-9 Warriors and the Grizzlies will be contested in Memphis.

The Warriors arrive in 'Graceland' at 30-9, tied with the Suns for the West's (and NBA's) best record at 30-9 but the bigger story has to be the return of Klay Thompson. Thompson needed just 40 seconds this past Sunday against the Cleveland Cavaliers to put up his first points since the 2019 NBA Finals. The hoop brought Warriors fans to their feet, but the best was yet to come. That occurred late in the second period, when Thompson, known more for his catch-and-shoot prowess, drove by taller opponent Jarrett Allen for a resounding dunk that formally stamped his Achilles and knee as fully repaired. Thompson scored 17 points in 20 minutes, as the Warriors won. What's more, the Warriors have also gotten a significant number of players back from COVID protocols. The Warriors original "Big Three' will all be in the starting lineup, as Thompson will join Curry (26.8-5.3-6.0) and the recently returned Green (7.9-7.6-7.4). Wiggins (18.8 & 4.4) and Poole (17.4) have been terrific this season and now, after stays on the COVID list, are back. Guard Lee (8.3) is also back plus center Looney (6.0 & 6.7) has quietly been a steady presence, playing in and starting all 39 games.

The Memphis Grizzlies lost 132-110 to the Hawks on Nov 26, giving them a 9-10 record. However, the Grizzlies have won 19 of 23 since, as Memphis now owns a 28-14 record, good enough for the Western Conference's No. 4 seed. The Grizzlies will take a NINE-game winning streak into tonight's game after a 127-119 Sunday win at the Lakers..Morant 24.7-5.7-6.7) is the Grizzlies' star but scored just 16 vs the Lakers (he's battled knee issues for awhile). Some bad news is Dillon Brooks (18.4) is out with an ankle injury plus center Steven Adams (7.0 & 9.0) has now joined the health and safety protocol. Adams had played in AND started, all 40 games before missing the last two games. SG Bane (17.7 & 4.5) and SF Jackson (16.4 & 5.5) have been major contibutors all season, staying injury and COVID free.

The Warriors have never been healthier and now with the addition of Thhompson, seem poised for a strong run in the seaosn's second half. Yes, Mmephis has won NINE in a row but the Grizzlies are facing some injury and COVID issiues to key players. I'm "all over" the Warriors in this one.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Late-Breaker is on the Sac Kings at 10:10 ET.

The Cleveland Cavaliers were in the WRONG place at the WRONG time last night in San Francisco, as the Warriors welcomed back Klay Thompson. Thompson contributed 17-points on 7-for-18 shooting (3-for-8, on threes), as the Warriors won 96-82. Cleveland's defense was NOT the problem, holding the Warriors to 40.2 percent shooting overall and 23.8 percent on three-pointers. However, when a team scores just 82 points, it VERY rarely wins. The Cavs won SIX in a row from Dec 8-18 but have since lost SIX of nine (22-18 on the season).

The Cavs are seeking a second win in three outings to begin a six-game Western trip and will likely be looking forward to playing Sacramento, a team they beat 117-103 last month at home. The Kings continue to underachieve and return from Portland, where they lost 103-88 last night, despite the Blazers playing without Lillard and McCollum. Sacramento was last over .500 on Nov 5 (5-4) but enters this game on a four-game skid that leaves them just 16-26. However, the Kings are a mere half-game out of the West's No. 10 seed (seeds 7-10 qualify for the "Play-In" round). 

The Cavs lost Sexton (16.0 PPG) for the season to a knee injury and then vet PG Rubio (13.1-4.1-6.6) went down with a knee injury as well after 34 games (he's also done for the year). The Cavs are starting a HUGE frontline with 6-10 center Allen (16.8 & 10.7) surrounded by two 6-11 players, rookie Mobley (14.8 & 8.1) and Markkanen (13.2 & 5.3). PG Graland leads the team in scoring (19.6) and assists (7.2) and Rondo was just picked up to help in the backcourt (13.0-4.4--4.0 in his first two games). Former All Star Kevin Love mostly comes off the bench but adds 14.1 & 9.6.

The Kings don't lack talent, they just lack "Ws!" Fox (20.9 & 5.1 APG) and Haliburton (13.7-3.9-6.9) start in the backcourt, while Hield comes off the bench to add 15.3 PPG. Depth on the perimeter is provided by Davis (9.2) and Baylor rookie Mitchell (9.2). Center Holmes (12.6 & 8.7) is sidelined again but the 7-0 Len (7.0 & 4.8) and the 6-9 Metu (8.9 & 6.3) split time replacing him. SF Barnes (16.2 & 6.2) remains a consistent contributor and PF Bagley is finally healthy, adding 8.0 & 6.8.

The Kings have missed the postseason for 15 consecutive years but this game with Cleveland will open a five-game homestand. It's too early to talk of a playoff 'push,' but the Kings NEED to take advantage of this stretch. It's the Cavs, then the 21-20 Lakers, a two-game home set vs the 11-30 Rockets and a finale against the 8-30 Pistons. First things first. Get a "W" vs the Cavs. As a bonus, we get some points!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Late Show O/U play is on Mem/LAL Under at 9:40 ET.

The Memphis Grizzlies lost 132-110 to the Hawks on Nov 26, giving them a 9-10 record. However, the Grizzlies have won18 of 2 since, as Memphis now owns a 27-14 record, good enough for the Western Conference's No. 4 seed. The Grizzlies will take an EIGHT-game winning streak into tonight's game with the Lakers, after a 123-108 win over the Clippers last night. The win came with head coach Taylor Jenkins on the sideline (COVID-19 protocol) and leading scorer Ja Morant (25.0-5.8-6.6) sitting out with soreness in his left thigh. The Grizzlies WON'T have to travel, as they are back in Staples Center again, to face the Lakers, whose four-game winning streak has them two games over .500 at 21-19. The Lakers are beginning to get healthy after being shorthanded most of the season and that's helped them produce their longest winning streak of the season.

Morant is considered day-to-day, and Memphis also lost second-leading scorer Dillon Brooks (18.4) to an ankle injury against the Clippers, leaving his availability against the Lakers in doubt as well. The Grizzlies also played without Kyle Anderson (8.1 & 5.3) because of back soreness, John Konchar, Yves Pons, Xavier Tillman and more notably, center Steven Adams (7.0 & 9.4) because of health and safety protocol. Adams had played in AND started, all 40 games before last night. Some good news comes in that the Grizzlies have had to test their depth in recent games, and players like Tyus Jones and Brandon Clarke have answered the call. Jones scored in double figures for the FIFTH straight game after producing 18 points against the Clippers. He was held to five or fewer points in the five games before the hot stretch. As for Clarke, he had 18 points and 15 rebounds off the bench against the Clippers.

As noted above, the Lakers are beginning to get healthy. The Lakers still remain without eight-time All-Star center Anthony Davis (23.3 & 9.9) but the 37-year-old LBJ continues to carry the load while also defying his age. James scored 32 points against the Hawks to become the oldest player in NBA history to score at least 25 points in 10 straight games. LBJ is averaging 28.7 points overall (second best in the NBA), 7.4 rebounds and 6.6 assists. He also passed Alvin Robertson on Friday night for 10th on the NBA's all-time steals list (2,113). James has been getting some help recently from Malik Monk, who went 7-of-12 from three-point range and scored 29 points against the Hawks. Monk is averaging 21.9 points over the past seven games to raise his season average to 12.1. The ageless Carmelo Anthony has quietly played in ALL 40 games, averaging 13.4 & 4.2. Speaking of playing in all 40 games, Westbrook has done that as well, but no one is quite sure if he's the best 'fit' for LA, despite averaging 19.3-8.1-8.3.

Getting to the point. The Grizzlies have beaten the Lakers twice in December (both games played in Memphis), 108-95 and 104-99. Those two finals have averaged 203 PPG, some three 'TDs' lower than the O/U number here. I say, go U-N-D-E-R!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* WCC Game of the Year is on St Mary's at 10:00 ET.

The 12-3 Saint Mary’s Gaels will travel to the Marriott Center to take on the 13-3 BYU Cougars this Saturday night in WCC play. Randy Bennett took over at St Mary's in 2001-02 and had his first 20-win season (25-9) in 2004-05. Starting in the 2007-08 season and going through the 2019-20 season, his Gaels won 20-plus games for 13 consecutive years. That streak ended with a 14-10 record last season. Mark Pope is in just his third season at BYU but has delivered a 44-15 two-year mark, including 20-7 last season. BYU got off to its best start under Pope, beating four NCAA Tournament teams from a season ago, Cleveland State, San Diego State, Oregon and Texas Southern. The Cougars did not begin the season ranked but moved to No. 12 (after a Nov 27 win over Utah got them to 6-0), the school's highest ranking this far into the season in 40 years. However, BYU has since lost to Utah Valley, Creighton and Vandy, to fall out of the top-25.

The Gaels won their 2nd straight game and improved to 12-3 on the season after defeating the Yale Bulldogs, 87-60, on December 28th. This is the team's first game since then. Saint Mary’s is led by the 6-10 Matthias Tass (12.5 & 5.2) and the 6-7 Dan Fotu, who comes off the bench to add 10.1 & 4.3. Starting up front with Tass is the 6-8 Bowen (5.4 & 6.5). The Gaels have a nice trio of guards in Johnson (10.3), Kuhse (10.1-3.7-3.5) and Ducas (9.4 & 4.1). Saint Mary’s is averaging a modest 68.8 PPG but its defense is holding opponents to 58.1 PPG (13th).

BYU lost guard Averette (11.7 PPG / 2nd-leading scorer) and the 7-3 Haarms (11.3 & 5.0) but got the unexpected return of guard Barcello (16.1-4.7-4.2 LY). He leads in scoring at 17.2 PPG and is surrounded by a 'deep' cast. Guard Lucas (10.1 & 5.0 APG) is the only other double-digit scorer, but fellow guard Johnson (8.1 & 3.4) and 6-6 forward Traore (8.0 & 7.6) are solid contributors. The 6-9 Baxter (7.6 & 3.0) was lost to an injury in early December but the 6-8 Lohner (6.6 & 6.8) and guard Knell (7.3) are part of the team's depth.

I am well aware that BYU is 7-0 at home but my 'gut' says this BYU team is just a little overrated and that St Mary's Defense is more than capable of taking BYU out of its rhythm, while earning the outright win Upset alert!

Good luck...Larry

 My 10* Eastern Conference Game of the Month is on the Cha Hornets at 7:10 ET.

The Milwaukee Bucks ran away from the Brooklyn Nets in their showdown Friday night, winning 121-109 in a rematch of their 2021 playoff series. A 38-point third quarter was among the high points for Milwaukee. The Bucks moved to 26-15 with the victory, placing them in a virtual tie with the 24-13 Nets for second in the East, as both teams trail the surprising Bulls by 2.5 games for the East's top spot. The Bucks are in Charlotte tonight to face the Hornets. Charlotte was 33-39 last season, missing the playoffs for the FIFTH consecutive season. That said, there was some optimism in Charlotte at the beginning of the season and the Hornets have played MUCH better, as they currently stand 20-19, just two games behind the East's No. 6 seed and 2.5 games back of the No. 5 seed. The Hornets have a notable performance to build off coming into this game against the Bucks, as they've been off since dominating the Detroit Pistons in Wednesday night's 140-111 victory. It was only one point off the franchise record for points in regulation.

Giannis Antetokounmpo (28.0-11.4-6.0), who had missed Milwaukee's previous game because of non-COVID illness, had 31 points against Brooklyn. SF Middleton (18.6-5.3-4.9) is again having an excellent season, but PG Holiday (18.4-4.6-6.7) is currently in the league's COVID protocols. So are guards Allen (11.9) and Connaughton (11.1 & 4.7). The Bucks signed guards Langston Galloway and Jeff Dowtin to 10-day hardship contracts on Friday. Center Brook Lopez has played just ONE game this season, but Bobby Portis (15.6 & 9.0) has really done an excellent job filling in.

Charlotte PG LaMelo Ball (19.3-7.3-7.8) missed some games earlier with COVID issues but it's pretty obvious that last season's rookie-of-the-year is the 'real deal!' Bridges (19.5 & 7.2) is having a 'career season' and returned to the lineup two games ago after a two-game absence. Hayward (17.2-4.8-3.7) has only missed one game plus guard Rozier (17.5) and swingman Oubre (16.6) give the Hornets FIVE players averaging 16-plus points. Oubre drained EIGHT of his nine three-pointers in the fourth quarter against Detroit, setting a franchise record for threes in a quarter. His output boosted the Hornets to a franchise-record 24 successful threes in the game.

Milwaukee is averaging 112.3 PPG, but that's down from leading the NBA in scoring in each of the previous three seasons (Bucks averaged 120.1 PPG last season). The Hornet's ranks second in scoring this season at 115.5 PPG but also allow the most points (116.6 per). However, this is a tough spot for Milwaukee off its big win over Brooklyn and now head to well-rested Charlotte for not just one but TWO games (teams play again in Charlotte on Monday night). Milwaukee just eked out a 127-125 home decision against Charlotte back on Dec 1 despite LaMelo Ball's 36 points and nine assists in that game. I don't expect Milwaukee to be so fortunate tonight, with so many key contributors sidelined.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Weekend Wipeout is on Tennessee at 6:00 ET.

No. 21 LSU was able to hold off No. 16 Kentucky to get its first SEC win on Tuesday night. LSU had a NINE-point lead with 2:35 remaining but Kentucky got within a point and had the ball in the final minute for the chance to take the lead. However, Xavier Pinson made consecutive steals which led to LSU baskets to complete a 65-60 victory. There is no rest for the weary, as 13-1 LSU (1-1 in the SEC) will host the No. 18 Tennessee Volunteers (10-3, 1-1) Saturday in Baton Rouge. Tennessee made three consecutive three-pointers to tie Ole Miss late in regulation, then grabbed its first lead of the night in overtime and beat the Rebels 66-60 on Wednesday night.

Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes has been a winner at every stop, with three NCAA berths at Providence, three in four years at Clemson and 16 in 17 years at Texas. This is his seventh season at Tennessee, and he's led the Vols to three NCAA berths the last four years (exception was when COVID shut down the postseason). Junior guard Vescovi (13.5 & 4.7) and freshman PG Kennedy Chandler (13.3 & 5.4 APG) lead the way for Tennessee. The 6-9 Fulkerson (9.5 & 6.0) and the 6-8 Nkamhoua (9.5 & 6.0) start up front. 6-6 guard Jordan-James missed a few games but is back in the starting lineup, averaging 6.6 & 5.8. Defense is a Rick Barnes specialty, and his team is allowing just 60.4 PPG (27th).

LSU lost guard Thomas (22.8), forward Watford (17.0 & 7.4) and guard Smart (16.8-5.2-4.2) to the NBA and others to the transfer portal, leaving just FOUR returning players. The 6-7 Days decided to return and he's averaging 14.3 & 7.9 and joins a strong frontcourt that includes the 6-8 Eason (15.6 & 7/3), a Cincy transfer, and 7-0 freshman Reid (9.0 & 5.6). The backcourt is led by Missouri transfer Pinson (11.0-3.1-4.5), Murray (8.8) and Gaines (8.6). LSU head coach Will Wade said the Tigers "just lost our way a little bit" in the 70-55 loss to Auburn back on Dec 29 (LSU's first defeat of the season), falling behind 18-1 while missing their first 16 field-goal attempts. They played without starting shooting guard Brandon Murray, who was sidelined by a hamstring injury (he returned vs Kentucky to score 10 points), and the team shot 28.6 percent (18-of-63) from the floor, making just six 3-pointers in 29 attempts. LSU hurt itself with 17 turnovers. However, the Tigers sure regrouped against Kentucky.

However, as mentioned before, there is no rest for the weary. LSU know plenty about defense, allowing just 55.6 PPG (7th) on 34.7% shooting (1st) but off a hard-fought and emotional win over Kentucky (LSU named its home court for former head coach Dale Brown prior to that contes), I see the Tigers being a little 'flat' vs a very talented Tennessee team. The Vols may be a slight dog (take those points!) but I see Tennessee winning by double digits.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* PERFECT STORM is on Ga Tech at 6:00 ET.

8-5 Notre Dame (2-1 in the ACC) has won consecutive conference games against Pitt and North Carolina, while 6-7 Georgia Tech (0-3) is still trying to get in the win column in ACC play. Mike Brey is in his 27th season at Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish got off to a promising 3-1 start but then lost three consecutive games. However, the Fighting Irish beat then-No. 10 Kentucky 66-62 on Dec 11 and got their season turned around. Josh Pastner (of Memphis fame) led the Ga Tech Yellow Jackets to a 17-9 record and their first ACC tourney championship since 1993 last season but after a 5-1 start to the current season, Ga Tech has lost SIX of seven to fall under .500 on the season.

Notre Dame's won FOUR straight and will be coming off one of its best wins of the season, a 78-73 home victory over North Carolina. The Irish only played seven players, but FOUR of them reached double figures in scoring. Nate Laszewski led the team with 20 points and eight rebounds, followed by Blake Wesley and Dane Goodwin with 18 and 17 points, respectively. Brey's team typically goes just seven-deep. Guards Goodwin (15.1 & 5.5) and Wesley (13.7) are the top-two scorers, joined by Ryan (8.7-4.2), Hubb (7.8) and Wertz (5.0) in the backcourt. The 6-9 Atkinson (11.4 & 6.5) and the 6-10 Laszewski (8.5 & 7.2) are the best (only?) frontcourt players.

Georgia Tech had a tall task in its last outing, with a road game against No. 2 Duke on Tuesday (lost 69-57). Michael Devoe scored 21 points, but as a team the Yellow Jackets shot just 21 of 64 (32.8 percent) from the floor and saw two players foul out in a game they never really had a chance to win down the stretch. Ga Tech lost ACC player of the year Wright (14 & 8.0) and PG Alvarado (15.2-3.5-4.1) from last year but this season features a guard-dominated lineup led by Devoe (21.2-5.6-5.0) and 6-7 big guard Usher (18.8 & 6.8). Sturdivant (7.5), 6-6 SF Moore (5.9 & 4.2), guard Coleman (5.9) and swingman Smith (5.4 & 3.4) are also contributors. 6-10 centers Howard averages 6.2 & 5.5 but he's doubtful with an ankle injury.

It's a 'PERFECT STORM' tonight in Atlanta, as the underachieving Yellow Jackets get the better of an Irish team coming off their big win over UNC, which came at home where they are 6-0. Notre Dame gets 'stung' tonight by Ga Tech!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Daydream Believer is on Virginia at 1:00 ET.

Tony Bennett's UVA team won a national championship in 2019 and from the 2013-14 season through the championship season of 2018-19, the Cavs avenged 29.7 wins per season. The Cavs ended last season 18-7, after a first-round NCAA loss to 13th-seed Ohio U. However, this year's team is a modest 9-5 (but 3-1 in ACC play) as it heads to Chapel Hill to take on the North Carolina Tar Heels. Roy Wiliams retired after last season, ending his career with a first-round NCAA tournament loss and an 18-11 record with his beloved Tar Heels. Former North Carolina player Hubert Davis took over as head coach and the Tar Heels were ranked 19th in the AP's preseason poll. However, at 10-4 (2-1 in the ACC), the Tar Heels are unranked and coming off a 78-73 loss Wednesday night at Notre Dame.

Virginia enters on an uptick after ACC wins on the road over Syracuse and Clemson. Tuesday's 75-65 victory was particularly satisfying, considering two weeks earlier the Cavaliers lost to Clemson by 17 points. The only returning starter for UVA is PG Clark, who chips in 9.9 PPG and 4.2 APG. Guard Beekman (6.9-3.9-4.4) is back, as is the 6-11 Shedrick (6.8 & 5.6), but UVA's two-most important players are transfers. The 6-6 Gardner comes from East Carolina and leads in scoring (15.4) and rebounding (7.6) plus guard Franklin comes via Indiana and chips in 12.0 PPG. In Tuesday's physical game vs Clemson, Gardner (23 points) was a force as he drew eight fouls inside on the Tigers. Shedrick (eight points, six rebounds, four blocks) and reserve Francisco Caffaro (eight points) also helped the Cavaliers to a 34-22 edge on points in the paint. As always, Bennett's team is one of the nation's best defensive squads in the nation, allowing just 57.7 PPG (12th).

North Carolina has a frontcourt led by the returning 6-10 Bacot (15.7 & 10.4), 6-9 Oklahoma transfer Manek (12.4 & 5.9) and Marquette transfer Garcia (10.0 & 5.5). Sophomore guard Love (15.6-3.8-3,3) teams with freshman Davis (13.7-3.6-3.6) plus Black (4.2 & 4.9) and Walton (3.9) in the backcourt. However, Garcia exited North Carolina's game against BC with a concussion and missed the Notre Dame game and will miss again here. Speaking of that game against Notre Dame, Bacot (21 & 7 vs the Irish) questioned his team's effort afterward. "It was just flat out an embarrassing loss," he said. "It's unacceptable that we can't win these games with all the talent that we have. It's unacceptable that we're not paying attention to our coaches and just not playing Carolina basketball.

My 10* West Conf O/U Game of the Month is on Sac/Den Over at 9:10 ET.

The Kings and Nuggets meet tonight in Denver. The Kings are just 16-24, leaving them 11th in the West, a half-game out of sneaking into the NBA's "Play-In" round, which features the 7-10 seeds playing for the last two playoff spots. Injuries and COVID-19 absences have piled up for the Nuggets but Denver checks in at 18-18. That gives them the No. 7 seed but the team is just ONE game back of the West's No. 5 seed.

The Kings won't have center Richaun Holmes (12.6 & 8.7) against Denver after he went into COVID-19 protocol on Saturday. Terence Davis (9.5) sat out Wednesday's game with an ankle injury, and Chimezie Metu (9.1 & 6.5) is also in the protocol and will be out for Friday's game. PG Fox (20.9 & 5.2 APG) has scored 30 points in each of the Kings' last two games and is joined by guards Hield (15.7) and Haliburton (13.6-4.0-6.8) to form a terrific perimeter trio. SF Barnes (16.5 & 6.1) continues his solid play plus Baylor rookie Mitchell (9.4) has become a regular contributor. PF/C Bagley (8.0 & 7.1) is back healthy and has pulled down 12 rebounds in each of the team's last two games.

With Denver suffering injuries and COVID absences last year's MVP has taken on more and more responsibility. It would be hard for Nikola Jokic (25.7-14.2-7.0) to do more than he did Wednesday night, when he scored 26 points with 21 rebounds and 11 assists in a 115-109 loss to the Utah Jazz. "26, 21 and 11, and you lose," acting Nuggets coach Popeye Jones said after Wednesday's game. "You feel it for him. I think I've said it numerous times since I've been sitting here. Most superstars wouldn't take it. ... He's a special guy." Jokic has had to carry a bigger load with long-term injuries to Jamal Murray (knee) and Michael Porter Jr. (back). Neither is coming back soon, and things became tougher with Aaron Gordon (14.2 & 5.5 playing with a hamstring injury, while Jeff Green and Zeke Nnaji were placed on the health and safety protocol list.

The Kings lost at home to Atlanta on Wednesday night despite Trae Young, John Collins and Bogdan Bogdanovic sitting out. Unfortunately, for those hoping the Kings will finally break their 15-year playoff drought, it's not the only time Sacramento has lost to a team that is missing stars. The Kings have dropped games against the Los Angeles Lakers without LeBron James and Anthony Davis and to Dallas when Luka Doncic was sidelined. Sacramento is the worst defensive team in the league but will also be able score here in Denver, so I see this game 'soaring' over the total.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Ivy League Game of the Month is on Brown at 7:00 ET.

The 8-8 Brown Bears will travel to Lavietes Pavilion to take on the 8-4 Harvard Crimson this Friday night in Ivy League action. The Ivy League did not play basketball last season due to COVID, so Brown's Mike Martin enters his 10th season with the Bears and Tommy Amaker is 15th with the Crimson. Amaker has by far the better resume with seven, 20-win seasons (four NCAA berths), compared to Martin's one, 20-win season.

Freshman guard Lilly (12.8) leads Brown in scoring, despite coming off the bench. The starting-five consists of 6-5 SF Choh (12.3 & 8.0), guards Wojcik (9.9), Friday (9.1) and Mitchell (4.4 & 3.9) plus the 6-9 Gainey (8.3 & 5.9). The 6-8 Owusu-Anane (6.8 & 3.7) contributes off the bench. Harvard has two excellent 6-7 players in forward Ledlum (16.7 & 9.4) and big guard Kirk (16.0 & 5.8).That duo starts along with guards Sakoat (11.4) and Tretout (8.1) plus the 6-6 Catchings (8.8 & 3.9). 

Brown comes in on a four-game slide, while Harvard is 7-1 at home. That begs the question, "Why is Harvard such a small favorite?" One reason could be that Harvard hasn't played since Dec 21 (NOT a positive), while Brown has played three times since Dec 27. Then there is this. Brown has consistently been undervalued in this spot by the oddsmakers, as the Bears are 6-1 ATS in their last seven vs a team with a winning percentage above .600 and 7-3 ATS in their last 10 road games against a team with a winning home record. Add to that, the Crimson are just 4-11 ATS in their last 15 games vs Ivy League opponents. Take the small points but expect a Brown 'upset' win!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Game of the Month (AAC) is on Cincinnati at 9:30 ET.

The SMU Mustangs and Cincinnati Bearcats meet Thursday in college basketball action at the Fifth Third Arena in Cicinnati. The Mustangs look to build on their EIGHT-game winning streak (covered the last six!), while Bearcats look for a win after winning FIVE of their last seven games.

SMU head coach Tim Jankovich is just two years removed from severe sanctions that SMU faced due to none other than Larry Brown (great coach but one who knows how to leave a program in the dust!). SMU won 19 games before the 2019-20 season was shut down and then went 11-6 in a season that limited this team to 17 games because of COVID. The team's 10-3 start (8-0 at home) is impressive. Returning guards Davis (21.5-4.9-5.4) and Bandoumel (10.1) are a solid duo plus a great story is the reuniting of the Weathers' twins, who last played together at Mia-O back in the 2016-17 season. The two took different paths from there but are now 'one big family' at SMU. SF Marcus is averaging 10.4 & 7.0, while guard Michael adds 8.8 & 4.8. Fellow guard Nutall chips in 9.4 & 4.3 plus the 6-10 Clark is a Baylor transfer. He was averaging 14.6 & 6.4 in the 2018-19 season before a serious knee injury forced him to the sidelines. This his last hurrah and he's adding 6.4 & 4.0 in 18 minutes.

Cincinnati has a great basketball tradition (remember the Big O?) and under Bob Huggins, then Mick Cronin, it was revived. From 1992 through 2019, the Bearcats appeared in 23 NCAA tourneys. John Brannen last just ONE season after Cronin left for UCLA and Wes Miller was hired for this season. His UNC-Greensboro teams had won 20-plus games in each of the last five seasons. He inherited four guards, who make up the 'heart' of this season's 10-4 team. Davenport (2.9 & 5.1) leads the way, followed by Dejulius (12.1), Saunders (8.8) and Adams-Woods (7.2). 6-5 SF Newman (6.5 & 4.2) is a Clemson transfer, and The rest of the frontcourt has SIZE! The 6-11 Lahkin (6.2 & 5.1) returns, along with 6-9 Wake transfer Oguama (5.4 & 4.6) and 6-11 Miss St transfer Ado (3.2 & 4.9).

I noted earlier that SMU was on a six0-game ATS run but the Mustangs had opened the season going 1-7 ATS. Winning at Fifth Third Arena with its great home crowd, where Cincy's trademark defense (60.6 PPG ranks 29th) always gets turned up a notch is tough. The Bearcats take this one by double digits.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Situational Stunner is on Iowa at 9:00 ET.

Wisconsin (11-2, 2-1 Big Ten) registered a huge 74-69 road win over No. 3 Purdue on Monday, behind Johnny Davis' career highs of 37 points and 14 rebounds. However, the 23rd-ranked Badgers have had little time to enjoy the win, as high-scoring Iowa Hawkeyes arrive in Madison Thursday night. 11-3 Iowa (1-2 in Big Ten) is coming off an 80-75 victory at home over Maryland on Monday, a game in which Keegan Murray, the nation's leading scorer, scored 35 points!

Fran McCaffrey is in his 12th season at Iowa City and he's delivered seven, 20-win seasons is his first 11. Gone are consensus National Player-of-the-Year Garza (24.1 & 8.7) and Wieskamp (14.8 & 6.6) but the Hawkeyes opened 7-0, before dropping back-to-back Big Ten games to Purdue and Illinois. The 6-8 Murray twins (Keegan and Kris) were freshmen last season at Iowa. Keegan gained playing time as the year wound down but Kris was lost in the shuffle. This season, Keegan leads the team in scoring (24.5) and rebounding (8.2) while his brother Kris comes off the bench to chip in 9.2 & 4.7. Returning players like the 6-9 Patrick McCaffrey (11.3 PPG) and returning guard Bohannon adds 10.7 PPG. Perkins (8.4), 6-7 freshman Sandfort (6.2), the 6-9 Rebraca (6.1 & 6.2) and Toussaint (5.2) comprise a deep group. Iowa comes in averaging 87.4 PPG, second-best in the nation.

Wisconsin featured four, 5th-year seniors and three regular seniors last season but of the 14 scholarship players this season, 10 are classified as freshmen for eligibility purposes. Guard Davison began the season with 124 career starts and is averaging 14.5 & 4.0. The great news for Wisconsin fans is, fellow guard Davis (7.0 & 4.1 LY) is averaging 22.3 & 7.3 this season. Also back, after limited playing time last season, are the 6-9 Wahl (8.9 & 5.0) and the 7-0 Crowl (8.5 & 4.6). Davis had career highs of 37 points and 14 rebounds in the upset of Purdue. However, as mentioned up top, there is "no rest for the weary!' It's a clash of styles (tempo), as Wisconsin holds opponents to 63.6 PPG, while Iowa averages 87.4, two 'TDs' more than Wisconsin. The Hawkeyes have won FOUR straight after dropping three in a row in early December plus have won the last FOUR meetings with Wisconsin, including a 77-62 victory last season at Madison. Upset (?) Alert.  

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Rivalry Game of the Month is on Ohio St at 7:00 ET.

No. 13 Ohio State is still rounding into form after a three-week layoff due to COVID-19 issues. After an 87-79 overtime win at Nebraska, the Buckeyes will face another Big Ten road test on Thursday when they face the Indiana Hoosiers in Bloomington, Ohio St head coach Chris Holtmann has won 25, 20, 21 and 21 games in his first four seasons in Columbus and it's hard to believe that a fifth straight 20-win season isn't in the cards this season, as the Buckeyes are 9-2 (3- in Big Ten). Indiana is led by first-year coach Mike Woodson, who took over this season, after Archie Miller was abruptly fired after Indiana closed last season with SIX straight losses. He has the Hoosiers off to a 10-3 start (1-2 in Big Ten) but is also 9-0 at home.

Ohio St's 6-7 Liddell (19.6 & 7.3) is again the team's best player but scored just 10 points on 2 of 14 shooting.at Nebraska. "E.J. has got to get his legs back," Holtmann said. "So does Justin (Ahrens) and so do a couple of other guys." Ohio State was 'rescued' by getting 35 points from freshman guard Malaki Branham (8.9). Liddell is joined up front by the 6-8 Key (10.1 & 6.2 / up from 5.2 & 3.4 LY) and the 6-6 Ahrens (8.4 & 3.0). The starting backcourt is freshman Branham (7.3) and PG Wheeler (7.2 & 4.1 APG), who is a transfer from Penn St. The 6-8 Young comes off the bench to chip in 10.0 & 6.7.

The Hoosiers have used a six-man rotation, led by the 6-9 Jackson-Davis (19.3 & 8.2) and Xavier transfer Johnson, who adds 10.0-3.8-4.2 as the team's PG. The other four contributors are the 6-8 Thompson (10.8 & 8.0), 6-7 Northwestern transfer Kupp (7.6), plus guards Stewart (7.3) and freshman Bates (5.8).

Ohio State has won this season with offense, ranking fifth in the Big Ten in scoring (76.7 PPG), third in three-point field goal percentage (39.7 percent) and second in overall field goal percentage (48.9 percent). Meanwhile, Indiana is holding opponents to just 61.6% (41st) on 35.4% shooting (3rd). As already noted, Indiana is 9-0 at home and has won SEVEN of those nine games by a margin of 10 points or more. However, the Hoosiers will be facing a ranked team for just the second time this season. The first one didn't end well, as back on Dec 8, Indiana lost at No. 22 Wisconsin 64-59, blowing a 22-point first-half lead. This is a bad matchup for the Hoosiers and expect them to suffer a second straight loss to a ranked opponent.

Good luck...Larry

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

Full, detailed analysis Wednesday by 12 noon ET.

My 10* ACC Game of the Year is on Notre Dame at 9:00 ET.

Roy Wiliams retired after last season, ending his career with a first-round NCAA tournament loss and an 18-11 record with his beloved Tar Heels. Former North Carolina player Hubert Davis took over as head coach and the Tar Heels were ranked 19th in the AP's preseason poll. North Carolina heads to South Bend on Wednesday night at 10-3 (2-0 ACC) but unranked. Mike Brey is in his 27th season at Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish got off to a promising 3-1 start but then lost three consecutive games. However, the Fighting Irish beat then-No. 10 Kentucky 66-62 on Dec 11, sparking a 3-1 run. However, Notre Dame welcomes North Carolina to Purcell Pavilion just 7-5 (1-1 in the ACC).

North Carolina has a frontcourt led by the returning 6-10 Bacot (15.3 & 9.9), 6-9 Oklahoma transfer Manek (12.7 & 5.8) and Marquette transfer Garcia (10.0 & 5.5). Sophomore guard Love (15.6-3.9-3,5) teams with freshman Davis (13.3-3.6-3.5) plus Black (4.2 & 4.5) and Walton (3.9) in the backcourt. However, it should be noted that Garcia exited North Carolina's last game with a head injury after a Boston College player fell on him. He didn't practice Monday. Brey's team goes seven-deep. Guards Goodwin (14.9 & 5.6) and Wesley (13.3 are the top-two scorers, joined by Ryan (8.5-4.3), Hubb (7.8) and Wertz (5.2) in the backcourt. The 6-9 Atkinson (12.2 & 6.5) and the 6-10 Laszewski (7.6 & 7.2) are the best (only?) frontcourt players.

The Tar Heels are 3-0 overall in road games this season, although their three losses have come in neutral-court games. Their true road wins are at College of Charleston, Georgia Tech and Boston College. The road has been kind to North Carolina this season, as for the third time in Atlantic Coast Conference play (2-0 so far), North Carolina will be the visitor when it takes the court Wednesday night at South Bend. However, Notre Dame is a perfect 5-0 at home, including an impressive 66-62 win over Kentucky, which CRUSHED the Tar Heels 98-69 in Las Vegas back on Dec 18. Take the points

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Situational Stunner is on Syracuse at 8:00 ET.

Jim Boeheim is in his 46th season as a head coach and is coming off another Sweet 16 run in last year's "Big Dance" (The Orange finished 18-10). Meanwhile, Miami head coach Jim Larranaga has led the Hurricanes to six, 20-win seasons in his 10 years, to all three of the school's 25-win seasons and to two of the school's three Sweet 16 appearances. By the way, I could also throw in him leading unheralded George Mason to a Final 4 appearance back in 2006. However, the 'Canes are coming off a 10-17 season (4-15 in the ACC) last year. Meanwhile, Syracuse enteres this game in South Beach just 7-6 (1-1 in the ACC), Miami has won SEVEN straight games overall to reach 11-3  (3-0 in the ACC), ONE of four teams unbeaten in ACC play, joined by bluebloods Duke, North Carolina and Louisville.

Boeheim's team is led by his son Buddy, who is averaging 19.5 PPG (adds 3.4 RPG and 3.5 APG). His backcourt partner Girard (13.1-3.2-4.6) returned at PG but two key transfers have made immediate impacts. Swider, a 6-9 transfer from Villanova, is averaging 12.5 & 6.8 plus Boeheim's oldest son Jimmy (a 6-8 graduate transfer from Cornell), is adding 14.1 & 6.1 (he's now the second-leading scorer on the team, behind only his brother) The 6-11 Edwards returns up front and chips in 11.5 & 6.4. Depth has been an issue all season, plus Boeheinm's famed "2-3 zone" has allowed 75.6 PPG (318th).

Miami is led by the guard trio of McGusty (18.3 & 5.9), Wong (16.5 & 4.0) and Moore (11.1), plus Miller adds 8.5 & 5.6 off the bench. Miami hasn't gotten modest production from the 6-9  Walker (6.1 & 2.3) and the 6-10 Waardenburg (7.4 & 3.8). Tonight, Larranaga is hoping that starting center Sam Waardenburg returns after missing two straight games due to COVID protocol.

Miami has scored more than 90 points in two straight league games, something no other ACC team has accomplished since 2017 and NO Hurricanes team has ever accomplished! However, since joining the ACC, Miami is just 4-6 against Syracuse and the Hurricanes have not eclipsed 70 points against the Orange in ANY of those 10 games. Expect Syracuse to bounce back from that recent home t loss to UVA, behind the "Boehem Boys" and a return to some good old 2-3 zone defense. Take the points.

Good luck...Larry 

My 9* Oddsmaker's Error is on Dayton at 7:00 ET.

The VCU Rams will travel to UD Arena to take on the Dayton Flyers Wednesday night in A-10 action. VCU's Mike Rhoades has some pretty good credentials in his first four seasons in Richmond, going 80-41 with two NCAA bids. Last season's NCAA bid ended before his team was able to play its first round game with Oregon, as the VCU team had a COVID outbreak. The Rams opened just 3-4 this season but enter this contest on a four-game winning streak to reach 7-4. Anthony Grant came from Alabama to Dayton for the 2017-18 season and his second and third seasons, won 21 and 29 games, respectively. However, the Flyers were just 14-10 last year, ending the season with a loss in the first round of the NIT.

VCU is averaging just 60.5 PPG (340th), led by the 6-6 Vince Williams Jr. (10.7 & 5.6). The only other player in double digits is guard Nunn (10.0), while guard Curry (9.1) just misses and the 6-8 Stockard (7.8 & 4.0) helps up front. VCU is led by a defense which is one of the best in college basketball, allowing 56.7 PPG (8th).

Dayton is a young team, led by 6-8 sophomore Toumani Camara (10.4 & 6.8), 6-10 freshman Daron Holmes II (10.4 & 5.0) plus freshman guards Malachi Smith (10.0 & 4.2) and Elijah Weaver (9.6). The 6-10 Amzil, who came on late last season to average 9.9 & 5.6, has yet to match those numbers this season, averaging 6.5 &3.9. Dayton is a solid defensive team (64.4 PPG) and has more 'fire-opower' than VCU, averaging 70.4 PPG.

VCU last played Dec 15 and Dayton last played on Dec 21. I don't believe layoffs are good but in this case, I believe it helps to be the home team. I believe the flyers are VERY undervalued here and that's the bet!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Situational Stunner is on Virginia at 9:00 ET.

Tony Bennett's UVA team won a national championship in 2019 and from the 2013-14 season through the championship season of 2018-19, the Cavs avenged 29.7 wins per season. The Cavs ended last season 18-7, after a first-round NCAA loss to 13th-seed Ohio U. Brad Brownell arrived in Clemson for the 2010-11 season and after 11 years, he's led the Tigers to just four, 20-win seasons and three NCAA berths. This is his 12th season at the helm. The 9-4 Clemson Tigers (1-1 ACC) will put a four-game winning streak on the line Tuesday night when the Tigers play host to longtime nemesis Virginia. The Cavs are coming off a 74-69 victory at Syracuse on Saturday night that provided some encouragement after the Cavaliers got off to their worst start of the Tony Bennett era. UVA enters this contesr ona three-game winnig streak to reach 9-5 (2-1 ACC). This marks the second meeting in two weeks between the teams. The Tigers  snapped an 11-game losing streak against the Cavaliers back on Dec 22 in Charlottesville, 67-50!

The only returning starter for UVA is PG Clark (10.1 & 4.4 APG). Guard Beekman (6.8-3.8-4.4) is back, as is the 6-11 Shedrick (6.7 & 5.5), but UVA's two-most important players are transfers. The 6-6 Gardner comes from East Carolina and leads in scoring (14.8) and rebounding (7.8) plus guard Franklin comes via Indiana and chips in 11.9 PPG. As always, Bennett's team is one of the nation's best defensive squads in the nation, allowing just 57.2 PPG (6th).

Clemson's starters have remained unchanged this season and all five are averaging 9.6 points or better. The 6-10 P.J. Hall leads the way with 14.4 PPG (adds 6.3 RPG), joined up front by the 6-8 Hunter Tyson (11.8 & 5.8), The Tigers start three guards, David Collins (11.6 & 7.2), Al-Amir Dawes (11.4) and Nick Honor (9.6).

That win at Syracuse just may be a 'buy sign' for UVA and that's my bet here, as revenge works. Don't forget, before losing on Dec 22, Virginia had beaten Clemson 11 times in a row! Take the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Marquee Classic is on LSU at 7:00 ET.

The Kentucky men's basketball team went just 9-16 last season, but all knew that was an aberration, as the Wildcats were ranked No. 10 in the AP's preseason poll. After a loss to Duke in the Champions Classic on the opening night of the season, the Wildcats have won 11 of 12, losing only 66-62 at Notre Dame back on Dec 11. The Wildcats are 11-2 (ranked 16th) as they vistit Baton Rouge to face 12-1 LSU. The Tigers are ranked 21st, after losing their first game of the season at No. 11 Auburn 70-55 last Wednesday (team's SEC opener).

The 6-9 Tshiebwe (15.8 & 15.2) and the 6-7 Brooks (11.3 & 4.9) are the two main frontcourt players for Coach Cal's team. SG Washington (14.0-4.2-3.9) and PG Wheeler (10.3 & 7.8 APG) lead a backcourt that also features Grady (11.8) and Mintz (7.3). LSU's Will Wade had success at VCU (took over for Shaka Smart) and that got him the gig at LSU. His first team went 18-15 (NIT) but his teams have won 25, 21 and 19 games the last three seasons (two NCAAs, which would have been three except for COVID cancelation).

LSU lost guard Thomas (22.8), forward Watford (17.0 & 7.4) and guard Smart (16.8-5.2-4.2) to the NBA and others to the transfer portal, leaving just FOUR returning players. The 6-7 Days decided to return and he's averaging 14,7 & 8.0 and joins a strong frontcourt that includes the 6-8 Eason (15.8 & 8.0), a Cincy transfer, and 7-0 freshman Reid (9.2 & 5.8). The backcourt is led by Missouri transfer Pinson (11.0-3.1-4.5), Murray (8.8) and Gaines (8.7).

This is a BRUTALLY tough spot for Kentucky (SEC opener). LSU head coach Wade said the Tigers "just lost our way a little bit" in the loss to Auburn, falling behind 18-1 while missing their first 16 field-goal attempts. They played without starting shooting guard Brandon Murray, who was sidelined by a hamstring injury, and the team shot 28.6 percent (18-of-63) from the floor, making just six 3-pointers in 29 attempts. LSU hurt itself with 17 turnovers.

Beating Kentucky is always motivation enough for LSU but the school will formally name its home court for former head coach Dale Brown on Tuesday night in Baton Rouge. Don't forget, this is just Kentucky's SECOND true road game this season and the Wildcats lost their first, 66-62 at Notre Dame, which is a mediocre 7-5 on the season. Tigers "Win one for Dale"

Good luck...Larry

My 10* MAC Game of the Month is on Ohio U at 6:00 ET.

The Ohio Bobcats and Akron Zips meet Tuesday from the James A. Rhodes Arena in Akron.The Bobcats are 10-2 (1-0) and the Zips are 8-3 (1-0). The coaching matchups offers some intrgue, as Jeff boals (who palued at OU along with Gary Trent when the Bobcats won the MAC in teh 1993-94 season), returned to coach his alma mater ttwo seaosn agao. In his secind year (2020-21), held led Ohio to a MAC conference tourney win and then an upset of UVA is the first round of the "Big Dance." Akron's John Croce was a Ohio St assistamt whem he was named Ohio's head coach  back in 2008-09. In his four years in Athens, he led the Bobcats to two NCAA berths, includuing a Sweet 16 run in 2012. He left after that for Illinois but was fitred after five seasosn and has now resrfaced at AAkron.

Oho returned four of five starters from last season but did lose its best player, guard Preston (15.7-7.3-7.3), who left for the NBA (1st Ohio player picked in the draft since Brandon Hunter is 2003). However, this year's starting-five is VERY good. Guard Sears (18.7 & 4.6 RPG) starts with Brown (7.5) in the backcourt. SF Roderick adds 7.2 PPG plus the 6-8 Carter (13.9 & 7.4) and the 6-8 Vander Plas (12.8 & 5.8) make for a strong frontcourt duo. Ohio does not have much of a bench.

Much like Ohio, Akron relies on its starting-five. The 6-8 Ali leads in scoring at 14.5 PPG, while the 6-7 Freeman is the leading recbounder (11.2), while adding 12.7 PPG. The 7-0 Bandaugo (4.8 & 4.5) starts up front. Guard Castaneda chips in 11.1 PPG and Greg Trimble 7.2 PPG.

Ohio lost at then-undefeated LSU back on Dec 1 but has since won FIVE in a row. The Bobcats only other loss this season came at Kentucky on Nov 19 (Wildcats are currently ranked 16th). Akron  opened just 2-3 but the Zips have won SIX in a row (five at home) and welcome the Bobcats to Akron 6-0 at home. However, the bottom lins is that Ohio U is the better team plus we get a couple points, as well. It's hard to ignore that the underdog is 6-0 ATS in the last 6 meetings between these two schools.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the Brk Nets at 7:40 ET.

The Memphis Grizzlies lost 132-110 to the Hawks on Nov 26, giving them a 9-10 record. However, the Grizzlies have won 14 of 18 since, as Memphis now owns a 23-14 record, good enough for the Western Conference's No. 4 seed, behind Golden St, Phoenix and Utah. Speaking about that trio, Memphis owns the distinction of being the only team to defeat those three heavyweights of the Western Conference this season. The Grizzlies will get a crack at another upper-echelon team Monday night when they visit the 23-11 Brooklyn Nets (East's No. 2 seed). Of note is the fact that the Nets have 'fallen short" against upper-echelon opponents all season, going a combined 0-6 against the Chicago Bulls, Milwaukee Bucks, Miami Heat, Golden State and Phoenix.

Ja Morant leads Memphis in scoring with 24.7 PPG (also adds 5.7 RPG and 6.6 APG). He's averaging 26.5 points in six games since returning from a 12-game absence due to a sprained knee and the NBA health and safety protocol. The Grizzlies were 10-2 in his absence, and Morant is averaging 30.5 points during their current four-game winning streak. Memphis is playing without Dillon Brooks (2nd-leading scorer at 19.3 PPG), John Konchar, Jarrett Culver and De'Anthony Melton (10.5 & 4.2), who are all in the league's health and safety protocol. However, Desmond Bane (17.2 & 4.3), Jaren Jackson Jr. (16.3 & 5.3) and center Steven Adams (7.1 & 9.1) have played in 37, 36 and 37 games, respectively.

Brooklyn is looking to avoid three straight losses for the first time this season and a FOURTH straight home loss, after fourth-quarter collapses against the Philadelphia 76ers and Los Angeles Clippers. The Nets scored five points in the final 3 1/2 minutes Thursday in a 110-102 loss to Philadelphia and were outscored 28-11 in the final 5:57 and blew a 13-point lead in Saturday's 120-116 loss to the Clippers. "I just think (giving up) 71 points in the second half is unacceptable," Nets coach Steve Nash said. "We just never really had the care factor." The Nets are on their first losing streak of the season DESPITE getting stars Kevin Durant (29.8-7.9-5.7) and James Harden (22.8-8.3-9.9) back from the NBA health and safety protocol and being close to full strength.

I really respect Memphis, which has won with and WITHOUT Morant in the lineup but Brooklyn could really use an impressive win over a red-hot team like the Grizllies, after recent embarrassments. I'm laying the points.

Good luck...Larry

The Washington Wizards snuck into the playoffs last season at 34-38 but lost in the 1st Round. The Wizards have been searching for an identity for some time now and MAY have found one this season but COVID hasn't helped. Washington has had three straight games with at least FIVE players absent because of the NBA's health and safety protocols and were without SEVEN players for their most-recent game, when they fell 120-119 on Saturday to the visiting Chicago Bulls. That gives Washington losses in FOUR of its last five home games and an 18-18 record on the season.

Charlotte PG Ball (19.6-7.4-7.8) missed some games earlier with COVID issues but it's pretty obvious that last season's rookie-of-the-year is the 'real deal!' Bridges (19.5 & 7.1) is having a 'career season' and returned to the lineup last night after a two-game absence. Hayward (16.9-4.7-3.7) has only missed one game plus guard Rozier (17.3) and swingman Oubre (16.4) give the Hornets FIVE players averaging 16-plus points. PJ Washington (10.9 & 5.2) is still in COVID protocols but center Plumlee (6.6 & 7.2) is back in the lineup (he's played in 28 of the team's 37 games), doing a quietly efficient job).

Guards Beal (23.6-4.6-6.4) and Dinwiddie (13.1-5.0-5.6)  have been excellent in the backcourt Washington team but a trio I like to call "Lakers-East," have been MAJOR additions. PF Harrell (14.5 & 7.3), SF Kuzma (13.9 & 8.1) and swingman Caldwell-Pope (11.1) have really found a home on the East Coast. Undersized center, the 6-9 Gafford, is averaging 9.3 & 6.7. Washington welcomed Bradley Beal back from protocol in its 110-93 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday, and he responded with game-highs of 29 points and 10 assists. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope also returned from protocol on Thursday and scored 12 points in his first appearance since Dec 18. Kyle Kuzma, who missed two games due to protocol in mid-December, recorded a 25-point, 10-rebound double-double against Cleveland. However, Washington is not completely 'out of the woods,' as Montrezl Harrell, the Wizards' second-leading scorer on the season, entered protocol ahead of Washington's Dec 28 loss at Miami and hasn't played since. Unfortunately for the Wizards, Dinwiddie has just been placed in COVID protocols.

Charlotte is the NBA's second-highest scoring team at 114.7 PPG and got the better of Washington 109-103 back on November 22nd in Washington and my bet says "no revenge" here, as I expect a similar final outcome this time as well.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* MVC Game of the Year is on Missouri St at 8:00 ET.

The Drake Bulldogs won their 4th straight game and improved to 10-4 on the season after defeating the Mount Marty Lancers, 82-53, this past Tuesday. The Bulldogs will travel to JQH Arena to take on the Missouri State Bears Sunday night in MVC action. The Bears improved to 9-5 on the season after defeating the Evangel Crusaders, 103-56, this past Thursday.

You may remember Drake opening 18-0 last season, but the Bulldogs lost in the MVC tourney (Arch Madness). However, the Bulldogs still went 'dancing,' earning the first at-large built in program history (Drake finished 26-5). Drake returned all FIVE starters from that team. However, guard Penn (9.7) has been out with a foot injury (last played Dec 9) and the 6-6 Hemphill (10.2 & 4.9) is listed as questionable (undisclosed reasons). Guard DeVries (13.5 & 4.5) is the leading scorer and 6-6 forward Murphy (10.8 & 5.4) joins him as a double-digit scorer, assuming Hemphill is not back. Guards Wilkins (9.5) and Sturtz (9.4 & 6.7) plus the 6-10 Brodie (7.7 & 4.40 have each played all 14 games.

Dana Ford is in his fourth season at Missouri St and led the Bears to a 17-7 record plus had all FIVE starters coming back. The 6-9 Prim (19.5) was the first-ever Missouri St player to lead the MVC in scoring and this season is averaging 14.8 PPG plus a team-high 8.4 RPG. The 6-8 Clay (7.9 & 6.4) joins him in the frontcourt. Mosley (18.1 & 4.9) leads a backcourt that also includes returning players Black (10.4), Hervey (4.4) and Sharp (5.4). The 6-8 Minnett is a Valpo grad transfer, and the swingman adds 13.0 PPG. Hervey has been a disappointment this season and Sharp remains unavailable due to a leg injury (hasn't played since nov 30). 

This is just Drake's second true road game (won 78-70 at Nebraska-Omaha) but the Bulldogs are 0-4 in neutral-site games. I believe the home court edge is the 'difference-maker" in this conference rivalry game. Lay the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on the Sac Kings at 6:10 ET.

Bottom line is any analysis of an upcoming NBA game MUST include "who is in or out of COVID protocol!" The Miami Heat returned to the court and beat the host Houston Rockets 120-110 on Friday night, despite missing SEVEN players due to COVID protocols. Jimmy Butler scored a season-high 37 points, Tyler Herro added 16 points and Kyle Lowry added 12. Those were the ONLY three players used by the Heat on Friday who started the season in Miami's rotation. Sacramento split two home games against the Dallas Mavericks this week, winning Wednesday on Chimezie Metu's three-pointer at the buzzer before losing Friday's rematch (112-96). In Wednesday's game, the Kings got Davion Mitchell, Alex Len and Louis King back from the COVID list. On Friday, Neemias Queta returned from COVID protocol and he was the final Kings player on the list. Shooting guard Terence Davis (9.5) missed Friday's game due to left ankle soreness but otherwise, the Kings are healthy, which is not the case for the Heat.

Besides the COVID list, the Heat are also without two-time All-Star Victor Oladipo (quadriceps) and Bam Adebayo (18.7 & 10.2) due to thumb surgery, as well as role players Dewayne Dedmon (knee); Markieff Morris (neck) and KZ Okpala (wrist). Swingman Butler leads the Heat in scoring (23.3) and steals (2.1) plus averages 5.9 RPG and 5.5 APG. Lowry adds 13.8 PPG and a team-high 8.1 APG, while Herro is averaging 20.4 PPG, forming a dynamic backcourt with Lowry. Sacramento is led in scoring by lightning quick De'Aaron Fox, who is averaging 20.2 PPG, which is actually down from last season (25.2). Sacramento combo guard Tyrese Haliburton (13.6 PPG) leads the Kings in assists (6.7) and is also Sacramento's best three-point shooter (42.7 percent). 6-10 center Richaun Holmes is back after dealing with an eye injury and pulls down a team-high 8.7 RPG, while scoring 12.6 PPG. SF Harrison Barnes (17.0 & 6.2) plus SG Buddy Hield (15.2) are also major contributors. Getting Baylor rookie Mitchell (9.6 PPG) back will make up for losing Davis to that ankle injury.

Most likely know that the Kings have missed the NBA playoffs for 15 consecutive seasons, but this team has way too much talent to extend that streak to 0 of 16 this season. Sacramento is currently 15-22, which gives them the West's 10th seed, the last of the four "Play In" spots. 'Baby steps' for this franchise would be a "Play In" spot but a 6-seed would sure be sweet. If the Kings can't win a game like this, then just maybe the Kings will be 'home for the playoffs' again this season. Again, 'baby steps.' I'm taking the undervalued home dog in this spot.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Weekend Wipeout is on UCF at 2:00 ET.

The UCF Knights and the SMU Mustangs meet from the Moody Coliseum on the SMU campus Sunday afternoon in an AAC contest. The Knights come into this one looking to add to an 85-71 win over Michigan on Thursday that gave them a 9-2 record (1-0 in the AAC). The Mustangs beat Tulsa in their last game, 74-69, giving them a record (1-0 in the AAC).

Johnny Dawkins' UCF team has an experienced squad full of high-leaping dunkers and bring back almost all of their scoring and minutes played from last season, when the Knights finished 11-12. Guard Darius Perry led the team with 14.7 PPG last season and is averaging 11.2-3.8-5.4 this season. Fellow guard Green (11.3 LY) leads the team in scoring this season, averaging 15.9 PPG. UCF's bench is led by former five-star Oregon recruit C.J. Walker, who named the AAC's top defensive player in a preseason poll. He's 6-8 and adds 9.1 & 5.8. The Knights have also added a 6-11 transfer in Cheikh Mbacke Diong, a Senegal native who was a team captain at UNLV. He's adding 5.5 & 5.9. Other starters back from the Knights' 2020-2021 roster are guard Brandon Mahan (10.4 PPG) and the 6-6 Isaiah Adams (5.5 PPG).

The Mustangs' Tim Jankovich is just two years removed from severe sanctions that SMU faced due to none other than Larry Brown (great coach but one who knows how to leave a program in the dust!). SMU won 19 games before the 2019-20 season was shut down and then went 11-6 in a season that limited this team to 17 games because of COVID. The team's 10-3 start (8-0 at home) is impressive. Returning guards Davis (21.6-4.7-5.2) and Bandoumel (10.2) are a solid duo plus a great story is the reuniting of the Weathers' twins, who last played together at Mia-O back in the 2016-17 season. The two took different paths from there but are now 'one big family' at SMU. SF Marcus is averaging 10.4 & 6.9, while guard Michael adds 7.9 & 4.8. Fellow guard Nutall chips in 9.4 & 4.3 plus the 6-10 Clark is a Baylor transfer. He was averaging 14.6 & 6.4 in the 2018-19 season before a serious knee injury forced him to the sidelines. This his last hurrah and he's adding 6.4 & 4.0 in 18 minutes.

One could make a case for a Central Florida "let down" off the Michigan win but this is a conference game and both UCF and SMU will 'be in the hunt' for the league's top-spot all season. Note that SMU is just 3-8 ATS in its last 11 vs the AAC, while UCF is a near-perfect 7-1 ATS in its last eight road games. Upset Alert but as always, take the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Game of the Week is on the Was Wizards at 7:10 ET.

The Chicago Bulls were 31-41 last season, missing the postseason for the FOURTH consecutive year. However, the Bulls have reinvented themselves as a threat in the Eastern Conference behind Zach LaVine and the free agent signing of DeMar DeRozan. They also picked up center Nikola Vucevic from Orlando last season (where his talents were wasted) plus added Lonzo Ball as a free agent. The Bulls won their sixth straight game on Friday (108-106 at Indiana) and welcome in 2022 with a 23-10 record, tied with the Nets for the best record in the East. No, this is not April Fools Day! Washington snuck into the playoffs last season at 34-38 but lost in the 1st Round). The Wizards have been searching for an identity for some time now and MAY have found one this season. The Wizards welcome the Bulls to D.C. at 18-17.

There were 'whispers' that the 32-year-old DeMar DeRozan was on the downside of his career, but he's been one of the best players in the NBA so far this season, averaging 26.8-5.0-4.6. He has energized the Chicago Bulls, along with LaVine (26.0-5.1-4.4), Vucevic (15.8 & 11.4) and Ball (13.2-5.4-5.0). DeRozan's three-pointer as time expired extended the Bulls' longest winning streak of the season and pushed his own run of consecutive games scoring at least 20 points to 11. Since Dec. 19 -- which marked both DeRozan's first game back from a three-game absence due to COVID-19 health and safety protocol and the beginning of the Bulls' win streak -- he is averaging 28.5 points per game. Coby White (9.7), who also returned from protocol at the start of the winning streak, matched a season-high with 24 points on Friday. Nikola Vucevic grabbed 16 rebounds to go with 14 points. The Bulls are not entirely back to full strength after dealing with a rash of absences in December, including Lonzo Ball missing his fourth consecutive game on Friday due to COVID protocols. However, with LaVine back in the rotation starting with the Dec 26 game to join DeRozan and White, the Bulls feel like 'the worst of it' is behind them.

Guards Beal (23.5-4.7-6.0) and Dinwiddie (13.1-5.0-5.0) are the 'heart' of the Washington team but a trio I like to call "Lakers-East," have been MAJOR additions. PF Harrell (14.5 & 7.3), SF Kuzma (13.4 & 8.0) and swingman Caldwell-Pope (11.1) have really found a home on the East Coast. Undersized center, the 6-9 Gafford, is averaging 9.3 & 6.6. Washington welcomed Bradley Beal back from protocol in its 110-93 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday, and he responded with game-highs of 29 points and 10 assists. "He's our best player, so to have him back is uplifting within itself," Wizards head coach Wes Unseld Jr. said postgame. "The fact that he'd come back and not miss a beat, it was big for us tonight." Beal recorded his third double-double of the season. His team-leading scoring average of 23.5 points per game is down from 31.3 a season ago when he was in the mix for the scoring title, but Thursday's performance continued a run of four straight games recording at least 26 points. That streak began before his three-game absence due to health and safety protocol. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope also returned from protocol on Thursday and scored 12 points in his first appearance since Dec 18. Kyle Kuzma, who missed two games due to protocol in mid-December, recorded a 25-point, 10-rebound double-double against Cleveland. However, Washington is not completely 'out of the woods,' as Montrezl Harrell, the Wizards' second-leading scorer on the season, entered protocol ahead of Washington's Dec 28 loss at Miami and hasn't played since.

The Bulls are off that thrilling 108-106 win at Indianapolis just last night on a last-second shot from DeMar DeRozan. They then got on a plane and celebrated New Year's Eve. This is a great situational play for the Wizards, as Chicago just might rest players tonight in this unique situation. Perfect spot for a Washington "W."

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Conference Game of the Month (Big East) is on DePaul at 3:00 ET.

Ed Cooley arrived in Providence for the 2011-12 season and led the Friars to FIVE straight NCAA tournaments from 2014-2018 but was coming off a mediocre 13-13 season last year. However, there is NOTHING mediocre about the Friars' start to the current CBB season, as 12-1 Providence (2-0 Big East) notched its SEVENTH straight win on Wednesday with a 70-65 victory over Seton Hall. Tony Stubblefield worked as an assistant under Lou Henson, Mick Cronin and recently Dana Altman, before taking the DePaul job. He took over a team that was 5-14 last season (2-13 in the Big East) and a program that in its 16 seasons since joining the Big East, had gone 57-224 (.203) in league games. However, the Blue Demons have opened 9-2 (0-1 in the Big East), after losing 63-59 Wednesday night at Butler (Hinkle Fieldhouse is one tough venue). 

The Friars are led by the 6-10 Watson (14.8 & 5.7), with guards Durham (12.8 & 3.8 APG) and Reeves (11.2) joining him in double digits. Depth is provided by the 6-8 Horchler (10.5 & 8.3) and the 6-7 Minaya (4.8 & 5.1) up front and in the backcourt by Bynum (7.4-3.0-3.4) and Croswell (4.3 & 4.1). Horchler netted his fifth double-double of the season (17 & 13) in the win over Seton Hall, while Watson worked through soreness in his right knee after landing awkwardly following a shot attempt in the first half to add 14 points and seven rebounds. The Friars were up by nine at halftime and limited the Pirates to 39.4 percent shooting for the game.

DePaul was playing for the first time since Dec 14 on Wednesday and fell behind by 12 points in the second half, before nearly rallying back. Butler nailed three late free throws to clinch a 63-59 victory. The Blue Demons have now fallen short in their league opener in seven successive seasons. Guard Javon Freeman-Liberty came to DePaul before last season (from Valpo) and remains DePaul's key player. He's the team's leader in scoring (20.2), is second in rebounding (8.2) and leads in assists (4.0). Another returning guard (Jones) follows with 17.4 PPG and 8.3 RPG. The 6-8 Johnson (11.5 & 7.6) is a Minnesota transfer and the 6-7 Gebrewhit adds 8.4 & 3.8. 6-11 center Ogenda adds 11.3 & 4.5. Brandon Johnson had a double-double of 16 points and 12 rebounds for DePaul vs Butler but leading scorer Javon Freeman-Liberty was limited to 13 points on 4-for-16 shooting. The bad news is that the team was without second-leading scorer David Jones, who remains in COVID protocols.

I like the way DePaul has opened and I like its first-year coach. Tony Stubblefield was adamant he won't spend too much time focusing on the team's resilience at Butler. "I'm not into moral encouragement," Stubblefield said. "You either win the game or lose the game at this level. This is the Big East. This is big-boy basketball." DePaul is 7-1 at home and catches Providence off a hard-fought win over No. 15 Seton Hall. My bet says DePaul bounces back with a "big boy basketball" performance.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Game of the Week is on UCF at 7:00 ET.

Michigan returns to the court from a lengthy layoff due to the holiday break and COVID-19 issues when it visits Central Florida for an evening tip in Orlando. The Wolverines haven't played since they routed Southern Utah 87-50 back on Dec 18, giving them a modest 7-4 record. I say modest because Michigan opened the season ranked 6th in the AP's preseason poll and has since fallen out. In fact, Michigan is the highest ranked preseason team to NOT be in the latest AP top-25 (released this past Monday). Central Florida was just 11-12 last season but returned all FIVE starters. The Golden Knights have begun 8-2 and have had a break of their own, as this will be the team's first game since Dec 22, when UCF beat North Alabama at home, 75-64.

Michigan's starting-five includes 7-1 center Dickinson (15.6 & 9.1) and the 6-11 Diabate (7.6 & 5.8) up front, plus a trio of guards. Brooks (12.6) and Houstan (10.1 & 4.3) score in double digits, while PG Jones (7.4-4.4-4.1) runs the offense. The two most reliable reserves are the 6-7 Williams (6.0 & 3.4) and the 6-8 Johnson (5.6 & 2.5). Similar to Michigan, UCF has basically a seven-man rotation. It's a perimeter-heavy group with starting guards Green (14.8), PG Perry (11.7-3.8-5.2) and Mahan (8.8), while Freeman (8.1) and Adams (5.7) come off the bench. Starting up front are the 6-8 Walker (9.6 & 5.4) and the 6-11 Diong (5.4 & 5.8).

I believed that Michigan was overrated from the start of the season (see above) and so far, I've been right on the money. Meanwhile, UCF head coach Johnny Dawkins recently said, "I like our team. I think we can compete against anyone. We have to keep getting better. Like most teams, we definitely are not a finished product right now. It's still early. We're one-third through our season. I think there's a lot of room for improvement in our team. I see it in them, and we have to try and get that out of them."

This is a revenge game of sorts for UCF after it fell to Michigan by a score of 80-58 last season. Last year the Knights got destroyed by the Wolverines but that was THEN and this is NOW! Michigan was at home and it was unquestionably a better team then, while UCF was on the road, and it was a much worse team at the time. The Knights are seeking their fifth straight win and I believe they'll get it. Huge edge to the home team, as players and coaches hate being away for the holidays, unless playing in a tourney, which this is NOT. Upset Alert, but as always, take the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Conference Game of the Year (SEC) is on Alabama at 9:00 ET.

No. 14 Tennessee and No. 19 Alabama begin SEC play Wednesday night in Tuscaloosa, coming into this contest from totally different perspectives. The 9-2 Volunteers are coming off their best effort of the season, a 77-73 home victory on Dec 22 over then-unbeaten and sixth-ranked Arizona. As for the 9-3 the Crimson Tide, they haven't played since suffering a 79-78 upset loss in Birmingham on Dec. 21 against unranked Davidson. Alabama was ranked 14th in the AP's preseason poll, while Tennesses opened at No. 18.

Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes has been a winner at every stop, with three NCAA berths at Providence, three in four years at Clemson and 16 in 17 years at Texas. This is his seventh season at Tennessee and he's led the Vols to three NCAA berths the last four years (exception was when COVID shut down the postseason). Freshman PG Kennedy Chandler leads Tennessee with averages of 14,0 points and 5.3 assists per game, while fellow guard Vescovi adds 13.3-4.5-3.2, while leading the team with 30 three-pointers. The 6-9 Fulkerson (9.9 & 6.1) and the 6-8 Nkamhoua (8.7 & 6.1) start up front. 6-6 guard Jordan-James missed a few games but is back in the starting lineup, averaging 6.6 & 5.9. Defense is a Rick Barnes specialty and his team is allowing just 59.3 PPG (20th) and coming off a defensive 'gem' in the team's win over Arizona, holding the Wildcats 17 points under their season average.

Nate Oats spent four years at Buffalo and went 59-13 in his last two, making the Big Dance each time. That allowed him the opportunity to come to Alabama and after a 16-15 first season (COVID) he led the Tide to a 26-7 record and a Sweet 16 appearance last year. Gone from that team are the 6-7 Jones (11.2 & 6.6), who was not only the SEC player-of-the-year but also the league's Defensive POY. Also gone is veteran guard Petty (12.6 & 5.2). However, the Tide have plenty of talent left. Note that Alabama did return its top-two scorers from last season and guards Shackelford and Quinerly are again leading the way. Shackelford checks in at 16.8 & 6.6 and Quinerly at 14.7 & 4.4 APG. Swingman Ellis adds 12.4 & 6.5 plus freshman center Bediako (7.0 & 4.5) is starting. Davison (8.7-4.9-4.5), the 6-6 Miles (7.3) and the 6-8 Gurley (6.5 & 3.5) are all contributors.

Alabama hasn't been the same since a wild 83-82 win over then-No. 14 Houston on Dec 11. Alabama was blown out 92-78 at Memphis on Dec 14 and struggled past Jacksonville State 65-59 on Dec 18, before the Tide allowed Davidson to sink 12 of 24 from three-point range in that one-point loss. "Not exactly what we wanted going into Christmas break," Alabama head coach Nate Oats said, "but I am all about a wake-up in order to pick up the defense."

If Tennessee doesn't 'wake up' the Crimson Tide, Oats' team is in for a l-o-n-g season. The Tide won at Knoxville in the regular season last year and at Nashville over the Vols in the SEC tournament. Roll Tide!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Marquee Classic is on Seton Hall at 7:00 ET.

It's a ranked-versus-ranked battle of Big East teams Wednesday night in Providence, as  No. 15 Seton Hall (9-1) takes on No. 21 Providence (11-1). The Pirates were one of many Division I teams to have COVID-19 alter their plans this month. While the program dealt with the spread of the virus, a non-conference game against Iona was called off, while Big East matchups against St. John's and DePaul were postponed. The Big East has changed its policy from handing out automatic forfeits to teams too undermanned to play to attempting to reschedule postponed games. The Pirates willnow take the court for the first time since defeating Rutgers 77-63 back on Dec 12. Providence opened its Big East schedule on Dec 18 with an impressive 57-53 road win over then-No. 20 UConn.

Kevin Willard took over at Seton hall for the 2010-11 season and had led the Pirates to four straight NCAA tournaments before the 2020 tournament was canceled because of COVID (Seton Hall was 21-9). However, the Pirates were just 14-13 last year and lost to the 6-10 Mamukelashvili (17.5 & 7.6), who was co-player-of-the-year in the Big East. However, the Pirates have EIGHT players scoring between 7.1 and 17.4 PPG. 6-6 swingman Rhoden leads in scoring (17.4) and rebounding (7.3), while Harvard transfer Aiken is finally healthy and is averaging 11.2 PPG. Guards Cale (9.7 & 4.1) Jackson (7.8 & 4.4) and Richmond (7.1-3.9-3.4) give Seton Hall a productive and deep perimeter group, while the 6-10 Samuel (10.8 & 6.9) and the 6-8 Yetna (9.0 & 6.2) are the top frontcourt performers. The Pirates always play good defense and this year is no different, as they are allowing 61.9 PPG (59th).

Ed Cooley arrived in Providence for the 2011-12 season and led teh Friars to FIVE straight NCAA tournamnts fron 2014-2018. However, like Seton Hall, Providence is coming off a mediocre 13-13 season last year. The Friars are led by the 6-10 Watson (14.8 & 5.6), with guards Durham (12.9 7 3.8 APG) and Reeves (11.2) joining him in double digits. Depth is provided by the 6-8 Horchler (9.9 & 7.9) and the 6-7 Minaya (5.2 & 5.1) up front and in the backcourt by Bynum (6.6) and Croswell (4.5 & 4.2). Providence plays defense like Seton Hall, allowing 61.5 PPG (51st).

Providence coach Ed Cooley said after the win at UConn, "A Big East game is a war every night, and that's the quality of opponents that we're going to play night in and night out. I couldn't be more proud of our men. I thought we hung in there through some adversity, when you're on the road in a building that can get that loud." The Friars held the Huskies to 31.1 percent shooting overall and now return home where they are 8-0. However, slowing the Seton Hall offense will NOT be easy, as the Pirates average 80.1 PPG, to Providence's 69.8. The Pirates have won EIGHT of their last 12 meetings with the Friars and my bet says Seton Hall will be too much for Providence in this one.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* PERFECT STORM is on Butler at 5:00 ET.

DePaul and Butler have endured a number of COVID-19-related postponements of their would-be Big East Conference opener but will give things another shot Wednesday when the 7-4 Bulldogs host the 9-2 Blue Demons in Indianapolis. Butler has been idle since losing 77-48 to visiting No. 3 Purdue on Dec 18, while DePaul hasn't played since edging intracity rival Illinois-Chicago 72-66 on the road on Dec 14.

The Bulldogs are coming off an 'ugly' 10-15 season. In the team's most recent game, Butler's four-game winning streak was halted by Purdue, as double-figure scoring efforts from Bryce Golden (17 points) and Jayden Taylor (11) weren't enough against the Boilermakers. "You've got to play well, and we did not," Bulldogs coach LaVall Jordan said. "They've cornered the market on elite size, and they've all gotten better and developed over time. It's hard to keep them away from the basket." The Bulldogs hope the time off can help rejuvenate a lineup that was without leading scorer Chuck Harris (11.6 & 4.0) to a non-COVID-related illness, Bryce Nze (shoulder) and Bo Hodges (knee) against Purdue. Guards Bolden (10.6), Taylor (10.3) and Thompson (6.5-3.4-4,8) are a nice trio plus the 6-9 Golden (9.2 & 4.1) and the 6-8 Groce (7.5 & 4.1) are the team's top frontcourt with the 6-7 Nze (6.3 & 5.5) sidelined.

Tony Stubblefield worked as an assistant under Lou Henson, Mick Cronin and recently Dana Altman, before taking the DePaul job. He took over a team that was 5-14 last season (2-13 in the Big East) and a program that in its 16 seasons since joining the Big East, had gone 57-224 (.203) in league games. However, the Blue Demons have opened 9-2. Guard Javon Freeman-Liberty came to DePaul last season (from Valpo) and remains DePaul's key player. He's the team's leader in scoring (20.9), rebounding (8.3) and assists (3.9). Another returning guard (Jones) follows with 17.4 PPG and 8.3 RPG. The 6-8 Johnson (11.1 & 7.2) is a Minnesota transfer and the 6-7 Gebrewhit adds 8.6 & 4.1.

DePaul is the better team on paper but I'm still not 'sold' on the Blue Demons. Hinkle Fieldhouse is a tough venue for visiting teams and Butler has won three straight in the series, including a 68-58 victory last season. The Butler defense (60.0 PPG allowed ranks 33rd) is the toughest unit DePaul has seen up to this point. I'm backing the home team.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Weekly Wipeout is on Notre Dame at 8:00 ET.

Notre Dame got off to a promising 3-1 start but then lost three consecutive games. However, the Fighting Irish beat then-No. 10 Kentucky 66-62 on Dec 11, sparking a 3-1 run (lost to Indiana in a neutral site game on Dec 18). Non-conference play has featured its share of ups and downs for both Notre Dame and Pittsburgh. The Pitt Panthers have been ravaged by transfers, injuries and other issues over the last year. Jeff Capel has had a tough start at Pitt (40-48 in his first three years) and prepared for this season without his top three scorers from a year ago (one moved on to the NBA and two transferred to other programs). The Panthers then lost their fourth- and fifth-leading scorers from last season due to a suspension and an ACL tear, respectively. The Panthers welcome Minnesota to town for this ACC-Big Ten Challenge contest at 2-4. Pitt opened 2-0 but then lost FOUR in a row. However, Pitt welcomes Notre Dame to the Petersen Events Center at 5-7.

Mike Brey is in his 27th season at Notre Dame and this year's team is short on depth, as basically just six players contribute. Guards Goodwin (15.3 & 5.5) and Wesley (13.5) are the top-two scorers, joined by Ryan (8.8-4.4) and Hubb (7.1) in the backcourt. The 6-9 Atkinson (11.8 & 6.4) and the 6-10 Laszewski (7.8 & 8.3) are the best (only?) frontcourt players.

The Panthers are led by the 6-9 John Hugley (14.5 & 8.1) and 6-5 guard Femi Odukale (12.4-3.8-3.4), who matched a career high with 28 points in a 64-55 triumph Tuesday over Jacksonville. Senior guard Burton (11.1) and sophomore Jeffress adds 5.4 & 4.9. The 6-9 Gueye chips in 7.3 & 6.1.

Both schools have opened 0-1 in ACC play but in different fashion. Notre Dame trailed by as many as 23 in a 16-point loss to Boston College, while Pitt fell on a last-second basket against Virginia. However, both enter off back-to-back wins, with Notre Dame scoring 85 and 83 points (note: The Fighting Irish have now scored at least 80 points in consecutive games for the first time all season). On the Pittsburgh side, the Panthers' defense has held opponents below 60 points in FIVE of the last six games.

Bottom line is that Notre Dame has won FIVE of its past six matchups with Pitt and comes in off back-to-back excellent scoring outings (see above). Yes, Pitt is plauying excelelnt defense but the Panthers are pathetic on the offensive end, averaging only 60.7 PPG (ranks 341st!) on 40.6% shooting (316th). Notre Dame wins "with room to spare!"

Good luck...Larry 

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

The Indiana Pacers missed the postseason with a 34-38 record last year, after playing in NINE of the previous 10. The Pacers opened 1-6 and will enter this Christmas Day game in Chicago at 14-19, two games out of the "Play In" cut line. The Bulls were 31-41 last season, missing the postseason for the FOURTH consecutive year. However, the Bulls have reinvented themselves as a threat in the Eastern Conference behind Zach LaVine and the free-agent signing of DeMar DeRozan. They also picked up center Nikola Vucevic from Orlando last season (where his talents were wasted) plus added Lonzo Ball as a free agent. Like many other teams in recent weeks, the Bulls have had severe COVID issues but still enter this contest 19-10, battling 22-13 Milwaukee for the Central Division lead. The Bulls currently hold down the No. 2 seed in the East.

When healthy, the Pacers have a strong five-man rotation, as all players average in double digits. PG Brogdon (19.0-5.3-6.1) leads the way, followed by PF Sabonis (18.1-11.6-4.2). SG LeVert (16.7), center Turner (13.4 & 7.5) and 6-5 rookie Duarte (13.2 & 4.1) comprise that group. The issue for Indiana for tonight's game is the Pacers are hoping that PG Malcolm Brogdon (right achilles) and forward Domantas Sabonis (right calf) will be back in the lineup. Both are listed as day-to-day after missing Thursday's 118-106 win over the Houston Rockets. Center Myles Turner, who has 17 blocks over his past five games, contributed 32 points and 10 rebounds in 37 minutes against the Rockets. The Pacers also received a boost from Caris LeVert, who filled in for Brogdon at point guard and tallied 24 points and 11 assists.

There were 'whispers' that the 32-year-old DeMar DeRozan was on the downside of his career but he's been one of the best players in the NBA so far this season, averaging 26.8-5.2-4.2. He has energized the Chicago Bulls, along with LaVine (26.0-5.3-4.2), Vucevic (15.5 & 10.4) and Ball (13.2-5.4-5.0). DeRozan missed three games due to the NBA's COVID protocols before scoring 38 points in last Sunday's 115-110 win over the Los Angeles Lakers. He then scored 26 in a 133-118 victory over the Houston Rockets on Monday. Cautious optimism has the Bulls hoping the worst of the team's COVID outbreak is behind them. In fact, Sunday's game will mark the first time Chicago has had center Nikola Vucevic, forward DeMar DeRozan and guard Zach LaVine available at the same time in more than THREE weeks.

The Bulls will surely remember the Pacers beating them 109-77 in Chicago back on Nov 22, meaning Chicago has lost its last SIX home games against Indiana It's time for the Bulls to say Enough is ENOUGH! We won't know until tip-off just who will or won't play for the Pacers but it's my opinion that this O/U number seems to reflect an "all hands on deck" scenario, which by no means is a guarantee. I'm going U-N-D-E-R!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Division Game of the Year (Pacific Division) is on the Pho Suns at 5:10 ET.

The teams with the two best records in the NBA will collide when the 26-6 Golden State Warriors visit the 26-5 Phoenix Suns as part of the league's Christmas showcase late Saturday afternoon. The Warriors just missed the playoffs last season, after going 15-50 the season before (preceded by FIVE straight appearances in the NBA Finals). The Suns ended a 10-year postseason drought last year by going 51-21 (one game behind the Jazz for the NBA's best regular season record) and made it all the way to the NBA Finals. Unfortunately for Phoenix fans (bettors), the Suns went up 2-0 on the Bucks but then lost FOUR in a row! The Suns enter the game with the NBA's best record, while the Warriors are just a half-game back. However, the Warriors are tied with the 22-9 Jazz for the NBA's best point-differential (plus-10.4), while The Suns are third best at plus-7.8.

These teams met TWICE between Nov 30 and Dec 3, with the Suns winning 104-96 at home in the first meeting and the Warriors routing the Suns 118-96 in Phoenix on Dec 3.  As the teams meet less than a month later for a third time, they will have a different look for this nationally televised affair. The Warriors will be without SF Andrew Wiggins (18.7 & 4.5) and SG Jordan Poole (17.9-3.4-3.4) due to COVID-19 health and safety protocols. Of course, Curry leads the way with a line of 27.7-5.4-5.9 but I'm not sure he can "do it alone." Yes, Golden St averages 114.5 PPG (4th) on 47.2% shooting (3rd), while also allowing only 101.1 PPG on 42.6% shooting (ranking 1st in both categories) but that's when the team is at full strength.

The Suns are led by the guard duo of Booker (23.3-5.2-4.7) and Chris Paul (14.4-4.0-9.8) plus center Ayton (17.0 & 11.3). Both Booker and Ayton have missed some time, but the veteran Paul has played all 31 games. Also playing all 31 games for Phoenix have been SFs Bridges (12.1 & 4.0) and Johnson (10.7 & 4.1), PF Crowder (9.3 & 4.7) and backup center McGee (10.5 & 7.5, who started eight games when Ayton was out. Speaking of Ayton, he's posted a double-double in each of the Suns' five-game winning streak, giving his 15 in his 23 games this season.

The Suns enter this game on a 15-game home winning streak and have to lose some time, but I don't see that time being here. Both Curry and head coach Steve Kerr are whining about the 'hardship' of playing back-to-back Christmas Day games on the road (I wonder if they can even imagine what so many people have endured during COVID?) and I'm expecting the Suns to make Golden St's Christmas even more miserable. Lay the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Weekly Wipeout is on Weber St at 6:00 ET.

The Fresno State Bulldogs (MWC) and the Weber State Wildcats (Big Sky) meet in college hoops action from the Dee Events Center on Thursday night. Fresno State opened 5-0 but has cooled a little bit, going 4-3 since, after losing 55-50 at Utah Tuesday. Weber State opened the season 8-0 but welcomes the Bulldogs to Ogden off THREE losses in its last four, including back-to-back home losses to Utah St (Dec 15) and BYU (Dec 18).

Fresno's only double digit scorer is the 7-0 Robinson, leading the team with 18.2 PPG and a team-high 8.2 RPG. A trio of guards have played in all 12 games. They are Campbell (8.8 & 3.5), Hill (8.5) and Holland (7.3 & 5.6). Guard Stroud adds 7.0 PPG and fellow guard Ballard has returned from a shin injury to play in six straight games, averaging 5.7 PPG. The Bulldogs don't score much (66.3 PPG) but are allowing only 55.9 PPG (7th).

Weber St head coach Randy Rahe is in his 16th season at Ogden. He returned two key players from last season, guard Jawara, who is averaging 12.2 PPG and the 6-6 Jones, who adds 13.4 PPG and a team-high 10.4 RPG. Marquette transfer McEwen (a guard) is the team's leading scorer at 16.4 PPG, plus 6-6 Utan Valley transfer Overton is adding 11.4 & 3.6. The 6-10 Carlson (6.6 & 2.4) and was expected to get some help from 6-9 Florida transfer Bassett up front. He just became eligible in mid-Dec and came off the bench to add 12 & 13 in his first game. However, in those back-to-back losses to Utah St and BYU he played a total of just 10 minutes.

Here's the rub. Fresno is 9-3 SU and an impressive 8-3 ATS but the Bulldogs are 0-3 SU on the road. Weber St has lost THREE of four but all three have come against quality teams (Utah St and BYU at home) and Washington St on the road. Weber St was 11-0 SU at home last season and opened 4-0 at home this season, before those back-to-back losses to Utah St and BYU. I expect them to bounce back here vs an 0-3 road team like Fresno St. Weber St averages 11 points more per game than Fresno St and in the end, pulls away for a comfortable win.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Late-Breaker is on St Mary's at 10:00 ET.

The Missouri State Bears will travel to University Credit Union Pavilion in Moraga, Ca to take on the Saint Mary’s Gaels Wednesday night in college hoops. The Bears will take a four-game winning streak into the contest, giving them an 8-4 record. The Gaels lost last Friday night 63-53 at SD State, dropping to 10-3 to start their season.

Dana Ford is in his fourth season at Missouri St and led the Bears to a 17-7 record last season plus had all FIVE starters coming back. The 6-9 Prim (19.5) was the first-ever Missouri St player to lead the MVC in scoring and this season is averaging 16.2 PPG plus a team-high 8.1 RPG. Swingman Isiaih Mosley leads the Bears in scoring (17.6 PPG) plus adds 5.3 RPG. Guard Jaylen Minnett is an IUPUI transfer averaging 13.4 PPG and returning guard Ja’Monta Black adds 10.5 PPG to cap off the group of double-digit scorers for Missouri State. The Bears are averaging a healthy 80.2 PPG (33rd) on 47.8% shooting (38th).

Randy Bennett took over at St Mary's in 2001-02 and had his first 20-win season (25-9) in 2004-05. Starting in the 2007-08 season and going through the 2019-20 season, his Gaels won 20-plus games for 13 consecutive years. That streak ended with a 14-10 record last season. Saint Mary’s has been led by the 6-10 Matthias Tass (11.6 & 5.3) and the 6-7 Dan Fotu, who comes off the bench to add 11.1 & 4.4. Starting up front with Tass is the 6-8 Bowen (5.4 & 6.6). The Gaels start three guards, Kuhse (9.5), Ducas (9.2 & 4.3) and Johnson (8.8). Saint Mary’s is averaging just 66.9 PPG (280th) but its defense is holding opponents to 58.0 PPG (22nd).

Missouri St has looked good at times this season but a road trip to Moraga, Ca (where?) is never a pleasant trip for any team. The Gaels have been tough to beat at home since Bennett took over and this year is no different, as they are off to a 7-0 start. The fact that Missouri St is on an 6-1 ATS run in the role of an underdog sure makes it easy for me to say, "Lay the points!"

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Conference Game of the Month (ACC) is on Clemson at 7:00 ET.

Brad Brownell arrived in Clemson for the 2010-11 season and after 11 years, he's led the Tigers to just four, 20-win season and three NCAA berths. This is his 12th season at the helm and his team enters this ACC game at UVA on the three-game winning streak to reach 8-4 (0-1 start in the ACC, losing 80-75 at Miami on Dec 5). Tony Bennett's UVA team won a national championship in 2019 and from the 2013-14 season through the championship season of 2018-19, the Cavs avenged 29.7 wins per season. The Cavs ended last season 18-7, after a first-round NCAA loss to 13th-seed Ohio U.

In Clemson's five-point loss at Miami in their ACC opener, the Tigers turned the ball over 18 times. Clemson led for more than 35 minutes against the Hurricanes before being done in by a late 19-5 run by Miami. The good news is that Clemson has won THREE straight since that loss and one must note that Clemson has excellent balance, with FIVE players averaging in double figures. The 6-10 P.J. Hall leads the way with 14.7 PPG (adds 6.3 RPG), joined up front by the 6-8 Hunter Tyson (11.3 & 6.1), The Tigers start three guards, Al-Amir Dawes (11.7), David Collins (11.7 & 6.9) and Nick Honor (10.2). 

The only returning starter for UVA is PG Clark (9.8 & 4.2 APG). Guard Beekman (6.1-3.9-4.6) is back, as is the 6-11 Shedrick (6.6 & 5.4), but UVA's two-most important players are transfers. The 6-6 Gardner comes from East Carolina and leads in scoring (15.3) and rebounding (8.3) plus guard Franklin comes via Indiana and chips in 11.4 PPG. As always, Bennett's team is one of the nation's best defensive squads in the nation, allowing just 55.2 PPG (6th).

The 7-4 Cavs (1-0 in the  ACC, edging Pitt at home by one point!) are jumping into the meat of their Atlantic Coast Conference schedule trying to find some continuity in what has already been an up-and-down season. The Cavs should be confident, as the Tigers have not managed to beat Virginia since January 2013, losing 11 in a row! Am I 'spitting into the wind' here by taking Clemson? It's possible but I really like Clemson's balance and I'll note that the Cavs played at James Madison back on Dec 7 with an 11-0 all-time record against their intrastate rival and LOST, 52-49 as a 4.5-point favorite. Virginia is just 3-8 ATS in its last 11 as a home favorite. Clemson says ENOUGH is ENOUGH. Take the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Marquee Classic is on Arizona at 7:00 ET.

Sean Miller was fired after 12 seasons in Tucson and longtime Gonzaga assistant Tommy Lloyd was hired (his first head coach gig). Lloyd learned more than a little about winning while at Gonzaga and his first Arizona team, unranked at the start of the season, has opened 11-0 and currently owns the AP's No. 6 ranking. Tennessee head coach Rick Barbnes has been a winner at every stop, with three NCAA berths at Providence, three in four years at Clemson and 16 in 17 years at Texas. This is his seventh season at Tennessee and he's led the Vols to three NCAA berths the last four years (exception was when COVID shut down the postseason). This year's team opened has opened 8-2 in his seventh season at Tennessee. The Vols opened the season at No. 18 and comes in ranked 19th.

Arizona begins its longest series of road games in 14 seasons when the Wildcats face Tennessee on Wednesday in Knoxville. After Arizona plays the Volunteers, it will visit No. 5 UCLA on Dec. 30 and No. 8 Southern California on Jan. 2. The Wildcats complete their four-game road trip Jan. 8 at Arizona State. The Wildcats own four double digit scorers, led by 6-6 guard Mathurin's 17.4 PPG (he adds 6.5 RPG). The 6-7 Tubelis averages 16.1 & 6.8  and the 7-1 Koloko adds 13.6 & 7.3 plus PG Kriisa is good for 11.8 PPG and 5.4 APG. Four more Vols have played in all 11 games, chipping in between 5.9 and 8.2 PPG. Arizona is averaging a nation-high 91.0 PPG.

Tennessee is also efficient on offense. Through the weekend, the Volunteers ranked fourth in the nation in assist/turnover ratio (1.80), fifth in turnover margin (plus-7.1) and sixth in assists per game (19.3). Guards Chandler (14.6 & 5.4 APG) and Vescovi (13.1-4.4-3.4) lead the scoring, with the 6-8 Nkamhoua (9.4 & 6.0) and the 6-9 Fulkerson (8.3 & 6.2) starting up front. 6-6 guard Jordan-James missed a few games but is back in the starting lineup, averaging 5.9 & 6.0. Defense is a Rick Barnes specialty and his team is allowing just 57.9 PPG (20th).

However, the Vols get quite a test with Arizona's top-ranked scoring offense and note the Wildcast are allowing a modest 62.8 PPG, while holding opponents are shooting only 36.1% (5th). This will be the first time the Wildcats will play four consecutive road games since January 2008, so the Game 1 result could 'set the stage' for the rest of the trip (VERY tough games at UCLA and USC). Tennessee's Saturday game against Memphis in Nashville was canceled due to COVID-19 protocols within the Tigers' program, meaning the Vols are playing off an eight-day break. That is NOT an advantage in my opinion. Arizona makes it a 'even dozen' wins to open the season with a victory here in Nashville.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Las vegas Insider is on Delaware at 7:30 ET.

The Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens and the Iona Gaels meet Tuesday in a non-conference contest from UBS Arena. Both teams had COVID-shortened season a year ago but both are off to strong starts this season, as Delaware (of the CAA) is 9-3 and Ions (MAAC) is 9-2.

Delaware head coach Martin Ingelsby is in his sixth season, having gone just 7-8 last year and 73-74 in his tenure with the Blue Hens. However, all FIVE of last year's starters returned and Delaware is looking like a contender in the CAA this season. Four players average in double digits, led by the 6-10 Painter, who leads in scoring (14.5) and rebounding (7.6). His frontcourt partner is the 6-9 Carr, who checks in just under double digits at 9.5 PPG (adds 4.7 RPG). Delaware has a terrific guard trio, consisting of Allen (13.4), Nelson (12.5 & 5.0) and Anderson (11.4 & 3.9).

You may just have heard about Iona head coach Rick Pitino. COVID limited the Gaels to just 13 regular season games last season (8-5 / 6-3 in the MAAC). However, tourney time was NOT head coach Rick Ptino's 'first rodeo!' Iona beat FOUR opponents (Gaels held those opponents to just 53.8 PPG) on its way to the tourney title and an NCAA bid. Iona fell to two-seed Alabama in the Big Dance, but held them 12 points less than its season average and covered, in a 68-55 loss. Iona lost its two top guards in Ross (18.4) and Gist (13.3). However, Pitino likes his three transfers, Joiner (9.5 & 5.5) from Tulsa, Jolly (14.6 & 5.4) from SMU and the 6-8 Slazinski (11.1 & 4.1) from Louisville. He loved the potential of 6-9 PF Joseph (11.1 & 7.5 as a freshman) and he has delivered, averaging 14.3 PG with a team-high 8.2 RPG. 6-8 veteran van Eyck is having an excellent season, averaging 10.4-4.7-3.7.

Iona got a rematch with Alabama this season and beat the then-No. 10 Crimson Tide, 72-68. The Gaels' two losses have come to Belmont and to then-No. 4 Kansas, 96-83. Delaware opened just 4-3 over its first seven outings but entered this contest on a 5-0 run. This contest is playing in the new UBS Arena on Long Island (Belmont Park site), not the Gael's homecourt in New Rochelle. I think the price is a little high on thsi neutral court and I will gladly take the points with a Delaware team that is beginning to "find itself!"

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Game of the Week is on Marshall at 7:00 ET.

The 7-5 Marshall Thundering Herd and the 7-3 Toledo Rockets hook up tonight from Toledo's Savage Arena. Marshall looks to bounce back from a 75-60 loss to Northern Iowa last time out, while Toledo looks to rebound from a 72-69 loss at the hands of Richmond in its last game.

Marshall head coach Dan D'Antonio is in his eighth season with Marshall and his team is coming off a 15-7 season. The Thundering Herd opened 6-1 but a team-wide COVID outbreak greatly influenced the rest of the team's season. PG West (12.5 & 6.0 APG) transferred to Louisville and forward Williams (9.4 & 3.4) transferred to Eastern Ky. However, 6-5 guard Taevion Kinsey returned and is having an excellent season, averaging 19.8-5.1-3.8. Fellow guard Taylor is also back, averaging 12.9 & 6.2 plus the 6-10 Beyers returned as well, averaging 5.6 & 2.5. Two solid frontcourt players are the 6-8 Anochili-Killen adds 13.4 PPG and is grabbing a team-high 7.2 RPG, a big jump from last season, while the 6-7 George is adding 9.2 & 5.6

Toledo's Tod Kowalczyk is in his 12th season at Toledo. Last year's team went 21-9 but wound up in the NIT after losing during the MAC tourney. The Rockets lost POY Jackson (18.1-6.1-5.9) to ASU and guard Littleson (13.4 PPG / shooting 47.2% on threes) is playing overseas. Freshman of the Year Rolins is back and is 'getting it done' by averaging 19.3-4.8-3.5. Replacing PG Jackson is Boise St transfer Dennis (11.3-5.9-3.9). Returning forwards Millner (15.0 & 6.4) and Shumate (17.3 & 7.3) are a strong duo.

Toledo may just have another sold season in the MAC but I believe this Marsahll team has a chamcnce to surprsie in C-USA this season. Marsahll matches up well with Toledo and I expect them to pick up the outright win. Points are a bonus. Take them.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Situational Stunner is on Utah at 7:00 ET. 

Once upon a time, Fresno St and Utah were Western Athletic Conference rivals. However, when the Bulldogs and Utes meet tonight in Salt Lake City, Fresno State is a member of the MWC and Utah is part of the Pac 12. Fresno State opened 5-0 but has cooled a little bit, going 4-2 since to enter 9-2.Utah also opened 5-0 but has lost FOUR of its last six and comes into the contest just 7-4.

The 7-0 Robinson is the lone frontcourt player of note and is Fresno's ONLY double digit scorer, leading the team with 18.3 PPG and a team-high 8.1 RPG. The trio of guards who have played in all 11 games are Campbell (9.5 & 3.5), Hill (8.5 & 3.1) and Holland (7.2 & 5.3). Guard Ballard matched Robinson with 18 points in Fesno's last game and his 18 points were EIGHT more than he'd totaled in his first four games after returning from a shin injury (he's averaging 5.6 PPG in five games)..

Craig Smith is in his first season as Utah's head coach (had a great three-year run at Utah St in going 74-24) but saw the team's best player Timmy Allen (17.2 & 6.4) transfer to Texas. However, key returning players from last year's team are the 7-0 Carlson and the 6-9 Battin (6.5 & 4.5). Carlson leads the team in scoring with 13.7 (adds 6.0 RPG) but has missed recently with  COVID-19-related issues and likely won't return until the Utes' Dec. 30 Pac-12 game at Oregon State. Guards Wosrster (7.9 & 4.5)  and Anthony (7.8 & 7.4) followed Smith from Utah St plus guard Jenkins (12,4) came via UNLV and guard Gach, who started at Utah but moved on Minnesota, returned this year to play for Smith and is second to Carlson with 13.4 PPG.

Here's the rub. Fresno St is not just 9-2 SU but is also 8-2 ATS but both losses have come on the road, at Cal and San Francisco. Yes, Carlson is missed but the Utes are 5-1 at home, with the lone loss coming to rival BYU. A home meeting against a former rival should be "just what the doctor ordered," as Utah looks to head back into Pac 12 play on Dec 30 (has opened 1-1 in league play). No Carlson means a 'cheaper' price and I'm laying it!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Mid-West Crusher is on Nebraska at 6:00 ET.

Kansas State and Nebraska were longtime rivals in the Big 8 and Big 12, before Nebraska left to join the Big Ten. The last meeting was Kansas State's 61-57 victory in Lincoln back on Feb 23, 2011, its fifth straight win over Nebraska. The two former conference rivals are set to renew acquaintances for the first time in nearly 11 years Sunday in Lincoln, Ne. The schools are beginning a three-game series that also calls for games in Manhattan next season and in Kansas City in 2023. The series was initially slated to begin last season before being pushed back due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Wildcats head coach Bruce Weber said it was important to him to get the Cornhuskers back on the docket. "It's a great rivalry in K-State history," Weber told reporters. "I got here (in 2012) and it was sad that Nebraska is two hours away and Missouri is three hours away and we're not getting to play those guys. ... I think it's good for (college) basketball and it's good for us."

Weber came to fame at Illinois withe six NCAA appearances in eight seasons, including losing the national championship game to North Carolina in 2005 (team finished 37-2). However, after leading the Wildcats to five NCAA berths in his first seven seasons in Manhattan, the Wildcats have posted back-to-back seasons of 11-21 and 9-20. Kansas St has opened 6-3, led by a group of five guards plus the 6-9 Massoud (8.0 & 4.4) and Ezeagu (7.4 & 5.6). Those guards are Pack (14.4), Nowell (13.2-4.0-4.6), Smith (10.0 & 7.8), Miguel (8.0 & 5.3) and McGuirl (6.8-3.3-2.6). Weber is a "defense-first" coach and this year' team is allowing only 59.7 PPG (33rd).

Fred Hoiberg had an excellent five-year run as Iowa St's head coach, taking the Cyclones to the NCAA tourney in each of his last four seasons. However, that led the Chicago Bulls to think that he could be an NBA coach and that 'experiment' lasted three-plus seasons, with the Bulls going 115-155 (.426). He returned to the college ranks here at Nebraska, but his first season was a 7-25 disaster (2-18 in Big 12) and last season a repeat performance (7-20 / 3-12 in the Big 12). However, Hoiberg landed the first 5-star recruit in school history in Bryce McGowens, who has averaged 16.2 & 6.4. PG Verge is an ASU transfer averaging 16.0-5.8-5.2, giving Nebraska a terrific 1-2 'punch' The returning 6-8 Walker (9.1 & 6.1) plus a trio of guards round out the main contributors. Tominaga (7.7) is a JC transfer, Wilcher (7.5) a Xavier transfer and Webster (7.0) a returning senior.

Things were looking up as Iowa St opened the season 5-2 but a 1040100 four-OT loss at NC St in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge has derailed the season. Big Ten losses to Indiana and Michigan followed and then the 'Huskers were routed in Atlanta by Auburn,99-68 in the Holiday Hoopsgiving. That loss led Hoiberg to do some deep soul-searching. "It's urgency. It's playing harder. It's effort," Hoiberg told reporters. "We got our head kicked in for two straight games." He was referring to a 102-67 rout at home by Michigan on Dec 7. However, here's the rub. The 'Huskers have gone up against some pretty sturdy competition over their last four games. Off back-to-back 'ugly' efforts, Nebraska should be poised to give an all-out effort against this old rival. That's my bet!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Weekend Wipeout is on Ole Miss at 6:30 ET.

The Dayton Flyers opened the season 1-3 but have won SIX of their last seven, including a 74-73 upset of then-No. 4 Kansas, to reach 7-4. The Ole Miss Rebels are 7-3, as they welcome Dayton to Oxford in this con-conference affair.

Leading the way this season are guard Weaver (11.0), the 6-10 Holmes (10.1 & 5.4), the 6-8 Camara (9.7 & 6.2) and freshman guard Smith (9.5-4.2-4.4). The 6-10 Amzil, who came on last season to average 9.9 & 5.6), has yet to match those numbers this season, averaging 6.9 & 3.9.

Ole Miss just defeated Middle Tennessee State -- Davis' team for 16 seasons (2002-18) -- on Wednesday, 62-52, using a stingy defense to limit the Raiders to 34.9% shooting from the floor and 11.1% from beyond the arc. However, the Rebels' offense also struggled, as they missed 16 of their 21 three-point attempts. The great news was, Daeshun Ruffin was strong in his return to action after breaking his hand on Nov 9. In 13 minutes of action, he made 4 of 9 shots from the floor to net 12 points. "Big things" are expected from the 5-9 freshman guard. Senior guard Joiner (15.0) leads the team in scoring plus the Rebels have excellent depth on the perimeter (three more players averaging between 5.8 and 7.3 PPG). Up front, it's the 6-8 Brakefield (8.6 & 4.3), the 7-0 Brown (8.3 & 7.5) and the 6-6 Murrell (7.2).

No way Kermit Davis takes a team that beat Kansa 'lightly' and overall, Ole Miss is a better and deeper team than Dayon. Lay the small 'sport,' as Ole Miss wins "with room to spare!'

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Blue Blood Bash is on Kentucky at 5:00 ET.

Roy Williams retired after last year's disappointing 18-11 season, one which ended in a first-round 82-65 NCAA loss to Wisconsin. Hubert Davis took over and the Tar Heels were ranked 19th in the AP's preseason poll. As for Kentucky, the basketball team went just 9-16 last season, but all knew that was an aberration, as the Wildcats were ranked No. 10 in the AP's preseason poll.  Two of CBB's 'bluest' Blue Bloods meet Saturday in Las Vegas from T-Mobile Arena. 8-2 North Carolina opened 3-0 but then lost to then-No. 6 Purdue and then-No. 17 Tennessee, before winning its last FIVE. Meanwhile, 7-2 Kentucky lost its season opener in MSG to Duke (Champions Classic), before winning all SEVEN games at home in Rupp Arena against modest (I'm being kind here) competition. However, the Wildcats fell 66-62 at Notre Dame last Saturday (note: Irish were just 3-4 coming in).

North Carolina has a frontcourt led by the returning 6-10 Bacot (14.3 & 9.8), 6-9 Oklahoma transfer Manek (13.0 & 5.8) and Marquette transfer Garcia (12.2 & 6.1). Sophomore guard Love (16.2-4.3-3.9) teams with freshman Davis (13.1-4.0-3.7) and Black (5.0 & 5.0) in the backcourt. Kentucky is led by the 6-9 Tshiebwe (16.2 & 14.4) and the 6-7 Brooks (11.8 & 4.9) up front. SG Washington (13.8-4.4-3.3) and PG Wheeler (9.9 & 7.7 APG) lead a backcourt that also features Grady (9.1) and Mintz (7.5 & 4.0).

Both teams score well, as North Carolina averages 80.4 PPG and Kentucky 80.3. However, Kentucky is allowing about NINE points less per game, 61.4-to-70.9. Also, Kentucky is ranked first among Division I teams with an offensive rebound percentage of 45 percent. The Wildcats have averaged 15.4 offensive boards per game. ND head coach Mike Brey knocked Kentucky's 'cream puff' schedule in the post-game press conference after the Irish beat the Wildcats last Saturday. Coach Cal and his players likely 'got the message' and I'm expecting a HUGE bounce-back by Kentucky in this one.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* PERFECT STORM is on Wichita St at 4:00 ET.

The North Texas Mean Green and the Wichita State Shockers face off on Saturday in college hoops at Charles Koch Arena. North Texas comes into this game with a 6-3 record overall, while Wichita State is 8-2 record. Grant McCasland took over at North Texas starting in the 2017-18 season and won 20, 210 and 20 games. However, while last year's team won just 18 games, the Mean Green won the C-USA tourney and then upset 4th-seeded Purdue in OT in the first round of the Big Dance. Over at Wichita St, Gregg Marshall was forced out at Wichita St (verbal and physical abuse of players) and Isaac Brown took over, leading the Shockers to a 16-6 season, where they lost in the NCAA's First Four. 

North Texas is known for its tough defense and is allowing just 55.4 PPG (6th) so far this season. 6-6 forward Bell (13.2 & 6.4) is the team's best player, joined up front by the 6-10 Ousmane (8.6 & 4.9). The highest-scoring backcourt player is Perry (12.8), who comes off the bench. Starters Jones (9.3) and McBride (8.9) come in just under double digits. Gone at Wichita St are guard Gilbert (10.3 & 4.1 APG) and the 6-6 Wade (6.7 & 5.6), who transferred to Arkansas. However, the team has five guards and two frontcourt players in the regular rotation. Etienne is the leading scorer at 14.8 PPG, with Council (10.4 & 4.7), Dennis (7.5 & 5.0), Grant (5.9) and Porter (3.3 & 4.3) joining him on the perimeter. Up front, it's the 6-8 Udoze (11.3 & 5.9) and the 6-11 Pohto (6.9 & 3.2). Wichita St is hardly a defensive 'sieve,' allowing a modest 61.3 PPG.

Here's the rub. This marks North Texas's first true road game and Charles Koch Arena has NOT been kind to visitors. Wichita St is 59-12 at home since joining the AAAC to begin the 2017-18 season. Lay the small points.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Daydream Believer is on Notre Dame at 2:30 ET.

The Crossroads Classic in Indianapolis has featured Butler, Indiana, Notre Dame and Purdue but those schools have chosen against renewing the contract. Ostensibly, they are creating opportunities to schedule other non-conference teams. That means the 11-year event will come to a close on Saturday. Indiana comes in 8-2 under Mike Woodson, who is in his first season coaching his alma mater. As for 4-4 Notre Dame, head coach Mike Brey is in his 27th season at South Bend.

Indiana lost its final six games of last season and the Hoosiers fired head coach Archie Miller. Mike Woodson (former Indiana player under Bob Knight) was hired to lead the team in the 2021-22 season, The Hoosiers have used a six-man rotation (all players averaging 20-plus MPG), led by the 6-9 Jackson-Davis (19.3 & 8.4), who is joined in the frontcourt by the 6-8 Thompson (10.6 & 8.7) and the 6-7 Kopp (8.6 & 3.1). Xavier transfer Johnson (10.2-3.9-4.3) starts in the backcourt with Stewart (7.8), while 6th-man Bates (a freshman) chips in 6.7 PPG. Notre Dame got off to a promising 3-1 start but then lost three consecutive games. However, last Saturday, the Fighting Irish beat then-No. 10 Kentucky 66-62 and this will be their first game since then. Goodwin (14.3 & 5.5) and Wesley (13.0) are joined by Ryan (8.4) and Hubb (7.30 in the backcourt, while the 6-9 Atkinson (11.0 & 6.0) and the 6-10 Laszewski (8.4 & 8.4) are the best frontcourt players.

Indiana has had success in this event, going 7-3 in annual games against Butler and Notre Dame but head coach Woodson is wary of the problems this year's Fighting Irish team presents. "Their perimeter play is what drives them," Woodson said. "I think, when I watch film on them, they're very organized. I like the way they play on both ends of the floor. We got to commit ourselves for 40 minutes to come out with the win." I agree with Woodson's assessment and after taking down Kentucky last Saturday (I had the Irish over the Wildcats), I like Notre Dame's chances to win outright again this Saturday. Naturally, I'm taking the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Western Conference Game of the Month is on the Sac Kings at 10:10 ET.

The 18-11 Memphis Grizzlies are in Sacramento Friday night to take on the 12-17 Kings. The Grizz are wrapping up a brief two-game West Coast swing, after winning 113-103 Wednesday night in Portland. These two teams will be meeting for a second time this season (a third matchup, also in Sacramento, is just nine days away), after the Grizzlies won 128-101 at home back on Nov 28. That contest was the first game after PG Ja Morant (24.1-5.6-6.8) injured his knee. Despite playing without Morant, who sprained his left knee and later entered the league's health and safety protocols, Memphis has won FOUR in a row and nine of 10 since a disappointing 9-10 start.

We all know that Sacramento hasn't made the playoffs for 15 straight seasons The Kings fired Luke Walton after a 6-11 start, ending, at least for now, his legendary 166-241 (.408) record as an NBA head coach. The Kings have shown some 'life' and progress since being led by interim head coach Alvin Gentry but Gentry tested positive for COVID-19 this week and Doug Christie stepped in for him and directed a come-from-behind 119-105 victory over the Washington Wizards on Wednesday. Christie is a former Kings player and broadcaster, who was named assistant coach just this season. He was given the game ball afterward and showed his pride after the team ended a three-game losing streak. "I've done radio; I've done television. There's no other place I'd rather be than on the court with our team," Christie said. "It's joyous for me in ways I can't even explain."

Dillon Brooks (18.3) is the team's leading scorer with Morant sidelined, while PF Jackson has returned healthy this season to average 16.4 & 5.3. The real surprise has been SG Bane, who is averaging 16.2 PPG, after averaging 9.2 PPG as a rookie. The addition of center Adams (7.0 & 8.8) has turned out fine, although one CAN'T convince me the Grizzlies don't miss Valanciunas and his 17.1 & 12.5 from last season! I've been saying the same thing for the last two seasons, the Kings have way more talent than their record indicates. Maybe Gentry, whom players like, can get the most out of these perennial underachievers. PG Fox (21.3 & 5.0 APG) is joined on the perimeter by fellow starter Haliburton (11.5 & 5.7 APG) and Hield (15.6 & 4.0), who seems fine coming off the bench these days. Undersized center Holmes (14.0 & 9.3) has developed into a quality big man, but he is expected to miss again here with an eye injury. SF Barnes (17.5 & 6.6) has been terrific since arriving in Sacramento a few years ago and he led the comeback Wednesday, scoring 15 of his 19 points in the fourth quarter.

Congrats to the Grizz for their recent play but I believe they have played "over the heads." As for the Kings, they are in a solid recent ATS situation, having gone 7-2 ATS in their last nine as a home underdog in the +3.5 to +6.5 points range. Take those points but I'm issuing an "Upset Alert!"

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Weekly Wipeout is on the Min T-wolves at 10:10 ET.

The Los Angeles Lakers are coming off a 107-104 OT win against the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday, which included a game-winning three-pointer from rookie Austin Reaves. The win was LA's third in a row to get back to .500 at 16-16. They will try to win four games in a row for the FIRST time this season when they visit the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night at Minneapolis. The Timberwolves are back home after notching back-to-back road victories over the Portland Trail Blazers and Denver Nuggets. Their latest win, a 124-107 decision over Denver, tied for the team's second-highest point total this season. The two-game 'mini' winning streak ended a five-game slide, as Minnesota looks for a THIRD straight win tonight with a 13-15 record on the season.

LBJ leads Los Angeles with 26.1 points per game to go along with 5.9 rebounds and 6.9 assists. Anthony Davis is next with 23.8 points and a team-high 10.2 rebounds. Both have been bothered with injuries this season and LBJ is currently dealing with an abdominal issue and Davis with a knee issue. However, they are both expected to play. However, the mood was dampened Thursday with news that the Lakers' starting backcourt of Russell Westbrook (19.6-7.8-8.4and Avery Bradley were placed into COVID-19 protocols and are not expected to play Friday. They join teammates Talen Horton-Tucker, Dwight Howard and Malik Monk in protocols.

The Minnesota Timberwolves made Karl-Anthony Towns the No. 1 overall pick in 2015 and the LA Lakers made D'Angelo Russell the No. 2 pick of that same draft. Towns has been the 'centerpiece' (pardon the pun) of the T-wolves since joining the team but now Russell, who has had a nomadic career, is making a big impact with the T-wolves as Towns' teammate. Throw in swingman Anthony Edwards, the No. 1 overall pick of the 2020 Draft and the T-wolves own quite a trio. Towns is averaging 24.3 & 9.0, Edwards 22.1-5.8-3.6 and Russell 18.8-4.1-6.4.

Yes, LA is going for a fourth straight win but the two previous wins (before Dallas), came over 5-24 Orlando and 8-19 OKC. Alos, as noted above, LA's protocol 'list' is a full one! Meanwhile, let me note that with Russell out, the T-wolves are j 0-45 but with him playing, they are 13-10. Russell should enjoy picking up a "W' against the team that drafted him. My bet says it comes "with room to spare!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* West Coast Crusher is on San Diego St at 10:00 ET.

The Saint Mary’s Gaels and the San Diego State Aztecs meet tonight at Viejas Arena in San Diego. These are two high-quality programs. Randy Bennett took over at St Mary's in 2001-02 and had his first 20-win season (25-9) in 2004-05. Starting in the 2007-08 season and going through the 2019-20 season, his Gaels won 20-plus games for 13 consecutive years. That streak ended with a 14-10 record last season. Brain Dutcher was a longtime assistant under Steve Fisher (beginning in Michigan) and lasting through all of Fisher's great teams at SD St. Fisher stepped away and Dutcher took over in the 2017-18 season, going 22-11, 21-13, 30-2 and 23-5 the previous four years.

Saint Mary's is coming off of an easy beat down of Cal State Stanislaus in their last game and visits San Diego with an 8-2 record. The 6-7 Fotu is coming off the bench but is the Gaels' top scorer at 12.8 PPG (adds 4.7 RPG). The 6-10 Tass (11.6 & 5.4) is the only other double-digit scorer and is joined in the starting lineup by guards Ducas (9.6 & 4.2), Kuhse (9.3), and Johnson (9.3) plus Bowen (5.6 & 6.5), the team's top rebounder. Great balance and a team that allows just 57.6 PPG (1th).

The Aztecs lost forward Mitchell (15.4 & 5.6) and guard Schakel (14.4) from last season (the top-two scorers). However, Matt Bradley, who was an All Pac 12 player at Cal last season averaging 18.0 & 4.6 LY, leads SDSU with 15.0 PPG (adds 4.8 RPG). He is joined by three more guards in the starting lineup, Pulliman (10.9-3.4-3.3), Johnson (5.7 & 4.1) and Seiko (4.6) plus the 6-10 Mensah (7.4 & 7.7). Like St Mary's, SDSU also knows something about playing defense (is allowing 59.2 PPG to rank 28th).

The 8-2 Gaels have only lost to 9-2 Wisconsin (neutral site) and now-No.23 Colorado St (10-0). Meanwhile, while SDSU is just 6-3, all three losses have come to quality programs, BYU (on the road), now-No. 10 USC (10-0) on a neutral court and then-No.24 Michigan on the road. The Aztecs are 5-0 at home this season and are now 59-8 SU at home in Dutcher's four-plus seasons! That and I'm getting a few points! Too good to pass up!

Good luck...Larry

My NBA 10* O/U Game of the Week is on Min/Den Under at 9:10 ET.

The Minnesota Timberwolves made Karl-Anthony Towns the No. 1 overall pick in 2015 and the LA Lakers made D'Angelo Russell the No. 2 pick of that same draft. Towns has been the 'centerpiece' (pardon the pun) of the T-wolves since joining the team but now Russell, who has had a nomadic career, is making a big impact with the T-wolves as Towns' teammate. Throw in swingman Anthony Edwards, the No. 1 overall pick of the 2020 Draft and the T-wolves own quite a trio. That said, Minnesota visits Pepsi Center to take on the Nuggets, with just a 12-15 record.

Nikola Jokic (last season's MVP) may be having a better year than last season, with his numbers not nearly telling the whole story. His 26.5 points a game is 0.1 more than last year, his 7.3 assists are down by just one per game but he is averaging 13.8 rebounds this year, three more than last season. However, as the Nuggets welcome the T-wolves to Denver, the etam is just 14-13 (.519), after going 147-80 (.648) the last three seasons.

Minnesota is 0-5 without Russell in the lineup but 12-10 with him. The T-wolves had lost five straight (the last three when he was out with a sore ankle) but he returned Sunday in Portland, when his 18 points helped Minnesota end that five-game slide with a 116-111 win.

The Nuggets have been floating near .500 while dealing with roster turmoil (injuries/COVID). The Nuggets hadn't played at home since losing to Milwaukee back on Nov 26 but returned from a 4-3 road trip on Monday to beat the Wizards 113-107. Nikola Jokic makes up for a lot of holes (see above) but the team's second-leading scorer is Barton (16.3-5.1-4.2), who is again listed as questionable for this game. SF Gordon (14.3 & 5.7) has played well up front but is having back issues. PF Porter has only played in NINE games this season (last played Nov 6), with Jeff Green is filling in and averaging 9.6 & 3.1, well below Porter's 19.0 & 7.3 last season. PG Murray (21.2 & 4.8 APG last season) remains out after a torn ACL at the end of last season (no timetable on his return) and while Morris (12.7 & 4.3 APG) is a solid player, he's NO Murray.

When these teams played against each other last, the Nuggets walked away with the 93-91 win back on October 30th in Minnesota. While I do NOT expect THAT low of a point total this around, I do expect a similar competitive and defensive affair this time around. Note the closing Over/Under number in that Oct 30th game was 219.5. The same total I played under in this one. U-N-D-E-R is the way to go!

Good luck...Larry

My 10 CBB Weekly Wipeout is on Weber St at 9:00 ET.

The 7-3 Utah State Aggies and the 9-1 Weber State Wildcats meet Wednesdayfrom Dee Events Center. Utah State opened the season with a loss but then won SIX in a row over Richmond, Penn, New Mexico State, Oklahoma, Texas Arlington and Carroll MT. However, the Aggies then lost 60-58 at home vs St Mary's (currently 10-2) and 82-71 at BYU (currently 8-2 and ranked 24th). The Aggies come into this contest off an 82-50 home win over New Orleans. As for Weber State, the Wildcats opened 8-0 but then shot 35.7% (including 5 of 23 on threes) in a 94-60 loss at Washington St. However, Weber St was able to win (and get a 'breather') with an 82-36 home win over Maine-Fort Kent.

Head coach Ryan Odom is in his first season at Logan, coming from UMBC. He brought the 6-10 Horvath with him and he's averaging 12.7 & 5.0. He was happy that the 6-7 Bean returned, as he leads the team in scoring (21.1) and rebounding (11.5). FOUR guards chip in between 6.6 and 8.9 PPG. In contrast, Weber St head coach Randy Rahe is in his 16th season at Ogden. He returned two key players from last seaosn, Guard Jawara (12.2) and the 6-6 Jones (12.0 & 3.7). New are Marquette transfer McEwen (a guard), who is the team's leading scorer at 15.6 PPG, plus the 6-6 Utan Valley transfer Jones (12.0 & 3.7). Things just 'brightened considerably" for the Wildcats, as 6-9 Florida transfer Bassett just became eligible and came off the bench to add 12 & 13 in his first game.

Utah St is a good team but I expect a HUGE seaosn from Weber St (won't Damian Lillard be proud!). BTW...Anyomne aware that Weber St was 11-0 SU at home last seaosn and has opened 4-0 at home this season? A home dog here?? Can you say 16-0?

Good luck...Larry

My 9* PERFECT STORM is on the Cha Hornets at 8:40 ET.

The 15-14 Charlotte Hornets head to San Antion Wednesday night off a 120-96 road loss in Dallas on Monday. That was the first contest of a six-game road trip taking the Hornets to Portland, Phoenix, Utah and Denver after palying the Spurs. For San Antonio, this contest marks the final one of a five-game stretch at home. The Spurs beat the Pelicans 112-97 on Sunday, evening their record to 2-2 on the homestand. However, the Spurs check in at a disappointing 10-16 on the season.

The Hornets have been shackled by COVID-19, as they played Dallas without Mason Plumlee, Jalen McDaniels, LaMelo Ball and Ish Smith because of the virus. That said, the only REAL loss there is Ball, who is having a terrific sophomore season (20.0-7.7-8.3). The good news was that Terry Rozier (17.9-3.6-3.5) returned to the team from the league's health and safety protocol in time to score 20 points in the loss to Dallas. Forwards Bridges (19.8 & 7.3) and Hayward (17,6-4.9-4.0) have each played all 29 games, as has swingman Oubre (17.0 & 4.2). Plumlee (6.8 & 7.3) had been solid at center but PJ Washington (10.6 & 5.1) has started in his place and has been more than adequate. There is talk that Plumlee may be back tonight.

The Spurs have SEVEN players averaging in double digits, led by Murray (18.0-8.4-8.3). Forwards Johnson (14.5 & 6.2) and McDermott (11.1) join center Poeltl (12.4 & 9.1) up front, while Murray is joined on the perimeter by White (13.9 & 5.1 APG), Vassell (11.2) and Walker (10.6). Somehow, with this roster, 'Pop' should have a better record than 10-16.

Through all its issues, the Hornets were on a FIVE-game winning ATS run prior to Monday's blowout loss in Dallas. Charlotte has a tough road ahead of them (see above) and that means getting a win here has to be pretty important. That's my call against the underachieving Spurs. Take the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Situational Stunner is on South Dakota St at 7:00 ET.

The 9-3 South Dakota State Jackrabbits and the 6-4 Missouri State Bears meet from the JQH Arena in Springfield, Mo on Wednesday night. The Jackrabbits are looking to build off a 77-74 win over Washington State last time out. The Bears are coming off a 69-60 win over Oral Roberts in their last game.

Third-year South Dakota State head coach Eric Henderson has all five starters back from last season's 16-7 team. All five starters this season are averaging in double digits for the Jackrabbits, who start four guards and the 6-7 Wilson (13.8 & 5.4). Freidel (20.2) leads the team in scoring, followed by big guard Scheierman, who averages 14.0 PPG and a team-high 9.2 RPG. Mayo (7.9) and Arians (7.4) complete the starting-five. Guard Easley chips in 7.8 PPG plus the 6-8 Appel (6.3) and the 6-8 Denlinger (6.3) also contribute off the bench.

Dana Ford is in his fourth season at Missouri St and led the Bears to a 17-7 record plus had all FIVE starters coming back. The 6-9 Prim (19.5) was the first-ever Missouri St player to lead the MVC in scoring and this season is averaging 16.7 PPG plus a team-high 9.1 RPG. Swingman Isiaih Mosley leads the Bears in scoring (17.4 PPG) plus adds 5.1 RPG. Guard Jaylen Minnett is an IUPUI transfer averaging 13.0 PPG and returning guard Ja’Monta Black adds 10.2 PPG to cap off the group of double-digit scorers for Missouri State.

The Jackrabbits are averaging 89.3 PPG (12th), shooting 51.1% from the floor (7th), while making 45.5% of their threes (1st!). Missouri State is 0-5-1 ATS in its last six games against a team with a winning percentage above .600 (SDSU is 9-3, .750) and I see no reason why the Jackrabbits can't win here (plus we are getting points). 

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Game of the Week is on Arizona St at 8:00 ET.

The Arizona State Sun Devils and the Creighton Bluejays meet in college hoops action from the CHI Health Center Omaha on Tuesday night. Bobby Hurley, a member of "the famous Coaching Hurleys," is in his seventh season at ASU but after three straight 20-win seasons, his team fell to 11-14 (7-10 in the Pac 12) last season. The Sun Devils are off to a disappointing 4-6 start to open the current season and that's only because they come in off back-to-back wins. Creighton lost all FIVE starters from last year's 22-9 team that made a Sweet 16 appearance. It was supposed to be a rebuilding year for Coach McDermott but the Bluejays are 8-2.

The Sun Devils have all sorts of problems 'scoring the ball,' as ASU enters averaging 64.7 PPG (309th). ASU was just 2-6 after losing 51-29 at home to Washington St on Dec 1. That loss may just have been the 'wake up call' this team needed, as ASU won 69-67 in OT at Oregon (Dec 9) and then followed with a 67-62 home win over a 7-1 Grand Canyon team on Dec 11.  Arizona State's scoring issues have suffered because returning guard Bagley (10.8 PPG) was lost to a knee injury after just THREE games (was averaging 10.4). That leaves two double digit scorers in guard Horne (13.2) and the 6-6 Lawrence (11.4 & 8.5). Hurley was really counting on Toledo grad transfer Jackson, who was the MAC player-of-the-year last season, averaging 18.1-6.2-5.9. However, his scoring has been cut by more than half (8.2 PPG), while adding 4.2 RPG and 4.2 APG. The othr two starters are guard Muhammad (7.4) and the 6-9 Graham (5.6 & 3.0). Guard Heath (8.9) is the best reserve.

Creighton has rebuilt quickly. The starting guards are freshman Nembhard (13.1-3.7-4.6) and O'Connell (3.4 PPG last year), who is averaging 11.3 & 5.3 this season. 7-1 center Kalkbrenner returned (5.9 & 3.5 LY) and is a 'new man,' averaging 12.4 & 6.4. The 6-7 Hawkins is a Div II transfer and chips in 14.5 & 6.5 plus 6-7 freshman Kaluma adds 8.9 & 4.5. 8-2 Creighton got off to its best start since winning its first 13 games in the 2016-17 campaign and those two losses have come to Colorado St (10-0 and now ranked No. 23) and Iowa St (10-0 and now ranked No. 11). The Bluejays are off a nice 83-71 neutral-site win over then-No. 24 BYU. However, I also remember Creighton's less-than-impressive wins against Kennesaw State (4-6) and Arkansas-Pine Bluff (1-10) early in the year. 

Coach Hurley has made adjustments that have paid major dividends over the last week and I look for that progression to continue here for the hungry visiting side. As for Creighton, the Bluejays could be forgiven for 'peeking ahead' to Friday's Big East opener against No. 9 Villanova. Grab the points.

Good luck...Larry