10* NBA PERFECT STORM on the Hawks.

The Hawks just beat Washington 125-124. Russell Westbrook broke Oscar Robertson's triple-double record and I believe that without Bradley Beal in the line-up, that the visiting side will now struggle to match pace with the Hawks. 

Both teams are playing competitively until the end, but with back-to-back home games vs. Cleveland and Charlotte respectively, this is not only a letdown spot for the Wizards, but also a look-ahead position as well.

The Hawks are 21-8 ATS in their last 29 at home. Also note that Atlanta has won its last fie games by an average of 9.8 points, despite the one point victory last time out.

Nate McMillan has brought a winning attitude to his new team and I expect that drive to continue here.

Lay the points, the play is Atlanta.

Good luck, Larry

10* GAME OF WEEK on Bulls.

The Brooklyn Nets are 44-24, while the Chicago Bulls are 29-39. The Nets are already preparing for the playoffs, as they enter having lost four of their last five. Overall they average 118.6 PPG, while allowing 114.6. Kevin Durant averages 28.2 PPG with 5.2 assists.

The Bulls have split their last ten games, but they enter playing their best basketball of the season. They've won three in a row, beating Charlotte 120-99, Boston 121-99 and at Detroit most recently by a score of 108-96. 

Chicago already beat Brooklyn 115-107 in early April and I think it'll take the Nets down to the wire again here. 

Brooklyn is off the satisfying 125-119 road win at Denver (which was playing the second game of a back-to-back), and with a home game tomorrow night vs. the Spurs, this not only sets up as a letdown, but also a look-ahead in my opinion.

Now throw in the fact that Chicago is 7-2 ATS in its last nine after three or more straight SU/ATS wins/covers in a row, then this one is all wrapped up for me.

The outright is possible, but I'm grabbing the points. The play is the Bulls.

Good luck, Larry

10* SITUATIONAL STUNNER on the Spurs.

After five straight straight-up victories, including a tight 135-134 victory over Washington, before a 141-133 win over Houston two nights ago, the Bucks hit the road to play San Antonio, but they then return home to face the putrid Magic tomorrow night. This is Milwaukee's final non-conference game, with contests at Indiana, at home to Mimai and finishing at Chicago all up next. The Spurs play with revenge after a 120-113 loss to the Bucks on March 20th. I say the Spurs come to play hard tonight, and I expect Milwaukee to get caught looking ahead. Finally, note that San Antonio is in fact 7-1 ATS in its last eight in trying to revenge a loss vs. an opponent in which it allowed 120 or more points in. No outright, but closer than expected. Grab the points, the play is San Antonio.

Good luck, Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on the Mia Heat at 1:05 ET.

The Miami Heat surprised most (all?) by reaching the NBA Finals last season, before falling to the Lakers. The Heat took down the East's No. 1 seed Milwaukee in the second round and Boston (No. 3 seed) in the Eastern Conference Finals. The current season has been a challenge for both the Heat and Celtics, as Miami is currently 36-31 (No. 6 seed) and Boston is 35-32 (No. 7). Boston will play host to Miami on Sunday afternoon (ESPN) and then take on the Heat again Tuesday night (TNT), also in TD Garden. BOTH teams desperately want to avoid the 7-10 "Play-In" tournament and if either team is able to sweep this two-game set, that team would likely avoid the 'play-in." The Heat and Celtics have met only once so far this season, back on Jan 6 in Miami when Boston won 107-105. For the Celtics, splitting this two-game series would give them the tiebreaker advantage (could be a difference-maker).

Miami is coming off a 121-112 home win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday, as Jimmy Butler (21.6-7.0-7.2) scored 25 points but it was Tyler Herro (15.1-4.8-3.4) who provided the biggest spark with a game-high 27 points off the bench. Herro had not played since April 23 because of a foot injury. Miami's trade-deadline acquisition Victor Oladipo remains inactive due to right knee soreness. He has played only four games with his new team and hasn't suited up since April 8! Starting along with Butler is forward Ariza (9.2 & 4.7 in 26 games with Miami) and center Adebayo (18.9-9.0-5.4). in the backcourt, it's Nunn (14.3) and Robinson (13.0) with veteran PG Dragic (13.3 & 4.4 APG) coming off the bench.

While the Heat have won EIGHT of 11, the Celtics have lost six of their last 10 after a season-high six-game winning streak (April 7-17). Despite Kemba Walker's (18.9-3.9-4.9) season-high 33 points Friday at Chicago, the Celtics lost 121-99 to the Bulls. Jayson Tatum (26.3-7.3-4.4) and Jaylen Brown (24.7-6.0-3.4) have led the way for Boston all season but Tatum was 3-of-15 from the floor vs the Bulls (0 of 7 on three-pointers) to finish with NINE points! As for Brown, he missed his second straight game against Chicago after he sprained his right ankle late in last Sunday's loss to Portland. Danny Ainge has said that Brown will "probably" return on Sunday against Miami."

Miami is playing MUCH better than Boston right now and a Sunday win would be HUGE, as Atlanta (No. 5 seed) is just a half-game ahead of them and the New York  (No. 4 seed) is juts ONE game ahead of them a STRING finished could allow the Heat to grab the No. 4 seed, giving them the homecourt edge in the first round. Let's NOT get ahead of ourselves, play the Heat of Sunday.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Ultimate Underdog of the Month is on the Den Nuggets at 10:10 ET.

When the Brooklyn Nets acquired James Harden from Houston in mid-January, the NBA's latest "Super team" team featured Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and Harden. However, while KD is averaging 28.0-6.9-5.1, he has missed 37 games. Kyrie checks in averaging 27.4-4.9-6.3 but has missed 17 games. As for Harden, he has contributed 25.4-8.7-11.0 in his 34 games with the Nets but he last played April 5. Injuries to these three All Stars have contributed to the uneven play of Brooklyn and the Nets head to Denver for a game with the Nuggets Saturday night on a FIVE-game losing streak. The slide has seen the Nets slip to 43-24 and into a tie with the Bucks. BOTH teams are three games back of the 76ers, who own the East's top record at 46-21. All teams have just FIVE games remaining, so the Nets and Bucks will battle for the No. 2 seed.

The Nuggets are coming off a 127-120 loss at Utah on Friday night and won't be fully healthy for the rest of the year. That said, Denver continues to play through those injuries. The Nuggets are 10-3 since losing PG Jamal Murray (21.2-4.0-4.8) to a torn ACL back on April 12. Denver is also missing Monte Morris (hamstring), Will Barton (hamstring) and P.J. Dozier (adductor strain). Morris (10.3 & 3.2 APG) is closest to returning, followed by Barton (12.7-4.0-3.2), but Dozier (7.7) could miss the rest of the season. Denver is led by MVP candidate Nikola Jokic (26.4-10.9-8.5) plus SF Porter (19.1 & 7.5) is having a career season and the acquisition of Aaron Gordon (10.0 & 4.9) from Orlando has worked great. He's not scoring as much as he did with the Magic but he's been a "great fit," with Denver going 17-5 in his 22 games. 30-year-old rookie PG Facundo Campazzo has averaged 9.2 & 6.0 APG in the 13 games without Murray.

Tough spot for Denver coming from Salt Lake City with no rest but the Nuggets will be playing their FINAL home game of the regular season, as they'll play their final four games on the road. Denver is just ONE game behind the Clippers for the West's No. 3 seed and should bring their "A-game" here vs a slumping Brooklyn team that beat them 122-116 back on Jan 12. Why is Denver an underdog?

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Western Conference Showdown (Den/Utah) is on the Ut Jazz at 9:10 ET.

The Denver Nuggets and Utah Jazz meet tonight in Salt Lake City and both teams have continued to play VERY well despite key injuries. The Jazz won at Denver on Jan 17 (109-105) but the Nuggets won the rematch 128-117 on Jan 31 (again in Denver). The "rubber match" of the season series goes tonight in Utah, which is 48-18, just one game up on the 47-19 Suns for the West's No. 1 seed. Denver comes in at 44-22, just a half-game back of the 45-22 Clippers (No. 3 seed). The West's top-four teams have separated themselves from the rest of the conference.

Denver PG Murray (21.2-4.0-4.8) went down back on April 12 but the Nuggets have won 10 of 12 games since, thanks mainly to MVP candidate Nikola Jokic (26.4-10.9-8.4). Denver's injury woes run deep, with PG Monte Morris and swingman Will Barton out with strained hamstrings plus P.J. Dozier (7.7) suffered an adductor strain Monday night and will "be out for a while. However, 30-year-old rookie PG Facundo Campazzo had 16 points, nine rebounds and five steals against New York in Wednesday's win. He has averaged 9.5 & 5.7 APG in the 12 games without Murray plus recently signed guard Austin Rivers scored 25 points in the win over the Knicks. SF Porter (18.8 & 7.5) is having a career season plus the acquisition of Aaron Gordon (10.0 & 4.8) from Orlando has worked great. He's not scoring as much as he did with the Magic but he's been a "great fit," with Denver going 17-4 in his 21 games.

Utah owns an outstanding guard duo in Mitchell (26.4-4.4-5.2) and Conley (16.4 & 6.0 APG) but Mitchell has missed the last 10 games with a right ankle sprain and could miss his 11th in this one. Conley has missed five straight games with a hamstring injury. However, SF Bogdanovich (16.3) had led Utah in scoring in four straight games, before guard Clarkson (17.5) led the way with 30 points in Utah's Wednesday win over the Spurs. The Jazz are 4-1 in the stretch, with Bogdanovich averaging 25.8 PPG. Center Gobert (14.4 & 13.3) will battle Jokic in the middle plus Ingles (12.3-3.6-4.6) and O'Neale (6.9 & 7.0) have been regular starters and QUALITY players all season.

Injuries galore in this one but don't forget, the Jazz opened the season 0-2 at home and enter this game 29-2 at home since, despite their recent injuries. Let's hope for a 'Donovan Mitchell sighting.' "The Price is Right" and I'm on Utah.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Weekly Wipeout is on the Mia Heat at 8:10 ET.

The Miami Heat shocked pretty much all with their run to the NBA Finals last season but the team's "encore performance" has been a struggle. Miami is 35-31 and tied with Boston for the 6th-best record in the East, although the Celtics own the No. 6 seed due to a tiebreaker. Time is running out (six games left) and both the Celtics and Heat want to avoid the 'Play-In" tournament plus both still have hopes of moving up, as they are both just ONE game back of the Hawks (No. 5 seed) and TWO back of the Knicks (No. 4 seed). Miami hosts the Timberwolves Friday night, who check in the 3rd-worst record in the NBA (20-46) and its second-worst road record (8-25).

Minnesota put together their longest winning streak of the season, a four-game run from April 24-29, before losing games to the New Orleans Pelicans and the Memphis Grizzlies by four points each the last two times out. Rookie Anthony Edwards matched a career-high with 42 points on 17-of-22 shooting overall and 8 of 9 from three-point range in the loss to Memphis.  He hasn't missed a game, averaging 18.9 & 4.7 on the season, including 23.1 points over his past 10 games. Missing games has been an issue for Minnesota's other three key players. Center Towns (24.8-10.7-4.6) has missed 22 games, and PG Russell (19.1 & 5.7 APG) has missed 30 games. Both are available now but the team's second-leading scorer (Beasley at 19.6 PPG), has been out with a hamstring since April 2.

Miami's dealing with some injury issues as well, as Victor Oladipo (right knee) has missed 15 consecutive games and shooting guard Tyler Herro (14.9-4.9-3.4) has missed SIX in a row. The current starting-five has looked good. Butler (21.3-7.0-7.2) and Ariza (9.3 & 4.6 in his 25 games with the Heat) start up front with center Adebayo (18.9-9.1-5.4). Nunn (14.3) and Robinson (13.1) are the starting guards, with veteran Dragic (13.1 & 4.5 APG) coming off the bench. The Heat just lost to Dallas (Tuesday), playing without Jimmy Butler due to flu-like symptoms unrelated to COVID-19. There is a good chance he'll play here plus Herro is listed as day-to-day. The Heat can't possibly NOT remember losing to the T-wolves back on April 16. Either way, lay the points with the Heat.

Good luck...Larry

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

The New York Knicks are playing meaningful games in May for the first time in nearly a decade and at 37-28, are closing in on ending the third-longest playoff drought in the NBA (last playoff appearance was back in the 2012-13 season). The Knicks are currently 4th in the East, 1 1/2-games up on the No. 5 seed, 2 1/2-games up on the No. 6 seed and three games up on the No. 7 seed (seeds 7-10 are regulated to the "Play-In" tournament). The Knicks have won 12 of 13 as they visit Pepsi Center Wednesday night to take on the 43-22 Nuggets. Denver (the East's No. 4 seed) has clinched a top-six playoff seed in the West, meaning it will avoid having to take part in the play-in round. The Nuggets finished 13-3 in April, which was the best record in the NBA.

PF Julius Randle (24.2-10.3-5.9) and SF Barrett (17.6 & 5.8) have starred all season for the Knicks. Randle has been spectacular of late, averaging 31 points in the Knicks' last 11 contests. A group of five players (averaging between 10.6-14.3 PPG) are 'flying under the radar.' Both PGs are healthy right now in Rose (14.3 & 4.1 APG) and Payton (11.1 & 3.4 APG). SGs Burks (12.5 & 4.4) and Quickly (11.6) plus SF Bullock (10.6 & 3.4) complete the group.

No Denver Nugget has ever won league MVP honors but center Nikola Jokic just may change that. Jokic (26.3-10.9-8.5) has carried the Nuggets through some key injuries and as noted above, are guaranteed a playoff spot. Denver is just a half-game back of the third-seeded Clippers plus owns the tiebreaker over LA, as well. The Nuggets have continued to play well even after the loss of PG Murray (21.2-4.0-4.8), going 9-2 in his absence. With backup PG Monte Morris (10.1 & 3.2 APG) and now swingman Will Barton (12.7-4.0-3.2) out due to hamstring injuries, Campazzo has taken over the starting PG role and has averaged 8.9 & 5.6 APG in the 11 games without Murray. SF Porter was excellent in last year's bubble and is having a career season, averaging 18.9 & 7.5. He's scoring 20-plus points in 16 of his last 19 games and has averaged 27.3 PPG in his last seven. The acquisition of Aaron Gordon (10.5 & 4.8) from Orlando has worked great, as although he's not scoring as much as he did with the Magic he's been a "great fit," with Denver going 16-4 in his 20 games.

The Nuggets routed the Knicks 114-89 back in January back in January but obviously, the Knicks are a different team now. That said, the Knicks' lone loss in their last 13 games came at home vs the Suns and it's hard to find many "quality" wins during their current surge. I guess wins over Dallas and the Lakers (without LBJ and A.D.) count? Lay the 'cheap' number.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Game of the Week is on the Mia Heat at 8:10 ET.

The Miami Heat shocked pretty much all with their run to the NBA Finals last season but the team's "encore performance" has been a struggle. The Dallas Mavericks snapped a three-year playoff drought by going 43-32 last season and led by Doncic, had high hopes for the 2020-21 season. As the season is in its final two weeks, both teams will at least qualify for the NBA's new "Play-In" tournament (No. 7-10 seeds) but neither team wants that!

Dallas is currently 36-28 (No. 6 seed) and while it is just a half-game back of the No. 5 seed (LA Lakers), it is also just a half-game up on the No. 7 seed (Portland). ONE of those three teams will be regulated to "play-in" status. Miami is 35-30 (No. 6 seed) but just a half-game up on the No. 7 seed (Boston). Looking at the glass being "half full," Miami is also just two games back of the No. 4 seed (NY Knicks). If the Heat could catch and pass the Knicks, they could secure the home court edge in a first round series.

Doncic (28.6-8.0-8.9) has been great all season but Porzingis (20.2 & 9.1) has missed FIVE of the last six games (he's missed a game on the season) and is listed as doubtful for Tuesday. Guard Tim Hardaway Jr. (16.0) also sat out Sunday with an ankle injury but is expected to play against the Heat. Powell has replaced Porzingis and he' NOT up to the task and while Dallas gets 'teased' every once in a while by Cauley-Stein's play, he's just NOT reliable. "It's eight games left," Dallas head coach Rick Carlisle said. "They're all very meaningful. Hopefully we'll get Tim back. We'll see where KP is and we'll head to Miami and look to play better." That just about sums it up.

Miami's dealing with some injury issues as well, as Victor Oladipo (right knee) will miss his 14th consecutive game and shooting guard Tyler Herro (14.9-4.9-3.4 will miss his sixth in a row with a foot injury. However, Miami's current starting-five looks pretty good. Butler (21.3-7.0-7.2) and Ariza (8.9 & 4.6 in his 24 games with the Heat) start up front with center Adebayo (19.1-9.1-5.3). Nunn (14.3) and Robinson (13.0) are the starting guards, with veteran Dragic (13.0 & 4.5 APG) coming off the bench.

Miami's won SEVEN of its last 10  and note that Tuesday's game is the first meeting between the Mavs and Heat since Dallas ended a SIX-game losing streak in the series back on Jan 1 with a 93-83 win, In that contest, Doncic scored 27 points with 15 rebounds and seven assists, while Butler missed all SIX of his shots and scored just two points. DON'T see that happening here. Miami has regained its defensive 'mojo' (now ranked 4th in points allowed per game) and I'm "all over" the Heat in this one.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the NO Pelicans at 7:40 ET.

The Golden State Warriors had the NBA's worst record last season (15-50) but seem to be in a pretty good position to qualify for the Western Conference "Play-In" tournament (seeds 7-10) at 32-32.  Golden St is currently the No, 9, just a half-game back of the Grizzlies (No. 8 seed) and a half-game up on the Spurs (No. 10 seed). The Warriors are in New Orleans tonight for the first of back-to-back games with the Pelicans, as the teams play again Tuesday (also in New Orleans). The HUGELY disappointing Pelicans are 29-35 (No. 11 seed), 2 1/2-games back of the Spurs and three games back of the Warriors.

Steph Curry scored 23 of his 30 points in the third quarter as the Warriors pulled away from Houston for a 113-87 win on Saturday. Curry (31.1-5.5-5.8) has led the Warriors all season and has scored 30-plus points in 15 of his last 17. SF Wiggins (18.1 & 4,8) and SG Oubre (15.4 & 6.0) have been Curry's best supporting players this season but Oubre has missed the last two games with a wrist injury (questionable for this one). Center James Wiseman, the NBA's No. 2 overall pick in the 2020 Draft, was averaging 11.5 & 5.8 but is out for the season. Complimentary players like PF Paschall (9.5 & 3.2) and SG Lee (6.5) are also out for a while and as for Green (6.6-6.9-8.6), it's very difficult to define his worth to Golden St.

New Orleans has two outstanding forwards in Williamson (27.0 & 7.1) and Ingram (24.0-5.0-4.9) plus two quality guards in Ball (14.4-4.6-5.8) and Bledsoe (11.9-3.4-3.7). The Pelicans are also missing some key players, as guards Alexander-Walker (10.2) and Hart (9.2 & 8.0) are out plus center Adams (7.7 & 8.9) has missed the last two games with a toe sprain.

I've said all season that I don't understand just how the Pelicans are a sub-.500 team but that's EXACTLY what they are. Pretty much a "last chance" situation for New Orleans here at home Monday and Tuesday. The teams meet a third time (May 14) in San Francisco and the winner of two or more of these games will claim the tie-breaker edge. The Pelicans have NO margin for error with eight games remaining. After these back-to-back games against the Warriors, the Pelicans have a FIVE-game road trip before returning home for the regular-season finale against the Lakers on May 16. Put up or shut up time. 

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Weekend Wipeout is on the LA Lakers at 10:10 ET.

The Toronto Raptors owned the league's second-best regular season record in 2018-19 and went on to win the NBA title behind Kawhi Leonard. Leonard left as a free agent (LA Clippers) prior to last season but the Raptors again owned the NBA's second-best regular season record (Bucks had the NBA's top record both seasons) and their .736 winning percentage (53-19) was even higher than with Kawhi the year before (58-19, .707). However, the current season has seen Toronto 'flop,' as they visit Staples Center to take on the Lakers with a 26-38 mark. Toronto is tied with the Bulls as each team sits THREE games back of the No. 10 seed, the last team with an entry into the NBA's "Play-In" tournament (7-10 seeds play for the final two playoff spots, the 7th and 8th seeds). More in a bit.

All know the Lakers won the NBA title last season and the offseason additions of PG Schroder (15.5 & 5.8 APG) and PF Harrell (13.9 & 6.4) only made this year's edition an even stronger team. The Lakers opened 21-6 but since Valentine's Day (Feb 14), LA is just 15-21 and the Lakers welcome the Raptors to Staples Center tied with the Mavs at 36-27. Dallas owns the No. 5 seed (via tie-breaker), while LA is the No. 6 seed. As most know by now, only the West's top-6 seeds have a guaranteed playoff spot, as the 7-10 seeds enter a "Play-In" tournament. Portland is just ONE game back of Dallas and LA, so for all intents and purposes, ONE of those three teams will find themselves in the "Play-In" tourney. Dr, Jerry Buss is rolling in his grave.

Toronto has the talent in PF Siakam (20.7-7.1-4.6), guards VanVleet (19.2-4.2-6.2) and Lowry (16.8-5.4-7.3) plus SF Anunoby (15.7 & 5.5) but with no home court (Raptors are playing their 'home' games in Tampa Bay) and a 10-22 record on the road, the 'whole' seems LESS that the sum of its parts. Case in point was last night in Salt Lake City, as the Jazz (without guards Mitchell and Conley) limited the Raptors to 6-of-24 shooting in the fourth quarter after Toronto shot 52% from the floor through the first three quarters. Utah held Toronto to just 13 points in the fourth quarter (Raptors went nearly four minutes without a field goal) to win 106-102.

LA's issues have come in the form of injuries to A.D. (he's missed35 games) and LBJ (he's missed 21 games). A look at the Lakers' injury list and it's LONG but most players are listed as probable for this one. I'm NOT about to guess but LBJ returned Friday for the first time since Mar 20 and A.D. returned April 22 and has played in FIVE straight games. He scored just four points in his first game back but has averaged 20.8 PPG his last four. Center Drummond is starting to fit in very well, averaging 13.4 & 12.0 over his last five games.

Coming off a collapse in the fourth quarter last night in Salt Lake City, the Raptors are "in trouble" vs a Lakers team that NEEDS to put some wins together in the season's final weeks. Lay the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Late-Breaker is on the Por Blazers at 7:40 ET.

The 35-28 Portland Trail Blazers and the 34-30 Boston Celtics square off Sunday at TD Garden. The Blazers have made the playoffs SEVEN years in a row but still have work to do to make in EIGHT in a row. Portland was 30-19 but then lost NINE of its next 11 from April 6-25 (including FIVE in a row), before winning THREE in a row. Portland is currently the West's No. 7 but sits just ONE game back of both Dallas and the :LA Lakers. Down the stretch, ONE of these three teams will be regulated to the 7-10 "Play-In" tournament.

The Boston Celtics were expected to be among the East's elite teams this season but after an 8-3 start, Boston found itself just 23-25 thru March 31. Boston did win EIGHT of nine to open April but the Celtics lost FOUR of their next five, before winning 120-11 at home over the Hornets on Wednesday and rallied from a 29-point deficit at halftime to edge the Spurs 143-140 (OT) at home on Friday. Boston is currently the East's No. 6 seed (but only because it owns a tie-breaker over Miami), although the good news is that the Celtics (and Heat) are only 1 1/2-games back of the East's No. 4 seed (last home court edge in Round 1).

The Blazers are led by the dynamic backcourt duo of Lillard (28.3-4.2-7.5) and McCollum (22.9-4.1-4.7) plus Powell has been excellent since coming from Toronto in a trade (has averaged 16.8 PPG in his 19 games as a Blazer. The ageless Anthony (13.6) has been steady off the bench plus with Nurkic back healthy, Portland has two quality centers. Kanter averages 11.7 & 11.4 and Nurkic 10.9 & 8.5. Offseason acquisitions PF Covington (8.7 & 6.8) and SF Jones (7.0 & 3.7) have been solid.

The Boston duo of Tatum (26.4-7.5-4.4) and Brown (24.8-5.9-3.4) has been terrific, with Tatum coming off a 60-point game on Friday (tied Larry Bird for a Boston single-game record). However, PG Kemba Walker (18.2 points per game) has been sidelined the last three games due to an oblique injury, putting  a lot of pressure on Smart (13.6 & 5.6 APG). Getting back to Tatum, he scored 32 points at Portland back on April 13, as the Celtics won 116-115.

That contest came during a stretch in which Portland lost NINE of 11, with FOUR of the losses coming by either one or two points. Portland seeks revenge for that loss, coming in off three straight wins in which the team has averaged 130.3 PPG. Portland is the play. 

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Western Conference game of the Month is on the LA Clippers at 10:10 ET.

The Nuggets overcame a 3-1 deficit against the Jazz in the first round of last year's playoffs and then repeated that feat against the Clippers in the second round. The LA Clippers were headed for a showdown with the Lakers in last year's Western Conference Finals before they blew a 3-1 lead against the Nuggets, putting an end to yet another disappointing playoff performance by a franchise that has NEVER advanced to a Conference Finals appearance.

The Nuggets visit Staples Center 43-21 a half-game back of the 42-21 Clippers, as the teams vie for the West's No. 3 seed. With the Lakers fading (LA is now 36-27), the Nuggets and Clippers come down the stretch hoping to earn that No. 3 seed, as the No. 4 seed will get a first-round matchup with the defending champs, who will likely have both A.D. and LBJ healthy. Both teams are dealing with key injuries heading into this contest, as the Nuggets and Clippers meet for the third time this season. The series is tied at 1-1,  meaning the winner will own the all-important tiebreaker between the two teams (big deal).

Denver center Jokic (26.2-10.8-8.6) is a leading MVP candidate and the Nuggets have continued to play well even after the loss of PG Murray (21.2-4.0-4.8). SF Porter was excellent in last year's bubble and is having a career season, averaging 18.8 & 7.6. He averaged 24.3 PPG in April, scoring 20-plus points in 14 of 16 games (averaged 29.4 his last five). The acquisition of Aaron Gordon (11.0 & 4.9) from Orlando has worked great, as although he's not scoring as much as he did with the Magic he's been a "great fit," with Denver going 15-3 in his 18 games. However, backup PG Monte Morris (10.1 & 3.2 APG) and now swingman Will Barton (12.7-4.0-3.2) both remain out due to hamstring injuries.

The Clippers had won 11 of 12 before losing 120-103 at New Orleans on Monday and then 109-101 at Phoenix on Wednesday. Kawhi (25.7-6.7-5.1) missed a fifth straight game (foot) and has now missed 18 games on the season. His status is questionable again for this one. PG Beverley (fractured hand) and center Serge Ibaka (lower back tightness) remain out. George (23.7-6.5-5.3) has had some ankle soreness but is fine. PG Jackson (10.5 & 3.2 APG) has stepped up in Beverley's absence and Zubac (9.2 & 7.3) has done the same at center for Ibaka. Then there is new signee DeMarcus Cousins (joined team in early April), who has averaged 11.0 & 8.8 his last four games in only 17 minutes per game.

This is a big game for both teams but I believe it's MORE important to the Clippers, who are coming off back-to-back losses. They open a four-game homestand with this contest and then finish the season with four games on the road. Who knows, we may even see Kawhi return. He's played in just one game over the last three weeks because of a sore right foot but the Clippers are 7-3 in Leonard's absence during April.

Good luck...Larry

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

The Toronto Raptors owned the league's second-best regular season record in 2018-19 and went on to win the NBA title behind Kawhi Leonard. Leonard left as a free agent (LA Clippers) prior to last season but the Raptors again owned the NBA's second-best regular season record (Bucks had the NBA's top record both seasons) and their .736 winning percentage (53-19) was even higher than with Kawhi the year before (58-19, .707). However, the current season has seen Toronto 'flop,' as they visit Denver to take on the Nuggets with a 26-36 mark. Toronto is tied with the Bulls as each team sits TWO games back of the No. 10 seed, the last team with an entry into the NBA's "Play-In" tournament (7-10 seeds play for the final two playoff spots, the 7th and 8th seeds). 

The Nuggets earned the nickname "The Comeback Kids," as they overcame 3-1 deficits in last season's playoffs with series wins over the Jazz and then the Clippers. Denver pushed the Lakers to six games in the West Finals, before bowing out. Denver was expected to be among the top teams in the West again this season and the Nuggets haven't disappointed. The Nuggets lost 113-108 at New Orleans back on March 21 but on March 26, eked out a home win over the Pelicans. That victory sparked an EIGHT game winning streak. Back-to-back losses April 11 and 12 snapped that streak but the Nuggets will enter this contest having won SEVEN of eight to reach 41-21. The Nuggets are currently the West's No. 4 seed (FIVE games better than the 5th-seed Lakers) and just ONE game back of the Clippers (No. 3 seed).

Toronto' has the talent in PF Siakam (20.9-7.2-4.6), guards VanVleet (19.2-4.2-6.2) and Lowry (16.7-5.5-7.3) plus SF Anunoby (15.6 7 6.6) but with no home court (Raptors are playing their 'home' games in Tampa Bay) and a 10-20 record on the road, the 'whole' seems LESS that the sum of its parts. Denver center Jokic (26.3-10.9-8.7) is a leading MVP candidate and the Nuggets have continued to play well even after the loss of PG Murray (21.2-4.0-4.8). SF Porter was excellent in last year's bubble and is having a career season, averaging 18.7 & 7.6. The acquisition of Aaron Gordon (11.1 & 4.8) from Orlando has worked great, as although he's not scoring as much as he did with the Magic he's been a "great fit," with Denver going 14-3 in his 17 games.

The Nuggets lost Jamal Murray (see above) for the season two weeks ago plus then lost backup PG Monte Morris (10.1 & 3.2 APG) and now swingman Will Barton (12.7-4.0-3.2) to hamstring injuries. Through all this, Denver is 7-1 in its last eight games and 24-6 since Feb 27. Denver would sure like to earn that No. 3 seed, as the No. 4 seed will likely face the Lakers, with LBJ and A.D. both back. Motivation should NOT be lacking, after the Nuggets almost let one slip away last night against the Pelicans (held on for a two-point win), plus they will surely remember getting blown out back on March 24 at Tampa, 135-111! Lay the points.

Good luck...Larry

 My 10* "Signature" 37-Club Play is on the Pho Suns at 10:10 ET.

The LA Clippers were headed for a showdown with the Lakers in last year's Western Conference Finals but blew a 3-1 lead against the Nuggets, putting an end to yet another disappointing playoff performance by a franchise that has NEVER advanced to a Conference Finals appearance. Doc Rivers was let go and Ty Lue hired. One wondered if the Suns' 8-0 SU & ATS run in the NBA 'bubble' last season was a window into the future. That question has been emphatically answered, as the Suns will snap their 10-season playoff drought in the 2020-21 season. The two Pacific Division rivals meet for the THIRD time this season with the Clippers having won the first two. The 43-20 Clippers are a game behind the second-place Suns (43-18), as both teams are hoping to catch the 44-17 Utah Jazz (West's current No. 1 seed).standings.

The Clippers had won 11 of 12 before losing 120-103 at New Orleans at New Orleans. Kawhi (25.7-6.7-5.1) missed a fourth straight game (foot) and has now missed 17 games on the season. His status is questionable against the Suns. George (23.7-6.5-5.3) scored only NINE points on 3-of-11 shooting in Monday's loss, as he played through ankle soreness. PG Beverley (fractured hand) and center Serge Ibaka (lower back tightness) remain out. PG Jackson has stepped up in Beverley's absence and Zubac has done the same at center for Ibaka. The there is new signee DeMarcus Cousins (7.3 & 5.2 in nine games), who had 16 points, 11 rebounds and two blocked shots on Monday.

The Suns return home off a 3-2 road trip, coming off a 118-110 win over the New York Knicks in Madison Square Garden on Monday, which snapped the Knicks' nine-game winning streak. PG Chris Paul scored seven points in the final 1:23 of the game, including a fadeaway three-pointer that finally "put away" the Knicks in the closing 15 seconds. Paul (16.1-4.7-8.7) has joined Booker (25.5-4.1-4.5) to form a dynamic backcourt duo, while center Ayton averages 15.0 & 10.7 with 32 double-doubles. SFs Bridges (13.1 & 4.4) and Johnson (9.9 & 3.2) have both had solid seasons. On the injury front, PFs Crowder (9.9 & 4.8) and Saric (9.1 & 4.0) are both questionable.

The race for the top-four seeds in the West (Nuggets are four games back of the Jazz, three back of the Suns and two back of the Clippers) will come down to the final week of the season and after losing BOTH previous games to the Clippers, this marks a HUGE game for the Suns. One NEVER knows for sure about the availability of Kawhi but we DO know about the Suns, "Big 3" of Booker, Paul and Ayton. Suns win this "with room to spare!"

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Weekly Wipeout is on the Den Nuggets at 9:10 ET.

The New Orleans Pelicans are off an impressive 120-103 home win over the LA Clippers on Monday but the team had lost FIVE of its previous six games. The Pelicans are just 27-34 and they have just 11 games remaining in the regular season. New Orleans is currently 3 1/2 games back of the Warriors, who currently own the No. 10 seed, the last spot available in the NBA's new "Play-In" tournament (seeds 7-10). The Nuggets lost 113-108 at New Orleans on March 21 but on March 26, eked out a home win over the Pelicans. That victory sparked an EIGHT game winning streak. Back-to-back losses April 11 and 12 snapped that streak but the Nuggets enter this contest having won SIX of seven to reach 40-21. The Nuggets are currently the West's No. 4 seed, two games back of the Clippers, three games back of the Suns and four games back of the Jazz.

Zion Williamson (26.9 & 7.2) has been as good as advertised and the 'haul' the Pelicans got from LA in the A.D. trade has been impressive. SF Ingram (24.2-5.0-4.9), PG Ball (14.1-4.2-5.7) and SG Hart (9.2 & 8.0 off the bench). Throw in Bledsoe (11.9-3.4-3.7) and one wonders just how this team is SEVEN games under .500. Denver center Jokic (26.2-11.0-8.7) is a leading MVP candidate and the Nuggets have continued to play well even after the loss of PG Murray (21.2-4.0-4.8). SF Porter was excellent in last year's bubble and is having a career season, averaging 18.5 & 6.6. The acquisition of Aaron Gordon (11.2 & 4.8) from Orlando has worked great, as although he's not scoring as much as he did with the Magic he's been a "great fit," with Denver going 13-3.

I continue to be confused by the Pelicans but quoting Bill Parcells, "Yore are what your record says you are!" As for the Nuggets, despite losing Jamal Murray (see above) for the season two weeks ago. Then backup PG Monte Morris (10.1 & 3.2 APG) and now swingman Will Barton (12.7-4.0-3.2), are out due to hamstring injuries. Through all this, Denver is 6-1 in its last seven games and 23-6 since Feb 27. Lay the points!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on the Por Blazers at 7:10 ET.

The 32-28 Portland Trail Blazers and the 29-21 Indiana Pacers could each be headed for the NBA's new "Play-In" tournament which will feature the 7-10 seeds in each conference. That would be a MAJOR disappointment to the Blazers, who made the playoffs seven years in a row and were 30-19 before losing NINE of their last 11 (including FIVE in a row). Portland has fallen to the West's No. 7 seed and are just 1 1/2-games up on the West's No. 10 seed. The Pacers were the East's No. 4 seed in last season's playoffs but were swept in the opening round by the Heat. Indiana opened 8-4 (season high four games over .500) but a loss at Portland on Feb 26 dropped them to 15-16 and the Pacers have not been over .500 since. The Pacers are currently the East's No. 9 seed and while they are just 2 1/2-games back of the No. 6 seed (last guaranteed playoff spot), they are also just 3 1/2-games clear of missing the play-in tournament altogether.

The Blazers are led by the dynamic backcourt duo of Lillard (28.4-4.2-7.5) and McCollum (23.3-4.2-4.8) plus Powell has been excellent since coming from Toronto in a trade (has averaged 17.3 PPG in his six games as a Blazer. The ageless Anthony (13.5) has been steady off the bench plus with Nurkic back healthy, Portland has two quality centers. Kanter averages 11.9 & 11.4 and Nurkic 10.2 & 8.3. Offseason acquisitions PF Covington (8.7 & 6.7) and SF Jones (7.1 & 3.8) have been solid.

Indiana's top-two players this season have been PG Brogdon (21.6-5.5-6.0) and PF Sabonis (19.9-11.6-6.) but Saboinis hasn't played since April 18 (back strain), Also out since April 18 have been center Myles Turner (12.6-6.5-3.4 BPG) with a foot injury and SG Jeremy Lamb (10.1) with a knee issue. LeVert (finally healthy) has played the last 24 games and averaged 18.8-4.6-4.1), so the Pacers don't miss Oladipo. Sumner, a fourth-year guard out of Xavier, has started the last four games and averaged 15.0 PPG.

The Pacers enter on a three-game winning streak in which Brogdon has averaged 26.3-10.3-6.7 but the team's 'victims' have been OKC (20-41), Det (19-43) and Hou (15-46). A key for Portland will be the return to form of Lillard, as since returning from a three-game absence due to a hamstring issue, he is averaging 24.0 points and 5.0 assists plus shooting only 34.7% from the floor (29.0% on threes). His season marks are 43.4 and 37.4 percent, respectively. Indiana's three-game win streak means little (see above) and the Pacers are a poor 11-17 at home. Throw in a little 'payback" from losing 111-87 at home to the Pacers on Jan 14 and I see the Blazers winning comfortably in this one. Note: Portland was just a 3 1/2-point favorite at home in that one. Here, on a five-game slide (and losers of NINE of 11), they are favored by about the same margin on the road!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on the Pho Suns at 7:40 ET.

One wondered if the Suns' 8-0 SU & ATS run in the NBA 'bubble' last season was a window into the future. That question has been emphatically answered, as the Suns will snap their 10-season playoff drought in the 2020-21 season. Phoenix is 42-18, the NBA's second-best record. The New York Knicks are playing meaningful games in April for the first time in nearly a decade and at 34-27, are closing in on ending the third-longest playoff drought in the NBA (last playoff appearance was back in the 2012-13 season).

The Suns opened a five-game road swing last Monday in Milwaukee and beat the Bucks in OT. They followed with a three-point win at Philly but have since dropped two in a  row. Phoenix was beaten 99-86 in Boston and then squandered a 13-point lead in the first half of a 128-119 loss at Brooklyn. The Suns wrap up their five-game trip at MSG against a new York team that's won NINE in a row (SEVEN straight at home), the team's longest winning streak since a 13-game run during the 2012-13 season

The 42-18 Suns (.700) are in a virtual tie for second in the West with the Los Angeles Clippers (43-19, .694), two games behind the Utah Jazz and three games up on  Denver (No. 4 seed). The Knicks and Hawks are both 34-27, vying for the No. 4 seed (last team to get the home court edge in Round 1) but both teams are just two games up on Boston and Miami. Neither of those four teams want to finish as the No. 7 seed, putting them into the "Play-In" tournament.

Phoenix is led by the dynamic backcourt of Booker (25.3-4.1-4.5) and Paul (16.0-4.6-8.7) plus center Ayton averages 15.1 & 10.7 with 32 double-doubles. PF Julius Randle (24.0-10.5-6.0) and SF Barrett (17.6 & 5.7) have starred all season for the Knicks but a group of five players (averaging between 10.4-13.8 PPG) are 'flying under the radar.' Both PGs are healthy right now in Rose (13.6 & 4.0 APG) and Payton (11.3 & 3.4 APG). SGs Burks (12.6) and Quickly (11.7) plus SF  Bullock (10.4) complete the group.

The Knicks are the NBA's No. 1 pointspread team (39-21-1) and the Suns are No. 2 (36-23-1) but the Suns are 8 1/2-game better than the Knicks on the season. New York's nine-game winning streak ends in a T-H-U-D!

Good luck...Larry

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

The Denver Nuggets are 38-20 and currently own the West's No. 4 seed (last team to earn home court edge in the first round). The Nuggets are in San Francisco tonight to take on the Warriors who are 29-30. Golden St, which has rebounded form a 15-50 season last year, will need to qualify for this season's playoffs through the "Play-In" tournament (seeds 7-10 play for the 7th and 8th seeds). Golden St is currently three games clear of the Pelicans (11th seed) and just ONE game back of the No. 8 seed. Getting back to Denver, the Nuggets are 3 1/2-games up on the West's No. 5 seed (LA Lakers). 

Tonight's game is a rematch of a 116-107 Golden State home win on April 12, a game in which the Nuggets lost star guard Jamal Murray (21.2-4.0-4.8) for the rest of the season with a knee injury. However, Denver has won FOUR in a row since losing Murray, led by MVP candidate Nikola Jokic. He's averaging 26.4-11.0-8.7 and his 51 double-doubles are an NBA-best. Denver is a very deep team and SF Porter (17.6 & 7.7) is having a career season, swingman Barton (12.9-4.1-3.3) has missed just THREE games all season plus Aaron Gordon has been a HUGE trade deadline acquisition. Gordon's numbers are somewhat modest (10.8 & 4.9) but it's hard to ignore the fact that Denver has gone 11-2 since his first game as a Nugget back on March 28!

Curry (31.1-5.5-5.9) had 53 points in Golden St's April 12th win over Denver but saw his 11-game run of 30-point games come to an end in the Warriors' 118-114 loss at Washington on Wednesday (he scored just 18-points). The Warriors know all about losing injured stars, as Klay Thompson tore his Achilles this past offseason while rehabbing his knee issue. More recently, the team's No. 1 pick of the 2020 Draft, center James Wiseman, was lost for the season (last played on April 10 and was averaging 11.4 & 5.8 for the season). Eric Paschall (9.5 & 2.2), Damion Lee (6.5( and Juan Toscano-Anderson (5.1) are all listed as out for this game.

The Nuggets are determined to hold on to that No. 4 seed (need home court edge to beat the Lakers in the first round) and a little "payback" from their April 12th loss to the Warriors should be the extra-motivation for them to win here by a comfortable margin.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Por Blazers at 10:10 ET.

The Memphis Grizzlies are hoping the return of Jaren Jackson Jr. will be the added boost needed to secure a playoff spot. Jackson (17.4 & 4.6 last season) missed the first 56 games of the season due to August surgery to repair meniscus damage in his left knee but The Grizz were able to go 29-27. Jackson returned on Wednesday when he had 15 points, eight rebounds and four blocked shots in just 18 minutes during a 117-105 road loss against the Los Angeles Clippers. Memphis visits Portland tonight with a 29-29 record, FOUR games clear of the West's No. 11 seed. However, the Grizzlies would sure love to avoid the 7-10 "Play-In" tournament. For them to do that, Memphis needs to catch and pass BOTH the Mavs and Blazers (each are 32-26). 

The Grizzlies have a chance to gain on the Blazers tonight and will get a second chance when the teams meet again on Sunday. Portland badly needs to reverse its fortunes, as the Blazers enter on a three-game slide, as well as having lost EIGHT of their last 11 contests. The last two losses have been 'killers.' The Clippers overcame a five-point deficit with 63 seconds to go to give them a 113-112 victory over Portland on Tuesday and then Norman Powell missed a "floater" as time expired in a 106-105 loss to Denver on Wednesday. The lone "bright spot" in the loss to the Nuggets was that Damian Lillard returned after missing three games with a hamstring injury. He did score 22 points but also shot just 9 of 23, including 2 of 10 on threes.

Both teams have depth, as Jackson joins SEVEN Memphis players averaging in double digits, led by PG Morant (19.1 & 7.3), center Valanciunas (17.0 & 12.6) and SG Brooks (16.6). The not so good news is that Valanciunas has missed the previous two games while going through the league's concussion protocol, and it is unknown if he will suit up Friday. Lillard (28.6-4.2-7.6) is back with McCollum (23.2-4.1-4.8) to form one of the NBA's best backcourts, which has also seen Powell come off the bench to average 17.6 PPG in 14 games since being acquired from Toronto. The ageless Anthony has added 13.6 PPG off the bench plus Portland's 'two-headed' center duo of Kanter (9.3 & 11.6) and Nurkic (9.3 & 7.4) is quite productive.

After two heartbreaking losses, I see this as the "perfect" spit for a Portland breakout win!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Las Vegas Insider is on the Sac Kings at 10:10 ET.

Here's what I wrote in taking the Kings over the T-wolves last night.

The Sacramento Kings were 22-25 entering their final game of March at San Antonio. That put then]m squarely in the 'hunt' for a spot in the West's "Play-In" tournament (seeds 7-10) to determine the West's No. 7 and 8 seeds. However, they were routed by the Spurs that night and that defeat was the first of a NINE-game losing streak. The Kings snapped that slide with a convincing fashion Sunday night in Dallas. The Kings never trailed in a 121-107 over the Mavericks. I'm not sure if the Kings can get back in the "Play-In" race, as they are currently 5 1/2 games back of the current No. 10 seed and only have 15 games remaining in the season.

The Kings welcome the Minnesota Timberwolves to Sacramento for back-to-back home games on Tuesday and Wednesday. Minnesota is 15-43 on the season, tied with the Houston Rockets for the NBA's worst record. The T-wolves 'limp' into Sacramento on a SEVEN-game road losing streak without their second-leading scorer, Malik Beasley. Beasley is averaging 19.6 PPG but has been out since April 2 with a hamstring injury. Center Towns (24.7 & 10.8), PG Russell (19.0 & 4.9 APG) and the 2020 Draft's No. 1 selection, SF Anthony Edwards (18.1), will be on hand. However, as noted, the T-wolves have lost seven straight on the road by an average margin of 10.0 PPG.

Sacramento's surprising win at Dallas was accomplished without center Holmes (14.1 & 8.9), who has missed the last three games because of a hamstring injury. PF Bagley (13.9 & 7.4) has been sidelined since March 15. De'Aaron Fox scored 30 points vs the Mavs and leads the Kings in scoring (25,2) and assists (7.1 APG). Hield (16.5 & 4.5) and rookie Halliburton (12.6 & 5.0 APG) join Fox to give Sacramento an excellent perimeter trio. SF Barnes added 24 points in the win over Dallas and continues to be a significant contributor, averaging 15.7 & 6.6 on the season. Center Hassan Whiteside (8.1 & 6.1) made just his second start of the season on Sunday (finished with 12 points and 10 rebounds). One should take note that in a six-year span (2014-15 thru 2019-20), Hassan averaged 14.3 & 12.2. He's more than capable.

As noted above, the Kings face an uphill climb to get into the "Play-In" tournament but the win at Dallas at least gives them a glimpse of a 'light at the end of the tunnel.' I won't look further than tonight's game but will lay the modest points in this one vs the sad-sack T-wolves, considering the Kings lost 116-106 at Minnesota back on April 5. A little "payback" works here.

The Kings took a four-point lead into the 4th quarter last night and Timberwolves trailed by as many as six points early in the fourth. However, a late 14-0 run led them to outscore the Kings by a 35-17 margin. I talked about the Kings' excellent guard trio of Fox, Hield and Halliburton but they combined to shoot 10 of 38 (26.2%) from the floor. Meanwhile, Minnesota, which shoots 44.3% from the floor on the season (28th of 30 teams), shot 56.7%. I have to come back with the Kings again.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Game of the Week is on the Phi 76ers at 7:10 ET.

The Phoenix Suns head to Philadelphia off a 128-127 overtime road win Monday over the Bucks, in a game that featured 24 lead changes. The Suns are 41-16 and the only team with a better record is the 43-15 Utah Jazz. However, no team owns a better ATS record than the Suns' 36-21 mark. The 76ers are 38-19 (top record in the East) and own one of the NBA's top home records at 22-6. Both teams are capable of challenging for an NBA championship, although for Philly to do so, the 76ers will have to stay healthy

Phoenix owns one of the NBA's best backcourts in Booker (25.4-4.2-4.5) and Paul (15.7-4.6-8.8) and both were outstanding in the win over Milwaukee. Booker finished with 24 points, while Paul added 22 points and 13 assists. Center Ayton is an unsung hero, averaging 15.2 & 10.8 on the season with 31 double-doubles. SF Bridges (12.9 & 4.5) is a fourth double-digit scorer, while forwards Crowder (9.9 & 4.9), Johnson (9.8 & 3.2) and Saric (9.3 & 4.1) just miss.

Philly played without Ben Simmons (illness) and Tobias Harris (knee) in Monday's 107-96 home loss to the Warriors (Steph ripped them for 49 points!). Both players are questionable for tonight's game but I'm expecting at least one of them to play. Harris (20.5 & 7.2) is having a strong season and Simmons (14.8-7.6-7.1) a typical All Star season Center Joel Embiid (29.9 & 11.2) had 28 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists in the loss to the Warriors and is a legitimate MVP candidate. However, his health is always a concern, as he's missed 18 games this season with a variety of injuries. Curry (12.1) typically starts with Simons in the backcourt plus the 76ers have excellent perimeter depth with guard Milton (13.4), Korkmaz (9.4) and even SF Green (9.7 & 3.8).

All season long we've been dealing with the question, "Who's playing tonight?" and it's getting old. I'm hoping Harris and Simmons will play but I'll go with Philly either way, as the Suns are off a HUGE win in OT at Milwaukee, as they continue a tough five-game road trip. 

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Revenge Rout is on the Sac Kings at 10:10 ET.

The Sacramento Kings were 22-25 entering their final game of March at San Antonio. That put then]m squarely in the 'hunt' for a spot in the West's "Play-In" tournament (seeds 7-10) to determine the West's No. 7 and 8 seeds. However, they were routed by the Spurs that night and that defeat was the first of a NINE-game losing streak. The Kings snapped that slide with a convincing fashion Sunday night in Dallas. The Kings never trailed in a 121-107 over the Mavericks. I'm not sure if the Kings can get back in the "Play-In" race, as they are currently 5 1/2 games back of the current No. 10 seed and only have 15 games remaining in the season.

The Kings welcome the Minnesota Timberwolves to Sacramento for back-to-back home games on Tuesday and Wednesday. Minnesota is 15-43 on the season, tied with the Houston Rockets for the NBA's worst record. The T-wolves 'limp' into Sacramento on a SEVEN-game road losing streak without their second-leading scorer, Malik Beasley. Beasley is averaging 19.6 PPG but has been out since April 2 with a hamstring injury. Center Towns (24.7 & 10.8), PG Russell (19.0 & 4.9 APG) and the 2020 Draft's No. 1 selection, SF Anthony Edwards (18.1), will be on hand. However, as noted, the T-wolves have lost seven straight on the road by an average margin of 10.0 PPG.

Sacramento's surprising win at Dallas was accomplished without center Holmes (14.1 & 8.9), who has missed the last three games because of a hamstring injury. PF Bagley (13.9 & 7.4) has been sidelined since March 15. De'Aaron Fox scored 30 points vs the Mavs and leads the Kings in scoring (25,2) and assists (7.1 APG). Hield (16.5 & 4.5) and rookie Halliburton (12.6 & 5.0 APG) join Fox to give Sacramento an excellent perimeter trio. SF Barnes added 24 points in the win over Dallas and continues to be a significant contributor, averaging 15.7 & 6.6 on the season. Center Hassan Whiteside (8.1 & 6.1) made just his second start of the season on Sunday (finished with 12 points and 10 rebounds). One should take note that in a six-year span (2014-15 thru 2019-20), Hassan averaged 14.3 & 12.2. He's more than capable.

As noted above, the Kings face an uphill climb to get into the "Play-In" tournament but the win at Dallas at least gives them a glimpse of a 'light at the end of the tunnel.' I won't look further than tonight's game but will lay the modest points in this one vs the sad-sack T-wolves, considering the Kings lost 116-106 at Minnesota back on April 5. A little "payback" works here.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Mil Bucks at 8:10 ET.

One wondered if the Suns' 8-0 SU & ATS run in the NBA 'bubble' last season was a window into the future. That question has been emphatically answered, as the Suns will snap their 10-season playoff drought in the 2020-21 season. Phoenix is 40-16, the NBA's second-best record (Utah is 1 1/2 games ahead with the NBA's and West's top record) The Suns open a five-game road swing Monday night when they play the Eastern Conference's third-place team, the Milwaukee Bucks. The Bucks owned the NBA's best regular season record in each of the last two regular seasons (116-39 combined, for a .748 win percentage) but the current season has been erratic. Milwaukee trails the East's top team (Philly) by four games and is 2 1/2-games back of second-place Brooklyn. The Bucks welcome the Suns (owners of the NBA's best record at 17-7) to Fiserv Forum having lost FOUR consecutive home games!

The Suns have won 11 of their last 13 games, although the Suns had a four-game winning streak snapped Saturday in a 111-85 loss to San Antonio (26-point blowout marks Phoenix's worst loss of the season). Phoenix has leaned on its backcourt duo of Booker (25.5-4.1-4.5) and Paul (15.6-4.6-8.7) all season but since scoring 29 points in an overtime win over NBA-leading Utah on April 7, Paul has not scored more than 13 points in Phoenix's SIX subsequent games. However, center Deandre Ayton has had at least 18 points in SIX of his seven games since April 5, before finishing with just eight against San Antonio. Ayton is averaging 15.1 & 10.8 on the season with 30 double-doubles.

Milwaukee has EIGHT players contributing regularly, SIX averaging in double digits (Forbes just misses at 9.7). Giannis (28.4-112.-6.1) leads the way, followed by SF Middleton (20.1-6.1-5.6) and PG Holiday (17.2-4.5-5.5). The Bucks had scored 120 points or more over a three-game winning streak heading into their 128-115 loss Saturday against Memphis. Despite the defeat, all five Milwaukee starters scored in double figures. Two-time reigning Most Valuable Player Giannis Antetokounmpo was productive in his second game back from a six-game absence due to a knee injury, getting 28 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists.

Both teams are off losses but the Suns lost by 26. Normally, I'd stay away from going against Phoenix off that blowout loss but this contest HAS to be one the Bucks have 'circled.' Milwaukee NEEDS to get back on the winning track at home (four consecutive home losses are unacceptable!) plus the Bucks can't possibly forget their 125-124 loss in Phoenix back on Feb 10. Booker had 30 points and Chris Paul added 28 points and seven assists in that one, while Antetokounmpo scored 47 points. However, the Bucks' reserves finished with just 22 points. Bucks are the bet in this one!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Mia Heat at 3:40 ET.

The Brooklyn Nets lost 123-117 Wednesday night at Philadelphia, falling ONE game of the 76ers for the East's No. 1 seed. The Nets showed off their depth Friday during a 130-115 win over the Charlotte Hornets. Brooklyn went 21-of-41 from three-point range, led by Joe Harris' 6-for-9 shooting from long distance. Harris scored 26 points while Kevin Durant had 25 points and 11 assists.

The 38-18 Nets remain one game back of the 76ers as they visit Miami on Sunday. The reigning Eastern Conference champions have slipped to seventh place in the East, which would regulate them to the play-in tournament for the final two playoff spots. At 28-28, the Heat are 1 1/2-games back of the Knicks (East's No. 6 seed). The Heat return home having lost THREE in a row, including Friday night at the sad-sack Minnesota (T-wolves are just 15-42).

James Harden (25.4-8.7-11.0 in 34 games with the Nets) has been sidelined since April 5 sidelined with a right-hamstring strain and LaMarcus Aldridge just recently announced his retirement due to a heart issue. Brooklyn also lost PG Chris Chiozza (hand surgery) and has been playing without Tyler Johnson (right-knee soreness). K.D. (28.17.0-5.4) is back (for now) but has 33 missed games this season plus one never quite knows Kyrie's (27.5-4.8-6.1) status day-to-day.

Jimmy Butler (21.4-7.-7.2) had 30 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists at Minnesota in Friday's loss but it wasn't enough. Miami's starting lineup (all healthy here) featured Butler and Ariza (8.3 PPG in 15 games with the Heat and an excellent defender) in the frontcourt with Adebayo (19.0-9.2-5.2). Nunn (13.3) and Robinson (13.0) started at guard position with Herro (14.9 & 4.90 and Dragic (13.1 & 4.4 APG) coming off the bench. That's a VERY good seven-man rotation that is WAAY better than that of a .500 team.

This home dog 'barks' LOUDLY!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Situational Stunner is on the Por Blazers at 8:40 ET.

Gregg Popovich's first full season as the Spurs' head coach was in 1997-98 and beginning with that year, he led San Antonio to 22 consecutive postseasons, while winning FIVE championships (1999, 2003, 2005, 2007 and 2014). That remarkable streak came to an end in last year's pandemic-shortened season and "Pop" and his Spurs could miss for a second straight year here in the 2020-21 season. The Spurs are currently 26-27, which places them 10th in the West. Seeds 8 through 10 are tightly-bunched (separated by only ONE game) but the underachieving Pelicans (dreaded No. 11 seed) are just two games back of San Antonio. Earning a No. 6 seed (which would avoid the Play-In route), seems like a 'bridge too far' (Spurs are 4 1/2-games back) but San Antonio should qualify for the "Play-In" tourney, giving Pop a chance to "coach'em up" and into a 7 or 8 seed.

That current No. 6 seed is 31-23 Portland. The Blazers have been to SEVEN straight postseasons and need to hold off the 30-24 Mavs, for the last guaranteed spot, or fall into the "Play-In" format. Portland won its final four games of March to reach 29-18 but has opened April 2-5. The Trail Blazers have lost four of their last five games and are just 2-8 since the All-Star break against teams that currently have winning records. However, at 26-27, the Spurs are NOT a winning team.

The Spurs missed an excellent opportunity to pick up a win on Wednesday, when they were outplayed by the Raptors, who were missing four key players on the second game of a back-to-back. The Raptors outrebounded San Antonio 54-42 and had 13 fast-break points and 48 points in the paint to the Spurs' 36. This is not "your father's Spurs" but they have SEVEN double digits scorers, led by DeRozan (21.1-4.3-7.2) plus the 7-1 Poeltl (8.0 & 8.0) has done a credible job replacing Aldridge.

The Blazers are back healthy and Lillard (28.7-4.2-7.7) and McCollum (23.2-4.9-4.7) are now joined in the backcourt by Powell (16.7 PPG in 10 games since the trade). Both centers are now healthy, Kanter (12.1 & 11.9) and Nurkic (9.2 & 7.6), plus Anthony (13.3) has been excellent off the bench all season. Portland needs to get back on the winning track in a hurry, as the Mavs are lurking plus with Murray out for the season, catching the Nuggets (Portland trails Denver by just three games) is NOT of the question. The Blazers will surely remember getting CRUSHED 125-104 at home by the Spurs back in Portland on Jan 18. 

Good luck...Larry

My 10* ESPN Game of the Month is on the Phi 76ers at 7:10 ET.

The Los Angeles Clippers are riding a SEVEN-game winning streak as they visit Philadelphia tonight to take on the 76ers. LA's most recent victory was a gritty 100-98 come-from-behind win on the road over the Detroit Pistons, when Reggie Jackson made the game-winning jumper with 2.3 seconds left. Even more notably, the Clippers played without Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, Serge Ibaka, Patrick Beverley and Marcus Morris. The Clippers' winning streak gives them a 39-18 record, having climbed with two games of the Suns and three games of the top-seed in the West, the Jazz. The Clippers have opened a three-game margin on the Nuggets (now without Murray for the rest of the season), a 4 1/2-game margin over the Lakers (still without LBJ and A.D.) and 6 1/2-game bulge on the Blazers.

Philadelphia (38-17) took over the top of the Eastern Conference with a 123-117 victory over the Brooklyn Nets (37-18) on Wednesday, Joel Embiid finished with 39 points and 13 rebounds and over his last five games has averaged 30.2 points and 9.0 rebounds. The 76ers own a modest three-game winning streak but there is NOTHING modest about the team's 20-7 record since mid-Feb or its 21-5 home record (only the 25-3 Jazz are better).

Here's the rub. Kawhi missed the Detroit game with a sore right foot, while Ibaka continues to deal with a lingering lower-back issue. Beverley is out for the next month with a broken left hand, and the Clippers chose to give George and Morris a day of rest. Attempting to guess what lineup LA head coach Tyronn Lue will use tonight is no better than a crap shoot. What we KNOW is this. Joel Embiid did not play in the first game between the teams due to a knee injury, as the Clippers won 122-122 in Doc Rivers first game against the team he coached the previous SEVEN seasons back on March 27. Embiid will play here and he's looking every bit the part of a league MVP. The ESPN cameras will be watching and expect Rivers and Embiid to deliver a little 'payback' in this one.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on the NO Pelicans at 8:10 ET.

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

My 10* Oddsmaker's Error of the Month is on the Por Blazers at 10:10 ET.

The Boston Celtics entered their Sunday game in Denver having won FOUR of five but those four wins had come over Houston and Minnesota (currently tied for the NBA's worst record at 14-4) plus wins over the Hornets and Knicks (two teams that are basically .500 teams). The loss came at home to Philly. The Denver game was a test and I guess the Celtics 'passed.' However, Boston was down 14 points with just over 14 minutes left in that game, before outscoring the Nuggets 40-8. Kudos to Boston but what happened to the Nuggets, who followed Sunday's collapse by allowing Curry to score 53 points last night in a loss at Golden St? Portland is dealing with its own issues after sustaining four losses in the last six games, with those four defeats during the stretch coming by an average of 15.8 points!

Tatum (25.7-7.1-4.2) and Brown (24.3-5.8-3.5) have been terrific all season plus guards Walker (17.6 & 5.0 APG) and Smart (13.4 & 5.6 APG) have put injuries behind them. Theis (9.5 & 5.2) was moved at the trade deadline, so it's Williams (9.5 & 5.2) and Thompson (8.0 & 7.0) sharing center duties. Lillard (28.7-4.2-7.6) is having another All Star season plus fellow guard McCollum (23.5-3.8-4.6) and center Nurkic (9.3 & 7.5) are back after missing significant time with injuries. Antony (13.1) has been solid all season off the bench, center Kanter (12.1 & 11.9) filled in for Nurkic when he was out and continues to play well since his return. PF Covington (9.1 & 6.6) and SF Jones (7.7 & 4.1)) were added prior to the season and have been solid. Tent (15.0) was moved at the trade deadline but in return the Blazers got Powell, who has averaged 16.3 points in his nine games as a Blazers.

Boston's 28-26 (East's No. 7 seed) but is just ONE game back of the East's No. 4 seed (Atlanta). Portland is 31-22 (No. 6 seed), two games up on Dallas and 3 1/2 up on Memphis. Ahead of them are the Lakers (by 1 1/2-games) and the Nuggets (by 2 1/2-games). I think the Blazers are undervalued here and expect a solid win but any kind of a win will "get the cash" with this pointspread.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Ultimate Underdog is on the Dal Mavericks at 7:40 ET.

MVP candidate Joel Embiid recently missed 10 games with a bone bruise on his left knee but the 76ers went 7-3 without him. Embiid (29.4 & 11.1) is back and the 76ers are tied with the Nets  for the East's best record (36-17, three games up on the Bucks. Dallas ended a three-year playoff drought last season, led by another potential MVP contender, Luka Doncic. The Mavs were 43-32 (.573) last season but lost in the first round of the playoffs. Much was expected from Dallas this season but at 29-23 (.558), the Mavs are currently the West's No. 7 seed and have surely not overachieved. They are 5 1/2 games up on the West's No. 11 seed (getting into the "Play-In" round which includes the 7-10 seeds seems assured) but they desperately want to catch the 6th-seeded Blazers, who lead them by 1 1/2 games. 

Joining Embiid in Philly's starting lineup are typically PF Harris (20.6 & 7.3), SF Green (9.8 & 3.7) plus guards Simmons (15.0-7.7-7.0) and Curry (12.3), guard Milton (13.7) has been a consistent scorer off the bench plus veteran center Howard has played all 53 games, averaging 6,8 & 8,3 in only 17 minutes. Guard Korkmaz (9.0) has been a nice surprise and just added 20 points and five steals in Philly's 117-93 win at Oklahoma City on Saturday (Embiid led with 27 points and nine rebounds).

Dallas has been streaky all season and hopes to avoid its third loss in four games when hosting the Sixers tonight. The Mavericks fell 119-117 to the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday, as DeMar DeRozan hit the winning jumper with 0.5 seconds remaining. Kristaps Porzingis (20.7 & 9.4) paced the Mavericks with 31 points and 15 rebounds while Doncic (28.5-8.1-8.7) added 29 points and seven assists. Doncic has 25 or more points in 11 of his last 13 games. Fellow guards Josh Richardson (12.5) had 16 points and Jalen Brunson (12.8-3.5-3.4) had 11 against the Spurs. Swingman Hardaway (16.2) has mostly come off the ne[-bench, with the Mavs' preferred starters at the forward position are Finney-Smith (8.9 & 5.5) and Kleber (7.6 & 5.5).

Here's the rub. The Mavs can play with any team and I view them as a VERY 'live' home dog in this one!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Situational Stunner is on the NY Knicks at 7:40 ET.

The Lakers are coming off their best performance since losing both A.D, and LBJ to injuries, Davis (22.5 & 8.4) has missed 25 straight contests due to a strained right calf and James (25.4-7.9-7.9) has missed 11 straight games with a right ankle sprain. The Lakers are 12-13 since Davis last played on Feb.14 at Denver, while they are 5-6 in the 11 games that LBJ has missed. The 33-20 Lakers (No. 5 seed in the West) will be playing their 12th game without the duo, when they visit MSG against the Knicks. New York is 27-27 on the season (East's No. 8 seed) and the Knicks are playing meaningful games in April for the first time in nearly a decade.

LA shot 50.5% (including 19 of 34 on threes) in a 126-101 rout over the Nets in Brooklyn on Saturday. Kyle Kuzma (12.6 & 6.8) has a left calf strain, Wesley Matthews (right Achilles tendon tightness) and Marc Gasol (left hamstring soreness) all sat out on Saturday, plus Dennis Schroder (15.2-3.5-5.3) ejected early in the third quarter. Somehow, the Lakers placed a season-high eight players into double figures while tying a season best with 19 three-pointers. Recently acquired Andre Drummond led the way with 20 points and 11 rebounds in his second game back from sitting out three games with a toe injury. The other four starters (Schroder, Talen Horton-Tucker, Markieff Morris and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope) all scored at least 14 points. 

The Knicks are back in action about 21 hours after holding on for a 102-96 win over the visiting Toronto Raptors on Sunday night. It was New York's second straight win decided by six points or less, following consecutive two-point road losses to the Boston Celtics and Brooklyn Nets and a stretch of FIVE losses in six games. PF Julius Randle (22.8-10.7-6.0) and SF Barrett (17.6 & 5.8) have starred all season for the Knicks. Randle scored eight of his 26 points in the fourth quarter vs the Raptors, while RJ Barrett finished with 19 points, including a clutch three-pointer with 34.9 seconds left. That came two nights after hitting the tie-breaking three-pointer in overtime to beat the Memphis Grizzlies. The Knicks are 'flying under the radar' with FIVE more players averaging between 9.7 and 13.1 PPG. Both PGs are healthy right now in Rose (13.1 & 4.0 APG) and Payton (11.8 & 3.4) plus three SGs are contributing. Burks adds 12.6 & 4.4, Quickly 12.0 and Bullock 9.7.

Not sure where LA's 25-point win over the Nets came from but it's likely that Kuzma, Matthews and Gasol will all miss on Monday. The Knicks are a scrappy bunch and catch the Lakers in a HUGE 'letdown' situation off the win vs Brooklyn.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Revenge Game of the Month is on the Den Nuggets at 3:10 ET.

The Boston Celtics were expected to be among the East's best teams but despite wins in four of their last five games, the Celtics are just 27-26. They are NINE games back of Philadelphia and Brooklyn (both are 36-17) and 5 1/2-games back of Milwaukee (No. 3 seed). Boston finds itself in a life-and-death struggle to avoid the NBA's new "Play-In" tournament, which will feature the 7-10 seeds. Meanwhile, the Nuggets have won EIGHT straight and 17 of their past 20, including the last three without second-leading scorer Jamal Murray, who is sidelined with right-knee soreness. Denver is currently 34-18 but the top of the Western Conference is loaded with strong teams (Jazz, Suns, Clippers and the Lakers, when they get healthy.

Boston's "Big 3" these days are Tatum (25.7-7.0-4.3), Brown (24.3-5.7-3.5) and Walker (17.7 & 5.0 APG). The Celtics rallied at home to beat Minnesota in overtime on Friday night, led by a career-high 53 points from Jayson Tatum. Team-leader Smart (13.4 & 5.6 APG) missed 19 games but has been back since the All Star break plus PF/C Thompson (8.0 & 6.9) had been out since mid-March, before returning for Boston's last two games. Theis (9.5 & 5.2) was moved at the trade deadline but the good news has been that Robert Williams averaged 11.2 & 9.3 when Thompson was sidelined. Fournier (19.7 PPG while with Orlando) has averaged 11.5 PPG in his four games with Boston.

Denver was just 17-17 on the morning of Feb 26 but has since gone 17-3 to move up in the West to the No. 4 seed. Nikola Jokic (26.7-10.9-8.8) has put himself into strong contention for the MVP Award this year and had his 13th triple-double of the season and 54th of his career in Friday's 121-119 win over the San Antonio Spurs. Aaron Gordon and Michael Porter Jr. have benefited from Jokic's court vision. Porter (17.1 & 7.6) had 22 points and 10 rebounds in Friday's win, the fifth time in the past seven games he has recorded a double-double. Gordon (acquired from Orlando before the trade deadline) is averaging 12.3 & 3.7 in his seven games with Denver (all wins). Denver's winning streak has enabled coach Mike Malone to sit Murray (21.3-4.0-4.8). Swingman Barton (12.9-4.2-3.2) has only missed THREE games this season and backup PG Morris (10.6) is back after being out since mid-March, averaging 12.0 PPG in his four games since April 4. Veteran PF Millsap ((9.2 & 4.8) has been solid, while PF Green (8.4 & 5.2) and SG Dozier (6.9 & 3.8) have contributed all season off the bench.

Denver is a complete team and should remember losing 112-99 at Boston back on Feb 16 and Boston's upcoming three-game road trip (at Denver, Portland and the Lakers) will be quite a challenge for a Boston team that has come nowhere its 2020-21 expectations. Lay the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Weekly Wipeout is on the CS Warriors at 10:10 ET.

The Washington Wizards are on a season-long, six-game road trip and it continues Friday when they visit the Golden State Warriors in San Francisco. The Wizards won 131-116 at Orlando on Wednesday, snapping a four-game losing streak to give them an 18-32 record. Washington finds itself FOUR games back of the East's 10th seed, the last team that will get into the NBA's "Play-In" tournament (seeds 7-10). The host Warriors last played on Tuesday, snapping a three-game skid when they outlasted the Milwaukee Bucks 122-121. Golden St is 24-27, giving them a two-game lead over the Pelicans for the West's 10th seed, as well as just ONE game behind the No. 9 seed San Antonio.

Russell Westbrook (21.8-10.5-10.6) finished with 23 points,14 rebounds and 15 assists vs the Magic, his sixth triple-double in the past seven games. He is now only 15 behind Oscar Robertson for most triple-doubles in NBA history. More good news for Washington was that Bradley Beal returned after missing the previous five games with a hip injury. Beal (31.2-4.8-4.8) is the NBA's leading scorer and totaled 26 points on Wednesday. Second-year forward Rui Hachimura (14.1 & 5.9) also returned to the lineup from a brief absence with a shoulder injury, meaning Washington is the closest to full strength it has been all season.

Curry had 41 points against the Bucks, his FOURTH straight game of 30-plus points, He's averaging 29.7-5.5-6.0 on the season and speaking of being healthy, the Warriors had their preferred starting lineup intact vs Milwaukee. Oubre (15.1 & 6.0) joined Curry in the backcourt, rookie Wiseman (11.9 & 5.9) started at center, while Wiggins (18.0 & 4.8) and Green (6.4-6.5-8.5) started at the two forward positions.

The Warriors are off that big win over the Bucks but it came on Tuesday, so the team has had a few days to settle in after that 'high.' This game begins a VERY favorable stretch of games for the Warriors, as after the Wizards, they play the Rockets, Nuggets, Thunder and Cavs. Other than the game vs Denver, note that Washington is 18-32, Houston is 14-37, OKC is 20-32 and Cleveland is 19-32. Lay the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on the LA Clippers at 10:10 ET.

The 38-12 Jazz are 38-12 played at the 35-14 Suns last night, with the Suns earning a hard-fought 117-113 overtime victory. Phoenix moved with 1 1/2-games of the Jazz (West's No. 1 seed) and improved their NBA-best ATS record to 33-17. However, there is no rest for the weary, as the Suns visit Staples Center tonight to take on the LA Clippers, who own the West's current No. 3 seed at 34-18. The Clippers trail the Suns by three games but also have to 'look over their shoulders,' as the Nuggets are just a half-game back and the Lakers just 1 1/2 games back. Phoenix has won seven straight entering Thursday's contest and 11 of their last 13, while the Clippers are in midst of a nine-game homestand and enter having won eight of their last 10 games.

The Suns' top-three players, guards Booker (26.1-4.1-4.5) and Paul (16.3-4.7-8.8) plus center Ayton (14.8 7 10.8) starred last night. Booker scored 35, Paul had 29 and nine assists and Ayton served up his 26th double-double of the season (18 & 12). SF Bridges (13.1 & 4.7) is a regular starter, while PF Crowder (10.2 & 5.) has started 32 of his 47 games. PF Saric (9.9 & 4.3) and SF Johnson (9.8 & 3.3) come in just under double digits.

Naturally, the Clippers are led by Kawhi (25.8-6.7-5.0) and George (22.5-6.7-5.4) but this team is very deep. Ibaka (10.9 & 6.7) has been out since mid-March but Zubac has taken over as a starter and averaged 10.6 & 8.7 since March 15. PG Beverley (8.3 & 3.7) went out Mar 12 and just came back on Tuesday but Jackson stepped in to averaged 13.2 PPG in March and 12.0 in three April games. MPF Morris (12.6 & 3.9), swingman Batum (8.3 & 4.9) and SG Kennard (8.1) have been contributing all season.

It was a HUGE win for the Suns last night vs the Jazz (in OT, no less) and it's at Staples vs a Clipper team that's won EIGHT of 10, looking to gain some ground on the Suns. Great situation for the Clipps. Lay the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Game of the Month is on the Ut Jazz at 10:10 ET.

The Utah Jazz were the West's No. 6 seed in last season's playoffs in Orlando but after taking a 3-1 lead over the Nuggets (No.  3 seed), lost the final three games of that first-round series. As for the Suns, despite an 8-0 SU & ATS run in the Orlando 'bubble,' the Suns found themselves on the outside-looking-in on the playoffs for the 10th consecutive season. However, as the Jazz and Suns get together in Phoenix on Wednesday, the teams own the two-best records in the Western Conference. The Jazz are 38-12 and the Suns are 35-14, 2 1/2-games back. The teams also own the NBA's two-best ATS records, the Suns checking in at 32-17 and the Jazz at 31-19.

The Jazz opened the season just 4-4 but then 'blitzed' the league by winning 22 of 24 games from Jan 8 through Feb 24. Utah then went 3-5 over an eight-game span, before ripping off NINE straight wins from March 19 through April 3. However, the Jazz enter this contest off a 111-103 loss Monday at Dallas. Utah's starting-five has been strong all season, led by SG Mitchell (25.4-4.4-5.4) and PG Conley (16.6 & 5.5 APG). Center Gobert (14.6 & 13.2) is surrounded by forwards Bogdanovich (14.8 & 3.9) and O'Neale (7.1 & 6.6). Then there is the NBA's favorite for Sixth-Man of the year, Jordan Clarkson, who is averaging 17.3 PPG. SG Ingles (13 starts) adds 11.8-3.7-4.1 plus the 6-9 Favors was brought back to the Jazz in the offseason and is averaging 5.8 & 5.5 in about 15 minutes per game.

The big offseason move by Phoenix was trading for PG Chris Paul and he's delivered, averaging 16.0-4.7-8.8. He joins Booker (25.9-4.1-4.6) to form an outstanding backcourt duo. Center Ayton (14.8 & 10.8) and SF Bridges (13.4 & 4.7) have both started and played in all 50 games, while Crowder (also an offseason pickup) has started 31 of his 46 games while averaging 10.3 & 4.9.Also making significant contributions have been PF Saric (10.1 & 4.1) and SF Johnson (9.8 & 3.2).

After this game, Utah returns home for FIVE straight home games, with only Portland owning a winning record among the five teams visiting Salt Lake City. This is the second meeting between the Jazz and Suns this season, the first being back on New Year's Eve when the Suns won 106-95 win in Salt Lake City. Think Utah will remember? That defeat marked the LAST time the Jazz have lost a home game. Coming off a loss in Dallas, expect Utah to get the "W" in this one.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the Mia Heat at 8:05 ET.

The Memphis Grizzlies had lost three of four before winning back-to-back games at home to Minnesota (120-108) and 116-100 at Philadelphia, who played without Embiid. Memphis 24-23 and currently owns the No. 8 seed in the West. However, the Grizzlies are FIVE games back of the No. 6, the last position guaranteed to make the postseason. Seeds 7 through 10 will enter a "Play-In" format. Miami's season has featured both extended winning and losing streaks and the Heat enter this game on a four-game winning streak, which has followed a SIX-game losing streak. 26-24 Miami is currently tied with the Hawks as the teams battle for the No. 4 seed in the East. However, behind the East's top-three seeds, the field is crowded, as Miami is just 1 1/2-games up on the No. 8 seed.

The Grizzlies' impressive win at Philly opened a four-game road trip, as center Jonas Valanciunas (16.2 & 12.5) collected 16 points and 21 rebounds. It was his 10th straight double-double with Valanciunas recording 17 straight games with at least 10 rebounds. Memphis had SEVEN players in double figures on Sunday. Joining Valanciunas in double digits on the season are Morant (19.0 & 7.5 APG), Brooks (16.1), Anderson (12.3-5.8-3.4), Clarke (11.7 & 5.5) and Allen (10.1) Melton has missed 12 games this season but in his 35 games (just one start), also averages 10.1 PPG.

Miami's winning streak began with back-to-back road wins at the Knicks and Pacers, followed by home wins over the Warriors and then Saturday's 115-101 victory over the Cavs. That was a rare double-digit win for the Heat, which shot 53.7 percent and had SEVEN players in double figures. Butler (21.2-7.5-7.3) and Adebayo (19.3-9.6-5.3) are All Stars but with the Heat healthier than they've been all season, their depth is impressive. Guards Herro (13.3), Dragic (13.5 & 4.6 APG) and Robinson (13.1 & 3.8) are now finally joined by Oladipo, who has played back-to-back games, averaging 26.5 MPG while scoring 14 points and handing out 10 assists in his first two contests with the Heat. SF Ariza is also a new addition (9 games / 6 starts) and he's an excellent defender, averaging 7.1 & 4.1

Before Miami's four-game winning streak, it had lost six consecutive games, beginning March 17 at Memphis 89-85. In that meeting, Jimmy Butler led all scorers with 24 but it was not enough for the Heat as Memphis' balanced scoring (Morant, De'Anthony Melton and Kyle Anderson each had 13) was too much for a Miami team playing its fifth game in seven nights. That's NOT the case here, as the Heat haven't played since Saturday. In its four-game winning streak, Miami has regained a key component, its defensive identity. The Heat have held its last four 'victims' to an average of just 96.3 PPG.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Rivalry Game of the Month is on the Bos Celtics at 7:35 ET.

The Boston Celtics were expected to be among the East's best teams but welcome Philadelphia to TD Garden just 25-25 on the season. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia 76ers (one of Boston's fiercest rivals) sit 34-16, just a half-game back of the Nets (current No. 1 seed in the East). The Milwaukee Bucks are 1 1/2-games back of the 76ers, as those three teams have separated themselves from the rest of the Eastern Conference teams. The Celtics are currently the No. 7 seed and will desperately want to avoid the "Play-In" round which features seeds 7 through 10.

Joel Embiid returned from a 10-game absence due to a bone bruise in his left knee on Saturday during Philadelphia's 122-113 victory over Minnesota (had 24 & 8), but sat out Sunday's 116-100 loss to Memphis. "Any player who has been out three weeks and then plays in a game, you probably don't play him in a (back-to-back), it's just smart," Sixers head coach Doc Rivers said. "This one was pretty simple. This wasn't a hard decision for any of us." Embiid is averaging 29.8 & 11.3 in 32 games this season and expects to be on the floor in this one. The rest of Philly's starting-five consists of PF Harris (20.8 & 7.3) and SF Green (9.6 & 3.7) plus guards Simmons (15.2-7.9-7.2) and Curry (12.7). Milton (14.1) has been the best scorer off the bench but kudos to veteran center Howard (7.0 & 8.3), who has played in every game this season.

Part of Boston's problem this season has been staying healthy. However, head coach Brad Stevens likes the balance and cohesiveness his healthier roster is playing with these days. All Stars Tatum (25.2-7.0-4.3) and Brown (24.3-5.7-3.6) have only missed a handful of games but PG Walker (17.9-3.6-4.8) didn't get on the court until and team-leader Smart (12.9 & 5.5 APG) missed 19 games from. Big Man Thompson (7.9 & 8.4) has been out since mid-march, while Theis (9.5 & 5.2) was moved at the trade deadline. The good news has been Robert Williams has averaged 11.8 & 9.3 with Thompson sidelined, including 18.0 & 8.5 in Boston's back-to-back wins. Then there is the recently acquired Fournier (19.7 PPG while with Orlando), who followed up his seven 3-pointers in a win Friday night against the Houston Rockets with four more vs Charlotte to finish with 17 points!

The Sixers swept back-to-back games against the Celtics in Philadelphia back on Jan 20 and 22, so expect the revenge motive to play a big part in this rivalry game that turns into a Boston rout!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* LEGEND Play is on Gonzaga at 9:20 ET.

Gonzaga opened the season as the AP's No. 1 team, while Baylor opened as the nation's second-ranked team. Gonzaga stayed atop the polls all season and entered the NCAA Tournament at 26-0 and as its No. 1 overall seed. Baylor opened 17-0 but COVID-19 nearly derailed Baylor's dream season, with the Bears being forced to pause for three weeks in February. Baylor's unbeaten season was quickly tarnished with a 13-point loss at Kansas in their second game back and for one week (Mar 1), fell out of the No. 2 spot. The Bears lost again in the semifinals of the Big 12 tournament but entered the "Big Dance" No. 2 in the AP poll and as one of four, No. 1 seeds .

You all know what happened Saturday, as Baylor routed Houston (a No. 2 seed) 78-59 while 11th-seeded UCLA took Gonzaga to OT before losing 93-90 on Jalen Suggs' three-pointer from 30-plus feet. Baylor is 27-2 and Gonzaga 31-0 as the tourneys top-two seeds meet in the national championship for the first time since 2005, when North Carolina beat unbeaten Illinois 75-50. Deja vu? One could also bring up the fact that Gonzaga has won 29 of its 31 games this year by double digits but BOTH single-digit wins have come here in Indianapolis, Dec 2 over West Va (87-82) and of course Saturday vs UCLA.

Both head coaches come in with great resumes but each are missing that elusive national title. Scott Drew took over a devastated Baylor program in the 2003-04 season and since 2007-08, has turned the Bears into one of the best programs in the country. Baylor won the NIT in 2013 and had made eight NCAA tourney appearances (26-4 last season would have made nine) entering this season. Baylor won its first-ever Big 12 regular-season title this season, the first league championship since the Bears won the SWC regular season in 1950. This is Drew's ninth NCAA appearance with the Bears and Baylor reached the Sweet 16 for the FIFTH time in the last 12 years. This year's Elite 8 appearance was his third with Baylor and now it's his first Final Four appearance (third in school history). With a win over Houston, Baylor's in its second national championship game lost to Kentucky in 1948).

Gonzaga has played in 22 straight NCAA tournaments. The Bulldogs burst into relevance with an Elite Eight run in 199 under their former head coach, Dan Monson, He left for Minnesota after that breakthrough with Mark Few taking over and making 21 straight Big Dance appearances. Gonzaga advanced to back-to-back Sweet 16s in 2000 and 2001. The program made another jump in 2006 when Adam Morrison became a high-scoring phenom. Seven years later, Gonzaga earned a No. 1 seed in the tournament for the first time in 2013. Four years after that, the Bulldogs made it to their first Final Four and lost to North Carolina in the 2017 title game. However, the road hasn’t always been smooth. From 2007 to 2014, Few’s teams failed to advance out of the first weekend SEVEN times in eight tournaments, with the Zags becoming targets of March ridicule (overrated and over-seeded).

I had a HUGE play on Baylor vs Houston, pointing out that the Cougars may not have been quite as good as their record indicated. I couldn't have been more 'on target!' Houston earned a No. 2 seed, so the Cougars opened against a No. 15 seed in Cleveland St. However, Houston then benefitted by drawing a 10-seed in Rutgers, an 11-seed in Syracuse and a 12-seed in Oregon St. NO team had ever had an easier route to a Final 4 since the advent of the 64-team field. Yes, Houston had held four NCAA tourney opponents to just 55.7 PPG but not counting the game vs Cleveland St, the Houston offense had managed just 63, 62 and 67 points in beating Rutgers, Syracuse and Oregon State. Baylor knew a little about playing defense as well plus Baylor has faced 12 top-30 NET-ranked teams since January, compared to Houston's two. It was "no-contest" from the start.

Baylor is led by a great and deep perimeter group. Butler (16.6 & 4.7) is the top scorer, followed by Teague (15.8 & 4.0) and Mitchell (14.0 & 5.5 APG). The 6-5 Vital (5.6 & 6.5) is listed as a guard but plays more like a power forward and is the team's top rebounder and one of its best defenders. The 6-10 Thamba (3.7 7 3.9) starts but contributes little. The 6-8 Tchatchoua added 11 & 6 vs Houston but in Baylor's first four tourney games, averaged only 4.0 & 3.3. The Bears also get scoring off the bench from guards Flager (9.0) and Mayer (8.3). Baylor averages 84.4 PPG (49.3% shooting) plus leads the nation in three-point accuracy at 41.8%.

However, the Bears are facing a Gonzaga team averaging nation-highs in scoring (92.1 PPG) and in FG percentage (55.1%). Gonzaga features a first-team All American in the 6-7 Kispert (18.8 & 5.0) plus two third-team members in the 6-10 Timme (19.2 & 7.1) and freshman guard Suggs (14.1-5.5-4.6). The starting-five also includes guards Ayayi (12.2 & 7.0) and Nembhard (9.2 & 4.4 APG). All avergaev 28-plus minutes per game. Gonzaga 'dodged a bullet' against UCLA and will HAVE to play better defense than it did against the Bruins, as the Bulldogs allowed UCLA to shoot 57.6% (8 of 17 on threes) plus forced just 10 TOs!

I've had a feeling all season that this would be the year when "The Little Engine that Couldn't" (aka Gonzaga), finally broke through. Bottom line is this. Suggs, Ayayi and Nembhard matchup favorably with Baylor's outstanding perimeter players, while I just don't believe that Baylor can match up with Kispert and Timme. Unlike in past seasons, Gonzaga has played EIGHT Power-5 conference teams, with Timme averaging 24.0 & 7.0 and Kispert 20.1 PPG, while for good measure, freshman Suggs has averaged 15.6-5.8-5.1 against those same teams. Gonzaga got its 'scare' Saturday and I expect Monday to be a coronation. 

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Weekend Wipeout is on the Phi 7ers at 7:05 ET.

The 23-23 Memphis Grizzlies begin a four-game road trip with a stop in Philadelphia on Sunday. Memphis is currently 9th in the West, a half-game back of the 8th-seed. Seeds 7 through 10 enter a "Play-In" format for the final two seeds in each conference and Memphis is three games back of the No. 7 and also three games up on the 11-seed, the last team out of the playoff picture. The 76ers welcome the Grizzlies to Philadelphia off a 122-113 Saturday victory over the Timberwolves. which allowed them to move into a tie with the Brooklyn Nets for the East's best record (both teams are 34-15).

Memphis is also off a game with Minnesota, when the Grizzlies beat the Timberwolves 120-108 on Friday in Memphis. EIGHT players scored in double-digits for the Grizzlies, as center Jonas Valanciunas (16.2 & 12.5) collected 19 points and 11 rebounds. It was his NINTH straight double-double with Valanciunas recording 16 straight games with at least 10 rebounds.PG Morant (19.3 & 7.4 APG) had a modest 11 points but as noted, SIX others were in double digits. Joining Morant and Valanciunas in double digits on the season are Brooks (16.0), Anderson (12.4-5.8-3.4), Clarke (11.6 & 5.6) and Allen 10.0).

The "big news" for Philly last night was the return of MVP candidate Joel Embiid. The four-time All-Star center returned with a flourish on Saturday (following a 10-game absence due to a bone bruise in his left knee) by scoring 24 points, eight rebounds and three blocks. He's averaging 29.9 & 11.3 on the season, joined in the starting lineup by PF Harris (20.5 & 7.3) and SF Green (9.7 & 3.6) plus guards Simmons (15.5-7.9-7.4) and Curry (13.0). Guard Milton (14.1) has been the leading scorer off the bench all season plus veteran center Howard (7.0 & 8.2) has played in 47 of Philly's 48 games this season.

Philadelphia head coach Doc Rivers told reporters that he wasn't sure if Embiid would play on Sunday but note that the 76ers were 7-3 during his recent 10-game absence. The 76ers are 12-3 since March 1, losing only in OT at home to Milwaukee plus at the LA Clippers and Denver. Can we all agree that Memphis is NOT in the class of those three teams? Memphis is tipping off a stretch in which the Grizzlies will play 11 of their next 14 games away from home and up first is Philadelphia, which owns the NBA's second-best 20-4 home record. at home. Philly will also remember barely losing a 106-104 decision in Memphis on Jan 16, a game Joel Embiid sat out for rest purposes. Embiid or no Embiid, Philly wins "with room to spare!"

Good luck...Larry

My CBB 10* Game of the Year is on Baylor at 5:14 ET.

Houston ended Oregon St's tourney run in the Elite 8, winning 67-61. The win over the Beavers gives Houston a 6-0 all-time record in the Elite Eight, the most wins without a loss by any program since the round began in 1951. However, NONE of the previous five Houston Final Four teams emerged with a national title. If Houston's luck were to change in 2021, the Cougars would become just the THIRD non-power 5 conference school to win the title since the tournament expanded to 64 teams in 1985 (Louisville won a national title in 1986 playing out of the Metro Conference and UNLV won its lone national title in 1990 playing out of the Big West). Kelvin Sampson's Cougars won 27 games in 2018, 33 in 2019 and 23 in last year's pandemic-shortened season. His current team is 28-3 and has held its four NCAA opponents to just 55.8 PPG but in Baylor, Houston faces a team that averaged 85.3 PPG during the regular season (3rd) and led the nation in three-point accuracy at 42.9 percent.

Scott Drew took over a devastated Baylor program in the 2003-04 season and since 2007-08, has turned the Bears into one of the best programs in the country. Baylor won the NIT in 2013 and had made eight NCAA tourney appearances (26-4 last season would have made nine) entering this season. Baylor won its first-ever Big 12 regular-season title this season, the first league championship since the Bears won the SWC regular season in 1950. This is Drew's ninth NCAA appearance with the Bears and Baylor reached the Sweet 16 for the FIFTH time in the last 12 years. The Elite 8 appearance was his third with Baylor and now it's his first Final Four appearance. Baylor opened the season No. 1 behind Baylor but COVID-19 nearly derailed Baylor's dream season, with the Bears being forced to pause for three weeks in February. A 17-0 record before the pause was quickly tarnished with a 13-point loss at Kansas in their second game back. Baylor then lost again in the semifinals of the Big 12 tournament, but here the Bears are in the Final Four for just the THIRD time in school history (1948 and 1950).

Houston enters Saturday's contest having won 11 consecutive games and last qualified for the Final Four in 1984 when it completed its third consecutive trip on the back of the famed "Phi Slama Jama" collection of superstar talent. The program fell into disrepair over the subsequent two decades but Kelvin Sampson has changed all that (see above). Junior guard Quentin Grimes (18.0 & 5.8) is the American Athletic Conference Co-Player of the Year and leads an offense that isn't prolific but is efficient. Sophomore guard Marcus Sasser averages 13.5 PPG plus senior guard DeJon Jarreau (10.8-5.5-4.4) is a terrific defender, who put the clamps on Buddy Boeheim (Syracuse) and Ethan Thompson.(Oregon St) in Houston's last two wins. 6-7 senior forward Justin Gorham (8.5 & 8.7) has a team-high eight double-doubles and averaged 9.5 & 10.0 against Syracuse and Oregon St.

Baylor's strength is also the team's trio of guards, Jared Butler (16.5-3.3-4.8), MaCio Teague (15.9 & 4.1) and Davion Mitchell (14.1 & 5.3 APG). Jay Bilas called Mitchell is Baylor's most indispensable player. The 6-5 Vital (5.7 & 6.7) is also one of the nation's best defenders and has scored 10 points and added 13 rebounds in Baylor's Sweet 16 and Elite 8 wins. Flager (9.0) averaged 13.0 PPG in Baylor's last two tourney wins, while fellow guard Mayer (8.2) averaged 12.5 PPG in the team's first two wins.

Let me go back to when I noted that Houston has held its four NCAA tourney opponents to just 55.7 PPG.  Houston earned a No. 2 seed, so the Cougars opened against a No. 15 seed in Cleveland St. However, Houston then benefitted by drawing a 10-seed in Rutgers, an 11-seed in Syracuse and a 12-seed in Oregon St. NO team has ever had an easier route to a Final 4 since the advent of the 64-team field. Not counting the game vs Cleveland St, the Houston offense has managed just 63, 62 and 67 points in beating Rutgers, Syracuse and Oregon State. Baylor plays defense as well or better than that trio plus Baylor has faced 12 top-30 NET-ranked teams since January, compared to Houston's two. Since the opening of the season, it's been Gonzaga No. 1 and Baylor No. 2 in all but one AP weekly poll (Mar 1) and my bet says Baylor holds up its end for an anticipated championship game against the Bulldogs. Bears win by double digits.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the Por Blazers at 10:10 ET.

The Milwaukee Bucks owned the NBA's best record the previous two seasons (60-22 and 56-17) but each year lost before reaching the NBA Finals. A FIVE-game losing streak (Feb 10-18) left the Bucks at just 16-13 and with many asking, "What's wrong with the Bucks?" Milwaukee answered its critics with 13 wins over 14 games from Feb 19-Mar 24, including EIGHT straight wins before a 122-144 Friday loss to the Celtics on Mar 26. However, a 102-96 loss to the Knicks followed on Saturday and a 129-105 at the Clippers on Monday made it THREE straight losses for the Bucks. Milwaukee did beat the LBJ and A.D.-less Lakers 112-97 on Wednesday but that's hardly a reason to 'celebrate.'

30-17 Milwaukee is THREE games back of the Nets (No. 1 seed)  in the East and  2 1/2-games back of the 76ers (No. 2 seed), as the Bucks continue their six-game Western Conference tonight in Portland. The Bucks pounded Portland 134-106 back on Feb 1 in Milwaukee  but the Blazers have gone 19-9 since that 'disaster.' Portland enters this contest with a 29-18 record and while that's only good enough for the West's No. 6 seed, the Blazers are just 1 1/2-games behind the LA Clippers, who currently hold down the No. 3 seed.

Milwaukee's starting-five is intact and ALL average in double digits. Giannis (28.3-11.4-6.3) leads the way, followed by fellow forward Middleton (20.3-6.0-5.4), PG Holiday (16.4-4.5-5.2), center Lopez (11.0 & 6.8) and guard DiVincenzo (10.7-5.4-3.0). The 6-10 Portis (11.0 & 6.8) is currently sidelined but guards Forbes (9.4) and Connaughton (6.9 & 4.7) continue to contribute off the bench.

Portland is led by PG Lillard (29.8-4.3-7.8) plus the Blazers will have a "new look" from the team that played the Bucks back in Milwaukee on Feb 1. SG McCollum (24.2-3.8-4.7) is back after a long absence and hasn't missed a beat, while center Nurkic (9.5 & 7.3) has been back the last three games, averaging 8.0 & 6.0). The Bucks sent Trent (15.0) to Toronto but got Powell (19.4 on the season) in return and he's averaged 16.3 PPG in his three games with the Blazers. Familiar to Milwaukee will be the ageless Anthony (13.9 PPG in playing 46 of 47 games) and veteran center Kanter (12.2 & 11.6), who more than 'held down the fort' with Nurkic sidelined.

OK, the 'elephant' in the room is that the Bucks have won EIGHT of the last nine games against the Blazers. However, the Bucks have been "no-shows" too often for my taste this season, while Portland is back healthy and FULL of confidence coming off a 4-0 road trip. Home dog 'barks' LOUDLY in this one!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Weekly Wipeout is on the Ind Pacers at 8:10 ET.

The Charlotte Hornets entered the 2020-21 season off FOUR consecutive losing years, with the team's 23-42 (.354) record last season being the worst of their four-year playoff drought. However, the Hornet are currently 24-23 (.511), which puts them atop the Southeast Division, although they are in a virtual tie with the 25-24 (.510) Heat and just a half-game up on the 24-24 Hawks. Charlotte can claim to be the East' current No. 4 seed but let me point out that the Hornets are just 1 1/2-game ahead of the East's current No. 8 seed.

The 45-28 Indiana Pacers earned the East's No. 4 seed in last year's playoff 'bubble' but got swept 4-0 by the Heat in the first round (note: Miami did reach the NBA Finals, before losing to the Lakers). It's been a season of stops-and-starts for Indiana all season this year, as the Pacers enter 21-25, as their winning percentage has fallen from .616 last season to .457 so far this season. Indiana is currently the East's No. 9 seed  and the NBA's new playoff format guarantees only the top-six teams in each conference a playoff berth. The No. 7 thru No. 10 seeds will be involved in a "Play-In" format for the two final spots (7 & 8). The good news is, the Pacers are just 2 1/2 games back of the current 4th-seeded Hornets.

Charlotte hardly resembled a playoff team Thursday night in a 111-89 road loss to the Brooklyn Nets, who played without James Harden. The Hornets are still adjusting to losing rookie sensation LaMelo Ball (15.9-5.9-6.1) to a broken wrist but Charlotte is 4-2 since Ball's injury. Boston 'refugees' Rozier (20.7-4.0-3.5) and Hayward (19.9-5.9-4.1) have led Charlotte in scoring all season, while PG Graham (14.0 & 5.2 APG) and PF Washington (11.8 & 6.6) also score in double digits.

The Pacers enter off back-to-back losses, falling to 4-13 ATS in their last 17 games (hardly a good sign). That said, in PG Brogdon (21.2-4.8-64.9) and PF Sabonis (20.2-11.3-6.1) Indiana owns two All Stars. The Pacers also feature quality depth, as Caris LeVert is finally healthy and averaging 14,9-4.1-4.1 in his 10 games, while SF McDermott (13.4) & 3.8), center Turner (12.7-6.4-3.5 BPG), Justin Holiday (11.3) and Lamb (10.4) also score in double digits. 

The Hornets and Pacers split two games in late January in Charlotte. This contest marks Indiana's second home game during a stretch of four home games in a five-game span. The Pacers have too much talent to continue to play this poorly at home (8-13 on the season) and should be in a foul mood after being held to just FIVE points over the game's final six minutes of a 92-87 home loss to the Heat on Wednesday. Indiana wins "with room to spare" in this one.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* East/West Game of the Month is on the Mia Heat at 8:10 ET.

The Miami Heat surprised everyone, as after earning the East's No. 5 seed, beat Indiana (No. 4 seed) in a four-game sweep, Milwaukee (No. 1 seed) 4-1, Boston (No. 3 seed) 4-2 to reach the NBA Finals. The Heat then extended the Lakers (West's No. 1seed) to six games before. The Heat were an NBA-best 16-5 ATS in the 2020 postseason. However, it's been far from 'smooth sailing' in the 2020-21 season, as Miami just recently snapped a six-game slide with back-to-back wins over the Knicks (Monday) and the Pacers (Wednesday). The 24-24 Heat are back home to take on the Warriors and while they are just ONE game ahead of the East's No. 8 seed, they are also just ONE game behind the East's No. 4 seed.

The Warriors fell to 15-50 last season, after FIVE straight trips to the NBA Finals (three titles). However, despite losing Klay Thompson before the start of the season, Golden St has 'hung in' the West's playoff race. Steph Curry (29.1-5.3-6.2) returned Monday after missing the previous five games with a bruised tailbone and he fueled the Warriors' 116-102 home victory over the Chicago Bulls. Curry finished with 32 points, ending Golden State's four-game slide. The 23-24 Warriors are currently  two games back of the 8th-seeded Spurs, in a virtual tie with 22-23 Memphis. The West's No. 7-10 seeds will enter a "Play-In" format for the final two playoff spots (No. 7 and No. 8).

PG Curry is joined by two solid producers in SF Wiggins (18.2 & 4.7) and SG Oubre (15.2 & 6.0) but No. 1 pick (No. 2 overall) Wiseman (11.8 & 5.9) has played just 33 of 47 games and has been erratic. Then there is Draymond Green (6.1-6,5-8.4) who can just be the Warriors' best player or worst 'nightmare' from game-to-game. Miami's Butler has been limited to 33 games but is healthy now and averaging 21.4-7.6-7.2. The 6-9 Adebayo (19.3-9.6-5.3) just keeps getting better and Herro (a breakout star in last year's Finals) checks in with 15.5 PPG and 5.2 RPG. SG Duncan Robinson (12.9 & 3.8) hasn't missed a game and veteran PG Dragic (13.5 & 4.3 APG) is also now healthy and playing. More good news comes in that two-time All-Star Victor Oladipo is expected to be on the court tonight. He had been dealing with a cold, which kept him from making his team debut this week during Miami's two-game road trip to New York and Indiana. The Heat acquired Oladipo in a March 25 trade with the Houston Rockets.

Golden State begins a three-game trip to the East Coast with this game with the Heat but the Warriors are in the WRONG place at the WRONG time tonight in Miami. The Heat are healthier than they've been all season plus Miami regained a key component to its potential success these last two games, its defensive identity. The Heat held the Pacers to FIVE points over the game's final six minutes in a 92-87 comeback victory on Wednesday at the Pacers (Indiana was held to just 40.0% shooting for the game) and also held the Knicks to 88 points in a 10-point victory at New York on Monday, holding the Knicks to 41.3% shooting. The 'price' is sure 'right' in this one.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the SA Spurs at 8:40 ET.

The Sacramento Kings and the San Antonio Spurs square off at the AT&T Center on Wednesday night. The teams met Monday in San Antonio with the Kings routing the Spurs 132-115. All five Sacramento starters scored in double digits as the team shot 56.0% overall, including 18 of 36 on threes. Three-point shooting was the difference in the game, as the Spurs shot an impressive 50.5% for the game but was a much more modest 10 of 27 from beyond the arc. The Kings have won SEVEN of eight (6-2 ATS) and are now 22-25, leaving them just ONE game back of the Warriors, who currently own the 10th seed (7-10 seeds enter the "Play-In" format for the West's final two playoff positions). The Spurs are 23-21 (current No. 8 seed) but in contrast to the Kings, the Spurs have lost FIVE of their last six. Most troubling is that the Spurs have NOT been able to take advantage of a current NINE-game homestand (Spurs have opened 1-4 with four games to go).

Sacramento rookie Tyrese Haliburton has moved into the starting lineup recently and is now averaging 13.2 & 5.0 APG on the season. Along with PG Fox (24.8 & 7.2 APG) and SG Hield (16.7 & 4.6), the Kings own an impressive backcourt trio. SF Barnes (15.7 & 6.5) was mentioned as trade 'bait, but was not moved. It's not good news that the 6-11 Bagley (13.9 & 7.4) is out until mid-April but the 6-10 Holmes (14.4 & 9.0) is vastly underrated. Sacramento added SFs Davis (Tor) and Harkless (Mia) at the trade deadline and in their second games with the Kings (Monday), scored 14 and 13 points, respectively.

Aldridge (13.7 & 4.5) has left San Antonio for 'greener pastures' with the Nets but the Spurs are still a deep team. Of the five starters and top-two reserves vs the Kings on Monday, SIX are averaging in double digits. DeRozan (20.4-4.4-7.2), Murray (15.7-7.0-5.3), Johnson (13.3 & 6.4) and White 13.2 are in double figures, with only center Poeltl (7.7 & 7.8) below 10 PPG. Guard Mills (12.8) and SF Gay (10.8 & 4.9) add double digits off the bench plus when healthy, Walker usually starts and chips in 11.5 PPG. Walkers hasn't played since March 22 (wrist) but is expected to play tonight.

Is it time to make the claim, '"Break up the Kings?" There is little doubt that Sacramento is playing better basketball right now than San Antonio but if only it were that easy to pick NBA winners. Is this the year in which Sacramento ends its streak of 14 consecutive losing and non-playoff seasons? Maybe, but in this quick turnaround situation I'll back the Spurs, as I expect Pop's team to find a way to sneak a way into this season's playoffs, after seeing the team's run of 22 straight playoff appearances end during last year's pandemic-shortened season. The oddsmakers seem to agree, as after getting blasted by 17 points on Monday, the Spurs are again about a two-point favorite in tonight's game.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Situational Stunner is on the Mia Heat at 7:10 ET.

The Miami Heat swept the Indiana Pacers in last season's first round of the playoffs but the Pacers have beaten the Heat in two previous meetings this season March 19 and 21). Miami visits Indiana Wednesday night after snapping a SIX-game losing streak on Monday. The Pacers had gone through a 2-8 stretch when they shot "lights out" in a 137-110 win at Miami on March 19 and two nights later, the Pacers won at Miami again, this time prevailing 109-106 in OT. Those wins started what became a 4-1 Pacers run that was halted on Monday night in a 132-124 loss to the Wizards.

The NBA's new playoff format guarantees only the top-six teams in each conference a playoff berth. The No. 7 thru No. 10 seeds will be involved in a "Play-In" format for the two final spots (7 & 8). Right now, Miami is 23-24 (8th) and Indiana 21-24 (9th). However, we should note that the 4th-seeded Hornets are just 2 1/2 games ahead of Miami, meaning they are just 3 1/2 games ahead of Indiana. Miami is still playing without Nunn (13.5) but the remainder of its key players, although most have missed to-plus games, are currently active. Butler (21.5-7.7-7.3) and Adebayo (19.4-9.6-4.3) are All Star-quality performers plus guards Herro (15.5-5.3-3.6), Dragic (13.5 & 4.8 APG) and Robinson (12.7 & 3.7) make up a very good trio.

PG Brogdon (21.5-4.7-6.0) and PF Sabonis (20.4-11.3-6.1) are Indiana's two stars but the Pacers feature quality depth. Caris LeVert is finally healthy and averaging 15.0-4.4-39 in his nine games, while SF McDermott (13.4), center Turner (12.7 & 6.4), Justin Holiday (11.5 & 3.8) and Lamb (10.8) also score in double digits. Aaron Holiday averages 6.7 PPG) and McConnell 7.2 & 6.5 APG. McDermott (right-ankle injury) is expected back after he sat out the Wizards game. Lamb's return from injury has also helped, as he's played in 28 games this season since tearing his ACL last February.

The Pacers just recently beat the Heat on Mar 19 and 21 in Miami but have opened as a small home dog. Maybe that's because the Pacers are just 8-12 SU at home this season but it's also because the Pacers are only 4-12 ATS their last 16 games. A little "revenge motive" for Miami also plays into the mix!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Situational Stunner is on the Pho Suns at 10:10 ET.

The Atlanta Hawks fired head coach Lloyd Pierce on March 1 and replaced him with assistant coach Nate McMillan. The veteran NBA coach quickly turned the Hawks into the 'Utah Jazz,' as Atlanta has won EIGHT straight while going 6-1-1 ATS. The Hawks opened an eight-game road trip by beating the Lakers at Staples Center (for their 8th straight win) but THREE losses in their next four games followed. The 23-23 Hawks still have three games remaining in their two-week road trip, starting with a visit to Phoenix on Tuesday night. The Suns went 8-0 SU & ATS in last year's 'bubble' but still missed the playoffs for the 10th consecutive season. That will change this season, as Phoenix is 31-14, giving them the West's second-best record.

PG Trae Young (25.6 & 9.4 APG) has led the Hawks all season. There was talk of moving PF Collins (18.4 & 7.8) at the trade deadline but he stayed put and scored a career-high 38 points in Friday's win. Center Capela, who averages a double-double (14.6 & 14.1) on the season and SG Huerter (11.6-3.5-3.5), have been mainstays. On the injury front, SF Reddish (11.2 & 4.0) has missed 20 games (last played Feb 21), as he's being held out of the lineup with a right Achilles injury and it is unclear how long he will be sidelined. However, PF Hunter (16.0 & 5.1) returned for two games for the first time since Jan 29 on March 22nd  & 24th but Hunter missed his second straight game with right knee soreness on Sunday. The team is taking a cautious approach with Hunter since he returned from missing 23 games following surgery on his right knee. The Hawks will have veteran guard Lou Williams (12.1 PPG in 42 contests with the Clippers) available on Tuesday after being acquired at the trade deadline from the Clippers.

The Suns' major offseason acquisition was getting PG Chris Paul but also added SF Jae Crowder. Paul (16.0-4.7-8.5) has been terrific, while Crowder (10.0 & 5.0) has missed just three games, starting 27 of 42. Center Ayton (14.8 & 11.0) and SF Bridges (13.4 & 4.9) have both played in ALL 45 games this season. Then, there is Devin Booker, who averages 25.1-4.1-4.6. The Suns of Mike D'Antoni were known for their fast-paced style (See the book ":07 Seconds of Less") but Monty Williams' team is allowing just 107.0 PPG (3rd) on 45.4% shooting (7th), including 34.1% on threes (2nd).

The Hawks are coming to the end of a two-week long road trip and this visit to Phoenix is a tough stop. The Suns own the NBA's top pointspread mark (30-15) and add another 'cover' in this one. Lay it!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the Den Nuggets at 10:10 ET.

The Philadelphia 76ers own the East's best record (32-14) but the Nets have closed within a half-game of them at 32-15 (Bucks are three games back). After one game with Aaron Gordon in the mix, it looks like the Denver Nuggets made a smart move in acquiring the young forward. The Sixers are 10-2 in March as they visit Pepsi Center on Tuesday to take on the Denver Nuggets. The Nuggets have won 11 of 14 to reach 28-18, tying them with the Portland Trail Blazers. Denver and Portland are each 1 1/2-games back of the Lakers (West's No. 4 seed) but SEVEN games back of the West's No. 1 seed Utah (35-11).

The Sixers have stayed atop the Eastern Conference despite not having Joel Embiid for most of the month. Embiid (29.9 & 11.5) was having an MVP-caliber season before a bone bruise in his left knee has sidelined him for the past eight games. He's likely to miss Tuesday's game. Philly had a four-game winning streak snapped Saturday night at the Los Angeles Clippers (lost 122-112), the fourth of a six-game road trip, which concludes with this game and finishes in Cleveland on Thursday night. Philly's regular starting-five includes Embiid, Harris (20.9 & 7.6), Simmons (15.9-7.9-7.7), Curry (12.9) and Green (9.7 & 3.6). A trio of guards add depth on the perimeter in Milton (13.8), Korkmaz (8.9) and Maxey (7.3) plus veteran center Howard (6.7 & 8.1).

Denver's been led all season by its two breakout stars, center Jokic (26.9-11.1-8.5) and PG Murray (21.0-3.9-4.9). The 6-10 Porter (16.3 & 7.4) has developed into a quality small forward. Denver just acquired Aaron Gordon (14.4-6.6-4.2) from Orlando and Javale McGee (8.0 & 5.2) from Cleveland to give their frontcourt even more depth. Gordon scored 13 points on 6-for-9 shooting in 21 minutes in his first game for Denver on Sunday. Veteran PF Millsap (9.7 & 5.1) is back healthy, while the 6-8 Green (8.8 & 5.4) and the 6-6 Dozier (7.3 & 3.7) have been very solid off the bench up front. Swingman Barton (12.5-4.1-3.0) missed the end of last season with an injury but has played in 43 of 46 games this season. 

Tough spot here for Philly up against a Denver team that REALLY improved itself with the additions of Gordon and McGee. The Nuggets are primed to make a move in the West with SEVEN of their next nine games here at Pepsi Center. Nuggets win "with room to spare!"

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Oddsmaker's Error is on the LA Clippers at 10:10 ET.

The Milwaukee Bucks owned the NBA's best record the previous two seasons (60-22 and 56-17) but each year lost before reaching the NBA Finals. A FIVE-game losing streak (Feb 10-18) left the Bucks at just 16-13 and with many asking, "What's wrong with the Bucks?" Milwaukee answered its critics with 13 wins over 14 games from Feb 19-Mar 24, including EIGHT straight wins before a 122-144 Friday loss to the Celtics on Mar 26.  However, a 102--96 loss to the Knicks followed on Saturday.

The Clippers got Kawhi back for their Saturday game at home vs the 76ers and they beat the team with the East's best record, 122-112. Kawhi led the way with 28 points, as the Clippers won for the FIFTH straight time. The 31-16 Clippers own the West's No. 3 seed (one game ahead of the Lakers), one game back of the Suns but four back of the Jazz, who own the NBA's best record at 34-11. 

Milwaukee's starting-five (when healthy) consists of Antetokounmpo (28.3-11.5-6.4),. Middleton (20.5-61-5.4), Holiday (15.9-4.4-5.1), Lopez (11.4 & 5.2) and DiVincenzo (10.7-5.4-3.0). The 6-10 Portis (11.0 & 6.8) plus guards Forbes (9.4) and Connaughton (7.0 & 4,7) have been regular contributors off the bench, as well as fill-in starters. Here's the latest update. Antetokounmpo was one of four starters to miss Saturday's 102-96 home loss to the New York Knicks but he's expected to play here. Khris Middleton (hip), Jrue Holiday (knee) and Donte DiVincenzo (foot) also are slated to be back in the lineup. We'll see. However, key reserves P.J. Tucker (calf) and Bobby Portis (health and safety protocols) have been ruled out.

The Clippers have been playing short-handed, with big man Serge Ibaka (back), swingman Marcus Morris Sr. (calf) and PG Patrick Beverley (knee) injured. However, getting Kawhi (26.0-6.3-4.8) to team with George (22.5-6.3-5.5) is a pretty big deal. LA's depth has proven VERY valuable during the team's 5-0 SU & ATS run, as Jackson has averaged 12.4 PPG in March, filling in nicely for Beverley. Swingman Batum (8.6 & 4.8) has been solid all season (he's now coming off the bench) plus note what these three Clippers have done lately. Kennard is averaging 9.9 PPG his last eight, the 7-0 Zubac is averaging 11.7 & 9.1 the last seven games and Mann is averaging 15.4 PPG in LA's five-game winning streak.

Milwaukee posted a 105-100 home win over Los Angeles on Feb 28, when Giannis Antetokounmpo recorded 36 points, 14 rebounds, five assists and four blocked shots. A little revenge motive  between top-tier teams never hurts but while this game opens a stretch of six straight road games and nine of 10 for Milwaukee, the Clippers get set to play just the second contest of NINE straight games at Staples Center (don't look over your shoulders Suns and Jazz!). The Clippers were undervalued vs the 76ers and are again here vs the Bucks.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Game of the Week is on the Bos Celtics at 7:35 ET.

New Orleans forwards Zion Williamson (26.3 & 7.0) and Brandon Ingram (23.8-5.0-4.6) are creating serious headaches for opposing teams on a regular basis but New Orleans remains a modest 20-25 on the season. The playoff structure this season has Seeds 1 through 6 entering the playoffs, while Seeds 7 through 10 will enter a "Play-In' format (Google for details, if interested). The Pelicans are currently 1 1/2-games back of the 10th-seeded Warriors. Led by the trio of Tatum, Brown and Walker, the Boston Celtics were expected to be among the East's top-contenders, battling Milwaukee, Miami, Philadelphia and maybe Brooklyn (would the KD/Irving duo work?). Boston opened 8-3 (even though Walker was sidelined) but the team's early success did not last. As the Celtics welcome the Pelicans to TD Garden, Boston is just 23-23 and tied with the Hawks for the final guaranteed spot (No. 6 seed) in the East. Boston can hardly even 'see' the East's No. 1 team (76wes), who are NINE games up on the Celtics. more in a bit.

Zion Williamson is routinely accomplishing feats that link him to NBA legends, as he has scored more than 20 points in 23 consecutive games, making him the only player younger than 21 to do so. The Pelicans received quite a 'haul' from the Lakers in the A.D. trade, as along with Ingram]m, New Orleans got starting PG Lonzo Ball (14.2-4.2-5.6) and 6-5 SG Josh Hart, who comes off the bench to average 9.0 PPG and an impressive 7.0 RPG. Guard Bledsoe (11.4-3.4-3.8) and center Adams (8.0 & 9.0) were both acquired in trades just prior to the start of the season.

Boston used a HUGE fourth quarter to beat the Thunder 111-94 at OKC on Saturday, which followed an impressive 122-114 victory in Milwaukee on Friday, as Boston concluded a four-game trip on a winning note. Tatum (25.1-6.8-4.5), Brown (24.5-6.8-4.4) and Walker (18.0-3.5-4.6) have having strong seasons, plus Smart (12.9 & 4.5 APG), the team's best perimeter defender and a team leader, has been back on the court since the All Star break. Boston expects big things from Fournier (19.7), who they just got from Orlando but he sat out the last game while enrolled in the NBA's health and safety protocols. It is uncertain if he will take the court against the Pelicans on Monday. Big Man Thompson (7.9 & 8.4) is also in the NBA's health and safety protocols and hasn't played since March 14. The 6-8 Robert Williams (7.7 & 6.6) is seeing more minutes lately and Thompson hasn't really been missed.

Look back over New Orleans's main contributors (see above) and you'll ask the same question I have. How does a team with this roster remain a sub-.500 team? The answer is simply stated by Bill Parcells' famous quote, "You are what your record says you are!" Is it possible that Boston WON'T remember its first game against the Pelicans this season? Williamson had 28 points and 10 rebounds to support Brandon Ingram's 33 points in a 120-115 overtime victory over the visiting Celtics back on Feb 21. New Orleans overcame a 24-point deficit for the largest comeback win in franchise history. Lay the modest points.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* signature 37-Club is on Houston at 7:15 ET.

No one should have been surprised by what Kelvin Sampson has done at Houston, after successful stops at Washington St, Oklahoma and Indiana. His first Houston team went 13-19 (2014-15) but FIVE straight 20-win seasons followed. The Cougars won 27 (2017-18) and 33 (2018-19) games, before going 23-8 in last season's pandemic shortened one. Houston took another step forward this season by winning the AAC tourney with a blowout 91-54 victory over Cincinnati, after losing the previous two seasons in the title game to the Bearcats. 24-3 Houston entered the "Big Dance" ranked No. 6 in the nation (AP poll) while earning a No. 2 seed. The Cougars are now playing for a chance to advance to the Final 4 for the first time since making THREE consecutive appearances from 1982-84 when it reached its pinnacle under coach Guy Lewis.

Standing in Houston's way is the Pac 12's Oregon St Beavers, the lowest-seed (No. 12) left among Elite 8 teams. Oregon State head coach Wayne Tinkle lost his son Tres (18.5 & 6.8) and center Kelley (11.1 PPG / 5.3 RPG / 3.5 BPG) from last year's team and not much was expected from the Beavers. Oregon St was just 11-11 (7-9 in Pac 12) by late-February but the Beavers won three straight on the road (at Cal, Stanford and Utah), before losing their regular season finale to Oregon, which avenged an earlier loss at home to Oregon St. Oregon St then beat UCLA, Oregon and Colorado (all as underdogs) to win the Pac 12 tourney and advance to the NCAA tournament as a No. 12 seed. THREE straight wins (all as underdogs) over No. 5 Tennessee, No. 4 Oklahoma St and No. 8 Loyola-Chicago have followed in the "Big Dance," as the Ducks have reached the Elite 8 for the first time since the 1982 team did so (that appearance was later vacated). Oregon State last reached the Final Four in 1963!

OSU is led by guard Thompson (15.9-3.9-3.8) and fellow guard Lucas (12.9) is the only other double digit scorer. That duo is joined in the starting lineup by fellow guard Reichle (7.4) plus up front by the 6-7 Alatishe (9.6 & 8.7) and the 7-1 Silva (5.7 & 2.9). Thompson has averaged 20.3 & 7.0 and Lucas 12.3 in the Ducks' three NCAA wins, Up front, Alatishe has averaged just 6.7 PPG but also 10.7 RPG, while Silva has upped his game to average 9.0 & 6.7 in the Big Dance. The 6-10 Calloo (5.5 & 2.3 on the season), scored 15 points vs Loyola and is averaging 9.0 PPG in OSU's three NCAA wins.

A trio of Houston guards lead the way in Grimes (18.0 & 6.0), Sasser (13.3) and Jarreau (10.8-5.4-4.3), while freshman Mark (8.2 & 3.1) adds depth. The best frontcourt player is the 6-7 Gorham (8.6 & 8.6). However, Houston has won with its defense, allowing 57.6 PPG during the regular season, on 37.0% shooting, including 27.4% on threes. Grimes was the American Athletic Conference Co-Player of the Year, guard Jarreau (Defensive Player of the Year) and forward Gorham (Most Improved Player).

Houston has benefited from a fortunate draw, opening with a No. 15 seed (Cleveland St), then drawing No. 10 Rutgers and No. 11 Syracuse. Now, it's the 12th-seed Beavers, although Oregon St hardly is playing like a double digit seed this tourney (same with UCLA). That said, Houston will be the first team ever to play four double-digit seeds in a single tournament. Then again, a team meets the opponent which advances. That Houston defense has been DOMINANT, allowing its three opponents to average only 54.0 PPG on 36.8% shooting, including 33.3% on threes. Just ask Jim Boeheim about Houston's D. Syracuse came in off back-to-back wins in which the Orange had shot 53.5% overall (50.0% on threes) but was 14-50 (28.0%), including 5-23 (21,7%) on threes against the Cougars. Oregon St enters this game off SIX consecutive upset wins (obviously, 6-0 ATS) but the Beavers' run ENDs here, as Houston wins "with room to spare!"

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Sweet 16 Game of the Year is on Oregon at 9:45 ET.

The Pac-12 has been the 2021 NCAA tournament's best conference, by far. Five schools got Big Dance invites and FOUR made the Sweet 16. Pac 12 tourney winner Oregon St won again on Saturday and has become just the second No. 12 seed to reach the Elite 8 since seeding began back in 1979. UCLA (an 11-seed) has a tough matchup with No. 2 Alabama but at least TWO Pac 12 schools will advance to the Elite 8 as sixth-seeded USC (24-7) and seventh-seeded Oregon (21-6) will meet in a Sweet 16 game in the West Region on Saturday night in Indianapolis, The teams met just once in the regular season (another game didn't get played due to COVID-19 issues within the Ducks program) with the Trojans dominating 72-58 back on Feb 22 in Los Angeles. That was Oregon's only loss in its final 11 regular-season games, as the Ducks won the Pac 12's regular season title with a 14-4 record (USC was 15-5).

Dana Altman spent 16 seasons at Creighton and took the school to seven NCAA tourneys in his last 12 years at the school. He came to Oregon for the 2010-11 season and won the CBI championship in his first season. He's now in his 11th season in Eugene having won 20-plus games in each of his first 10, averaging 25.9 wins per year. Oregon had played in SIX of the last eight NCAA tourneys and it would have been seven if last season's year was not cut short (Ducks were 24-7). Oregon's back in the "Big Dance" again this season, advancing past the first round when VCU dropped out due to COVID-19 positive tests but then routed second-seeded Iowa 95-80 (shot 55.9% and assisted on 25 of 38 baskets). 

The 6-6 Eugene Omoruyi, who sat out last year as a transfer from Rutgers is averaging 16.7 & 5.3. The 6-6 Figueroa transferred from St John's and adds 12.6 & 6.2 and the 6-6 Eric Williams (10.3 & 6.0) transferred from Duquesne. That trio gives Oregon a strong frontcourt, even with 6-11 center N'Faly Dante (8.2 & 5.8) suffering a torn ACL in mid-December (out for the season). 6-8 guard Duarte (17.0 & 4,6) was voted the Pac-12's player of the year and is now joined in the backcourt by PG Will Richardson, who is back from a left thumb injury suffered in the preseason. He's averaged 11.7-3.5-3.9 PPG in 15 games. Only Williams didn't score in double digits against Iowa, with Duarte leading the way with 23 points. Figueroa has been Oregon's best postseason player (three games), averaging 18.7 & 4.7, with  Omoruyi adding 15.3 & 5.0.

Andy Enfield led Florida Gulf Coast to a 26-11 season in his second at the school, making a Sweet 16 appearance. That gave him the chance to "move on up" to USC but his first two seasons were HUGE disappointments (11-21 and 12-20). However, the Trojans won 21-plus games in FOUR of the last five seasons, including a 22-9 mark last season before the shut down. USC saw its top-five scorers leave after the 2020 season but here the Trojans are in the Sweet 16 with a 24-6 record. Enfield recruited a "super frosh" in 7-0 freshman Evan Mobley plus brought in SIX transfers. All Evan Mobley has done is average 16.5 & 8.8. He joined his brother Isaiah (a 6-10 sophomore), who has added 9.5 & 7.7. Peterson is a 6-8 swingman from Rice who averages 9.8 & 5.0 plus guards Eaddy (Santa Clara) and White, a grad transfer from Utah Valley St round out the starting-five. Eaddy averages 13.5 PPG and White 7.3. Guard Anderson (6.1) and the 6-9 Goodwin (6.0 & 3.6) contribute off the bench. Evan Mobley is averaging 19.8 & 10.5 and his brother Isaiah 12.8 & 6.3 in USC's four postseason games, while Eaddy (11.3-4.5-5.3) and Peterson (10.3 & 5.) have surely done their share.

I respect Enfield but Altman has just so much more experience. USC is playing in its first Sweet 16 since 2007, while Oregon has now reached the Sweet 16 in FOUR of the past five tournaments. In this battle of top-tier Pac 12 opponents, its Oregon which goes from 'Sweet' to 'Elite." Take any points available.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider of the Month is on the Den Nuggets at 9:05 ET.

The Atlanta Hawks fired head coach Lloyd Pierce on March 1 and replaced him with assistant coach Nate McMillan. The veteran NBA coach quickly turned the Hawks into the 'Utah Jazz,' as Atlanta has won EIGHT straight while going 6-1-1 ATS. The Hawks opened an eight-game road trip by beating the Lakers at Staples Center (for their 8th straight win) but then lost to the Clippers (also at Staples) and to the Kings in Sacramento. However, Atlanta rebounded Friday night with a 124-108 in San Francisco over the slumping Warriors. 23-22 Atlanta continues its eight-game road trek tonight in Denver against the Nuggets, who have won 10 of 13 to get to 27-18 (tied with Portland). Both the Nuggets and Blazers are just 1 1/2-games back of the Lakers, who continue to play without LBJ and A.D.

PG Trae Young (25.7-4.0-9.5) has led the Hawks all season. There was talk of moving PF Collins (18.6 & 7.90 at the trade deadline but he stayed put and scored a career-high 38 points in Friday's win. Center Capela, who averages a double-double (14.7 & 14.3) on the season and SG Huerter (121.7-3.6-3.6), have been mainstays. On the injury front, SF Reddish (11.2 & 4.0) has missed 16 games (last played Feb 21), as he's being held out of the lineup with a right Achilles injury and it is unclear how long he will be sidelined. However, PF Hunter (16.0 & 5.1) returned the last two games for the first time since Jan 29 but while he played 28 minutes on Friday, he was 1 of 9 from the floor in scoring five points. It's GREAT news for Atlanta that he's back but he'll need time to get back in the groove.

Speaking of GREAT news, an already deep Denver team just added  forward Aaron Gordon (14.6 & 6.6) from the Magic and swapped centers with Cleveland, getting JaVale McGee (8.0 & 5.2) for his second tour with the franchise in exchange for Isaiah Hartenstein and two future second-round selections. Denver's been led all season by its two breakout stars, center Jokic (27.2-11.1-8.6) and PG Murray (21.1-3.9-5.0). The 6-10 Porter (16.3 & 7.3) has developed into a quality small forward. Denver just acquired Aaron Gordon (14.4-6.6-4.2) from Orlando and Javale McGee (8.0 & 5.2) from Cleveland to give their frontcourt even more depth. Veteran PF Millsap (9.7 & 5.1) is back healthy and starting, while the 6-8 Green (8.5 & 5.3) and the 6-6 Dozier (7.5 & 3.8) have been very solid off the bench up front. Swingman Barton (12.5-4.0-3.0) missed the end of last season with an injury but has played in 42 of 45 games this season.

The Hawks beat Denver 123-115 in Atlanta back on Feb 21 but winning at Pepsi Center will be tough. The Nuggets are playing well (won of 13) and just added two key pieces in Gordon and McGee, who are both available to play tonight. This contest begins a stretch in which Denver will play NINE of its next 12 games at home, with the Nuggets VERY capable of moving up in the West standings during this span. Lay the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Situational Stunner is on Alabama at 7:15 ET.

Mick Cronin coached at Cincinnati for 13 seasons, leading the Bearcats to the "Big Dance" in each of his last nine years, while averaging 26.1 wins per season in that span. His first year as UCLA's head coach ended 19-12 when the season was shut down last March). UCLA made its 50th NCAA tournament (owns 11 NCAA titles but all but one came back in the John Wooden era with 10 wins in a 12-year span from 1964 to 1975. UCLA played in the First Four rallied from a 14-point deficit to eke past Michigan State to enter the field of 64 as an 11th-seed.  The Bruins then beat BYU (No. 6 seed) 73-62 and easily took down No. 14 seed Abilene Christian (off its upset of No. 3 Texas) 67-47.

Nate Oats was 96-43 at Buffalo, leading the Bulls to three NCAA tourneys in his four years, including going 27-9 and 32-4 in his last two seasons. He was hired to revive the Alabama program but the Crimson Tide went just 16-16 last season. However, Alabama finished No. 5 in the AP's final regular season poll, after winning the SEC's regular-season title and the SEC tournament crown for the first time since 1991. Alabama is in its first Sweet 16 since 2004 and is one victory away from equaling the Crimson Tide's most successful NCAA Tournament run-ever (that 2004 squad is currently the lone team in school history to reach the Elite Eight).

UCLA's 6-9 guard Chris Smith averaged 12.6 points and 6.4 rebounds in UCLA's first eight games but was lost for the season with a knee injury. More recently, the 6-10 Jalen Hill (6.1 & 5.5) has not played since Jan 30 (personal reasons). However, the Bruins still have FIVE players averaging in double digits. PG Campbell (10.1 & 5.4 APG) misses Smith but is still surrounded by "big guards" like the 6-6 Zuzang (15.1 & 4.1), the 6-6 Jaquez (12.1 & 6.1) and the 6-6 Bernard (10.4 & 5.0). Without Hill, it's just the 6-9 Riley (10.0 & 5.4) up front. UCLA's guard trio of Zuzang (23.3), Jaquez (16.7) and Bernard (11.0 & 6.7) have had quite a three-game NCAA tourney run.

Alabama also has an excellent guard trio in Shackelford (14.3 & 3.8), Quinerly (12.7) and Petty (12.5 & 5.2). Up front, 6-8 senior Jones (11.3-6.5-3,3) was named SEC p-o-y and Defensive p.o.y. plus 6-10 senior Bruner adds 5.7 & 4.0. Guards Primo (8.2 & 3.4) and Ellis (5.3 & 3.9) plus the 6-9 Reese (5.5 & 3.1) add depth. Quinerly (14.4-3.2-4.4) in the SEC and NCAA tourneys, followed by Shackelford (13.4) and Jones (13.4 & 8.6).

After the Bruins allowed 44 first-half points against Michigan State, they held MSU to 33 points, before winning in OT. They've then held BYU and Abilene Christian to 62 and 47 points, respectively. Making the Bruins' tourney run more surprising, is that they lost FOUR straight games to Pac-12 foes prior to barely making it into the 68-team field. UCLA entered the NCAA tourney 3-111 ATS and is now 3-0 SU & ATS. My bet says the Bruins 'run out of steam' against this formidable Alabama team.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Weekend Wipeout is on Florida St at 5:00 ET.

NINE Big Ten teams made the 68-team NCAA Tournament field but only 22-4 Michigan (one four, No. 1 seeds) is left. The Wolverines have advanced with wins over Texas Southern (82-66) and LSU (86-78), despite not having the services of 6-7 senior Isaiah Livers (13.1 & 6.0), who has missed the last three games with a stress fracture in his right foot that occurred in a Big Ten tournament quarterfinal win over Maryland on March 12. Waiting for Michigan is 18-6 Florida St (No. 4 seed), which has advanced with wins over UNC-Greensboro (64-54) and Colorado (71-53). 

FSU's leading scorer MJ Walker (12.3) has had ankle issues in the first two games, averaging just 8.8 PPG. However, the Seminoles are plenty deep. The 6-8 Gray (12.0 & 6.5),  6-9 freshman Barnes (10.4-4.1-4.1)and guard Polite (10.2 & 4.5) join Walker in double digits. The 7-1 Koprivica (9.2 & 5.7), guards Calhoun (5.5) and Evans (5.2) plus the 6-9 Osborne (5.7 & 4.5) give head coach Leonard Hamilton plenty of options. Polite (12.3) has led the team in the postseason and Koprivica (11.5 & 7.5) is playing the best ball of his season. Gray (10.5 & 4.8) and Barnes (10.5-3.5-3.3) have been steady as usual.

Michigan's 7-1 freshman Dickinson (14.2 & 7.5) has made an immediate impact from Game 1 plus four guards give Michigan a strong perimeter group. That group includes Wagner (12.8 & 6.3), Brooks (9.7-3.2-3.0), Smith (9.3 & 5.4 APG) and Brown (7.9). Without Livers out in the postseason, Brooks (15.0-4.5-4.0), Dickinson (13.8 & 6.5), Smith (12.8 & 7.5 APG) and Wagner (12.0 & 6.5) are all averaging 12-plus points. Also, the 6-8 Johns (4.5 & 2.2 in the regular season) has upped his performance in four postseason games, averaging 8.0 & 3.8.

Michigan's Juwan Howard's first season as head coach saw his team open 7-0, then go 6-9 over its next 15 games. A six-game win streak followed but Michigan lost three of four before the shutdown (19-11 finish). His 'sophomore' year has been impressive, even with the program being shut down due to COVID protocols from Jan 23 through Feb 13. As for Florida St head coach Leonard Hamilton, he has built a championship-caliber program in Tallahassee, one that has produced the THIRD most victories among ACC schools, behind only Duke and Virginia since 2016. The Seminoles were 26-5 and poised to make a Final Four run before the postseason was curtailed due to the COVID-19 pandemic last year. Could this year "be the year?" A win here puts them ONE win away from the Final Four. That's my bet.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* NIT Game of the Year is on Memphis at 12:00 ET.

Ben Howland made a name for himself in a four-year run at Pitt in which his 2002 and 2003 teams made Sweet 16 appearances. He moved to UV+CLA for the 2003-4 season and in his third season at Westwood, began a run of three straight Final Four appearances. However, despite a .685 winning percentage in 10 years at UCLA (four Pac-12 conference titles and those three consecutive Final Fours), he developed a reputation for coaching a boring brand of basketball. He was fired and caught on at Miss St. His teams had won 20-plus games the previous three seasons at Starkville but this year's team finished 8-10 in the SEC and 15-14 overall, after losing to Alabama in the SEC tourney. However, the Bulldogs have won three straight in the NIT over a No. 1 seed (St Louis), a No. 2 seed (Richmond) and a No. 4 seed (La Tech) to reach Sunday's championship game. Waiting for Miss St will be another No. 1 seed, Memphis (19-8).

Penny Hardaway returned to coach his alma mater for the 2018-19 season going 22-14 in his 'rookie' season. The Tigers were 21-10 when last season was shut down and this year's team finished third in the AAC behind Wichita St and Houston, both of whom earned NCAA bids. Houston beat Memphis just 76-74 in the AAC and note that Cougars have advanced to the NCAA's Elite 8. Penny was an offensive start in college and the NBA but he is a 'defense-first' head coach, as Memphis ended the regular season allowing 62.3 PPG (19th) on 38.4% shooting (4th), including 26.8% on threes (2nd). Its defensive play hasn't let up in five tourney games (two in the ACC and three in the NIT). More in a bit. 

Howland lost his four best players from last season in the 6-10 Reggie Perry (17.4 & 10.1), plus guards Tyson Carter (13.9), Robert Woodard (11.4 & 6.5) and Nick Weatherspoon (11.6-3.5-4.1). Leading the way for the Bulldogs this season have been guards Molinar (17.0) and Stewart (16.4-3.3-3.1) with the only other player averaging more than 6.0 PPG is the 6-10 Smith (12.6 & 8.5). However, Smith was hurt in the St Louis game (NIT 1st Round) and hasn't played since. He is tending to an undefined ailment and it is unknown if he will suit up for the NIT championship game. Miss St was fine without him vs La Tech, shooting 55.8% as a team, including 10-of 20 on threes. Molinar had 25 and Stewart 23 in yesterday's game, while 6-9 freshman Fountain (5.3 & 2.9 on the season) added 15 points and six rebounds.

 Memphis lost center James Wiseman after just three games last season and PF Achiuwa (15.8 & 10.8) after the season (both are now in the NBA as 1st round picks). 6-7 Va Tech transfer Nolley, leads the Tigers in scoring (13.3 & 4.1) and he's joined in the starting lineup by the 6-9 Williams (11.7-5.9-3.6, guards Ellis (9.7) and Quinones (9.6 & 5.4) plus 6-10 center Cisse (6,6 & 6.3). Coming off the bench is the 6-7 Jeffries (9.7 & 5.1). Nolley had 27 points in Saturday's win, Williams added 21 & 19 and Quinones had 18 points. Memphis shot 55.7% as a team, including 14 of 27 on threes. 

Both teams are off terrific offensive games but I'm backing Memphis because of its defense. I note the Tigers' regular season number above plus in five tourney games, Memphis allowed Houston to score 76 but has held its other four opponents to 61,3 PPG. Memphis State was the name of the school when Penny Hardaway was a star player there in the early 1990s but in 1994 the school changed its name to the University of Memphis. However, Hardaway has had his players wearing "Memphis State" on their jerseys for the past couple of weeks and it seems to be working. Paraphrasing Spike Lee, "It must be the jerseys!" 

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Weekend Wipeout is on the LA Clippers at 10:10 ET.

The streaking Philadelphia 76ers have won 10 of their last 11 games and are a perfect 3-0 so far on their six-game road trip. 32-13 Philadelphia is looking to hold off Brooklyn (1 1/2-games back) and Milwaukee (2 1/2-games back) atop the East, as those three teams have separated themselves from the rest of the conference. The 76ers are in LA tonight to play the Clippers, who have won FOUR in a row to reach 30-16. The Clips currently own the West's No. 3 seed, one game ahead of the Lakers. They are one game back of the Suns and four back of the Jazz, owners of the NBA's best overall record at 33-11.

Philly's regular starting-five are Embiid (29.9 & 11.5), Harris (20.7 & 7.6), Simmons (15.9-8.0-7.7), Curry (13.1) and Green (9.6 & 3.7). However, Embiid (a legitimate MVP candidate), has been out since March 12 after suffering a left ankle sprain against the Washington Wizards. However, the 76ers are 6-1 without Embiid these last seven games.

"Everybody is playing confident basketball," Philadelphia guard Seth Curry said. "We're first and foremost playing good defense as a team. That's pretty much there every night for us on the defensive end. And offensively, everybody's involved." Ben Simmons has been the catalyst for Philadelphia, getting everyone involved on offense and setting the tone defensively. During the month of March, Simmons is shooting 51 percent from the floor, averaging 15.6 points, 7.5 rebounds and 7.0 assists a contest. A trio of guards add depth on the perimeter in Milton (13.8), Korkmaz (9.1) and Maxey (7.3) plus veteran center Howard (6.6 & 5.5) has played in all 45 games.

The Clippers will be playing short-handed, with big man Serge Ibaka (back), swingman Marcus Morris Sr. (calf), PG Patrick Beverley (knee) and Kawhi Leonard (foot) all questionable to play against Philadelphia. The Clippers had only nine healthy players available in Thursday's win on the road against the San Antonio Spurs but Paul George (22.4-6.2-5.4) picked up the slack, finishing with 24 points and 13 rebounds as the Clippers swept the Spurs in back-to-back games at San Antonio. PG Rajon Rondo came in a Thursday trade but is also is a question mark for Saturday with an abductor strain.

Naturally, the key is will Kawhi (25.9-6.3-4.8) play? I've got a feeling that with Doc Rivers facing his former team for the first time since being relieved of his duties last year, he will. That said, I'm on LA either way. Jackson has averaged 12.4 PPG in March (28 points the last game), filling in nicely for Beverley. Swingman Batum (8.7 & 4.7) has been solid all season (he's now coming off the bench) plus note what these three Clippers have done lately. Kennard is averaging 10.9 PPG his last seven, the 7-0 Zubac is averaging 12.5 & 8.8 the last six games and Mann is averaging 13.5 PPG in LA's four-game winning streak.

This marks the first of NINE straight home games for the Clippers, who could really make a run at Jazz in this stretch. Winning this first game against the 76ers could just set the tone for these next 16 days when the Clippers play nine games at Staples Center. "Fingers crossed" on Kawhi's status.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Ultimate Underdog is on Oral Roberts at 7:25 ET.

Paul Mills came to Oral Roberts four years ago and in his first three seasons his Golden Eagles were hardly 'golden,' going 39-56. However, Oral Roberts won the Summit League Tournament as the No. 4 seed and then upset second-seed Ohio St 75-72 on Friday. It marked just the NINTH time a 15th seed had knocked off a No. 2 seed and the first since Middle Tennessee's victory over Michigan State in 2016. Oral Roberts then beat seventh-seeded Florida 81-78, becoming only the second No. 15 seed to advance to the Sweet 16.

Waiting for Oral Roberts is Arkansas, a No. 3 seed. Eric Musselman had a forgettable three-year stint as Golden State's head coach (108-138 / zero playoff appearances) but he had quite a run coaching Nevada, capturing the CBI title in his first season, then winning 28, 29 and 29 games making the "Big Dance' in each of his final three seasons. He was 20-12 last season (1st at Arkansas) and this year Arkansas comes in 24-6, after beating Colgate 85-68 and edging Texas Tech 68-66.

ORU is led by guard Abmas, who not only leads ORU in scoring but his 24.5 PPG leads the entire nation. "Mr Inside" to Abmas' "Mr Outside" is the 6-8 Obanor (19.0 & 9.6), Abmas scored 29 vs Ohio St and then 26 vs Florida, while Obanor has posted games of 30 and 11 and 28 & 11. One could argue that the duo has been the tourney's best 1-2 'punch' in the tourney so far. Guard RJ Glasper (11.0) was ORU's best backcourt player but he was lost for the season back in early Feb. Thompson (8.6 & 3.6) and Jurgens (5.7) are the best the team has in support of Abmas, without Glasper.

Arkansas features four double-digit scorers in 6-6 freshman Moody (17.1 & 5.8) plus guards Notae (13.1) and Tate (11.5-3.8-43.8). The 6-9 Smith (13.9 & 7.1) is a graduate transfer from Indiana and is the team's top frontcourt player. Guards Davis *7.8) and Sills (7.8) have both been regular contributors. Jaylin Williams, a 6-foot-10 forward, started in Arkansas' win over Texas Tech, marking the first time he was in the starting lineup with Moody and Davis this season. Williams scored only one point, but collected 10 rebounds as he started in place of 7-3 center Connor Vanover (6.3 & 4.5), as Musselman went with a smaller, quicker lineup. Smith led Arkansas with 20 points while Moody and Davis each had 15 points. Smith has averaged 24.5 & 9.5 and Davis 13.5 & 6.90 in the Razorbacks' two NCAA wins.

This is game between two high-scoring teams, as Arkansas averaged 83.3 PPG and ORU 82.0 PPG in the regular season. In fact, the schools are not strangers, as Arkansas won 87-76 at home back on Dec 20. Let me note that Oral Roberts was able to stay within 11 points at Arkansas, so why can't the Golden Eagles do say again here on a neutral floor? Confidence us running high for ORU after wins over Ohio St and Florida, so just maybe the Golden Eagles can become the first-ever 15-seed to each the Elite 8. I'm taking the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner of the Month is on Baylor at 5:15 ET.

Baylor opened the season No. 2 behind Gonzaga and remained there in opening 18-0. The Bears lost their first game of the season 71-58 at Kansas on Feb 27, playing just their SECOND game since Feb 2. Baylor would finish the regular season 21-1 (13-1 in the Big 12), winning their first-ever Big 12 regular-season title and first league championship since they won the SWC regular season in 1950. Baylor lost to Okla St in the Big 12 semis but has certainly shown it was more than deserving of a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, routing Hartford 79-55 and then handled ninth-seeded Wisconsin 76-63, as its suffocating defense forced 14 turnovers against a methodical Wisconsin offense.

Baylor's challenge will be more daunting against fifth-seeded Villanova in the Sweet 16. The Wildcats' season was disrupted by COVID and were shocked in the Big East tourney in a one-point loss to Georgetown (Hoyas were a six-point underdog). Despite losing co-Big East Player of the Year Collin Gillespie (14.0-3.3-4.6 to a torn MCL, Villanova (18-6) has responded with two strong performances in the NCAA Tournament. The Wildcats downed Winthrop 73-63 and then 84-61 over North Texas.

The 6-9 Robinson-Earl (16.0 & 8.3) leads in scoring and the 6-7 Samuels (11.9 & 6.5) have both "come up big" in Villanova's two wins. Robinson-Earl has averaged 20.0-8.5-6.0 and Samuels (13.0 & 8.0). There is little doubt that 'Nova misses Gillespie, as Arcidiacono has started for Gillespie and in two games, has points. Regular backcourt starters Moore (12.8 -4.1-3.0) and Daniels (9,9) have averaged 15.0 and 10.5 PPG, respectively in 'Nova's two tourney wins.

Baylor lost 6-9 center Gillespie (9.6 & 9.0) from last year's team but the strength of Baylor's team this season is centered around its guards. Butler (16.9-3.3-4.8) is the best of Baylor's guards but don't look past Teague (16.1 & 4.1), Mitchell (14.1 & 5.4 APG), Flagler (8.7) or Mayer (8.3). The 6-5 Vital (5.7 & 6.7) plays like a power forward and is considered one of the best defensive players in the nation. Tchatchoua is a 6-8 transfer from UNLV and he's averaged 6.4 & 5.1 plus the 6-10 Thamba adds 3.6 & 4.0. Butler had a poor first game and Teague a poor second game. Mitchell's been the most steady, averaging 14.0 PPG on 11 of 19 shooting.

Villanova head coach Jay Wright has won two national championships and holds a 30-12 overall mark in the NCAA Tournament with this program. However, I'm backing Scott Drew's Baylor team. He took over a devastated Baylor program in the 2003-04 season and since 2007-08, has turned the Bears into one of the best programs in the country. Baylor won the NIT in 2013 and had made eight NCAA tourney appearances (26-4 last season would have made nine) entering this season. This his his ninth NCAA appearance with the Bears and marks Baylor's fifth Sweet 16 appearance in the last 12 years. Yes, Villanova owns two solid wins but remember Winthrop plays in the Big South and North Texas in the Sun Belt. Baylor's 2-0 ATS in its two wins but has yet to play its "A-game." That comes here!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Daytime Dominator is on Memphis at 12:00 ET.

The Memphis Tigers and the Colorado State Rams and meet Saturday in NIT semifinal action from Comerica Center in Frisco, Tx. The Tigers advanced with a 59-56 win Thursday over Boise St, while Colorado St turned a three-point halftime deficit into a 65-61 win over NC State. Penny Hardaway returned to coach his alma mater for the 2018-18 season going 22-14 in his 'rookie' season. The Tigers were 21-10 when last season was shut down and this year's team is now 18-8. Niko Medved spent four years at Furman and one at Drake, and had an overall record of 79-87 when Colorado St tabbed him as its next head coach. He went 12-20 in his first season but turned things around by going 20-12 last season. CSU lost the 6-11 Carvacho (12.9 & 10.8) but four starters returned and the Rams enter this game at 20-6.

Memphis lost center James Wiseman after just three games last season and PF Achiuwa (15.8 & 10.8) after the season (both are now in the NBA as 1st round picks). Memphis finished 3rd in the AAC's (11-4) regular season and after beating UCF, took Houston to the wire before losing 69-67 in the AAC tourney. Memphis has added two wins in the NIT over Dayton and Boise St. 6-7 Va Tech transfer Nolley, leads the Tigers in scoring (12.7 & 4.0) and he's joined in the starting lineup by the 6-9 Williams (11.2-5.7-3.4, guards Ellis (9.9) and Quinones (9.3 & 5.5) plus 6-10 center Cisse (6,7 & 6.3). Coming off the bench is the 6-7 Jeffries (9.7 & 5.0).

PG Stevens led all CSU scorers last season and is averaging 15.2-4.4-5.4 this season, right behind fellow guard Roddy (16.1), who is also the team's leading rebounder (9.5). Guard Moore (10.7) is the team's third double-digit scorer, while the 6-6 Thistlewood (9.4 & 3.8), 6-10 freshman Moors (6.1 & 3.7) and the 6-9 Thomas (5.8 & 4.3) are the best frontcourt players

Colorado State has been consistent all season and the team hasn’t lost consecutive games all year. However, Memphis has been on a pointspread tear, with Thursday's ATS loss being only the team's SECOND in its 15 games. Memphis ended the regular season allowing 62.3 PPG (19th) on 38.4% shooting (4th), including 26.8% on threes (2nd) and its defensive play hasn't let up in four tourney games (two in the ACC and two in the NIT). Memphis allowed Houston to score 76 pints in a two-point loss (note: Cougars are a No. 2 seed and own a 26-3 record), while holding their other three opponents to just 59.3 PPG. Colorado St is a solid team but the Rams are NOT the Cougars! Memphis is headed to the NIT championship game with a double-digit win.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Bailout Blowout is on the LA Lakers at 10:40 ET.

The Lakers are trying to find their way without superstars Anthony Davis (calf) and LeBron James (ankle) and are back on the Staples Center court tonight after a 109-101 home loss last night to the Philadelphia 76ers, LA's FOURTH in a row. The Cleveland Cavaliers just traded JaVale McGee (8.0 & 5.2) to the Denver Nuggets on Thursday, while Andre Drummond (17.5 & 13.5) reportedly is waiting on a contract buyout that will make him a free agent. Drummond has not played since Feb 12 and  has been linked to both the Lakers and the New York Knicks.

The Cavaliers visit LA having managed to win THREE of their last five games, despite all of their recent upheaval. They are coming off a 103-94 road victory over the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday, when Darius Garland (16.6 & 5.9 APG had 22 points. Leading scorer Collin Sexton (24.0 & 4.3) did not play Wednesday after experiencing right hamstring soreness in the morning shootaround, but the injury is not believed to be serious. Center Jarrett Allen, acquired from the Brooklyn Nets in January, has averaged 14.4 points and 11.6 rebounds in 17 games since Drummond last saw action, slightly above his season numbers of 13.1 points and 9.9 rebounds per game.

The Lakers' four-game losing streak started last Saturday when LBJ (25.4-7.9-7.9) was injured in a home loss to the Atlanta Hawks. Kyle Kuzma had 25 points for the Lakers on Thursday, while Dennis Schroder and Montrezl Harrell added 20 each. The Lakers trailed by as many as 18 points in the fourth quarter but pulled within a single possession in the final minute, before the comeback fell short. The offseason acquisitions of PG Schroder (15.1-3.5-4.8) and PF Harrell (14.8 & 6.6) were excellent additions plus I continue to maintain that Kuzma (12.4 & 6.7) is significantly underrated.

However, here's the bottom line. The Lakers are going to have to figure out a way to win games over the coming weeks after coach Frank Vogel said Thursday that AD's (22..5 & 8.4) return is "still a ways away." The Lakers were the subject of some rumors at Thursday's NBA trade deadline but the team never made a move. Only the top six teams in each conference advance straight to the playoffs this season, as the teams in positions seven through 10 will need to participate in a play-in tournament for the final two playoff spots. The Lakers are currently fourth in the Western Conference (28-17), just 1-1/2 games ahead of both the Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trail Blazers (26-18). The defending champion Lakers could use victories anywhere on the schedule they can get them and my bet says this is a game where a "W" should be expected. LA wins "with room to spare!' Lay it.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Dal Mavs at 8:40 ET.

The 45-28 Indiana Pacers were the East's No. 4 seed entering last year's playoffs but got swept 4-0 by the Miami Heat, which made it all the way to the NBA Finals before losing 4-2 to the Lakers. The Pacers hovered around .500 through mid-February but a four-game skid from Feb 24-Mar dropped them to 15-18 and three wins in their last four games still leaves them three-games under .500 at 20-23. The 7-10 seeds will enter a 'Play-In' format for the East's seventh and eighth seeds, so the Pacers are 'living on the edge' by owning the current No. 9 seed (2 1/2 games clear of the dreaded 11th-seed).

Dallas was expected to be a solid playoff contender this season (broke a three-season playoff drought by going 43-32 last season) but that wasn't the case through the season's early going. The Mavericks lost SIX straight from the end of January into the beginning of February to fall to 8-13. However, Dallas finally got its full complement of players back and currently sits 23-19, after winning 15 of its last 21. Dallas holds the No. 7 seed but is just two games back of Denver and Portland (26-18), who share the 5th and 6th seeds.

PG Brogdon (21.4-4.7-6.0) and PF Sabonis (20.2-11.2-6.2) are having excellent seasons. While Brogdon (16 points) and Sabonis (14 points / 11 rebounds) were key contributors in Wednesday's 116-111 win over the Pistons, Caris LeVert recorded his best performance since being acquired in the blockbuster deal that sent James Harden to Brooklyn in January. LeVert scored 15 of his team-high 28 points in the second quarter and in seven games has  averaged 16.7-4.3-4.0. SG Lamb's return from injury has also helped, as he's averaged 10.9 PPG in his 26 games back since tearing his ACL last February.

The Mavs won 128-108 at Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday, capping a 2-1 three-game road trip for Dallas, which will embark on a five-game trek after its brief pit stop at home tonight vs Indiana. The duo of Doncic (28.6-8.3-9.1) and Porzingis (20.0 & 8.6) leads the way for the Mavs but the Mavs have excellent depth, led by swingman Hardaway, who is averaging 16.5 PPG (19 starts in his 41 games).

Porzingis collected 27 points and 13 rebounds plus Luka Doncic added a triple-double (13-12-12) in Dallas' 124-112 victory at Indiana back on Jan. 20, game in which the Mavericks played without Dorian Finney-Smith (8.4 & 5.3), Maxi Kleber (7.8 & 5.4), Dwight Powell (4.8 & 3.4) and Josh Richardson (13.2) because of COVID-19 protocols. All FOUR of those players are available tonight, so don't expect 'revenge' to work here for Indiana. After all, the Pacers 'limp' into this contest just 3-11 ATS (a 79% "go-against") in their last 14 games.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Revenge Rout is on the Den Nuggets at 8:05 ET.

New Orleans forwards Zion Williamson (25.7 & 7.0) and Brandon Ingram (24.7-5.1-4.7) are creating serious headaches for opposing teams on a regular basis but New Orleans remains a modest 19-24 on the season. The playoff structure this season has Seeds 1 through 6 entering the playoffs, while Seeds 7 through 10 will enter a "Play-In' format (Google for details, if interested). Williamson and Ingram each scored 30 points to lead the visiting Pelicans to a 113-108 victory over the Denver Nuggets last Sunday and tonight, the Nuggets visit New Orleans for a rematch. The Nuggets bounced back from the loss to New Orleans to win 110-99 at Orlando on Tuesday for their ninth win in 11 games but then lost 135-111 at Toronto on Wednesday, their most lopsided loss of the season. Denver is currently 26-18, leaving them tied with Portland for the West's fifth-best record.

Denver's been led all season by its two breakout stars, center Jokic (27.0-11.3-8.5) and PG Murray (21.1-4.0-4.8). The 6-10 Porter (16.0 & 7.4) has developed into a quality small forward. Denver just acquired Aaron Gordon (14.4-6.6-4.2) from Orlando and Javale McGee (8.0 & 5.2) from Cleveland to give their frontcourt even more depth. Veteran PF Millsap (9.5 & 5.0) is back healthy and starting, while the 6-8 Green (8.7 & 5.4) and the 6-6 Dozier (7.7 & 3.7) have been very solid off the bench up front. Swingman Barton (12.7-4.1-3.1) missed the end of last season with an injury but has played in 41 of 44 games this season.

Williamson enters this game with 21st consecutive games with at least 20 points, the longest ever for an NBA player who has yet to turn 21 years old, which he will do in July. Ingram came from the Lakers in the A.D. along with Lonzo Ball (14.2-4.2-5.6) and Hart (9.1 & 7.6). Not a bad haul. Bledsoe (11.3-3.4-3.7), who was acquired right before the start of the season, guard Alexander-Walker (9.2) and starting center Adams (8.1 & 9.2) round put the main contributors.

On paper, the Pelicans sure look like a team that should be MUCH better than its current record. However, quoting Bill Parcells, "You are what your record says you are!" Denver's 135-111 loss at Toronto on Wednesday was not just its most lopsided loss of the season but also ended a SIX-game road winning streak. With Sunday's home loss to the Pelicans last Sunday still fresh in their minds, expect the Nuggets to win here, as the Pelicans continue to underachieve.

Good luck...Larry 

My 10* Division Game of the Month (Pacific) is on the Sac Kings at 10:10 ET.

The Golden St Warriors were an NBA-worst 15-50 last season but have been more competitive than expected this season but injuries continue to throw 'roadblocks' in their way. The Warriors were 19-15 through Feb 26 but head to Sacramento having lost SEVEN of 10 to fall to 22-22. Golden St currently finds itself as the West's No. 10 seed, the last of the four 'Play In' spots. The Kings welcome the Warriors to Golden 1 Center tonight off a 110-108 win over the Hawks. However, the Kings are just 19-25 and THREE games back of the Warriors. The Kings last made the playoffs back in the 2005-06 season.

Golden St PG Stephen Curry (29.0-5.3-6.2) has been ruled out of the next three contests due to a bruised tailbone and the Warriors are 1-4 in the five games he's missed this season. Forward Paschall (9.5 & 3.2) will also miss tonight's game. Wiggins (17.7 & 4.6) and Oubre (15.1 & 5.9) have both been very good for the Warriors but without Curry, it's hard to back them. The good news is that the team's No. 1 pick (2nd overall) James Wiseman was immediately promoted into a starting role upon returning from a three-game, COVID-related absence to play Tuesday in Golden State's 108-98 home loss to the Philadelphia 76ers (note: it was just his second start since Jan 23). Head coach Steve Kerr announced before the contest that Wiseman (11.8 & 5.9) would be his team's full-time starting center moving forward. "It was good to see him out there," Kerr said after the defeat. "He's going to get better and better as we go. He had a week off ... he needs his rhythm, and that will come."

Speaking of No. 1 picks, Sacramento's Tyrese Haliburton (chosen 10 picks after Wiseman) made his FIFTH consecutive start in last night's 110-108 over Atlanta. The Kings have won FOUR of those five games, with Haliburton (12.8-3.4-5.1 on the season) scoring 17 or more points in three of those victories, including 17 on Wednesday. He joins a backcourt rotation that already features Fox (24.1-3.4-7.3), who is coming off his third-best scoring night of the season with 37 points vs Atlanta, and Hield (16.8-4.6-3.3). Up front, SF Barnes (16.1 & 6.6) has been mentioned as trade 'bait,' while the 6-11 Bagley (13.9 & 7.4) is out until mid-April. The 6-10 Holmes (14.0 & 8.8) is vastly underrated and with Bagley sidelined, Whiteside added eight points and 12 rebounds last night. Remember, Whiteside averaged a double-double in SIX straight years from the 2014-15 through the 2019-20 seasons!

Sacramento is on a 4-1 SU & ATS run (lone loss at Philly, the East's best team) and knows a win here closes them within two games of the Warriors, who won't get Curry back for at least a couple games. The Kings may also remember losing back on Jan 4 in San Francisco 137-106 when the Warriors shot 52.6%, including going 23 of 43 from three-point range. Curry had 30 points in that om]ne and Paschall addec14 & 7. Neither will be available tonight. The Kings make it a 5-1 SU &ATS run with a win and cover tonight.

Good luck...Larry

My NIT 10* 2nd Rnd Game of the Year is on Memphis at 9:00 ET.

The 19-8 Boise State Broncos and the 17-8 Memphis Tigers square off in the NIT at UNT Coliseum (Denton, Tx) on Thursday night. Boise's Leon Rice is in his 11th season with the Broncos and has produced EIGHT seasons of 20-plus wins through his first 10 seasons, meaning a "W" here makes it NINE sessions of 20-plus wins. Penny Hardaway returned to coach his alma mater for the 2018-18 season going 22-14 in his 'rookie' season. The Tigers were 21-10 when last season was shut down and this year's team is 17-8.

The Broncos opened 13-1 (9-0 in MWC) but lost their final three regular season games and then their first game in the MWC tourney. Boise St lost its 2nd-leading scorer and 2nd-leading rebounder in the 6-7 Abu Kigab (11.8 & 5.4) to a shoulder injury plus guard Rice (5.9) as well. However, eked out an 85-84 win over SMU to reach the NIT quarterfinals. 6-9 guard Alston (17.3) has led Boise in scoring all season and was joined in double figure scoring by the other four starters vs SMU. The 6-10 Armus (8.0 & 7.9) had 18 points and 10 rebounds, while guards Akot (8.7) had 17-6-9 and Shaver (10.6 & 4,5) had 13 points. Guard Doutrive (8.8) had 10 points.

Memphis lost center James Wiseman after just three games last season and PF Achiuwa (15.8 & 10.8) after the season (both are now in the NBA as 1st round picks). Memphis finished 3rd in the AAC's (11-4) regular season and after beating UCF, took Houston to the wire before losing 69-67. Memphis opened the NIT with a 71-60 win over Dayton. 6-7 Va Tech transfer Nolley, leads the Tigers in scoring (12.9 & 4.0) and he's joined in the starting lineup by the 6-9 Williams (11.3 & 5.8), guards Ellis (9.9) and Quinones (9.2 & 5.4) plus 6-10 center Cisse (7.0 & 6.5). Coming off the bench is the 6-7 Jeffries (9.6 & 5.0). Nolley (21 & 6) was great vs Dayton plus Quinones scored all 15 of his points in the second half, as Memphis outscored the Flyers 44-32! Quinones also had 10 rebounds, while Williams added 12 points with Jeffries coming up with 10 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists off the bench.

Penny was an exciting offensive player in college and in the NBA but he's a defense-first head coach. He EXPECTS his team to be one of the nation's top defensive teams. Memphis enters having allowed 62.3 PPG (19th) on 38.4% shooting (4th), including 26.8% on threes (2nd). Memphis enters this game 13-1 ATS in its last 14 games, which is 93% ATS. That's good enough for me.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Weekly Wipeout is on Colorado St at 7:00 ET.

The 14-10 NC State Wolfpack and the 19-6 Colorado State Rams meet Thursday at the Comerica Center (Frisco, Tx) in a quarterfinal matchup. NC State beat Davidson 75-61 in its first game of the tourney, while Colorado edged Buffalo 75-73.

Kevin Keatts took over at NC State for Mark Gottfried beginning in the 2017-18 season, after leading UNC-Wilmington to 25-8 and 29-6 records in his final two seasons (both teams earned NCAA tourney bids). He won 21, 24 and 20 games his first three seasons in Raleigh but the current season has been a struggle. NC State lost leading scorer Bryce (13.3 & 6.3) plus PG Johnson (12.8-4.4-6.8) from last year's team and lost Devon Daniels (16.5-5.2-3.3) for the season after 12 games. Niko Medved spent four years at Furman and one at Drake, and had an overall record of 79-87 when Colorado St tabbed him as its next head coach. He went 12-20 in his first season but turned things around by going 20-12 last season. CSU lost the 6-11 Carvacho (12.9 & 10.8) but four starters returned.

Without Daniels, four NC St guards have chipped in modest totals by averaging between 5.3 and 7.9 PPG. A trio of frontcourt players have carried most of the 'load,' in the 6-7 Hellems (12.8 & 5.1), the 6-10 Funderburk (12.6 & 5.5) and the 6-11 Bates (9.7 & 5.9). Against Davidson, Funderburk had 21 & 7, Bates 14 & 8 and Hellems 13 & 4. PG Stevens led all CSU scorers last season and comes in averaging 15.0-4.6-5.5 this season, right behind fellow guard Roddy (15.1). Guard Moore (10.5) is the team's third double-digit scorer, while the 6-6 Thistlewood (9.9 & 3.9). and 6-10 freshman Moors (6.1 & 3.7) are the best frontcourt players. FOUR of the aforementioned players scored in double digits in the win over Buffalo (Moors being the exception), with Roddy leading the way with 17 points.

The Wolfpack won their last FIVE regular season games, before losing to Syracuse (now a Sweet 16 team) in the ACC tourney. However, other than an upset win at UVa (which lost its first NCAA tourney game vs Ohio), the other four wins came against 6-10 Pitts (twice), 3-15 Wake Forest and 7-11 Notre Dame (records reflect ACC regular season ones). It's NC State's frontcourt vs CSU's perimeter game and I'm siding with the Rams, who EARNED their No. 1 NIT seed with well-balanced attack all season.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Game of the Week is on the Ut Jazz at 10:05 ET.

The Utah Jazz opened the season 4-4 but then won 22 of 24 games (21-3 ATS) from Jan 8 through Feb 24 to give them the NBA's best overall record. Utah still owns the NBA's best record at 31-11 but the Jazz have 'cooled' in going just 5-5 their last 10 (more in a bit). Utah welcomes the Brooklyn Nets to Salt Lake City tonight, who edged the Blazers last night in Portland. The Nets have now won 16 of their last 18 games to  reach 30-14, just ONE game back of the 31-13 76ers for the East's top record.

The Nets were already without Kevin Durant (29.0-7.3-5.3) and Kyrie Irving (28.1-4.8-5.7) plus got a scare when James Harden came close to being sidelined due to a sore neck. However, Harden (25.3-7.9-11.2) ended up playing and finished with 25 points and a career-high-tying 17 assists. PF Green (9.8 & 3.8) and SF Harris (17.7 & 3.5) both had good games, scoring 20 and 17 points, respectively. However, Durant and Irving will NOT play here and while the Blazers are a good team, they are NOT the Jazz.

It's "all hands on deck" for the Jazz with a starting-five of Mitchell (25.4-4.6-5.5) and Conley (16.4-3.4-5.5) in the backcourt, while center Gobert (14.5 & 13.4) is surrounded by Bogdanovich (14.9 & 3.9) and O'Neale (7.5 & 6.6) up front. Clarkson (17.5) is the front-runner for 6th-man of the year plus SG Ingles (12.3-3.6-4.2) and backup center Favors (5.9 & 5.3) have been quality contributors off the bench all season.

Tough scheduling spot for the Nets here and without Durant and Irving, it's quite a test. I noted that the jazz have gone just 5-5 in their last 10 but note that NINE of those games came on the road. Utah won its lone home game in that stretch and comes into this game having won 16 straight at Vivint Arena. Also, I bet the Jazz remember losing 130-96 at Brooklyn back on Jan 5, before the Jazz jelled into the dominant team they now are. Lay the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* PERFECT STORM is on the Mil Bucks at 7:35 ET.

Led by the trio of Tatum, Brown and Walker, the Boston Celtics were expected to be among the East's top-contenders, battling Milwaukee, Miami, Philadelphia and maybe Brooklyn (would the KD/Irving duo work?). Boston opened 8-3 (even though Walker was sidelined) but the team's early success did not last. As the Celtics visit Milwaukee tonight for the first of back-to-games with the Bucks (play again Friday), Boston 'limps' in having lost FOUR of its last their five to drop below .500 for the season at 21-22. Boston fell to 8-15 on the road after opening a four-game trek with a 132-126 overtime setback at Memphis on Monday.

The Milwaukee Bucks owned the NBA's best record the previous two seasons (60-22 and 56-17) but each year lost before reaching the NBA Finals. A FIVE-game losing streak (Feb 10-18) left the Bucks at just 16-13 and with all asking, "What's wrong with the Bucks?" Milwaukee has answered its critics with a season-best SEVEN straight wins, as well 12 wins over its last 13 games. A sprained left knee prevented the two-time reigning NBA Most Valuable Player (Giannis Antetokounmpo) from playing Monday against Indiana (Bucks won 140-113) and his availability is in question for Wednesday.

Tatum (24.9-6.8-4.3), Brown (24.7-5.6-3.9) and Walker (17.7-3.6-4.6) represent Boston's latest version of a "Big Three" but Tatum (dealt with "dizziness," per head coach Brad Stevens) and Walker (sat out the second game of a back-to-back set) both missed the game at Memphis. Walker will be back but no word yet on Tatum. Marcus Smart (12.8 & 5.4 APG) came back after the All Star break but Boston is just 2-5 in those seven games. The 6-10 Thompson was expected to greatly enhance Boston's interior play but at 7.9 & 8.4, he's been nothing special. He's missed Boston's last five games, with the Celtics losing FOUR of the five.

Obviously the Bucks can't wait to get Giannis (29.0-11.7-6.4) back but it's unlikely he'll play here. That said, Milwaukee has excellent depth led by SF Middleton (20.4-6.0-5.5) and Jrue Holiday (15.9-4.6-5.2), who scored 28 points and  added 14 assists in the rout of the Pacers (sans Giannis). Center Brook Lopez (11.4 & 5.0) and guard DiVincenzo (10.5-5.5-3.1) are regular starters plus Connaughton (6.9 & 4.5) started in place of Giannis vs Indiana, scoring 20 points and grabbing nine rebounds. The 6-10 Bobby Short (10.8 & 6.9) and SG Forbes (8.5) have been quality players off the bench all season.

Milwaukee is making a strong case that its back to being the East's "Big Dog" (Giannis won't be sidelined for long) and the team's plus-7.5 point-differential is second to only that of Utah (+8.3). The Bucks will also will be out for revenge after losing to Boston 122-121 in the season opener. With or without Tatum, I want NO part of a Boston team that is 8-15 on the road (7-16 ATS), the WORST road record of any of the 10 teams currently in playoff position in the East.

Good luck...Larry

My CBI 10* 2nd Rnd Game of the Year is on Bellarmine at 8:00 ET.

The 2021 College Basketball Invitational is taking place over three days at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach, Florida. Eight mid-major squads were chosen for the event, which began with the quarterfinal round on Monday. The field has been downsized from the 16-squad format the CBI last used in 2019, when the championship was a three-game series. This year, the final will be a one-off showdown on Wednesday, between the programs that win on back-to-back days in the quarterfinal and semifinal rounds. For some reason that made little sense, the two schools with the best record in the field, 16-7 Coastal Carolina and 15-6 Bryant, were matched against each other in the first round. Coastal won 93-82 and will play 12-14 Stetson on Tuesday, which edged Bowling Green 53-52. The other semifinal game will be 13-12 Pepperdine against 14-7 Bellarmine. The Waves beat Longwood 80-66, while Bellarmine advanced with a 77-67 win over Army.

The Waves have been led all season by senior PG Ross (18.0-3.9-77) and 6-8 junior Edwards (17.1 & 6.8). That duo starred on Monday, as Edwards scored 22 points, while Ross scored 14 points plus handed out 13 assists. A nice surprise came in the form of 6-9 center Obioha (just 5.1 & 4.3 on the season) adding 13 points and 11 rebounds. However, Longwood was hardly a test, entering the game at 12-16 (now 12-17) on the season.

Bellarmine is transitioning into Division I and played its first season in the Atlantic Sun in 2020-21. The Knights are led by 6-7 guard Bradshaw, who leads the team in scoring (16.1) and rebounding (7.1). He is joined by three more double digit scorers. That group includes guards Penn (13.0-3.6-3.6) and Fleming (12.2) plus 6-7 forward Claycomb (10.0 & 3.5). The team's fifth starter is guard Pfriem (6.5 & 3.5). Bradshaw had an outstanding game vs Army, scoring 3 points while adding 11 rebounds. Fleming added 17 points and Penn 13.

Lorenzo Romar began his coaching career at Pepperdine in the late 90s but left for St Louis and then Washington. He led the Huskies to six NCAA berths in his first nine seasons but then NONE in his final six (was fired after a 9-22 season). He's back at Pepperdine but like in his first stint, has been basically a .500 coach. Meanwhile, Bellarmine head coach Scott Davidson is in his 16th season at the school. After going 40-43 in his first three seasons, he led the Knights to 11 consecutive seasons of 23-plus wins before the current season. His 2011 squad won 33 games and captured the Division II national championship plus Davidson led the Knights to three more Final Fours, with seasons of 29, 31 and 32 wins.

I had Bellarmine last night noting that Davidson knows all about postseason tourney games and Bellarmine is NOT in over its head with this CBI field. I will 'jump all over them' again tonight, as the Knights are getting a 'TD' worth of points and they just might be the better team. We'll find out!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Weekly Wipeout is on the LA Clippers at 10:10 ET.

The Atlanta Hawks fired head coach Lloyd Pierce on March 1 and replaced him with assistant coach Nate McMillan. The veteran NBA coach has turned the Hawks into the 'Utah Jazz,' as Atlanta has won EIGHT straight (longest active streak in the NBA) while going 6-1-1 ATS. The Hawks opened an eight-game road trip with a visit to Staples Center for a contest with the Lakers on Saturday, who were 4-0 SU & ATS since the All Star break (7-1 SU & ATS since a four-game slide from Feb 18-24), and upset the Lakers 99-94. The 22-20 Atlanta Hawks will try to make it two wins in a row at Staples Center against the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday night.

The Clippers are coming off a 125-98 blowout win over the Charlotte Hornets at home on Saturday, giving them a modest 3-2 record since the All Star break. Los Angeles likely will be playing without starters Patrick Beverley (8.3 & 3.7 APG) and Serge Ibaka (10.9 & 6.7). Beverley has missed the last four games with right knee soreness, while Ibaka has missed the last three games due to lower back tightness. However, players like Jackson and Zubac have stepped up. Also, the news that LeBron James is out indefinitely after suffering a high-ankle sprain in his team's loss to the Hawks (A.D. has been sidelined since mid-Feb), the Clippers have a chance to make up some ground in the Western Conference, hosting 10 of their next 12 games.

PG Trae Young (25.7-4.1-9.4) has led the Hawks all season and the Hawks also got a boost defensively from the return of center Clint Capela, who had eight points and eight rebounds in last Thursday's 116-93 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder. Capela, who averages a double-double (14.4 & 14.2) on the season, had missed two games with left heel soreness. PF Collins (18.2 & 7.8) and SG Huerter (12.1) have been mainstays, as each has played all 42 games this season. On the injury front, PF Hunter (17.2 & 5.4) is out of commission with an articular tear in his right knee and he is not expected to return until the end of March (he's played just 18 games). Meanwhile, SF Reddish (11.2 & 4.0) has missed 15 games (last played Feb 21), as he's being held out of the lineup with a right Achilles injury and it is unclear how long he will be sidelined.

Kawhi (26.0-6.3-4.9) and George (23,0-6.1-5.4) remain LA's 'Dynamic Duo' but Williams (12.3) has played MUCH better since Feb 1, as has PF Morris (11.9 & 3.8). PG Jackson (8.8) is filling in for Beverley and center Zubac (8.4 & 6.9) has started three in a row averaging 13.0 & 7.7. The 30-11 Jazz sit atop the West, two games ahead of the 28-13 Suns and three up on the 28-15 Lakers. The 27-16 Clippers are 4th at 27-16, four games back of the Jazz. However, as noted above, the Clippers have a great opportunity to "make a move" with 10 of their next 12 games at home. With LBJ and A.D. sidelined, the Clippers co-tenants are clearly vulnerable.

After tonight's game with the Hawks, the Clippers travel to San Antonio (Wed & Thu) for two games with the Spurs but then return to Staples Center for NINE straight games. It's "Movin' time" and it starts here with a win over the red-hot Hawks, who beat the Clippers 108-99 back in Atlanta on Jan 26.  

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Bailout Blowout is on Alabama at 8:45 ET.

Alabama finished No. 5 in the AP's final regular season poll, after winning the SEC's regular-season title and then capturing the tournament crown for the first time since 1991. Alabama's No. 2 seed matched the best in program history. Alabama got tested by Rick Pitino's 15th-seeded Iona team, trailing six times throughout the game but avoided the upset with an 11-0 run that was enough to win 68-55. The 25-6 Crimson Tide now look to advance to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2004 on Monday when they play a 17-13 Maryland team (No. 10 seed), fresh off an impressive defensive showing in the first round. Maryland limited the UConn Huskies to 32.3 percent shooting in a 63-54 win over on Saturday. It was the 11th time this season the Terps held an opponent to under 60 points.

Mark Turgeon coached Wichita St for seven years, before leading Texas A&M to four straight NCAA tournaments in four years going 97-40. He joined Maryland when it was still in the ACC but its move to the Big Ten has been good for the basketball program, as over the previous six seasons the Terps have won 20-plus games in five seasons (exception was a 19-win season), making four NCAA tourneys (would have been five, as Maryland was 24-7 when the season was shut down last year). Maryland got at-large bid this season despite a mediocre 16-13 overall record (9-11 in the ACC). Maryland has nice depth at the guard position, led by Ayala (15.2 & 4.2) and Wiggins (14.0 & 5.8) plus that duo is joined by Morsell (8.9 & 4.1) and Hart (7.1). The 6-7 Scott (10.9 & 6.1) and the 6-8 Hamilton (6.5 & 2.2) are the best frontcourt contributors. Ayala (23) and Wiggins (14) led the way vs UConn.

Alabama head coach Nate Oats was 96-43 at Buffalo, leading the Bulls to three NCAA tourneys in his four years, including going 27-9 and 32-4 in his last two seasons. 'Bama was just 16-15 last season and guard Lewis (18.5-4.8-5.2) left after one year for the NBA but the other four starters returned. A trio of guards all average double digits. That trio is Shackelford (14.1), Quinerly (12.6) and Petty (12.2 & 5.1). Up front, 6-8 senior Jones (11.5 & 6.5) was named SEC p-o-y and Defensive p.o.y. plus 6-10 senior Bruner adds 6.0 & 4.2. Both Shackelford and Petty scored just 10 points vs Iona (Petty was an awful 3 of 13 from the floor) but Jones "came up big," scoring 20 points (six rebounds).

"I'd give ourselves a C," Alabama star Herb Jones said. "We didn't come out, you know, defensively we didn't come out, I don't think we came out how we should have. We didn't make a lot of shots. But the effort was -- I give the effort an A." Head coach Oats added, "I thought our effort was great. Maybe we had some NCAA first-game jitters, I don't know what it was to be honest with you, but hopefully getting that first game out of the way and getting a win even though we didn't play well will help that." Maryland is clearly an excellent defensive team but the Terps shot 51.2% vs UConn and that won't happen here against an Alabama team allowing opponents to shoot just 40.9%. I say lay the points, as Alabama advances easily to the Sweet 16 where No. 11 UCLA awaits, Can you say Elite 8-bound?

Good luck...Larry

My 10* CBI 1st Rnd Game of the Year is on Bellarmine at 8:30 ET.

The 2021 College Basketball Invitational will take place over three days at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach, Florida. Eight mid-major squads were chosen for the event, which will begin with the quarterfinal round on Monday. The field has been downsized from the 16-squad format the CBI last used in 2019, when the championship was a three-game series. This year, the final will be a one-off showdown on Wednesday, between the programs that win on back-to-back days in the quarterfinal and semifinal rounds. 

It's the 13-7 Bellarmine Knights vs the 12-9 Army Black Knights in Monday action from Daytona Beach. Bellarmine is transitioning into Division I and played its first season in the Atlantic Sun in 2020-21. Army plays in the Patriot League, joining that conference back in 1990. Bellarmine is led by 6-7 guard Bradshaw (15.4 & 6.9), who is joined by three more double digit scorers. That group includes guards Penn (13.0) and Fleming (11.9) plus 6-7 forward Claycomb (10.4 & 3.5). The Knights have size in the 6-10 DeVault and the 6-8 Thelen but neither player rebounds well with both contributing only 5.0 PPG. 

EIGHT Army players have participated in all 21 games and its top-five players include three seniors, a junior and one freshman. A trio of guards average in double digits, led by senior Grayson (12.7 & 5.3), junior Caldwell (12.6 & 4.6) and freshman Rucker (10.0). 6-8 senior King (11.8 & 4.8) makes four double digit scorers and 6-7 senior Finke (5.9 & 6.1) is the team's leading rebounder.

Army's the more veteran team but head coach Jimmy Allen hasn't had much success with this group. He was just 54-70 in his first four seasons, including last season's 15-15 club which was 10-8 in Patriot League play (note: just the SECOND time since 1990 that the Black Knights won double digit games in league play since 1990!). I mentioned earlier that Bellarmine is transitioning into Division I but head coach Scott Davidson is in his 16th season as the school's head coach. After going 40-43 in his first three seasons, he led the Knights to 11 consecutive seasons of 23-plus wins before the current season. His 2011 squad won 33 games and captured the Division II national championship plus Davidson led the Knights to three more Final Fours, with seasons of 29, 31 and 32 wins.

If you are looking for a 'Cinderella' team in this year's CBI, Bellarmine may be it! Davidson knows all about postseason tourney games and Bellarmine is NOT in over its head  with this CBI field.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on Florida St at 7:45 ET.

4th-seeded Florida State (17-6) had to battle to get by North Carolina Greensboro on Saturday while 5th-seeded Colorado cruised to an easy win over Georgetown. The Seminoles needed to hold off a second-half surge by the Spartans, who cut a 12-point deficit to a point in the final five minutes before Florida St won by 10 points. In contrast, there was no drama for the Buffaloes, who led by as many as 32 in a 96-73 win over the Hoyas. Both teams are tournament tested, having reached the finals of their respective conference tournaments.

Tad Boyle is in his 11th season at Colorado and despite losing the 6-7 Tyler Bey (13.8 & 9.0) to the NBA (he played center for the Buffs), the good news was that PG Wright flirted with the NBA draft but returned to Boulder for his senior season. The Buffs reached the Pac 12 tourney game but were upset 70-68 by Oregon St (note: The Ducks own upset wins over Tennessee and Oklahoma St in this year's big Dance). As expected, PG Wright (15.5-4.4-5.8) is the team leader and is surrounded by veterans, such as the 6-7 Horne (11.1 & 5.8), the 6-8 Battey (10.0 & 5.3), the 6-7 Walker (7.9 & 4.4) and the 7-0 Walton (6.7 & 32.9) up front. Backcourt 'helpers' for Wright are Schwartz (9.2 & 4.0), Daniels (5.3 and Parquet (5.3). Wight had 12 points and 13 assists against the Hoyas, while Walker scored 24 points in 20 minutes off the bench and Schwartz added 18 points.

FSU entered this season losing three key players from last year's 26-5 team (more in a bit). PG Forrest (11.6-4.4-4.0), SG Vassell (12.7 & 5.1) and 6-7 swingman Williams (9.7 & 4.0), who were all chosen in the NBA draft. However, guard MJ Walker is back and leads with 12.5 PPG. He's surrounded by a talented and deep group. The 6-8 Gray (12.2 & 6.6) and 6-9 freshman Barnes (10.6-4.3-4.1) join Walker in double digits plus guard Polite (9.5 & 4.5) and the 7-1 Koprivica (9.4 & 6.0) aren't far behind. Guards Calhoun (5.6) and Evans (5.4) plus the 6-9 Osborne (5.4 & 4.5) give this team a deep bench. The Seminoles got a scare when leading scorer Walker limped off with an ankle injury in the second half. He went to the locker room but returned a few minutes later to help Florida State hang on. Walker had only four points against UNC Greensboro in 32 minutes but Gray (17 points), Koprivica (13 points / nine rebounds) and Anthony Polite (12 points) picked up the slack. Word is that Walker should be fine for Monday's game.

Colorado shot 60.7% against the Hoyas, including 16-25 on threes. NO way the Buffs replicate that against FSU (note: the Buffs' Walker was 9 of 10 from the floor). Meanwhile, I believe FSU's "close call" in the first round will have them highly-focused for this one. Florida St head coach Leonard Hamilton has built a championship-caliber program in Tallahassee, one that has produced the THIRD most victories among ACC schools, behind only Duke and Virginia since 2016. The Seminoles were 26-5 and poised to make a Final Four run before the postseason was curtailed due to the COVID-19 pandemic last year. Could this year "be the year?" m A win here gets them halfway to the Final Four. That's my bet.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Ultimate Underdog is on Oklahoma at 2:40 ET.

Gonzaga opened No. 1 in the AP's preseason poll and has yet to 'blink!' The top-ranked Bulldogs moved to 27-0 with their 98-55 over Norfolk State on Saturday. The team's next 'victim' is expected to be the eighth-seed Oklahoma Sooners, who recorded a 72-68 victory over Missouri in their first-round game to move to 16-10. The Bulldogs are five wins away from becoming the first undefeated national champion since Indiana in the 1975-76 season. Is it a forgone conclusion?

When Rick Pitino led Iona into this year's Big Dance it was noted that he became one of just THREE head coaches to lead five programs to the NCAA Tournament. Oklahoma's Lon Kruger is ONE of the other two (Kansas St, Florida, Illinois, UNLV and Oklahoma). He's participated in 17 NCAA Tournaments, including 2 Final Fours (1994 with Florida; 2016 with Oklahoma). Leading scorer Reaves (17.9-5.6-4.8) scored 23 points in the Sooners' first-round win over Missouri but received excellent support from the 6-9 Manek (11.2 & 5.0) who added 19 points and fellow guard Harkless (8.1 & 5.3), who added a double-double (16 points / 10 rebounds). However, Oklahoma will be without second-leading scorer De'Vion Harmon (12.9) for the second straight game due to a positive COVID-19 test.

Mark Few's accomplishments at Gonzaga are too many to list but as all know, he's still missing that one last piece, a national championship. This is likely his best team, led by 6-7 first-team All-American Kispert (19.3 & 4.9), as well as third-team All-Americans, the 6-10 Timme (18.4 & 7.1) and freshman guard Suggs (14.0-5.4-4.4). Guards Ayayi (11.9 & 7.0) and Nembhard (9.0 & 4.2 APG) plus the 6-8 Watson (7.5 & 3.5) round out the main contributors. Kispert led the way with 23 points in Gonzaga's first game, while Watson got a start and chipped in 17 points (7 of 7 from the floor).

Gonzaga won its 24th straight game by double digits against Norfolk St and its 31st consecutive game going back to the end of last season. Gonzaga averages 92.9 PPG on 55.3 % shooting, ranking 1st in both categories. Asking for Oklahoma to pull the upset is likely asking too much but note that BYU was tied with Gonzaga in the WCC tourney final with just four minutes to go (lost by 10). After all, the contest will be played at historic Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, where the 1954 Milan High School Indians won the Indiana High School Boys Basketball Tournament championship in 1954 (inspiration for the 1986 film Hoosiers) Do you believe in miracles?

Good luck...Larry

My 10* play is on the Dal Mavericks at 10:10 ET.

Doncic led the Mavs into the playoffs last season (ending a three-year drought) and Dallas was expected to be a playoff regular with him as its leader. However, the Mavs saw starters like center Porzingis (20.8 & 8.4), SG Richardson (13.3), SF Finney-Smith (8.2 & 5.3) and PF Kleber (7.3 & 5.4) all miss 10 or more games. Doncic (28.8-8.4-9.3) can be unstoppable at times. Porzingis (20.0 & 8.6) has been healthy lately plus 6th-man Hardaway (16.5) has been terrific all season. Hardaway has started for Finney-Smith (8.2 & 5.3) Wednesday and Friday and may again as Finney-Smith is NOT expected to play. SG Richardson (13.0) and PF Kleber (7.8 & 5.4) are the team's other two starters. Guards Brunson (12.5)) and Burke (7.1) round out the main contributors

Portland hung tough despite CJ McCollum (25.-3.8-4.6 being out since Jan 16 (fractured left foot), while center Jusuf Nurkic (wrist) has played just 12 games (9.8 & 7.7) and PF Zach Collins (ankle) has yet to play a single game. Portland's Lillard (30.6-4.5-7.7) is a true superstar plus Trent (15.0) and Simmons (8.1) have stepped up in McCollum's absence. The ageless Anthony adds 14.2 PPG off the bench plus PF Covington (8.5 & 6.6) and SF Jones (7.8 & 4.5) were acquired in the offseason (both are excellent defenders) and while not spectacular, have been solid contributors.

The Mavs and Blazers played Friday night in Portland with the Blazers winning 125-119. Portland is now 25-16 (tied with the Nuggets for the West's No. 5 seed), while the Mavs are 21-19 (No. 8 seed). As expected Doncic (38) and Lillard (31) went mano-a mano but the "big news" was CJ McCollum shaking off the rust with 32 points in his third game since returning from a fractured left foot. The two teams square off again Sunday night and I can't help but play the Mavs in this quick "payback" situation. Full disclosure, I did have the Mavs in the Friday game, as well. 

Good luck...Larry

My NCAA 10* "Best of the Best" 2nd Round Game of the Year is on Oklahoma St at 9:40 ET.

Oregon State head coach Wayne Tinkle lost his son Tres (18.5 & 6.8) and center Kelley (11.1 PPG / 5.3 RPG / 3.5 BPG) from last year's team. Not much was expected from the Beavers and by late-February Oregon St was 11-11 (7-9 in Pac 12). However, the Beavers won three straight on the road (at Cal, Stanford and Utah), before losing their regular season finale to Oregon, which avenged an earlier loss at home to Oregon St. Oregon St then beat UCLA, Oregon and Colorado (all as underdogs) to win the Pac 12 tourney and advance to the NCAA tournament as a No. 12 seed. The Beavers' run is not yet over, as they fashioned a 70-56 upset over No. 5 Tennessee on Friday.

Mike Boynton took over in Stillwater when Brad Underwood left for Illinois and in his first three seasons, the Cowboys were an underwhelming 51-49. However, led by super-frosh Cade Cunningham, the Cowboys ended the regular season 18-7 and ranked 12th in the nation. The Cowboys beat then-No. 10 West Va and then-No. 2 Baylor in the Big 12 tourney, before losing to then-No. 13 Texas (91-86) in the title game. The 4th-seeded Cowboys struggled in their first round game with 13th-seeded Liberty (trailed by three at the half) but advanced with a 69-60 victory.

Oregon St is led by guard Thompson (15.3-3.8-3.9) and fellow guard Lucas (13.0) is the only other double digit scorer. That duo is joined in the starting lineup by fellow guard Reichle (7.7)) plus the 6-7 Alatishe (9.7 & 8.5) and the 7-1 Silva (5.7 & 2.5). As one can see, the 7-1 Silva is not much of a rebounder (2.5 per) but gets some help up front from the 6-10 Calloo (5.2) and the 6-8 Andela (6.4 & 4.5). Four of OSU's starters were in double digits against Tennessee, while the Beavers held the Vols to 33.3% shooting, including 5 of 26 on threes.

Most seem to think that Cunningham will be the NBA's No. 1 pick in the 2021 draft and he's averaged 20.0-6.3-3.5. However, he missed his first five shots and scored just ONE point in the first half as the Cowboys fell behind 30-27 on Friday. He finished with 15 points but was surely helped by fellow guard Anderson (12.0 & 4.1), who scored 21 points. The 6-5 Likekele (9.7-6.7-3.7) is back from a few missed games and is an important cog. He added 10-6-4 in Friday's win. Other key contributors are the 6-9 Boone (9.6 & 5.6), and the 6-7 Moncrieffe (9.1 & 5.3) plus guards Walker (8.1),and Williams (7.3).

Something tells me Ore St has played "over its head" and can the 7-1 Roman Silva (5.7 PPG) be expected to score a 16 points for the Beavers (8 of 8 from the floor), giving him a career high in points? Also, was it OSU's defense or Tennessee's poor shooting on Friday when the Vols shot 33.3%? In contrast, should we expect Cunningham to repeat his 3 of 14 shooting performance or for the Cowboys to again shoot 40.3% as a team, including 3 of 15 on threes? Ore St beat UCLA as a 5 1/2-point dog and then followed with wins over Oregon, Colorado and Tennessee (each time as 8 1/2-point underdogs). That run ends here, as I expect Cunningham to star and for the Cowboys to move on to the Sweet 16 with a double-digit win.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Ultimate Underdog is on Oral Roberts at 7:45 ET.

Paul Mills came to Oral Roberts four years ago and in his first three seasons his Golden Eagles were hardly 'golden,' going 39-56. However, Oral Roberts won the Summit League Tournament as the No. 4 seed and then upset second-seed Ohio St 75-72 on Friday. It marked the NINTH time a 15th seed had knocked off a No. 2 seed and the first since Middle Tennessee's victory over Michigan State in 2016. Waiting for Oral Roberts at Indiana Farmers Coliseum will be No. 7 seed Florida. The Gators trailed by 10 in the first half against Va Tech and 44-36 with 15 minutes left but went on to win 75-70 in OT.

ORU is led by guard Abmas, who scored 29 vs Ohio St. He not only leads ORU in scoring but his 24.4 PPG leads the entire nation. "Mr Inside" to Abmas' "Mr Outside" is the 6-8 Obanor (18.6 & 9.5), who had 30 points and 11 rebounds vs the Buckeyes. Mike White took over in Gainesville after Billy Donovan took the job with OKC in the NBA and won 20-plus games his first four seasons. The team was 19-12 when last year's season was shut down and COVID issues has limited the Gators to just 24 games this season. 6-5 SF Johnson 14.0 & 7.1 LY) was the SEC's preseason P-O-Y but he was lost just FOUR games into this season.

Florida (15-9) beat Va Tech despite going into the game shorthanded and having the lineup further depleted when the team's third-leading scorer, Tyree Appleby (11.2), took an elbow to the face midway through the second half. His status for this game is unclear. White decided not to play Omar Payne (3.7 & 3.2) after the reserve forward was ejected from the SEC tournament quarterfinals for a flagrant-2 foul. Again, his status is unclear. Tre Mann (15.9-5.6-3.4) scored 14 points vs the Hokies, while the 6-11 Castleton (12.3 & 6.2) really stepped up (19 & 14). Guard Lewis (8.3) added 15 HUGE points.

Oral Roberts won its first NCAA Tournament game since 1974 on Friday and history tells us that the previous EIGHT No. 15 seeds that won their openers, just ONE of them won their second round game. However, I believe this Florida team is ripe for an upset. Taking more than a 'TD' is a bonus.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on West Va at 5:15 ET.

West Va's Bob Huggins is fresh off his 900th career victory, achieved with an 84-67 victory over 14th-seeded Morehead State on Friday. The 3rd-seed Mountaineers (now 19-9) take on 11th-seeded Syracuse (17-9) in this second round game from Bankers Life Fieldhouse (home of the Pacers). Huggins' coach counterpart will be none other than 

Jim Boeheim, who has officially won 981 games over his 45 seasons at Syracuse (note: 101 other victories have been vacated by the NCAA for violations). Syracuse is off an impressive 78-62 first round win over San Diego St, which entered that contest on a 14-game winning streak. 

Syracuse starts an 'Iron-5,' and that group's only real help comes from reserve guard Richmond (6.5 & 3.2 APG). Boeheim's son Buddy, leads the team at 17.7 PPG and comes back-to-back 30-point games. He scored a career-high 31 in a loss to Virginia in the ACC tourney and added 30 points (made 11 of 15 shots, including 7 of 10 from three-point range). Syracuse has a strong frontcourt, consisting of 6-5 SF Griffin (14.1 & 6.3), the 6-7 Guerrier (14.0 & 8.6) and the 6-10 Dolezaj (10.0 & 5.2), while PG Girard (9.5 & 3.3 APG) starts in the backcourt with Boeheim.

FOUR of five starters returned from last season's West Va team but the 6-9 Oscar Tshiebwe (11.2 & 9.2 last season / 8.5 & 7.8 thru 10 games) opted to transfer to Kentucky in mid-season, forcing a complete change of basketball philosophy for Huggins. The 6-10 Culver (14.5 & 9.7) is now the main focus inside, as Huggins now relies on his perimeter people. Guards McBride (16.0-3.9-4.8), Sherman (13.4) and McNeil, (11.9) have really stepped up. Joining Culver up front are a pair of 6-7 players, junior Matthews (7.6 & 3.9) and freshman Bridges (6.0 & 3.4).

Syracuse made a Final Four run as a 10th seed in 2016 and advanced to the Sweet 16 as an 11th seed in 2018. That famous 2-3 zone worked its 'magic' on SD St but I don't believe Huggins and his West Va team will fall victim to it here. Remember, Syracuse entered the Big Dance just 3-8 in games outside of the Carrier Dome this season, with its only victories coming against Boston College (2-11 in the ACC) and two wins over NC St after the Wolfpack lost their leading scorer Daniels. Meanwhile, West Va opened at No. 15 in the AP's preseason poll and has been ranked in EVERY poll this season, entering the Big Dance at No. 13. West Va is the ONLY team to stay within single digits this season vs Gonzaga, losing just 87-82. Boeheim's 2021 NCAA tourney 'run' ends after just ONE win.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Situational Stunner is on Baylor at 2:40 ET. 

Wisconsin has had a terrific basketball program for decades and Greg Gard is in his sixth season at Madison, having had FOUR 20-win seasons in his first five. Wisconsin was ranked 7th in the AP's preseason poll and began the season with FIVE seniors starters. The Badgers were 13-4 (7-3 Big Ten) in late January but really stumbled down the stretch. They lost EIGHT of their final 12 games but didn't fall out of the top-25 until the March 8th poll (second-to-last). Wisconsin earned a No. 9 seed and routed No. 8  North Carolina 85-62 in the first round on Friday. The outcome marked the first loss in an NCAA Tournament opener for North Carolina head coach Roy Williams, who was a combined 29-0 in those games with Kansas and the Tar Heels.

Baylor's Scott Drew took over a devastated Baylor program in the 2003-04 season and since 2007-08, has turned the Bears into one of the best programs in the country. Baylor won the NIT in 2013 and had made eight NCAA tourney appearances (26-4 last season would have made nine) entering this season. Baylor lost 6-9 center Gillespie (9.6 & 9.0) from last year's team but the strength of Baylor's team this season is centered around its guards. Baylor opened 18-0 but lost 71-58 at Kansas on Feb 27, playing just its SECOND game since Feb 2. The Bears would finish the regular season 21-1 (13-1 in the Big 12), winning their first-ever Big 12 regular-season title and first league championship since they won the SWC regular season in 1950. Baylor lost to Okla St in the Big 12 semis but rolled in its NCAA opener, 79-55 over Hartford.

Baylor was impressive but its win came over a No. 16 seed. In comparison, Wisconsin routed North Carolina 85-62, reaching the 80-point mark for just the second time since Christmas. Wisconsin has FIVE seniors. Trice (13.9-3.4-4.0) and Davison (10.1) are the guards, while the 6-10 Potter (12.6 & 5.8), the 6-8 Ford (8.7 & 4.2) and the 6-11 Reuvers (8.2) have typically started up front. 6-5 freshman Davis (6.9 & 4.2) and 6-9 sophomore Wahl (5.2 & 4.3) have both been regular contributors. It was Davison (29) and Trice (21) who starred vs the Tar Heels.

Butler (17.0-3.3-4.9) is the best of  Baylor's guards the group but don't look past Teague (16.4 & 4.2), Mitchell (14.0 & 5.3 APG), Flagler (8.8) or Mayer (8.0) The 6-5 Vital (5.7 & 6.7) plays like a power forward and is considered one of the best defensive players in the nation. Tchatchoua is a 6-8 transfer from UNLV and he's averaged 6.5 & 5.3 plus the 6-10 Thamba adds 3.6 & 4.0. Teague, who was playing in his first NCAA tourney game for the Bears, led the way with 22 points on Friday but Butler struggled (13 points), going 5 of 16 from the floor, including 1 of 8 on threes.

I respect Wisconsin's five seniors and longtime success in the "Big Dance" but this season has the 'feel' of a very special one for Baylor and Scott Drew. Baylor was 18-0 (13-5 ATS) before COVID protocols disrupted its season but that's behind them now. How good has Drew been at Baylor? How about this. After only three 20-win seasons in its first 100 seasons of basketball, Baylor has reached 20 wins for the 12th time in the last 14 seasons. Wisconsin looked 'gassed' down the stretch and I'm not sure where Friday's effort came from. I'm laying the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Daytime Dominator is on Illinois at 12:10 ET.

Porter Moser is in his 10th season and Loyola-Chicago and few will forget his team's memorable Final 4 run in 2018. The Ramblers won 20 and 21 games the last two seasons  and with all FIVE starters back from last year's pandemic-shortened season, Loyola had high expectations this season. Drake opened 18-0 this season in the MVC grabbing the early headlines but Loyola caught and passed the Bulldogs, winning the MVC regular season title and then Arch Madness with a 75-65 victory over Drake. The No. 8-seeded Ramblers then bested 9th-seed Ga tech 70-61 in the first round. Loyola's reward? A date with the regions' No. 1 seed, Illinois (AP's No. 2 team). 

Brad Underwood's first two seasons at Illinois did not go well (14-18 and 12-21) but the Illini went 21-10 in 2019-20, before COVID shut down the season. Illinois opened No. 8 in the preseason poll but by mid-Jan, the Fighting Illini were a modest 9-5 (5-3 in the Big Ten). However, Illinois would end the regular season 20-6, including 16-4 in the Big Ten. It would then capture the Big Ten Tourney (No. 2 seed) for the first time since 2005 and  enter the "Big Dance" as the AP's No. 2 team and with one of the four, No. 1 seeds. The Illini made 'short work' of 16th-seeded Drexel on Friday, winning 78-49.

Loyola is led by 6-9 center Krutwig (14.9 & 6.7), five guards chipping in between 6.8 and 8.6 PPG plus the 6-7 Uguak (7.5 & 4.2) and the 6-8 Welch (5.0 & 2.0) lending Krutwig a hand up front. Krutwig had a modest 10 & 5 in the win over Ga Tech but FOUR of Loyola's starters scored in double digits. Leading the way were Williamson (8.6) with 21 points and Norris (8.4) with 18 points.

Illinois is led by All American guard Dosunmu (20.6-6.5-5.4) and 7-0 All-Big Ten center Cockburn (17.6 & 9.5). The backcourt features veterans like Frazier (10.4), Curbelo (9.1 & 4.1 APG) and Williams (5.6 & 5.4) plus freshman Miller adds 8.3 PPG. The 6-9 Bezhanishvili (5.2 & 2.8) rounds out the main contributors. Dosunmu had 17-11-6 and Cockburn 18 & 5 against Drexel, as Illinois shot 57.1% from the floor, while holding Drexel to 30.6%.

For history buffs, the last time these Illinois schools teams met in the postseason was the 1963 NCAA Tournament, when Loyola won on its way to capturing the school's lone national championship. Is this the season Illinois wins its first-ever NCAA championship? The Illini have been to five Final Fours but have never won it all. Many think this could be the year? Let's NOT look past this game. Yes, Loyola is 25-4 but its LONE game against a top-25 team this season came back on Dec 15 at then-No. 12 Wisconsin. The Ramblers lost that one 77-63 and that margin sounds about right to me in this one!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Las Vegas Insider is on BYU at 9:40 ET.

UCLA and Michigan St met Thursday in a First Four game that may just have been, from a status perspective, the best-ever game in First Four history. Michigan St led 44-33 at the half but UCLA 'flipped the script' in the second half, winning it 44-33. UCLA then won 86-80 in OT. The Bruins are in the Big Dance for the 50th time and own 11 national titles but 10 came in the Wooden era (1964-1975). Knocking Tom Izzo's team out of the tourney marked UCLA's first NCAA Tournament win since 2017. The 11th-seeded Bruins (18-9) now take on the 6th-seeded BYU Cougars, who come in at 20-6.

UCLA rallied from a 14-point deficit to eke past Michigan State, led by Jaime Jaquez (27 points) and Johnny Juzang (23)."Maybe Coach's luck was with us," UCLA head coach Mick Cronin said in reference to the legendary John Wooden. "The players really needed this. I'm really, really happy for the guys.". UCLA's 6-9 guard Chris Smith averaged 12.6 points and 6.4 rebounds in UCLA's first eight games but was lost for the season with a knee injury. More recently, the 6-10 Jalen Hill (6.1 & 5.5) has not played since Jan 30 (personal reasons). However, the Bruins still have FIVE players averaging in double digits. PG Campbell (10.3 & 5.6 APG) misses Smith but is still surrounded by "big guards" like the 6-6 Zuzang (14.5 & 4.1), the 6-6 Jaquez (12.3 & 6.0) and the 6-6 Bernard (10.4 & 4.9). Without Hill, it's just the 6-9 Riley (10.2 & 5.2) up front.

Mark Pope had an excellent first season at BYU (came from Utah Valley St), going 24-8 before the shutdown. However, gone from that team are PF Childs (22.2 & 9.0) plus guards Toolson (15.2-4.8-3.9) and Haws (14.0 & 5.8 APG). Despite those losses, BYU has gone 20-6 and one CAN'T ignore the fact that THREE of those losses came to No. 1 and unbeaten 26-0 Gonzaga. Seniors Barcello (15.9-4.7-4.5) and Averette (11.5 & 3.7 APG) are an excellent backcourt duo plus the 7-3 Haarms (Purdue graduate transfer) has chipped in 11.3 & 4.8 on the season. The 6-8 Lohner (7.0 & 7.0), the 6-11 Harward (6.2 & 4.3) and the 6-6 George (5.6 & 3.4) provide excellent depth up front, while guards Knell, Harding and Johnson combine to chip in 17.5 PPG from the perimeter. 

BYU gave Gonzaga a scare in the WCC championship game, making 10 of its first 16 shots to take a 26-19 lead. BYU continued to go right at the Zags, hitting 9 of 13 from beyond the arc to lead 53-41 at halftime. The game was tied at 73-all with about four minutes to go, before the Zags won by 10 points. Note that the Cougars are the last team to beat Gonzaga, 91-78 back on Feb 22, 2020. UCLA was VERY lucky to get past Michigan St and the Bruins enter this game on a 4-11 ATS run their last 15 (that's a 79% "go-against!").

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Weekend Wipeout is on UConn at 7:10 ET.

Mark Turgeon coached Wichita St for seven years, before leading Texas A&M to four straight NCAA tournaments in four years going 97-40. He joined Maryland when it was still in the ACC but its move to the Big Ten has been good for the basketball program, as over the previous six seasons the Terps have won 20-plus games in five seasons (exception was a 19-win season), making four NCAA tourneys (would have been five, as Maryland was 24-7 when the season was shut down last year). Maryland did get at-large bid this season (No. 10 seed), despite a mediocre 16-13 overall record (9-11 in the ACC).

UConn moved to the AAC for the 2013-14 season and made an improbable run to the Final Four and won a national championship. However, it has spent the last six seasons going just 110-90, with just two seasons of 20-plus wins and one NCAA tourney appearance. The Huskies have fallen out of the national 'picture' but a return to the Big East this season, along with the hiring of Dan Hurley as its head coach, had expectations running high in Storrs. Hurley spent six seasons at Rhode Island, winning 25 and 26 games in his final two years, ending with NCAA bids. However, he went 14 -19 and 16-17 in his first two seasons with UConn, before going 19-12 in last season's pandemic-shortened one. UConn earned a No. 7 seed by going 15-7 (11-6 in Big East play).

Maryland has nice depth at the guard position, led by Ayala (14.9 & 4.2) and Wiggins (14.0 & 5.9) plus joined by Morsell (9.0 & 4.0) and Hart (7.1 & 3.6). The 6-7 Scott (10.9 & 6.1) and the 6-8 Hamilton (6.8 & 2.4) are the best frontcourt contributors. Bouknight (19.0 & 5.7), Cole (12.3 & 4.4 APG) and Martin (10.7 & 7.3) give UConn a solid backcourt trio, while up front it's three 6-9 players, Whaley (8.1 & 6.1), Polley (7.6 & ) Whaley (9.3 & 6.4) and freshman Sanogo (7.5 & 4.5).

Bouknight's injury cost him a little over a month but he had a 40-point outing as one of his seven, 20-point games in the 14 he played. UConn was 11-3 in those games and I like them here in a "big way!" However, Alabama likely awaits in the Round of 32 and that may just be a 'bridge too far.

Good luck...Larry

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

Drake head coach Darian DeVries led the Bulldogs to 24 and 20-win seasons in his first two seasons at Drake but the Bulldogs entered this season as a middle-of-the-pack preseason pick in the MVC. However, Drake opened 18-0 but down the stretch lost TWO of three to MVC rival Loyola-Chicago, including 75-65 in the championship game (Arch Madness). The Bulldogs earned an at-large bid and met Wichita St in a First Four game with the winner advancing as an 11-seed. Drake rallied from 12 points down to edge Wichita St 53-52, snapping its11-game losing streak to Wichita State.

Drake moves on to take on 22-7 USC, which earned a No. 6 seed. Andy Enfield led Florida Gulf Coast to a 26-11 season in his second at the school, making a Sweet 16 appearance. That gave him the chance to "move on up" to USC but his first two seasons were HUGE disappointments (11-21 and 12-20). However, the Trojans won 21-plus games in FOUR of the last five seasons, including a 22-9 mark last season before the shut down. USC saw its top-five scorers leave after the 2020 season but finished 15-5 in this season's Pac 12 race, just behind No. 1 seed Oregon (14-4).

Drake has featured a seven-man rotation for most of this season, led by 6-6 forward Hemphill (14.1 & 6.3). Then there are guards Yesufu (12.1), Penn (11.2-3.3 5.5) and Wilkins (10.6) plus 6-6 forward Murphy (10.2 & 5.2). Guard Sturtz (8.4 & 5.6) and the 6-10 Brodie (7.3 & 7.2) round of the main contributors. All previous noted stats do not include the Wichita St game. Hemphill had been sidelined since Feb 10 with a foot injury and Penn was lost for the season in late-February, as Drake took on Wichita St. Hemphill did not start and played only 10 minutes (three points / four rebounds) plus Wilkins (10.6 PPG on the season) made just 1 of 8 shots scoring three points. Yesufu starred with 21 points, while big men Murphy (11 & 4) and Brodie (9 & 10) had solid games.

I noted that USC lost its top-five scorers from last season but Enfield recruited a "super frosh" in 7-0 freshman Evan Mobley plus brought in SIX transfers. All Evan Mobley did was average 16.8 & 8.6, earning Pac-12 P-O-Y and Defensive P-O-Y honors. He joined his brother Isaiah (a 6-10 sophomore), who has added 9.0 & 7.4. Peterson is a 6-8 swingman from Rice who averages 9.9 & 5.0 plus guards Eaddy (Santa Clara) and White, a grad transfer from Utah Valley St round out the starting-five. Eaddy averages 13.7 PPG and White 7.2. Guard Anderson (6.1) and the 6-9 Goodwin (5.9 & 3.7) contribute off the bench.

USC lost 72-70 in the Pac 12 tourney to Colorado (0-3 vs the Buffs this season) but get a VERY favorable first game in the "Big Dance." Could Enfield be back in the Sweet 16 team with USC, like with Florida Gulf Coast? First things FIRST. Lay the points here.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Ultimate Underdog is on Iona at 4:00 ET.

Everyone knows The Rick Pitino Saga, who is taking his fifth school to the NCAA Tournament, having previously 'danced' with Boston University, Providence, Kentucky. I guess one's first (BU) always has a special place in one's heart but after all the turmoil Pitino has been through in the last few years, earning an NCAA bid with Iona in his first try, has to be "right up there!" However, Pitino draws a formidable foe in No. 5 Alabama (24-6), which won the SEC's regular-season title and then captured the tournament crown for the first time since 1991. Alabama's No. 2 seed matches the best in program history.

Iona had a 51-day hiatus due to COVID, which the school says sidelined them longer than any team in the country. Iona entered the MAAC tourney just 8-5 (6-3 in league play) but won FOUR games over five days to capture the league's automatic bid. The Gaels are led by an excellent duo of senior guards, Ross (18.4 & 3.8)) and Gist (13.3 & 3.87APG). 6-9 freshman Joseph (11.4 & 7.6), 6-5 JC transfer JeanLouis (8.2 & 5.6), freshman guard Myers (6.1) and 6-9 senior van Eyck (7.3 & 6.5) complete Iona's main contributors.

Alabama head coach Nate Oats was 96-43 at Buffalo, leading the Bulls to three NCAA tourneys in his four years, including going 27-9 and 32-4 in his last two seasons. 'Bama was just 16-15 last season and guard Lewis (18.5-4.8-5.2) left after one year for the NBA but the other four starters returned. A trio of guards all average double digits. That trio is Shackelford (14.2 & 3.8), Quinerly (12.7) and Petty (12.3 & 5.1). Up front, 6-8 senior Jones (11.2 & 6.5) was named SCE P-O-Y and Defensive P.O.Y. plus 6-10 senior Bruner adds 6.1 & 4.2.

Alabama is a 'sexy' Final 4 pick and I won't argue but putting aside all the 'baggage,' Pitino can sure "coach 'em up!" I realize Alabama is the AP's 5th-ranked team (not a member of the MAAC) but in Iona's four tourney wins, the Gaels held their opponents to 53.8 PPG on 34.6% shooting. I'm taking the HUGE points!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Oddsmaker's Error is on the LA Lakers at 3:40 ET.

The Atlanta Hawks fired head coach Lloyd Pierce on March 1 and replaced him with assistant coach Nate McMillan. The veteran NBA coach has turned the Hawks into the 'Utah Jazz,' as Atlanta has won SEVEN straight (longest active streak in the NBA) while going 5-1-1 ATS. The Hawks open an eight-game road trip with a visit to Staples Center for a contest with the Lakers, who are 4-0 SU & ATS since the All Star break, extending a run in which LA has gone 7-1 SU & ATS since a four-game slide from Feb 18-24.

PG Trae Young (25.9-4.1-9.4) has led the Hawks all season and the Hawks also got a boost defensively from the return of center Clint Capela, who had eight points and eight rebounds in Thursday's 116-93 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder. Capela, who averages a double-double (14.6 & 14.1) on the season, had missed two games with left heel soreness. PF Collins (18.2 & 7.6) and SG Huerter (12.2-3.7-3.6) have been mainstays, as each has played all 41 games this season. On the injury front, PF Hunter (17.2 & 5.4) is out of commission with an articular tear in his right knee and he is not expected to return until the end of March (he's played just 18 games). Meanwhile, SF Reddish (11.2 & 4.0) has missed 15 games (last played Feb 21), as he's being held out of the lineup with a right Achilles injury and it is unclear how long he will be sidelined.

Speaking of dealing with injuries, the Lakers have been without starters Anthony Davis (22.5 & 8.4) and Marc Gasol (4.8 & 4.1). Davis has missed the last 13 games with a right calf strain and the Lakers will re-evaluate Davis' potential availability at the end of the month. Gasol has missed the last six games due to the NBA's health and safety protocols. He was cleared to come out of isolation but remains in the NBA's health and safety protocols. He could be available for Saturday's game against Atlanta. As always, there is LBJ, who is averaging 25.8-8.1-8.0. Adding PG Schroder (14.8-3.4-4.7) and PF Harrell (14.3 & 6.4) during the offseason was HUGE for the Lakers plus SF Kuzma (12.1 & 6.7) is one of the NBA's more underrated players.

There is NO doubt that the Hawks are on a roll but are they really playing better than the Lakers, who are now 28-13, just two games back of the Jazz for the West's No. 1 seed? The Hawks recent surge has them just 21-20 on the season and back on Feb 1 in Atlanta, the Lakers won 107-99 over the Hawks as SEVEN-point favorites. Here at home, LA is laying LESS than that! I'm on the Lakers!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Daytime Dominator is on Colorado at 12:15 ET.

Patrick Ewing put Georgetown basketball on the map in the 1980s when as a player he took the Hoyas to three national title games and one NCAA championship. Ewing returned to coach his alma mater four years ago and his first three seasons saw the Hoyas go just 49-46. Not much was expected this season either, as FOUR starters were lost from last year's team. The Hoyas were just 9-12 overall and at 7-9 in the Big East, entered the Big East tourney as its 8th seed. Four winds over four days later, the 13-12 Hoyas were conference champs. They took down then-No. 14 Villanova 72-71 in their second game plus capped their run by routing then-No. 17 Creighton 73-48 in the title game. Georgetown is a No. 12 seed in the "Big Dance" and opens against No. 5 seed Colorado.

Tad Boyle is in his 11th season at Colorado and despite losing the 6-7 Tyler Bey (13.8 & 9.0) to the NBA (he played center for the Buffs), the good news was that PG Wright flirted with the NBA draft but returned to Boulder for his senior season. The Buffs were 20-7 and their 14-6 Pac-12 record got them a No. 3 seed in the tourney. Colorado edged a poor Cal team and then beat USC 72-70 to reach the Pac 12 tourney game. However, the Buffs (-8.5) were upset 70-68 by Oregon St. This marks Boyle's first NCAA appearance, when Colorado had been to four NCAA tourneys in a five-year span.

Ewing features a six-man rotation led by guards Blair (15.8-3.8-3.7), Harris (8.0-3.4-3.2) and Cary (7.6) plus a frontcourt that features the 6-11 Wahab (12.4 & 8.0), the 6-9 Pickett (12.3 & 7.4) and the 6-7 Bile (10.2 & 5.1). Guards Blair (15.3) and Harris (11.8 & 4.8) plus big men Wahab (14.3 & 8.3) and Pickett (10.3 & 6.3) had excellent Big East tourneys. As expected, PG Wright (15.5-4.3-5.6) is the team leader and is surrounded by veterans, such as the 6-8 Battey (10.2 & 5.4), the 6-7 Walker (7.7 & 4.4) and the 7-0 Walton (6.6 & 3.0) up front. Backcourt 'helpers' for Wright are Schwartz (8.9 & 4.0), Daniels (5.4) and Parquet (5.2).

Only seven players log significant minutes for the Hoyas, while the Buffs can go 10-deep. Georgetown won a shorter rotation in the Big East tourney but this is Boyle's best team at Colorado. The Buffs came oh-so-close to winning the Pac-12 tourney and their No. 5 seed is the highest the program has earned in the modern era. Let's NOT forget that Georgetown was a 9-12 team before its 'miracle' run in the Big East tourney. Ewing's team 'falls back to earth' hard in this one.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Revenge Rout of the Month is on the Dal Mavericks at 10:05 ET.

The Dallas Mavericks lost at home to the Clippers on Monday but then rebounded with an impressive 105-89 victory over LA on Wednesday. They now head into another back-to-back challenge when they travel to Portland to face the Trail Blazers this weekend (Friday & Sunday). Similarly, Portland was involved in its own short series, defeating the New Orleans Pelicans 125-124 on Tuesday and prevailing again 101-93 in the rematch on Thursday (both games were played in Portland).

Doncic led the Mavs into the playoffs last season (ending a three-year drought) and Dallas was expected to be a playoff regular with him as its leader. However, the Mavs saw starters like center Porzingis (20.8 & 8.4) miss 15 games, SG Richardson (13.3) miss 12, SF Finney-Smith (8.2 & 5.3) miss 13 and PF Kleber (7.3 & 5.4) miss 15. Doncic (28.5-8.4-9.3) can be unstoppable at times, like Wednesday vs the Clippers when he poured in 42 points. Porzingis (20.4 & 9.3) has been healthy lately plus 6th-man Hardaway (16.3) has been terrific all season. Hardaway started for Finney-Smith (8.2 & 5.3) Wednesday and may again as Finney-Smith is NOT expected to play. SG Richardson (13.3) and PF Kleber (7.5 & 5.4) are the team's other two starters. Guards Brunson (12.6 & 3.3 APG) and Burke (7.0) round out the main contributors

The Blazers have been streaky, opening the season just 10-9 through Feb 1. However, Portland then won EIGHT of nine, before losing FOUR in a row to close February. Portland is 6-2 in March after its back-to-back wins over the Pelicans. Portland has hung tough despite CJ McCollum being out since Jan 16 (fractured left foot), while center Jusuf Nurkic (wrist) has played just 12 games (9.8 & 7.7) and PF Zach Collins (ankle) has yet to play a single game. Portland's Lillard (30.6-4.5-7.8) is a true superstar plus Trent (15.2) and Simmons (8.1) have stepped up in McCollum's absence (more shortly). The ageless Anthony adds 14.1 PPG off the bench plus PF Covington (8.5 & 6.6) and SF Jones (8.0 & 4.5) were acquired in the offseason (both are excellent defenders) and while not spectacular, have been solid contributors.

Portland is currently 24-16, tied for 5th in the West with Denver), while Dallas is 21-18 (No. 8 seed, 3 1/2-games back of the Blazers). The great news for Portland is that McCollum (24.5-3.8-4.6) finally returned in the two games this week against the Pelicans, playing 23.5 MPG and averaging 10.5 PPG. However, it will take a little while for him to get back to 100%. This is an important two-game series for both teams but MORE important for Dallas. The Mavs are as healthy as they've been all season and have won 12 of 14. They could surely use a 2-0 sweep and of course, a team has to win the first of the two to be in a position for a sweep. Dallas was 10-2 from Feb 6-Mar 10, losing only at Philly (76ers are 18-4 at home) and home to these Blazers 121-118, despite Doncic outscoring Lillard 44-34. My bet says a little "payback" is in order tonight (as for Sunday???).

Good luck...Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on Clemson at 9:20 ET.

Steve Pikiell spent 11 years at Stony Brook, winning 20-plus games in his final five seasons. He led the Seawolves to an NCAA berth in 2015-16 and a 26-7 record. His first three seasons at Rutgers saw the Scarlet Knights go just 15-18, 15-19 and 14-17. However, Rutgers was 20-11 last season before the year was shut down. Rutgers jumped out to a 6-0 start this season but was only 9-11 over its last 20, giving them a 15-11 record . The Scarlet Knights enter as a No. 10 seed, returning to the NCAAs for the first time in 30 years. "It's a chance to dance," Steve Pikiell said. "It's a good time to be a Scarlet Knight."

Clemson head coach Brad Brownell is in his 11th season and after a 9-1 start his Tigers were 16-7 on Selection Sunday. Clemson won SIX of its last eight games but lost to No. 13 seed Miami in its ACC tournament opener last week. However, despite that defeat, the Tigers earned a higher seed than ACC tournament champion Georgia Tech and received the third-highest seed among the league's seven NCAA Tournament teams. Clemson earned a No. 7 seed and is making its third NCAA Tournament appearance under Brownell. The last time the Tigers made the NCAA Tournament (2018), they advanced to the Sweet 16 before losing to Kansas.

Rutgers has a STRONG backcourt. Harper (15.4 & 5.9) was a third-team All-Big Ten pick and is complemented by Young (14.4 & 3.5 APG), Baker (10.1-3.2-3.1), Mathis (8.5) and Mulcahy (5.8). The 6-11 Johnson (8.3 & 8.7) has been solid all season inside plus 6-11 freshman Omoruyi (4.0 & 4.0) has returned from a knee injury but hasn't quite looked the same as prior to that injury.

Clemson is led by 6-6 senior forward Aamir Simms (a second-team All-ACC selection), who paced the Tigers this season in scoring (13.3), rebounding (6.2) and assists (2.7). He gets help up front from the 6-8 Tyson (7.4 & 4.3) and the 6-10 Baehere (4.4 & 3.2). Guards Honor (8.4), Trapp (7.0 & 5.4) and Hemenway (4.7) comprise Clemson's backcourt trio of contributors.

Clemson looks so-so on paper but note that the Tigers own wins over two teams that won conference championships, Alabama (AP No. 5 and a No. 2 seed) and Morehead State. which shocked Belmont in the OCV tourney title game. Also, Clemson bested Big Ten opponents Purdue (a No. 4 seed) and Maryland (a No. 10 seed). Clemson allows just 61.8 PPG (12th) and ends Rutgers first trip to the Big Dance in 30 years after ONE game!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* East/West Game of the Month is on the Bos Celtics at 7:30 ET.

The Sacramento Kings play their fourth contest of a six-game road trip tonight in Boston against the Celtics. The Kings rebounded from dropping the first two games of their trek with a 121-119 defeat of Washington on Wednesday and visited TD Garden just 16-24 on the season. Boston opened the season as one of the Eastern Conference favorites but after an 8-3 start, the Celtics have looked nothing even remotely like a contender. Boston is languishing in the lower half of the Eastern Conference playoff standings and enters tonight at .500 (20-20) after consecutive losses to Utah and Cleveland.

Luke Walton is in his second season as head coach of the Kings, having gone 31-41 in last year's pandemic-shortened season. Walton's in good company, as the Kings opened this season on a run of 14 consecutive losing seasons and non-playoff appearances. PG Fox (23.7 & 7.6 APG) and Hield (16.5 & 4.6) lead the way, while three Sacramento frontcourt players are producing as well. The Kings don't have a true center, as that frontcourt trio includes 6-8 SF Barnes (16.6 & 6.2) plus 6-11 PF Bagley (13.9. & 7.4) and 6-8 PF Holmes (13.7 & 8.6). Rookie PG Haliburton ((12.7 & 5.1 APG) from Iowa St has stepped right in and looks like he'll be a quality NBA player.

Boston is without post player Tristan Thompson (7.9 & 8.4) due to COVID-19 protocols plus PG Kemba Walker (17.9 & 4.5 APG) did not play against the Cavs, as has been customary for the veteran guard in the second game of back-to-backs. In Walker's absence, Jayson Tatum (25.3-6.9-4.4) and Jaylen Brown (24.3-5.4-3.9) combined for 57 points. There is good news for Boston, as the team's best perimeter defender, Marcus Smart (12.9 & 5.3 APG), has returned since the All Star break and had 19 points against Cleveland. Let me also note that the 6-8 Robert Williams (7.5 & 6.4) posted 13 points and 14 rebounds off the bench on Wednesday and could see a more prominent role down the stretch to help on the glass and defensively.

Boston is NOT a .500 team and should remember losing 116-111 in Sacramento on Feb 3. The Kings are headed for another losing and non-playoff season (15th straight), while Boston should play MUCH better in the second half. Why not start here vs the Kings, who rank 29th of 30 teams in allowing 120.0 PPG plus dead-last in opponents FG percentage (49.1) and three-point percentage (39.2). Lay the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Weekly Wipeout is on Purdue at 7:25 ET.

North Texas won the C-USA's regular season title last year at 14-4 but the Mean Green ended this year's regular season with THREE consecutive losses. They entered the tourney at 9-5 in league play, leaving them with the West's No. 3 seed but won FOUR games in four days to capture the tourney title and an NCAA automatic bid. The 17-9 Mean Green earned a No. 13 seed, the highest seed in program history, after capturing the Conference USA tournament title with a 61-57 victory in overtime against Western Kentucky. Purdue's Matt Painter is in his 16th season with the Boilermakers but his team was just 16-14 last season, coming off a four-year run of averaging 27.3 wins per season. However, after a modest 7-5 start this season, Purdue won 11 of its final 15 games and at 18-9, earned a No. 4 seed.

North Texas is making its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2010. PG Hamlet (15.0-3.3-4.5) and fellow guard Reese (10.8 & 4.5) join plus frontcourt players Simmons (10.3 & 6.2) and Bell (10.3 & 5.7) in double figures. Those four continued to lead the way in North Texas' four-game tourney run, as Hamlet (18.5-6.5-7.0) was named C-USA tournament MVP while Simmons (10.8 & 5.8) was named to the all-tournament team. Bell added 10.3 & 5.3) plus Reese 10.8 & 4.5.

Purdue had its five-game winning streak snapped with a hard-fought 87-78 overtime loss to Ohio State in the quarterfinals of the Big Ten tournament but this team has improved game-by-game over the season. The 6-10 Williams, a first-team All-Big Ten selection, leads Purdue in scoring (15.6) and rebounding (9.0). He's supported by a well-balanced group of FIVE others who chip in between 8.3 and 10.5 PPG. The group includes guards Ivey (10.5 & 3.4), Stefanovic (9.3), Hunter (8.8) and Newman (8.3 & 3.6), plus 7-3 freshman Edey (9.0 & 4.5). The 6-6 Gillis (5.1 & 3.9) and the 6-9 Wheeler (3.9 & 4.6) also help Williams up front. Williams was terrific with 26 points, 14 rebounds and five assists in the loss to Ohio St, while Ivey added 19 points

"When you have to win four games in four days and the last one is against a program like Western Kentucky who we have the utmost respect for as a team, as a staff and as a program with history, we knew it was going to be a fight," North Texas head coach Grant McCasland said. "We came here, despite losing three straight and having to win four games in four days, with the expectation we were going to win. So we're going to go to the NCAA Tournament with the expectation to win." That sounds great but North Texas got a bad 'draw' in Purdue. The Boilermakers are not exactly playing at home but playing at Lucas Oils Stadium, where the Big Ten tourney was just played, doesn't hurt. Purdue could have easily beaten Ohio St and this team has a deep 'well' of talent led by the outstanding Williams and coached by Painter, who led the Boilermakers to SIX straight NCAA tourneys. His last three tourney trips have led to two Sweet 16 appearances and an Elite 8 one. First things FIRST. Purdue wins this one "with room to spare!"

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Ultimate Underdog is on Cleveland St at 7:15 ET.

No one should have been surprised by what Kelvin Sampson has done at Houston, after successful stops at Washington St, Oklahoma and Indiana. His first Houston team went 13-19 (2014-15) but FIVE straight 20-win seasons followed. The Cougars won 27 (2017-18) and 33 (2018-19) games, before going 23-8 in last season's pandemic shortened one. Houston took another step forward this season by winning the AAC tourney with a blowout 91-54 victory over Cincinnati, after losing the previous two seasons in the title game to the Bearcats. 24-3 Houston heads into the "Big Dance" ranked No. 6 in the nation while earning a No. 2 seed.

Waiting for the Cougars will be 19-7 Cleveland St, after its three-game run to the Horizon League tourney title. Cleveland St last made the "Big Dance" back in 2009 and the school's only other appearance was the 1986 team which famously upset Bobby Knight's Indiana team and reached the Sweet 16. How 'sweet' is this year's NCAA appearance for the Vikings, coming on the heels of FIVE straight losing seasons of nine, nine, 12, 10 and 11 wins? 

Cleveland State head coach Dennis Gates, a two-time Horizon League Coach of the Year honoree in as many seasons, led the Vikings into the Horizon League tournament as the top seed and capped it by defeating Oakland 80-69 in the championship game. Cleveland St features a solid group of four guards in the starting lineup, led by 6-5 senior Patton, who leads in scoring (14.9) and rebounding (8.0). Joining him in the starting lineup are fellow guards Hodge (10.5 & 3.7), Gomillion (10.5 & 5.2) and Beaudion (9.6 & 3.4 APG) plus the 6-9 Johnson (5.5 & 5.4). 6-8 senior Eichelberger averaged a modest 5.5 & 3.3 in 15 regular season games but averaged 10.0 PPG in the team's three tourney games.

Houston guards Grimes (18.0 & 6.0), Sasser (13.7) and Jarreau (11.0-5.5-4.4) are the 'big dogs,' while freshman Mark (8.1) adds depth. The best frontcourt player is the 6-7 Gorham (8.6 & 9.0). However, Houston wins with a defense allowing 57.6 PPG (1st) on 37.0% shooting (also 1st), including 27.4% on threes (4th). Grimes was the American Athletic Conference Co-Player of the Year, guard Jarreau (Defensive Player of the Year) and forward Gorham (Most Improved Player). 

However, in the NCAA Tournament upsets happen, and Sampson is aware that taking opportunities for granted is a dangerous endeavor. Cleveland State will always own a place in NCAA Tournament lore as a March Madness darling because of its magical run to the Sweet 16 in 1986. The Vikings became the first 14 seed to advance to the second weekend by upsetting the third-seeded Hoosiers before ousting St. Joseph's in the second round. Cleveland State then fell to Navy, and future NBA Hall of Fame center David Robinson, to end their memorable run.

"Win one for the Gipper" is one of the more famous sports quotes but how about "Win one for Kevin Mackey?" He coached Cleveland St in its magical 1986 tourney run and with some of his several low moments of his life having been made public, it's be nice to hear his name mentioned again, which it would be, if the Vikings pull an upset. That may be a 'bridge too far" but taking about three 'TDs' is not!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Las Vegas Insider is on North Carolina at 7:10 ET.

Wisconsin has had a terrific basketball program for decades and Greg Gard is in his sixth season at Madison, having had FOUR 20-win seasons in his first five. Wisconsin was ranked 7th in the AP's preseason poll and began the season with FIVE seniors starters. The Badgers were 13-4 (7-3 Big Ten) in late January but really stumbled down the stretch. They lost EIGHT of their final 12 games but didn't fall out of the top25 until the March 8th poll (second-to-last).

North Carolina's legendary head coach Roy Williams came off a 14-19 season last year in which North Carolina players lost 99 games to injury. The Tar Heels opened No. 16 in the AP's preseason poll but never lived up to their preseason ranking, falling out in Dec 28th's poll and never returned. North Carolina did play better down the stretch winning SIX of nine and will enter the "Big Dance" at 18-10 and with an 8-seed (Wisconsin is seeded 9th).

Wisconsin's FIVE seniors are guards Trice (13.7-3.4-4.0) and Davison (9.4 & 3.4) plus the 6-10 Potter (12.8 & 5.9), the 6-8 Ford (8.7 & 4.2) and the 6-11 Reuvers (8.2 & 3.2). 6-5 freshman Davis (7.0 & 4.1) and 6-9 sophomore Wahl (5.3 & 4.5) have both been regular contributors. North Carolina's strength is its depth. SEVEN players are making contributions. Up front it's the 6-10 Bacot (12.2 & 8.0), the 6-10 Brooks (10.2 & 6.8) and the 6-11 Sharpe (9.7 & 7.8), while the backcourt goes four-deep. The group includes Love (10.5 & 3.6 APG), Davis (8.6), Walton (8.2) and Black (5.3 & 5.0).

The Badgers enter the NCAAs having FOUR of their last five games but each of their four losses came to a nationally ranked opponent. The lone victory was a one-point decision against Penn State in last week's Big Ten tournament. That said, this Wisconsin team just hasn't looked good for about the last SIX weeks. Meanwhile, North Carolina had averaging 91.0 PPG in a three-game winning streak before running into Florida St. Wisconsin is one of only FIVE schools selected for the NCAA Tournament 21 times across a 22-year span but the Badgers stay in the 2021 tourney won't last past Friday.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Daytime Dominator is on Va Tech at 12:15 ET.

14-9 Florida earned a No. 7 seed and will take on 15-6 Virginia Tech (No. 10 seed) in the opening game of the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Friday in Indianapolis. Both Florida and Va Tech are in the "Big Dance" for the fourth consecutive time but the two schools are meeting for the first time since 1991. It marks Florida's 21st NCAA appearance (Gators won back-to-back national titles in 2006 and 2007) and the Hokies are 'dancing' for the 12th time.

Mike White took over in Gainesville after Billy Donovan took the job with OKC in the NBA and won 20-plus games his first four seasons. The team was 19-12 when last year's season was shut down and COVID issues have limited the Gators to just 23 games this season. 6-5 SF Johnson 14.0 & 7.1 LY) was the SEC's preseason P-O-Y was lost just FOUR games into this season. Of the six players averaging 20-plus minutes, FOUR are guards. Tre Mann (16.0-5.7-3.4) leads a backcourt that also features Appleby (11.4-3.0-3.3), Locke (10.4) and Lewis (7.9). The 65-11 Castleton (12.0 & 5.9) and the 6-7 Duruji (5.9 & 4.3). The Gators have dropped THREE of their last four games, losing to Missouri and twice to Tennessee. The lone win came in the SEC tourney when they beat Vandy, who at 3-13, finished last in the 14-team conference

Va Tech head coach Mike Young is in his second season with the school, after a record-setting 17-year tenure as the head coach at Wofford. Young built the Terriers into one of the Southern Conference's preeminent programs and a perennial NCAA Tournament participant. He guided Wofford to five NCAA Tournament berths over his last 10 seasons and five Southern Conference championships. The Hokies were just 16-16 overall in Young's first season at Blacksburg, losing almost two-thirds of their ACC games (7-13). However, despite fighting COVID-19 protocols, Va Tech was 15-5 and earned the ACC's third-seed (9-4) in the tourney. Landers Nolley was selected to the ACC All-Freshman Team in leading the Hokies in scoring (15.5 PPG) last season but after the season he announced he was transferring to Memphis. More bad news came when the 6-6 Horne (7.6 & 4.2) also transferred. Sophomore guard Tyrece Radford (10.2 & 6.2) was both the team's leading returning scorer AND rebounder! Radford has averaged 11.9 & 6.1 and the 6-9 Alleyne (10.3) has made excellent progress in his sophomore season. Two 6-7 transfers start up front. The 6-7 Keve Aluma (15.6 & 8.0) followed Young from Wofford and is Va Tech's best player this season, while 6-7 Delaware transfer Justyn Mutts (9.6 & 6.5) has been solid. Returning guards Cone (9.2) and Cottoor (8.4) have both been solid.

Virginia Tech had five games canceled over the final month of the regular season and ended up playing just TWICE in a 38-day span leading up to its 81-73 loss to North Carolina in the Atlantic Coast Conference quarterfinals on March 11. That said, the Hokies have a much better frontcourt than the Gators and while Mann will be the game's best guard, Va Tech's overall backcourt matches up well against Florida's. The Hokies have spent the last 13 weeks ranked in the AP's top-25 poll, while the Gators never ONCE cracked the top-25. That makes this game a toss-up? NOT!

Good luck...Larry

 My 10* First Four Game of the Year is on Michigan St at 9:57 ET.

The NCAA announced that the tournament would expand to 68 teams with four "Play-In Games" beginning with the 2011 tournament. The 2021 First Four will feature a matchup of two teams that historically speaking, are more accustomed to Final Fours than play-in games. 17-9 UCLA and 15-12 Michigan State will square off Thursday night in a battle for the East's No. 11 seed from Mackey Arena, the home to Purdue basketball. UCLA (in its 50th NCAA tournament) owns 11 NCAA titles but all but one came back in the John Wooden era (10 wins in a 12-year span from 1964 to 1975). Michigan State extended its streak to 23 straight NCAA Tournaments, the fourth-longest in NCAA history behind Kansas (31 from 1990-2021), North Carolina (27 from 1975-2001 and Duke (24, from 1996-2019). Michigan State (34th all-time appearance) has made 10 trips to the Final Four (first in 1957 and most recently in 2019), winning national titles in 1979 and 2000.

Mick Cronin coached at Cincinnati for 13 seasons, leading the Bearcats to the "Big Dance" in each of his last nine years, while averaging 26.1 wins per season in that span. His first year as UCLA's head coach ended 19-12, including a 12-6 Pac-12 record (season was shut down last March). This year's team enters 17-9, after losing their last four games. UCLA's 6-9 guard Chris Smith averaged 12.6 points and 6.4 rebounds in UCLA's first eight games but was lost for the season with a knee injury. More recently, the 6-10 Jalen Hill (6.1 & 5.5) has not played since Jan 30 (personal reasons). However, the Bruins still have FIVE players averaging in double digits. PG Campbell (10.5 & 5.6 APG) misses Smith but is still surrounded by "big guards" like the 6-6 Zuzang (14.0 & 4.1), the 6-6 Jaquez (11.7 & 6.0) and the 6-6 Bernard (10.4 & 4.8). Without Hill, it's just the 6-9 Riley (10.2 & 5.2) up front.

Tom Izzo took over at Michigan St to open the 1995-96 season and his first 23 23 straight NCAA appearance began in his third year at East Lansing. He's been to EIGHT Final Fours but has won just once, back in 2000. The Spartans spent much of the last month of the regular season sweating over their NCAA Tournament chances but in the end, 'snuck in!' The 6-6 Henry leads Michigan St in scoring (15.3), rebounding (5.7) and assists (3.5) and is joined in the frontcourt by the 6-9 Hauser (9.7 & 5.7), the 6-7 Brown (7.2 & 2.8) and the 6-7 Hall (4.8 & 4.1). The starting guards are Langford (9.6 & 3.4) and Watts (7.7).

UCLA stumbled terribly down the stretch, not just losing its last four games but going a pathetic 3-11 ATS over its 14 previous games. As for Michigan St, the Spartans were just 10-9 after a Feb 16 loss at Purdue, but would go 5-2 over its final seven regular-season games, including THREE wins over teams ranked in the top-five at the time. Yes, MSU lost to Maryland in the Big Ten tourney but compared to the way UCLA stumbled down the stretch, the Spartans look like Gonzaga! If one believes in omens, they could be note that the Bruins last won an NCAA tournament game in 2017 when they defeated Cincinnati, then coached by current UCLA coach Mick Cronin. Sounds cute but I'm NOT 'buying' this UCLA bunch. Izzo and the Spartans move on to face BYU.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Situational Stunner is on Wichita St at 6:27 ET.

Both Drake and Wichita St were thrilled to get at-large berths in this year's NCAA tourney and will square off tonight from Mackey Arena (home to Purdue's Boilermakers) in one of four First Four contests (winner enters the 1st round as an 11-seed. Drake raced to a 18-0 start this season and finished 25-4, with TWO of its four losses coming to MVC rival Loyola-Chicago, which won the regular season and tourney titles this season (the Ramblers are 24-4 and ranked 17th in the AP's final regular season poll). Wichita State got the No. 1 seed for the American Athletic Conference tourney at 9-2, over highly-ranked Houston, which was 14-3. However, when the Shockers lost to Cincinnati in the semifinals of Arch Madness, they were squarely "on the bubble'" for Selection Sunday.

Drake head coach Darian DeVries led the Bulldogs to 24 and 20-win seasons in his first two seasons at Drake but the Bulldogs entered this season as a middle-of-the-pack preseason pick in the MVC. However, as noted, opened 18-0. Drake has featured a seven-man rotation for most of this season, led by 6-6 forward Hemphill (14.1 & 6.3). Then there are guards Yesufu (12.1), Penn (11.2-3.3 5.5) and Wilkins (10.6) plus 6-6 forward Murphy (10.2 & 5.2). Guard Sturtz (8.4 & 5.6) and the 6-10 Brodie (7.3 & 7.2) round of the main contributors. However, Hemphill has been sidelined since Feb 10 with a foot injury and Penn was lost for the season in late-February.

Wichita St's season was marred before it got started, as head coach Gregg Marshall resigned after multiple allegations of verbal and physical abuse spanning years on November 17, 2020. Marshall's success started at Winthrop (seven NCAA berths in nine years) and continued at Wichita St, winning the NIT title in 2011 then winning 30-plus games in three straight seasons, including a Final 4 appearance in 2013. Lead assistant Isaac Brown was named interim head coach and the Shockers were picked seventh in a preseason poll. Brown had to smooth over a contentious locker room frustrated by interactions involving Marshall and the uncertainty created by the offseason departure of six players. However, he's done just that. The Shockers are a deep team this season, led by a quartet of guards in Etienne (17.0), UConn transfer Gilbert (10.3-3.1-4.1) and Dennis (9.4 & 4.3) and Council (7.5 & 3.5). The top frontcourt performers are the 6-8 Udeze (9.8 & 4.7), the 6-6 Wade (6.8 & 5.6) and 6-7 JUCO transfer Jackson (5.3 & 4.3).

The word is the Drake's Hemphill will play in tonight's game but he hasn't played in any of the Bulldogs' last 10 games (anyone's guess as to his effectiveness)."When I first took the job, those (players) had come here to play for a Hall of Fame coach," Brown said. "I wasn't sure who was going to come back. We had a couple guys that talked about opting out. The first meeting, all I talked about was the staff and how we were going to give those guys 110 percent every day." The respect and affection Brown gained could be seen in two responses captured on video -- the first when players learned their coach signed his new five-year deal and the second when the Shockers erupted making the NCAA Tournament. The berth is the EIGHTH for Wichita State in the last nine NCAA tournaments. Drake is is the WRONG place at the WRONG time!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner of the Month is on the Dal Mavs at 9:35 ET.

The Clippers lost at home to the Mavs back on Dec 27 by the scorer of 124-73. That 51-point loss was the most lopsided defeat in franchise history. The Clippers visited Dallas Monday, coming off an embarrassing 135-115 lost in New Orleans against the Pelicans the night before. The Clippers entered Monday's game without Patrick Beverley (knee) and Serge Ibaka (back), so they gave Zubac his second start of the season plus Marcus Morris made just his third. Nicolas Batum was healthy, but he was dropped into a reserve role after starting his first 37 games this season. The result? A 109-99 win over Dallas, which entered that contest having won 11 of its 14 games. After allowing New Orleans to score 135 points on Sunday, the Clippers held Dallas to under 100 points on Monday. The Mavericks did not score a point in the final 3:15, committing two turnovers and going 0-of-5 from the floor in the closing minutes. The same two teams meet again tonight, again in Dallas.

The Clippers are currently the West's no. 4 seed, 1 /2-games back of the Suns and Lakers, plus four games back of the top-seeded Jazz. Kawhi (26.4-6.4-4.8) and George (22.9-6.1-5.3) are LA's "Dynamic Duo" but Kawhi's missed eight games and George 11. However, one is never quite sure when 'load management' will raise its ugly head. The rearranged lineup worked well on Monday, with Zubac (8.2 & 7.0) scoring 15 points with 11 rebounds, Morris (11.9 & 3.7) added 14 points and six rebounds, while Batum (8.9 & 4.7) was effective in his bench role, making 4-of-6 three-point attempts for 12 points. All numbers were above the season averages for each player.

Doncic led the Mavs into the playoffs last season (ending a three-year drought) and Dallas was expected to be a playoff regular with him as its leader. However, the Mavs saw starters like center Porzingis (20.8 & 8.4) miss 15 games, SG Richardson (13.3) miss 12, SF Finney-Smith (8.2 & 5.3) miss 12 and PF Kleber (7.3 & 5.4) miss 15. Doncic (28.1-8.5-9.30 has missed six games and 6th-man Hardaway (16.3) has only missed four. All starters are now healthy plus swingman Hardaway is joined off the bench by guards Brunson (12.8-3/4-3/4) and Burke (7.1).

The Mavs enter this contest 20-18 (No. 8 seed) but are just 2 1/2-games back of the 5th-seeded Nuggets. Dallas has its preferred starting lineup back intact and came into Monday's contest averaging 115.7 PPG in its previous 14 games. Expect a big "bounce-back" effort here by the Mavs, who will be the more motivated side in this one. Any points are just a bonus.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* NIT 1st Round Game of the Year is on Western Ky at 9:00 ET.

The 2021 NIT is down to just 16 teams, down from its usual number of 32. Much like the NCAA Tournament, the NIT will also be held in a single area as the event will be held in the cities of Frisco and Denton, Texas. The 20-7 Western Kentucky Hilltoppers and the 14-9 St Mary’s Gaels meet in an NIT first round matchup from the Comerica Center (Frisco) on Wednesday night.

Western Ky's head coach Rick Stansberry spent 14 seasons at Miss St going to 11 postseasons, including five NCAAs. He came to Western Ky back in the 2016-17 season and entered the current season off three consecutive 20-wins seasons (67-35 overall) and had all FIVE starters returning. 6-11 center Bassey (17.7 & 11.5) is a dominant force but his only help upfront is from 6-5 SF Williams (7.5 & 5.3). However, the Hilltoppers have excellent depth on the perimeter with Hollingsworth (13.6), Anderson (9.2 & 4.0), Rawls (8.0), Frampton (7.4) and PG McKnight (5.9-3.7-3.9). The Hilltoppers finished with an 11-3 mark in C-USA play to finish atop the C-USA East division. They beat UTSA and UAB in the conference tourney but lost the title game in OT to North Texas.

Randy Bennett has been head coach at St Mary's since the 2001-02 season and entered this season with a 440-1982 (.707) record. The Gaels posted their 13th season of 20-plus wins last year, as they were 26-8 when COVID shut things down. Would the Gaels have gotten an NCAA bid? Bennett and his various teams know all about NCAA snubs, as SIX times in the previous 12 seasons, his team had been denied an NCAA bid despite seasons of 28, 25, 23, 21, 29 and 30 wins. No Kidding! Gone from last season's team are guard Ford (21,9) and forward Fitts (16.5 & 7.1). The Gaels never got in a groove in a season marred by COVID postponements. Guards Johnson (13.5) and Kuhse (12.6-3.7-4.8) comprise a solid backcourt, while the 6-10 Tass (10.8 & 5.2) and the 6-7 Futu (8.4 & 5.1) are the team's best frontcourt contributors. St Mary's was 11-5 when the Gaels were forced to the sidelines, not playing a game from Jan 24 through Feb 12. The Gaels would finish on a 3-4 run, including a win and a loss in the WCC tourney.

Saint Mary’s is a small favorite here on name-recognition only. This year's team is nowhere near in the class of last season's 26-win one, with the loss of Jordan Ford and Malik Fitts from last year’s team. Western Ky is the better team and owns the best (most dominant) player on the court in Bassey. Points are nothing but a bonus, as Western Ky wins handedly!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Game of the Week is on the LA Lakers at 10:35 ET.

The defending champion Lakers won SEVEN straight games from through Feb 12 and stood at 21-6 (only the 21-5 Jazz had a better record). However, in LA's 122-105 loss at Denver on Feb 14, A.D. (22.5 & 8.4) was lost to a right calf strain that has forced him to miss the last nine games. Including the loss to Denver, the Lakers lost SEVEN of 10 to end the first half. The Lakers returned to edge the Pacers last Friday but needed a 34-21 fourth quarter to win by five points. The Lakers take to the court for just the second since the break when they play in San Francisco tonight against the Warriors.

The Warriors were an NBA-worst 15-50 last season but have been competitive this season, although they had lost FOUR in a row before snapped that four-game skid with Sunday's 131-119 home triumph over Utah, the team with the NBA's best record of 28-10. Golden St moved to 20-19 with the win and the Warriors are currently the West's NO. 9 seed (seeds 7 through 10 will qualify for the NBA's "Play-In" postseason format). 

It doesn't appear Davis (strained right calf) will be back anytime soon. The club announced last week that he won't even be re-evaluated until close to the end of the month, meaning an April comeback would be an optimistic outlook. LBJ has missed just one game and leads the team with a line of 25.6-7.9-7.8. The offseason addition of starting PG Schroder (14.8-3.5-4.5) and PF Harrell, who comes off the bench to average 13.9 & 6.4, have been huge.  Klye Kuzma (11.6 & 6.8) is often overlooked but note that he and 24 points and 13 rebounds vs Indiana plus in the Lakers' final game before the All-Star break, had a 25-point, 13-rebound double-double at Sacramento.

The Warriors got a game-high 32 points from Stephen Curry vs the Jazz on Sunday plus a season-best 28 points from Andrew Wiggins Curry (29.3-5.4-6.3), Wiggins (17.2 & 4.5), Oubre (15.2 & 6.0) and the "do-everything" Green (6.1-6.2-8.5) have been Kerr's "Core 4" this season. The team's 1st-round draft pick Wiseman (12.0 & 5.9) has shown potential but injuries plus a recently missed COVID test keeps Kerr only guardedly optimistic. Veteran swingman Bazemore (6.4) and Lee (6.3) plus 6-6 second-year pro Paschall (9.6 & 3.2) add depth.

The Warriors surprised the defending champs 115-113 in January, before the Lakers exacted a measure of revenge in a 117-91 blowout on Feb 28. However, I feel as if this is a great spot for LA, catching Golden St in the second of back-to-back games, in which the Warriors just upset the Jazz. As for LA, it's just the team's SECOND game in the last 12 days because of the All Star break. Don't forget, LA is 13-5 on the road, tied with the Suns for the NBA's best road record.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Weekly Wipeout is on the Pho Suns at 10:05 ET.

The Suns went 8-0 SU & ATS in last year's Orlando 'bubble' and many (most) felt as if Phoenix would seriously contend for a playoff spot in the Western Conference in the 2020-21 season, likely ending a 10-year postseason drought. However, the Suns exceeded expectations in the first half of the current season by entering the All Star break at 24-11. Only the Jazz owned a better record in the entire NBA, while Phoenix was also an NBA-best 24-11 ATS. The Memphis Grizzlies opened the season off three straight losing and non-playoff seasons but had last year's ROY in Ja Morant plus a very deep team. However, Jaren Jackson (17.4 & 4.0) had meniscus surgery on his left knee and has yet to play (reports say he may be back before the end of the season).

Looking at the Memphis roster shows that SIX players are averaging in double digits, led by PG Morant (19.8 & 7.8 APG) and veteran center Valanciunas (16.0 & 11.7). Books (15.9), Anderson (13.0-5.9-3.4), Clarke (12.2 & 5.8) and Melton (10.2) complete the double digit scorers. What's more, SIX more players chip in between 6.7 and 9.8 PPG, including SF Winslow who finally got back on the court in late-February and has averaged 8.8 & 5.4 in nine games. So why are the Grizzlies just 17-18.

The Suns have been healthy for MOST of the season and Chris Paul (15.8-4.7-8.8) has surely given the Suns all that they had hoped for when they traded for him in the offseason. Devon Booker had averaged 26.6 PPG the two seasons before Paul arrived and still leads the team at 25.1 PPG (very little drop-off). Center Ayton hasn't missed a game while averaging a double-double (14.4 & 11.2) plus SF's Bridges and Johnson (both former 1st round picks) are adding 13.8 & 4.9 and 10.4 & 3.4, respectively. Veteran PF Saric (11.7 & 4.1) and SF Crowder (10.0 & 5.0) give Phoenix SEVEN players in double digits.

The Grizzlies opened the second half by beating Washington but have then lost 103-102 at home to the Nuggets and last night, lost 128-122 at OKC. The Grizzlies held a 10-point lead after three quarters but were outscored 38-22 in the final quarter by the Thunder. They now back again tonight at Phoenix and will be catching the Suns off a surprising 122-111 home loss to the Pacers. It marked just the FOURTH loss in the last 21 games for Phoenix. Devin Booker provided a succinct analysis for the defeat. "I think they just played harder than us beginning to end, simple as that," he said. This is the WRONG place at the WRONG time for the Grizz. B-L-O-W-O-U-T Alert!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Weekend Wipeout is on the Chi Bulls at 9:05 ET.

The Toronto Raptors won the NBA title in 2019 and even without Kawhi, finished with the NBA's second-best regular season record last season. This year's 72-game season opened right before Christmas but the Raptors knew the 2020-21 season could be a "trying one, "as due to COVID travel restrictions, the Raptors would be playing their 'home' games in Tampa. The Raptors stumbled to a 2-8 start but did climb back to 17-17 by the end of February. However, bad luck struck again, as the Raptors are currently on a FOUR-game slide with COVID "wreaking havoc" on the team's schedule with two games being postponed (Feb 28 and Mar 2) plus the Raptors currently have FIVE players sidelined while adhering to the league's health and safety protocols. Toronto will be without Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet, OG Anunoby, Malachi Flynn and Patrick McCaw (more in a bit).

As for the Bulls, Billy Donovan took over a team that had gone 71-158 the previous three seasons, so Chicago's 16-20 mark may not seem very impressive but its .444 winning percentage is a 'step in the right direction' from a three-season winning percentage of just .310. In fact, Chicago is in a virtual tie with the 17-21 (.447) Raptors for the 10th and final seed in the East's four-team "Play-In" bracket (includes 7 thru 10 seeds).

When healthy, the Raptors own a formidable lineup but head coach Nick Nurse has already said that FIVE players (see above) will miss Sunday's game. The losses are HUGE, as guard VanVleet (20.1-4.4-6.6) and PF Siakam (20.1-7.5-4.9) are All Star-caliber players, while Anunoby (13.8 & 5.3) has developed into a solid SF in the NBA. Strating in Toronto's last game were Baynes (6.3 & 5.6), Bembry (4.8) and Johnson (3.1). OUCH!

A close look at Chicago reveals that SIX players are averaging in double digits plus four more add between 7.0 and 9.8 PPG. LaVine (28.5-5.2-5.2) and White (16.1-4.9-5.9) comprise an outstanding backcourt, while the following four frontcourt players join them in double figures; the 7-0 Markkanen (19.4 & 5.9), the 6-8 Young (12.2 & 6.1), the 6-10 Carter (11.8 & 7.9) and the 6-8 Porter (10.5 & 5.9) Note that FIVE of the above six (exception is Young) are all former first-round draft picks!

Toronto had allowed 127.3 PPG in the first three of its four-game slide but 'held' Charlotte to just 114 points in last night's 10-point loss. However, the Hornets 'let their foot off the pedal' in the fourth quarter, scoring just 16 points after scoring 98 points through  the first three. The final margin was still 10 points, even with the Raptors outscoring the Hornets by 16 points in the 4th. No reason for the Raptors to be competitive in this one.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Conference Game of the Year (A-10 Tourney) is on St Bonaventure at 1:00 ET.

The VCU Rams returned just one starter from last season but is in the A-10 championship game with a 19-6 record (is the No. 2 seed at 10-4 during the regular season). In contrast, the St. Bonaventure Bonnies returned all five starters and earned the league's No. 1 seed with an 11-4 A-10 regular season record. Like VCU, St Bonny's has won two tourney games and enters this title-game matchup with a 15-4 overall record. The schools split two regular season matchups (each won at home) but this game will be played at the University of Dayton Arena in Ohio. The A-10 has an odd tourney format, as the semifinals were played a week ago Saturday (Mar 6), meaning both schools have had a full week off since they last played.

Mike Rhoades came to VCU  prior to the start of the 2017-218 season and a win here will get him and his team into their second NCAA tourney in his four-year tourney (2018-19 team won 28 games). SG Hyland was the team's lone returning starter and he's led the way all season averaging 19.4 & 4.7). The sophomore is joined by freshman PG Baldwin (6.8-3.2-4.4). The Rams get production from four frontcourt players, the 6-6 Williams (10.6 & 5.1), the 6-7 Watkins (7.4 & 2.7), the 6-8 Stockard (6.6 & 2.4) and the 6-9 Ward (6.5 & 5.2).

Mark Schmidt has been at St Bonny's since the 2007-08 season and a win here would mark just his THIRD trip to the "Big Dance " (made it in 2012 and 2018). Expectations were high for the Bonnies with those FIVE returning starters and that group has all averaged in double figures. The 6-10 Osunniyi (10.3 & 9.3) is joined by four guards. PG Lofton (14.2-3.5-5.5) leads the way, followed by Holmes (13.8 & 5.3), Addaway (12.4 & 6.1) and Welch (11.6 & 6.2). Note that other than PG Lofton, the other three guards all average between 5.3 and 6.2 PRPG (impressive!).

St Bonny's is the more balanced team and veteran team, as all five starters are juniors. In contrast, VCU's starting backcourt features a sophomore and freshman (its PG). I give an edge to the more experienced team off this one week layoff plus the LONE player for the Rams to average more than double digits in the team's two cA-10 tourney wins has been Hyland (21.0 PPG / 7.5 RPG). Meanwhile, all five of St Bonny's players have averaged in double digits in the tourney (just like the regular season), led in scoring by Addaway's 14.5 PPG, in rebounding by Osunniyi's 9.5 RPG and by the outstanding overall play of PG Lofton (11.5-7.5-5.5).

All things considered, the 'price' seems like a bargain!

Good luck...Larry